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Pounding Hearts #4
Breaking Beast
He’s determined to protect her, even if it breaks him. Life’s been pretty damn good to me. As the reigning middleweight champion, I’ve got money, power and fame. Not to mention a surplus of women willing to jump into my bed. All in all, I’ve got few complaints. I’m just living the dream… then Christy falls into my lap. She’s young, vulnerable, and innocent. And she has enough on her that plate that she doesn’t need any grief from an old bastard like me. But she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can’t stop myself from wanting her, even though there’s more than a decade between us. I’m trying hard to keep my hands to myself, but she’s proving to be a temptation too great to resist… The moment I celebrated my eighteenth birthday I became broke and homeless. Driven from the only home I’ve ever known by my crazy stepbrother — I was lost, just trying to survive, but determined to make it. Alex stumbled upon me in my darkest hour, and he’s taken me into his home. He’s given me food, shelter and a fighting chance. Living with him though, I can’t stop myself from falling for him. But he looks at me like I’m a little kid that needs to be protected. He thinks I’m too young, but I’m old enough to know that I want him to be both my first and my last. Breaking Beast is a HEA, standalone MMA/Bad Boy romance with a dominant alpha hero and a young heroine trying to make her way in the world. Some content intended for mature readers.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 19, 2024
3/5
”You’re not a fucking curse,” he says huskily, his face looming closer, bigger. “You’re a fucking blessing.”
TROPES:
-mma heroine & hero
-forced proximity
-friends to lovers
-age gap (18h, 30H)
This was a cute yet intense read. The fighter heroine is trying to escape her abusive stepbrother and another fighter at the gym she works at invites her to live with him. So she does. They become friends, then lovers. He’s very possessive/jealous of her and I loved that.
I did not like that he was a total manwhore 😭🫠 It’s been.. like, a week since he last got laid before he puts his claim on the heroine. He also goes on a date with OW to get laid but nothing happens because all he wants is the heroine.
SAFETY:
virgin heroine, manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: the heroine gets SA by another fighter at the gym. the hero is a total manwhore and goes on a date with OW. also, the heroine’s stepbrother wants her as his own and he causes problems.
no cheating/sharing
kinks: rough sex, spanking
triggers: SA of heroine (groping), past abuse from stepbrother, brutal fighting lol
HEA
”You’re not a fucking curse,” he says huskily, his face looming closer, bigger. “You’re a fucking blessing.”
TROPES:
-mma heroine & hero
-forced proximity
-friends to lovers
-age gap (18h, 30H)
This was a cute yet intense read. The fighter heroine is trying to escape her abusive stepbrother and another fighter at the gym she works at invites her to live with him. So she does. They become friends, then lovers. He’s very possessive/jealous of her and I loved that.
I did not like that he was a total manwhore 😭🫠 It’s been.. like, a week since he last got laid before he puts his claim on the heroine. He also goes on a date with OW to get laid but nothing happens because all he wants is the heroine.
SAFETY:
virgin heroine, manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: the heroine gets SA by another fighter at the gym. the hero is a total manwhore and goes on a date with OW. also, the heroine’s stepbrother wants her as his own and he causes problems.
no cheating/sharing
kinks: rough sex, spanking
triggers: SA of heroine (groping), past abuse from stepbrother, brutal fighting lol
HEA
September 26, 2020
Again with this 18 year old crap!?! - DNF 14%
I originally read “Banging Reaper” and liked it. I later got Kindle Unlimited so I could read this series specifically. Should have known better to stop at Book 1. Granted it’s my fault for not reading the descriptions before downloading. Ok, so on to my review.
Seriously?!? Another 18 year old?? I already suffered through Book 2 - “Slamming Demon” and its 54% talk of teen sex. Like full on detail of their sex. What!?! I’m a grown a$$ adult, I don’t want to read about teenagers getting it on. I felt like a pervert. I ended up skipping a lot of things and even just skimming through the rest of it when they got to the “present day” because I was so put off.
But now THIS one?!? This one is a whole book dedicated to talking about sex with an 18 year old!!! What?!?!? Are you kidding me!?! I don’t want to read a complete book about that topic. I had to stop at 14% and didn’t finish it.
Like I said, I liked Book 1. Book 3 - “Breaking Beast” was ok but I still felt uncomfortable because Grace was a part of that 54% in Book 2 - “Slamming Demon”.
I’m going to try to read Book 5 - “Avenging Angel” but if it starts out with some crap like this, I’m definitely cutting my losses.
I just have to wonder what the hell is going through these authors’ heads to be talking about teen sex so casually and blatantly. Even the hero mentions a few times in what I did read that she was “jailbait”. So it does stand to reason that even they thought this crap was questionable.
I originally read “Banging Reaper” and liked it. I later got Kindle Unlimited so I could read this series specifically. Should have known better to stop at Book 1. Granted it’s my fault for not reading the descriptions before downloading. Ok, so on to my review.
Seriously?!? Another 18 year old?? I already suffered through Book 2 - “Slamming Demon” and its 54% talk of teen sex. Like full on detail of their sex. What!?! I’m a grown a$$ adult, I don’t want to read about teenagers getting it on. I felt like a pervert. I ended up skipping a lot of things and even just skimming through the rest of it when they got to the “present day” because I was so put off.
But now THIS one?!? This one is a whole book dedicated to talking about sex with an 18 year old!!! What?!?!? Are you kidding me!?! I don’t want to read a complete book about that topic. I had to stop at 14% and didn’t finish it.
Like I said, I liked Book 1. Book 3 - “Breaking Beast” was ok but I still felt uncomfortable because Grace was a part of that 54% in Book 2 - “Slamming Demon”.
I’m going to try to read Book 5 - “Avenging Angel” but if it starts out with some crap like this, I’m definitely cutting my losses.
I just have to wonder what the hell is going through these authors’ heads to be talking about teen sex so casually and blatantly. Even the hero mentions a few times in what I did read that she was “jailbait”. So it does stand to reason that even they thought this crap was questionable.
January 9, 2019
3.5
The ending and dealing with the stepbrother was kind of abrupt but still a decent read.
The ending and dealing with the stepbrother was kind of abrupt but still a decent read.
December 7, 2018
Breaking Beast is the 4th and final book in the Pounding Hearts Series and it blew me away. The whole series is phenomenal but Alex truly stole my heart with his caring nature and cocky demeanor. When he finds Christy he is taken by her immediately but the age difference is a big no no for him, until he gives her a home to stay and starts training with her. The heart eventually wins the fight and he becomes protective over her, especially with her lunatic brother stalking her and physically harming her.
Izzy Sweet and Sean Moriarty are a match made in heaven when it comes to c0-writing. I have not come across a book yet I did not love and devoured in no time at all. If you have not read this series yet grab it. It is most definitely worth reading. I highly recommend the Pounding Hearts Series.
Izzy Sweet and Sean Moriarty are a match made in heaven when it comes to c0-writing. I have not come across a book yet I did not love and devoured in no time at all. If you have not read this series yet grab it. It is most definitely worth reading. I highly recommend the Pounding Hearts Series.
January 5, 2019
Sweet love story.
This is a very sweet love story which has an alpha male but also has female lead that works to take care of herself. Chemistry was decent. Not red hot as in a number of these authors other books but good. A simple story that earns a four star because of the likableness of the characters. There are some editing issues in several areas but this is not a big deal for me. I probably will not read the other books in this series because cage fighting is not very interesting to me and the set up is a bit too sweet for my tastes but I do really like these two authors and when they can be awesome.
This is a very sweet love story which has an alpha male but also has female lead that works to take care of herself. Chemistry was decent. Not red hot as in a number of these authors other books but good. A simple story that earns a four star because of the likableness of the characters. There are some editing issues in several areas but this is not a big deal for me. I probably will not read the other books in this series because cage fighting is not very interesting to me and the set up is a bit too sweet for my tastes but I do really like these two authors and when they can be awesome.
October 16, 2019
Loved this series
My MMA knowledge is very limited, I really enjoy watching fights on TV, but don't follow the sport beyond that. However, this series gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport and the MMA world. I cannot explain how much I really enjoyed this series. The characters were very well written, every story line was it's own, every relationship had it's own issues, and I loved every page. I really hope more books are in the works.
