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Heart of a Savage
Bailey Ross-O'Malley has spent her whole life catering to others. She used to enjoy it. Until her father died. In an attempt to protect her, her father chose Connor to be her husband, but that was a mistake. Connor was supposed to love her, be her rock – but some rocks need to be tossed as far away as possible. She only has one source of happiness now, her son, and if Connor doesn't get his way, he'll take that joy from her as well.
MMA fighter, Dominic Prince, has only one mission in life: forget his past. Forget the pain, the drama, and the loss of things taken away from him too soon. He's guarded and secretive and that's the way he likes it. He was doing a damn good job of keeping it that way. Until her. Bailey showed up and Dominic’s life became a minefield. He can't decide if he wants to kiss her or shake her, but he does know that he'll fight to keep her safe. He'll be as savage as he is in the octagon, outside of it.
Neither of them wants to accept it happening, but the past has a way of sneaking into the present. Hearts will be shattered and bonds will be broken. Will they survive it?
MMA fighter, Dominic Prince, has only one mission in life: forget his past. Forget the pain, the drama, and the loss of things taken away from him too soon. He's guarded and secretive and that's the way he likes it. He was doing a damn good job of keeping it that way. Until her. Bailey showed up and Dominic’s life became a minefield. He can't decide if he wants to kiss her or shake her, but he does know that he'll fight to keep her safe. He'll be as savage as he is in the octagon, outside of it.
Neither of them wants to accept it happening, but the past has a way of sneaking into the present. Hearts will be shattered and bonds will be broken. Will they survive it?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2017
13 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
LaShanta Charles
10 books225 followersLaShanta Charles is from South Carolina, but currently lives in Tacoma, WA. She's married, has three tiny humans who constantly mooch off of her, and is active duty in the US Army. She's a homebody who adores SLEEPING, reading (romance, especially RH, paranormal, and sci-fi), eating, white chocolate mochas, SLEEPING, Reese's PB Cups (but only the ones stuffed with Reese's Pieces), and writing. Oh, and she hates spiders; why do they need EIGHT legs?
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 5, 2017
The cover of this one is actually very good. Great representation of the hero. Great composition. Interesting title work.
The first half or so of this one was good. I enjoyed the writing. The pace was fairly good. I loved the comradery between the friends. I wasn't a HUGE fan of the heroine, but she certainly wasn't the worst I have ever read. Although I found it extremely unlikely that some scared little mouse would go from a victim of severe domestic abuse to an MMA fighter in a few weeks.
But then around 60% this book took a nose dive and became over the top ridiculous. Bailey is fighting like a lunatic with the police that goes on to cause riots. Back talking to a judge. Ex-girlfriend drama. Baby mama drama. Cartel connections. An eye rolling twist that made me lose all the respect I had for the heroine. Not that I had any left considering she believed that the hero How can you claim to love someone but take the word of a crazy ex??!! Add in the fact that this late in a book I should have been feeling more of a connection between the H/h than I did. This went way downhill quickly, and I had to force myself to continue.
The drama llama was strong in this one, and that is what ultimately led this one to only getting 2-Stars from yours truly.
February 19, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Baily Ross has spent her whole life in the shadow of Connor, a man her father chose to be her husband. She has spent years under his control and raising a young boy whom she considers to be her own and she will fight with her every breath for. When Connor takes her son to Ireland, to punish her. She decides to be able to fight back when he returns. Bailey goes to a MMA club, looking for ways to defend herself. But after years of physical abuse, she is determined to be stronger and learn to fight. Dominic Prince, a MMA fighter for the club, is drawn to Baily. He feels overprotective of her and knows that she has suffered abuse for long term periods. But as Dominic and his friends teach her to defend herself and to be a female MMA fighter, their relationship is tested when Connor and his ex girlfriend threatens to take her son away forever and she may be in for the hardest fight of her life....
Plot and Story Line
Heart of a Savage brings to life a story that is heart breaking and intense. This is a new to me author, and for the most part I really enjoyed the story. I liked seeing our heroine go from suffering abuse to learning to fight and defend herself. She has such a sweet nature and I love how she is always looking out for others. When she meets the boys at the MMA club, she bakes them goodies and is always looking for ways to help them out in ways that she can. Dominic is a protective hero, and I really enjoyed seeing the way he and his friends try to get to the bottom of why Bailey is becoming abused so much and helps her overcome her fears and fight for those that she loves. It was interesting seeing her training to be a fighter. I did like this story, its a quick and easy read, but I felt that there was a lack of depth to the romance side of the story. I didn't really feel Dom and Bailey's story to each other which was a bit of a bummer, but the other parts to the story did make up for it in moments.
The Cover
I love the use of the tats the cover artist used for this book...very unique and celtic like.
Overall View
Heart of a Savage is a interesting story that brings together domestic violence, overcoming fear and fighting for those you love...full of intrigue and passion!
Summary
Baily Ross has spent her whole life in the shadow of Connor, a man her father chose to be her husband. She has spent years under his control and raising a young boy whom she considers to be her own and she will fight with her every breath for. When Connor takes her son to Ireland, to punish her. She decides to be able to fight back when he returns. Bailey goes to a MMA club, looking for ways to defend herself. But after years of physical abuse, she is determined to be stronger and learn to fight. Dominic Prince, a MMA fighter for the club, is drawn to Baily. He feels overprotective of her and knows that she has suffered abuse for long term periods. But as Dominic and his friends teach her to defend herself and to be a female MMA fighter, their relationship is tested when Connor and his ex girlfriend threatens to take her son away forever and she may be in for the hardest fight of her life....
Plot and Story Line
Heart of a Savage brings to life a story that is heart breaking and intense. This is a new to me author, and for the most part I really enjoyed the story. I liked seeing our heroine go from suffering abuse to learning to fight and defend herself. She has such a sweet nature and I love how she is always looking out for others. When she meets the boys at the MMA club, she bakes them goodies and is always looking for ways to help them out in ways that she can. Dominic is a protective hero, and I really enjoyed seeing the way he and his friends try to get to the bottom of why Bailey is becoming abused so much and helps her overcome her fears and fight for those that she loves. It was interesting seeing her training to be a fighter. I did like this story, its a quick and easy read, but I felt that there was a lack of depth to the romance side of the story. I didn't really feel Dom and Bailey's story to each other which was a bit of a bummer, but the other parts to the story did make up for it in moments.
The Cover
I love the use of the tats the cover artist used for this book...very unique and celtic like.
Overall View
Heart of a Savage is a interesting story that brings together domestic violence, overcoming fear and fighting for those you love...full of intrigue and passion!
February 3, 2017
Bailey Ross-O’Malley has the husband from hell. Dominic “Nico” Prince is trying to get on with his life. She comes to Nico to try and learn a way to fight her demons. Is Nico ready to have a woman in his life? She learns how to protect herself but she doesn’t use that knowledge against Connor. I couldn’t quite understand why she wouldn’t stand up to him but then you realize that it’s probably because she’s protecting something that she feels is more important than she.
What I loved was seeing how protective the guys at the gym are. They all want to make sure that she’s safe. The sad part, and just like in real life, a child pays the consequences for something they have no control over. I could do no less then to keep reading because I wanted to know that the jerk of a husband got exactly what he was due. But what’s great about Nico is that even though he has problems of his own he goes out of his way to protect those in need.
There are issues that are brought up here that may be difficult to read about – especially if you are sensitive on the treatment of women and children. What I found slow was how Bailey took her time in order to defend herself. But Connor is an evil character that is written perfectly. You can’t help but to get angry at him. You also want to yell at Bailey for her lack of fighting back. The book left me wondering if this is the end of Nico and his friends or if one of them gets their own story next.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
What I loved was seeing how protective the guys at the gym are. They all want to make sure that she’s safe. The sad part, and just like in real life, a child pays the consequences for something they have no control over. I could do no less then to keep reading because I wanted to know that the jerk of a husband got exactly what he was due. But what’s great about Nico is that even though he has problems of his own he goes out of his way to protect those in need.
There are issues that are brought up here that may be difficult to read about – especially if you are sensitive on the treatment of women and children. What I found slow was how Bailey took her time in order to defend herself. But Connor is an evil character that is written perfectly. You can’t help but to get angry at him. You also want to yell at Bailey for her lack of fighting back. The book left me wondering if this is the end of Nico and his friends or if one of them gets their own story next.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 6, 2017
Heart of a Savage!
I absolutely loved this book! This is the story of Bailey Ross. She's trapped in a relationship that was unwanted. The story of her finally breaking free and gaining control of her life was very inspiring. I literally screamed at the special appearance from my baby! Conner got everything he deserved. I was so scared towards the end but, love conquers all! Great job Lashanta!
I absolutely loved this book! This is the story of Bailey Ross. She's trapped in a relationship that was unwanted. The story of her finally breaking free and gaining control of her life was very inspiring. I literally screamed at the special appearance from my baby! Conner got everything he deserved. I was so scared towards the end but, love conquers all! Great job Lashanta!
February 9, 2017
Heart of a Savage
First book of 2017 that I have read and it held my attention from the beginning to the end. I wasn't too sure of what the story was going to be about for the fact that I didn't read the synopsis, that didn't last long. I must say I loved Bailey and Nico. They had many odds against them but in the end the manage to be on top.
First book of 2017 that I have read and it held my attention from the beginning to the end. I wasn't too sure of what the story was going to be about for the fact that I didn't read the synopsis, that didn't last long. I must say I loved Bailey and Nico. They had many odds against them but in the end the manage to be on top.
February 3, 2017
4 Stars!
I have to tell you. This was kind of a hard one for me. It dealt with some emotional things that weighed heavily on me. However, kudos to Ms. Charles for her careful writing and delicate handling of the subject.
The chemistry between Bailey and Dominic is electric. The push and pull they are doing is a tension-laced dance of sex and emotions.
A great read from a new to me author! I will certainly be looking out for more from Lashanta Charles!
I have to tell you. This was kind of a hard one for me. It dealt with some emotional things that weighed heavily on me. However, kudos to Ms. Charles for her careful writing and delicate handling of the subject.
The chemistry between Bailey and Dominic is electric. The push and pull they are doing is a tension-laced dance of sex and emotions.
A great read from a new to me author! I will certainly be looking out for more from Lashanta Charles!
June 13, 2017
This book was a pleasant surprise; I was captivated from the first scene right through to the final paragraph.
Bailey Ross-O’Malley is stuck in an abusive relationship. A marriage her father arranged assuming her husband, Connor O’Malley, would love, honor and care for her. Instead she suffers both physical and emotional abuse. Connor controls Bailey’s family business, her money and will not allow her out of the house without asking permission; her only happiness comes from their little boy. When Connor takes their son away to Scotland Bailey decides she needs to stop bracing and learn to defend herself.
Bailey finds her way into a local MMA gym owned by Dominic Prince. Although Dominic has his own demons, something about Bailey makes all his protective instincts kick in. He wants to teach her how to fight and rip apart the man making Bailey cower like a timid little mouse.
This was a beautiful story of a young woman finding her strength and voice, finding the right people to have in her corner. The violence at times was difficult to read but relevant to the story, almost a necessary evil to understand Bailey’s relationship with Connor.
This is one of the few books I did not want to put down until it was finished.
I received this book free from Author Cross Promotion in exchange for my honest review.
Bailey Ross-O’Malley is stuck in an abusive relationship. A marriage her father arranged assuming her husband, Connor O’Malley, would love, honor and care for her. Instead she suffers both physical and emotional abuse. Connor controls Bailey’s family business, her money and will not allow her out of the house without asking permission; her only happiness comes from their little boy. When Connor takes their son away to Scotland Bailey decides she needs to stop bracing and learn to defend herself.
Bailey finds her way into a local MMA gym owned by Dominic Prince. Although Dominic has his own demons, something about Bailey makes all his protective instincts kick in. He wants to teach her how to fight and rip apart the man making Bailey cower like a timid little mouse.
This was a beautiful story of a young woman finding her strength and voice, finding the right people to have in her corner. The violence at times was difficult to read but relevant to the story, almost a necessary evil to understand Bailey’s relationship with Connor.
This is one of the few books I did not want to put down until it was finished.
I received this book free from Author Cross Promotion in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2018
So it's been awhile since Lashanta had graced us with her literary talents. And let me say I missed this heffa's writing!!!! Her words roll off screen like a movie! From the first chapter I was caught up! I wanted more. I love fighters and Kick ass female characters and I got both from this book. Well a whole crew of sexy UFC fighters!
Bailey was the biggest surprise! I didn't expect her to come out swinging like she did, but she made me proud. Now don't get me wrong there are times when your eyes will be rolling because she lets her insecurities play on her. But she wouldn't be female without a bit of dramatics. Lol. I swear 60% of the book I was like just hook up with Nico already. Just do it. Lol.
But I knew I was going to love this book when Nico had all the pre-ooze exploding everywhere! I was laughing so hard. Between him trying to talk himself down and his friends excited to see him up, I was rolling. Gym shorts will never look the same again!!!
And thank the heavens for a book with no sequel. I got all I needed in the beginning, middle, end and epilogue. Kudos to Lashanta for giving us something to talk about and love!
Bailey was the biggest surprise! I didn't expect her to come out swinging like she did, but she made me proud. Now don't get me wrong there are times when your eyes will be rolling because she lets her insecurities play on her. But she wouldn't be female without a bit of dramatics. Lol. I swear 60% of the book I was like just hook up with Nico already. Just do it. Lol.
But I knew I was going to love this book when Nico had all the pre-ooze exploding everywhere! I was laughing so hard. Between him trying to talk himself down and his friends excited to see him up, I was rolling. Gym shorts will never look the same again!!!
And thank the heavens for a book with no sequel. I got all I needed in the beginning, middle, end and epilogue. Kudos to Lashanta for giving us something to talk about and love!
July 8, 2017
I read this book as part of an arc program. I really enjoyed this story about an abused woman named Bailey who decides to learn how to defend herself from her abusive husband Connor. Bailey goes to a MMA gym in order to learn self defense and meets Dominic (Nico) who runs the gym one night as he was leaving, he tells her to come back but she is scared and has to go back when Connor is out of town. Nico was left at the alter a year before he meets Bailey and has not been interested in women since. When he meets Bailey, she awakens something in him and she brings out his protective instincts. Bailey has a complicated history which brings danger to the present. Nico vows to protect her and relies on his family from the gym to help. This was a book with suspense and twists, I really enjoyed this book, it was the first book I read by Lashanta Charles and I recommend her, Great read!
November 18, 2017
I don't know what I thought I was going to get with this book but this wasn't it and that's a great thing. This author not only brings us a story about mma fighters and a woman I know nothing unique about that. What is unique about this is the story that is told. This isn't about the fighting in the ring, it is about the fight they face in real life. It's about standing up and taking your power back. It's about finding yourself and being true to that. It's about this beautiful spunky lady who never gave up and finally, it's about redemption.
This is my first read by this author and I am so glad I did. She reached out to all of the parts of me with this story for many reasons and is now an author I want more from. Her characters are very real in their emotions and actions and I want more.
This is my first read by this author and I am so glad I did. She reached out to all of the parts of me with this story for many reasons and is now an author I want more from. Her characters are very real in their emotions and actions and I want more.
February 22, 2017
I got this book as an ARC for an honest review. This is the first book that I got by this author. I love the cover of this book. I think it is the ink. Bailey is married to Conner and he is the man her father picked to be her husband, but all he does is abuse and mistreat her. All she wants to do is protect her son. When Conner takes him away to Ireland to hurt she knows she has to do something. She goes to the local MMA club to help her learn to defend herself. That is where she meets Nico. Will Nico help her or will his own past get in the way.
March 25, 2017
Title - Heart of a Savage
Author - LaShanta Charles.
Series - No
Genre - Romance
Cliffhanger - No
Rating - 4Stars.
Recommended - Yes!
This was and amazing story of strength and redemption. Bailey's story got me in my feels big time. I love how even though she was gutted in the worst way imaginable, it didn't break her. She never stopped fighting and she came back stronger than ever. This is a must read for any romance lover.
Author - LaShanta Charles.
Series - No
Genre - Romance
Cliffhanger - No
Rating - 4Stars.
Recommended - Yes!
This was and amazing story of strength and redemption. Bailey's story got me in my feels big time. I love how even though she was gutted in the worst way imaginable, it didn't break her. She never stopped fighting and she came back stronger than ever. This is a must read for any romance lover.
February 8, 2017
Heart if a savage
Lashanta you never disappoint. This was a very good read. I'm glad Baikey finally came to her senses. I wanted to reach through the book and strangle Connor. I think Nico is NY new book BAe!!! Great Job!!
Lashanta you never disappoint. This was a very good read. I'm glad Baikey finally came to her senses. I wanted to reach through the book and strangle Connor. I think Nico is NY new book BAe!!! Great Job!!
September 10, 2017
Amazing story!!
Really enjoyed this book!! Nico and Bailey had me rooting for them from the start!! I hope more books to come making this a series with updates of Nico and Bailey!!! 💕🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Really enjoyed this book!! Nico and Bailey had me rooting for them from the start!! I hope more books to come making this a series with updates of Nico and Bailey!!! 💕🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 13, 2017
Just when I thought...
Ok I have never gotten over Kalil's death and here it is he's mentioned quite a bit since Nico is his cousin. Anywho, this story is about finding your rage. The will to fight for whatever you deserve or want. And it's beautifully told.
Ok I have never gotten over Kalil's death and here it is he's mentioned quite a bit since Nico is his cousin. Anywho, this story is about finding your rage. The will to fight for whatever you deserve or want. And it's beautifully told.
February 26, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book through netgalley
This book was absolutely amazing, Bailey lives in such an abusive and damaging relationship, we slowly find out exactly why she is with Conner and what is going on between the two.
Dominic (nico) Is a famous MMA fighter and owns and operates a gym with his friends Jax, Cade, East, and Van. When Bailey comes to the gym one night late to sign up for self defense classes Nico has a very strong reaction to her. She is completely NOT his type of woman, he keeps thinking she is just to skinny. Nico has a very very dark and damaged past as well. and when these two are together it is like you can feel they are whole again. There is not a sexual relationship between them until very close to the end of the book but you dont need it, this book is so so good just for the story of the two alone. I cant wait to read more from this author.
This book was absolutely amazing, Bailey lives in such an abusive and damaging relationship, we slowly find out exactly why she is with Conner and what is going on between the two.
Dominic (nico) Is a famous MMA fighter and owns and operates a gym with his friends Jax, Cade, East, and Van. When Bailey comes to the gym one night late to sign up for self defense classes Nico has a very strong reaction to her. She is completely NOT his type of woman, he keeps thinking she is just to skinny. Nico has a very very dark and damaged past as well. and when these two are together it is like you can feel they are whole again. There is not a sexual relationship between them until very close to the end of the book but you dont need it, this book is so so good just for the story of the two alone. I cant wait to read more from this author.
February 20, 2017
Title - Heart of a Savage
Author - LaShanta Charles.
Series - No
Genre - Romance
Publication Date - January 31st
Cliffhanger - No
Rating - 5 Stars.
Recommended - Yes!
I just loved Nico! I found his character to so endearing and lovable. A real alpha male in every sense, but to those he lets close a real lovely giant.
Bailey's character was great, for someone who has faced so much hurt in her life and continues to face it all the way through the story she showed real bravery.
The way the author has written this story makes you really feel for both characters and you connect with them both right from the beginning pages. Both characters backgrounds and emotions are told clearly and in a way that makes you feel those emotions right along with them. I think that the author done a great job between writing fun, lighthearted scenes and writing about the very important issue of domestic violence. She done this with perfect balance.
I also have to say, the characters from the gym were a brilliant touch in this book. I just absolutely loved everything about the interactions between all of the guys. They really made me laugh and I found myself looking forward to any bits of the story that they were included in. Id love to read more on each of these characters individually.
Overall, this book is a must read. I just loved it, and i'm so glad to have read it.
Read more of my reviews: https://booktalkbysarah.wordpress.com
Author - LaShanta Charles.
Series - No
Genre - Romance
Publication Date - January 31st
Cliffhanger - No
Rating - 5 Stars.
Recommended - Yes!
I just loved Nico! I found his character to so endearing and lovable. A real alpha male in every sense, but to those he lets close a real lovely giant.
Bailey's character was great, for someone who has faced so much hurt in her life and continues to face it all the way through the story she showed real bravery.
The way the author has written this story makes you really feel for both characters and you connect with them both right from the beginning pages. Both characters backgrounds and emotions are told clearly and in a way that makes you feel those emotions right along with them. I think that the author done a great job between writing fun, lighthearted scenes and writing about the very important issue of domestic violence. She done this with perfect balance.
I also have to say, the characters from the gym were a brilliant touch in this book. I just absolutely loved everything about the interactions between all of the guys. They really made me laugh and I found myself looking forward to any bits of the story that they were included in. Id love to read more on each of these characters individually.
Overall, this book is a must read. I just loved it, and i'm so glad to have read it.
Read more of my reviews: https://booktalkbysarah.wordpress.com
February 24, 2017
I loved this book,This is a great read i really enjoyed it had me hooked from the start and i did not want to put it down.I just loved Bailey and Nico together tha ending had my heart in my mouth a fantastic read can't wait for more highly recommended
February 26, 2017
netgalley
a great read. thoroughly enjoyed this book.
a great read. thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 18, 2017
Awesome book
Lashanta you did it again this book was another one I couldn't put down until the end. The blend of characters and their interactions I felt like I was there with every character. The end left me on the edge of my seat not knowing if Nico was going to find her in time. Please hurry up with your next book thanks in advance.
Lashanta you did it again this book was another one I couldn't put down until the end. The blend of characters and their interactions I felt like I was there with every character. The end left me on the edge of my seat not knowing if Nico was going to find her in time. Please hurry up with your next book thanks in advance.
February 14, 2017
The Savage Prince & Princess
Bailey is such a selfless person but seems to only have selfish people in her life. Connor is a crazed maniac who believes it's his way or no way at all. Kaelen is the sunshine in all the darkness of her life. Finally enough is enough and she starts looking into self defense classes but she never thought she'd fall for the instructor Dominic who is also a MMA fighter. As truths are revealed & pasts come to the for front, they fight their way through. I loved all the characters except the O'Malley clan. They were leeches and Rory was the only one with good sense. There's nothing like a woman who loves herself enough to know that she needs to work in herself before committing to anyone else.
Bailey is such a selfless person but seems to only have selfish people in her life. Connor is a crazed maniac who believes it's his way or no way at all. Kaelen is the sunshine in all the darkness of her life. Finally enough is enough and she starts looking into self defense classes but she never thought she'd fall for the instructor Dominic who is also a MMA fighter. As truths are revealed & pasts come to the for front, they fight their way through. I loved all the characters except the O'Malley clan. They were leeches and Rory was the only one with good sense. There's nothing like a woman who loves herself enough to know that she needs to work in herself before committing to anyone else.
February 10, 2017
This was and amazing story of strength and redemption. Bailey's story got me in my feels big time. I love how even though she was gutted in the worst way imaginable, it didn't break her. She never stopped fighting and she came back stronger than ever. This is a must read for any romance lover.
dnf
February 9, 2017Precum shenanigans left a bad taste in my mouth
March 26, 2017
Well written and great characters. Looking forward to books that are bound to follow.
March 27, 2017
Full reviews are always posted originally on the blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/
There were parts of this book that I thought were brilliant. Then there were parts that confused me. And then...there were parts that made me want to throw my Kindle.
Let’s start with the brilliant bits:
1. LaShanta Charles is a great writer. Her dialogue has a very natural feel to it, and the story had a nice flow. This was definitely an engaging read that made you truly care about Bailey and Dominic.
2. I loved Bailey’s transformation from scared little mouse into MMA-fighting badass. And the fact that she took it upon herself to train so that she could defend herself and her son, despite the fact that she’s clearly terrified of strangers in the beginning, was beautiful.
3. Bailey’s devotion to her son, and all she was willing to endure for him, was inspiring. She’s a great example of a what a mother should be.
4. I loved Bailey’s character. I find her habit of blurting out her inner thoughts endearing.
Now for the confusing bits:
1. The beginning of the book, in which we get a feel for just how terrible Connor is, is brutal. Jarring. Dark and violent. Then with the introduction of Dominic and his friends, the whole tone shifts to almost lighthearted. There are some truly hilarious bits in the interactions between the guys, and between Bailey and the guys. So, the dark violent beginning was extremely well-written, but it didn’t totally match the tone for the rest of the book. Was I supposed to laugh when Bailey incited the riot? I did. But I felt weird about it. It was hilarious, but the circumstances were so serious that I wasn’t sure how the author wanted me to react, which made me kind of uncomfortable as a reader.
2. Bailey’s blog and her writing seemed like a throw-away. It was mentioned in the beginning, and once towards the end. Was this a passion of hers, or wasn’t it? If it wasn’t, why even mention it at all?
3. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE badass Bailey. I loved reading about her gaining confidence, strength and skill. I LOVED reading about her slamming Dominic’s bitchy ex to the ground. But at the same time, this Bailey is such a huge departure from the Bailey we met in the beginning of the book that it just didn’t ring entirely true for me.
And now for the bits that made me want to throw my Kindle in a fit of anger. It’s established from the very beginning of the book that Connor is a cruel, soulless, spineless abuser. Bailey knows that he’s not above using her son to manipulate and hurt her. So, the fact that she went anywhere with him willingly towards the end made me want to reach through my Kindle and smack the crap out of her.
“[Connor] looks helpless. Lost. I actually feel a stab of pity for him.”
I’m sorry...did you just say that you feel pity for the dude who has made your life a living hell? I must’ve read those lines at least ten times before I believed them. Why—in the name of all that’s holy—would she feel ANYTHING for this vile human being other than loathing? That’s not OK with me.
And it’s also well-established that Bailey is a great fighter. This dude is hurting her, hurting her son and she just takes the abuse? Why didn’t she kick the ever-lovin’ crap out of him? Having Dominic save her wasn’t nearly as satisfying as Bailey saving herself would’ve been.
But all-in-all, this was an interesting read that fans of MMA fighter romances will enjoy.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were parts of this book that I thought were brilliant. Then there were parts that confused me. And then...there were parts that made me want to throw my Kindle.
Let’s start with the brilliant bits:
1. LaShanta Charles is a great writer. Her dialogue has a very natural feel to it, and the story had a nice flow. This was definitely an engaging read that made you truly care about Bailey and Dominic.
2. I loved Bailey’s transformation from scared little mouse into MMA-fighting badass. And the fact that she took it upon herself to train so that she could defend herself and her son, despite the fact that she’s clearly terrified of strangers in the beginning, was beautiful.
3. Bailey’s devotion to her son, and all she was willing to endure for him, was inspiring. She’s a great example of a what a mother should be.
4. I loved Bailey’s character. I find her habit of blurting out her inner thoughts endearing.
Now for the confusing bits:
1. The beginning of the book, in which we get a feel for just how terrible Connor is, is brutal. Jarring. Dark and violent. Then with the introduction of Dominic and his friends, the whole tone shifts to almost lighthearted. There are some truly hilarious bits in the interactions between the guys, and between Bailey and the guys. So, the dark violent beginning was extremely well-written, but it didn’t totally match the tone for the rest of the book. Was I supposed to laugh when Bailey incited the riot? I did. But I felt weird about it. It was hilarious, but the circumstances were so serious that I wasn’t sure how the author wanted me to react, which made me kind of uncomfortable as a reader.
2. Bailey’s blog and her writing seemed like a throw-away. It was mentioned in the beginning, and once towards the end. Was this a passion of hers, or wasn’t it? If it wasn’t, why even mention it at all?
3. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE badass Bailey. I loved reading about her gaining confidence, strength and skill. I LOVED reading about her slamming Dominic’s bitchy ex to the ground. But at the same time, this Bailey is such a huge departure from the Bailey we met in the beginning of the book that it just didn’t ring entirely true for me.
And now for the bits that made me want to throw my Kindle in a fit of anger. It’s established from the very beginning of the book that Connor is a cruel, soulless, spineless abuser. Bailey knows that he’s not above using her son to manipulate and hurt her. So, the fact that she went anywhere with him willingly towards the end made me want to reach through my Kindle and smack the crap out of her.
“[Connor] looks helpless. Lost. I actually feel a stab of pity for him.”
I’m sorry...did you just say that you feel pity for the dude who has made your life a living hell? I must’ve read those lines at least ten times before I believed them. Why—in the name of all that’s holy—would she feel ANYTHING for this vile human being other than loathing? That’s not OK with me.
And it’s also well-established that Bailey is a great fighter. This dude is hurting her, hurting her son and she just takes the abuse? Why didn’t she kick the ever-lovin’ crap out of him? Having Dominic save her wasn’t nearly as satisfying as Bailey saving herself would’ve been.
But all-in-all, this was an interesting read that fans of MMA fighter romances will enjoy.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
It was an OK read. Loved Nico and his friends. Bailey drove me crazy. You're either a victim or a strong woman. The writer tried to make her both. It didn't work for me.
April 12, 2017
Took me a minute to get into it but the build up was worth it. Good read
May 30, 2017
Bailey Ross-O'Malley has used to love making sure everyone was taken care of, that was until her dad died. All he wanted was to see her protected so her father choose Connor as her husband. Connor was supposed to love her, be her rock, not getting his rocks off on breaking her. She only has one source of happiness now, her son, and if Connor doesn't get his way, he'll take that joy from her as well.
Dominic Prince is an MMA fighter and someone who would love nothing more than to forget his past. Forget the pain, the drama, and the loss of everything. He is guarded and doesn't give out too much information about him. He keeps to himself and loves it, that was until her. Bailey showed up and Dominic’s life turned upside down. He can't decide if he wants to kiss her or shake her, but he does know that he'll fight to keep her safe. He'll be as savage as he is in the octagon, outside of it.
Okay, i know i comment on covers a lot but i can't help it. I absolutely love this cover. The cover model that was chosen is perfect. Next, i love Bailey. At first i felt sorry for her because she was put in an impossible situation. The author made her so believable that i went from feeling sorry for her to feeling what she is feeling. It was a reader character connection that you only get with amazing books. I do love how they did talk about her father. I knew Bailey had some fight in her. I wanted to be her back bone. I wanted her mama bear instincts to come out but i totally get why she did what she did. Connor ugh i wanted to jump in the book .myself and kick him where the sun don't shine. What a jerk, the way he uses power and manipulation to get what he wants just kills me. I did love seeing how Bailey grew into this badass chick. Dominic what a man. Right from the beginning you can see that he wants to be left alone that Bailey being around totally messes with his carefully laid out life. Watching him go from this gruff alpha male to a man willing to take on the world for a woman he hardly knows just goes to show that Dominic is the perfect man. I laughed, i cried, and i got so mad i wanted to stop reading but the twists and turns in this book made the ending just perfect. Just when i had everything figured out it goes south with an unexpected twist that has me going, wait what did i just read, i love books like this. They pull you out of book funks and suck you into their amazing world. I do hope that LaShanta Charles writes about the other alpha men from the All-Star gym.
Dominic Prince is an MMA fighter and someone who would love nothing more than to forget his past. Forget the pain, the drama, and the loss of everything. He is guarded and doesn't give out too much information about him. He keeps to himself and loves it, that was until her. Bailey showed up and Dominic’s life turned upside down. He can't decide if he wants to kiss her or shake her, but he does know that he'll fight to keep her safe. He'll be as savage as he is in the octagon, outside of it.
Okay, i know i comment on covers a lot but i can't help it. I absolutely love this cover. The cover model that was chosen is perfect. Next, i love Bailey. At first i felt sorry for her because she was put in an impossible situation. The author made her so believable that i went from feeling sorry for her to feeling what she is feeling. It was a reader character connection that you only get with amazing books. I do love how they did talk about her father. I knew Bailey had some fight in her. I wanted to be her back bone. I wanted her mama bear instincts to come out but i totally get why she did what she did. Connor ugh i wanted to jump in the book .myself and kick him where the sun don't shine. What a jerk, the way he uses power and manipulation to get what he wants just kills me. I did love seeing how Bailey grew into this badass chick. Dominic what a man. Right from the beginning you can see that he wants to be left alone that Bailey being around totally messes with his carefully laid out life. Watching him go from this gruff alpha male to a man willing to take on the world for a woman he hardly knows just goes to show that Dominic is the perfect man. I laughed, i cried, and i got so mad i wanted to stop reading but the twists and turns in this book made the ending just perfect. Just when i had everything figured out it goes south with an unexpected twist that has me going, wait what did i just read, i love books like this. They pull you out of book funks and suck you into their amazing world. I do hope that LaShanta Charles writes about the other alpha men from the All-Star gym.
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