She was resistant, but he was insistent. A heart isn't safe when you fight dirty.
Leena Clark is independent, fierce, and most importantly, always in control. As an event planner those are excellent qualities to have. Carrying those into a personal life doesn't translate well, but that isn't something that concerns her. She's content living blissfully in her spinsterhood. However, when temptation and foolish curiosity clash, she allows the one man she shouldn't to get close to her. After insisting it was a mistake, she finds herself relying on the fighter for help out of a difficult situation. But his help comes with a price.
Gavril Alenin has been waiting for the opportunity to get close to the beautiful, self-assured, and guarded Leena, and her moment of weakness is his chance to fight for the future he wants. Now in his fifteenth year as a professional MMA fighter, he's ready to get out of the game, but not without a very specific plan: fight for the title one last time, then settle down with the reluctant Leena. But when he finally gets close to the girl of his dreams, everything else in his world falls apart.
When life turns their world on its head they have to decide if what they have is worth the fight, or will they lose it all because of fears and broken dreams?
Content Warning: contains graphic language, some violence, sex, and adult content
After reading A.K. Layton's Dirty Boxing I have come to one important conclusion... The world of romance needs more Russian heroes, especially if they are anything like Gavril Alenin. I fell hard for him as a secondary character in Don't Tap Out and that love grew immensely in Dirty Boxing. The man is sex personified. He wants Leena and will do anything, and I do mean anything, to get her. I loved his determination, both in the ring and with Leena. He'll fight dirty and has no qualms about it. Leena, on the other hand, shattered my heart. She's never known the wonders of love and she's envious of those around her that have it. She doesn't know how to react to a lot of Gavril's actions towards her because it is all foreign to her. When he professes his love, her first reaction is to run. But it is during their quiet moments that Leena's hidden loving nature comes out, almost without her realizing it. Gav and Leena truly brought out the best within each other. And because of that, I adored them as a couple.
I don't know which book I enjoyed more, Don't Tap Out or Dirty Boxing. I will say that Layton's fun writing style is evident in both books. I loved watching Leena and Gavril's story begin to form in the first book and I was totally enamored with them as they found happiness together in Dirty Boxing. The happy moments, the sad moments... I loved it all. Now I've got my fingers crossed that we see Kiki's book in the future because I would definitely want to come back to the T&A Gym again with new characters.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
Leena Clark is a feisty, take charge, plays by her own rules kind of girl. She believes there is no love for ever, at least for her, she is not capable of that. She doesn't do relationships, one night stands yes, relations no, she is too broken. When a certain Russian gets her in his sites she does everything she can to keep him at a safe distance. Will her walls start to crumble after his relentless pursuit?
Gavril Alenin is a tough MMA fighter who has fought for everything he wants. He has been in love with Leena since he first laid eyes on her. He know it will take time for her walls to crumble but he has patience. When an opportunity arises to let Leena see the real Gavril he takes it. When the unexpected happens can Leena be there for Gavril? Will her past experiences keep her heart at a distance? Leena is so emotionally confused she doesn't know how to handle her feelings for Gavril.
Gavril is so convinced Leena is the one for him he will do anything for her.
Funny, witty, and unexpected twists and turns. Loved the way the characters grow through the story and their interactions with each other.
This second book this series was just as good as the first one Don't Tap out.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dirty Boxing is the second book this series and I thought it was even better than the first one which I liked. Leena Clark is a take charge and do what she wants kind of girl. She only does one night no relationships for her as she thinks she's not capable of loving someone or being loved for herself and that's fine cause then she can't get hurt. Gavril Alenin has wanted and loved Leena from the first moment he set eyes on her. With him being a russian MMA fighter who's fought for everything he's has so he's not giving up on her. Will Gavril be able to get around the wall that Leena has? I loved the their funny banter they had. This is a great read and can't wait til the next one.
I was so excited for this book to come out. I read Don't Tap Out and I absolutely loved it. I wish I could give Dirty Boxing more than 5 stars! I loved Lenna and Gav's banter. The storyline was perfect as well as the ending. I didn't want it to end though, I just wanted their story to keep going. I can't wait to see what this author has up her sleeve for her next book. I'm hoping she writes about KiKi! Oh and I would definitely recommend this book!
I absolutely loved this story about Gavril & Leena. Leena is too proud to ever ask for help but she finds herself in a bind and Gavril becomes her knight. There are several surprises in the story line so keep on reading and don't forget to breath. I shed plenty of tears because I got so wrapped up in their story.
After reading Don't Tap Out, I couldn't wait to dive into Dirty Boxing. A.K. Layton writes in a way that makes you feel like you are in the book. Oh Gav! Who wouldn't want a sexy, Russion MMA fighter pursuing you? I loved watching Gav and Leena's relationship develop through the book. I just really loved this story!! I would recommend this book!