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A Real Man #11
Brutal
He’s loved her his entire life.
AXEL
She’s my best friend, my everything.
She’s been the girl I’ve loved since I knew what that meant.
I box—fight bloody—for a living, and at every fight she’s there, cheering me on, being mine whether she knows it or not.
I’ve never been with a woman because for me she’s it. Roxie is the only one I’ll ever want.
Enough time has passed. It’s time I told Roxie how I feel because there’s no way I can hold in my feelings any longer.
ROXIE
I want to think the looks, the possessiveness that comes from him means he wants me the same way I want him. He’s been in my life for longer than I can remember, and I never want that to change.
I’ll be with him until the end. My love for him runs so deep, so strong I can’t breathe at times.
I watch as he pushes other girls away, his gaze locked on mine as if he’s trying to tell me there isn’t anyone else for him.
But I’m afraid to turn our relationship from friends to lovers. I’m afraid of crossing that line that could ruin what we have.
Warning: This is a super sweet friends-to-lovers story. Don’t worry; it still has that OTT alpha hero who’s head over heels in love with his woman and caveman to a fault. Grab some ice, because it’s going to get hot in here!
AXEL
She’s my best friend, my everything.
She’s been the girl I’ve loved since I knew what that meant.
I box—fight bloody—for a living, and at every fight she’s there, cheering me on, being mine whether she knows it or not.
I’ve never been with a woman because for me she’s it. Roxie is the only one I’ll ever want.
Enough time has passed. It’s time I told Roxie how I feel because there’s no way I can hold in my feelings any longer.
ROXIE
I want to think the looks, the possessiveness that comes from him means he wants me the same way I want him. He’s been in my life for longer than I can remember, and I never want that to change.
I’ll be with him until the end. My love for him runs so deep, so strong I can’t breathe at times.
I watch as he pushes other girls away, his gaze locked on mine as if he’s trying to tell me there isn’t anyone else for him.
But I’m afraid to turn our relationship from friends to lovers. I’m afraid of crossing that line that could ruin what we have.
Warning: This is a super sweet friends-to-lovers story. Don’t worry; it still has that OTT alpha hero who’s head over heels in love with his woman and caveman to a fault. Grab some ice, because it’s going to get hot in here!
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2017
561 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Jenika Snow
438 books8,827 followersJenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
April 13, 2017
Though the title "Brutal" is a tribute to Axel's profession as a fighter, there really isn't anything brutal about this story. It's a burst of sweetness where besties love one another and finally get the courage to speak up. The plot seems to be centered on the moment of their confession and less on the build up. There isn't much in the way of development of the characters, but this snippet of Roxie and Axel was a nice, quick, and safe read.
Safety: Axel has pushed away many ladies in order to remain faithful to his feelings for Roxie and it doesn't get better than that. Very safe.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Safety: Axel has pushed away many ladies in order to remain faithful to his feelings for Roxie and it doesn't get better than that. Very safe.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2017
This story starts very sweetly.
Axel is a boxer overpossessive and overprotective of his best friend, Rosie. He is secretly deeply in love with her, but he never tells her because he is scared of losing her. Nevertheless he remains faithful and virgin although it would not be hard for him to get laid if he wanted.
Rosie is also very protective and caring for her best friend, Axel. Her feelings for him are also hidden and run deep. Until one night, she will not be able to hold back and she will confess her love.
The friends will become lovers.
And then, there will be some serious dirty talking between the two virgins.
SERIOUSLY DIRTY TALKING
Because This is how it's supposed to be.
One of my favorite stories in the series.
Axel is a boxer overpossessive and overprotective of his best friend, Rosie. He is secretly deeply in love with her, but he never tells her because he is scared of losing her. Nevertheless he remains faithful and virgin although it would not be hard for him to get laid if he wanted.
Rosie is also very protective and caring for her best friend, Axel. Her feelings for him are also hidden and run deep. Until one night, she will not be able to hold back and she will confess her love.
The friends will become lovers.
And then, there will be some serious dirty talking between the two virgins.
SERIOUSLY DIRTY TALKING
Because This is how it's supposed to be.
One of my favorite stories in the series.
September 15, 2017
I loved this one! And both virgins who only want each other, no one else? Perfect!
The story is about Axel and Roxie.
He's a boxer. They grew up together and best friends for a long time. They love each other but they don't know how to tell it because they're afraid to ruin their friendship.
I loved how possessive and protective he was of her. And he's so sweet! I also loved they only had eyes for each other. He pushed girls away because she's it for him.
It has a lovely epilogue.
SAFETY:
The story is about Axel and Roxie.
He's a boxer. They grew up together and best friends for a long time. They love each other but they don't know how to tell it because they're afraid to ruin their friendship.
I loved how possessive and protective he was of her. And he's so sweet! I also loved they only had eyes for each other. He pushed girls away because she's it for him.
It has a lovely epilogue.
SAFETY:
April 7, 2017
This cover is alright. It's a good representation of the hero of the story. The title is eye-catching. That said it's a little too busy typography wise throwing off the composition a bit.
Sigh...this was my least favorite of the series. First of all, it seemed shorter than the others (and the others are pretty damn short). I am pretty sure this only took me 20 minutes to read. On top of that is was SO over the top sugary sweet I now have to visit my dentist for the cavities it gave me. The word LOVE was used no less than 62 times. In any case, this one didn't hit a high note with me, but I am still really enjoying the series overall and look forward to the next book coming out.
April 17, 2017
Short and sweet
I am loving this Real Man series. The heroes are fanatics, devoted, alpha,sexy and most importantly - faithful! What a real man actually is.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-no pushing away
-great epilogue 2 years and 5 years out
I am loving this Real Man series. The heroes are fanatics, devoted, alpha,sexy and most importantly - faithful! What a real man actually is.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-no pushing away
-great epilogue 2 years and 5 years out
December 18, 2018
It was soooo sweet! *sigh*
And he waited for her! *sigh*
Yes, I really liked that he was a virgin.
Tired of idolization of only female virginity; what about hot male virgin?
Gender equality!!!
The story was really sweet! MCs were the same age – thanks God!
Not another daddy/baby-girl BS!
And he waited for her! *sigh*
Yes, I really liked that he was a virgin.
Tired of idolization of only female virginity; what about hot male virgin?
Gender equality!!!
The story was really sweet! MCs were the same age – thanks God!
Not another daddy/baby-girl BS!
April 12, 2017
Despite the title "Brutal",this story was anything but brutal.Very sweet bordering on sugar rush sweet tale of best friends turned lovers.Very enjoyable quickie read with a lovely epilogue.One of the best entries in this series so far.
April 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable short, steamy and sweet read from Jenika Snow. I just wished it was a little longer.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
Another enjoyable short, steamy and sweet read from Jenika Snow. I just wished it was a little longer.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
April 17, 2017
These books are always (generally) enjoyable whether I liked it or loved it.
April 11, 2017
4.5 Stars
May 13, 2022
Another sweet little friends to lovers novella with alllll of the feels. A bit too mushy for me, and MAN does Jenika draw out a freaking sex scene before actually getting to the act, lol! Axel is a boxer and Roxie is his sweet little best friend, and of course they've been madly in love with each other for years. Cute and sweet!
February 27, 2018
Wiping away a tear. Sweet tale of two virgins in lust/love. He's great big and hunky, and she's tinier and sweet. Yep, it's fiction.
The two MC's have had crushes/been in love forever. Jenika Snow neglects to mention how they met and how long the unrequited love has been going on, but this little novella is very sweet.
My one complaint, besides wanting to know more about how they knew each other, is the OTT repetitive monologuing while they are having sex for the first time. Okay, okay, I get it.
P.S. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sparing us all the I-want-to-fill-you-and-get-you-pregnant blather.
The two MC's have had crushes/been in love forever. Jenika Snow neglects to mention how they met and how long the unrequited love has been going on, but this little novella is very sweet.
My one complaint, besides wanting to know more about how they knew each other, is the OTT repetitive monologuing while they are having sex for the first time. Okay, okay, I get it.
P.S. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sparing us all the I-want-to-fill-you-and-get-you-pregnant blather.
April 10, 2017
In a sea of man-whores, this book presents you a VIRGIN HERO, yup, you heard me right. ;) Get to buying and reading.
September 4, 2017
short. sweet. and just what I needed.
April 11, 2017
Very sweet...what's not to love where two people save themselves for each other? This wasn't one of my favorites in this series but still good nonetheless. I have definitely enjoyed this series and I'm looking forward to more.
Read
November 29, 2025Basically the same plot as Roommate, but you know what? I'll still read stories like this and won't get tired of them. 😅
April 19, 2017
Brutal was an enjoyable quick read, although I really had expected more from it. In all honesty, I went in with the wrong idea about this one. I’d been expecting a full-length novel; instead, I was given an extremely short story. In fact, the story was way shorter than I’d been hoping for – and such prevented me from loving it quite as much as I’d been hoping to.
In terms of storyline, it’s a decent story. It’s the classic friends-to-lovers tale, with secret feelings and sudden declarations. It is both sweet and steamy, giving you a wonderful combination of the two different types of romance story that you find. It really was a lot of fun, a great story to be pulled into.
However, it was far too short for my liking. It was lacking in the depth I required, it failed to give all I had hoped for. Had the story been longer, I would have been able to better connect with the characters. I wanted to love them as much as I enjoyed their short story, yet I feel as though I was merely given a snapshot of a much larger story. I wanted to experience the whole thing rather than just these few moments in time.
In other words, it felt more like a preview of a much larger story – a preview of the most important part – and failed to deliver the entirety of the story. Thus, what I would have liked is if the story was much longer and allowed me to fall deeper into the world of the characters.
Overall, an okay quick read to pass the time, but not really the kind of story to pick up if you want a deep read.
In terms of storyline, it’s a decent story. It’s the classic friends-to-lovers tale, with secret feelings and sudden declarations. It is both sweet and steamy, giving you a wonderful combination of the two different types of romance story that you find. It really was a lot of fun, a great story to be pulled into.
However, it was far too short for my liking. It was lacking in the depth I required, it failed to give all I had hoped for. Had the story been longer, I would have been able to better connect with the characters. I wanted to love them as much as I enjoyed their short story, yet I feel as though I was merely given a snapshot of a much larger story. I wanted to experience the whole thing rather than just these few moments in time.
In other words, it felt more like a preview of a much larger story – a preview of the most important part – and failed to deliver the entirety of the story. Thus, what I would have liked is if the story was much longer and allowed me to fall deeper into the world of the characters.
Overall, an okay quick read to pass the time, but not really the kind of story to pick up if you want a deep read.
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars
September 12, 2020
We on a roll and another real man is knocked down!! Like pretty okay with some steam.
With the title called Brutal I would have thought Axel would be more rough around the edges with peoples, but he was a giant teddy when it came to his bff/hidden crush Roxie.
As for Roxie she had the simillar feelings for her long time friend but both didn't wanna ruin the friendship so they pinned away. Until they couldn't fight that urge anymore.
With Axel fights and some ring rats who wanted him he never gave any attention anyone but his girl.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, sexy times, both virgins
Recommend- yes/maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowinsta
Pinning
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
With the title called Brutal I would have thought Axel would be more rough around the edges with peoples, but he was a giant teddy when it came to his bff/hidden crush Roxie.
As for Roxie she had the simillar feelings for her long time friend but both didn't wanna ruin the friendship so they pinned away. Until they couldn't fight that urge anymore.
With Axel fights and some ring rats who wanted him he never gave any attention anyone but his girl.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, sexy times, both virgins
Recommend- yes/maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowinsta
Pinning
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
May 18, 2017
Lizard: 3⋆.
Wombat: 2⋆.
Overall: 2.5⋆.
Wombat: 2⋆.
Overall: 2.5⋆.
Read
December 3, 2025Cute premise, too short to deliver.
April 24, 2017
I liked this book and really love the premise of it, but it was too short to actually love it, IMO. if we had gotten to see their relationship develop, I know I would've loved this book!
November 15, 2017
"Brutal" is the story of Axel and Roxie.
-"BFFs in love since childhood" couple
-Double V card
-Boxer hero
-Losing it together
-Short story
-HEA
-Dylan on cover *heart eyes*
Safe
3/5
-"BFFs in love since childhood" couple
-Double V card
-Boxer hero
-Losing it together
-Short story
-HEA
-Dylan on cover *heart eyes*
Safe
3/5
February 13, 2018
3.5stars.
Good safe read! Both virgins and only ever wanted each other.
Good safe read! Both virgins and only ever wanted each other.
April 11, 2017
Roxie and Axel. Wow What a great couple. The scenes they had together were hot, steamy and “brutal”. This is a short but sexy friends to lovers book. Those are my favorite type of books to read. Axel is definitely all alpha and he lets you know it. Roxie is a sweet woman who is definitely also sassy to boot. Their love story of how they finally get together will make you oooohhh then ahhhhhhhhhh (smile). You have to read this book, for it has everything you are looking for -- good read, alittle smut action and best of all , the HEA.
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
April 15, 2017
Decent Addition to Terrific Series
In an 11 book series, some will be better than others. And that's okay. I will, without a doubt, read every book in this series no matter how many Snow writes. There's something interesting in each one and I can't get enough short-and-smutty stories of any type.
But, for me, Brutal is a weak link in the chain. There's no external conflict and minimal internal conflict. Basically, Roxie and Axel decide to go from friends to lovers and do so in a big way. It's not a bad book, but there are better ones in the series (Lumberjack, Blacksmith, and Viking come to mind).
In an 11 book series, some will be better than others. And that's okay. I will, without a doubt, read every book in this series no matter how many Snow writes. There's something interesting in each one and I can't get enough short-and-smutty stories of any type.
But, for me, Brutal is a weak link in the chain. There's no external conflict and minimal internal conflict. Basically, Roxie and Axel decide to go from friends to lovers and do so in a big way. It's not a bad book, but there are better ones in the series (Lumberjack, Blacksmith, and Viking come to mind).
May 20, 2017
Short. Sweet. Sexy. Simple.
I liked this short friends to lovers read.
It wasn't complicated, a straight forward plot, no dramatics, no deep thinking needed.
My preference however is for "more" of everything in my usual reads, but this was my first time reading this author.
Based on some of the reviews I've read for this book, her other works are more detailed with deeper stories - so I'm definitely going to try one of those in future.
I liked this short friends to lovers read.
It wasn't complicated, a straight forward plot, no dramatics, no deep thinking needed.
My preference however is for "more" of everything in my usual reads, but this was my first time reading this author.
Based on some of the reviews I've read for this book, her other works are more detailed with deeper stories - so I'm definitely going to try one of those in future.
April 20, 2017
4/5
Hot fast safe read
-Boxer H
-both virgins
-OTT alpha
-No push or pull
-No OW/Drama
-HEA with 2 epilogues
Hot fast safe read
-Boxer H
-both virgins
-OTT alpha
-No push or pull
-No OW/Drama
-HEA with 2 epilogues
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews