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She hates fighting. He lives for it.
Layla’s vicious past drove her away from her hometown. She couldn’t live with all the reminders surrounding her, so she ran.
Cruz Felix found a new home. A place where he could get his head on straight, train, and fight match after match toward the end goal: the championship in Las Vegas. It’s the one thing in his life he wants more than anything, and it’s all in the name of his deceased father.
Until Layla returns home. Her dad owns the gym; he’s the sole reason Cruz is fighting again.
The attraction is immediate, even though both of them are drowning in their own misery and secrets.
The thing about secrets are they always find a way out the darkness and have the power to destroy.
Will their connection be worth fighting for?
Find out in Cruz, Diablo’s Throne, Book #1.
Layla’s vicious past drove her away from her hometown. She couldn’t live with all the reminders surrounding her, so she ran.
Cruz Felix found a new home. A place where he could get his head on straight, train, and fight match after match toward the end goal: the championship in Las Vegas. It’s the one thing in his life he wants more than anything, and it’s all in the name of his deceased father.
Until Layla returns home. Her dad owns the gym; he’s the sole reason Cruz is fighting again.
The attraction is immediate, even though both of them are drowning in their own misery and secrets.
The thing about secrets are they always find a way out the darkness and have the power to destroy.
Will their connection be worth fighting for?
Find out in Cruz, Diablo’s Throne, Book #1.
ebook
First published January 29, 2018
361 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Bellus
98 books2,709 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.
Website: http://authorhjb.com/
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Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1HYQgsk
Email: hjbellus@gmail.com
GET FREE BOOKS FROM ME HERE!
Website: http://authorhjb.com/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tjmFtN
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2vE5GXP
YouTube: http://bit.ly/2tQTY9q
Facebook: http://bit.ly/1nCFZeM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HJBellus
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2t7ymsu
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1HYQgsk
Email: hjbellus@gmail.com
GET FREE BOOKS FROM ME HERE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
February 5, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
CRUZ: is the first book in HJ Bellus’s ‘Diablo’s Throne’ sports series. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’ In this we meet Layla and Cruz.
Layla a travelling ER nurse is the apple of her fathers eye, and much loved by her grandmother who took the place of her mother when her mother suddenly left when she was younger on mother’s day which had a devastating effect on her.
Coming back home for a well needed vacation doesn’t have the welcome she was anticipating instead she’s walking into a tragedy that has knocked her to the core. But a man she has never met before picks up the pieces and is there for her to fall into. Even through grief their attraction is instant. A fast paced insta love romance happens straight away.
But don’t let that fool you into thinking the above is all this book has going for it, some gritty parts get thrown in that I did not see coming and which turned this book around completely from a normal mama book to something totally unique.
Cruz Felix, The Notorious Rumbler embodies everything Layla dislikes, a heavyweight fighter just like her father who was a former top boxing champion in his day. His ambition in the name of his deceased father is to make the championship in Las Vegas, so that all the time in the ring gearing up for this isn’t a waste of his talent.
This would’ve made for a more pleasurable experience for me if it wasn’t for some of Layla’s behaviour, I felt empathy towards her having to go on without a loved one beside her but some of her out bursts kind of made me roll my eyes a few times and other times I’d be repeating with the eye roll “really melt down number what?” Other than that I would’ve loved this more than what I did.
February 14, 2018
3.5 stars.
Can we talk about the cover? #covergasm.
Now let's move on to the heroine... YES!! 🙌🏼
A heroine who was sexually experienced. Not a shy little virgin here, she had f*ck buddies.. I liked her!!
"I get knocked down, back up on my feet, then eat shit while crumbling once again”
“I got pissed and punched the dickhead. When Cruz pulled me off him, I kicked him in the nuts”
“My Latina temper is dying to come out and play”
Yes!! My kind of heroine. But of course she has her moments, jealousy and the good old one "it's huge, will it fit?"
Yeah no heroine is perfect unless it's Lana!!
Hero was ok, you know the good old manwhore, not a relationship type of guy until he meets the heroine. 🙄
Plenty details of his past sex life that I didn't need to read but you know how authors can't help themselves it's like they're addicted to writing theses details.
It's like the book won't be complete without those details.
Safety Info:
Can we talk about the cover? #covergasm.
Now let's move on to the heroine... YES!! 🙌🏼
A heroine who was sexually experienced. Not a shy little virgin here, she had f*ck buddies.. I liked her!!
"I get knocked down, back up on my feet, then eat shit while crumbling once again”
“I got pissed and punched the dickhead. When Cruz pulled me off him, I kicked him in the nuts”
“My Latina temper is dying to come out and play”
Yes!! My kind of heroine. But of course she has her moments, jealousy and the good old one "it's huge, will it fit?"
Yeah no heroine is perfect unless it's Lana!!
Hero was ok, you know the good old manwhore, not a relationship type of guy until he meets the heroine. 🙄
Plenty details of his past sex life that I didn't need to read but you know how authors can't help themselves it's like they're addicted to writing theses details.
It's like the book won't be complete without those details.
Safety Info:
September 2, 2018
Cruz was the first book in the Diablo’s Throne MMA series by HJ Bellus. It was a spin-off from Bellus’ Reckless series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I would have understood the dynamics better had I already read it; therefore, I plan to back track and read the full Reckless series next.
Cruz Felix, The Notorious Rumbler, was a successful MMA Heavyweight fighter. He lost his father a year ago and continued to struggle with his loss. He was solely focused on his fights, was known to be aloof and quiet with dark secrets, but also loyal.
Layla was the daughter to the Boss, a retired fighter and current owner of a successful training gym for MMA fighters, the Diablo’s Throne. She was feisty, sassy, independent and strong with a fiery temper to match her Latino heritage. Like Cruz, she too had secrets and baggage.
Cruz was told primarily in Layla’s POV; however, we did begin receiving Cruz’s POV after the first quarter of the book, which added dimension. I liked the premise of the storyline as well as both Cruz and Layla. I also liked the full range of supporting characters. They were strong, funny, feisty and colorful, adding depth while setting the stage successfully for the series.
Although I liked the characters, I didn’t like Layla’s temper as much. She went off about everything and much of the time it didn’t make sense. For me, it took away from some of the writing. Otherwise, it was enjoyable, captivating, and a fast read. Jag is up next and I can’t wait!
Cruz Felix, The Notorious Rumbler, was a successful MMA Heavyweight fighter. He lost his father a year ago and continued to struggle with his loss. He was solely focused on his fights, was known to be aloof and quiet with dark secrets, but also loyal.
Layla was the daughter to the Boss, a retired fighter and current owner of a successful training gym for MMA fighters, the Diablo’s Throne. She was feisty, sassy, independent and strong with a fiery temper to match her Latino heritage. Like Cruz, she too had secrets and baggage.
Cruz was told primarily in Layla’s POV; however, we did begin receiving Cruz’s POV after the first quarter of the book, which added dimension. I liked the premise of the storyline as well as both Cruz and Layla. I also liked the full range of supporting characters. They were strong, funny, feisty and colorful, adding depth while setting the stage successfully for the series.
Although I liked the characters, I didn’t like Layla’s temper as much. She went off about everything and much of the time it didn’t make sense. For me, it took away from some of the writing. Otherwise, it was enjoyable, captivating, and a fast read. Jag is up next and I can’t wait!
July 4, 2018
I agree with Leonor.
However the plots with evil mother(s) make me very uncomfortable. I'm a lucky girl to have an amazing mother; that's why every story, they portray a mother figure as evil woman + trash her character, doesn't sit well with me.
However the plots with evil mother(s) make me very uncomfortable. I'm a lucky girl to have an amazing mother; that's why every story, they portray a mother figure as evil woman + trash her character, doesn't sit well with me.
July 1, 2019
Oh, man... this was absolutely awesome!!!
With each passing day, I'm getting more and more addicted to sports romances. I love the thrill they give. The feeling that I'm the one fighting/racing/playing. It's amazing!!
This was my first read by H.J. Bellus and I have to say I'm in love. I loved every second of this read. It has everything: love, heartbreak, suspense, protective alpha, happiness and the most important aspect of this book is family. The Diablo's Throne is a huge and loyal family. They have each other's back no matter what.
Layla is a traveling nurse. Once upon a time, she left her home town because of some personal trauma. But as soon as she returns home, the world she knew starts to crumble all around her. After everything, Layla will try to get back on her feet while helping her father at the gym and at home. During the worst time of her life, a new fighter of the club becomes her rock and he is there for her all the time, helping her get out of the darkness.
Cruz is an MMA fighter. His father was best friends with Boss, the coach at Diablo's Throne and when Cruz's dad passed away, he told him to look for Boss and that's where he found his new family. He is ready to focus and win the championship in Vegas, but some circumstances will deviate him from his path.
This read was interesting from the beginning to end. It had everything that kept me held up on the story and I did not have the power to put it down.
Layla is funny, smart and determined. She's is a total badass! I loved it!
Cruz is a protector. He protects everything he loves. It's really beautiful.
I can't wait to check the rest of the series!!! <3
With each passing day, I'm getting more and more addicted to sports romances. I love the thrill they give. The feeling that I'm the one fighting/racing/playing. It's amazing!!
This was my first read by H.J. Bellus and I have to say I'm in love. I loved every second of this read. It has everything: love, heartbreak, suspense, protective alpha, happiness and the most important aspect of this book is family. The Diablo's Throne is a huge and loyal family. They have each other's back no matter what.
Layla is a traveling nurse. Once upon a time, she left her home town because of some personal trauma. But as soon as she returns home, the world she knew starts to crumble all around her. After everything, Layla will try to get back on her feet while helping her father at the gym and at home. During the worst time of her life, a new fighter of the club becomes her rock and he is there for her all the time, helping her get out of the darkness.
He makes me want to live and try again. I have no damn idea how to explain it. Cruz Felix makes something inside of me courageous and wild.
Cruz is an MMA fighter. His father was best friends with Boss, the coach at Diablo's Throne and when Cruz's dad passed away, he told him to look for Boss and that's where he found his new family. He is ready to focus and win the championship in Vegas, but some circumstances will deviate him from his path.
Boss and Layla are my family now. I’ll do anything to protect them. Fu**ing life has taught me always to protect the ones you love.
(...)
I’m a changed man and have no fucking clue why. Could be either the upheaval of my entire fucking life or this gorgeous, mouthy woman who stormed into it.
This read was interesting from the beginning to end. It had everything that kept me held up on the story and I did not have the power to put it down.
Layla is funny, smart and determined. She's is a total badass! I loved it!
Cruz is a protector. He protects everything he loves. It's really beautiful.
I can't wait to check the rest of the series!!! <3
Want to read
October 30, 2021💝💝FREE on Amazon today (7/4/2018)!💝💝
Blurb:
She hates fighting. He lives for it.
Layla's vicious past drove her away from her hometown. She couldn't live with all the reminders surrounding her--so she ran.
Cruz Felix found a new home, a place where he could get his head on straight, train, and fight match after match toward the end goal--the championship in Las Vegas. It's the one thing in his life he wants more than anything, and it's all in the name of his deceased father.
Until Layla returns home. Her dad owns the gym, and he's the sole reason Cruz is fighting again.
The attraction is immediate, even though both of them are drowning in their own misery and secrets.
The thing about secrets is they always find a way out the darkness...and have the power to destroy.
Will their connection be worth fighting for?
Blurb:
She hates fighting. He lives for it.
Layla's vicious past drove her away from her hometown. She couldn't live with all the reminders surrounding her--so she ran.
Cruz Felix found a new home, a place where he could get his head on straight, train, and fight match after match toward the end goal--the championship in Las Vegas. It's the one thing in his life he wants more than anything, and it's all in the name of his deceased father.
Until Layla returns home. Her dad owns the gym, and he's the sole reason Cruz is fighting again.
The attraction is immediate, even though both of them are drowning in their own misery and secrets.
The thing about secrets is they always find a way out the darkness...and have the power to destroy.
Will their connection be worth fighting for?
May 8, 2018
Great Read.
August 18, 2018
3,5 💖🥊🌟s‼️
January 6, 2018
A family tragedy brings 2 people together. The similarities in their lives make them soul mates from the beginning. Or it should, but what happens when communication is key?.. And then throw in the crazies that won't leave their lives alone. So many twists in this book that you don't see coming. A definite MUST READ from HJ Bellus!!
dnf
April 23, 2018I've tried twice to read this but the DRAMA and OTT histrionics is too much for me so @ 27% I'm tapping out.
February 11, 2018
-Cassie, 5 stars
Holy smokes what a start to H.J. Bellus’s MMA fighter series! If you like a smoking hot alpha and feisty heroine then this is a must read. I have never read this author before and now I must go read everything she has written.
Cruz and Layla meet on the worst day of Layla’s life and he is there for her every day after that. Layla is a feisty, sassy and take no nonsense lady. She has been knocked down in life and has some trust and abandonment issues, but Cruz is just the guy to get her past her issues. She meets Cruz at the hospital after her abuela has died and is devastated because she has raised Layla after her mother abandoned her. Cruz is a MMA fighter in her dad’s gym, but he is so much more. He is a total alpha with a soft heart and will do anything for Layla. Cruz has his own demons and he must learn to trust Layla and have no secrets because that is one thing that will ruin everything.
I loved that this book started out as a friendship and grew into so much more. The chemistry is off the charts, but it is so much more than just physical. There is no drama about how they feel about each other, but there are a few trust issues that they need to overcome. They have no doubt that they are “it” for each other and love that they just knew that. They do have outside forces trying to destroy them, but will they be strong enough together to get their happily ever after?
Cruz pulled me in from the first chapter and I could not put it down until I found out how it ended, and I was not disappointed. It had passion, humor and suspense. Everything you need to have a fabulous book! I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
Holy smokes what a start to H.J. Bellus’s MMA fighter series! If you like a smoking hot alpha and feisty heroine then this is a must read. I have never read this author before and now I must go read everything she has written.
Cruz and Layla meet on the worst day of Layla’s life and he is there for her every day after that. Layla is a feisty, sassy and take no nonsense lady. She has been knocked down in life and has some trust and abandonment issues, but Cruz is just the guy to get her past her issues. She meets Cruz at the hospital after her abuela has died and is devastated because she has raised Layla after her mother abandoned her. Cruz is a MMA fighter in her dad’s gym, but he is so much more. He is a total alpha with a soft heart and will do anything for Layla. Cruz has his own demons and he must learn to trust Layla and have no secrets because that is one thing that will ruin everything.
I loved that this book started out as a friendship and grew into so much more. The chemistry is off the charts, but it is so much more than just physical. There is no drama about how they feel about each other, but there are a few trust issues that they need to overcome. They have no doubt that they are “it” for each other and love that they just knew that. They do have outside forces trying to destroy them, but will they be strong enough together to get their happily ever after?
Cruz pulled me in from the first chapter and I could not put it down until I found out how it ended, and I was not disappointed. It had passion, humor and suspense. Everything you need to have a fabulous book! I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
January 20, 2018
An amazing story!
Abuela is feisty and funny - she's got spunk even on her death bed
Jag needs his own story - #justsayin
One of my favorite quotes from Jag:
The "sibling" banter between Jag and Layla was hilarious
An emotional ride - HJ Bellus made me LOL AND made me cry!
The sparks flew off the pages between Cruz and Layla - H.O.T.
Cruz' entrance song will forever be ingrained in my mind - for more than just his entrance into the cage!
Layla often tried to defuse situations with humor and in the mean time she often riled up her father or Jag or Cruz.
Her life was full of devastating blows - one after the other - and I can't help but feel this quote sums it up:
#HeartFireDesire
Abuela is feisty and funny - she's got spunk even on her death bed
Jag needs his own story - #justsayin
One of my favorite quotes from Jag:
“With a cock like this,” Jag grabs his junk, “there ain’t no stopping my game. Natural born motherfucking champion.”
The "sibling" banter between Jag and Layla was hilarious
An emotional ride - HJ Bellus made me LOL AND made me cry!
The sparks flew off the pages between Cruz and Layla - H.O.T.
Cruz' entrance song will forever be ingrained in my mind - for more than just his entrance into the cage!
Layla often tried to defuse situations with humor and in the mean time she often riled up her father or Jag or Cruz.
Her life was full of devastating blows - one after the other - and I can't help but feel this quote sums it up:
My life has crumbled around my feet with me as the puppet and all the ghosts who haunt my life pulling the strings.
#HeartFireDesire
March 17, 2022
1,5 ✨
The blurb got me excited but the book ended up being just disappointed.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: friends to lovers, sports (MMA)
▬ 𝐭𝐰: death
The blurb got me excited but the book ended up being just disappointed.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: friends to lovers, sports (MMA)
▬ 𝐭𝐰: death
March 23, 2018
Did someone say...MMA....ohh Lawdd yess...Love me a fighter book. They are all hot and sweaty and dirty and very alpha male!!! Yupp...Checked off all those wants in my reads..haha
Dang, Cruz was sooo freaking good!!! I picked this book up, well, cuz #1 I just love me some HJ Bellus and #2, I just mentioned, an MMA fighter!! lol And last but not least, the next book in the series is Jag and ohh goodness, you will meet him in Cruz's book and you will sooo fall in love with him as well!! I want to mention, this book did not end in a cliffy and I am sure these books can be read as stand alones. I'm sooo excited I get another book with a HAWT MMA fighter and he will be in our hot little hands in a few weeks..lol eepp can not wait!!
Layla returns home and then gets some devastating news. She meets Cruz at the hospital after her Abuela passes away. He ends up comforting her in her time of need. They start off as friends and then become soo much more. She finds out that Cruz is a MMA Fighter at her dads gym!! Girls...Cruz will definitely be your next BBF. Hot Dayumm there is some off the charts scenes in this book that I had to take a moment and write the author and tell her how much I loved it!! haha I could not contain myself..lol Anyhoooo I would love to share with you, but I know I shouldn't cuz it would ruin that experience for you...but OMG I just loved it!!
I gave Cruz 5 iScream Off the charts yumminess Cones!!! If you haven't already read....make sure you pick it up today and get knocked out by this alpha male-Cruz!!! xxoo
Dang, Cruz was sooo freaking good!!! I picked this book up, well, cuz #1 I just love me some HJ Bellus and #2, I just mentioned, an MMA fighter!! lol And last but not least, the next book in the series is Jag and ohh goodness, you will meet him in Cruz's book and you will sooo fall in love with him as well!! I want to mention, this book did not end in a cliffy and I am sure these books can be read as stand alones. I'm sooo excited I get another book with a HAWT MMA fighter and he will be in our hot little hands in a few weeks..lol eepp can not wait!!
Layla returns home and then gets some devastating news. She meets Cruz at the hospital after her Abuela passes away. He ends up comforting her in her time of need. They start off as friends and then become soo much more. She finds out that Cruz is a MMA Fighter at her dads gym!! Girls...Cruz will definitely be your next BBF. Hot Dayumm there is some off the charts scenes in this book that I had to take a moment and write the author and tell her how much I loved it!! haha I could not contain myself..lol Anyhoooo I would love to share with you, but I know I shouldn't cuz it would ruin that experience for you...but OMG I just loved it!!
I gave Cruz 5 iScream Off the charts yumminess Cones!!! If you haven't already read....make sure you pick it up today and get knocked out by this alpha male-Cruz!!! xxoo
February 21, 2018
What can I say about the sexy Puertorican known as Cruz other than he was one hot MMA fighter?! Well, he wasn't just easy on the eyes, but funny, down to earth, loyal, and trustworthy too...and I absolutely LOVED his character!!
I loved how well and deep Cruz and Layla connected. In other book reviews, I've said how characters were perfect for each other, but I swear, not like these two. They not only completed each other but they truly balanced and grounded each other out too.
Things were not always easy for Cruz and Layla as outside forces made sure things got complicated along the way, but true love can stand against any test and these two proved it!
I truly loved how HJ Bellus incorporated the MMA lingo and lifestyle into the storyline. It added some spark to an already interesting storyline. And omg, I absolutely loved JAG!!! Can I get his book....now? He made me laugh - or rather CACKLE - as I read because man, he sure was witty!
A five star read for sure and a must if you're in the mood for a hot MMA romance that will suck you in from the very beginning!
I loved how well and deep Cruz and Layla connected. In other book reviews, I've said how characters were perfect for each other, but I swear, not like these two. They not only completed each other but they truly balanced and grounded each other out too.
Things were not always easy for Cruz and Layla as outside forces made sure things got complicated along the way, but true love can stand against any test and these two proved it!
I truly loved how HJ Bellus incorporated the MMA lingo and lifestyle into the storyline. It added some spark to an already interesting storyline. And omg, I absolutely loved JAG!!! Can I get his book....now? He made me laugh - or rather CACKLE - as I read because man, he sure was witty!
A five star read for sure and a must if you're in the mood for a hot MMA romance that will suck you in from the very beginning!
February 3, 2018
That one person who can pick you up from the depths of your despair. It is all about helping you cope and get through a pain like no other. Cruz was that for Layla. A friend when needed, no questions asked. Only a shared experience from two different times. A protector, donut and shot having conrad.
This story was about coming home, physically and emotionally. Family, support, and closure. Love was found along the way and trust was gained, fist were thrown, and completeness was had. HJ Bellus created a masterpiece from outside the octagon and into our souls. The family at Diablo's Throne will truly become a fan favorite with Champ leading the way.
This story was about coming home, physically and emotionally. Family, support, and closure. Love was found along the way and trust was gained, fist were thrown, and completeness was had. HJ Bellus created a masterpiece from outside the octagon and into our souls. The family at Diablo's Throne will truly become a fan favorite with Champ leading the way.
May 18, 2018
I actually wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I loved the female character Layla. This no shirking violet. She can and will take care of herself, but sometimes her emotions get the best of her...and that's why she left home and her family years ago. Her homecoming doesn't go as planned but there is someone there to help her get through the worst of times - Cruz. He was your typically MMA book boyfriend, complete with growls. For me it was Layla that kept me interested. I loved the epilogue and definitely want to read the next book which is Jag's story.
January 30, 2019
The book was just ok. I rolled my eyes a lot with this one. The funny parts wasn't that funny, and I felt it was immature. The moterboating, and poptart scene was weird. Other than that it was ok. I do love the cover though.
April 23, 2021
Cruz
As with the other books in this series I really enjoyed reading about Cruz and all his issues. Loved the ending and can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading.
As with the other books in this series I really enjoyed reading about Cruz and all his issues. Loved the ending and can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading.
March 7, 2018
**Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions**
I gave this book 4.5 stars!!!
I love anything H.J. writes and this new series has got me wanting the next book asap!!! I love her writing style, storylines, and her characters that she comes up with. She has a way of keeping her readers hooked from the first word to the last.
I fell in love Cruz's character from the start, he loyal, down to earth, funny and one Hell of a MMA fighter!!! Layla took me a first chapter to get a feel for her and once I got that feel I seen that I would love her. Cruz and Layla were soul mates and their chemistry was off the kindle hot!!! Both have a past that is going to come back and bit them but will they both be strong enough to get through it or not?
I not only love the main characters but Jag too and I can't wait to see if we get his book!!!
I gave this book 4.5 stars!!!
I love anything H.J. writes and this new series has got me wanting the next book asap!!! I love her writing style, storylines, and her characters that she comes up with. She has a way of keeping her readers hooked from the first word to the last.
I fell in love Cruz's character from the start, he loyal, down to earth, funny and one Hell of a MMA fighter!!! Layla took me a first chapter to get a feel for her and once I got that feel I seen that I would love her. Cruz and Layla were soul mates and their chemistry was off the kindle hot!!! Both have a past that is going to come back and bit them but will they both be strong enough to get through it or not?
I not only love the main characters but Jag too and I can't wait to see if we get his book!!!
January 21, 2018
Cruz is quite the alpha, macho man, “you’re a jealous one. That effing turns me on.” His grip tightens on my ***. “Run from me, Layla. I’ll chase you down and ravage your body until you can’t effing walk straight.” Cruz could be an animal, “I wanted to take you right on the effing chair so everyone could see you were mine.” I liked this book, I loved Cruz and the other guys, I can't wait for the others to get their own books.
February 13, 2018
MMA fighters are HOT!
Cruz is HOT!
Cruz the MMA fighter is scorching!!
The story of Cruz and Layla is an emotional one both were a bit broken in the same way. Hurt by someone who is supposed to love you the most. Brought together in Laylas worst pain they healed each other and made an emotional story HOT! I freakin love a bit of steam with my tears in a book.
So very happy to hear that one of my favorite side characters is getting a book. Did I mention I think MMA fighters are HOT! Yep going to love the next one for sure.
Cruz is HOT!
Cruz the MMA fighter is scorching!!
The story of Cruz and Layla is an emotional one both were a bit broken in the same way. Hurt by someone who is supposed to love you the most. Brought together in Laylas worst pain they healed each other and made an emotional story HOT! I freakin love a bit of steam with my tears in a book.
So very happy to hear that one of my favorite side characters is getting a book. Did I mention I think MMA fighters are HOT! Yep going to love the next one for sure.
July 17, 2023
Parts I really liked, but quite a lot got to me that I just can't rate things higher. 2+
Layla (h) is back home to visit family when her trip takes a tragic turn. The sudden death of her abuela leaves her and her father at a loss. The fighters at the gym where he coaches come together to support them in their grief. Up-and-coming heavyweight Cruz (H) in particular is there to support Layla, and their connection soon turns into something more. But can gun-shy Layla open up to someone who has personal secrets of his own? And can she even get over her dislike of fighting and MMA in the first place?
This is a spin-off of Bellus' The Reckless series. Cruz's sister Chloe is the lead in the final book in that trilogy, Scandal. Just FYI - it does explain some names droped by the author as if we're supposed to know them.
Trigger warnings all over the place here.
My biggest problem(s) in the book centered on Layla. In a nutshell, she was immature and hypocritical and rude and OTT hotheaded, and it got really tiring being inside her head. Which is a shame, since she does the bulk of the narration. I struggled to relate to her and really had no respect for her or her decisions through much of the book. She's just so so so hotheaded and emotional that it was tiring and felt so childish. I mean, I'm not one to dismiss grief - we all grieve in our own ways. But seriously - this was her grandmother. Layla herself is mid-20s (based on having a college degree and working for several years), and her dad's just past 50, so abuela is well into her 70s. An unexpected death, yes, but so gut-wrenching that she is collapsed and screaming in grief at the burial? Just crosses into histrionic territory for me. And her responses to Ash and Shelby aren't much better. They cheated on her in college, which was several years ago, but Layla is still acting like it's incredibly raw and recent - even though it's been long enough that everyone is moving on, and Layla has the perspective to see how bad he was for her. Her reactions just smacked of drama queen. And of course, the Big Fight. Which was Layla accidentally reading a text about a girl that a third party is talking to Cruz about. And it's just the fact that the text mentions a "she" that puts Layla up in arms. She doesn't listen to Cruz, she doesn't stop to think about how non-sexual or unromantic the text sounds... Nope, she's up in arms, out the door, and ghosting him for days. Like I said, immature drama queen. Not all the time, of course - sometimes even her respones were warrented - but frequently enough that I just couldn't relate to her as much as I wanted to.
And let's not forget the hypocritical responses too. She keeps her secreats and doesn't communicate with the men in her love (sex) life, but expects full openness from them. She's not fully honest with Tyler, using him as a FWB even though she sees how much their relationship lacks, and moves right on into something with Cruz without breaking things off with Tyler first. I don't know where that falls on your cheating scale, but it didn't exactly raise her in my opinion. I mean, I'm all for a sexually empowered female character. But a little communication wouldn't hurt. And then she gets mad when he gets offended? And gets mad again when Cruz isn't fully open with her, even though she's keeping secrets too? She's fussing about "I’m hurting inside because he won’t open up to me," when they've known each other less than two weeks and he's been gone for almost half of that?! To expect different levels of honesty and openness than she is willing to give? Hypocritical.
And back to the immaturity. Anyone else completely done with her at the bank scene? The bank staff is unprofessional becuase *checks notes* they want to close on time according to their posted hours? It was her disorganization that had her running the errand a minute before they close! And she looks down on them because they lock up immediately after someone who stayed late has left? What an arrogant and entitled attitude to have! Work some customer service, lady!! I'm sure when she was actually working as a nurse, she was the type who threw fits over patients who kept her after her shift had ended. Or did she just claim the OT hours and enjoy the extra pay - something I'd guarantee front desk bank staff don't get. I'm sure I'm overreacting to that scene, but I've too many years of working in a job dealing wiht that exact attitude to sympathize with that at all.
Finally on my "Issues with Layla" list, the twitterpated/sex crazed stupidity and immaturity and awkwardness. I mean, his signature is sexy and worth stomping out of the restaurant in a jealous snit? His signature?? Not the signing, but the actual signature??? But let's not forget the weird motorboating, the Pop-Tart scene, or the repeated "face in the place" demands.
Cruz wasn't bad, but at the same time, we saw very little of him and his thoughts. I mean, it was 40% through the book, and we'd only had two chapters from his . My biggest problem with him was the unnecessary drama that he created simply by not opening up with Layla. He's already seen how hot-tempered and immature she is (though he thinks the jealosy and trigger temper is 'strength' and a turn on). But he couldn't come out with anything to keep her from completely losing her sh*t? It's not like it takes much for her to fly off the handle! It just seemed like a non-issue of a Big Secret, and yes, it's not like it was any of her business, especially after knowning each other for less than a month, but for someone who's so likely to fly off the handle, it seems almost like you should err on the side of openness and caution? And this is coming from a pretty private person - though I'd never put up with the sh*t Layla pulls in a relationship either, so there's that.
I liked the dynamics of the fighters and Boss. But then, I'm a sucker for a good Found Family relationship. It got a little old hearing how much Jag was sleeping around, but as he's the next book... what can you do.
I wanted to see more of the Latin roots of the leads. Basically, it boiled down to Laila's temper, a few Spanish phrases thrown in (though always italicised, even frequently used ones like abuela), and a love of tamales. It was nice that it wasn't a default Caucasian set of leads, but at the same time, it felt like there could have been more to flesh out this aspect of the characters. But then I suppose we would have had to step away from Layla wallowing or lusting to make space for that.
The writing needed a good proofreader and/or editor. There were quite a few places where similar-but-not-quite-right words were used, leaving the sentence a little odd. Or the wrong form of the word - she looked at him with confusing eyes, not confused eyes, for example. Nothing super awkward or jarring, but quite a number of sentences where you just had to pause and try to figure out what they were actually saying. And there was the sense of weird continuity with her cast. I mean, her dad had her running for miles on the treadmill or in the ring practicing her self-defense while still with her cast on - and there's no mention of how awkward that is? Pretty much just needed a more thorough editing.
Dual 1st person POV, but most of it is from Layla's viewpoint. Which, as we saw above, got really old really fast, at least IMHO. Mild cheating (she picks up with Cruz before ending things with her FWB of 1+ years). And plenty of assumed cheating by Cruz in Layla's immagination. OM drama more than OW. No love triangles though. Basically, it would have been better with a solid editor and to have Layla toned down a smidge (or more). HEA and an epilogue a few years down the road.
Would I read more in the series/by this author?
Yes, actually. I've read Trick before, and enjoyed it, so now I'm starting over at the beginning. And I definitely liked that one much better that this. Despite the editing and word choice issues, Bellus' stories aren't bad and I'm willing to read more. Good escapist fun. It was just really hard being stuck inside someone's head that was so immature and OTT. So, without Layla in the lead, I'm more optimistic about enjoying other books in the series and by Bellus in general.
Layla (h) is back home to visit family when her trip takes a tragic turn. The sudden death of her abuela leaves her and her father at a loss. The fighters at the gym where he coaches come together to support them in their grief. Up-and-coming heavyweight Cruz (H) in particular is there to support Layla, and their connection soon turns into something more. But can gun-shy Layla open up to someone who has personal secrets of his own? And can she even get over her dislike of fighting and MMA in the first place?
This is a spin-off of Bellus' The Reckless series. Cruz's sister Chloe is the lead in the final book in that trilogy, Scandal. Just FYI - it does explain some names droped by the author as if we're supposed to know them.
Trigger warnings all over the place here.
My biggest problem(s) in the book centered on Layla. In a nutshell, she was immature and hypocritical and rude and OTT hotheaded, and it got really tiring being inside her head. Which is a shame, since she does the bulk of the narration. I struggled to relate to her and really had no respect for her or her decisions through much of the book. She's just so so so hotheaded and emotional that it was tiring and felt so childish. I mean, I'm not one to dismiss grief - we all grieve in our own ways. But seriously - this was her grandmother. Layla herself is mid-20s (based on having a college degree and working for several years), and her dad's just past 50, so abuela is well into her 70s. An unexpected death, yes, but so gut-wrenching that she is collapsed and screaming in grief at the burial? Just crosses into histrionic territory for me. And her responses to Ash and Shelby aren't much better. They cheated on her in college, which was several years ago, but Layla is still acting like it's incredibly raw and recent - even though it's been long enough that everyone is moving on, and Layla has the perspective to see how bad he was for her. Her reactions just smacked of drama queen. And of course, the Big Fight. Which was Layla accidentally reading a text about a girl that a third party is talking to Cruz about. And it's just the fact that the text mentions a "she" that puts Layla up in arms. She doesn't listen to Cruz, she doesn't stop to think about how non-sexual or unromantic the text sounds... Nope, she's up in arms, out the door, and ghosting him for days. Like I said, immature drama queen. Not all the time, of course - sometimes even her respones were warrented - but frequently enough that I just couldn't relate to her as much as I wanted to.
And let's not forget the hypocritical responses too. She keeps her secreats and doesn't communicate with the men in her love (sex) life, but expects full openness from them. She's not fully honest with Tyler, using him as a FWB even though she sees how much their relationship lacks, and moves right on into something with Cruz without breaking things off with Tyler first. I don't know where that falls on your cheating scale, but it didn't exactly raise her in my opinion. I mean, I'm all for a sexually empowered female character. But a little communication wouldn't hurt. And then she gets mad when he gets offended? And gets mad again when Cruz isn't fully open with her, even though she's keeping secrets too? She's fussing about "I’m hurting inside because he won’t open up to me," when they've known each other less than two weeks and he's been gone for almost half of that?! To expect different levels of honesty and openness than she is willing to give? Hypocritical.
And back to the immaturity. Anyone else completely done with her at the bank scene? The bank staff is unprofessional becuase *checks notes* they want to close on time according to their posted hours? It was her disorganization that had her running the errand a minute before they close! And she looks down on them because they lock up immediately after someone who stayed late has left? What an arrogant and entitled attitude to have! Work some customer service, lady!! I'm sure when she was actually working as a nurse, she was the type who threw fits over patients who kept her after her shift had ended. Or did she just claim the OT hours and enjoy the extra pay - something I'd guarantee front desk bank staff don't get. I'm sure I'm overreacting to that scene, but I've too many years of working in a job dealing wiht that exact attitude to sympathize with that at all.
Finally on my "Issues with Layla" list, the twitterpated/sex crazed stupidity and immaturity and awkwardness. I mean, his signature is sexy and worth stomping out of the restaurant in a jealous snit? His signature?? Not the signing, but the actual signature??? But let's not forget the weird motorboating, the Pop-Tart scene, or the repeated "face in the place" demands.
Cruz wasn't bad, but at the same time, we saw very little of him and his thoughts. I mean, it was 40% through the book, and we'd only had two chapters from his . My biggest problem with him was the unnecessary drama that he created simply by not opening up with Layla. He's already seen how hot-tempered and immature she is (though he thinks the jealosy and trigger temper is 'strength' and a turn on). But he couldn't come out with anything to keep her from completely losing her sh*t? It's not like it takes much for her to fly off the handle! It just seemed like a non-issue of a Big Secret, and yes, it's not like it was any of her business, especially after knowning each other for less than a month, but for someone who's so likely to fly off the handle, it seems almost like you should err on the side of openness and caution? And this is coming from a pretty private person - though I'd never put up with the sh*t Layla pulls in a relationship either, so there's that.
I liked the dynamics of the fighters and Boss. But then, I'm a sucker for a good Found Family relationship. It got a little old hearing how much Jag was sleeping around, but as he's the next book... what can you do.
I wanted to see more of the Latin roots of the leads. Basically, it boiled down to Laila's temper, a few Spanish phrases thrown in (though always italicised, even frequently used ones like abuela), and a love of tamales. It was nice that it wasn't a default Caucasian set of leads, but at the same time, it felt like there could have been more to flesh out this aspect of the characters. But then I suppose we would have had to step away from Layla wallowing or lusting to make space for that.
The writing needed a good proofreader and/or editor. There were quite a few places where similar-but-not-quite-right words were used, leaving the sentence a little odd. Or the wrong form of the word - she looked at him with confusing eyes, not confused eyes, for example. Nothing super awkward or jarring, but quite a number of sentences where you just had to pause and try to figure out what they were actually saying. And there was the sense of weird continuity with her cast. I mean, her dad had her running for miles on the treadmill or in the ring practicing her self-defense while still with her cast on - and there's no mention of how awkward that is? Pretty much just needed a more thorough editing.
Dual 1st person POV, but most of it is from Layla's viewpoint. Which, as we saw above, got really old really fast, at least IMHO. Mild cheating (she picks up with Cruz before ending things with her FWB of 1+ years). And plenty of assumed cheating by Cruz in Layla's immagination. OM drama more than OW. No love triangles though. Basically, it would have been better with a solid editor and to have Layla toned down a smidge (or more). HEA and an epilogue a few years down the road.
Would I read more in the series/by this author?
Yes, actually. I've read Trick before, and enjoyed it, so now I'm starting over at the beginning. And I definitely liked that one much better that this. Despite the editing and word choice issues, Bellus' stories aren't bad and I'm willing to read more. Good escapist fun. It was just really hard being stuck inside someone's head that was so immature and OTT. So, without Layla in the lead, I'm more optimistic about enjoying other books in the series and by Bellus in general.
July 14, 2018
4.5 Stars Love me some Cruz
Ahhhhh, this was a great read. At moments, Layla got a teeny tiny bit on my nerves...her temper for one BUT all in all a great couple:)
I cannot wait to dive into this series. It certainly started off with a bang and the group we got introduced to, well, let's say it should be a great ride!!!!!
Ahhhhh, this was a great read. At moments, Layla got a teeny tiny bit on my nerves...her temper for one BUT all in all a great couple:)
I cannot wait to dive into this series. It certainly started off with a bang and the group we got introduced to, well, let's say it should be a great ride!!!!!
February 16, 2018
Fucking amazing!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2018
First things first...i love the cover and the blurb is a definite attention grabber. Brilliant way to get readers to buy your books.
For me, what's on the inside really didn't match the exterior. The story was predictable, Layla was irritating, Cruz' secret was awfully insignificant, the whole story line was predictable, some of the sexy times language was cringe worthy (who says boobies and titties apart from 4 year olds?!) and towards the end there was mention of some secondary characters that gave me the impression we should know them a lot better than the one single mention they got throughout the rest if the book.
If it wasn't so steamy in some places then id have said this was aimed at a younger audience.
No a more positive note, i loved the bond the fighters had and the way they protected each other. Jag was an awesome brotherly input (although i did get bored of hearing how much of a manwhore he was...talk about setting up his own story!), the last 20%ish was startung to get a bit more spicy and interesting and the ending was surprisingly sweet.
For me, what's on the inside really didn't match the exterior. The story was predictable, Layla was irritating, Cruz' secret was awfully insignificant, the whole story line was predictable, some of the sexy times language was cringe worthy (who says boobies and titties apart from 4 year olds?!) and towards the end there was mention of some secondary characters that gave me the impression we should know them a lot better than the one single mention they got throughout the rest if the book.
If it wasn't so steamy in some places then id have said this was aimed at a younger audience.
No a more positive note, i loved the bond the fighters had and the way they protected each other. Jag was an awesome brotherly input (although i did get bored of hearing how much of a manwhore he was...talk about setting up his own story!), the last 20%ish was startung to get a bit more spicy and interesting and the ending was surprisingly sweet.
February 2, 2018
I absolutely love H.J and her writing. This one proves that. I love Cruz. There is just something about a fighter with a soft side. I love how he is there for Layla when she needs someone the most and is there anytime that she needs him . But at the same time she is there for Cruz when he needs someone. This was an amazing well written story line with some great characters that had great chemistry. As in most of her books there is that heart wrenching moment that you dont see coming. But then she makes things better by the end of the story. I absolutely love books that are written like that. It really gets you into the story line and what is going on with the characters. These two are drowning in their own pain but that is what brings them together. I love her writing style and absolutely loved this book. Cruz is a new favorite of mine.
February 12, 2018
This is an emotionally amazing one-two punch you are going to get from HJ Bellus. Layla was raised by her father and grandmother because her mom, wanting nothing to do with her left at a young age. Layla held out hope for awhile that she would return but that didn't happen. Being raised by a MMA fighter meant she wanted nothing to do with them, that is until she met Cruz. Cruz was also raised by a single father and these two have a dynamic bond that you can not break.
You will laugh, out loud and get strange looks from your husband when you refuse to tell him what's so funny - Jag and Abuela steel the show. Layla's banter with her father is awesome. "So you still have that card (her V-card)".
This is a great group of characters and I can't wait to read more.
You will laugh, out loud and get strange looks from your husband when you refuse to tell him what's so funny - Jag and Abuela steel the show. Layla's banter with her father is awesome. "So you still have that card (her V-card)".
This is a great group of characters and I can't wait to read more.
February 10, 2018
Didn't want to put it down!!! Layla is a strong girl raised by her Dad & Grandmother, her mother left her very young & never looked back. The person she loved most, Ash, hurt her the most so when she has a chance to escape her hometown & MMA fighting, she flees as fast as she can. Layla does visit often but as far as helping her Dad in his gym, no thanks.
When she goes back for a visit it ends up with her grandmother passing & turning her life upside down. Will the past she turned away from be her saving grace???
Definitely a MUST read!!!
When she goes back for a visit it ends up with her grandmother passing & turning her life upside down. Will the past she turned away from be her saving grace???
Definitely a MUST read!!!
February 15, 2018
✯✯5 Cruz Filled Stars!!!✯✯
HJ Bellus continues to prove why she’s becoming one of my new fav authors. I only recently found her why she co-wrote a few books. This is her second book she strictly wrote. I legit no joke read this in one sitting, less then 5 hours and I was done.
Layla grew up with her dad and her abuela (grandma) after her mother walked out on them. Layla’s father is an MMA fighter and she grew up with him coming home covered in bruises. Layla loves her father more then anything but she hates fighting and fighters aren’t her favorite people.
Layla’s a traveling ER nurse and she’s finally going home to visit her father and abuela after being gone for sometime. She’s looking forward to her abuela’s tamales but that’s not what she walked into. Her abuela passed out and she made it to the hospital just in time to say goodbye. When she falls down two strong arms catch her before she falls and she instantly feels safe. Cruz should be everything that Layla can’t stand. But, there’s such an instant connection between them that it doesn’t even matter that he’s a fighter.
Cruz is an MMA fighter whose known as The Notorious Rumbler is as bad ass as they sound. He’s hoping this is the year he gets to Las Vegas and get the championship. Cruz lost his father and sold his gym. It’s how he ended up at Diablo’s Thrown, (Layla’s dads gym). Their dads were friends and he knew with his dad gone he’s the right guy to help him.
Cruz knows exactly how Layla is feeling. Cruz will do anything to be there for Layla. The more time they spend together the more they talk. Layla realizes Cruz has been where she’s at now with the loss of her abuela. Once Cruz gets his hands on Layla he never plans on letting her go. She’s all his and he plans on it staying that way. Until somebody from each of their pasts comes back and plan on making issues for them.
Both Layla and Cruz were fighting demons from their pasts and because of that they both had trust issues. Granted Layla’s trust issues were worse then his. But, if I had an MMA fighter boyfriend that had been around the block as much as he had I’d prob be crazy too lol.
Cruz might’ve been an MMA fighter. But, when he’s not in the ring he’s a gentleman and the perfect man. Layla might not put up with anything. But, she’s the perfect match for Cruz.
I loved this story and was so man when I finished it lol. There was so much going on in it. From emotional, to full of suspense and heart wrenching. It had it all. I’m looking forward to the next book in what’s starting off as an awesome series.
HJ Bellus continues to prove why she’s becoming one of my new fav authors. I only recently found her why she co-wrote a few books. This is her second book she strictly wrote. I legit no joke read this in one sitting, less then 5 hours and I was done.
Layla grew up with her dad and her abuela (grandma) after her mother walked out on them. Layla’s father is an MMA fighter and she grew up with him coming home covered in bruises. Layla loves her father more then anything but she hates fighting and fighters aren’t her favorite people.
Layla’s a traveling ER nurse and she’s finally going home to visit her father and abuela after being gone for sometime. She’s looking forward to her abuela’s tamales but that’s not what she walked into. Her abuela passed out and she made it to the hospital just in time to say goodbye. When she falls down two strong arms catch her before she falls and she instantly feels safe. Cruz should be everything that Layla can’t stand. But, there’s such an instant connection between them that it doesn’t even matter that he’s a fighter.
Cruz is an MMA fighter whose known as The Notorious Rumbler is as bad ass as they sound. He’s hoping this is the year he gets to Las Vegas and get the championship. Cruz lost his father and sold his gym. It’s how he ended up at Diablo’s Thrown, (Layla’s dads gym). Their dads were friends and he knew with his dad gone he’s the right guy to help him.
Cruz knows exactly how Layla is feeling. Cruz will do anything to be there for Layla. The more time they spend together the more they talk. Layla realizes Cruz has been where she’s at now with the loss of her abuela. Once Cruz gets his hands on Layla he never plans on letting her go. She’s all his and he plans on it staying that way. Until somebody from each of their pasts comes back and plan on making issues for them.
Both Layla and Cruz were fighting demons from their pasts and because of that they both had trust issues. Granted Layla’s trust issues were worse then his. But, if I had an MMA fighter boyfriend that had been around the block as much as he had I’d prob be crazy too lol.
Cruz might’ve been an MMA fighter. But, when he’s not in the ring he’s a gentleman and the perfect man. Layla might not put up with anything. But, she’s the perfect match for Cruz.
I loved this story and was so man when I finished it lol. There was so much going on in it. From emotional, to full of suspense and heart wrenching. It had it all. I’m looking forward to the next book in what’s starting off as an awesome series.
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