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Takedown
“You can't let him get into your confidence.”
“Man up, face Luke, and sell the damn gym.”
Three years ago, Mitchell Keane's marriage was called off when his close friend Luke thought he spotted Mitchell cheating on his wife-to-be in a gay club. Mitchell fled to a new life as a New York City realtor rather than defend himself against the rumors flying around his small Nebraskan hometown. After all, Luke accidentally got the gay part right. Since his abrupt outing, Mitchell's been too wound-up to even date until he's forced back home.
“This is all I've got.”
Luke Hanson never forgave himself. Low lighting, one too many drinks, and an overactive conscience led to a terrible mistake. Luke tamped down his feelings and threw himself into his career instead. All Luke wants now is a white picket fence and a career as an MMA fighter. Then his trainer, Hugh, tells him Mitchell is coming back to town for two weeks... to sell the gym, after the death of Mitchell's uncle, gym owner Toby.
“Don't play mind games with a fighter.”
Luke convinces Mitchell to let him run the gym rather than sell it on the spot. But Mitchell's parents can't accept who Mitchell is, and Luke's future rides on winning his first big promotional fight. With a ticking clock, hothead Luke has to finish things... but hopefully not with Mitchell. Does a small town MMA fighter even have a chance with a high-powered realtor in backwater Nebraska?
Takedown is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
“Man up, face Luke, and sell the damn gym.”
Three years ago, Mitchell Keane's marriage was called off when his close friend Luke thought he spotted Mitchell cheating on his wife-to-be in a gay club. Mitchell fled to a new life as a New York City realtor rather than defend himself against the rumors flying around his small Nebraskan hometown. After all, Luke accidentally got the gay part right. Since his abrupt outing, Mitchell's been too wound-up to even date until he's forced back home.
“This is all I've got.”
Luke Hanson never forgave himself. Low lighting, one too many drinks, and an overactive conscience led to a terrible mistake. Luke tamped down his feelings and threw himself into his career instead. All Luke wants now is a white picket fence and a career as an MMA fighter. Then his trainer, Hugh, tells him Mitchell is coming back to town for two weeks... to sell the gym, after the death of Mitchell's uncle, gym owner Toby.
“Don't play mind games with a fighter.”
Luke convinces Mitchell to let him run the gym rather than sell it on the spot. But Mitchell's parents can't accept who Mitchell is, and Luke's future rides on winning his first big promotional fight. With a ticking clock, hothead Luke has to finish things... but hopefully not with Mitchell. Does a small town MMA fighter even have a chance with a high-powered realtor in backwater Nebraska?
Takedown is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2016
33 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 5, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
Luke and Mitchell were good friends until one night just before Mitchell was due to be married Luke thinks he sees him in a gay bar and 'outs' him....
Mitchell neither confirms or denies this,he leaves his home town and moves to New York and works as a realtor.
After three years circumstances bring him back to his home town when his Uncle dies and leaves his Gym to Mitchell.
Luke is training as a MMA fighter at the Gym so the two men inevitably start to cross paths...
The two men find they are strongly attracted to each other and start a relationship,having to deal with bigoted views from people in the town and Mitchell's own parents along the way.
This is a good debut read but I really wanted more of the friendship between them explained when they were young.I wanted to get inside their heads and know what their feelings for each other were before Mitchell was going to get married....I'm all about the angst...
On the plus side..Mitchell has never been with a man before Luke and I love that in M/M books.
Overall,an enjoyable M/M book that I would recommend.....
***Arc from Author***
Luke and Mitchell were good friends until one night just before Mitchell was due to be married Luke thinks he sees him in a gay bar and 'outs' him....
Mitchell neither confirms or denies this,he leaves his home town and moves to New York and works as a realtor.
After three years circumstances bring him back to his home town when his Uncle dies and leaves his Gym to Mitchell.
Luke is training as a MMA fighter at the Gym so the two men inevitably start to cross paths...
The two men find they are strongly attracted to each other and start a relationship,having to deal with bigoted views from people in the town and Mitchell's own parents along the way.
This is a good debut read but I really wanted more of the friendship between them explained when they were young.I wanted to get inside their heads and know what their feelings for each other were before Mitchell was going to get married....I'm all about the angst...
On the plus side..Mitchell has never been with a man before Luke and I love that in M/M books.
Overall,an enjoyable M/M book that I would recommend.....
***Arc from Author***
March 7, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Overall, this one was pretty good. It's one of those books that didn't really wow me.....I never was just dying to get back to reading it.
But on the flip side there was really nothing wrong with it. There was no annoying drama, it was low angst. It had some good steam.
The writing was pretty good, the story-line was pretty good.
So yeah...I didn't love it but I would definitely read more from this author.
Overall, this one was pretty good. It's one of those books that didn't really wow me.....I never was just dying to get back to reading it.
But on the flip side there was really nothing wrong with it. There was no annoying drama, it was low angst. It had some good steam.
The writing was pretty good, the story-line was pretty good.
So yeah...I didn't love it but I would definitely read more from this author.
April 29, 2016
This was a really sweet book, just not as amazing as the others I've read. But I would like to mention that the author has a tendency to italicize completely random words, interrupting the smooth flow of reading. But a great story generally makes me refrain from deducting a star, which sadly isn't the case here even though it was in others.
March 2, 2016
I received an ARC from the author, for an honest review ;) Thank you Sierra Riley, for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely book !!
Mitchel and Luke used to be friends, but then one night, Luke made a decicion that not only destroyed their friendship, but also Mitchel's upcoming marriage and his relationship with his parents.
Luke, thinks he saw Mitchel in a gay bar and was convinced Mitchel was cheating on his soon to be wife. Luke could not let this slide and informed Mitchell's wife to be of this fact, outing himself as gay in the process. Turns out, Luke made a huge mistake and in doing so he ruined Mitchells chance of marriage and much more. Mitchell, doesn't feel like denying everthing to everyone, because Luke was right about one thing....he is gay. However, he has never done anything about it. Mitchells packs up and moves away to New York, leaving his bigoted small town behind.
Fast forward 3 years and Mitchell, now a hot shot realtor, has to take a trip back to his home town, because his uncle died and left him an MMA gym in his will. Mitchells has not been living it up in the big apple and is still the same gay virgin he used to be.
When he arrives home, his parent are on him about selling the gym. They also warn him to stay away from Luke, because he's bad people (by that they mean gay). Damn I hated Mitchells parents, what a fucking bunch of bigoted assholes !! They know their son is gay, but they choose to ignore this fact and try to push all sorts of shit on him.
Luke is an MMA fighter, training and living above the gym. He's got a big fight planned and is also doing his best to keep the gym up and running. He was good friends with Mitchells uncle. Now his future is in jeopardy. He knows Mitchell will be coming back to decide what to do with the gym. He still feels so bad for fucking up Mitchells life 3 years ago. Luke also doesn't have it easy, being an out gay man in a small bigoted town.
When Mitchell arrives at the gym, the two of them feel an instant attraction to one another. Mitchells has forgiven Luke a long time ago, after all, he did prevent him from making the biggest mistake of his life.
Once these two give into their attraction for each other....the sheets catch fire. These boys were pretty hot together !! The only thing that I would have liked, was a scene with Luke bottoming. This is personal preference however, I just love my gay men vers ;)
Between bigots, asshole parents, a rude buyer and a big fight in the planning, Mitchell and Luke have their work cut out for them.
I really enjoyed this book, but I would have loved to have known more about their friendship. The book only stated that they were friends, but what kind of friends were they and how long ? Not knowing took away a bit of the connection between the men. I think a bit of their past would have made this better and it would have made it easier identifying with the characters and the relationship they had and have with each other.
Mitchell irritated me a couple of times, especially while interacting with his parents. Them they were such assholes and eventhough he responded to some of it, I think he took to much of their shit without standing up for himself and Luke. Luke however was awesome...I really liked him ;)
3,5 stars from me. I'm very curious to see what this author has in store for the future :)
Mitchel and Luke used to be friends, but then one night, Luke made a decicion that not only destroyed their friendship, but also Mitchel's upcoming marriage and his relationship with his parents.
Luke, thinks he saw Mitchel in a gay bar and was convinced Mitchel was cheating on his soon to be wife. Luke could not let this slide and informed Mitchell's wife to be of this fact, outing himself as gay in the process. Turns out, Luke made a huge mistake and in doing so he ruined Mitchells chance of marriage and much more. Mitchell, doesn't feel like denying everthing to everyone, because Luke was right about one thing....he is gay. However, he has never done anything about it. Mitchells packs up and moves away to New York, leaving his bigoted small town behind.
Fast forward 3 years and Mitchell, now a hot shot realtor, has to take a trip back to his home town, because his uncle died and left him an MMA gym in his will. Mitchells has not been living it up in the big apple and is still the same gay virgin he used to be.
When he arrives home, his parent are on him about selling the gym. They also warn him to stay away from Luke, because he's bad people (by that they mean gay). Damn I hated Mitchells parents, what a fucking bunch of bigoted assholes !! They know their son is gay, but they choose to ignore this fact and try to push all sorts of shit on him.
Luke is an MMA fighter, training and living above the gym. He's got a big fight planned and is also doing his best to keep the gym up and running. He was good friends with Mitchells uncle. Now his future is in jeopardy. He knows Mitchell will be coming back to decide what to do with the gym. He still feels so bad for fucking up Mitchells life 3 years ago. Luke also doesn't have it easy, being an out gay man in a small bigoted town.
When Mitchell arrives at the gym, the two of them feel an instant attraction to one another. Mitchells has forgiven Luke a long time ago, after all, he did prevent him from making the biggest mistake of his life.
Once these two give into their attraction for each other....the sheets catch fire. These boys were pretty hot together !! The only thing that I would have liked, was a scene with Luke bottoming. This is personal preference however, I just love my gay men vers ;)
Between bigots, asshole parents, a rude buyer and a big fight in the planning, Mitchell and Luke have their work cut out for them.
I really enjoyed this book, but I would have loved to have known more about their friendship. The book only stated that they were friends, but what kind of friends were they and how long ? Not knowing took away a bit of the connection between the men. I think a bit of their past would have made this better and it would have made it easier identifying with the characters and the relationship they had and have with each other.
Mitchell irritated me a couple of times, especially while interacting with his parents. Them they were such assholes and eventhough he responded to some of it, I think he took to much of their shit without standing up for himself and Luke. Luke however was awesome...I really liked him ;)
3,5 stars from me. I'm very curious to see what this author has in store for the future :)
March 20, 2016
3 Stars
March 3, 2016
TAKEDOWN, by Sierra Riley
An honest review for the free advanced copy.
***** Young men, full of testosterone, and hotness, yummy !! Mitchell and Luke, friends during their childhood in a small Nebraska town. *****
Slim, sweet, Mitchell is a Real Estate salesman in New York. Luke, big, muscled, tattooed, MMA fighter, still trains at the Nebraska gym, and has an important fight coming up in New Jersey. Both need the same thing ... someone to love them.
Mitchell became the Gym's owner when his Uncle left it to him in his will. Mitch is meeting with the Lawyer, tax men, and settling some business before he decides if he will sell the gym. Everything centers on Luke winning or losing the fight.
When the guys realize the attraction is there, and that Mitchell has never been with a man, we get hot, hard, and fabulous first time sex, and these two are explosive ! It's more than just sex, deep feelings are involved.
Of course there is more happening, some bullies, a buyer, bigots, and especially the evil in Mitch's family. Gosh, I hate small towns. I grew up in one !
Then we have the big fight, the crowd roared, the bell rang ... !!
Well written, an interesting plot, and great sex, make this a worthwhile read.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
===================================
An honest review for the free advanced copy.
***** Young men, full of testosterone, and hotness, yummy !! Mitchell and Luke, friends during their childhood in a small Nebraska town. *****
Slim, sweet, Mitchell is a Real Estate salesman in New York. Luke, big, muscled, tattooed, MMA fighter, still trains at the Nebraska gym, and has an important fight coming up in New Jersey. Both need the same thing ... someone to love them.
Mitchell became the Gym's owner when his Uncle left it to him in his will. Mitch is meeting with the Lawyer, tax men, and settling some business before he decides if he will sell the gym. Everything centers on Luke winning or losing the fight.
When the guys realize the attraction is there, and that Mitchell has never been with a man, we get hot, hard, and fabulous first time sex, and these two are explosive ! It's more than just sex, deep feelings are involved.
Of course there is more happening, some bullies, a buyer, bigots, and especially the evil in Mitch's family. Gosh, I hate small towns. I grew up in one !
Then we have the big fight, the crowd roared, the bell rang ... !!
Well written, an interesting plot, and great sex, make this a worthwhile read.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
===================================
March 21, 2016
Friends -> Enemies -> Lovers
After an incident, the two MCs friendship broken apart ~ Then years later they must affront to see each other again in a new circumstances.
The sexual tension is BIG and then their relationship have a really good chemistry!
This is my first book of this author!
I really like the double point of view, The book is also written in short chapters and some scenes are repeated to be able to know the thoughts of the two main characters about the happening event. Nice detail!
I will look after other books from the author :)
After an incident, the two MCs friendship broken apart ~ Then years later they must affront to see each other again in a new circumstances.
The sexual tension is BIG and then their relationship have a really good chemistry!
This is my first book of this author!
I really like the double point of view, The book is also written in short chapters and some scenes are repeated to be able to know the thoughts of the two main characters about the happening event. Nice detail!
I will look after other books from the author :)
March 31, 2017
I'm being a little generous
So, this wasn't terrible but there were distinct issues. The blurb mentions that Luke outed Mitch after supposedly seeing him in a gay bar. After 3 years, Mitch returns, sees Luke and there's little to no awkwardness. They were supposed to have been good friends since high school, yet the author NEVER had Mitch ask why Luke didn't talk to him first, instead of going directly to his fiancé. I guess that's too normal. For much of the story, neither of these two seem altogether normal in their reactions. I also don't know exactly what purpose of the visits with the ex and her new fiancé had.
There were editing issues. Grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes were minimal, so kudos for that. But there were parts that really could have used either a sharper editor or more beta readers.
Luke was widely known to be gay, once he outed Mitch. There was this first with
Luke and Mitch talking:
"...He’d been wrong about Mitch cheating, not him being gay. Mitch had never seemed like the cheating type, but Luke had never guessed he was gay in years of knowing him. Mitch furrowed his brow, figuring that one out. “It would have been better to be wrong about me being gay?” “You never denied it.” It had driven Luke mad for the last three years not knowing why Mitch hadn’t defended himself. “I… I’m glad you outed me,..."
Shortly AFTER that, Mitchell thinks of Luke:
"Was he still gay?"
Really? Was he supposed to have somehow stopped?
They get together and have oral sex. Then the next day, Luke thinks:
"The slight possibility Mitchell was straight and just fooling around with him, or that he’d just realized after that encounter that he was straight…"
Didn't they recently have the discussion that Mitch was gay, above?
Next, there's this conversation:
"I haven’t dated anyone.” “In a while?” “No, in… well… three years.” It took Luke a few seconds to put two and two together. Then he straightened up, his expression clearing in shock, then understanding. “You mean since you, uh, broke off the…?” “Yeah.” Mitchell gritted his teeth, praying Luke wasn’t going to judge him for this. “And before that, I’ve never been with a man either. And even with Emily, we never…” “Oh,” Luke breathed out. Mitchell’s stomach twisted. Idiot. No guy ever just admits they’re a virgin..."
Then just as they're getting ready to have sex a SECOND time:
"Was that your first time?” Mitchell hesitated, embarrassment crawling up into the pit of his stomach. How sad would that sound? Would Luke judge him? Worse yet, had he been able to tell?"
He’d already told him he was a virgin before sex the first time!!
It was like the author couldn't remember what she'd written. The pace of the book was slow. If I had to hear about the paperwork Mitch was doing one more time, I was ready to DNF. No real chemistry between the two characters. The sex scenes weren't written too badly but not passionate. In spite of contradictory passages, I did want to know about the fight, it was readable and it didn't have a lot of grammar issues, so I gave it a three.
So, this wasn't terrible but there were distinct issues. The blurb mentions that Luke outed Mitch after supposedly seeing him in a gay bar. After 3 years, Mitch returns, sees Luke and there's little to no awkwardness. They were supposed to have been good friends since high school, yet the author NEVER had Mitch ask why Luke didn't talk to him first, instead of going directly to his fiancé. I guess that's too normal. For much of the story, neither of these two seem altogether normal in their reactions. I also don't know exactly what purpose of the visits with the ex and her new fiancé had.
There were editing issues. Grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes were minimal, so kudos for that. But there were parts that really could have used either a sharper editor or more beta readers.
Luke was widely known to be gay, once he outed Mitch. There was this first with
Luke and Mitch talking:
"...He’d been wrong about Mitch cheating, not him being gay. Mitch had never seemed like the cheating type, but Luke had never guessed he was gay in years of knowing him. Mitch furrowed his brow, figuring that one out. “It would have been better to be wrong about me being gay?” “You never denied it.” It had driven Luke mad for the last three years not knowing why Mitch hadn’t defended himself. “I… I’m glad you outed me,..."
Shortly AFTER that, Mitchell thinks of Luke:
"Was he still gay?"
Really? Was he supposed to have somehow stopped?
They get together and have oral sex. Then the next day, Luke thinks:
"The slight possibility Mitchell was straight and just fooling around with him, or that he’d just realized after that encounter that he was straight…"
Didn't they recently have the discussion that Mitch was gay, above?
Next, there's this conversation:
"I haven’t dated anyone.” “In a while?” “No, in… well… three years.” It took Luke a few seconds to put two and two together. Then he straightened up, his expression clearing in shock, then understanding. “You mean since you, uh, broke off the…?” “Yeah.” Mitchell gritted his teeth, praying Luke wasn’t going to judge him for this. “And before that, I’ve never been with a man either. And even with Emily, we never…” “Oh,” Luke breathed out. Mitchell’s stomach twisted. Idiot. No guy ever just admits they’re a virgin..."
Then just as they're getting ready to have sex a SECOND time:
"Was that your first time?” Mitchell hesitated, embarrassment crawling up into the pit of his stomach. How sad would that sound? Would Luke judge him? Worse yet, had he been able to tell?"
He’d already told him he was a virgin before sex the first time!!
It was like the author couldn't remember what she'd written. The pace of the book was slow. If I had to hear about the paperwork Mitch was doing one more time, I was ready to DNF. No real chemistry between the two characters. The sex scenes weren't written too badly but not passionate. In spite of contradictory passages, I did want to know about the fight, it was readable and it didn't have a lot of grammar issues, so I gave it a three.
April 2, 2016
I was a bit apprehensive going into this book.Firstly it was an ARC kindly provided by what assume is a first time author.Apprehensive mainly because I did not fully finish the last book I bought & that I had highly anticipated.A dark book.lol
I'm usually one of those that revels in black pain frothing from the depths of the soul & this book is surprisingly a rainbow of emotions somehow missing that darkness I would have expected from the blurb & craved yet I enjoyed it.
We have a man mistakenly outed for being gay & accused of cheating by his best friend & he is forced out of town due to these unfounded rumors. You would think when he returns he would have hell fire on his mind for that aforementioned friend & yet he walks back sweet,kind & extremely forgiving which highly puzzled me.Once I got pass this strangeness & truly immersed myself in this sexy tale of MMA I was gathering along the way the stars to shine on this uncomplicated book.
There is little internal conflict to plague our heroes.The majority of the drama is external & easily resolved.Due to my addiction to twisted heroes & darker journey's I did not get the arrow straight into the heart but this novel is going to have a wide appeal for those that do revel in the lighter side of romance.
I'm usually one of those that revels in black pain frothing from the depths of the soul & this book is surprisingly a rainbow of emotions somehow missing that darkness I would have expected from the blurb & craved yet I enjoyed it.
We have a man mistakenly outed for being gay & accused of cheating by his best friend & he is forced out of town due to these unfounded rumors. You would think when he returns he would have hell fire on his mind for that aforementioned friend & yet he walks back sweet,kind & extremely forgiving which highly puzzled me.Once I got pass this strangeness & truly immersed myself in this sexy tale of MMA I was gathering along the way the stars to shine on this uncomplicated book.
There is little internal conflict to plague our heroes.The majority of the drama is external & easily resolved.Due to my addiction to twisted heroes & darker journey's I did not get the arrow straight into the heart but this novel is going to have a wide appeal for those that do revel in the lighter side of romance.
March 2, 2016
Overall book rating:3.75 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 stars
ARC provided by author for honest review.
If you like to read a book without over thinking it I am sure you will love this book. Just because it did't work for me does't mean it won't work for you.
This was a very difficult book for me to rate because there were pieces I liked and other parts that I did't like at all. I liked the characters and most of the story line. What I did have difficulty with was the fact why Luke decided to go behind his best friends (Mitchell) back and and outed him with his wife to be... If they were best friends why not talk to the guy???? This bothered me through out the whole book. The thing is just when I start to like Luke I start to think about what he did to his best friend and then I feel guilty for liking him.... I know it's stupid but that's just how my crazy head works. I like strong alpha characters but there were just not enough alpha in either one of these MC's for me to go gaga about.
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 stars
ARC provided by author for honest review.
If you like to read a book without over thinking it I am sure you will love this book. Just because it did't work for me does't mean it won't work for you.
This was a very difficult book for me to rate because there were pieces I liked and other parts that I did't like at all. I liked the characters and most of the story line. What I did have difficulty with was the fact why Luke decided to go behind his best friends (Mitchell) back and and outed him with his wife to be... If they were best friends why not talk to the guy???? This bothered me through out the whole book. The thing is just when I start to like Luke I start to think about what he did to his best friend and then I feel guilty for liking him.... I know it's stupid but that's just how my crazy head works. I like strong alpha characters but there were just not enough alpha in either one of these MC's for me to go gaga about.
March 7, 2016
This book was a slow start for me. Once I got passed the first 20% things started to move. At first I thought it was going to be an enemies to lovers theme but it really didn't play out that way for me. There was no hatred between the two mc's because of issues from their past. They seemed to immediately get over their shit and get to working together towards a common goal. There is some angst and Mitchell ' s parents are absolute assholes. The relationship between Mitch and Luke is super cute. They dig each other and even though this is a MMA romance I loved that there wasn't any shame or hiding of feelings. It drags in parts but overall it was a cute story. 3.5 stars.
March 4, 2016
This was my first read by this author and it was decent.
I found the story to be a bit predictable and the main characters a bit awkward with each other.
I will for sure read more from her and hope that her writing develops more with each one.
Solid 3 stars.
*arc provided by author for honest review*
I found the story to be a bit predictable and the main characters a bit awkward with each other.
I will for sure read more from her and hope that her writing develops more with each one.
Solid 3 stars.
*arc provided by author for honest review*
March 19, 2016
3.5*
God the sexual tension was killing me!
I liked this book, I was hoping for an 'enemies to lovers' one and it turned out to be more like an 'awkward friends to lovers' instead, but I still enjoyed it.
I liked having a chapter per character, I enjoy my books a lot more if I know what both of the MCs are thinking and feeling.
Nice debut, I'll keep reading her books.
God the sexual tension was killing me!
I liked this book, I was hoping for an 'enemies to lovers' one and it turned out to be more like an 'awkward friends to lovers' instead, but I still enjoyed it.
I liked having a chapter per character, I enjoy my books a lot more if I know what both of the MCs are thinking and feeling.
Nice debut, I'll keep reading her books.
not-gonna-be-able-to-do-it
March 14, 2016DNF at page 62.
I don't like it and it has taken me all day to get to page 62.
I don't like it and it has taken me all day to get to page 62.
May 22, 2016
After three years of no contact between former best friends Luke and Mitchell they are thrown together by the death of Mitchell's uncle Toby. Luke is an up and coming MMA fighter who trains at the the gym Mitchell just inherited, not only does he work out there, he helps run it and lives in the apartment above the gym. Mitchell is uncertain about coming face to face with Luke again after all of these years since Luke is the one that threw Mitchell's life into a tail spin.
Living in a small town in Nebraska is not the best when you are one of the few gay men that live there and you are constantly harassed because of it. There is some gay-bashing in this book which I hate reading about because unfortunately it does exist but I liked the outcome of this go-around...Gay men 1 Bashers 0!
I have to say that Sierra Riley is quickly becoming a go to author for great MM reads for me.
I Love the chemistry between Luke and Mitchell.
Living in a small town in Nebraska is not the best when you are one of the few gay men that live there and you are constantly harassed because of it. There is some gay-bashing in this book which I hate reading about because unfortunately it does exist but I liked the outcome of this go-around...Gay men 1 Bashers 0!
I have to say that Sierra Riley is quickly becoming a go to author for great MM reads for me.
I Love the chemistry between Luke and Mitchell.
March 11, 2016
2.5 Stars.
I received a copy of Takedown from the author for an honest review.
I love m/m books. I got a request to review this book - I'm always looking for new m/m authors to read - so I accepted.
After starting this book, the other books on my TBR list were calling my name. The writing is a bit...slow. It did not suck me in. The dialogue between characters seemed...forced.
I had a difficult time connecting to the characters. Maybe I needed more of why they liked each other (other than looks), more on their history of friendship.
It did not keep my attention.
Bottom line: meh. This one was a miss for me. I can't quite put my finger on what would make it better. But I was not invested in the characters and lost interest quickly after starting.
This one wasn't for me.
I received a copy of Takedown from the author for an honest review.
I love m/m books. I got a request to review this book - I'm always looking for new m/m authors to read - so I accepted.
After starting this book, the other books on my TBR list were calling my name. The writing is a bit...slow. It did not suck me in. The dialogue between characters seemed...forced.
I had a difficult time connecting to the characters. Maybe I needed more of why they liked each other (other than looks), more on their history of friendship.
It did not keep my attention.
Bottom line: meh. This one was a miss for me. I can't quite put my finger on what would make it better. But I was not invested in the characters and lost interest quickly after starting.
This one wasn't for me.
March 29, 2016
Title:Takedown
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Sierra Riley
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:February 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:276
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“Luke rose to his feet and stepped closer, his hand gentle as he laid it on Mitchell’s hip. He leaned in to cut off Mitchell’s words with a soft kiss. Oh, God, that felt incredible.”
5 Take Me Down stars!!! Sizzling sexy on every level!
Mitchell is starting over, after his marriage was called off three years ago, when his friend Luke swore he saw Mitchell, cheating on his soon to be wife in a gay club. Embarassed and not ready to explain his life he fled to NYC. Busy with his new job as a realtor, he has no time to date, let alone deal with his sexuality. Then he’s brought back to his small hometown in Nebraska. Luke has spent the last three years, feeling horrible for maybe “outing” his best friend and ruining his wedding. Luke, is now ready to make a life for himself and continue his career as an MMA fighter. His heart is set a flutter when he finds out his friend Mitchell is back in town to sell the gym that Luke trains at. Luke tries to convince Mitchell to let him run the gym instead of selling it, but Mitchell also has to deal with the fallout of him leaving and his parents who just can’t accept him. And while dealing with all of this, these two are somehow drawn together in an explosive encounter that will leave you begging for more. But can these two opposites come together over the scrutiny of a small town?
Listen, I will read virtually anything that Sierra Riley writes, so I knew I’d love this book too! She knows how to write a hot story, with even hotter characters that have depth and meaning! This book hit me on every level. I loved the struggle, I loved the characters, I loved the story….basically I loved everything!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Sierra Riley
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:February 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:276
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“Man up, face Luke, and sell the damn gym.”
Three years ago, Mitchell Keane's marriage was called off when his close friend Luke thought he spotted Mitchell cheating on his wife-to-be in a gay club. Mitchell fled to a new life as a New York City realtor rather than defend himself against the rumors flying around his small Nebraskan hometown. After all, Luke accidentally got the gay part right. Since his abrupt outing, Mitchell's been too wound-up to even date until he's forced back home.
“This is all I've got.”
Luke Hanson never forgave himself. Low lighting, one too many drinks, and an overactive conscience led to a terrible mistake. Luke tamped down his feelings and threw himself into his career instead. All Luke wants now is a white picket fence and a career as an MMA fighter. Then his trainer, Hugh, tells him Mitchell is coming back to town for two weeks... to sell the gym, after the death of Mitchell's uncle, gym owner Toby.
“Don't play mind games with a fighter.”
Luke convinces Mitchell to let him run the gym rather than sell it on the spot. But Mitchell's parents can't accept who Mitchell is, and Luke's future rides on winning his first big promotional fight. With a ticking clock, hothead Luke has to finish things... but hopefully not with Mitchell. Does a small town MMA fighter even have a chance with a high-powered realtor in backwater Nebraska?
Review:
“Luke rose to his feet and stepped closer, his hand gentle as he laid it on Mitchell’s hip. He leaned in to cut off Mitchell’s words with a soft kiss. Oh, God, that felt incredible.”
5 Take Me Down stars!!! Sizzling sexy on every level!
Mitchell is starting over, after his marriage was called off three years ago, when his friend Luke swore he saw Mitchell, cheating on his soon to be wife in a gay club. Embarassed and not ready to explain his life he fled to NYC. Busy with his new job as a realtor, he has no time to date, let alone deal with his sexuality. Then he’s brought back to his small hometown in Nebraska. Luke has spent the last three years, feeling horrible for maybe “outing” his best friend and ruining his wedding. Luke, is now ready to make a life for himself and continue his career as an MMA fighter. His heart is set a flutter when he finds out his friend Mitchell is back in town to sell the gym that Luke trains at. Luke tries to convince Mitchell to let him run the gym instead of selling it, but Mitchell also has to deal with the fallout of him leaving and his parents who just can’t accept him. And while dealing with all of this, these two are somehow drawn together in an explosive encounter that will leave you begging for more. But can these two opposites come together over the scrutiny of a small town?
Listen, I will read virtually anything that Sierra Riley writes, so I knew I’d love this book too! She knows how to write a hot story, with even hotter characters that have depth and meaning! This book hit me on every level. I loved the struggle, I loved the characters, I loved the story….basically I loved everything!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
March 6, 2016
Mitchell was deliberately outed by his friend in the days before his wedding to Emily. He left Nebraska and headed to New York, where he gained an excellent reputation as a realtor for million dollar homes. When his uncle passes away unexpectedly, he has to return to the tiny town and decide if he wants to keep the MMA gym his uncle left him, or sell it.
Luke is an MMA fighter living and working at the gym. Always out and proud, he’s used to being the town’s pariah, but outing his friend and then discovering that it wasn’t actually Mitchell that he saw has left him a social outcast anywhere outside of the gym environment. Worse yet is the knowledge that he was wrong, but that Mitchell never said anything in his own defense - he just left, increasing Luke’s guilty conscience.
When Mitchell flies home, he stays in the room that his uncle occupied - right across the hall from Luke. Luke is surprised at his reaction to the lean and lithe Mitchell - he’s beautiful, and Luke wants a taste, but can Mitchell find it in his heart to forgive Luke, or will Luke’s heart end up bruised and battered?
I enjoyed a great many aspects of this book. The premise is solid, and the main characters are written quite well. My only major issue is the ease with which these two men fell into a relationship. Okay, I can see physical attraction, and I can even see Mitchell’s point of view about the whole outing situation, but it was almost too easy. The only real drama came from outside sources, so that fell a little flat for me. Mitchell’s parents machinations and his own capitulations rather than standing up for himself were frustrating to me. It was as if he’d reverted to being a child rather than the successful adult he’d made of himself.
The chemistry between the two men is hot and steamy, and I enjoyed Mitchell’s explorations of himself and what he wanted in his encounters with Luke. All in all, I give this 3.5 stars, rounding up for sites that don’t allow halves (why don’t these sites allow halves, for crying out loud?!). This is a debut book for this author, and I look forward to seeing what else she puts forth and how her skills grow.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
Luke is an MMA fighter living and working at the gym. Always out and proud, he’s used to being the town’s pariah, but outing his friend and then discovering that it wasn’t actually Mitchell that he saw has left him a social outcast anywhere outside of the gym environment. Worse yet is the knowledge that he was wrong, but that Mitchell never said anything in his own defense - he just left, increasing Luke’s guilty conscience.
When Mitchell flies home, he stays in the room that his uncle occupied - right across the hall from Luke. Luke is surprised at his reaction to the lean and lithe Mitchell - he’s beautiful, and Luke wants a taste, but can Mitchell find it in his heart to forgive Luke, or will Luke’s heart end up bruised and battered?
I enjoyed a great many aspects of this book. The premise is solid, and the main characters are written quite well. My only major issue is the ease with which these two men fell into a relationship. Okay, I can see physical attraction, and I can even see Mitchell’s point of view about the whole outing situation, but it was almost too easy. The only real drama came from outside sources, so that fell a little flat for me. Mitchell’s parents machinations and his own capitulations rather than standing up for himself were frustrating to me. It was as if he’d reverted to being a child rather than the successful adult he’d made of himself.
The chemistry between the two men is hot and steamy, and I enjoyed Mitchell’s explorations of himself and what he wanted in his encounters with Luke. All in all, I give this 3.5 stars, rounding up for sites that don’t allow halves (why don’t these sites allow halves, for crying out loud?!). This is a debut book for this author, and I look forward to seeing what else she puts forth and how her skills grow.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
March 11, 2016
2.5 stars.
I just don't know... Unfortunately, It just completely did not work for me.
It felt all over the place and I almost DNF it.
Sorry, not for me :(
I just don't know... Unfortunately, It just completely did not work for me.
It felt all over the place and I almost DNF it.
Sorry, not for me :(
March 2, 2016
(An ARC was provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
3.5 stars
I don’t believe I’ve read a story about an MMA fighter before, so I was looking forward to duking it out with the characters. Unfortunately, it was me that got sucker-punched.
Mitchell Keane has come home to Nebraska to take over or sell his Uncle Toby’s gym which he inherited upon his uncle’s untimely death. The kicker is that the main up-and-coming fighter that trains in the gym is none other than Luke, the man who outed him just weeks before he was set to marry. Mitchell moved to New York City and made a name for himself as a realtor for high-end properties. He has some regrets, but mostly he’s just thankful to be able to live as a gay man without hiding who he really is.
Luke’s got some apologizing to do, and once he does, there’s mad chemistry between the ex-best friends. However, the figurative mad chemistry didn’t come over well in the writing. I just couldn’t bond with either of these men. The emotions were written, but I never felt them.
There were a few ticking points that threw me out of the story several times. For example, the word flick was used four times in the first two chapters. Grrr. And Luke wearing jeans and a big buckled belt while working in the gym. Don’t most employees wear sweatpants nowadays? And the tattoos… Oh, I got hot under the collar when I read Luke was covered in them, but then I had to wait until halfway through the story until the author decided to reveal what they were. In the meantime, Luke was shirtless almost the entire story, and nary a mention of a single tat along the way.
The saving grace of this whole story is the fight scene in the last quarter of the book. The descriptions are vivid and realistic, enabling me to mostly picture the scene and feel the emotions playing out for Luke as he fought. The ending definitely upped my rating a half point.
Overall, a decent read, and worth the struggle to get to the end.
3.5 stars
I don’t believe I’ve read a story about an MMA fighter before, so I was looking forward to duking it out with the characters. Unfortunately, it was me that got sucker-punched.
Mitchell Keane has come home to Nebraska to take over or sell his Uncle Toby’s gym which he inherited upon his uncle’s untimely death. The kicker is that the main up-and-coming fighter that trains in the gym is none other than Luke, the man who outed him just weeks before he was set to marry. Mitchell moved to New York City and made a name for himself as a realtor for high-end properties. He has some regrets, but mostly he’s just thankful to be able to live as a gay man without hiding who he really is.
Luke’s got some apologizing to do, and once he does, there’s mad chemistry between the ex-best friends. However, the figurative mad chemistry didn’t come over well in the writing. I just couldn’t bond with either of these men. The emotions were written, but I never felt them.
There were a few ticking points that threw me out of the story several times. For example, the word flick was used four times in the first two chapters. Grrr. And Luke wearing jeans and a big buckled belt while working in the gym. Don’t most employees wear sweatpants nowadays? And the tattoos… Oh, I got hot under the collar when I read Luke was covered in them, but then I had to wait until halfway through the story until the author decided to reveal what they were. In the meantime, Luke was shirtless almost the entire story, and nary a mention of a single tat along the way.
The saving grace of this whole story is the fight scene in the last quarter of the book. The descriptions are vivid and realistic, enabling me to mostly picture the scene and feel the emotions playing out for Luke as he fought. The ending definitely upped my rating a half point.
Overall, a decent read, and worth the struggle to get to the end.
March 8, 2016
Title: Takedown
Author:Sierra Riley
Reviewer:Keri Tabor
Release Date:February 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M, Fighter
Page Count:276
Heat Level: 3.75 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
Four Rounded Up Stars
Mitchell and Luke have known each other for years, and one small mistake cost Mitchell his future as he had planned and Luke his best friend.
These two come together years later and Mitchell instantly forgives Luke for his communication error in the past. I like that that these two had chemistry but the actual relationship felt rushed and unplanned. The past wasn’t actually explained in detail but other random things were, I had a hard time connecting with many areas of this book. I liked the way Luke and Mitchell stood up for each other when needed but I was left wondering why they were actually having to. The author did a good job and tying up the loose ends at the end of the book, but I think I just wanted more.
All in all a quick and easy read.
Review Copy of Takedown provided by the Author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
Author:Sierra Riley
Reviewer:Keri Tabor
Release Date:February 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M, Fighter
Page Count:276
Heat Level: 3.75 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
Four Rounded Up Stars
Mitchell and Luke have known each other for years, and one small mistake cost Mitchell his future as he had planned and Luke his best friend.
These two come together years later and Mitchell instantly forgives Luke for his communication error in the past. I like that that these two had chemistry but the actual relationship felt rushed and unplanned. The past wasn’t actually explained in detail but other random things were, I had a hard time connecting with many areas of this book. I liked the way Luke and Mitchell stood up for each other when needed but I was left wondering why they were actually having to. The author did a good job and tying up the loose ends at the end of the book, but I think I just wanted more.
All in all a quick and easy read.
Review Copy of Takedown provided by the Author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
August 8, 2017
3.5*** Meet Mitchell, previously closeted guy, who "escaped" his small town life and its small mindedness. Truth is, he ran after he was outed, and didn't really look back. His parents are an extreme shit show, which they prove the minute he gets back into town. He returns because his uncle has passed away, and willed his gym to Mitchell. In his absence, Luke, his ex-best friend, (the person who outed him), is running the gym with his MMA trainer. There is instant attraction between the two, a brief apology, and before you know it they're knockin' boots.
I wish there was a little more time spent on their history. What were the actual details surrounding the outing? Were there feelings there between Mitchell and Luke before? When Mitchell was outed, their fractured friendship even came to blows and now it's just fine, apology accepted, let's freak? This wasn't a huge turn off, but it left me with a bit of a disconnect. I guess it felt a little bit shallow, too fabricated. Give me some angst. Describe some emotions. It doesn't have to be Emily Bronte level, but it goes a long way in helping me empathize with a character. The other thing I didn't fully understand was Mitchell's parents' abject hate towards Luke. I get that they are the stubbornly, willfully ignorant, homophobic jack hole types, but they specifically set out to destroy Luke. It added some drama and the added side of fighting anti gay sentiment, but it just really didn't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
In general, it was still a good story, with a triumphant HEA.
I wish there was a little more time spent on their history. What were the actual details surrounding the outing? Were there feelings there between Mitchell and Luke before? When Mitchell was outed, their fractured friendship even came to blows and now it's just fine, apology accepted, let's freak? This wasn't a huge turn off, but it left me with a bit of a disconnect. I guess it felt a little bit shallow, too fabricated. Give me some angst. Describe some emotions. It doesn't have to be Emily Bronte level, but it goes a long way in helping me empathize with a character. The other thing I didn't fully understand was Mitchell's parents' abject hate towards Luke. I get that they are the stubbornly, willfully ignorant, homophobic jack hole types, but they specifically set out to destroy Luke. It added some drama and the added side of fighting anti gay sentiment, but it just really didn't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
In general, it was still a good story, with a triumphant HEA.
February 29, 2016
** ARC received by author in exchange for an honest review **
Firstly a Thank You to the author for sending me a copy of your book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Takedown is a debut M/M novel from Sierra Riley about successful realtor Mitchell Keane who returns to his hometown to oversee a gym that was left to him by his late uncle..the one snag to his return..Luke Hanson, the sexy, tatted, sometimes hot tempered, muscles-to-mars MMA fighter who not only works at the gym but lives above it as well, he also just happens to be the one and only person who "outed" Mitchell to his then fiance Emily causing Mitchell to seek refuge in NYC.
Takedown is a genuine love story between two gorgeous men who through time, perserverance an forgiveness come together, of course there is a good dose of sexual tension between Mitch and Luke which makes the sex explosive especially when Luke goes all neanderthal on Mitch's ass (pun intended)!
This novel has it all..2 sexy men, fighting, love,a hardass trainer, doubt, hot tempers, a dodgy cop, 3 homophobic brothers with violent tendancies and parents who are so unsupportive of their son you just feel like shoving them into a cage with Luke and letting him go a few rounds with them.
If you have a love for reading M/M as I do then Takedown is definately recommended and should be added to your reading lists.
Firstly a Thank You to the author for sending me a copy of your book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Takedown is a debut M/M novel from Sierra Riley about successful realtor Mitchell Keane who returns to his hometown to oversee a gym that was left to him by his late uncle..the one snag to his return..Luke Hanson, the sexy, tatted, sometimes hot tempered, muscles-to-mars MMA fighter who not only works at the gym but lives above it as well, he also just happens to be the one and only person who "outed" Mitchell to his then fiance Emily causing Mitchell to seek refuge in NYC.
Takedown is a genuine love story between two gorgeous men who through time, perserverance an forgiveness come together, of course there is a good dose of sexual tension between Mitch and Luke which makes the sex explosive especially when Luke goes all neanderthal on Mitch's ass (pun intended)!
This novel has it all..2 sexy men, fighting, love,a hardass trainer, doubt, hot tempers, a dodgy cop, 3 homophobic brothers with violent tendancies and parents who are so unsupportive of their son you just feel like shoving them into a cage with Luke and letting him go a few rounds with them.
If you have a love for reading M/M as I do then Takedown is definately recommended and should be added to your reading lists.
March 8, 2016
An ARC was given to me for an honest review. This is an entertaining hot read about two young men who grew up together. One ended up leaving town due to some incorrect information getting out about him precipitated by the other man. He's back to take care of some business due to a death in his family and the business also concerns the other man. This is a very good read about the ignorance and bias of some in this town including his parents. It also shows that the other guy is willing to fight for their rights to live the life they want. Because sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Enjoy I did.
March 21, 2016
What an explosive book. :3 I really loved the idea of the MMA fighter Luke and his new manager and former friend Mitchell. :3
The emotions were overwhelming, totally palpable and authentic. :3
I loved the tension between the guys several times and of course I really liked the fights. Well described, I felt sometimes directly into it. :3
5 out of 5 stars. I alread bought the other two works of the author. :3
The emotions were overwhelming, totally palpable and authentic. :3
I loved the tension between the guys several times and of course I really liked the fights. Well described, I felt sometimes directly into it. :3
5 out of 5 stars. I alread bought the other two works of the author. :3
March 5, 2016
It was very well written love story. Through miss understanding. Mitchell left his home town and his up coming marriage, Luke who was the one who thought Mitchell was cheating on his fiancé. Told her what he saw. But three yes later they are set on a roller coaster to find love and happiness. Long but very enjoyable. I was given this to for a honest review.
May 12, 2016
This was a pretty decent effort from a new to me author. The writing was good and it seemed like the author knew a lot about MMA training. The sex scenes were hot. I think that the MCs could have used a little better communication and they texted like teenage girls. Do grown men actually use heart emoticons?
Read
March 2, 2016DNF @54%
March 22, 2016
Just did NOT like this. Nope. Not at all. Will elaborate this week ...
March 11, 2016
DNF 18%
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