If you love alpha males and strong women, I couldn't recommend this series, this book, more. I am so glad I gave the first book a chance. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
My MMA knowledge is very limited, I really enjoy watching fights on TV, but don't follow the sport beyond that. However, this series gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport and the MMA world. I cannot explain how much I really enjoyed this series. The characters were very well written, every story line was it's own, every relationship had it's own issues, and I loved every page. I really hope more books are in the works.
If you love alpha males and strong women, I couldn't recommend this series, this book, more. I am so glad I gave the first book a chance. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
May 29, 2017
Wow this was a knock out
This book is about a hot mma fighter,a scared young lady and a crazy obsessed step brother. This story starts out all about beasts career,then he finds a scared young girl at his gym and bam. Beast takes her in as he builds her up she tears down his walls little by little. Then she is not only training but getting under his skin,she thinks the ultimate prize is winning the fight but really it's conquering the beast. They are sweet,sexy competitive and you really route for them.
This book is about a hot mma fighter,a scared young lady and a crazy obsessed step brother. This story starts out all about beasts career,then he finds a scared young girl at his gym and bam. Beast takes her in as he builds her up she tears down his walls little by little. Then she is not only training but getting under his skin,she thinks the ultimate prize is winning the fight but really it's conquering the beast. They are sweet,sexy competitive and you really route for them.
December 4, 2017
Instant connection
Christy and Alex
Christy leaves her home after turning 18, running from her pervy step brother. She goes to the gym she's been training at and runs into Alex. Now used to having to make it on her own Christy is suspicious of Alex wanting to help her. But she can't ignore how comfortable she feels. Alex is a sexy beast. He is a beast in the cage also. He comes across Christy when she needs someone the most. He can't explain it but he has to be there for her.
It's the instalove with out the hearts and flowers.
Christy and Alex
Christy leaves her home after turning 18, running from her pervy step brother. She goes to the gym she's been training at and runs into Alex. Now used to having to make it on her own Christy is suspicious of Alex wanting to help her. But she can't ignore how comfortable she feels. Alex is a sexy beast. He is a beast in the cage also. He comes across Christy when she needs someone the most. He can't explain it but he has to be there for her.
It's the instalove with out the hearts and flowers.
November 4, 2025
I love me some mma and especially some ufc but I rarely find myself diving into mma books
I enjoyed a lot of this story, especially the found family of the gym and specifically dale (is he single…? asking for a friend😃).
I thought the nicknames between Alex and Christy were fun and cute (especially runt and big head).
If you want a story free from other women drama though.. this is not the one for you. Alex is not afraid to get out there with the ladies & we must suffer through him on a date with another woman
I enjoyed a lot of this story, especially the found family of the gym and specifically dale (is he single…? asking for a friend😃).
I thought the nicknames between Alex and Christy were fun and cute (especially runt and big head).
If you want a story free from other women drama though.. this is not the one for you. Alex is not afraid to get out there with the ladies & we must suffer through him on a date with another woman
March 23, 2019
Great ending!
The dynamic in this book was different, there was the age difference, 12years, the fact that Christy was a virgin and that she was running from an abusive past. Also, and this was my fav part was that Christy started training for a match herself. I loved that she took charge of her destiny. Alex was great in that he accepted her when needed and pushed her when she was faltering. Great book!
The dynamic in this book was different, there was the age difference, 12years, the fact that Christy was a virgin and that she was running from an abusive past. Also, and this was my fav part was that Christy started training for a match herself. I loved that she took charge of her destiny. Alex was great in that he accepted her when needed and pushed her when she was faltering. Great book!
January 24, 2020
The Damsel and her knight in shiny fighting gear
This is an age gap romance for the ages. I loved everything about Alex and Christy. She's a female fighter y'all!!! I think Muffin really stole my heart though. I love her. I was so nervous through this story, I couldn't shake of the antsy feeling. Then the relationship between these too was so genuine. I finished this story in one day, I hated the story had to end. I needed more.
This is an age gap romance for the ages. I loved everything about Alex and Christy. She's a female fighter y'all!!! I think Muffin really stole my heart though. I love her. I was so nervous through this story, I couldn't shake of the antsy feeling. Then the relationship between these too was so genuine. I finished this story in one day, I hated the story had to end. I needed more.
December 15, 2022
A great series
This has been an intense and intriguing series, and this book was no exception. Cristy's story was heartbreaking, tragic, and emotionally draining, especially having to deal with her stepbrother. Alex comes across as a self centered jerk in the beginning, but he quickly shows his true colors after helping her out. It's certainly not a story to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This has been an intense and intriguing series, and this book was no exception. Cristy's story was heartbreaking, tragic, and emotionally draining, especially having to deal with her stepbrother. Alex comes across as a self centered jerk in the beginning, but he quickly shows his true colors after helping her out. It's certainly not a story to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
May 31, 2024
Hana Ho!
I have read this book over and over and I can't get enough of how well played it is! Definitely 5 stars, definitely one of my faves! What happened to Christy is crap and seems to be a common occurrence in my generation but with Alex's love and training she has become so much more than she started off as. But still that sweet little girl growing up to prove herself. One more time, Sweey Moriarty, one more time!
I have read this book over and over and I can't get enough of how well played it is! Definitely 5 stars, definitely one of my faves! What happened to Christy is crap and seems to be a common occurrence in my generation but with Alex's love and training she has become so much more than she started off as. But still that sweet little girl growing up to prove herself. One more time, Sweey Moriarty, one more time!
August 29, 2017
Mmmmmmm see there's just something about a beast eh! Beauty and the Beast (my absolute favourite Disney) and Alex (The Beast 😏) oh yeah, really enjoyed this book, really liked Alex and Christy, and their friends 😊 Nice when you have some of the characters from previous books involved in the story too 😊
I voluntarily read an ARC copy and am leaving an honest review
I voluntarily read an ARC copy and am leaving an honest review
October 23, 2017
Action
A interesting series on MMA I must admit. The stepbrother hyped on drugs was a menace. The sad thing is there is someone, somewhere actually living that. Could there have been more personal details sure. Where did Christy go from there? Did their love last? Was it excepted among ever? Was there humor, yes. Was there action, yes! Overall good read.
A interesting series on MMA I must admit. The stepbrother hyped on drugs was a menace. The sad thing is there is someone, somewhere actually living that. Could there have been more personal details sure. Where did Christy go from there? Did their love last? Was it excepted among ever? Was there humor, yes. Was there action, yes! Overall good read.
January 25, 2018
Young girl, older man
Sometimes when a young girl is dealing with drama at home and decides to leave, you sometimes get a stupid story to go along with the girl. But boy oh boy did I fall in love with this story. Nothing better than a young beauty finding her sexy hot older beast. Izzy and Sean did a great job with this story. I hope more is to come of this series.
Sometimes when a young girl is dealing with drama at home and decides to leave, you sometimes get a stupid story to go along with the girl. But boy oh boy did I fall in love with this story. Nothing better than a young beauty finding her sexy hot older beast. Izzy and Sean did a great job with this story. I hope more is to come of this series.
November 17, 2018
Loved this book, I think it’s a favourite for me of the series so far. A entertaining read, that was so exciting and really sweet. Loved the characters. I mean how could you not love a man like Alex. Nope you couldn’t. And I loved Christy as well. Awesome read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
February 15, 2019
Of the series...
This is my favorite. I like Alex and Christy's story cause it just starts with helping out someone in need. Alex in his roughness has no problem helping out a girl in need and was respectful not to take advance of her in one of her lowest moments. Christy came into her own. My only criticism is that Christy wasn't the one to put her stepbrother in his place.
This is my favorite. I like Alex and Christy's story cause it just starts with helping out someone in need. Alex in his roughness has no problem helping out a girl in need and was respectful not to take advance of her in one of her lowest moments. Christy came into her own. My only criticism is that Christy wasn't the one to put her stepbrother in his place.
May 18, 2019
Omg
Last of the series but just as good as the others. Hottest series of MMA fighters i read. The fourth book is intriguing. Christy I can see a a person who lost a lot, but never gave up. Christy is a true fighter. Alex is a giant man, but true to himself and others he care about. Excellent series of s book by itself. Highly recommended
Last of the series but just as good as the others. Hottest series of MMA fighters i read. The fourth book is intriguing. Christy I can see a a person who lost a lot, but never gave up. Christy is a true fighter. Alex is a giant man, but true to himself and others he care about. Excellent series of s book by itself. Highly recommended
May 23, 2017
Fantastic
I truly loved this book! It was amazing and I would read it over and over again. I laughed so many times and I'm so happy my heart didn't break. It was such a good story and I'm happy with how it ended!!
I truly loved this book! It was amazing and I would read it over and over again. I laughed so many times and I'm so happy my heart didn't break. It was such a good story and I'm happy with how it ended!!
May 26, 2017
Story of Beast (Alex) and Christy.
Enjoyable read. I loved Alex's character, Christy was a little soft for my liking. Given that she was a fighter she let herself get bullied by her stepbrother, would hv thought she had more guts. Like how Dale,Chase and Avery were bought into this story
Enjoyable read. I loved Alex's character, Christy was a little soft for my liking. Given that she was a fighter she let herself get bullied by her stepbrother, would hv thought she had more guts. Like how Dale,Chase and Avery were bought into this story
August 23, 2017
As I read the last of four books, this one is just as good as the first. Christy is a trooper and Alex is definitely a beast! Even though I'm not a fan of domestic violence, I wish Christy would have gotten her chance to wreak havoc!! Over all a good series.
January 12, 2018
4.5 stars. I really loved seeing MMA through the eyes of a female. It was fun to watch Christy train and watch Alex learn there is more than fighting in his future. Their story feels like there is more to come though which is my only challenge with the story.
July 2, 2018
Love and hate
This was a sweet story, but I was uncomfortable with the age of the girl. It would have been better be was if he was in his mid to late twenties...but an 18 and 31 year old is sort of icky.
This was a sweet story, but I was uncomfortable with the age of the girl. It would have been better be was if he was in his mid to late twenties...but an 18 and 31 year old is sort of icky.
July 29, 2018
Hellcat
Another awesome story! Christy has lost her only home but thankfully Alex finds her and helps her out. These two poke and prod at each other constantly,they are perfect for each other. And who can resist Muffin!!!!!!
Another awesome story! Christy has lost her only home but thankfully Alex finds her and helps her out. These two poke and prod at each other constantly,they are perfect for each other. And who can resist Muffin!!!!!!
October 26, 2018
Love it
This was a very enjoyable read. Intense and a little heartbreaking but what an ending. Well written and humorous. Great characters and a good storyline. I hope they'll be more.
This was a very enjoyable read. Intense and a little heartbreaking but what an ending. Well written and humorous. Great characters and a good storyline. I hope they'll be more.
May 15, 2019
The Beast!
I loved that Christy was already taking classes at the gym that Alex was training at. It set them up really well for their love story and gave a good backstory as well as incorporating characters from previous books in this series. Their love was fast, hot and steamy!
I loved that Christy was already taking classes at the gym that Alex was training at. It set them up really well for their love story and gave a good backstory as well as incorporating characters from previous books in this series. Their love was fast, hot and steamy!
June 30, 2019
Breaking Beast
Mark was lucky Alex went easy on him and Chase came just in time to save him from a best down. I don't know why she didn't beat t the crap out of Mark for harassing her, luckily Alex heard him talking smack about her.
Mark was lucky Alex went easy on him and Chase came just in time to save him from a best down. I don't know why she didn't beat t the crap out of Mark for harassing her, luckily Alex heard him talking smack about her.
March 12, 2020
New beginnings...
Christy's life flipped upside down once she turned 18, but she's determined to make it on her own. Alex doesn't want to get wrapped up in a relationship... well, until Christy comes along.
Happy reading : )
Christy's life flipped upside down once she turned 18, but she's determined to make it on her own. Alex doesn't want to get wrapped up in a relationship... well, until Christy comes along.
Happy reading : )
June 16, 2020
Breaking beast
Brett and Mandy maybe my favorite couple, Bear and Grace is my favorite story, but Christy and Alex are my favorite characters. Especially chrissy. I love how the authors made chrissy a MMA fighter. Love how she got through it all. I want more stories like this
Brett and Mandy maybe my favorite couple, Bear and Grace is my favorite story, but Christy and Alex are my favorite characters. Especially chrissy. I love how the authors made chrissy a MMA fighter. Love how she got through it all. I want more stories like this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews