What do you think?
Kage Trilogy #1-3
Kage Trilogy: Box Set
This is a box set of the bestselling Kage Trilogy, featured in USA TODAY as a MUST-READ SERIES & MUST LISTEN AUDIOBOOK. Nominated for multiple awards including ALL-TIME FAVORITE M/M SERIES in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. Read below for the descriptions of all 3 books.
*** KAGE (Book 1)
My name is Jamie Atwood, and I’m an addict. I never thought I’d say such a thing. Never had a problem being overly-attached to anything in my life. I came from a perfectly middle-class family, made good grades, and had a hot cheerleader girlfriend... but the truth is, nothing ever really moved me. So how did a guy like me become an addict?
I met Michael Kage.
Kage is an MMA fighter. A famous one. I like to think I helped him get that way.
He’s charming as hell, with looks to rival any movie star and talent to back it up. So why did he need to hire me as an intern Publicist? Simple. He has a darkness in him– like a black hole so deep it could swallow him, and me, and everyone we know– and that’s not good for business.
The first time I met him, I felt the pull. I think the addiction began at that very moment. And even if I’d known then what I know now, I would have fallen for him. How could I not?
For me, Kage is everything.
*** KAGE UNLEASHED (Book 2)
In a battle of the heart, who will be the first to submit?
My name is Jamie Atwood, and I am an idiot. Against all odds, I got the attention of Michael Kage, the hottest MMA fighter on the planet. To say he rocked my world would be an understatement. He transformed me completely, made me depend on him, and made me love him. And the sex? Let me put it this way: I'd never been with a guy before I met Kage, but I'd gladly spend the rest of my life on my knees for him. He is my obsession and my addiction. But I did something stupid, and now I'm paying for it. I don't know if I'll ever see Kage again.
Being Michael Kage was never easy. Too many demons, too much anger, and not enough to live for. And then I met Jamie Atwood. He's got this innocence about him that speaks to something deep down inside me- in a place that's never been touched by anyone. He's beautiful, smart, and courageous, and he hasn't been tainted by the darkness that's ruled my life. I wanted him from the first second I laid eyes on him. It's selfish, I know. Because you can't bring an innocent thing into the darkness and not expect something to rub off.
*** KAGE UNMASKED (Book 3)
CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE THE MOST SHOCKING REVELATION?
SEXY COLLEGE SENIOR Jamie Atwood has fallen hard for MMA dark horse Michael "the Machine" Kage. With his hot muscled body, intoxicating green eyes, and proclivity for rough sex, Kage is a potent aphrodisiac to the innocent boy-next-door. The danger, the intrigue, the feel of his strong hand around his throat, the knowledge that his fighter would kill or die for him. From the moment Kage grabbed onto his hips and channeled all that masculine aggression into claiming his body, Jamie was ruined for anyone else.
PASSIONS RUN HIGH as the lovers try to assimilate into each other's lives: coming out to family and friends, blending into the high-profile MMA world, dealing with Kage's sketchy uncle. But behind Kage's mask of strength and indifference lies a crippling vulnerability, and a devastating secret. As the mask comes off, past traumas surface, dark desires spin out of control, and the damaged fighter is driven to hurt the man he loves more than life itself.
*** KAGE (Book 1)
My name is Jamie Atwood, and I’m an addict. I never thought I’d say such a thing. Never had a problem being overly-attached to anything in my life. I came from a perfectly middle-class family, made good grades, and had a hot cheerleader girlfriend... but the truth is, nothing ever really moved me. So how did a guy like me become an addict?
I met Michael Kage.
Kage is an MMA fighter. A famous one. I like to think I helped him get that way.
He’s charming as hell, with looks to rival any movie star and talent to back it up. So why did he need to hire me as an intern Publicist? Simple. He has a darkness in him– like a black hole so deep it could swallow him, and me, and everyone we know– and that’s not good for business.
The first time I met him, I felt the pull. I think the addiction began at that very moment. And even if I’d known then what I know now, I would have fallen for him. How could I not?
For me, Kage is everything.
*** KAGE UNLEASHED (Book 2)
In a battle of the heart, who will be the first to submit?
My name is Jamie Atwood, and I am an idiot. Against all odds, I got the attention of Michael Kage, the hottest MMA fighter on the planet. To say he rocked my world would be an understatement. He transformed me completely, made me depend on him, and made me love him. And the sex? Let me put it this way: I'd never been with a guy before I met Kage, but I'd gladly spend the rest of my life on my knees for him. He is my obsession and my addiction. But I did something stupid, and now I'm paying for it. I don't know if I'll ever see Kage again.
Being Michael Kage was never easy. Too many demons, too much anger, and not enough to live for. And then I met Jamie Atwood. He's got this innocence about him that speaks to something deep down inside me- in a place that's never been touched by anyone. He's beautiful, smart, and courageous, and he hasn't been tainted by the darkness that's ruled my life. I wanted him from the first second I laid eyes on him. It's selfish, I know. Because you can't bring an innocent thing into the darkness and not expect something to rub off.
*** KAGE UNMASKED (Book 3)
CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE THE MOST SHOCKING REVELATION?
SEXY COLLEGE SENIOR Jamie Atwood has fallen hard for MMA dark horse Michael "the Machine" Kage. With his hot muscled body, intoxicating green eyes, and proclivity for rough sex, Kage is a potent aphrodisiac to the innocent boy-next-door. The danger, the intrigue, the feel of his strong hand around his throat, the knowledge that his fighter would kill or die for him. From the moment Kage grabbed onto his hips and channeled all that masculine aggression into claiming his body, Jamie was ruined for anyone else.
PASSIONS RUN HIGH as the lovers try to assimilate into each other's lives: coming out to family and friends, blending into the high-profile MMA world, dealing with Kage's sketchy uncle. But behind Kage's mask of strength and indifference lies a crippling vulnerability, and a devastating secret. As the mask comes off, past traumas surface, dark desires spin out of control, and the damaged fighter is driven to hurt the man he loves more than life itself.
698 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 15, 2020
WOW! What a great series! I started and just couldn't put it down! I was so happy I got the whole set so I could read it straight through and not have to stop and get another book when I finished the first one. I can't wait to see what happens next for Kage and Jamie!
December 2, 2017
For me, this dragged on and on. But thank goodness I landed on the trilogy because each book ends in a major cliffhanger. Instead of writing a 3 star review I'd be writing a rant about books with no ending.
So yeah, if you're going to read this, pick up the trilogy set.
Kage had been trained from infancy to be a fighter. And he's a good one, a great one. But omg he has a messed up family. I adored Kage from the beginning. I kept reading because of him.
I didn't like Jamie quite as much. Something about him rang false for me. But Kage loved him so that was that.
I have to give 3 stars. I finished the entire trilogy so that says something.
So yeah, if you're going to read this, pick up the trilogy set.
Kage had been trained from infancy to be a fighter. And he's a good one, a great one. But omg he has a messed up family. I adored Kage from the beginning. I kept reading because of him.
I didn't like Jamie quite as much. Something about him rang false for me. But Kage loved him so that was that.
I have to give 3 stars. I finished the entire trilogy so that says something.
August 27, 2020
See my review of the 3 separate books of the trilogy.
June 19, 2020
Overall a negative two. I'll balance the three which took a long slide into bad, really, really bad. Okay, two stars and I'm being generous.
**
**
May 27, 2019
See review on each book.
November 2, 2019
Kage is a triple K.O.
Jamie Atwood is a pretty-boy aspiring journalist when he meets Kage after an MMA match.
After his girlfriend breaks up with him, he finds himself in Vegas, working as a P.A. for Kage.
Once they've cleared the air, things begin to heat up.
Gfy, Alpha Males, MMA, h/c, PTSD. Autoerotic asphyxiation/chokehold. Mild impact play.
I wanted some resolution with the claddagh necklace and a couple of characters who vanished. I'm not going to elaborate because it would be spoilery. I'm hoping there'll be some clarification in the next trilogy. (Jealous Kage is hot!)
Jamie Atwood is a pretty-boy aspiring journalist when he meets Kage after an MMA match.
After his girlfriend breaks up with him, he finds himself in Vegas, working as a P.A. for Kage.
Once they've cleared the air, things begin to heat up.
Gfy, Alpha Males, MMA, h/c, PTSD. Autoerotic asphyxiation/chokehold. Mild impact play.
I wanted some resolution with the claddagh necklace and a couple of characters who vanished. I'm not going to elaborate because it would be spoilery. I'm hoping there'll be some clarification in the next trilogy. (Jealous Kage is hot!)
October 22, 2021
This was really not good. I wish the author would have made up her mind before she(he?) started writing, whether it should be a comedy, a thriller, a gangster story, an S/M plot or 🤷🏼♀️I skimmed my way through book 3, it was a mayhem of weird plot twists and so many unnecessary side characters and really bad dialogue from all sides.
I don’t get the hype this has.
I don’t get the hype this has.
December 15, 2022
Amazing Storytelling!
I binge read this whole series. You will absolutely get sucked into this story. Every moment is amazing. The main characters chemistry is so good and you will be on the edge of your seat with them. Filled with love, drama, obsession, and passion. You never expect what’s going to happen. Definitely recommended if you love sports romance and suspense!
I binge read this whole series. You will absolutely get sucked into this story. Every moment is amazing. The main characters chemistry is so good and you will be on the edge of your seat with them. Filled with love, drama, obsession, and passion. You never expect what’s going to happen. Definitely recommended if you love sports romance and suspense!
March 27, 2022
2nd Reread and still loving Kage and Jamie!!!
January 22, 2024
I am absolutely in love with Kage and Jamie and their
Love for each other.
Love for each other.
May 4, 2021
I've just finished the Kage trilogy after binge listening for the last two days. I definitely enjoyed reading about Kage, Maris Black's pure alpha male character. I liked him more than his lover, Jamie, who was often self centered and immature. I kept reminding myself that Jamie had just turned 21 and at that age most people are still predominantly self-involved. The physical attraction between the two men was hot enough to burn my ears. Yay for lots of sex! My imagination had a field day! Honestly, the trilogy had a few unrealistic scenarios, like Kage coming by Jamie's college apartment to spar with Jamie in front of his roommates and ex-girlfriend directly after a professional MM bout, but I obviously didn't care enough about that lack of possible reality to rate the whole trilogy lower than 5 stars. I've purchased the next book in Black's new trilogy, Santorini, and am looking forward to more Kage & Jamie once I have a chance to recover from my binge. J.F. Harding is an excellent narrator, and since a narrator can make or break the listening experience, I am really pleased he's narrating the next trilogy.
September 28, 2019
I bought the trilogy of this because, series and I love to binge. And since every book is a direct continuing of the last, I'm happy about the choice.
Kage and Jaime together is passionate and obsessive, they want each other fiercely but is worked against by Peter in the best soap opera style.
I loved how Kage had so much sweetness in him, despite the darkness that lingered and threatened to consume him.
Kage is the catalyst that brings Jaime's deprived sides in to light, and the more they are together the more they consume each other to the point where one can't function with someone else.
And that intensity is what kept me reading the books non-stop from start to finish.
Kage and Jaime together is passionate and obsessive, they want each other fiercely but is worked against by Peter in the best soap opera style.
I loved how Kage had so much sweetness in him, despite the darkness that lingered and threatened to consume him.
Kage is the catalyst that brings Jaime's deprived sides in to light, and the more they are together the more they consume each other to the point where one can't function with someone else.
And that intensity is what kept me reading the books non-stop from start to finish.
February 12, 2021
This series is much darker than the books I usually like to read. It's certainly got the heat, passion and sexy intensity everyone claims and stands out for how dedicated the MCs are to each other. I very much enjoyed the fiery passion in the stories and the characters are unique and flawed. However, I was very much triggered by the trauma in book 3 and it took some of the enjoyment out of the read for me. The flashback to childhood trauma was too dark for my tastes and what I try to avoid.
Overall though - I was enraptured throughout the series and found it a very hot read.
Overall though - I was enraptured throughout the series and found it a very hot read.
October 7, 2017
After reading the boxed set and finished at 4am Sunday ( Australia) I wish I was starting over !
This series took me into Kage and Jamie’s life …..
Such wonderful writing that brought me as a reader to feel the words that made me feel the guys ….
Amazing books —- for the first time I have bought all three audiobooks so I won’t lose this connection I have….
The narration is by J.F. Harding with his voice the books came to life ~ absolutely brilliant…..
Have started listening once more ♥️♥️♥️♥️
This series took me into Kage and Jamie’s life …..
Such wonderful writing that brought me as a reader to feel the words that made me feel the guys ….
Amazing books —- for the first time I have bought all three audiobooks so I won’t lose this connection I have….
The narration is by J.F. Harding with his voice the books came to life ~ absolutely brilliant…..
Have started listening once more ♥️♥️♥️♥️
January 22, 2018
This was on my TBR for awhile, why haven't I read it sooner?! Gah... I loved it!! So glad I bought the boxset & had all 3 books at same time, especially with books ending in cliffhangers. I got hooked reading this & hardly slept(4/5hours of sleep each night) since Friday night when I started reading them. I'm hooked on Jamie & Kage to of course... So good & I can't wait to start Santori tomorrow!
December 29, 2019
This series is great. The books are real page turners. The sex scenes are really well written. [I mention that because there's a lot of them and they didn't make me cringe.] There's a lot of action and the MMA angle is an interesting feature of the stories, as I'm a fan of that sport. There's not a lot of technical detail regarding MMA but it's obvious the author is familiar with the topic. There's another 3 stories in a followup series to this one and I'll definitely be reading them, as well.
May 9, 2020
re-read May 2020: DNF Too violent, too rough, not enough character growth. I didn't connect with the characters at all this time. I DNF-ed during the third instalment of the series. Definitely a fave that lost its magic.
My comments apply to all three parts of the trilogy.
WOW, I am still feeling the after effects of this series three days after finishing it. Kage is raw, dirty, definitely not politically correct and so so delicious to read. In the middle, it shortly reminded me of Mine by Katy Evans but the story took a completely different turn, one I was certainly not expecting. I couldn't read such a story every day (free up your weekend to read unhindered!!!) but I do have a big soft spot for gritty, dirty stories with over the plot villains, angst and HAWT sex scenes. While I wouldn't classify this story as true BDSM, there are definitely sadomasochistic elements in Michael and Jamie's relationship and love making. So if you are waiting for soft kisses and gentle f@cking you need to read until part three or look for a different story. B++++++++++++++ or A-------------, can't decide.
My comments apply to all three parts of the trilogy.
WOW, I am still feeling the after effects of this series three days after finishing it. Kage is raw, dirty, definitely not politically correct and so so delicious to read. In the middle, it shortly reminded me of Mine by Katy Evans but the story took a completely different turn, one I was certainly not expecting. I couldn't read such a story every day (free up your weekend to read unhindered!!!) but I do have a big soft spot for gritty, dirty stories with over the plot villains, angst and HAWT sex scenes. While I wouldn't classify this story as true BDSM, there are definitely sadomasochistic elements in Michael and Jamie's relationship and love making. So if you are waiting for soft kisses and gentle f@cking you need to read until part three or look for a different story. B++++++++++++++ or A-------------, can't decide.
December 21, 2020
I don't know how I feel about it. It's just the first two books are so so great , but then there is one thing there always feels not very right on my mind which is Mr Santori. His relationship with Kage is empty and unreal. It's OK when the books only about Kage and Jamie , but then the last part comes , the ending is so quick, hasty and unconvincing. It was so so disappointing , I read all the way to a ending like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
What a ride
This box set has everything that you need in a great MM story… the angst, intrigue and love that is in this story is everything. The immediate chemistry between Kage and Jamie is so real. What they had to go through to find their happiness was more than most could take. I loved Kage’s nonstop belief in their relationship. I loved Jamie’s acceptor Kage and his past. I need so much more of these two!
This box set has everything that you need in a great MM story… the angst, intrigue and love that is in this story is everything. The immediate chemistry between Kage and Jamie is so real. What they had to go through to find their happiness was more than most could take. I loved Kage’s nonstop belief in their relationship. I loved Jamie’s acceptor Kage and his past. I need so much more of these two!
June 15, 2017
Absolutely love!
I love this series! Absolutely fantastic! I couldn't put it down!! Read the entire box set in one day! Can't wait to read the next one in this series and check out more from this author!❤️
I love this series! Absolutely fantastic! I couldn't put it down!! Read the entire box set in one day! Can't wait to read the next one in this series and check out more from this author!❤️
March 9, 2019
Omg love this series!! It’s like a M/M fifty shades, or at least what I imagine FS is like lol (never read it) All the romance & seduction & dom/sub, without all that bondage. Can’t get enough! Wish I had a Kage of my own.
September 11, 2026
Omg love this series!! It’s like a M/M fifty shades, or at least what I imagine FS is like lol (never read it) All the romance & seduction & dom/sub, without all that bondage. Can’t get enough! Wish I had a Kage of my own.
July 3, 2017
Awesome!!
So glad I waited to get the box set, otherwise would've been chomping at the bit for the other two to come out!!!
So glad I waited to get the box set, otherwise would've been chomping at the bit for the other two to come out!!!
July 20, 2017
Hot m/m romance
A very good storyline with great and interesting characters. Hot sex but with an actual story base that keeps your interest
A very good storyline with great and interesting characters. Hot sex but with an actual story base that keeps your interest
April 13, 2020
Such a real and engaging read
This was sweet hot discovery of sexuality. These boys are also toxic as hell and I loved every minute of it.
This was sweet hot discovery of sexuality. These boys are also toxic as hell and I loved every minute of it.
July 15, 2021
😍😍😍😍
Holy cow this book was ssssooo good!!!! I love MMA books and this one hit all the spots!!! I can't wait to read more!!!
Holy cow this book was ssssooo good!!!! I love MMA books and this one hit all the spots!!! I can't wait to read more!!!
June 6, 2023
“Yeah, it’s true. I’ve got a boyfriend. Outside of the octagon, outside of this business, he’s my world. Nobody even comes close.”
What a ride this trilogy was. So glad I could binge it all in one go, I’m not sure I would have survived it otherwise, those cliffhangers! Kage and Jamie have such chemistry, the love, the drama and passion keeps you on the edge of your seat!
I know their story continues but I’m happy here. No need to mess up their HEA!
September 14, 2023
MMA Romance
Possessive/Protective
Angsty
Sexual Awakening
Boss/Intern
Needing the perfect topic for a writing assignment for his class, Jamie decides to check out an MMA event and ends up stealing the eye of one of the up and coming fighters that's there viewing the competition, Kage. Catching Kage's attention turns out to be a good thing because the next day, Jamie's got a chance at interning in Vegas as Kage's PA for the summer. In close proximity at all hours of the day, Jamie learns more about Kage, finding there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Michael Kage Santori. Between the panic attacks that turn him catatonic and the moments when he blacks out after submitting someone, Kage has demons in his past that are itching to reach the surface. They might just be more than Jamie can handle on his own...
I don't know what it is about fighters in books but I'm all for it. This is actually the second time I've read this series but the first time I've listened to the audiobooks. I've been meaning to check out the audiobooks for a minute now because I've heard nothing but good things about the narrator, JF Harding. I have to say, he's going down as a favorite of mine after this. I genuinely loved the way he narrated Kage's character. The growl in his voice really did things for me.
Part of the reason I wanted to reread the series is because it's been so long since I originally read the books but also because I really wanted to check out the hype on the Santori trilogy. And, good news, JF Harding is back to narrate those as well! Those are next up in the queue because with the HFN at the end of Kage Unmasked, yeah, there's no way I'm done with Kage and Jamie yet!
Possessive/Protective
Angsty
Sexual Awakening
Boss/Intern
Needing the perfect topic for a writing assignment for his class, Jamie decides to check out an MMA event and ends up stealing the eye of one of the up and coming fighters that's there viewing the competition, Kage. Catching Kage's attention turns out to be a good thing because the next day, Jamie's got a chance at interning in Vegas as Kage's PA for the summer. In close proximity at all hours of the day, Jamie learns more about Kage, finding there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Michael Kage Santori. Between the panic attacks that turn him catatonic and the moments when he blacks out after submitting someone, Kage has demons in his past that are itching to reach the surface. They might just be more than Jamie can handle on his own...
I don't know what it is about fighters in books but I'm all for it. This is actually the second time I've read this series but the first time I've listened to the audiobooks. I've been meaning to check out the audiobooks for a minute now because I've heard nothing but good things about the narrator, JF Harding. I have to say, he's going down as a favorite of mine after this. I genuinely loved the way he narrated Kage's character. The growl in his voice really did things for me.
Part of the reason I wanted to reread the series is because it's been so long since I originally read the books but also because I really wanted to check out the hype on the Santori trilogy. And, good news, JF Harding is back to narrate those as well! Those are next up in the queue because with the HFN at the end of Kage Unmasked, yeah, there's no way I'm done with Kage and Jamie yet!
April 9, 2019
Edited review 1/2022:
If you liked this book like I did, I offer a respectful challenge - go back and reread the first chapter. Misogyny and xenophobia abound. It’s awful. Rating changed to 1*.
Original review:
This trilogy is a knockout!
Hah. See what I did there?
Seriously though - this book surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I'm reviewing it as a series, since it really did not feel like it should have been 3 separate books. There is one plot arc, and no real resolution at the end of each book. I'm sure it was split due to marketing or other reasons because it would be perfect as a large book with 3 parts.
For all the grit of the setting (MMA fighting), the characters were surprisingly sweet and - normal? I truly liked Kage, and Jamie. I read the whole series back to back and plan to read more by the author.
If you liked this book like I did, I offer a respectful challenge - go back and reread the first chapter. Misogyny and xenophobia abound. It’s awful. Rating changed to 1*.
Original review:
This trilogy is a knockout!
Hah. See what I did there?
Seriously though - this book surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I'm reviewing it as a series, since it really did not feel like it should have been 3 separate books. There is one plot arc, and no real resolution at the end of each book. I'm sure it was split due to marketing or other reasons because it would be perfect as a large book with 3 parts.
For all the grit of the setting (MMA fighting), the characters were surprisingly sweet and - normal? I truly liked Kage, and Jamie. I read the whole series back to back and plan to read more by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews