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Fighting For Her #2
Until We're More
Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she's finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.
By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.
And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.
Each book in the Fighting for Her series is
* Until You're Mine
* Until We're More
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2018
291 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Cindi Madsen
66 books2,264 followersCindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She and her family also take their Marvel addiction very seriously, as their one-eyed cat, Agent Fury, and their kitty named Valkyrie can attest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
Follow her on Twitter @cindimadsen
Find her on FB: Cindi Madsen Books
See her inspiration pins on Pinterest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
Follow her on Twitter @cindimadsen
Find her on FB: Cindi Madsen Books
See her inspiration pins on Pinterest.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 16, 2018
Honestly, I love the idea of this book, but not the follow through. It's not the writer at all. My thoughts do not detract from her talent nor reflect on it, but purely on my personal preferences.
Liam and Chelsea are best friends, but each want more. Of course, neither confess their feelings and their relationship stays as it is. However, the fact that Liam loves Chelsea does NOT stop him from sleeping with OW, which we all know as his best friend, Chelsea will know, see, etc. about this and it will break her heart because she loves him. I thought that was a jerk move on his part. You can't profess to love someone, then continue having sex with others, and, in essence, flaunt it in the face of the woman you claim is the love of your life.
Chelsea, on the other hand, while she resigns herself to just being his friend, tries to date other men, but Liam RUNS them off. Apparently, what's good for the gander and all that...Ugh! Talk about hypocritical. If he isn't man enough to not only tell her how he feels, but also stop sleeping with others, than he should at least allow her the chance to find happiness with another man, but no, he can't because while he can have others while claiming to love her, she can't even go on a date.
Having enough, or way too much in my opinion, of this, Chelsea leaves and Liam, the man who claims to love her, LETS her. Ugh again! She returns after six months for work, and he graciously lets her stay with him. Did he quit having sex with other women while she was gone? I don't know. What about while they were living together? I don't know. Why? I couldn't read anymore. I was honestly done upon learning he "loved her" but slept with other women and only skimmed following that. I do know they had sex while she was staying with him, oh, and of course, she's a virgin, Ugh a third time, and she's thinking this is it, they can finally move forward.
Nope! He pushes her away, says he can't love her because he doesn't have time for relationships, so he lies to her face since we know he says he loves her, and will be too busy with work. And yet, he had all that time to whore around prior to being with her. Because you know, that isn't at all time consuming.
I would've adored this book if he could've kept it in his pants, proving to himself, us readers, and more importantly, Chelsea when they admitted their feelings, that his love for her was true, unbreakable, and he could be trusted. But alas, he failed, at least in my eyes.
Again, the author's talent is obvious, and I'm not negating that, but I am saying this is not the story for me and if I'd known ahead of time how Liam would behave, I would have passed.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Liam and Chelsea are best friends, but each want more. Of course, neither confess their feelings and their relationship stays as it is. However, the fact that Liam loves Chelsea does NOT stop him from sleeping with OW, which we all know as his best friend, Chelsea will know, see, etc. about this and it will break her heart because she loves him. I thought that was a jerk move on his part. You can't profess to love someone, then continue having sex with others, and, in essence, flaunt it in the face of the woman you claim is the love of your life.
Chelsea, on the other hand, while she resigns herself to just being his friend, tries to date other men, but Liam RUNS them off. Apparently, what's good for the gander and all that...Ugh! Talk about hypocritical. If he isn't man enough to not only tell her how he feels, but also stop sleeping with others, than he should at least allow her the chance to find happiness with another man, but no, he can't because while he can have others while claiming to love her, she can't even go on a date.
Having enough, or way too much in my opinion, of this, Chelsea leaves and Liam, the man who claims to love her, LETS her. Ugh again! She returns after six months for work, and he graciously lets her stay with him. Did he quit having sex with other women while she was gone? I don't know. What about while they were living together? I don't know. Why? I couldn't read anymore. I was honestly done upon learning he "loved her" but slept with other women and only skimmed following that. I do know they had sex while she was staying with him, oh, and of course, she's a virgin, Ugh a third time, and she's thinking this is it, they can finally move forward.
Nope! He pushes her away, says he can't love her because he doesn't have time for relationships, so he lies to her face since we know he says he loves her, and will be too busy with work. And yet, he had all that time to whore around prior to being with her. Because you know, that isn't at all time consuming.
I would've adored this book if he could've kept it in his pants, proving to himself, us readers, and more importantly, Chelsea when they admitted their feelings, that his love for her was true, unbreakable, and he could be trusted. But alas, he failed, at least in my eyes.
Again, the author's talent is obvious, and I'm not negating that, but I am saying this is not the story for me and if I'd known ahead of time how Liam would behave, I would have passed.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
May 3, 2020
Can we get to the More already?
I admit it, I’m a wee bit of an impatient reader. There was a smile at the end of reading Until We’re More, and I’m happy that it all worked out hunky-dory in the end. I just don’t want to wait for at least half a book for things to happen. Sure, I don’t want the *I LOVE YOU* after the first meeting or hookup. But, please, don’t make me watch him contemplate a hookup to get her out of his head. Or, see her date someone else because she’s convinced he can’t look at her as anything more than a platonic friend. All the while admitting to themselves that they want More...
There was this selfish immaturity that made it hard for me to identify the age of the main characters. Chelsea is young (I’m guessing) and new in the marketing world but already thinks she should be entitled to a managerial position. Her personality alone doesn’t help her cause as she’s easily manipulated and weak at standing up for herself. She decides she needs some coaching to be stronger and with a few chats with friends…voila…she’s confident. A meeting, some steely eye-holding and one forceful speech, she’s on her way to success.
(Please give me a moment for my eyes to stop rolling...)
Then we have Liam and his quest to win a championship MMA belt. He’s completely convinced that winning will solve ALL the problems in his world. Chelsea is a distraction that he just can’t do right now, so he must push away the feelings and need for her to be in his orbit. All along I felt like Liam just needed to step back from the picture and look at everything. It wouldn’t have taken him as long as it did to work out Chelsea made him happier. As Liam's brother pointed out, he can't fight without a heart.
I would have liked Until We’re More a lot more if it didn’t take these knuckleheads more than half the book to admit to their feelings. It wasn’t like they were teenagers (I’m guessing) and navigating their first romances, they were adults (I’m guessing) and had some (admittedly, only a little) experience.
This was my first story by Cindi Madsen and it wasn’t bad. Yes, I’m not a fan of the drawn-out start to a relationship but I know a lot of other readers thrive on the angst. Don’t judge by my review alone, you may find out that Until We’re More is the perfect angsty love story for you. I’m sure there are plenty of readers who will love meeting the hot fighter and his sweet and nerdy book-lover.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I admit it, I’m a wee bit of an impatient reader. There was a smile at the end of reading Until We’re More, and I’m happy that it all worked out hunky-dory in the end. I just don’t want to wait for at least half a book for things to happen. Sure, I don’t want the *I LOVE YOU* after the first meeting or hookup. But, please, don’t make me watch him contemplate a hookup to get her out of his head. Or, see her date someone else because she’s convinced he can’t look at her as anything more than a platonic friend. All the while admitting to themselves that they want More...
There was this selfish immaturity that made it hard for me to identify the age of the main characters. Chelsea is young (I’m guessing) and new in the marketing world but already thinks she should be entitled to a managerial position. Her personality alone doesn’t help her cause as she’s easily manipulated and weak at standing up for herself. She decides she needs some coaching to be stronger and with a few chats with friends…voila…she’s confident. A meeting, some steely eye-holding and one forceful speech, she’s on her way to success.
(Please give me a moment for my eyes to stop rolling...)
Then we have Liam and his quest to win a championship MMA belt. He’s completely convinced that winning will solve ALL the problems in his world. Chelsea is a distraction that he just can’t do right now, so he must push away the feelings and need for her to be in his orbit. All along I felt like Liam just needed to step back from the picture and look at everything. It wouldn’t have taken him as long as it did to work out Chelsea made him happier. As Liam's brother pointed out, he can't fight without a heart.
I would have liked Until We’re More a lot more if it didn’t take these knuckleheads more than half the book to admit to their feelings. It wasn’t like they were teenagers (I’m guessing) and navigating their first romances, they were adults (I’m guessing) and had some (admittedly, only a little) experience.
This was my first story by Cindi Madsen and it wasn’t bad. Yes, I’m not a fan of the drawn-out start to a relationship but I know a lot of other readers thrive on the angst. Don’t judge by my review alone, you may find out that Until We’re More is the perfect angsty love story for you. I’m sure there are plenty of readers who will love meeting the hot fighter and his sweet and nerdy book-lover.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
August 14, 2018
4.5
I haven't had such a good time reading a romance in a long time. Snark, spark, history, lust, and true friendship between two fantastic likable characters makes this story rock. I was cheering on one page, sniffling the next, snorting and spitting my coffee all over on the third. What a ride.
Sexy MMA fighter Liam, is training to get the belt title that will make his business a solid thing when his BFF Chelsea comes back in town for work. Chelsea is a distraction and he needs this belt. Chelsea needs to stay focused too, she's desperate to make it in her field of work and this job might be the way to a promotion. Both need to be a success, both have hormones/feelings/history that mess with their focus. The Chelsea moves in with Liam and brings George. Who is George ? George is the one throwing up on the carpet. Read the book, he's fantastic. Living together makes for some interesting moments. That's all you'll get out of me, read it if you want more.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this review copy and an unbiased opinion
I haven't had such a good time reading a romance in a long time. Snark, spark, history, lust, and true friendship between two fantastic likable characters makes this story rock. I was cheering on one page, sniffling the next, snorting and spitting my coffee all over on the third. What a ride.
Sexy MMA fighter Liam, is training to get the belt title that will make his business a solid thing when his BFF Chelsea comes back in town for work. Chelsea is a distraction and he needs this belt. Chelsea needs to stay focused too, she's desperate to make it in her field of work and this job might be the way to a promotion. Both need to be a success, both have hormones/feelings/history that mess with their focus. The Chelsea moves in with Liam and brings George. Who is George ? George is the one throwing up on the carpet. Read the book, he's fantastic. Living together makes for some interesting moments. That's all you'll get out of me, read it if you want more.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this review copy and an unbiased opinion
August 3, 2018
The MCs are bestfriends. Both love each other secretly but don’t want to ruin there friendship.
He likes her but not that much to keep it in his pants. She also tried to date other guys. But he always tries to threaten them. So she tries to ignore her feelings and goes out of the city for work. But after six months she comes back for work purposes. He didn’t stop her when she decided to leave. Then when she comes back he let her stay with him till she is there. Living together they finally have sex.
He does a lot of pushing away. When she thought maybe they could try this relationship thing he pushes her away with the reasons like he can’t love her because he don’t have time for relationships. He is going to be super busy in his work. Blah blah.
I really don’t like books where the guy LOVE the girl but can’t LOVE her, and the reasons he have are very silly.
He likes her but not that much to keep it in his pants. She also tried to date other guys. But he always tries to threaten them. So she tries to ignore her feelings and goes out of the city for work. But after six months she comes back for work purposes. He didn’t stop her when she decided to leave. Then when she comes back he let her stay with him till she is there. Living together they finally have sex.
He does a lot of pushing away. When she thought maybe they could try this relationship thing he pushes her away with the reasons like he can’t love her because he don’t have time for relationships. He is going to be super busy in his work. Blah blah.
I really don’t like books where the guy LOVE the girl but can’t LOVE her, and the reasons he have are very silly.
August 1, 2018
Friends to lovers perfection.
August 22, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Liam Roth is an MMA fighter with high hopes of winning the title and finally bringing his father's gym back into the spotlight. He's got no time for girls or any other distractions when training, though he makes an exception for his best friend that's in town for a few weeks. Chelsea has been his best friend since junior high, but sharing a wall with her and watching movies together brings about feelings he knows he has to deny. When she finally shares that she has the same feelings the wall between them falls down, allowing them to find perfect bliss together. Liam doesn't know how to do a relationship though and he's not sure it's possible to be with a woman and keep fighting. When he has to choose, will it be the ring or Chelsea?
"I had all the empathy for any girl who went and fell for Liam Roth. Especially since he was so damn hard to get over."
Cindi Madsen is a new-to-me author, but I am already a big fan after reading Until We're More. For me, this book fell into the space between New Adult and Adult romance, giving us a lot of character growth, relationship development, and just the right amount of smut. Told from alternating perspective, Until We're More is a funny, contemporary romance between a bookworm and a fighter. Chelsea is a sweet, innocent woman who seems to have only just discovered what she is capable of. She's relatable, with a past that's not fantastic and the strength to go after her dream, not settling for less despite what life's circumstances have set her up for. Liam, who I automatically pictured as a Hemsworth brother of course, is a little harder to connect with, with tall walls erected around him and his brain focused on fighting and the gym. He grows on you though, starting with his friendship with Chelsea and then winning your heart with the way he cares for her. The two circle around their friendship, but when they finally shed the title and embrace their desire for one another they fit together like puzzle pieces.
Until We're More is a story filled with friendship and family, with Liam's family embracing Chelsea like she is one of their own and giving her the push she needs to go after what she wants. I loved that aspect of the story, that all of Liam's family just wanted to see their friend succeed. They push her in her career and in finally embracing that her thoughts for Liam are far more than just friends thoughts. Liam and Chelsea share a lot of banter, much like real friends do, so it was believable that they had years of friendship with one another despite readers not knowing them until adulthood. They laugh, they fight, they throw some serious shade at one another, and they love each other, a lot. It was so apparent through out the entire novel that both loved each other, beyond even just the crushes and lust that they had for one another, but true love. Each wanted what was best for the other and Cindi Madsen made them feel more real by giving them that friendship. Both of them, and even the secondary characters, felt familiar to me and I enjoyed reading a book that was so easy to picture in my head.
If you're looking for a fresh new read with less angst and more loving, Until We're More is at the top of my suggestion list. It's the sort of book you escape into for a bit and come out of the other side smiling, refreshed, no aching heart pains here. Until We're More is a standalone in the Fighting For Her series and after falling for Liam I am going to be going back to read Until You're Mine for sure.
ARC provided.
Liam Roth is an MMA fighter with high hopes of winning the title and finally bringing his father's gym back into the spotlight. He's got no time for girls or any other distractions when training, though he makes an exception for his best friend that's in town for a few weeks. Chelsea has been his best friend since junior high, but sharing a wall with her and watching movies together brings about feelings he knows he has to deny. When she finally shares that she has the same feelings the wall between them falls down, allowing them to find perfect bliss together. Liam doesn't know how to do a relationship though and he's not sure it's possible to be with a woman and keep fighting. When he has to choose, will it be the ring or Chelsea?
"I had all the empathy for any girl who went and fell for Liam Roth. Especially since he was so damn hard to get over."
Cindi Madsen is a new-to-me author, but I am already a big fan after reading Until We're More. For me, this book fell into the space between New Adult and Adult romance, giving us a lot of character growth, relationship development, and just the right amount of smut. Told from alternating perspective, Until We're More is a funny, contemporary romance between a bookworm and a fighter. Chelsea is a sweet, innocent woman who seems to have only just discovered what she is capable of. She's relatable, with a past that's not fantastic and the strength to go after her dream, not settling for less despite what life's circumstances have set her up for. Liam, who I automatically pictured as a Hemsworth brother of course, is a little harder to connect with, with tall walls erected around him and his brain focused on fighting and the gym. He grows on you though, starting with his friendship with Chelsea and then winning your heart with the way he cares for her. The two circle around their friendship, but when they finally shed the title and embrace their desire for one another they fit together like puzzle pieces.
Until We're More is a story filled with friendship and family, with Liam's family embracing Chelsea like she is one of their own and giving her the push she needs to go after what she wants. I loved that aspect of the story, that all of Liam's family just wanted to see their friend succeed. They push her in her career and in finally embracing that her thoughts for Liam are far more than just friends thoughts. Liam and Chelsea share a lot of banter, much like real friends do, so it was believable that they had years of friendship with one another despite readers not knowing them until adulthood. They laugh, they fight, they throw some serious shade at one another, and they love each other, a lot. It was so apparent through out the entire novel that both loved each other, beyond even just the crushes and lust that they had for one another, but true love. Each wanted what was best for the other and Cindi Madsen made them feel more real by giving them that friendship. Both of them, and even the secondary characters, felt familiar to me and I enjoyed reading a book that was so easy to picture in my head.
If you're looking for a fresh new read with less angst and more loving, Until We're More is at the top of my suggestion list. It's the sort of book you escape into for a bit and come out of the other side smiling, refreshed, no aching heart pains here. Until We're More is a standalone in the Fighting For Her series and after falling for Liam I am going to be going back to read Until You're Mine for sure.
ARC provided.
August 31, 2018
I absolutely love Cindi Madsen's books and can't get enough of her sexy and swoony charscters. This book was no different as Chelsea and Liam wwre so fantastic together. This book was sexy and a delicious slow burn and I loved every word!
I absolutely love MMA stories, the friends to lovers trope and the roommates to lover trope so this book was right down my alley. I loved that Chelsea was unique and her own person and the.perfect complement to Liam. Likewise he was protective and sweet and such a great match. I really enjoyed their stoey!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Entsngled Publishing for an advanced copy for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
I absolutely love MMA stories, the friends to lovers trope and the roommates to lover trope so this book was right down my alley. I loved that Chelsea was unique and her own person and the.perfect complement to Liam. Likewise he was protective and sweet and such a great match. I really enjoyed their stoey!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Entsngled Publishing for an advanced copy for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
September 26, 2019
DNF at 23%.
Liam Roth is a MMA fighter and helps to run his family's MMA gym in San Diego which has been struggling for some time, although since his sister came home and had a showdown with their father they seemed to have turned a corner: diversifying and pulling their way out of debt. His BFF Chelsea comes from a dysfunctional family and after an awkward moment when she tried to turn a friendly peck on the cheek into something more, she moved to Denver for a new job. Now her firm is opening a new branch in San Diego and Chelsea begs to be part of the team to set it up.
What we have is two BFFs, hopelessly in love with each other but too afraid to act on it, Chelsea for fear of rejection and Liam because he's scared of losing their friendship if it all goes wrong. But of course Liam offers to let Chelsea to stay with him while she is in San Diego for six weeks and all that close proximity makes it difficult to ignore the attraction between them.
I struggled with the first book in this series because I'm not a fan of MMA or first person POV novels but I have loved Cindi Madsen's other novels so I gave it a try and eventually enjoyed it once the initial angst and insta-lurve settled down. Reading my review of that book I was really intrigued to find out what had gone on between Liam and Chelsea so I was stoked to see their book available on NetGalley.
Oh dear, there was no mystery about Liam and Chelsea, it falls into the tired cliche of the man being to scared to risk love and ruin a friendship, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Chelsea, in the little I read, seemed a spineless klutz. Of course Liam grunts because no MMA fighter EVER could speak normally. There was a lot of lusting after abs and staring at Liam as he walks around the gym and the apartment shirtless.
Overall, nothing I read seemed to suggest that this was anything other than a cliche-ridden YA/NA romance full of angst and misunderstandings. I certainly didn't want to read any further.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Liam Roth is a MMA fighter and helps to run his family's MMA gym in San Diego which has been struggling for some time, although since his sister came home and had a showdown with their father they seemed to have turned a corner: diversifying and pulling their way out of debt. His BFF Chelsea comes from a dysfunctional family and after an awkward moment when she tried to turn a friendly peck on the cheek into something more, she moved to Denver for a new job. Now her firm is opening a new branch in San Diego and Chelsea begs to be part of the team to set it up.
What we have is two BFFs, hopelessly in love with each other but too afraid to act on it, Chelsea for fear of rejection and Liam because he's scared of losing their friendship if it all goes wrong. But of course Liam offers to let Chelsea to stay with him while she is in San Diego for six weeks and all that close proximity makes it difficult to ignore the attraction between them.
I struggled with the first book in this series because I'm not a fan of MMA or first person POV novels but I have loved Cindi Madsen's other novels so I gave it a try and eventually enjoyed it once the initial angst and insta-lurve settled down. Reading my review of that book I was really intrigued to find out what had gone on between Liam and Chelsea so I was stoked to see their book available on NetGalley.
Oh dear, there was no mystery about Liam and Chelsea, it falls into the tired cliche of the man being to scared to risk love and ruin a friendship, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Chelsea, in the little I read, seemed a spineless klutz. Of course Liam grunts because no MMA fighter EVER could speak normally. There was a lot of lusting after abs and staring at Liam as he walks around the gym and the apartment shirtless.
Overall, nothing I read seemed to suggest that this was anything other than a cliche-ridden YA/NA romance full of angst and misunderstandings. I certainly didn't want to read any further.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 6, 2018
This book easily made it on my favorite books by Cindi Madsen.
It was fresh, funny, sweet, romantic and steamy all in one, but also heartwarming.
Once I started it I knew I would love it and couldn’t put it down until I’m done and that is exactly what happened.
I just fell in love with Liam and Chelsea, the story, their background and the nice tortures slow burn we know and love from Cindi Madsen . We get plenty of humor and banter between the two. But also some nice heartwarming moments not only between the two but also their friends and family and some we have met in book one.
I loved both Liam and Chelsea separately but together they were almost too much cuteness and sexiness .Some scenes where just too funny but also super cute and hot. Both also were super easy to relate to and not just because she is a bookworm …lol
Overall I really loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you are a fan of rom-coms, contemporary romance and/or Cindi Madsen, than his book is a must.
I rate it 5 ★because it was just that awesome and cute for me.
September 1, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cindi Madsen and I go way back. And by way back, I mean that it was through Anatomy of a Player that I was first introduced to ice hockey romances, which are basically my crack nowadays. That was 2.5 years ago, so not that long ago, but still almost a year before I started this romance blog. You'll have to go over to my other blog to read my review of that steamy college romance! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that Cindi is pretty much a sure thing for me. She can deliver great characters with plenty of chemistry, and that proved true for Until We're More.
I devoured this book. I couldn't stop reading it, except to briefly sleep, and I am massively sleep-deprived today (a Saturday!) all because when I got up to go to the bathroom (I shouldn't down a glass of water right before bed...), my brain refused to shut off again in favour of picking up my Kindle.
I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. Why? Because it means the romance is built on a solid foundation of trust and respect and genuinely enjoying each other's company. It also means that the couple know each other deeply and have worked out a rhythm. In their case, Chelsea can enjoy reading in peace while Liam is training, while Liam can enjoy not needing to talk while Chelsea takes care of the conversation. When she's not talking, he knows something is up.
I'm not particularly chatty, but wow, that line made me feel seen. Because when my thoughts get too overwhelming, I retreat into myself, not sure how to express myself when people ask what's up. But it always make me feel like I'm being difficult by being upset and not saying why, while Liam seemed genuinely concerned and could calmly and patiently coax Chelsea out of her shell. I want that.
It was almost painful waiting for the two of them to just get it on, but it was so satisfying when they did. I should probably mention that she was a virgin, mostly because she'd never found the right guy what with none of them matching up to Liam, but that did not mean she was innocent. Both enjoyed some solo love before they could love each other. I actually wish there was more of the mutual loving, but what there was satisfied me enough, I suppose. (Yes, I'm a greedy girl.)
