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Everyone always asks me why I’m so angry all the time. Let me count the ways.
I threw away my dreams when I was forced to fight and beat men bloody for her, but she doesn’t even know it.
Whenever I try to protect her, she pushes me away.
I’ve been in love with her for three damn years, and she only sees me as a friend!
After one monumental f*ck up, nothing will ever be the same between us, and I know that I only have myself to blame.

*This is a full-length, standalone MMA romance with a HEA.*

Unknown Binding

Published October 28, 2017

1189 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read

About the author

Lane Hart

188 books1,772 followers
Lane Hart is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, D.B. West, and their two children. She loves all things beach related, especially sea turtles, and is a huge fan of the Carolina Panthers.

Connect with Lane:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingfromHart
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lanehartbooks
Website: https://www.authorlanehart.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lane-...

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5 stars
520 (36%)
4 stars
430 (30%)
3 stars
304 (21%)
2 stars
108 (7%)
1 star
54 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews897 followers
October 23, 2017
Gabby and her brother have run away from an abusive home and now find themselves trying to survive on the streets. When that isn’t working, her brother takes a job fighting while sending her to a home where she will be provided for. Scared and uncertain, she enters the home and meets a surly Cain. Cain has only been in the home for a few months himself but his background is the stuff of nightmares.

Although only fifteen years old, he’s wiser than his years and he’s completely aware that their house of refuge is anything but. While they might have their needs met for now, when each child reaches the age of eighteen they are removed from the home and put to work. The boys are trained to fight underground and the girls are forced to work in the Mafia owned strip club where they are expected to serve up a side dish of prostitution.

It doesn’t take long for the desire to protect Gabby rises up within Cain. The closer they grow, the more he swears to protect her. Even at the cost of his life.
So, that’s the premise but once this story started it was like a wild ride on a rollercoaster. Layer on top of layer of circumstances, promises, threats and past sins face Cain and Gabby. There were times that in order to keep Gabby safe, Cain had to hurt her and that was like razor blades on his soul.

I absolutely loved this couple and the fact that Cain was all in even as an adolescent. He is the rainbow kitten butterfly unicorn. You know, the perfect alpha hero. Gabby’s character was not as strong but then again, she’d had her brother to protect her throughout the years. And then of course Cain. There is also the fact that so much of what was going on behind the scenes was kept from her.

This is definitely going onto my re-read shelf because it just doesn’t get any better than Cain. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hart has in store for Ivan but I know I’m going to love it!

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by the author.

Dual POV
Safety
Possible Triggers
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
January 7, 2019
Cain: An MMA Fighter was the first book in the Out of the Cage series by Lane Hart. I’ve read other books by Hart and knew I would be in for a great read.

Cain Knight met Gabrielle “Gabby” Kelly when they were both fifteen and in a home that provided food and clothing. We learned quickly that they both will have to earn their keep once they are eighteen and they were being taken in by the Italian mafia. Gabby was young, beautiful, naive and innocent. She had no idea what was in store for her and Cain vowed to keep her safe. The fighting he was forced to do was underground and illegal, but he would do anything for Gabby.

I loved both Cain and Gabby from from the first moment. Lane took us through their childhood - past, present and future. Lane also kept us in suspense about a few items, making the reading go quickly with anticipation. In the end, the plot had a suspenseful vibe but was a journey of survival and triumph.

Lane also took the opportunity to introduce us to an awesome secondary cast of characters, preparing us for future books. The quiet but deadly Ivan is up next and I can’t wait.
Profile Image for ♡BINARI♡.
41 reviews10 followers
August 9, 2024
Safe
Dual virgin ( it's seems the hero is experienced, but he's not)
There's safe ow drama ( Heroine thinks he's sleeping with the ow, but no.)
I dislike the heroine
There's pushing away from hero, but Heroine throwing herself at hero over and over again. It's humiliating
Hea
Profile Image for Elaine.
142 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2017
it aint that bad actually.

Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book47 followers
October 24, 2017
Yes yes yes! A million times yes!
This book!
*happy dance*
I fell so hard for this book it was unreal, i lived and breathed this book for the few hours i devoured it in.

Cain was everything i hoped for, when you meet him in Lukes book he was the bad guy but i have a thing about the bad guys anyway.
He was amazing and so worth everything!

Gabby i was on the fence about for a little bit but after a few years she seemed to get better, she had some growing up to do but after running away with him brother it all goes down hill for her.
I was never really her brothers biggest fan though, he was too selfish to have a loving sister like Gabby.

And don't even get me started on Knox and Ivan, god damn them two. I'm absolutely dying for Ivan's book!

Lane Hart you done absolutely amazing with Cain and i can't wait for more!!

❤💋
Profile Image for 100sweet.
1,602 reviews
November 10, 2017
DNF @ 48%.

How can this airhead be in such a terrible life situation but only care about the H not sleeping with her? The story also made no sense. There is a house where kids just walk in and live there but then they are indebted to a mob boss. What kind of ridiculousness is this?
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,800 reviews17 followers
October 28, 2017
Cain by Lane Hart a five-star read that will leave you fighting for breath. This is the first book in the Out of the Cage series, and it looks set to be just as good, if not better that the Cocky Cage fighter series and that was one of the best series I ever read. My emotions have been all over reading this story, I started hating Cain he was the baddie in my eyes, but then when we got his story and everything was revealed my heart broke for him. Cain would do anything to save those he loves and I mean anything. I would give my left arm to have a man like Cain in my life. I can’t wait for more in this series. Get writing Lane or else I’m going to have to stalk you!!!
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,772 reviews41 followers
November 7, 2017
It's not a novelty to anyone that this author has been and will continue to be one of my favorite authors of all times. Her books had made me feel things and see things differently and I thank her for that.
When she told me that she was gonna start a new MMA series I couldn't be happier and I painfully waited for the book to be read.
Lane Hart is the person to blame. Lol. She has a sassy, dangerous, intense and hot writing that will make you feel things... Let's just say that you can't stay indifferent to her.
But let me give you an advise, do not start a book from this author at 1am because you'll not sleep. Time will go fast and you won't even notice.
This book tells the stories of Gabrielle and Cain.
Their stories started 3 years ago when Gabby was left by her brother at a random house, or so she thought. Cain lived there as well and they bonded. After 3 years their feelings for each other grew up and since Cain was 18 years old he needed to get away from that house.
Well things will happen that you can't miss and I can't talk about it because I refuse to spoil.
Lets Just say the you're about to enter into a world of betrayal, fighting, raw emotions and some love to.
The plot is superb, very well written and the interaction between the characters is intense, raw and beautiful.
Friendship and love are into this book as well as trust and believe. You know that every great story needs to have some suspense and pain in it and this book is the bomb. The hot scenes are sweet and real and left me wanting to grab my hubby and...
Oh Lane what a way to start a new series. You know that I'll be buzzing you non stop to get more from Ivan and Knox because they need their own books. Jesus...
Can't wait for those.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for KDLediting.
1,757 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2018
Lots of drama

A good read that will keep you up late to not out it down. Would actually make a pretty good movie.
Profile Image for Suzanne Radcliffe.
335 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2017
Cain is the first book in the Out of the Cage series and is about Cain & Gabby.

Gabby is fourteen and has run away from home with her brother, Robbie. Robbie is taking her to a "group home" of sorts where she can stay and have a decent home, while he stays in "the dorms" where the fighters like him live and girls aren't allowed. When she walks in the door, she meets Cain.

Cain is fifteen and is also staying in the home. He introduces Gabby to Ivan and Knox, the others boys staying in the home. He explains to her that everyone has to leave when they turn eighteen. The boys are trained to be fighters, and the girls...well, you'll have to read the story to find out.

On Gabby's first night at the home, Cain can't take her crying and goes to get her to quiet down. They talk and when he goes to leave, she begs him to stay with her. He agrees, if she'll be quiet. He rarely sleeps in his own bed after that. Cain develops such a protectiveness for Gabby that he beats up two guys who accidentally hurt her during their school fight.

Three years later, Cain agrees to abandon his dream of being a tattoo artist and fight for Mario, the mob boss who owns the house, the dorms, some clubs, etc. Why does he agree? So he can pay back Mario for his and Gabby's time in the house, so Mario won't force Gabby to do anything more than be a waitress at one of his clubs when she turns eighteen, and so he can earn enough money to get them both out of town.

I absolutely loved this story! Cain is such a badass on the outside but is such a sweetie who cares so much for Gabby, he'll do anything to protect her. And the last sentence before The End has me so excited to read the next book, Ivan!
Profile Image for JoRead.
365 reviews39 followers
October 30, 2017
Dayuuuuum! Lane Hart does it again! It was a gripping story full of angst, drama, nail-biting moments, sweet yet passionate scenes, sexy and funny men. In short, all I could ever ask for in a story like this.

I loved the friendship and banter among the three main males. Cain, Knox, and Ivan grew up together in a sort of “foster home” for homeless kids. The downside? They have to surrender their lives to a mafia mob leader as soon as they come of age. Their relationship was easygoing and relatable; each of them was true to their character from start to finish and as the reader I could understand their dilemmas and way of thinking. Gabby, the only woman of the group, may have sounded too innocent at times but that was completely understandable; she didn’t really have much life experience as she joined the men at a very young age. The fact that they all had each other’s back without even saying it out loud gave the story that feeling of tenderness and warmth.

My only cavil (blame it on my pickiness and personal preferences) is that it was kind of hard to get past the idea that the two main characters were of a certain age and there was no fumbling, no silly experiencing, no funny or imperfect loving scenes. However, their romance was both raw and honest and if I'm being honest with myself (and when I was able to overlook what I mentioned earlier) then it all made for a phenomenal read!
Profile Image for Haley  | red.head.reads |.
75 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2022
This read was middle of the road for me. It wasn't one of my favorites and I don't think I will reread it, but I did enjoy it. The build-up to the climax took 80% of the book and then everything started happening really fast.

If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times . . . I will forever love a MMC that is 100% for the FMC. In this instance, Cain wants Gabby so bad and would do anything for her but will not be with her because he thinks she deserves better than him. Cain thinks he's a bad person because of an event that happened earlier in his life and Gabby helps him to see that he can let his past go. He can forgive himself for both past and present because she doesn't see him as anything other than someone who she can't live without. She know what's underneath that hard exterior. This is a book couple that you know is in it for the long haul. Throughout the book you see that they will literally do anything for each other, even if it's to their own detriment.
Profile Image for Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications).
1,110 reviews87 followers
October 22, 2017
Wow! If your read the Cocky Cage Fighter series then you will absolutely love this book! You don't have to have read the CCF series to get into this one. Its cool because in one of the CCF books (Luke) you see what happens when he went into the underground fighting to earn some extra cash. There you were introduced to Cain. From Luke's POV he seemed like a total douche! This give you his side of the story and you get to know why he was such a jerk about the possibility of losing.
Gabby was sold to the mafia boss by her brother when she was only 14. That was when she met Cain. He was in a dark place, but the second he saw her he felt protective of her, maybe even love at first sight (but being 15 he wouldn't have known that). You get a good amount of back story on these 2. Cain gives the phrase "fighting for the woman you love" a whole new meaning. He fights to keep her from having to strip (and other things) in the club. But he has to win. And just when you think that they are going to get their HEA.... you get thrown for a little loop.... and there is the cliffhanger.

So now I can't wait for the next one!!!!
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2017
If I could give this book more stars I would. I can be a bit bias when it comes to Lane cause I love her books. I’ve read every single book she’s wrote and most multiple times. I have been in love with her Cocky Cage fighters series from Jax all the way to Alex. And I am an ARC reader for her as well. But if you have ever read one of her books you know what I mean.

I wasn’t sure if she could top the CCF series but I am happy to tell you that she has. Cain is the first book in this new series and i was speechless after I finished this book yesterday. This story is intense, sweet, it’s raw, rough and heart stopping. The actual story is dark but Gabby and Cain bring the light. His love for Gabby is endless and it will open your eyes. You know it’s just a book and these characters aren’t real but you will want it to be real. You cry when they cry, you will hurt when they hurt, that’s how intense this book is. I was sad when it ended because I wanted to read more and more.

You will not be disappointed in this book, and I know I’m not the only one that is super excited to read more from these boys.
Profile Image for Vickie.
1,651 reviews63 followers
October 28, 2017
I loved Lane Harts Cocky Cage fighter series and I admit I was dying to get my hands on the first book of her new Out Of The Cage series.

Cain and Gabby meet as teenagers and they both come from bad backgrounds. As they get older Cain finds himself in a dangerous situation trying to protect Gabby, especially now she's older. Having no choice but to fight and WIN, Cain soon won me over with his determination to protect Gabby.

I love the fight scenes in this book. I find that there's usually a lack of fight scenes in fighter romances but this one has the balance perfect.

I loved Cain and Gabby. They've both suffered in the past and trying to make the best of a bad situation. They're both really easy to like along with their friends Knox and Ivan (whose stories I can't wait for)

I love a fighter romance and Cain gets this series off to a fantastic start. I don't think I put this book down once while I was reading it.
391 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2017
This "Out Of The Cage" series is kind of a spin off of the brilliant cocky cage fighters series by Lane Hart, where we meet some of the other characters who pop up in fights. In Cain, we learn more about the crazy underground cage fighter who goes nuts when he spars with Luke. The story opens with the beautiful teenage Gabrielle, whose brother drops her off at a strange house where she's meant to stay for a few days until he manages to get enough money for them to live off of, both being runaways. At this house, she meets Cain - her best friend, worst friend and everything in between. Cain is training to be a tattoo artist, hoping to avoid ending up as one of the Mafia's underground cage fighters. Since he's running from the law, he needs to keep his head down and do whatever the boss says. But he's determined to save Gabby from the inevitable: working as a stripper/whore for the mob. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book and am more than happy to give this great read two thumbs up.
Profile Image for ♡Soledad♡.
184 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2017
Out of the Cage is a new series by Lane Hart. If you loved the Cocky Cage Fighters series, you will definitely want to read this one.
Cain and Gabby meet as teens. Cain has lived in the group home with his friends Ivan & Knox. Gabby is a runaway along with her brother Robbie. Robbie goes on to fight & live in the 'dorms' with other fighters. Cain has an immediate attraction to Gabby and Gabby to Cain as they grow closer to their 18th birthdays respectively.
Lane Hart made me cry so many times reading this book that I constantly had to stop and continue once I was ready. Cain and Gabby are such interesting characters and my heart broke more than once for everything they both had to go through. Bravo Lane!! Can't wait to read the next book!!👏👏

I voluntarily recieved an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
819 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2017
The first book in a new 3 book series. Not as steamy as some Lane Hart books, thankfully not as dark as some either, just the perfect amount. Told in dual POV. They are both young when they meet under difficult circumstances. Gabby is the angel Cain needs to heal his tortured past. Cain is so sweet and protective of Gabby. This story is told over 3-4 years and is heart-wrenching but well deserved HEA. I loved how it was always just each other for them even though it was never easy. There were misunderstandings and outside forces working against them the whole way. Would recommend this book and cannot wait for the next two!!! ARC review.
652 reviews
January 6, 2020
Great book, Out of the Cage series are a little different then Lane Hart's other MMA books (loved them all) this series has more suspense the mob is involved along with blackmail, Cain & Gabby's story was great, loved the side characters Ivan and Knox and their strong bond of friendship. Excited to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
October 20, 2017
Lane has done it again! I love all her books and now again another fighter series! Gabby meets Cain at a home shelter when there young and Cain has to illegally fight to protect Gabby and she has no idea what’s going on. Gabby unfortunately has to work at a strip club because the guy who runs practically everything makes her do so. It’s a catch 20/20 throughout the book and I felt awful for both characters. But when the truth comes out about everything will Cain lose the one person he’s done everything for? This is not just a fighter book it’s so much more. Definitely a must read. 5/5 stars *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
October 21, 2017
3 & 1/2 stars -rounded up. I voluntary reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.
This started out kinda slow & it almost lost my interest. But it finally picked up & held my attention. There’s a lot of angst & communication issues between Cain & Gabby, the Hero & heroine. Cain is a tortured soul, with so much hidden depth. Gabby is a bit naive, a bit annoying & a bit selfish. But for some reason they fall for each other. Some twists & turns to the plot, but everything works out in the end.
Profile Image for iky reads.
137 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2024
Spice ⭐️⭐️
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A possessive touch her and die MMC is always welcome in my reads. This is what I loved.

Although rather predictable it was a sweet surprisingly refreshing story.

I didn’t like the ending, there was little build up to the next book, felt like it just ended.
111 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
I loved everything about this book. I have read all the Cocky Cage Fighters, but seeing this side of the story brings out a whole other depth to the storylines.
All I can say is Lane Hart blew me away again with another amazing book.
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,587 reviews
November 2, 2017
Well I was not expecting that! I thought this book was going to be the usual MMA book, but it is actually so much more. Take MMA mix it with some mafia, suspense, and forbidden romance and you have Cain and Gabby’s story. I really enjoyed the fact that this book starts with them as kids and bring us through it. I think it adds a lot to the entire book. My heart broke in several places for these too and I’m glad that they got their HEA!
2,694 reviews25 followers
December 3, 2018
4*
Gabrielle meets Cain in the home they both end up staying in. Having run away & no job Robbie Gabby's brother turns to fighting but promises he will come for her. Unfortunately things don't go to plan & Scarfone makes it clear he owns them!
Lovely start to another generation of cage fighters!!
Brilliant start to the "Out Of The Cage Series".
I loved the Cocky Cage Fighters series & this book doesn't disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Fighting for the right reasons 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews

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