Bare Knuckle Luke

Ultimate Shifting Championship #5

by Kim Fox

Honey badger shifter, Luke, has happily worked as a bartender at The Bar Knuckle for years until a dangerous new threat comes to town and ruins everything. When the billionaire dragon shifter, Dax Winters, takes over the bar and threatens his friends and new mate, Luke is the only shifter in town willing to stand up to the terrifying beast.

BBW and helicopter pilot, Noel, has been tormented by her dragon shifter boss for years. Dax has destroyed everything in his path until they come to a tiny town in the middle of the Canadian forest with a tough, hot, honey badger shifter who finally stands up to him. Could Luke be more than just Noel's savior? Could he also be the one?

Luke and Dax's rivalry will come to a head on fight night at The Bar Knuckle where Luke will be fighting for his mate. But can a honey badger defeat a dragon in a cage match?

  

   
By popular demand, the tough, scrappy honey badger shifter gets his own story! You asked for it - you got it! Enjoy Luke :)

HEA. No Cliffhanger. 18+

Genres: Shapeshifters

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2016

About the author

A hot, new paranormal romance writer who loves Werebears and the tough, BBW that can handle them.

Her latest series is Smokejumpers: Werebear (Bear Shifters of Flathead Forest) a cast of fun, lovable and sexy smokejumping shifters. Each book focuses on a different member of the crew and the women that they fall for.


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Reviews

[ChattyChik21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had my doubts

But dang Luke is a true bad ass and this was an adorable conclusion to the series. Minimal angst lots of hot times and hot shifters though if I’m honest the sexy times were a bit lacking in this book seemed very rote and almost silly but hey he taught a dragon.

[Veronica Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of Luke and Noel. I kinda wish Dax wasn't a bad guy he could have been reformed. Oh well ... :)

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke is a honey badger, the scariest shifter in town, and works at the Bar Knuckle. He has been been alone for the entire series and has begun to want a mate, but even with the influx of women in town no one has caught his eye. There is a new threat in town, Dax Winters, a dragon shifter, has the intention of ruining everything, and he shows up with Noel. Noel, a helicopter pilot and human, believes in facing her fears. She got her pilot license after her parents will killed in a helicopter crash.

Dax is used to getting everything he wants, and doesn't take no for an answer. He has decided he wants to take over the town, the bar, and Cash Logging which he put in an offer for $25 million dollars until Skylar tells him no. As a result he decides to burn half of the forest down. To prevent Dax from taking over the bar, all the shifters, and control of Noel Luke decides to fight him for everything and if Dax loses he leaves town. We see Dax really is worse than we thought, especially after we learn what he did to Noel and her family. I am glad we are able to see his downfall in the end. Luke and Dax's match in the cage is one to go down in the history books, it was unlike any other fight we've seen.

I am so glad that Luke finally got his story and found a mate. Just like everyone else in the series, he had help in wooing, his mate, Noel, who just happens to be human, and change both their lives. Since Noel is under contract with Dax, she will be leaving when Dax decides to move on. Luke will do whatever it takes to keep her and save his town. All I've got to say is Luke is one bad ass honey badger! I am sad to see the series ending, no more warm beers or fights to blow off steam, and no more asking your friends to help you woo your mate. Luke's story was another knuckle knocking good read.

Received ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is only fitting that the final Bare Knuckle has a fight with the worst enemy yet—a dragon. Not a noble, crime fighting dragon, but a bad guy you can only hate. When the nasty dragon comes to town it is for what the rest of the town is mourning, but for him a celebration.

Luke has plans, the Bare Knuckle may be the kind of bar where wearing a clean Tee Shirt is being overdressed, but it is the main hub of this timber town--and Luke's home. The owner no longer runs the bar, but is the reason the nasty boy has come to town. Along with the dragon is his helicopter pilot, Noel. Luke hasn't been one to go after the women even now that the town seems filled with them—until Noel.

The first date tradition of the other books holds true and the guys help out again. No tights this time, but it is a spectacular first date, sweet and touching. While Luke knows Noel is not with Dax because she likes, respects, or even wants the pay working for him, but the dragon has her on a contract. Breaking the contract is not an option. However, she is Luke's and he plans to make sure she can stay no matter how strong an opponent.

The dragon wants more and it isn't good for anyone. Luke has to save Noel, his mate, and the whole town and company. No one has been able to beat him in the cage fights, but a dragon? As brave as he is can Luke save the town, the bar and most importantly, Noel? Will the town support him? Or will the dragon win and use his fire to take down everything? And, will Noel be tied to his contract forever?

Luke's tenacity, tenderness and touching actions with Noel, his love of town and friends are things we should all strive for. For me, Luke is a super-hero. Read this one and see what you think. A strong recommend from me. I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for a honest review. I love this series. Don’t worry this is a standalone, so if you have not read any of the other books in the series you will be just find. Then if you have read the previous book then you will probably be so familiar with the character in the book. I was so happy to see a book come out about Luke. I have always loved Luke so for him to have a story with him as the main character almost wants to make me do a fist pump and scream “YES!!!”

This little town is having more women to come in it and work for Cash Loggings but none of these females have got Luke’s honey badger to perk up. Luke longs for what he is seeing his friend have, he wants a true mate. Some one that the universe put on earth for him and him alone.

There is a circumstance that happens that brings this scum bag Dax Winters to town. I am not going to say what that circumstance is, sorry you will need to read the book to find out. I will say along with Dax he brings Dax’s slave, sorry I mean pilot with him. This pilot happens to be Luke’s future mate.

Noel seems emotional scared. Dax had really tore her down. She had lost everything that meant something to her and now here she was in Dax’s clutches. She feared Dax and all in good reason. He was this cruel dragon shifter. He loved bring destruction, If Dax was interested in something and did not get what he wanted then you knew there was trouble going to follow. He was an arrogant prick.

Luke’s mate needs saving. Dax does not plan on letting her go. Luke will die trying to save her. The question is can a honey badger really take on a dragon?

This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved reading how Luke went above and beyond to swoon Noel. He was just what she needed to start feeling again. This is a story I highly recommend worth reading.

[Elizabeth/snoopypeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke, a honey badger shifter, is a tough but fair bartender/bouncer in a shifter run logging town. Reeling from just losing his oldest and one of his closest friends, he is furious when the funeral is interrupted by a helicopter and it's disrespectful pilot. Seeing her in his bar is the last straw.

Noel, is a pilot for a boss she loathes. Being mistreated and harassed by the psychopath has become her normal routine. Flying her boss into the middle of a funeral was mortifying and something she would have never done if she had a choice. Running into the sexy, furious shifter from the funeral was unexpected. But she can't help but feel a strong pull to make things right with him.

I've read the other books in this series and I was eagerly awaiting Luke's story. He is such a vibrant character and cornerstone for the series. I can tell you it was worth the wait! Epic dragon vs honey badger shifter, come on who wouldn't want to see the outcome of that! Noel is so sweet but beaten down, but Luke brings a fierceness and a strength out in her that she had all along. These two together are sweet and they light the sheets on fire. The writing is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what's next. Fantastic story for any shifter, or romance reader!


Received a copy for an honest review.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*


BARE KNUCKLE LUKE(Ultimate Shifting Championship #5) by Kim Fox


Honey badger shifter Luke, loves his job as a bartender, his worked for his friend, at The Bar Knuckle for years. Until a death and a new owner turns up. The arrogant billionaire shifter doesn't turn up alone, he arrives with Luke's mate in tow. But nothing is ever simple and straightforward in Laughlin City. Dragons. Honey Badgers. Humans. Fire. Never good combinations. Luke always wins his battles, his never met an opponent he couldn't beat but on this occasion the odds are stacked against him. Or are they? Never underestimate a shifter fighting for his mate.


