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Submission Moves: An MMA Romance
They have nothing in common except for one night in Vegas.
Rose Shannon should have known better. One look at the gorgeous and rough-hewn MMA fighter and she should have run in the other direction. Instead she gets into bed with him, and now she can't get him out of her mind.
MMA fighter Niccolo Rossi is used to having women throw themselves at him all the time…until she comes along. A snarky feminist with a huge chip on her shoulder, Rose and her bafflingly infuriating ways should have turned him off completely. Instead he finds everything about her irresistible.
With the attraction between them too strong to withstand, it’s only a question of when she becomes his.
Rose Shannon should have known better. One look at the gorgeous and rough-hewn MMA fighter and she should have run in the other direction. Instead she gets into bed with him, and now she can't get him out of her mind.
MMA fighter Niccolo Rossi is used to having women throw themselves at him all the time…until she comes along. A snarky feminist with a huge chip on her shoulder, Rose and her bafflingly infuriating ways should have turned him off completely. Instead he finds everything about her irresistible.
With the attraction between them too strong to withstand, it’s only a question of when she becomes his.
180 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2016
Rounded off from 3.5 stars
One word: SIZZLING! I love how Nick and Rosie's feelings for each other grow from lust at first sight into something deeper. It isn't exactly insta-love. The attraction that they had for each other naturally developed through the course of the story. I love how they're both honest, unpretentious, strong and unapologetic, which also became the conflict of their story -- or rather, Rosie's conflict. She is a feminist who has control issues, and there are moments when she is overreacting, untolerable and unbearable that I wonder why Nick is still pursuing her. Oh, and the steamy scenes! So much fire and passion! Looking forward to reading more of Camilla's works!
One word: SIZZLING! I love how Nick and Rosie's feelings for each other grow from lust at first sight into something deeper. It isn't exactly insta-love. The attraction that they had for each other naturally developed through the course of the story. I love how they're both honest, unpretentious, strong and unapologetic, which also became the conflict of their story -- or rather, Rosie's conflict. She is a feminist who has control issues, and there are moments when she is overreacting, untolerable and unbearable that I wonder why Nick is still pursuing her. Oh, and the steamy scenes! So much fire and passion! Looking forward to reading more of Camilla's works!
October 7, 2015
Rose has always been the practical feminist. She is never out of control and a one-night stand would never occur to her. That is until she meets Niccolo Rossi. The handsome MMA fighter sweeps in and takes Rose to a place she’s never been. It’s all perfect until it’s not and Rose realizes all it was was a one-night stand. Four years later, Rose unwittingly runs right back into Nick. Neither of them have forgotten that night. Nick wants to pick up where they left off. Rose wants to forget it happened. What could two people who have nothing in common possibly see in each other? Can they get past the past? Or will their romance tap out on the mat?
This was a great MMA romance. I loved the two main characters, Rose and Nick. I found it quite interesting that two alpha personalities were attracted to each other. It truly added a lot of depth to a story that could have gone cold. Though at times I did find Rose’s over use of the feminist ploy a bit off-putting. But, she ends up redeeming herself. It was a sweet story that includes the excitement of the MMA world. With a dash of humor and a splash of steaminess this book really brings the full package. I hope there are more coming from Camilla Sisco. This was a great addition to the MMA Romance genre.
This was a great MMA romance. I loved the two main characters, Rose and Nick. I found it quite interesting that two alpha personalities were attracted to each other. It truly added a lot of depth to a story that could have gone cold. Though at times I did find Rose’s over use of the feminist ploy a bit off-putting. But, she ends up redeeming herself. It was a sweet story that includes the excitement of the MMA world. With a dash of humor and a splash of steaminess this book really brings the full package. I hope there are more coming from Camilla Sisco. This was a great addition to the MMA Romance genre.
September 27, 2018
"I'm objectifying you."
•
I got my copy as a gift from the author herself after we've been raving about it last February. It was because of the iconic, lemon-y live reading 🍋at #FeelsSoProm, and ugh, I want to berate myself for not reading it sooner! It's got all the right things in my favorite books: witty banter, hot consensual sex (I'm telling you, the ORALS are executed so well!), second chance trope, family dynamics, feminism etc. etc. Hands down one of the best books I've read this year.
•
"Funny how he was the one with the violent job, but it was her who had a short fuse and who seemed to have a lot of deep-seated anger."
•
Rose' POV was such fun. She overthinks and I relate to that thoroughly, especially when she repeatedly weighs things she wants against things that are expected of her. Hit me right in the feels. And her pent up emotions (and desires!)? Watch how she comes around to express them. 😏 And Nick? I usually prefer soft bois and torpes over the player types but he's got that raw, almost unproblematic machismo that's hard to resist; and he's truly, genuinely a gentleman (with girls, with his sport) underneath all that testosterone.
•
"You don't have to subscribe to all feminist ideals, especially not when it's at the expense of your potential happiness.That's the purpose of feminist discourse, you find what works for your context."
•
That line is from Rose' best friend, Anna, and I think the feminist overtones in the narrative, especially in most of Rose' views, are what I love best. Something this complex can, and will, stifle the potential for romance if you let it, and this whole story navigates right through that. And the journey this book took me to that super satisfying HEA is f*cking amazing! 🍋
•
" "Let's not go crazy, Lucky Charms. Let's go out on a date first and take it from there," . . . "I'm all yours," he murmured. "You had me at 'your penis is enormous and pure magic.' " "
•
I got my copy as a gift from the author herself after we've been raving about it last February. It was because of the iconic, lemon-y live reading 🍋at #FeelsSoProm, and ugh, I want to berate myself for not reading it sooner! It's got all the right things in my favorite books: witty banter, hot consensual sex (I'm telling you, the ORALS are executed so well!), second chance trope, family dynamics, feminism etc. etc. Hands down one of the best books I've read this year.
•
"Funny how he was the one with the violent job, but it was her who had a short fuse and who seemed to have a lot of deep-seated anger."
•
Rose' POV was such fun. She overthinks and I relate to that thoroughly, especially when she repeatedly weighs things she wants against things that are expected of her. Hit me right in the feels. And her pent up emotions (and desires!)? Watch how she comes around to express them. 😏 And Nick? I usually prefer soft bois and torpes over the player types but he's got that raw, almost unproblematic machismo that's hard to resist; and he's truly, genuinely a gentleman (with girls, with his sport) underneath all that testosterone.
•
"You don't have to subscribe to all feminist ideals, especially not when it's at the expense of your potential happiness.That's the purpose of feminist discourse, you find what works for your context."
•
That line is from Rose' best friend, Anna, and I think the feminist overtones in the narrative, especially in most of Rose' views, are what I love best. Something this complex can, and will, stifle the potential for romance if you let it, and this whole story navigates right through that. And the journey this book took me to that super satisfying HEA is f*cking amazing! 🍋
•
" "Let's not go crazy, Lucky Charms. Let's go out on a date first and take it from there," . . . "I'm all yours," he murmured. "You had me at 'your penis is enormous and pure magic.' " "
October 30, 2015
*Review posted on Will Read for Feels*
Submission Moves first appeared in the PLAYERS Sports Romance Anthology by Flirt Publishing. I've had this ebook in my Kindle for quite a while, but I wasn't able to go through all the stories yet, until this Spark Books/Anvil Publishing edition. But man, was I so glad to have read this sizzling debut from Camilla Sisco!
The plot for Submission Moves is simple, yet captivating: alpha male MMA fighter Nick Rossi pursues an attractive, educated woman in the person of Rose Shannon, and they engage in one hot, unforgettable romp in the sheets in Vegas. But something happens along the way during that interlude that got Rose to have a heated argument with Nick, leading to a disastrous ending. Four years after, their paths cross again, and this time, Nick is relentless in wearing down Rose's defenses.
I've been hearing whispers from friends who've read this book saying how I should prepare to spontaneously combust. I'm glad it came with that warning, but the initial surprise was still a welcome thing despite the spoiler. And yes, the steamy scenes were really steamy that I had to pause from reading to cool myself.
But other than the "explosive" scenes, I found myself turning page after page, finding Sisco's prose so natural and fluid. The descriptions, narration, and pacing were just right that it gave me more opportunities to notice how well-researched the story was in terms of getting the facts down on pat. I may not be an expert in MMA, but to me it felt like the scenes and explanations about the sport were discussed well without bogging down certain events in the story. I loved how Sisco breathed life to the characters that I could pretty much see the sweat glisten from Nick's chest (yaaaassss) and that annoyed expression in Rose's face.
Herein lies the caveat: Nick and Rose were so true to their characters that their personalities, actions, and decisions in the story could be a double-edged sword, depending on the reader. Rose in particular could either come off as opinionated, strong, and gutsy woman or someone with a real bad case of mommy issues. Meanwhile, Nick had a certain scene that made me think twice about his personality as an alpha/bad boy. It threw me off a few times, but other than that, everything else was an awesome reading experience.
Now that I finally know that I love Camilla Sisco's writing, I'm ecstatic to know when's her next book. But in the meantime while we're all waiting, I suggest you go and pick up this book...if you don't want to miss out.
Submission Moves first appeared in the PLAYERS Sports Romance Anthology by Flirt Publishing. I've had this ebook in my Kindle for quite a while, but I wasn't able to go through all the stories yet, until this Spark Books/Anvil Publishing edition. But man, was I so glad to have read this sizzling debut from Camilla Sisco!
The plot for Submission Moves is simple, yet captivating: alpha male MMA fighter Nick Rossi pursues an attractive, educated woman in the person of Rose Shannon, and they engage in one hot, unforgettable romp in the sheets in Vegas. But something happens along the way during that interlude that got Rose to have a heated argument with Nick, leading to a disastrous ending. Four years after, their paths cross again, and this time, Nick is relentless in wearing down Rose's defenses.
I've been hearing whispers from friends who've read this book saying how I should prepare to spontaneously combust. I'm glad it came with that warning, but the initial surprise was still a welcome thing despite the spoiler. And yes, the steamy scenes were really steamy that I had to pause from reading to cool myself.
But other than the "explosive" scenes, I found myself turning page after page, finding Sisco's prose so natural and fluid. The descriptions, narration, and pacing were just right that it gave me more opportunities to notice how well-researched the story was in terms of getting the facts down on pat. I may not be an expert in MMA, but to me it felt like the scenes and explanations about the sport were discussed well without bogging down certain events in the story. I loved how Sisco breathed life to the characters that I could pretty much see the sweat glisten from Nick's chest (yaaaassss) and that annoyed expression in Rose's face.
Herein lies the caveat: Nick and Rose were so true to their characters that their personalities, actions, and decisions in the story could be a double-edged sword, depending on the reader. Rose in particular could either come off as opinionated, strong, and gutsy woman or someone with a real bad case of mommy issues. Meanwhile, Nick had a certain scene that made me think twice about his personality as an alpha/bad boy. It threw me off a few times, but other than that, everything else was an awesome reading experience.
Now that I finally know that I love Camilla Sisco's writing, I'm ecstatic to know when's her next book. But in the meantime while we're all waiting, I suggest you go and pick up this book...if you don't want to miss out.
April 9, 2015
Rose is a ball buster which I love. She is strong in convictions that women are capable of taking care of themselves and hates when men pander to her … a true feminist. Sadly, this mind set also clouds her thinking and prevents her from embracing/trusting that a man might truly be attracted to her. Rose meets Nick while in Vegas and she is pulled to him in a way she's never experienced before. After an amazing night though, she gets scared and runs. We pick up 4 years later and Nick has landed back in her orbit, will she be willing to rekindle that fire? Nick is tied up in knots over Rose, he really doesn't understand why she runs so when he sees her again 4 years later, his hopes are renewed that he can finally make her his. Can he breakdown the walls Rose has built? Wonderfully sexy sports romance based in the MMA world, you get a real view of the work needed for Nick to be at the top of his game and be champion. I read this story in the Players Sports Anthology.
April 12, 2015
Okay holy hotness! I loved this book! Nicollo (Nick the lucky charms) Rossi is a hot MMA fighter and he meets up with Rose Shannon in Vegas. He finds her sexy and introduces her to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. After one night of hot steamy sex they part ways after a misunderstanding.
4 years later they run into each other at her family bar and so starts another attempt at a possible relationship (or whatever it is) they both end up bungling it up. There is lots of steamy times, lots of misunderstandings and unfamiliar feelings.
Nick is a sweet guy who tries hard with Rose who is terrified of losing herself and her control over her life and choices. I loved the journey to the HEA. I received an ARC for my honest review!
4 years later they run into each other at her family bar and so starts another attempt at a possible relationship (or whatever it is) they both end up bungling it up. There is lots of steamy times, lots of misunderstandings and unfamiliar feelings.
Nick is a sweet guy who tries hard with Rose who is terrified of losing herself and her control over her life and choices. I loved the journey to the HEA. I received an ARC for my honest review!
April 22, 2015
A fighter with a big heart
Rosie was so hard on Nick but he was just so sweet and hot. I love MMA romance it shows that a tough guy can be gentle and sweet to the woman he loves.
Rosie was so hard on Nick but he was just so sweet and hot. I love MMA romance it shows that a tough guy can be gentle and sweet to the woman he loves.
February 4, 2018
Originally posted as a bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BeyDZGZFDR-/
My first #romanceclass read this year is Submission Moves by Camilla Sisco, brought upon by leftover lemony feels from #FeelsSoProm. I thoroughly enjoyed the excerpt presented as a live reading during the event, and it made me want to read the book as soon as I can.🍋 I chose a good one to kick off my romanceclass reading year because this was so much fun to read. Smooth writing that's easy to get into, featuring a professional MMA fighter as a hero and a feminist heroine who works in a women's crisis center. They hook up in Vegas but part ways soon after, only to see each other again in Chicago four years later.
I have to admit that it's the hero who makes this story shine. He's cocky and arrogant but tempered with enough self-awareness for it to not be overbearing. It just seems like he's comfortable in his own skin, and he knows his own weaknesses and strengths (and plays it to his advantage). One minor quibble was that I wanted to like the heroine as much as the hero, but I needed to see her let her hair down a bit more for that to happen. That didn't keep me from enjoying the book overall. There were scenes that sparkled with wit and humor, and the sexytimes were smoking hot.🔥 It's such a strong debut novel and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author will keep writing more.
My first #romanceclass read this year is Submission Moves by Camilla Sisco, brought upon by leftover lemony feels from #FeelsSoProm. I thoroughly enjoyed the excerpt presented as a live reading during the event, and it made me want to read the book as soon as I can.🍋 I chose a good one to kick off my romanceclass reading year because this was so much fun to read. Smooth writing that's easy to get into, featuring a professional MMA fighter as a hero and a feminist heroine who works in a women's crisis center. They hook up in Vegas but part ways soon after, only to see each other again in Chicago four years later.
I have to admit that it's the hero who makes this story shine. He's cocky and arrogant but tempered with enough self-awareness for it to not be overbearing. It just seems like he's comfortable in his own skin, and he knows his own weaknesses and strengths (and plays it to his advantage). One minor quibble was that I wanted to like the heroine as much as the hero, but I needed to see her let her hair down a bit more for that to happen. That didn't keep me from enjoying the book overall. There were scenes that sparkled with wit and humor, and the sexytimes were smoking hot.🔥 It's such a strong debut novel and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author will keep writing more.
July 30, 2017
Hot and sweet. Loved this! I've read in some reviews how they thought Rose was annoying. She was, and although there were scenes where I wanted to conk her in the head I still liked her, very much. I rooted for her. She was difficult and stubborn and she was real, and Nick was really the best medicine for someone with hangups like hers. Oh and did I say this book is hot? /fans self. Also it needs saying that I'm not a fan of most sports, least of all MMA, but I didn't skim over those parts like I sometimes would but rather went through them hungrily. It's a vicious sport and the book didn't play that down, but it was a character in itself and that was done really well, and also it helped that Nick was hot. Sure it did :D
March 6, 2017
review tk
March 14, 2019
DNF!!!! 52% Bored out of my mind! Rose is annoying! You two have already hooked up, now you have problems dating him??? Too many books on my TBR list to waste another minute on this one!
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June 24, 2015Reviewed by Jennifer Shaw for www.AuthorExposure.com
Camilla Sisco's Submission Moves (April 2015) takes fighting for love to a whole new level. After reading the synopsis, I was absolutely certain I'd love this book and I wasn't wrong. There was one thing in particular, however, that just about drove me to drink. All in all, it had everything a gal is looking for in a romance.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Wrong. When Rose Shannon meets the super sexy MMA fighter in Vegas, the attraction between them skyrockets. One frolicking good time between the sheets ends in disaster, though, leaving Rose bailing with her tail tucked between her legs. When Niccolo Rossi reenters her life, she does everything she can to resist him and the feelings she still has for him. But he has no intention of giving up until he gets what he wants...her.
I'm a sucker for a bad boy so Niccolo Rossi hit all the marks in my book. He's a hardcore alpha that just won't give up, no matter how difficult the fight is. Sisco did a remarkable job bringing this intense hottie to life. I felt sorry for him, though, from the moment he pops back into Rose's life. Rose was so dang hateful to him. But I really enjoyed his personality and win-win attitude, no matter how many low blows she dished out in the process.
Rose. What can I say about this feminist? Don't get me wrong, I love a gal that stands up for girl power and all that but gees. I really appreciated the strength and empowerment that made Rose who she was and that by the end of the book she finally saw the bigger picture. But, by the time I turned the last page, I was thankful I could say goodbye to such an annoying character.
In the end I really did enjoy Submission Moves. The romance between Rose and Niccolo was steamy and touching. The fight the characters endured to win the love of their life makes this book a worthwhile read in my opinion. The MMA aspect could have played a larger part of the story, but it worked as it was. The only drawback for me was the overly intense feminist qualities of Rose. Honestly, I wanted to toss the book across the room at certain points.
Overall, I would recommend readers that enjoy contemporary romance and sports-themed love stories give this one a shot. If feminist views taken to the extreme bother you then this book may not be for you.This review was originally posted on Author Exposure
Camilla Sisco's Submission Moves (April 2015) takes fighting for love to a whole new level. After reading the synopsis, I was absolutely certain I'd love this book and I wasn't wrong. There was one thing in particular, however, that just about drove me to drink. All in all, it had everything a gal is looking for in a romance.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Wrong. When Rose Shannon meets the super sexy MMA fighter in Vegas, the attraction between them skyrockets. One frolicking good time between the sheets ends in disaster, though, leaving Rose bailing with her tail tucked between her legs. When Niccolo Rossi reenters her life, she does everything she can to resist him and the feelings she still has for him. But he has no intention of giving up until he gets what he wants...her.
I'm a sucker for a bad boy so Niccolo Rossi hit all the marks in my book. He's a hardcore alpha that just won't give up, no matter how difficult the fight is. Sisco did a remarkable job bringing this intense hottie to life. I felt sorry for him, though, from the moment he pops back into Rose's life. Rose was so dang hateful to him. But I really enjoyed his personality and win-win attitude, no matter how many low blows she dished out in the process.
Rose. What can I say about this feminist? Don't get me wrong, I love a gal that stands up for girl power and all that but gees. I really appreciated the strength and empowerment that made Rose who she was and that by the end of the book she finally saw the bigger picture. But, by the time I turned the last page, I was thankful I could say goodbye to such an annoying character.
In the end I really did enjoy Submission Moves. The romance between Rose and Niccolo was steamy and touching. The fight the characters endured to win the love of their life makes this book a worthwhile read in my opinion. The MMA aspect could have played a larger part of the story, but it worked as it was. The only drawback for me was the overly intense feminist qualities of Rose. Honestly, I wanted to toss the book across the room at certain points.
Overall, I would recommend readers that enjoy contemporary romance and sports-themed love stories give this one a shot. If feminist views taken to the extreme bother you then this book may not be for you.This review was originally posted on Author Exposure
June 23, 2015
The writing is rich and intelligent, and the characters are well developed without being overdone. Many times, in romance books we get lots of steamy sex with a storyline that's lacking, but not here and this is the author Debut!! GIVE the girl her KUDOS!!!! Rose is what the elderly would call a little stuck-up ;) she is a feminist with strong convictions that she can take care of herself and hate when men pander her. Nicolo is a 25 yo MMA fighter alpha-male who is gorgeous and fit and sees something attractive in Rose. After one night of hot sweaty sex, Rose catches the wind and run but it disturb her for years until she sees Nicolo again. IMO she treats him like a piece of s**t and gets pissed at him for being good at sex, making her doubt her feminist ideals...what a nut job ! She needs some PROZAC ok, the girl is tripping!the female lead completely annoyed the hell out of me! Poor Nic, he really doesn't understand why she runs so when he sees her again 4 years later, his hopes are renewed that he can finally make her his. Overall, A real man would have his stuff together and know that he wants Rose and if she don't agreed or he would have a new woman in his life and tell the Rose to f** k off. I’m so excited with what else is to come from this amazing author. Keep up the good work and don't get DISTRACTED!!!!
September 8, 2022
I wish the central conflict wasn't 'teaching the uptight feminist to relax'. Every positive interaction between the MCs involves the heroine apologizing for her irrational anger at casual misogyny. I also don't believe she has a firm grasp on what feminism is beyond some twitter size buzz words (for example, she has severely antiquated and regressive ideas about gender roles and sex but can can use "slut shaming" in a sentence so...). This contradiction might be nuanced and interesting or at least unremarkable if her feminism wasn't her raison d'être and also her job.
April 8, 2015
Sparks fly
What do you get with a female feminist and an MMA fighter when you put them together? In this case lots of sparks and misunderstandings. It seems like Nick can never say the right thing to Rosie without her taking it the wrong way. And Rosie can’t stop thinking and comparing every other man after her one night stand with Nick. Four years later and a chance meeting has the sparks flying again. Well written and very entertaining to read.
What do you get with a female feminist and an MMA fighter when you put them together? In this case lots of sparks and misunderstandings. It seems like Nick can never say the right thing to Rosie without her taking it the wrong way. And Rosie can’t stop thinking and comparing every other man after her one night stand with Nick. Four years later and a chance meeting has the sparks flying again. Well written and very entertaining to read.
June 11, 2017
I'm on the fence with this one between 4&5 stars. The female lead gets on your last nerve but it's an excellent method used by the author to make her very valid points about the subtle, and not so subtle, ways woman are mistreated on a daily basis. I applaud her for that. I found both families so interesting and wish she had applied more depth, hence the 4. There as also great subtle humor - the car scene outside of the gym with everyone giving her advice had me rolling! Her poor brother...
October 28, 2015
I would've given this a 4 but Rose was such a b!@?*#! To Nic that even when he affirmed his affection to her he still got nothing.. Hmp! Well, she could've reciprocated even a little. And I wish there's an epilogue, just a glimpse of what's in store for them. I am a sucker for epi's. Lol!!!
April 20, 2015
How can I not be partial to this book. The reviews say it, a great read from an amazing author. I love Nicollo (Lucky Charms) Rossi, and I love the ways he wins over my heart. :)
April 15, 2015
3.5 stelline tutte per il povero Nick... lei è la quintessenza dell'imbecillità...
April 17, 2017
lol I didn't even finish this book. The book had a promising premise because from the reviews I saw the MC is a feminist and very vocal about stuff but holy shit she's such a fucking mess. I already sensed some slutshaming remarks earlier on in the book, but I kinda dismissed it at first but oh boy..
"She found it hard to respect anyone who used their looks and sexuality to get ahead, especially women. They undermined everything she stood for."
YIKES. That's all I'm saying.
"She found it hard to respect anyone who used their looks and sexuality to get ahead, especially women. They undermined everything she stood for."
YIKES. That's all I'm saying.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews