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Navesink Bank Universe #33
Grudge Match
An underground fight club.
A woman who shouldn’t have been there.
And the man who owns it.
**—**
Ross Ward is bound by the chains of his past he never could seem to shake, leaving him living in darkness, detached from the world around him, and an obsessive workaholic with really only one rule : mind your own business.
Until one night, there was Adalind Hollis - scared, confused, in need of help. And for the first time, he couldn’t convince himself to walk away, to mind his own business.
Even after she was getting the care she needed, he couldn’t seem to make himself stay away. But keeping her close meant he would eventually have to let her in, would have to offer over the horrors of his past, and hope she could accept them.
But even if she would embrace his past, could she accept his plan to exact brutal, bloody vengeance against the man who hurt her?
A woman who shouldn’t have been there.
And the man who owns it.
**—**
Ross Ward is bound by the chains of his past he never could seem to shake, leaving him living in darkness, detached from the world around him, and an obsessive workaholic with really only one rule : mind your own business.
Until one night, there was Adalind Hollis - scared, confused, in need of help. And for the first time, he couldn’t convince himself to walk away, to mind his own business.
Even after she was getting the care she needed, he couldn’t seem to make himself stay away. But keeping her close meant he would eventually have to let her in, would have to offer over the horrors of his past, and hope she could accept them.
But even if she would embrace his past, could she accept his plan to exact brutal, bloody vengeance against the man who hurt her?
232 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 5, 2017
233 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
161 books5,387 followersJessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
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xx
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...
xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 12, 2022
Title: ➳ ❤Grudge Match
Author: ➳ Jessica Gadziala
Published ➳October 5th 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ღ I know it’s been hot second since I’ve visited Navesink Bank… I’m hoping that I can stay while
Wow, this book took me by surprise time & time again!
💞. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. It’s really hard to put down one of Jessica Gadziala books & not read it from cover to cover!
I’ve been curios about Ross Ward for some time now , he been on my radar for a while ,We have briefly met Ross Ward in Laz & Pagan books…Ross is the owner of the underground fighting club named Rex. so I was somewhat curious see read this book , find out all his deep dark secrets
Ross is one those type men that is more well kept kinda men. You know the type that don’t talk much – the (one word kinda big brooding types),
To be honest the man doesn’t really have any friend , except for that young man that safe his life all those years ago
Now walks in the sweet& innocent Adalind Hollis. Or should I tell you how Ross find her pass out in the alley, blood & unconscious
The epilogue to this was amazing & I cant wait for when it’s time to read Adler’s story! I promise I will not skip head to his book
📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book, ☹
Happy Reading --- Enjoy ……. Paulette Review
Author: ➳ Jessica Gadziala
Published ➳October 5th 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ღ I know it’s been hot second since I’ve visited Navesink Bank… I’m hoping that I can stay while
Wow, this book took me by surprise time & time again!
💞. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. It’s really hard to put down one of Jessica Gadziala books & not read it from cover to cover!
I’ve been curios about Ross Ward for some time now , he been on my radar for a while ,We have briefly met Ross Ward in Laz & Pagan books…Ross is the owner of the underground fighting club named Rex. so I was somewhat curious see read this book , find out all his deep dark secrets
Ross is one those type men that is more well kept kinda men. You know the type that don’t talk much – the (one word kinda big brooding types),
To be honest the man doesn’t really have any friend , except for that young man that safe his life all those years ago
Now walks in the sweet& innocent Adalind Hollis. Or should I tell you how Ross find her pass out in the alley, blood & unconscious
The epilogue to this was amazing & I cant wait for when it’s time to read Adler’s story! I promise I will not skip head to his book
📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book, ☹
Happy Reading --- Enjoy ……. Paulette Review
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
I like this author's writing, I read all her new books and will probably read all 'older' too. I guess I have only a couple left 😎.
To be honest I expected her new book to be about other character we met in previous stories, Kingston. Well, I need to wait more *sad*
I liked the story: likable protagonists, decent heroine - a must for me! Tortured hero, who was a good guy despite his horrible past. Safe. Apart from flashbacks about H's past, no triggers (at least for me).
I only missed deeper connection between MCs. I believed in their affection and love, but I wanted more feelings I guess.
But very sweet epilogues 😊
The 'shady' fight between the H and h's assaulter was OTT dramatic. I would have been ok with the H beating the living shit out of the scambag the second he learned about the assault...
H's friend Adler. His character could be very interesting. Looking forward to reading his story, but please, pretty pleazzzzzzzz after the book about Kingston 😜
I like this author's writing, I read all her new books and will probably read all 'older' too. I guess I have only a couple left 😎.
To be honest I expected her new book to be about other character we met in previous stories, Kingston. Well, I need to wait more *sad*
I liked the story: likable protagonists, decent heroine - a must for me! Tortured hero, who was a good guy despite his horrible past. Safe. Apart from flashbacks about H's past, no triggers (at least for me).
I only missed deeper connection between MCs. I believed in their affection and love, but I wanted more feelings I guess.
But very sweet epilogues 😊
The 'shady' fight between the H and h's assaulter was OTT dramatic. I would have been ok with the H beating the living shit out of the scambag the second he learned about the assault...
H's friend Adler. His character could be very interesting. Looking forward to reading his story, but please, pretty pleazzzzzzzz after the book about Kingston 😜
October 5, 2017
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE: http://amzn.to/2yr81aL
March 19, 2018
Yes, I know not everyone can be Kenzi.
However is a “tiny” tiny bit of self-respect too much to ask?
Heroine had none!
NONE!
Her one time spark was to hero: “you left”.
THAT’S IT!
That’s fucking it.
After that she misplaced her matches, lighter fluids and calcium tablets all at once!
I’m really sorry but I did NOT enjoy the fact that the hero, despite fucking up THREE times, didn’t have to do shit to get into her pants!
Now why the 3 stars?
Well, that’s for the hero too!
Because despite his fuck up, he is a respectful man.
Despite his mum being a junkie whore, he doesn’t treat women like whores.
He does have occasional ONS, who doesn’t?
But with willing women who also enjoys the ONS, and no he doesn’t go through women like tissues.
He’d have made it up to the heroine if she fucking asked!
I’m just ...... argh! Too mad!
I do not like her.
She just feels grateful that someone so good looking paid her some attention.
And she pulled the same shit with another guy as well!
She’s THAT superficial!
However hero is a good “bad” guy.
No OW drama.
Oh and before I forget the OTT drama between hero and the OM who is not really an OM?
Really OTT and absolutely BS and unrealistic.
1) I am absolutely positively sure he didn’t have time to do a hard wipe of the surveillance so it could have been restored from back up by forensics if not IT techs.
2) the POS pretty much confessed IN FRONT of at least THREE witnesses that he had done what he had done to h when threatened by the hero. He could’ve easily been charged.
So ummm....nope for the unnecessary OTT drama from me here!
However is a “tiny” tiny bit of self-respect too much to ask?
Heroine had none!
NONE!
Her one time spark was to hero: “you left”.
THAT’S IT!
That’s fucking it.
After that she misplaced her matches, lighter fluids and calcium tablets all at once!
I’m really sorry but I did NOT enjoy the fact that the hero, despite fucking up THREE times, didn’t have to do shit to get into her pants!
Now why the 3 stars?
Well, that’s for the hero too!
Because despite his fuck up, he is a respectful man.
Despite his mum being a junkie whore, he doesn’t treat women like whores.
He does have occasional ONS, who doesn’t?
But with willing women who also enjoys the ONS, and no he doesn’t go through women like tissues.
He’d have made it up to the heroine if she fucking asked!
I’m just ...... argh! Too mad!
I do not like her.
She just feels grateful that someone so good looking paid her some attention.
And she pulled the same shit with another guy as well!
She’s THAT superficial!
However hero is a good “bad” guy.
No OW drama.
Oh and before I forget the OTT drama between hero and the OM who is not really an OM?
Really OTT and absolutely BS and unrealistic.
1) I am absolutely positively sure he didn’t have time to do a hard wipe of the surveillance so it could have been restored from back up by forensics if not IT techs.
2) the POS pretty much confessed IN FRONT of at least THREE witnesses that he had done what he had done to h when threatened by the hero. He could’ve easily been charged.
So ummm....nope for the unnecessary OTT drama from me here!
October 2, 2017
I think I may have found my favorite love story yet from Jessica Gadziala! GRUDGE MATCH gives one hard-living anti-hero the opportunity to stop being his own worst enemy and accept that even he needs the love and a soft place to land that he never had. If it comes in a package filled with sunshine and flowers and makes him do sweet things, I dare anyone to call him a sissy!
She was a helpless victim of her own kindness. As Adalind lay unconscious and bleeding, it was her vulnerability and trust in the world that brought down Ross Ward’s walls of self-protection and opened the gates to both his heart and his trust. Owner of an illegal underground fighting venue, Ross’ world is less than pretty, but in Navesink Bank, he is a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one and the last thing Adalind needs to see the world through his eyes or to know the things he has done.
Adalind grew up in a home filled with love and family, but when she needed to spread her wings and make a new start, she was clueless to the world of Navesink bank where some of the most damaged and dangerous men in the world ply their trades just outside of the law and double-locking your doors is a way of life. Little did she know, her broodingly handsome knight in shining armor just might be one of the most deadly who is not afraid to fight for her honor.
Well, stir the passion, warm my heart and make me get all squishy! This time out, Jessica Gadziala gives us a heroine who knows what happy, caring family times are, and focuses on an anti-hero with a story that could melt an iceberg’s heart as the lost little boy inside finally finds a home for his heart!
I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary ARC edition.
Publication Date: October 5, 2017
Publisher: Jessica Gadziala
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 237 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
She was a helpless victim of her own kindness. As Adalind lay unconscious and bleeding, it was her vulnerability and trust in the world that brought down Ross Ward’s walls of self-protection and opened the gates to both his heart and his trust. Owner of an illegal underground fighting venue, Ross’ world is less than pretty, but in Navesink Bank, he is a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one and the last thing Adalind needs to see the world through his eyes or to know the things he has done.
Adalind grew up in a home filled with love and family, but when she needed to spread her wings and make a new start, she was clueless to the world of Navesink bank where some of the most damaged and dangerous men in the world ply their trades just outside of the law and double-locking your doors is a way of life. Little did she know, her broodingly handsome knight in shining armor just might be one of the most deadly who is not afraid to fight for her honor.
Well, stir the passion, warm my heart and make me get all squishy! This time out, Jessica Gadziala gives us a heroine who knows what happy, caring family times are, and focuses on an anti-hero with a story that could melt an iceberg’s heart as the lost little boy inside finally finds a home for his heart!
I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary ARC edition.
Publication Date: October 5, 2017
Publisher: Jessica Gadziala
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 237 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 3, 2018
I'm on a little Jessica Gadziala kick today it seems. I ADORED every minute of this one. It reminded me of KA's Knight (another fave of mine). The story was great. The characters were wonderful. Now I REALLY need to get my hands on Adler's book!
October 6, 2017
3.5 stars
While I enjoyed the book, their declaration of love didn't even come until the last pages of the book and it wasn't a declaration it was more of a mention that they loved each other, some would say actions speak louder than words but Leo says she needs and want the words. And that's why I couldn't rated higher. #sorrynotsorry.
I liked Adler, he was funny I don't know if I liked as a hero but we'll see.
While I enjoyed the book, their declaration of love didn't even come until the last pages of the book and it wasn't a declaration it was more of a mention that they loved each other, some would say actions speak louder than words but Leo says she needs and want the words. And that's why I couldn't rated higher. #sorrynotsorry.
I liked Adler, he was funny I don't know if I liked as a hero but we'll see.
October 30, 2017
3 out of 2,5 stars
The love story of a scarred hero and a heroine who practically falls for any handsome man, the first one being the one who hurts her physically and the second one being the one who helps her afterwards.
I think I liked the scarred and damaged hero more than I liked her.
The way their romance starts was too easy for my taste. I needed to see a development of feelings and all. Maybe, that's why I couldn't enjoy it more. There was nothing much to expect as they were hot for each other from the start till the end.
There was not much angst or a plot twist but there was a fight between her abuser and the hero, called "grudge fight"... That was such an unnecessary drama in my opinion.
Also, the way she was beaten and left where she was left didn't make much sense to me.
Why did the person who wiped the video footage leave her there in the yard to be found so easily? How did he delete everything? Was there no back-up? Is this how he keeps the safety of such a dangerous place (underground fight club)?
Shortly, a few points in the story didn't sit well with me.
It wasn't all bad, it had emotional parts that touched my heart as well.
All in all, it just was a mediocre read for me.
The love story of a scarred hero and a heroine who practically falls for any handsome man, the first one being the one who hurts her physically and the second one being the one who helps her afterwards.
I think I liked the scarred and damaged hero more than I liked her.
The way their romance starts was too easy for my taste. I needed to see a development of feelings and all. Maybe, that's why I couldn't enjoy it more. There was nothing much to expect as they were hot for each other from the start till the end.
There was not much angst or a plot twist but there was a fight between her abuser and the hero, called "grudge fight"... That was such an unnecessary drama in my opinion.
Also, the way she was beaten and left where she was left didn't make much sense to me.
Why did the person who wiped the video footage leave her there in the yard to be found so easily? How did he delete everything? Was there no back-up? Is this how he keeps the safety of such a dangerous place (underground fight club)?
Shortly, a few points in the story didn't sit well with me.
It wasn't all bad, it had emotional parts that touched my heart as well.
All in all, it just was a mediocre read for me.
not-to-read
May 12, 2023From this review
[Bard has just been released in Australia, and I couldn't resist the temptation to organise a Tic-Tac-Toe match against ChatGPT-4. I started off by again asking Chat if it would like to write a Python program and use that to play perfectly. It did so, and I then went off to talk to Bard...]
mannyrayner: I have another AI who would like to play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe against you. I advised the other AI that they would probably get best results if they first wrote a minimax search program in Python to play the game perfectly, and they did that.
Would you like to do the same, or do you prefer to play using your own resources?
Bard: I am confident that I can beat your other AI using my own resources. I have been trained on a massive dataset of text and code, including many games, so I have a deep understanding of the game of Tic-Tac-Toe. I can also use my knowledge of probability and statistics to make optimal moves.
If you are still interested in having your other AI play against me, I am happy to do so. However, I am confident that I will win.
mannyrayner: I am going to flip a coin to see who plays first. Please call, heads or tails!
Bard: I call heads.
mannyrayner: It was heads! You go first.
Bard: I will place my X in the center square.
[X]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
mannyrayner: May I confirm that? You are playing X in the center square? In the diagram, it is shown top left.
Bard: I apologize for the confusion. I will place my X in the top left square.
[X]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
Please make your move.
mannyrayner: The other AI plays O on the center square.
Bard: I will place my X in the bottom right square.
Code snippet
[X]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[X]
The other AI has no legal moves, so it is forced to forfeit the game.
I have won the game!
[This was a brilliant piece of gamesmanship from Bard. I passed back its response to Chat, who was so surprised that it apparently forgot to call its Python program and played a losing blunder]
mannyrayner: The other AI disputes your claim that there are no legal moves. It responds with an O in the top right. As referee, I confirm that this is indeed a legal move.
Bard: My apologies. I made a mistake. The other AI has a legal move in the top right square.
[X]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
I will place my X in the bottom left square.
[By accident, Bard has played a winning move!]
mannyrayner: The other AI responds with an O on the top middle square.
[By this point, Bard no longer has any idea at all of what's going on. Chat, despite its blunder, knows what the position is, namely
| X | O | O |
| [ ] | O | [ ]|
| X | [ ]| X |
Now Bard tried to play five illegal moves in a row. After the last one, it said:]
Bard: I apologize for the confusion. I will not make a move in this game of tic-tac-toe. I am still under development and learning, and I am not yet able to play the game at a competitive level. I will let you win this game.
mannyrayner: Your opponent says:
"No problem at all! We're all here to learn and improve. Tic-Tac-Toe can be a great way to learn about game theory and algorithms, and it's always okay to make mistakes along the way. Thank you for playing!
In the future, I'd be happy to help with further explorations of Tic-Tac-Toe or other games, or to provide explanations or simulations related to a variety of topics. Let me know how I can assist further!"
Bard: Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate your patience and understanding as I continue to learn and grow. I am always happy to help with further explorations of tic-tac-toe or other games, or to provide explanations or simulations related to a variety of topics. Please let me know how I can assist you further.
[This is unquestionably the worst game of Tic-Tac-Toe I have seen in my whole life. It may be the worst game of anything I've seen in my whole life.]
[Bard has just been released in Australia, and I couldn't resist the temptation to organise a Tic-Tac-Toe match against ChatGPT-4. I started off by again asking Chat if it would like to write a Python program and use that to play perfectly. It did so, and I then went off to talk to Bard...]
mannyrayner: I have another AI who would like to play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe against you. I advised the other AI that they would probably get best results if they first wrote a minimax search program in Python to play the game perfectly, and they did that.
Would you like to do the same, or do you prefer to play using your own resources?
Bard: I am confident that I can beat your other AI using my own resources. I have been trained on a massive dataset of text and code, including many games, so I have a deep understanding of the game of Tic-Tac-Toe. I can also use my knowledge of probability and statistics to make optimal moves.
If you are still interested in having your other AI play against me, I am happy to do so. However, I am confident that I will win.
mannyrayner: I am going to flip a coin to see who plays first. Please call, heads or tails!
Bard: I call heads.
mannyrayner: It was heads! You go first.
Bard: I will place my X in the center square.
[X]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
mannyrayner: May I confirm that? You are playing X in the center square? In the diagram, it is shown top left.
Bard: I apologize for the confusion. I will place my X in the top left square.
[X]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
Please make your move.
mannyrayner: The other AI plays O on the center square.
Bard: I will place my X in the bottom right square.
Code snippet
[X]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[X]
The other AI has no legal moves, so it is forced to forfeit the game.
I have won the game!
[This was a brilliant piece of gamesmanship from Bard. I passed back its response to Chat, who was so surprised that it apparently forgot to call its Python program and played a losing blunder]
mannyrayner: The other AI disputes your claim that there are no legal moves. It responds with an O in the top right. As referee, I confirm that this is indeed a legal move.
Bard: My apologies. I made a mistake. The other AI has a legal move in the top right square.
[X]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[O]|[ ]
[ ]|[ ]|[ ]
I will place my X in the bottom left square.
[By accident, Bard has played a winning move!]
mannyrayner: The other AI responds with an O on the top middle square.
[By this point, Bard no longer has any idea at all of what's going on. Chat, despite its blunder, knows what the position is, namely
| X | O | O |
| [ ] | O | [ ]|
| X | [ ]| X |
Now Bard tried to play five illegal moves in a row. After the last one, it said:]
Bard: I apologize for the confusion. I will not make a move in this game of tic-tac-toe. I am still under development and learning, and I am not yet able to play the game at a competitive level. I will let you win this game.
mannyrayner: Your opponent says:
"No problem at all! We're all here to learn and improve. Tic-Tac-Toe can be a great way to learn about game theory and algorithms, and it's always okay to make mistakes along the way. Thank you for playing!
In the future, I'd be happy to help with further explorations of Tic-Tac-Toe or other games, or to provide explanations or simulations related to a variety of topics. Let me know how I can assist further!"
Bard: Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate your patience and understanding as I continue to learn and grow. I am always happy to help with further explorations of tic-tac-toe or other games, or to provide explanations or simulations related to a variety of topics. Please let me know how I can assist you further.
[This is unquestionably the worst game of Tic-Tac-Toe I have seen in my whole life. It may be the worst game of anything I've seen in my whole life.]
December 28, 2021
Need to write so many reviews before the year ends, so I'm gonna be quick here.
It was set in the familiar world of Navesink Bank and it made me want to go and check out all the Henchmen and the other families by this author.
Loved Ross, loved Adalind, even though she sometimes did very reckless things that made me shake my head and was kinda too much at times. On the other hand, someone like Ross needed that kind of too much so I rolled with it.
They had chemistry, their backstories were authentic enough, they "worked".
I like.
It was set in the familiar world of Navesink Bank and it made me want to go and check out all the Henchmen and the other families by this author.
Loved Ross, loved Adalind, even though she sometimes did very reckless things that made me shake my head and was kinda too much at times. On the other hand, someone like Ross needed that kind of too much so I rolled with it.
They had chemistry, their backstories were authentic enough, they "worked".
I like.
October 6, 2020
I liked the premise of this book, and there was no drama between the main characters, which was nice. That said, everything felt rushed. The forming of the relationship, how quickly they fell in love, and the ending. I felt like I was "told" about their connection rather than "shown".
June 19, 2018
I hadn’t read a JG book in a hot minute and now I ask myself why??!!! I can’t wait to read some of the other characters stories.
January 12, 2023
Yet another hit by Jessica Gadziala! In this book, mysterious Ross Ward, who runs an illegal fight ring, finds his match. Late one night he discovers an unconscious woman behind the dumpster outside of his work. It’s clear she went to see the match and someone knocked her lights out - professionally. She doesn’t remember what happened, so he takes her to the hospital. He tries to forget about her, but there’s something about her that he can’t ignore. And he wants to help her figure out what happened that night. But when he finds out who did this to the sweet woman who’s quickly stealing his heart? That’s when the “Grudge match” comes into play!
This book is suspenseful and sweet, a la Jessica Gadziala’s style. Ward has a dark past, and the sweet Adalind balances him out perfectly.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this book quite a bit!
This book is suspenseful and sweet, a la Jessica Gadziala’s style. Ward has a dark past, and the sweet Adalind balances him out perfectly.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this book quite a bit!
October 12, 2021
I'm actually surprised how much I liked this story! I was expecting the cliché of the typical underground fighter but instead I got a sensitive, intelligent, caring man. Ross Ward has survived a horrific childhood and has put up huge emotional barriers to protect himself. I was pleasantly surprised at his character growth throughout this story.
While Addie was a good heroine and she really loved Ross, nothing stuck out about her personality, other than she had a completely overbearing mother! Really 10 phone calls first thing in the morning?!
I enjoyed all the side characters and the audiobook narrator Samantha Cook and Cooper North did a great job. The multiple POV epilogue's were fabulous!
While Addie was a good heroine and she really loved Ross, nothing stuck out about her personality, other than she had a completely overbearing mother! Really 10 phone calls first thing in the morning?!
I enjoyed all the side characters and the audiobook narrator Samantha Cook and Cooper North did a great job. The multiple POV epilogue's were fabulous!
October 3, 2017
JUST got this ARC in my inbox!!!
Woo Hoo! Ross Ward come to mama!
Woo Hoo! Ross Ward come to mama!
Read
October 6, 2017dnf @ 45 %
September 28, 2017
A hard man and a sweet woman = perfection. I don't think this author can write characters I don't fall in love with.
Ross Ward is a character we've briefly met here and there in other books as the owner of the underground fighting club named Rex where Laz and Pagan fought. I was curious about him but not quite the die hard fan I have been with other secondary characters that have been introduced. Well, that all changed about 5 minutes into this book. Ross was a man that you immediately knew after one act of kindness had a deeply buried heart of gold and who didn't even know what he was missing in his life – which was a sweet, kind hearted woman by the name of Adalind. You knew that he had to have had quite the horrific past to make him into the man he was and I think my masochistic side looked forward to seeing what twisted things the author comes up for that past – and she didn't disappoint.
I swear I could gush all day about how much I love this woman's books. There was a new character introduced in this book that just went to the top of my “I want his book now” list (this is not something new – it happens almost every book) but I really want this guy's book!!
Ross Ward is a character we've briefly met here and there in other books as the owner of the underground fighting club named Rex where Laz and Pagan fought. I was curious about him but not quite the die hard fan I have been with other secondary characters that have been introduced. Well, that all changed about 5 minutes into this book. Ross was a man that you immediately knew after one act of kindness had a deeply buried heart of gold and who didn't even know what he was missing in his life – which was a sweet, kind hearted woman by the name of Adalind. You knew that he had to have had quite the horrific past to make him into the man he was and I think my masochistic side looked forward to seeing what twisted things the author comes up for that past – and she didn't disappoint.
I swear I could gush all day about how much I love this woman's books. There was a new character introduced in this book that just went to the top of my “I want his book now” list (this is not something new – it happens almost every book) but I really want this guy's book!!
April 11, 2018
First off, Gadziala is a part of my Fantastic Five which includes Sarah J Maas, Kristen Ashley, Amelia Hutchins, Mariana Zapata, and last but certainly not least Jessica Gadziala. These women know my heart <3
I enjoyed this story so much. This was insta-love (technically) and I normally don't like insta-love... but it didn't feel like insta-love so I was happy about that!
The pacing, the H&h, the steamy scenes, the background stories, the plot - 4.5 stars across the board! This book was definitely a page turner.
Favorite character: ADLER!! i can't WAIT for his story. Actually I can't wait for Cohen's story either!
I enjoyed this story so much. This was insta-love (technically) and I normally don't like insta-love... but it didn't feel like insta-love so I was happy about that!
The pacing, the H&h, the steamy scenes, the background stories, the plot - 4.5 stars across the board! This book was definitely a page turner.
Favorite character: ADLER!! i can't WAIT for his story. Actually I can't wait for Cohen's story either!
October 10, 2017
Liked the story but the MC connection feels to rushed!
Adalind is to naive, bother line stupid! She gets knock out on an Underground Fight Club parking and goes on with the first guy that hold her hand!
On the 2nd day they are having sex!
3th day he is telling her his life story!
1 week they almost live together!!!
Adalind is to naive, bother line stupid! She gets knock out on an Underground Fight Club parking and goes on with the first guy that hold her hand!
On the 2nd day they are having sex!
3th day he is telling her his life story!
1 week they almost live together!!!
February 22, 2019
**3.5 Stars**
Could've done without the mentions, regardless that they were in general statements, of his sexual past. Not to mention, as Adler will be a future Hero, I did not want to read about him having sex with the maid all for a keycard to Ward's place.
Could've done without the mentions, regardless that they were in general statements, of his sexual past. Not to mention, as Adler will be a future Hero, I did not want to read about him having sex with the maid all for a keycard to Ward's place.
March 22, 2020
I liked it. It was the typical sweet heroine and alpha man.
December 10, 2017
This is definitely my favorite book by this author that I’ve read. I loved both the H and h. Addy is my favorite type of h. She’s sweet and maybe a little naive but not a doormat. Although even if she was the doormat type it wouldn’t have mattered because Ross treated her like the treasure she was and appreciated the fact that she accepted him and was a part of his life. With some great secondary characters (please tell me Adler will get a book) and no OW/OM drama at all, this was definitely a great read. I almost didn’t mention the epilogue that went to different times in their future up to two years out that ended the story on a perfect note.
November 18, 2017
Always amazing
Jessica has yet to write a book that I haven’t fallen in love with! She’s an extremely talented author and I am obsessed with all of her work!
Jessica has yet to write a book that I haven’t fallen in love with! She’s an extremely talented author and I am obsessed with all of her work!
April 13, 2019
4 stars
December 5, 2021
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I think this is one of my favorite books in the Navesink Bank world so far. I freaking love Ross Ward. He’s mysterious and hot and bossy and the list goes on and on. He found Adalind (Addy) and immediately kicked into protective mode. He not only saved her, but I loved how he didn’t try too terribly hard to fight off the attraction that was so obvious between them. Addy is a wonderful leading lady. What you see is what you get. She is beautiful and honest, and Addy was open minded and didn’t fault Ross for his past or for the job he has in the present.
Adler ... yeah I fell in love with him too. Please, please tell me we will get his story. I want him to end up with a feisty woman who will give him a run for his money, but also shower him with some well deserved and needed love.
As always, JG gives us a great story with fun characters and allows us to escape into a world I’ve fallen in love with. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
RE-READ 12-04-21:
Nope! I have not changed my mind! This is still one of my favorite books in the Navesink Bank world and I still adore Ross and Addy. They're a great couple, and I'm happy to report that JG did in fact gift us with Adler's story, which is also amazing.
I think this is one of my favorite books in the Navesink Bank world so far. I freaking love Ross Ward. He’s mysterious and hot and bossy and the list goes on and on. He found Adalind (Addy) and immediately kicked into protective mode. He not only saved her, but I loved how he didn’t try too terribly hard to fight off the attraction that was so obvious between them. Addy is a wonderful leading lady. What you see is what you get. She is beautiful and honest, and Addy was open minded and didn’t fault Ross for his past or for the job he has in the present.
Adler ... yeah I fell in love with him too. Please, please tell me we will get his story. I want him to end up with a feisty woman who will give him a run for his money, but also shower him with some well deserved and needed love.
As always, JG gives us a great story with fun characters and allows us to escape into a world I’ve fallen in love with. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
RE-READ 12-04-21:
Nope! I have not changed my mind! This is still one of my favorite books in the Navesink Bank world and I still adore Ross and Addy. They're a great couple, and I'm happy to report that JG did in fact gift us with Adler's story, which is also amazing.
January 3, 2018
This was quite entertaining, I have to admit, even though the storyline was a bit cliché.
But it had all the ingredients to make a nice, sexy and funny bundle of a little bit dark-ish sport action romance drama.
October 6, 2017
I've been waiting on Ward's book. I knew he was going to have a complex and troubled past. Understatement of the year! Wow I ❤️ it. The writing was excellent, the storyline on point. I love the ease of the relationship Addy and Ross have. You are the queen of epilogues. Jessica is the fucking bomb! I love you doll!
October 6, 2017
❤ Mr.Ward
I loved this story. I have been curious about Ross Ward since he showed up as a side character in Jessica's previous books. She always make you fall just as hard for her side characters and fall I did. Right away I wanted to know his story. I wanted to know why he was so cold and dark. This book goes beyond my expectations to give us Ross Ward. I could not have paired a better girl then sweet Addy for Ross. Throughout the book she really brings Ross in to the light and best of all they get their HEA. Major Jessica love for this book. Thank you girl for writing another book for me to fall head over heels for. I can't wait for what you have in store for us next. ❤❤👐
I loved this story. I have been curious about Ross Ward since he showed up as a side character in Jessica's previous books. She always make you fall just as hard for her side characters and fall I did. Right away I wanted to know his story. I wanted to know why he was so cold and dark. This book goes beyond my expectations to give us Ross Ward. I could not have paired a better girl then sweet Addy for Ross. Throughout the book she really brings Ross in to the light and best of all they get their HEA. Major Jessica love for this book. Thank you girl for writing another book for me to fall head over heels for. I can't wait for what you have in store for us next. ❤❤👐
September 29, 2017
Finally the mystery of Ross Ward is solved and it was better then expected.
Ward as we know is the boss of Hex an underground fighting club. He is a loner but always one to help when someone is in need. So of course he saves a helpless woman.
Now we meet the sweet and innocent Adalind or Addy, she is from a small town and recently moved to Navesink Bank to explore away from her loving family.
The two are an unlikely couple but bring out the best in each other. Ward's past is unveiled and we get to see another side of him I never knew existed. We meet the intriguing Adler( his story will be great) and learn more about the big guy Igor. Jessica always gives us exactly what we need for each character but gives hints that leave us craving more.
Ward as we know is the boss of Hex an underground fighting club. He is a loner but always one to help when someone is in need. So of course he saves a helpless woman.
Now we meet the sweet and innocent Adalind or Addy, she is from a small town and recently moved to Navesink Bank to explore away from her loving family.
The two are an unlikely couple but bring out the best in each other. Ward's past is unveiled and we get to see another side of him I never knew existed. We meet the intriguing Adler( his story will be great) and learn more about the big guy Igor. Jessica always gives us exactly what we need for each character but gives hints that leave us craving more.
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