Believe

Oni Fighters #2

by Natalie Gayle

What Reviewers are Saying: "a wonderful slow burning love story of trifling ordeals and the power of the human spirit" Kawehi Reviews "I fell even more in love with Natalie Gayle's stories, characters, and writing style. She knows how to knock you out with inspiration, heat, and heart." Rochelle's Reviews "Dane.... le sigh! What a man!! It immediately drew me in, and I wanted, no needed to know more."  BJ's Book Blog About Believe: Have you ever hit a point in your life where everything looks good from the outside but there’s this feeling deep in your gut that tells you something is wrong? 

Dane Roberts was just an ordinary guy—so he thought. Best friend to MMA fight sensation Xander Todd, and all round decent guy.  But now a restlessness surrounds him.  Dare he reach for more?  Could he too emulate his best friend’s results in the cage? 

Arianne Le Flegg was a woman starting over, with her son.  Running from a past littered with broken promises, manipulation and violent abuse at the hands of family.  Violence terrified her on every level.  She longed for an “ordinary life”—safety for herself and her son.

Can there ever be a future for two people who view violence so differently?

One embraces it, the other dispels it.  One is seeking the extraordinary, the other ordinary. She longs for the type of man he’s trying to leave behind. 

For there to ever be a future together, they’ll need to dig deep and decide what really is important to each of them. 

To do this, they must first accept—The hardest demons to defeat are the ones inside.

They’ll have to Believe

 

Ask the Author:

Q: So, why should readers give this book a try?

A:  Because Believe is a book that will take you through a whole gambit of emotions.  Sometimes it's deep, emotional and griping.  At other times it's sweet, sexy and HOT. There is deep connection, romance and love. If you enjoy strong character development and cheering for your hero and heroine you'll love Believe. Oh, did I mention there's lots of MMA and fighter moments as well! 

Q:  Does this book contain a cliffhanger?

A:  No, Believe is a full length standalone novel.  (approximately 155,000 words).  There will be further books in the series but each can be read by themselves. 

Q: Where is the book set?

A:  The book is set in both Australia and the USA.

Q:  What are the characters like?

A:  The characters are strong, mature and looking for a real love. They both face challenges and have misgiving and concerns about things. There's also a very cute kid that steals the show, on occasion. 

Q:  Does this book contain "triggers"?

A:  Very hard to say. It will depend upon the individual reader. There are a couple of places that have scenes that could be difficult for readers depending upon your past experiences. There is no actual rape, or cheating.

Genres: Sports, Contemporary, Fighters, Romance, Abuse, Family, Mixed Martial Arts

470 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

I'm a confessed readaholic and romantic junkie. I spend time juggling a busy career as an IT professional and author. In between staring at a computer screen I, enjoy living the Gold Coast life with my very tolerant husband and two school aged children. (I'm often in trouble for spending way too much time at my computer!).

I love nothing more than spending time with family and friends, hitting the beach, cooking, working out and curling up with a good book. My pet hates are cleaning and anything else that can be considered "domestic dullness". If I could have one wish it would be to be able to fit 48 hours into 24.

I tend to write what I like to read books that have the following characteristics:

" Strong characters with lots of development
" Hot romance
" Deep storylines
" Interesting settings
" Real life problems and sensible solutions
" Happily Ever Afters (massive sucker for a good HEA)

Above all, I like to be immersed in the story. Therefore, I want my books to give you the same feeling when you read them. I want you to experience the rollercoaster emotions but end up feeling better and entertained for reading the book. I want you be happy!

I love connecting with my readers. Please sign up to my newsletter and follow me on social media.

Happy Reading

Nat XX

Reviews

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

*Wah, Isaac stole the show for me in this read. Every moment he was mentioned or present I savored. Such a precious boy that gave such a different perspective on things and even humbled me for things I take for granted.*

Believe was a great follow up from bk1. What worked so well about it was that it held elements of “family”and the unknown that I think everyone can relate to.

For MMA trained expert, Dane-- he has everything a person could dream of, but he’s still missing that direction of what to do next with his life.

As for Arianne, her one true goal in life is protect herself and her son from an abusive ex. Nothing could have ever prepared her for another man to walk in her life and steal her heart, body, and soul; Not to mention, Dane, and his chance encounter with this courageous mother, with scars inside and out, and will go through any lengths to ensure the safety of her child.

Dane and Arianne’s romance is not easy one, as mentioned before, Arianne has not had a great streak with men. Therefore, her outlook on getting involved with Dane is bleak, which is quite frankly, realistic in itself.

Over all, a wonderful slow burning love story of trifling ordeals and the power of the human spirit.

[NMmomof4]

DNF @ 34%. Nope! Not gonna work for me. I just wanted to smack the h way too many times! She was completely closed minded and frankly she was just a bitch! I'm bummed because the h has a 9 year old son with Asperger's syndrome, and I can relate because I have a 11 year old with Asperger's who is really similar to the character in the book.

There was one situation that totally ruined it for me and made me think that I'd never get past it enough to read on... they've only had one "date" so far (with the son, so I'm not sure if that fully qualifies), and he's going to stay with her to protect her and her son from her abusive ex-husband that is threatening her. She is in a town an hour away gambling (because that is her "job"), and she gets a call from her son's school to come pick him up because there was an "incident". She calls the H right away and asks him to pick up her son. He had just committed to training for his first pro-fight and had promised the trainer that he was serious, and he would be late for training session if he picked up the kid -- but being the mr.doogooder he is, he went to pick up the kid. He then explained to her that he would have to drop him off with the babysitter, because he has important things to do after. After he picks up the kid, they talk on the phone and she tells him that the babysitter didn't answer, and he would have to wait with her kid until she got there in at least and hour. He can't do this, so he says he's coordinated for the kid to be with his parents (who the h and her son had met and liked) until he's done with his business. She gives him attitude about it, but eventually gives in. Then she proceeds to stay and gamble for a couple more hours. Then later that night she finds out that he was training for a fight, and totally attacks him about "pushing HER kid off" on his parents to be "violent".
Ok, I get the whole being in a bad situation when the school calls -- I have 4 school age kids -- but she asked him for a FAVOR, and then was a complete bitch when he found a good solution to the problem!! Also, obviously it wasn't that much of an issue because she stayed and continue to GAMBLE after they talked! Her son is NOT the H's kid! I would understand if all this was because he was the deadbeat dad that just stuck the kid with whoever, but the H is bending over backwards to help her out -- and then she fights with him about it!!! and that wasn't all... The h had been abused physically by her ex-husband, so when she finds out that the H teaches martial arts (and to kids too!), she completely shut him out just stating "I don't condone violence". I get that she has some past trauma with a violent person, but the h and H met when he defended her against her ex! He also never showed any indication that he would abuse her in any way, and he told her repeatedly that he never would. She had a major hangup (to where it seemed to be brought up constantly) about him being violent (or the "v word" *rolls eyes*) teaching and fighting to where I just couldn't handle her closed mindedness anymore! It's like as if she said "all girls love pink", so because I am a girl -- I must love pink *sarcasm*! AND her ex was a gambler, and he was not connected to the martial arts scene at all from what I read!!! So making the connection between the H's connection to fighting and martial arts with him ending up being violent and beating her up is even more confusing! Does that mean that because she IS a gambler she will all of a sudden start beating up the H?!? I think for being so insanely smart like her character is portrayed, she was pretty stupid..

Ok. Whew. Sorry for my rant, but she really pissed me off. It wasn't even a case of Golden Vagina Syndrome for the h because they had barely kissed, so I was completely confused by the H's infatuation with her. At this point -- I was thinking that I didn't even want the H to end up with her...so I put in on my dnf shelf.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for review

4.5 stars

Great second book. It's set in Australia. It's fun reading all the different words. A bench is a counter. Uni is university. Boofhead/reefer/carpark/ the list goes on...

This book tells Dane and Ari's HEA. It starts back at the beginning of book one and fills in all the little hints and questions about their story. Then it goes past book one, and we get to see more of them plus Xander and Eden. I loved Dane and Ari's relationship and especially her son, Isaac. He was a fun little kid. Plus there was a nasty ex to deal with. Everything from the first book was here..family, friends, hot sex, fights. I never knew how much went into the fighter's getting ready for their matches. They are just amazing.

Dane's family (esp his Mom) and friends are just amazing, and I hope lots of them get their own stories.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Gayle has made a believer out of me. This is the second book in the Oni Fighters series, and the second time I've been enthralled by her words. Dane Roberts, my heart is yours.

Dane Roberts feels ordinary. As best friend to MMA sensation, Xander Todd, he's always been on the sidelines--he's never given himself a chance to shine.

Arianne Le Flegg craves ordinary. After running from a life of abuse, all she wants is to care for her son and make ends meet.

Their attraction is mutual and intense. Except Arianne abhors violence of any type, and Dane is a fighter looking at leaving behind the what ifs that leave him feeling hollow inside. How can two people with such different views make a relationship work?

They'll have to Believe.

This book is no quick, easy read. It is utterly engaging and I found myself immersed in it almost from the first word. And while it might have been a little too lengthy in places, it's also one hell of a journey.

Poor Dane is feeling the pressure of being...well, no one special. It's both a familiar train of thought (been there) and a little bit heart-breaking, and that's what made it hard to read at times. It was, however, easy to sympathize with him. So easy to fall for him. He was smooth, sexy, strong and so giving with his heart to Ari. Ahhh, swoon.

I really enjoyed Dane and Ari's story. This couple were great together, and their problems felt very real and human. She's coming from a bad...no, terrible relationship, and a family life that lacked in simple, unconditional love, and her struggle to accept Dane and his no-strings love was completely believable. Which made their hard fought HEA all the more rewarding, I have to say.

Rewarding, too, was how this story ran, in part, concurrently to Brave, and seeing some of the events of book one from Dane's perspective. Not that reading the first book is necessary to be able to appreciate this one. But it's definitely worth picking up.

I cannot wait for more of these demon fighters. For more real romance and human emotion. And more of Ms. Gayle's words. Believe it. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Fighter romance

A slow paced read that at times was a little to descriptive and wordy but half way through it really picked up.

Ari is fleeing domestic violence from her ex, has a son with disabilities and Crosses Danes path when her ex attacks her in a car park.

Dane is a teacher of martial arts. Ari has a dislike of violence and as their relationship progresses she struggles with Dane being a fighter. This is where it's slow going.

Once there is acceptance on Ari's part and Dane prepares for his fight the pace picks up.

A good read, great characters. A little too much about Xander and Eden in the beginning it was making me wan't to read their story more than this, their relationship sounded more exciting.

Twists and turns a jealous ex, danger and action.

would I read other books by this author? Yes I'm curious about Xander and Eden.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive and ARC for this book. From the moment i picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Dane and Arianne have amazing chemistry that just draws you in. A beautiful story full of laughter, tears and moments where you wanted to reach in and slap them yourself. Overall, Natalie has delivered above and beyond with this and I CANT wait to see where she goes with Seth.

[Claudine Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!!!

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Brave and based on the fact that I had a difficult time putting it down I should have waited to start Believe this weekend, but seeing as how I have a bit of an instant gratification problem when it comes to books I didn’t heed my own counsel and pretty much devoured the book when I should’ve been working (Oops?) But it was well worth it because Believe sucked me and hit all the feels in me and in the end left me with a happy sigh and dopey grin on my face.

At the end of Brave I thought Xander was all that and a bag of chips and didn’t know if he could be topped, but Dane found a way to maybe not topple him from the top, but definitely made his own spot right next to him. Dane is sweet, charming and damn sexy (talk about needing to take a cold shower) and is that guy who just steps up to do things because it’s the right thing to do, not because it’s expected of him. If he doesn’t think it’s right, whether it’s for himself or others, he doesn’t bother. He’s had a really good life, a loving family and great friends, and things have come relatively easy for him but he doesn’t take any of it for granted. His appreciation for it all shows in how he lives his life and treats those he comes into contact with.

Arianne is a character that I absolutely admired while at the same time frustrated me to no end. Her life has been anything but normal from the time she was a child to where we meet her in the book. Affection has come with a price and unfortunately that price is a psychotic ex husband. But she has one bright spot in her life and that’s Isaac, her son (who I absolutely adored.) Her only goal in life is to make his better and while I didn’t necessarily agree with some of her choices, I couldn’t deny that her heart was in the right place. But seeing how much love she lavished on him, even when she was at the end of her patience, showed what a great mother and person, she truly was.

I loved how Dane and Arianne’s relationship grew from being strangers to friends and then lovers and how each bump in the road, of which there were quite a few as well as a few potholes, ended up bringing them closer together. There were many times when they agreed to disagree but at least they communicated and tried worked through each issue instead of letting it fester and become . Then there was Isaac, whom I absolutely adored, and who had a special way of moving their relationship forward without even knowing it.

It’s pretty damn obvious that everything about this book worked for me from how Dane and Arianne’s relationship progressed as well as the two storylines that continued to intersect throughout the book everything just made sense from the twists and turns to the resolution of the various issues they created and kept me reading, even when I should’ve been working. Then there are the characters, both the MC’s and the supporting cast, that are so well written that they jump off the page and feel real. I wanted to spend more time with all of them, not just Dane and Arianne. I must note that a good portion of the book, maybe runs concurrent with Brave, so if you haven’t read Brave (though I must insist that you do) you won’t be lost. I actually liked revisiting the various moments and experiencing them through Dane’s eyes.

The Bottom Line: Believe is a beautifully written love story that will grab hold of you from the beginning and not let you go even after you’ve read the last line.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review

This is the second in the Oni Fighters series, and runs on a parallel time frame to the first book Brave. You could read this as a standalone, but why would you want to miss out on any sexy MMA goodness.

Dane Robert feels like he is kind of skimming through life. His work life and his training are all going well, but he feels that he doesn't have a real sense of purpose, a goal that he is stretching to reach.

A chance encounter with Arianne - Ari - and her son Isaac sets him on a path he never expected for himself.

I loved the chemistry between Dane and Ari. There is that instant spark of attraction, but there is that fear, that wondering, that longing also.

But Dane.... le sigh! What a man!!

It immediately drew me in, and I wanted, no needed to know more. I needed them to make a go of a relationship. I could understand Ari's misgivings about Dane and a relationship with him, but I just wanted to clip her around the ears and tell her to wake up to the man he is.

There were plenty of ups and and downs in their relationship, but Dane kept at it until it really was a foregone conclusion.

In my opinion, the scene stealer in this whole book was Isaac. And the relationship that he forms with Dane. Out of the mouths of babes, some of the things he says and asked really tugged at my heartstrings.

I loved that we also got a bit more of Xander and Eden's relationship further on from where their book Brave ended.

There are some wonderful secondary characters - expeicallly the boys from the dojo, and Seth in particular. Can't wait for his story.

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start my review by saying that although this is book #2 in the Oni Fighters series - and it does touch on book #1 - it's kind of written in the same timeframe. This means that if you haven't already read Brave (book #1) it's not a problem, as this could definitely be read as a standalone within the series. However, I really recommend you do read Brave first, so as not to spoil it, it is also a 5 star must read!

So onto Dane.... 
We first meet Dane in book #1 and I've got to be honest, I was definitely curious! There's clearly something going on but there are no clues as to what and quite frankly, all my guesses were so far off anyway.

He's a great character. The kind of guy to get your pulse racing....hot, huge, honourable, fantastic in bed and an all round stand up guy.

Arianne is scraping by...just. Looking for a quiet life, she's not prepared when she meets Dane. She's weary of all the things he surrounds himself with and if her past as taught her anything, it's that there's no such thing as "no strings attached".

I absolutely loved this story. Stubborn Ari is set in her ways but can Dane break through her barriers? Or are they destined to be on opposite side of the cage?

I highly recommend this thrilling 5 star read and if my opinion or advice counts for anything, it would be to read these two books in the correct order (although not a necessity).

Enjoy!

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dane Roberts comes upon a women who needs helps because a man is getting ready to attack her. He springs into action and when the guy leaves Dane notices a boy in the back seat. After picking up her purse from the ground Arianne Le Flegg leaves with her Isaac. When she is gone Dane notices her wallet on the ground and the next day she receives a card with his number saying he found her wallet. They meet at a coffee shop and he is attracted to her but once she finds out that he does martial arts she leaves from the place. When her car breaks down and is towed to the shop he is there as well he owns one of the buildings. He gives her a ride to pick up her son and they start spending more time together. When her ex comes into the picture he stays with them because the police cannot do anything to protect her yet. Her fear of violence comes from being abused when she was married and put into the hospital. Dane must show her that he is not that way and she must work on allowing a man in her life that is not going to take advantage of her. Really this story is about each of them being for the other one to help them past their fears of trust and love. To be together instead of the easy way out and walk away. At times I felt the story was a little long, but overall a good book. I got this book from netgalley. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[She Hearts Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about Dane was that he kind of snuck up on me. He is that guy behind the guy that just simmers until he boils. In Believe he is restless and wanting more, but not quite sure what that more is for him. He's a great guy who backs his over the top friend, but does his own thing behind the scenes. Then Arianne comes into his life and changes things for both of them. She has a crazy ex who just won't leave her and her son alone and Dane comes to her rescue on more than one occasion. She is like a wounded animal in that she doesn't trust the good in Dane just yet, but he will go out of his way to prove himself to her. And did I mention that they are scorching hot together? Oh yeah they are. I really enjoyed their story.

I give Believe 4 hearts!

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad this was my first finish of 2016. The story has such depth to the characters and emotion is carefully woven throughout the plot. This is now the second book I read from this author and both have been outstanding. Ari is a woman that has suffered very much in an abusive relationship first emotionally with her family then physically with her spouse. Dane has had a great upbringing and has wonderful family and friends supporting him but he hasn't found out who he is because he hasn't challenged himself. Their chemistry is fantastic. The way that Aspergers was portrayed was very true to life. Frustrations and all. I know this because of my own son. I really enjoyed this read. Not to mention the very sexy bits :p

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Book Loving Fairy-Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Dane meets Arianne one day when he defends her against her horrible ex-husband. After that meet a few times and this starts a rollercoaster of ride.

Ms. Gayle always writes strong characters and she did not disappoint in Believe. Dane is a selfless person who is always looking out for friends, family and even strangers. He is satisfied with his life but is wondering if there is more out there for him. Can he get rid of the restlessness he feels?

Arianne is one heck of a heroine in this book. Running from a horrible ex-husband and protecting her son. She is a mother to a special needs child and her world revolves around him. She may do things she doesn't believe in to make money, keep a roof over their head, and food on the table but she does what she needs to. She is wrapped up in her world and because of her son doesn't think that anyone will want to share her life, but then along comes Dane.

Not only does Ms. Gayle write great characters and romance she throws suspense and action into her stories. She creates a story that will make you keep turning the pages because you have no idea what is coming next.

Can their relationship concur each of their demons, Adrianne's ex, and Dane's future goals?

~ Shelly

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book!!! So much emotion from beginning to end i felt like i was there with the characters!
Dane is 26 years old and he is a martial arts expert. He has grown up in a loving and supportive family and he runs a dojo with his best friend of 20 years, Xander.
Arianne comes into his life by compleate accident yet fate has brought them together and keeps pulling at each of them like magnets!
Arianne has a extremely violent ex husband and a gorgeous little boy, who suffers with Aspergers Syndrome.
Dane is deperately trying to figure out his future and what he wants from it.
Arianne is trying to keep herself and her son safe from the crazy ex husband.
The pull they experience from each other is totally electrical and you can feel the pull through the pages.
With lots of twists and turns from all angles can they stick together and share the love or will it all fall apart?
Will they be able to get through all the trouble that comes with Arianne's ex?
Will they have their HEA and become a family in each and every way?

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
5* read.
This is the second book in this series but can be read as a standalone although in my opinion you really need to read the first book Brave first as it does go on the timescale as that book but from a different characters perspective and their own story. This is Dane and Arianne's story and their chemistry was electric throughout and really made you connect with them. I love this author cause she writes such a beautiful emotional with strong relatable characters. When we met Dane in the first book Brave I was really excited to hear his story so I was so lucky to get a arc and find out what was happening with him. Arianne is a single mum and really independent and strong female who took no sh**.
Can Dane break through the walls stubborn Arianne has up and will she let him into her and her son's life? You'll need to read to find out but I know I can't wait for the next book by this author.

[EscapeNBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guest Review by Tammy Cole
This is the second book in this series and can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one. I love MMA books and this series really does go more in depth in the whole MMA world than most.

Dane has a chance encounter with Ari and her son and he instantly feels a connection with her. Dane is one swoon-worthy guy and the way he interacts with Ari's son, who is special needs, will make you sigh. Ari is trying to start over in her life after an abusive marriage and not so great childhood. Her attraction to Dane and his family is something that she doesn't want to run from but is scared in moving forward.

I really did enjoy this story and was happy to see more of Xander and Eden. I can't wait to read the third book in the series about Seth.

[Amanda Neilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Upon starting the book I read the foreword about how it featured a special needs child and will admit to being, well not sceptical but wary, I really shouldn't have at all. Not going into too deeply as I don't want to spoil it but I will say that my teenage son is the exact same as Isaac in terms of needs and Natalie Gayle has written this exceptionally well with no sugar coating to the point that I actually mailed her 25% in to say this to her personally.
The main story again is brilliant , heartwarming and I sooooo need to get me a Dane! The author has handled several sensitive subjects amazingly well and dignified. All I can say to anyone thinking of reading this is do! You definitely won't regret it

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Brave and couldn’t wait to read Dane's story.
Dane is the guy next door, a good guy, a great friend and good at what he does, never trying to take from his friends what they truly deserves. The problem is..What does he deserves? What does he want?
Arianne is an ordinary girl..looking for a quiet life for herself and her child..but when she meets Dane could she leave her demons behind and share her life with him? Would she trust? Would she believe?
What I love the most about this author is the ability not only to make you feel, but the way she has of making normal and real look like perfection.
Just like with Brave, Believe hooked me right from the start and made me fall for the characters and the story!
Can't wait for the next book!

[Lindsey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

natalie gayle rocks it out again. I will read everything she writes. this story had me hooked from beginning to end. the chemistry is off the charts with Dane and Arianne. I literally wanted to slap them and hug them at the same time. you will get all the feels with this read and not regret a single bit of it. thank you natalie for giving me a chance to read this baby. I absolutely loved it. you my dear are amazing!!!

[Debbie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the first book you are going to LOVE this one. Dane what a man, seriously helps a damsel in distress only to have her open up his eyes to "whole" new man. Arianne and Isaac are a mother and son just trying to survive violent past when Dane saves the day.... Wonderfully written story .. Worth reading WELL DONE Natalie

[Vivienne Kauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Celine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really distracted when reading this since it has too much Australian slang and not too much translation for me to read it comfortably. Beside the slang, I grew to hate the h in this book. She was just too much. Too judgmental, too much pride, too close-minded that she was annoying. Because of these traits, she doesn't balance out The H.

[Bookish · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. My struggle is completely with the /h. I found her self righteous while she had not one leg to stand on in this position.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the MMA fighters... you all know that.
this book was another great one!
I seek out the MMA books, I love the men strong and sexy.


*I got this book from NETGALLEY*

[Sarah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes down as another off my 2018 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book about a sport. Loved the first book so couldn’t wait to check out Dane’s story. Might be a Sensi and MMA fighter like Xander but they are two very different men, ones who would do anything to protect their women though.

So Dane feels like life is passing him by, almost like he is missing out on something – life, work, love, he’s not sure. Seems things might be about to get a little clearer when a chance encounter changes his whole life. The fact is if Dane sees a woman, or anyone for that matter, in trouble he’s going to help. He clocked the ex a mile off as someone who needed to back off. He wasn’t going to start something but knew he’d finish it if needed. Saving the day once is one thing but he feels a need to protect her and her son. So after finding her purse left behind he finds it the perfect way to see her again to return it. He just wants to make sure she is ok and not being hassled again but soon feels drawn into her life.

Arianne has escaped the clutches of her violent ex for over two years but now feels like he is close again ready to cause trouble. She thought he would have forgotten about her and their son – the one he stated he didn’t really want – by now and moved onto someone new but it seems he’s back and wants her again. For what exactly she isn’t quite sure yet but she has a few guesses. Her only focus is on her 9-year-old son Isaac. He is her whole world and she would do anything to protect him, she just kind of needs someone to protect her when Marcel makes an appearance. Good job Dane just happens to be on hand. He might be a handsome stranger with a nice smile that helped her out but she’s not sure how to handle his interest in her. He may have been interesting to get to know but that was right up until he told her what he does. He’s an Oni and MMA fighter and she hates all violence. Seems she was a bit quick to judge and needs to look deeper to find what he’s really about.

You soon find out that Arianne did not have a happy normal upbringing and now it seems to be pulling her back to do things she doesn’t want to do. Namely by taking on the gambling halls again. Well she is good with numbers and her boss Leo likes that she is on his payroll so she can take them for all they’ve got with his money. She may have paid her debt to him long ago but her son needs to go to a special school and that costs money, a lot of it. You do the things you hate to help the ones you love.

An unlikely friendship by chance encounters forms between her and Dane but dangers from her past and her views on violence keep holding her back from getting closer. She is slowly learning to see things in a different light the longer she spends with him. She soon finds the connection she’s been missing out on her whole life. Chemistry flies hot between them and you know there are true feelings behind them too. Dane pulls her and Isaac in and creates a unit, something she isn’t used to. She knows not many can cope with her son with him having Asperger syndrome so finds it incredible how easy Dane and his family does. Seems she should have let people in sooner but perhaps she was just waiting for the right ones. Shame her ex has other ideas and doesn’t take kindly to being ignored or disobeyed. Trouble is brewing right when heads need to be kept clear. Let’s see how they make it through to the other side, to do that they need to believe in each other.

Mark was an interesting character who fitted in nicely. He was part of the Oni family with taking part in classes and very helpful with being a cop. Good to have someone like that in your corner when you have a psycho for an ex who doesn’t know when to give up. Reed was still a hardass when it came to getting his fighters ready. With what they go through you are surprised they can even stand at the end of it, let alone actually fight. Seems he likes to create winners and winners they sure are.

Loved Dane’s family, so warm and caring. The first real experience Arianne has ever really had with that. It might scare her at first with her past and how she was always taught to believe things certain ways. Dane and his family are opening her eyes and giving her and Isaac the best family she could have thought of.

Liked the crossover between characters from book one too, so I would recommend you read that first. Another great read, I really love these guys and can’t wait to check out the next.

I received a copy of this book from Give Me Books for my honest review.
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[Stephanie DeCost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every aspect of this book! So full of emotional ups and downs and in the end we found Love! The relationship between Dane and Ari was was so full of Love, trust, and respect that it was bound to be amazing and I was more than blown away! Natalie did an outstanding job of developing most important relationship of all the bond between Dane and Isaac! I loved this story and can't wait for more to come!

[Tersia Eloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe in yourself

I loved Believe from begging to end. I love the length of the books, it's a nice long read, but never feels boring or drawn out.

Natalie Gayle is a truly gifted author.

[Monte Huebsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this I bought book 3 in the series!

A perfect follow on to Brave. Believe melds the characters from the first book with style and clarity. A deep and moving book - so much so that I bought the 3rd in the series.