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Caleb Carmichael's star studded boxing career came to a screeching halt the day he ended up flat on his back in hospital.
If he fights again, he risks becoming permanently paralysed from the waist down. Professional Boxing is his whole life and he's lost without it, but he doesn't have a choice. Reluctantly, he cuts his losses and takes a job running the infamous Melbourne boxing studio, Beat.
But when a frightened woman turns up at the studio looking for a way to take her life back, Caleb realises there might be something out there for him after all.

Juliette Spicer was twenty-three when her twin sister was murdered.
Five years later, haunted by the public scrutiny, she changes her name and moves cities, only to find herself walking the streets the same night another crime is committed. The same crime that took her sister.
Realizing she can't escape her past, Juliette takes action and finds herself walking into a boxing studio, vowing never to be frightened again.
But what she finds there might save her in more ways than she was expecting.

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First published March 1, 2017

8 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Amity Cross

55 books784 followers
Amity Cross is the author of wicked stories about rock stars looking for redemption, gritty romances featuring MMA fighters and dark tales of forbidden romance. She loves to write about alpha males and the strong women who challenge them to fall in love.
Amity lives in a leafy country town near Melbourne, Australia and can be found chained to her desk, held at ransom by her characters.
Don’t send help. She likes it.

AVAILABLE SERIES:
The Beat and The Pulse - (Series Complete)
Unexpected - (Series Complete)
Royal Blood - (Series Complete)
L is for Luminous - (Stand Alone Romance)
The Thornfield Affair - (Series Complete)
The Devil’s Tattoo - (Series Complete)
Fortitude MC - (Series Complete)

And more coming soon!


Find out more about Amity and her books by visiting:
http://www.amitycrosswrites.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Amy.
693 reviews
February 9, 2017
Quake (The Beat And The Pulse #8)
Amity Cross
5 stars

And here he is! Caleb Carmichael! I have been waiting for this story and its such a great read!

Caleb as you know appeared in an earlier Beat And Pulse release .. BUT you dont have to have read the previous books to know the story. Amity does an excellent job giving us back story. However you need to know Ren and her man. Oh do you need to know Ash and Ren. Its where it all begins; this beautiful wonderful and amazing series. So yes Im telling you after this one go back and grab those up.

So back to Caleb -- a rising star who had his career cut short by a dirty boxer. A blow that changed his life forever. Rehab brought him to Beat Gym owned by Ren. Settling in, Caleb is training fighters and trying to find his way. Lost after the determination that he can never fight again. His father isn't thrilled as he could care less about his son's injuries and the possibilities that could forever put him in a wheelchair with one bad hit -- all he wants is his son back in the ring.

Juliette Spicer is a lost and scared woman. Changing everything about herself and getting away from her home was the best thing she could do. No one knows her here .. no one recognizes her. Running from her own shadows, not walking home after 8pm, not going out makes her captive in her own body and self. Seeing the police tape and the body covered with the sheet brings back too many memories. Maybe if she can protect herself if he ever comes after her she can defend herself.
Its time -- five years later to take her life back.

Caleb sees the frightened woman walk into his gym. Quickly she flees and he needs to know why.

From this point on the plot moves and weaves in ways that you wont believe. There are many characters who pop up that you think .. yup and then no. I love the Beat and Pulse family. You don't see many of the originals but you do hear from Ren. Love her and love this series more than ever. Caleb is a hit ... I didn't expect him to be so broken himself. Not the way we were initially introduced to him. You also wont believe who Juliette works for ....

Ok enough! Grab this one up! If you love the Beat and The Pulse this one is for you. If you haven't read any of this series then grab this up while you also grab up the others. Amity is a brilliant writer. You cannot go wrong with anything she puts out there. If you like a more "brutal read" then you need to dive into The Royal Blood Series -- HOLY X ....

Thank you Amity for the ARC! You are so awesome! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,030 reviews12 followers
February 10, 2017
ARC received from author for an honest review

Caleb is here! Caleb is here!

We have met him earlier in the series, but now we get his story woohoo

And what a story Quake is. From the minute Caleb and Juliette meet, my heart just knew that they were going to be what each other needed.

My heart broke for Juliette as we learn why she is as skittish as she is. There might have been tears but I cannot - or will not - confirm not deny!

Caleb is drawn. He needs to know her story. But it is more than that. So much more.

I don't want to give anything away, but there are people and things trying to keep our lovelies apart, and a bit of mystery and suspense throughout. Many times I thought I knew what was happening, but nope, the plot turns in ways I wasnt' expecting.

We didn't get many of the Beat and The Pulse family in this one, but we do get plenty of Ren - you need to meet Ren, she is the best!

There were times when I had such a visceral reaction to the story. My body tensed, I had such a strong hold on my kindle it is surprising it did not snap. I was mad as hell at what was going on and was on the verge of throwing my kindle across the room.

All signs of a good book to me!

I really enjoyed Quake and read it in one sitting. Now I can't wait to see what Ms Cross bring us next.



Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Mel.
644 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2017
When I was asked if I wanted to read this newest book in The Beat and The Pulse series I jumped on it fast! I absolutely LOVED the previous books and I was practically frothing at the mouth to get my greedy hands on this book. To say the least I fell just as hard for this book as I did the last. Caleb is delicious, strong and so wonderfully protective. Juliette is beautiful and so badly broken. She is working so hard to become what she needs herself to be. These two had no idea what was in store for them when Juliette innocently walked into Beat desperately needing the confidence the gym could give her. Sparks! Lots and lots of heat!

I think I have made it clear I loved the book and the characters. The plot its self was phenomenal. It had a great twist that if you didn't see coming will ratchet up the suspense quite a bit. There are a couple of characters you are going to love to really, really hate. And even a few more secondary ones you will just love to pieces. Even though this is book eight it stand on its own. But I why would you want to deprive yourself of the other books?! I can not wait for another book. I highly recommend this book to romance and romantic suspense lovers alike!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews160 followers
February 10, 2017
Both Juliette Spicer and Caleb Carmichael have a past that prevents them from truly moving forward because their baggage always finds a way to torment them and turn their lives upside down, constantly reminding them what they’ve lost and reinforcing that regardless of how much they fight for their new beginnings and work to transform into a better, stronger, and more able person, unless they truly unburden themselves from their past and keep their focus on their new lives, their pasts will continue to win.

Amity Cross characterizes Juliette in such a way that allows readers to truly understand why her metamorphosis is a work in progress. Changing her hair, her clothes, her job, and her city has given her a new path to follow, but it’s clear that there will still be successes and failures as she tries to handle her fears, her grief, and her anxiety, and when there are setbacks and all of the old feelings try to take back control, without someone truly seeing her and recognizing what’s beneath her new image/life, it will be incredibly difficult to not succumb to the anxiety that constantly threatens to take over.

Caleb’s past may not be as horrific as Juliette’s history is, but that doesn’t lessen the damage it has done to the man. As someone whose life has been defined by his fists and whose family aligns his value/worth based on his successes in the ring, his inability to continue as a professional fighter is something he needs to get used to and with his father finding fault in every decision he makes, Caleb is left feeling inferior and enraged at his father’s mistreatment.

But meeting Juliette gives Caleb a purpose and brings someone into his life who needs and wants him and also accepts him for the man he is, which allows him to find his own path in life - one that is not defined by his past but more so by love and honesty.

Juliette and Caleb come into each other’s life when they’re needed the most, and while a complete discussion of their pasts doesn’t happen right away, it’s clear that what’s developing between them is a relationship that can help them move forward and provide them with a new passion to hold onto, especially when doubts and fears surface.

Quake is a great addition to Amity Cross’ The Beat and the Pulse series, and Cross continues to illustrate how fighting techniques apply to every facet of life, inside and outside of the ring.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books).
1,080 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2017
"People always tell the story of the ones who were taken too soon, but what about those who were left behind? Who helps the living? No one. No one helps us."

I love this series and was so excited when this landed on my Kindle. Life has been cruel to Caleb, groomed from a young age to follow in his father's footsteps he is left reeling when he is left with an injury that stops his career dead in its tracks. Stuck one wrong move away from paralysis he feels unfulfilled and has to deal the constant weight of disappointment he feels from his parents. Being the manager and a trainer at Beat, a gym that is well known for producing fighters of quality, Caleb is merely existing not living. Until a frightened woman wanders in looking to make a change...

Juliette has a secret in her past and has changed who she was to keep it hidden. Scared of the dark amongst other things, a random act of violence jolts her back into her blood soaked past and makes her realise that only she can do something to make a change. Tired of being scared, tired of being defenceless she decides to learn how to live but merely survive...

Quake is less about the fighters and their efforts to win than previous books in this series although we spend time in the gym getting sweaty! We do get the odd snippet from Ren and its great to catch a glimpse of one of my favourite characters from the series, she is one seriously sassy female. This is a stand alone as you don't have to have read any of the previous books bug I highly recommend you do as they are filled with hotness. This story focuses more on two damaged souls that need a little tender loving care to recognise their own worth. Secrets and expectations complicate a slow building love as neither one of them have had a lot of experience with relationships. Juliette is stronger than she believes and Caleb just hadn't had a reason to stand up to his controlling parents before. They are each others catalysts to make much needed changes. There is angst, horror and joy with a high steam factor as these two try to melt your Kindle with their antics. The story has a great pace and the characters slowly reveal their vulnerability and haunting pasts. It was a welcome return to The Beat and Puked series I've missed it and can't wait for more.

A five star braver than you know read.

~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
Profile Image for Maria (semi hiatus).
547 reviews116 followers
January 3, 2020
This is by far my favorite book of the series. I loved Caleb so much, he’s a true hero!

The book is about Juliette and Caleb. Juliette’s twin sister was murdered and she can’t get past this. She decides to move to the other side of the country and have a complete make-over. She dyes her hair from light to dark so she won’t be recognized as the girl who’s sister was murdered. She can’t escape her past though, because one night she comes across a murder on the street on her way home. She fled home terrified and locks herself in the bathroom with a knife. Realizing she can’t go on like this any longer she decides to take a self defense class.

And that’s where she meets Caleb. A former boxer with an injury which made an end to his boxing career. One wrong hit and he can be paralyzed for life, a thing he will never risk. Now he’s the manager of the infamous gym Beat and their first meeting is a bit awkward. She’s shy and Caleb thinks he’ll never see her again, but a few days later Juliette is back for her self defense class. She’s not very good and falls behind the rest of her class. That’s when Caleb decides to give her personal lessons. The beginning of their sweet romance.

There are two villains in this book, first one is Caleb’s father. I could punch him in the face and can’t believe the things he says to Juliette. Caleb’s mother isn’t that much better either. The second villain is revealed later on in the book and was quite of a surprise.

I really loved both characters so much. Juliette is getting more confidence thanks to Caleb and he’s so sweet and protective. He knows she has a past she’s not ready to tell yet, but he waits patiently until she can tell him on her own terms. There is some drama, but Caleb fights for his Juliette and doesn’t give up on her.

A safe book, no sex with OW or OW drama.
Profile Image for Amanda White.
581 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2017
Awesome installment

I loved this book! I think I enjoyed this one more than the last couple in this series. I found Juliette's struggle really emotional and I adored the relationship between her and Caleb. Twists and turns of the story were great. Dialogue was really good and the writing fast paced and interesting.
Profile Image for Shannon Mcfarland.
669 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2017
After reading the blurb for Quake I was looking forward to reading this story. I was a bit excited when I got my hands on this book. It did not disappoint. Quake was a bit of a drama, thriller, romance, and erotic story all rolled into one.

Juliette Spicer is starting her life in Melbourne. She is just a meek little thing that is trying to survive after living through a terrible ordeal. Chance and a determination to live her life brings Juliette to a boxing studio in her neighborhood where she meets Caleb, the hot and sexy manager of Beat. A bit intimidated, Juliette embarrasses herself, but grabs Caleb's attention. Caleb is managing Beat after recovering from a devastating boxing injury. Never to box competitively again, Caleb is content to train up and coming boxers. However, he never knew what he was missing in his life until Juliette walked through his door.

Finding the "one" for you is an amazing thing. But, how do you overcome the past you are running from? Especially when it hides an awful secret? Caleb and Juliette will need to be strong to overcome the dark shadows of their past and the demons that are presently lurking at their door.

Quake was a good read with really good characters. I enjoyed the little plot twist with the characters. I thought the bad guy was going to be someone else and was pleasantly surprised when the dastardly man was unveiled. Although I despised Caleb's dad, I thought his character was sufficiently slimy and fit well into the story. A good read all around.

Profile Image for Jill.
786 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2017
Quake is the eighth book in The Beat and the Pulse series and features a character we met a while back. Rest assured you do not have to read the entire series as all the books can stand alone. This is a rather intense story of loss, love and finding strength to overcome the most devastating obstacles.
Juliette Spicer has decided to start over after living in a nightmare for the last five years. Losing her twin sister to an unsolved murder has left her a shell of her former self so she decided to move to Melbourne and change both her appearance and name. While a fresh start has helped she is still afraid of her own shadow and decides to enroll in a self-defense class at Pulse gym. Slowly but surely she starts to regain that confidence.
Caleb Carmichael was on the fast track to being a superstar in boxing until a cheating opponent almost paralyzed him. He was told to hang up his boxing gloves as it was too risky to continue. Making the best of his situation he decided to train/manage the boxers at Pulse gym where he runs into the most beautiful, but oddly skittish woman. Caleb is determined to find out more about her and hopefully ease some of her fears.  
Caleb's story is one I have been waiting a while for and Amity does not disappoint! The drama, angst, mystery and romance weave together seamless to make this story flawless from start to finish. Can't wait to see what she throws at us next :)
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,624 reviews151 followers
February 13, 2017
Caleb and Juliette have both dealt with pain different kinds of pain but it is still impacting on their lives when they meet at a turning point in their lives, can two people stuck in the past more forward together.

My heart hurt for Juliette she is an amazing character who we discover more about slowly as we read the story. I loved reading about her as she gained the strength to fight back against her demons, an incident in her past has left her scared of her own shadow. She decides to take control and visits a gym to get self defence training and it's here she meets Caleb.

Caleb is an intriguing man he's like a powder keg waiting to go off, he has all these emotions anger, hurt, betrayal and he's not sure how to handle them. When he meets Juliette he is immediately drawn to her he doesn't know why but there is something about her that calls out to him.

The story keeps you engaged throughout with characters I really fell for especially Caleb which I was not expecting. Really excited for the next one.
Profile Image for Louise White.
376 reviews20 followers
February 12, 2017
Having only read number seven of the series I welcomed the chance to go back to this series. I was so glad that I did! Again I found that I could read this story without having read the rest of the series, I didn't feel like I had missed out on anything. It's quiet novel to have that in a series.

Caleb and Juliette's story is a fantastic read. Caleb is settling into life as the manager and coach at the gym. Knowing that his boxing career is over he is making the best of what he can, even though its against his fathers wishes.

Juliette is new in town, looking for a fresh start, she is running from her past and its beginning to take over her life. Being scared and alone in a new city, she finally plucks up the courage to attend self defense classes at the local gym.

As a relationship blooms and things start go right for the couple, ghosts of Juliette's past start to come to out. What will happen when her big secret is revealed? Will Caleb still feel the same about her?

The book took several twists, one jaw dropping moment happening between Juliette and Caleb's Father that had me shouting out "Oh no he didn't!".

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to delve into more of the series!
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,079 reviews57 followers
February 9, 2017
Another great read from Amity Cross. Quake is book 8 in the series but it can be read as a standalone as Amity gives you enough back story to understand whats going on. This one is Caleb's story, its one that I was really excited about and let me just say it didn't disappoint. It sucked me in immediately I was up into the early hours I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Its full of angst and suspense as we see two damaged souls fight to find their HEA.

Caleb's dreams as a future professional fighter had been shattered by an injury suffered whilst been up against a cheating opponent. So instead of fighting he now finds himself as manager/trainer at Beat Gym much to the dismay of his family.

Juliette is new in town but she's running away from a heartbreaking past. Shes very timid and can jump at her own shadow but she decides it's time to take control of her life starting by learning now to defend herself so she finds herself walking into Beat.

There's an instant connection between them but Caleb sees the sorrow in Juliette's eyes and knows he needs to tread carefully if shes ever going to trust him what he doesn't realise is just hard that's going to be with a family like his involved.

***Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Tonya.
2,071 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2017
This is the eight book in The Beat and the Pulse series. They are stand alones, but the whole series is awesome, so you're missing out if you don't read them all. These aren't dark like some of Amity's other books.

Caleb was a champion boxer, but he had a career ending injury. Now he manages Beat.

His dad is an ass with a capital A.

Caleb is a great guy.

Juliette is scared. She wants a life back. It's been years since tragedy struck when her twin was murdered. The murderer is still out there somewhere.

She's changed her name, her hair and moved to the other side of the country. She hoped that would help, it didn't.

But maybe taking a self-defense class will.

Caleb and Jules are both broken in some way. They met at the right time. There are some secrets and some threats.

I honestly didn't see the climax coming. Well, I did, but the "who" got me. I was shocked.

This is a great read and I can't wait until the next one!
Profile Image for Kim Ginsberg.
Author 3 books29 followers
February 9, 2017
Caleb Carmichael has had a rough few years. He was a boxer until one opponent decided to play dirty and end his career early by nearly paralyzing him. He's taken over managing Beat for Ren and has been training boxers in the gym to make a living. His dad is a douche and likes to try to tell him what do do, even though he's a grown man. His home life was always trailing after his dad's heavyweight boxing career in Vegas and various other places. Juliette Spicer has moved a few states away from her family in Queensland to get away from the place her twin was brutally murdered. One night on her way home she comes upon a crime scene, it reminding her of what happened to her sister. She decides to do something about it and shows up at Beat to look into self defense classes. Can Caleb help Juliette overcome her fear? Find out this and more in this awesome read!!!
14 reviews
February 11, 2017
*Advanced copy given in exchange for an honest review*

"Two broken people couldn't fix one another. Could they?"

Amity Cross takes us on another amazing ride with her 8th addition to her The Beat and The Pulse series. Quake is easily read as a stand alone, but I totally recommend reading the whole series, as there is some mentioning and interaction with previous characters, but not so much as to cause confusion for the reader.

Juliette/Jules and Caleb, our h/H, are two broken souls uneasy to act on their feelings for each other. Tragedy and parental discord issues are making them both shy to start anything. Until Caleb steps in and takes over Juliette’s self defense training. This gives them both purpose and support, the support they need to move forward. Our girl on the run, looking for a new beginning, and our fighter who can no longer fight, find healing and passion with each other.

Ms. Cross does an admirable job, and had me thinking, “I know,” then, “Oh, I didn’t know,” several times. Great action, plot twist, and character development.
Profile Image for Marcie Wegner.
373 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2017
This is the eighth book in the series, but is easily read as a stand alone. The characters are well developed and complete. Caleb and Juliette draw the reader in and hold their attention throughout Quake. The storyline is well thought out and has some surprises. The romance and suspense works well together to make a complete novel. Quake should be on your must read list for the year.
2,298 reviews91 followers
February 9, 2017
Amity Cross is a fantastic writer and this series is fabulous, Quake is an exciting read from cover to cover.

Juliette is a young woman running from a traumatic past and starting again in a new city. Caleb is an ex boxer who retired through injury and manages Beat, the gym where the two meet.

The element of suspense is lightly woven throughout the story and makes the reader sit up and take notice of every little thing. Fears, low confidence and family anguish are all explored as well as love, passion and happiness. Every emotion is felt by the reader and I always find this a good sign that the writer has done an excellent job of entertaining. The characters are real and some you feel you could hug and others you want to slap silly...well that's how I felt. I also particularly enjoyed the scene descriptions where the detail was explicit yet not overdone.

Another winner with this book!
Profile Image for Kristine~ReadALittleAndWineAboutIt.
143 reviews32 followers
September 19, 2020
I love these books 🥰 what’s not to love about sexy boxers and the women that tame them.
A lot of series start getting repetitive and boring as they go down the line, but this series just gets better and better.
Profile Image for Jardine Clark.
627 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2017
Another great chapter in the series. We get to meet Caleb and Juliette. There pasts are so different from each others and when they meet you wouldn't even think they fit together but they make it work with a few bumps along the way. Great seeing old characters in there catching up on them while getting a new story.
This series is a must read cannot wait for more.
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