I love this series, and was so glad to read Luke's story after reading everyone else's. I think this book is my favourite so far. I loved Luke, he was such a sweet and thoughtful guy, and Noel was absolutely perfect for him. The storyline was intriguing and filled with drama, suspense, action, and romance. There was a little overuse of some words but nothing too drastic. Otherwise overall a really enjoyable read.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

the story we've all been waiting for : Luke, the honey-badger! and what a story it is!
his mentor dies... it leaves them all wondering what is going to happen to the bar. luke has saved enough cash to buy it, if possible.
but during the funeral they're interrupted by a helicopter landing. turns out leo had one brother who had one son: the one who inherited everything, including the bar.
dax winter has trouble written all over him. being a dragonshifter he's convinced everything and everyone will bow to him. but he hasn't met luke yet. dax tries his very best to make things a nightmare for the small town, and not just for luke but also for the logging company.
there is one bright spark. the helicopter pilot. luke snaps at her but his animal is quickly convincing him she's the one. after he bonds with her, he knows all bets are off.

join us with the conclusion to this series. we've gotten to know luke through the previous books and i'm sure a lot of us were rooting for him. we were not disappointed with his story! what a ride that was!!! sad it's over but i'm sure Kim will grave us with another wonderful series soon.

free copy given in exchange for an honest review

[Beth Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last story in the Bare Knuckle series. It can be read as a standalone but is better if read in order. This last book will absolutely keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to end. It is only fitting that the final Bare Knuckle story has a fight with the worst enemy yet—a dragon. This is not a noble dragon, but a bad ass you can only hate.
Luke is a honey badge who just lost his very best friend, Leo the owner of The Bar Knuckle. While in the middle of Leo's funeral a helicopter lands bringing in Dax Winters a billionaire dragon shifter just happens to be Leo's nephew & the new owner of the Bar Knuckle. Noel is a female human and Dax's helicopter pilot. She is very emotional scarred from this Dragon shifter. She has lost everyone and thing that matter to her and is now in his clutches. Oh, and she also just happens to be Luke's mate.
This story is full of suspense, drama, action, grief, danger, hope, friendship, plenty of twists and turns ant true love in the fight for freedom. Please pick this story up and enjoy.
... the final Bare Knuckle has a fight with the worst enemy yet—a dragon
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke may be a smaller than average shifter but it doesn't mean you should fear him any less!!! This Honey Badger is one mean, stand his ground, never-give-up fighting machine all wrapped up in a sweetheart shell!!! He and his friends have found a home at the Bar Knuckle but when their friend and mentor dies and the bar gets left to a mysterious relative, Luke hopes to buy the bar from them and keep it just the way it is.

When the dragon shifter, Dax Winters, arrives and lays claim to the bar and generally throws his not insubstantial weight around, Luke's inner badger hackles go up. And when he says who Dax treats Noel, his pilot-come-slave, well that's the last straw. Cos Noel is his mate and no one treats his mate like a plaything!!!!

Noel is a fabulously well written characters. You can see she is smart ( she flies a helicopter for cripes sake!!) but still kind of naive. She backed herself into a corner working with Dax but uses everything she can find against his evil plans. I loved Luke! He is just to sweet and fun. Their first date is truly spectacular! Wish my hubby had done that for me! Loved it from beginning to end and have now read it twice!!!

[Nancy Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke is a honey badger shifter that is feared by the entire shifter community. He is lonely for a mate but even with the addition of the females to the logging camp, there is no one that has peaked his interest. Leo, the owner of the Bare Knuckle bar dies and his nephew, Dax, comes in to not only take over the bar but to take over the logging camp and make the shifters work for him. Skye isn't planning on selling the logging business to Dax but then again, Dax, always gets what he wants. Noel is his pilot and is pretty much owned by Dax. She has her own reasons to want Dax to get what is coming to him. Luke ends up in the cage with Dax, never guess what he is, and the fight is on. Noel is only human but Luke has found out she is his mate. So what is Luke to do? She will be leaving with Dax when he moves on. Fast read but one that you can't put down. I really enjoyed the book and there are a few surprises. The author did a great job keeping you involved in the story. Enjoy.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 2 years Cash Loggings is thriving, over 200 girls are working there now and Bar Knuckle is doing great! Most of the guys are mated and happy, but Honey Badger Luke feels lonely. He may have an admirer, but he doesn't want a one night stand, he wants what the other guys have, someone to wake up to every morning.

Honey Badger shifter Luke is happy being at Bar Knuckle with his BFF Leo and his buddies, but he is lacking a warm body to snuggle up to and he doesn't think he'll ever find her among all the women that have come to work at Cash Loggings. Then he loses the one person who ever gave a darn about him and everything crashes. Then a chance at the happiness he never thought to find comes flying in and everything changes for everybody, especially Luke..Will he be able to find the happiness he wants and will he be able to keep everyone safe from the evil that has flown in with his mate?

Again that darn rollercoaster! Sadness, fear, excitement, joy and let's not forget.....passion! Read to find out what happens in this thrilling action packed story.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke loves the bar and the town. He hoped to find his mate like so many others but it hasn't happened until a dragon shifter brings Noel to town. This dragon wants to take control over the town and keep Noel under his control as well. She wants her freedom but no one has stood up to him. Luke intends to keep this dragon out of his town and free the women he knows is his mate.

I have liked the series and it is always sad to see one end and say goodbye to the characters you grow to enjoy so much. Each book is a standalone but the characters from earlier books are a major part of the story. To get the most enjoyment, I recommend reading them all in order.

I like that the author puts quite a bit of humor in the stories to balance out some of the more harsher parts of the stories dealing with the fights. The first dates have been funny and sweet in each story. These shifters really step up when their mate is in danger and needs them to be strong.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.

[Gwendolyn Thaggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sad news for the residents of Laughlin City, one of the crew is no longer with us. In the wake of the loss a new enemy emerges to cause trouble. Trouble comes in the form of Dax Winters. Dax is the next of kin for our dearly departed. He is big-shot richy, rich. He is arrogant. He is rude. He's also a dragon shifter. He has a human companion with him, Noel. She is his helicopter operator and whipping post. This story revolves around honey badger, Luke-who has just been reunited with Dakota after she took time off to raise her little one. Then, the worst happens and it throws Luke off balance. Luckily, one glance at Noel straightens him out quite good. Dax tries to throw his money around, but no one is buying it or his attitude. In Laughlin City, they end all conflicts in the cage, if you wanna know who came out on top. You must read this book!

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bare Knuckle Luke (Ultimate Shifter Championship Series Book 5) byKim Fox
Luke manages the Bar Knuckle Bar, it is the only entertainment in town. It has a large metal cage for fighting and settling things in Laughlin City. There is a fight about to start, the two men climb into the cage and waited for the owner Leo to come out of his office and start the fight. Leo has been falling a sleep a lot at the bar and he didn't look good. Luke wants Leo to go see a Doctor. Leo grabs his top hat and heads for the cage. The shifters fight and Leo goes back to his office. When the bar closes Luke goes and checks on Leo. He shakes Leo trying to wake him. This is another great book in this series I have loved every story. This book has so many twist, love and sex in it. It is a fast and enjoyable read. I was given this book for my honest opinion.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be the last book in the Bare Knuckle series, I do not want to see it end.Luke a Honey badger shifter has been happy working the bar for his boss Leo ,but Luke is worried about Leo he does not look well, after one of the fight nights Luke goes to wake Leo, but finds he has died in his sleep. The town makes all the arrangements and are at the cemetery when a helicopter lands being disrespectful to Leo , Luke is very angry! The Helicopter pilot Noel was forced to land the copter by her evil boss billionaire dragon shifter, Dax Winters, who for years has made her life uncomfortable. Dax now threatens the bar, Noel who turns out being Luke's mate and Luke’s friends . On fight night Luke challenges Dax to a cage fight..What happens? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net

[Treena Beavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kim, ever since book 1 I've wanted to know more about Luke ( honey badger). This was awesome I loved his story.

With a shock start it's straight into tugging at the emotions, Luke pulls himself out of his grief with the hope to buy Bar Knuckle and to continue the dream he and his best friend had for the Bar.

Enter Dax - Billionaire dragon shifter his dramatic entrance has our bad ass badger on edge. It's not long before Dax has the whole town under threat. Things go from bad to worse as Dax and Luke go head to head.

Sweet little Noel, is caught in the middle, finding feelings for Luke, but afraid of her Boss, Dax.
Everything is on the line as Luke and Dax step into the cage to solve their issues Bar Knuckle Style.
A fantastic end to a very enjoyable series.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the unexpected death of one of Laughlin City's most popular shifters, his next of kin turns up to disrupt everything. Luke wants to buy the bar and keep it running the way it always has. Dax the billionaire dragon shifter wants to destroy it and take over Cash Loggings so that he has control of the shifters that work there.
Noel is the helicopter pilot for Dax, she hates her boss but he controls her whole life, and is far too powerful to get away from.
This is part of a series that is best read in order. Our author has the knack of putting our heroes in impossible positions. How can a tough but small honey badger hope to fight a huge dragon.? Obviously there are incredible fights, but there are also lots of laughs and scorching hot sex. Laughlin City is a fun place to live. IF you have a hot shifter as a mate. I loved it.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books of the series. I'm glad Luke got his own book. He's been kicking ass since the beginning, and he's only had to do it mostly with a look. Things are about to change at The Bare Knuckle. When a dragon comes to town thinking to take over everything. The Dragon Dax is flew into town by Noel, his scared little human pilot. She wants to break away from Dax but he will not allow it.
When Luke she's Noel he knows there's something different about her He has finally found his mate. Now Luke must save his mate, the bar and the town before Dax burns it all to the ground.
I'm going to miss The Bare Knuckle, with it colorful cast of characters. Hopefully it's not really the end and there will be more stories.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next installment in the Ultimate Shifting Championship series and having read all of the previous stories in this series I loved this one the most. I have been waiting for Luke to get his story and it was worth the wait. Putting a honey badger against a dragon shifter kept me right on the edge of my seat for the final outcome. I hated Dax right along with Luke right from his first scene in the story and wanted to see Luke put him in his place, like he had with every other shifter in the series. I loved Noel as a mate for Luke and was happy when they connected. This story had the best wrap up and ending so far in the series and I hope there is more to come from these shifters.

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about our favourite honey bagger Luke and it takes place 2 years later. Luke is still working for Leo his best friend at the Bare Knuckle bar but the old guy takes a turn for the worst and pass away without a will.

His next of kin come to the island. Wow Dax Winters is an rich, evil, dragon shifter and he his sooooo easy to hate. Lol His helicopter pilot is a human named Noel. She only has eyes for luke.
This was a fun power struggle story full of action, drama, and of course the evil Dax! It's was lots of fun to read and to come back to Laughin city and see old friends. I hope there are more stories planned! If your a shifter fan and love action you will love this story and it's a great add to your shifter library.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One butt kicking badger!

Loved this story, it worked its way right into my heart, with the sadness, sweetness, and love. Honey Badger Shifter Luke's friends are mated and most have little ones running around. His inner animal has been pining for his mate, but she has been nowhere to find. When someone close to Luke passes away, the death will bring with it an evil dragon shifter, and Noel a beautiful woman who is being forced to work for him. What will happen with Luke faces off with his foe, will he come out the victor and save the day or end up getting killed? I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke’s turn to get a mate. This story was amazing! A very special an original date, a spectacular battle with a horrific evil shifter that so far it has been the worst villain and the closure of a hurting past. Lot of action, romance, hot sex and unconditional friends that amused and entertained me a lot. There were unexpected details that added to the action and made the story a very interesting one. The author kept me so intrigued with the plot that I couldn’t stop reading until the end. The author was very crafty building the suspense and working with both Luke and Noel’s emotions. Very pleased with the story.

[wanda flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Luke's a honey badger shifter who tends bar .Noel is a curvy human helicopter pilot.These two meet when Noels dragon shifter boss comes to collect his inheritance the bar knuckle .Dax is a rich dragon with a dark side ,he's cruel to Noel and has hurt her in ways she can't even imagine.Luke wants Noel and to keep the town safe and the only way to do that is to slay the dragon which is easier said than done. Luke and Noel are in for a real fight .This book is a page turner that kept me glued to it until the end.I definitely recommend it to other paranormal readers looking for that next must read book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story despite a sad happening within the pages of this story. As with all great stories it has a happy ending. Noel is a helicopter pilot who flies Dax a dragon shifter in to town. They arrive at the Bar Knuckle where the town has gathered. Luke is the bartender and he is smitten despite his anger with Gax and Noel.

This story was well written, nicely paced and filled with action and a bit of romance. I can happily recommend this to any shifter romance fan.

I was given an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. Grab a copy I think you will be glad that you did.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Luke's story. I have been waiting for him to find his mate. But he is in for a shock as she is human. It is also a little bit sad as Leo the old lion shifter who owns the bar has just passed away and Luke has lost a very good friend and mentor. At his funeral Luke and the rest of the shifters and humans in Laughlin City have a surprise in store for them as Leo did have one relative Dax Winters who has just flown in his own private helicopter with his pilot Noel. Dax Winters is a shifter who is supposed to be extinct. Noel is in his employ with no hope of getting out, or does she? Thank you to Kim Fox for the lovely review copy. Highly recommend this series.

[Tara Dorough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bare Knuckle Luke was egg brot everything I had hoped it would be. I have really enjoyed this series by Kim Fox. Luke has been one of my favorite characters from the beginning. He is hot, tough as nails and a gentleman to the ladies. He deserved a special lady. Noel fit the bill perfectly. She is cute, sexy and smart. I loved the cage fight Luke got himself tied into. I'm not going to give away anything, but I will say his opponent's animal couldn't have been chosen any better. This series gets better with each new fight! Great job Kim. I can't wait to see who's next.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series I really enjoy, all these big rugged shifters being tamed by their sassy women, with drama and danger but also plenty of moments that make you grin as these strong men will go to any lengths to please their mates.
I've always had a soft spot for Luke and his story didn't disappoint. Luke is an unusual shifter to it seems only fitting to have him matched against another rare shifter but will this turn out to be one fight he can't win ? One thing is for sure, Bar Knuckle won't be the same again !

[Lynn Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is Luke and Noel's story. Noel is a human stuck in a contract with a dragon shifter whose relative has passed away. Luke has been the bartender at Bar Knuckle for many years and wants to buy it from the new owner. The dragon is one bad dude. He won't sell the bar and wants to by the logging company in town. Luke enters a fight to save Noel, the bar and the company. How in the world does a Honey Badger fight a dragon? Is their any hope of winning? This was a great story. I give it 5 stars.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review....

It's about time Luke gets his HEA! Luke's been the strong and silent type in the first 4 books of this series. I believe Kim found the perfect mate for him! The plot was interesting and full of action. Those dragon shifters always seem to create havoc! The characters were well-developed and easily relatable as in all of Kim's books. I can't say enough about Kim and how well she knows her readers. I hope this isn't the end of the series! I need more of Wyatt's goofball antics!