Another reason I loved this book was Chelsea. Despite her being yet another redhead, she was incredibly relatable. (Sorry, but every time I come across a ginger heroine, I roll my eyes. As much as I love red hair, it's not that common in real life! And what's wrong with good old dirty blonde hair?) For a start, she was a huge bookworm, which I – of course – adored. What was particular fun and new was the fact that Chelsea was both a big reader and rather chatty; often, readers are portrayed as quiet types. She was also very ambitious and driven; she wanted to grow professionally but faced criticism for not being assertive enough, and she sought help from Liam on how to be bolder. But while she asked for assistance, she was very clear throughout about wanting to be independent so as not to become like her mother.
Swoon.
Special mention of course goes to Chelsea's cat, George. He was such a cat, so grouchy and self-important. I got quite a few laughs from him.
That was such a wonderful fantasy world to live in for a few hours.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read the first chapter on my blog! Just click the image below...
Cindi Madsen and I go way back. And by way back, I mean that it was through Anatomy of a Player that I was first introduced to ice hockey romances, which are basically my crack nowadays. That was 2.5 years ago, so not that long ago, but still almost a year before I started this romance blog. You'll have to go over to my other blog to read my review of that steamy college romance! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that Cindi is pretty much a sure thing for me. She can deliver great characters with plenty of chemistry, and that proved true for Until We're More.
I devoured this book. I couldn't stop reading it, except to briefly sleep, and I am massively sleep-deprived today (a Saturday!) all because when I got up to go to the bathroom (I shouldn't down a glass of water right before bed...), my brain refused to shut off again in favour of picking up my Kindle.
I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. Why? Because it means the romance is built on a solid foundation of trust and respect and genuinely enjoying each other's company. It also means that the couple know each other deeply and have worked out a rhythm. In their case, Chelsea can enjoy reading in peace while Liam is training, while Liam can enjoy not needing to talk while Chelsea takes care of the conversation. When she's not talking, he knows something is up.
"When you don't talk, I know it's because you have so much to say that you're not sure where to even start. Then I get worried."
I'm not particularly chatty, but wow, that line made me feel seen. Because when my thoughts get too overwhelming, I retreat into myself, not sure how to express myself when people ask what's up. But it always make me feel like I'm being difficult by being upset and not saying why, while Liam seemed genuinely concerned and could calmly and patiently coax Chelsea out of her shell. I want that.
It was almost painful waiting for the two of them to just get it on, but it was so satisfying when they did. I should probably mention that she was a virgin, mostly because she'd never found the right guy what with none of them matching up to Liam, but that did not mean she was innocent. Both enjoyed some solo love before they could love each other. I actually wish there was more of the mutual loving, but what there was satisfied me enough, I suppose. (Yes, I'm a greedy girl.)
Another reason I loved this book was Chelsea. Despite her being yet another redhead, she was incredibly relatable. (Sorry, but every time I come across a ginger heroine, I roll my eyes. As much as I love red hair, it's not that common in real life! And what's wrong with good old dirty blonde hair?) For a start, she was a huge bookworm, which I – of course – adored. What was particular fun and new was the fact that Chelsea was both a big reader and rather chatty; often, readers are portrayed as quiet types. She was also very ambitious and driven; she wanted to grow professionally but faced criticism for not being assertive enough, and she sought help from Liam on how to be bolder. But while she asked for assistance, she was very clear throughout about wanting to be independent so as not to become like her mother.
"Liam, I don't need you taking care of me all the time. Like I said, I've changed."
"I'm always going to take care of you. That's never going to change, so get used to it."
Swoon.
Special mention of course goes to Chelsea's cat, George. He was such a cat, so grouchy and self-important. I got quite a few laughs from him.
That was such a wonderful fantasy world to live in for a few hours.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read the first chapter on my blog! Just click the image below...
September 21, 2018
Original review
This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Embrace and Netgalley!
Until We’re More is about Chelsea and Liam who’ve been best friends for such a long time and finally see each other again since Chelsea left for work. They’re both been in love with each other even though the other doesn’t know about it and it doesn’t really help when Chelsea moves in with Liam for her little holiday back in town.
Until We’re More was yet another amazing book by Cindi Madsen. I was reading late at night and then suddenly my iPod’s battery died and I didn’t have my charger with me, so I had to stop reading. That was one of the suckiest moments ever because I didn’t want to stop! If my battery didn’t die, I probably would’ve finished the book the same night as I started reading it.
I really love the characters and the world that Cindi created. It is so cool to read about MMA so I really liked the concept of this book. Chelsea is such a loveable character and I can totally see myself in her, I mean I’m not that daring/assertive and I love reading!
Cindi Madsen did it again and I think she’s becoming one of my favourite New Adult/Romance authors!!!
This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Embrace and Netgalley!
Until We’re More is about Chelsea and Liam who’ve been best friends for such a long time and finally see each other again since Chelsea left for work. They’re both been in love with each other even though the other doesn’t know about it and it doesn’t really help when Chelsea moves in with Liam for her little holiday back in town.
Until We’re More was yet another amazing book by Cindi Madsen. I was reading late at night and then suddenly my iPod’s battery died and I didn’t have my charger with me, so I had to stop reading. That was one of the suckiest moments ever because I didn’t want to stop! If my battery didn’t die, I probably would’ve finished the book the same night as I started reading it.
I really love the characters and the world that Cindi created. It is so cool to read about MMA so I really liked the concept of this book. Chelsea is such a loveable character and I can totally see myself in her, I mean I’m not that daring/assertive and I love reading!
Cindi Madsen did it again and I think she’s becoming one of my favourite New Adult/Romance authors!!!
August 18, 2018
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances where the couple have been best friends and daren’t spoil that relationship despite being secretly attracted to each other. In this story, the couple grew up as neighbours, went to school together and he’s always been protective of her. He’s a MMA fighter training to win an important competition and needs no distractions. They’re best friends. She’s returning after moving away to work - and to get away from the pressure and demands of living with her family. Will they feel any different after the time apart? Will time have put a dampener on their potential romance or will absence make their hearts grow fonder? Can they spend time exploring the possibilities or will training, her new job role and family demands force them apart?
This is a lovely, sweet friends to more romance with plenty of angst and turmoil en route as both characters value their friendship and are wary of spoiling it by becoming more. The characters are brilliantly portrayed as is both their personal and relationship development. There’s plenty of angst and turmoil as these two are so determined not to ruin their friendship by acknowledging their feelings for each other. It is told from their alternating points of view so it is easy to relate to how each of the main characters are feeling and what they are experiencing. There are laugh out loud moments, parts where you feel like figuratively shaking them in frustration (especially in the first third of the story) and other swoon worthy incidents. It is another great read by this talented author.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
This is a lovely, sweet friends to more romance with plenty of angst and turmoil en route as both characters value their friendship and are wary of spoiling it by becoming more. The characters are brilliantly portrayed as is both their personal and relationship development. There’s plenty of angst and turmoil as these two are so determined not to ruin their friendship by acknowledging their feelings for each other. It is told from their alternating points of view so it is easy to relate to how each of the main characters are feeling and what they are experiencing. There are laugh out loud moments, parts where you feel like figuratively shaking them in frustration (especially in the first third of the story) and other swoon worthy incidents. It is another great read by this talented author.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
August 27, 2018
Until We're More is told in the first person past tense, and alternates between Chelsea's POV and Liam's. This is a great friends to lovers, forced proximity story, and the leads have great chemistry both as friends and as more. They have a lot of really cute moments, and I related to bookworm Chelsea and her clutzy mishaps, like spilling coffee on her shirt her first day at a new office... Yup, that has "me" written allllll over it. Liam's family is also pretty great, and I'm excited to read more about them in the other books in the series. Chelsea's family can go sit on a tack - they suck. Also, George is the bestest best cat and I refuse to hear arguments otherwise.
This one's a slowwwww burn as both Chelsea and Liam fight to keep their feelings for the other strictly platonic, thinking that the other person doesn't want a relationship or that they deserve better. I will admit, I'm getting mighty tired of men who decide their romantic interest deserves someone "better" and uses that as an excuse to push them away. You're willing to sacrifice your own happiness for the person you love, which is actually making THEM miserable too. At least let them make their own choices about how much they're willing to sacrifice for you, you giant dumbface. /endrant
This is the second book in the Fighting for Her series. While Until We're More can be read as a stand alone, there are some spoilers for the first book in the series, Until You're Mine.
This one's a slowwwww burn as both Chelsea and Liam fight to keep their feelings for the other strictly platonic, thinking that the other person doesn't want a relationship or that they deserve better. I will admit, I'm getting mighty tired of men who decide their romantic interest deserves someone "better" and uses that as an excuse to push them away. You're willing to sacrifice your own happiness for the person you love, which is actually making THEM miserable too. At least let them make their own choices about how much they're willing to sacrifice for you, you giant dumbface. /endrant
This is the second book in the Fighting for Her series. While Until We're More can be read as a stand alone, there are some spoilers for the first book in the series, Until You're Mine.
Read
August 2, 2018I lovvvved this book. I am loving this cover !!!!! I am a total sucker for the best friends to lovers trope. I loved how much Liam knew he was so out of it when Chelsea moved away. Chelsea and Liam have been best friends since they were 12. She is quite the talker, aware of what people may think of her, the weirdo, the opposite of Liam, but, Liam accepts her for her. He's always been her protector from everything, her family, people, anyone who looks at her the wrong way, which can be good but also in a negative way. She comes home after being away for about 6 months. Her and her grumpy cat George in tow. Liam is fighting his attraction to his best friend at every turn.
I loved the ring girl scene. LOVE.....The entire chapter, I felt the attraction, his need for her. It was like WOW! I really recommend this. This is a really really cute, HOT, Steamy, sweet best friends to lovers story!!! All the supporting characters were good, I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I loved the ring girl scene. LOVE.....The entire chapter, I felt the attraction, his need for her. It was like WOW! I really recommend this. This is a really really cute, HOT, Steamy, sweet best friends to lovers story!!! All the supporting characters were good, I can't wait for the next book in this series.
August 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
new I would love this one just based on what we see of Liam in the first book. Brooding, stubborn and snarky --all of those traits worse since his 'best friend" Chelsea moved to Colorado. This book picks up with Chelsea having moved back home temporarily to help set up a new branch for the company she works for.
The have both agreed to friend zone but neither Liam or Chelsea really feels that deep down. Best friends to lovers is one of the best tropes and this one is no different. Loved their inner monologues as well as the back and forth ease between the two. Great humor and touching moments between them. Great to see Liam's family and more of the fighters in the gym as well.
Great read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
new I would love this one just based on what we see of Liam in the first book. Brooding, stubborn and snarky --all of those traits worse since his 'best friend" Chelsea moved to Colorado. This book picks up with Chelsea having moved back home temporarily to help set up a new branch for the company she works for.
The have both agreed to friend zone but neither Liam or Chelsea really feels that deep down. Best friends to lovers is one of the best tropes and this one is no different. Loved their inner monologues as well as the back and forth ease between the two. Great humor and touching moments between them. Great to see Liam's family and more of the fighters in the gym as well.
Great read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 26, 2018
UNTIL WE'RE MORE by Cindi Madsen is the second book in the Fighting For Her Series. This is the story of Chelsea and Liam. I haven't yet read the previous book but felt this was easily a standalone book. Chelsea and Liam have been best friends since their younger days at school and have stayed friends. Both are very focus on their careers with Liam having a specially focused time working to get his family gym back in full swing. What they both don't need is their focus to be turned to each other in the feelings that are getting stronger...but love always wins in the end.
Really enjoyed this easy great read!
Really enjoyed this easy great read!
Read
August 26, 2018DNF @ 20%. I’m so sorry but I could not get into this one. I thought I could push through the pages and pages of internal dialogue but I just can’t. I’m kinda bored. There was like 2 pages on the movie they were seeing. Huh? I’m not a huge fan of pages and pages of “inner ness” but if you are, you’ll probably dig this one.
August 16, 2018
So this was my second Cindi Madsen book. I was a bit skeptical beforehand to be honest since the first read - getting lucky number 7 - got a 3-star rating - which is good though, but it didn't blow my mind back then. But since Cindi is one of the RARE London 19 authors and she's published by Entangled which is a favorite publisher of mine, I wanted to read more books by her and then I got the opportunity to read an e-arc in exchange for me leaving an honest review, so I didn't want to pass up on it and here we go.
---
Let me start by saying; This book was so incredibly sweet, funny, romantic, heart-warming - don't forget SEXY AF - and ADDICTIVE. The friends-to-lovers trope is so well written and developed and combined with these amazing main characters, minor characters and the awesome writing this was just a really fantastic read! I didn't really know what to expect though, but right from that very first page I just had this feeling you know? That feeling that means that this book is going to be a huge HIT. And that feeling turned out to be right.
Character Talk
Chelsea was such a recognizable character I think and I loved her character development so incredibly much in this book! It was truly amazing! I loved how she was struggling about being more assertive at the beginning of the book on different levels - it's definitely something I connected over about this character - and then seeing how she progressed during the book, was just a really beautiful development I think.
I love her cat, George, and especially his relationship with Liam, because that was sooo much fun to read about haha!! Liam felt like he had a competitor in George when it comes to Chelsea love and attention and that made for the best scenes I think!
and Liam. where to start? Be still, my beating heart, sigh. He is a-ma-zing, just a-maaaaa-zing. It's so frigging obvious that he has loved Chelsea for quite a while now and when she gets back into his life after being away for a while, the truth of it hits him so hard and he's struggling because he doesn't want her to get involved in his intense lifestyle. He doesn't want to end up like his mom and dad who made each other miserable because they couldn't handle the MMA-fighter life-style. But boy, did I love seeing this MMA-fighter with this beautiful loving heart, getting riled up when it came to him fighting his attraction and trying to not act upon it. I just loved how obvious his love was for Chelsea. It showed in EVERYTHING he said and did and those are the kinds of love that last forever and make my heart explode with feels. Doesn't mean he doesn't screw up though because just as Chelsea, he can be a stubborn mule and it doesn't always work in their favor.
Romance Talk
But really, this friends-to-lovers-romance was such a joy to read. It felt so palpable and real. These characters are just amazing and I loved how realistic they felt and their relationship and developments. This romance is going to make you swoon, struggle, laugh, cry and fall in love. You're hooked before you know it and the emotion-train won't stop anymore once you become part of it.
Minor Remark
I only felt, at the first 40% or so in, that the story and relationship progress dragged on a bit though. These two, despite their efforts of being assertive in real life, remained so closed off to one another about their feels and I just wanted them to be open about it and ACT a bit sooner haha. Maybe it's something more readers will experience or maybe it was just me being greedy, lol, because the pent-up chemistry and sexual attraction were slowly killing me - in a good way of course ;).
Conclusion
I had such a wonderful time reading this book, experiencing ALL THE FEELS from beginning till end. It made me laugh so many times, it made me swoon, it made me tear up, it made me achy and needy and I was just addicted to this story right from the very first page and I'm really sad it had to end. I loooved reading about this sexy MMA-fighter and his best friend the booknerd a.k.a Chelsea. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series and to also read the books that are yet to come! This is definitely a series I'll be purchasing in printed editions so I can get them signed next year!!
---
Let me start by saying; This book was so incredibly sweet, funny, romantic, heart-warming - don't forget SEXY AF - and ADDICTIVE. The friends-to-lovers trope is so well written and developed and combined with these amazing main characters, minor characters and the awesome writing this was just a really fantastic read! I didn't really know what to expect though, but right from that very first page I just had this feeling you know? That feeling that means that this book is going to be a huge HIT. And that feeling turned out to be right.
Character Talk
Chelsea was such a recognizable character I think and I loved her character development so incredibly much in this book! It was truly amazing! I loved how she was struggling about being more assertive at the beginning of the book on different levels - it's definitely something I connected over about this character - and then seeing how she progressed during the book, was just a really beautiful development I think.
I love her cat, George, and especially his relationship with Liam, because that was sooo much fun to read about haha!! Liam felt like he had a competitor in George when it comes to Chelsea love and attention and that made for the best scenes I think!
When I called out to see if Chelsea was ready for breakfast yet, she came down the hall. She stopped to wish George a good morning, sticking her face in his. He bumped his forehead against hers as she scratched her fingers down his spine and cooed at him about what a good boy he was. Then I swear the fur ball shot me a smug look over his shoulder that seemed to say, she's mine now, bitch.
and Liam. where to start? Be still, my beating heart, sigh. He is a-ma-zing, just a-maaaaa-zing. It's so frigging obvious that he has loved Chelsea for quite a while now and when she gets back into his life after being away for a while, the truth of it hits him so hard and he's struggling because he doesn't want her to get involved in his intense lifestyle. He doesn't want to end up like his mom and dad who made each other miserable because they couldn't handle the MMA-fighter life-style. But boy, did I love seeing this MMA-fighter with this beautiful loving heart, getting riled up when it came to him fighting his attraction and trying to not act upon it. I just loved how obvious his love was for Chelsea. It showed in EVERYTHING he said and did and those are the kinds of love that last forever and make my heart explode with feels. Doesn't mean he doesn't screw up though because just as Chelsea, he can be a stubborn mule and it doesn't always work in their favor.
Romance Talk
But really, this friends-to-lovers-romance was such a joy to read. It felt so palpable and real. These characters are just amazing and I loved how realistic they felt and their relationship and developments. This romance is going to make you swoon, struggle, laugh, cry and fall in love. You're hooked before you know it and the emotion-train won't stop anymore once you become part of it.
Minor Remark
I only felt, at the first 40% or so in, that the story and relationship progress dragged on a bit though. These two, despite their efforts of being assertive in real life, remained so closed off to one another about their feels and I just wanted them to be open about it and ACT a bit sooner haha. Maybe it's something more readers will experience or maybe it was just me being greedy, lol, because the pent-up chemistry and sexual attraction were slowly killing me - in a good way of course ;).
Conclusion
I had such a wonderful time reading this book, experiencing ALL THE FEELS from beginning till end. It made me laugh so many times, it made me swoon, it made me tear up, it made me achy and needy and I was just addicted to this story right from the very first page and I'm really sad it had to end. I loooved reading about this sexy MMA-fighter and his best friend the booknerd a.k.a Chelsea. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series and to also read the books that are yet to come! This is definitely a series I'll be purchasing in printed editions so I can get them signed next year!!
August 24, 2018
4 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2018
Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she's finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.
By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.
And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.
••••••••
REVIEW: UNTIL WE’RE MORE is the second instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult FIGHTING FOR HER, MMA romance series focusing on the Roth family- Finn, Liam and Brooklyn Roth who, along with their father Blake, own and operate the Team Domination professional MMA Club. This is MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop’s story line. UNTIL WE’RE MORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Chelsea and Liam) UNTIL WE’ RE MORE focuses on the friends to lover relationship between MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop. Liam Roth and Chelsea Jessop have been friends since the day the Jessop’s moved next door to the Roth’s, and Chelsea has been in love with Liam since she was twelve years old. Six months ago, Chelsea was offered a prestigious management position in Denver, Colorado a position she was willing to forego if Liam Roth begged her to stay. With her return to San Diego for work, meant the opportunity to see the man who has starred in all of her fantasies and dreams, but a return that came with the anxiety and tumultuous relationship with her mother and step-father. When Liam offers up a room, to his bestie for the foreseeable future, Chelsea hopes to move past the friend zone into something more. What ensues is the palpable sexual attraction and denial between Chelsea and Liam, and the potential fall-out as Liam’s family history forces our hero to push Chelsea out of his life.
Liam Roth doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with the woman that calls to his heart, a friendship that has spanned all of his adult life but a friendship that means more than any other relationship in his life. Living with Chelsea forces Liam to reconsider his friends-only rule, a rule that will be broken when jealousy, and family pressure push Liam into Chelsea’s arms. Chelsea Jessop’s earlier years were spent focusing on her less than attentive mother, a woman whose co-dependency on our heroine has been going on for far too long. Chelsea knows she has been enabling her mother’s dependency, and years of feeling beaten down and unable to push back, finds Chelsea taking a stand, one final time. A bookworm at heart, her less than aggressive, accepting personality finds Chelsea struggling to move forward on her chosen path.
The relationship between Liam and Chelsea is a friends to lovers romance that struggles in the face of denial and the potential loss of friendship. Liam isn’t willing to risk his friendship for a temporary fling; Chelsea wants a chance at a happily ever after with the man she has always loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and charismatic. We are reintroduced to Liam’s brother and fellow MMA fighter Finn Roth; their sister Brooklyn and her MMA fighter boyfriend Shane, their father Blake, their mother Jennifer and her husband Larry Hendricks ; MMA promoter and fighter Carlos Guerra, as well as Chelsea’s cat George.
UNTIL WE’RE MORE is a story of family and friendship; denial and acceptance; heart break and love. The premise is realistic and delightful; the romance is provocative and flirty; the characters are sexy, sassy and spirited. UNTIL WE’RE MORE is an energetic and uplifting tale of lovers and friends.
Copy supplied for review
www. thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2018
Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she's finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.
By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.
And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.
••••••••
REVIEW: UNTIL WE’RE MORE is the second instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult FIGHTING FOR HER, MMA romance series focusing on the Roth family- Finn, Liam and Brooklyn Roth who, along with their father Blake, own and operate the Team Domination professional MMA Club. This is MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop’s story line. UNTIL WE’RE MORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Chelsea and Liam) UNTIL WE’ RE MORE focuses on the friends to lover relationship between MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop. Liam Roth and Chelsea Jessop have been friends since the day the Jessop’s moved next door to the Roth’s, and Chelsea has been in love with Liam since she was twelve years old. Six months ago, Chelsea was offered a prestigious management position in Denver, Colorado a position she was willing to forego if Liam Roth begged her to stay. With her return to San Diego for work, meant the opportunity to see the man who has starred in all of her fantasies and dreams, but a return that came with the anxiety and tumultuous relationship with her mother and step-father. When Liam offers up a room, to his bestie for the foreseeable future, Chelsea hopes to move past the friend zone into something more. What ensues is the palpable sexual attraction and denial between Chelsea and Liam, and the potential fall-out as Liam’s family history forces our hero to push Chelsea out of his life.
Liam Roth doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with the woman that calls to his heart, a friendship that has spanned all of his adult life but a friendship that means more than any other relationship in his life. Living with Chelsea forces Liam to reconsider his friends-only rule, a rule that will be broken when jealousy, and family pressure push Liam into Chelsea’s arms. Chelsea Jessop’s earlier years were spent focusing on her less than attentive mother, a woman whose co-dependency on our heroine has been going on for far too long. Chelsea knows she has been enabling her mother’s dependency, and years of feeling beaten down and unable to push back, finds Chelsea taking a stand, one final time. A bookworm at heart, her less than aggressive, accepting personality finds Chelsea struggling to move forward on her chosen path.
The relationship between Liam and Chelsea is a friends to lovers romance that struggles in the face of denial and the potential loss of friendship. Liam isn’t willing to risk his friendship for a temporary fling; Chelsea wants a chance at a happily ever after with the man she has always loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and charismatic. We are reintroduced to Liam’s brother and fellow MMA fighter Finn Roth; their sister Brooklyn and her MMA fighter boyfriend Shane, their father Blake, their mother Jennifer and her husband Larry Hendricks ; MMA promoter and fighter Carlos Guerra, as well as Chelsea’s cat George.
UNTIL WE’RE MORE is a story of family and friendship; denial and acceptance; heart break and love. The premise is realistic and delightful; the romance is provocative and flirty; the characters are sexy, sassy and spirited. UNTIL WE’RE MORE is an energetic and uplifting tale of lovers and friends.
Copy supplied for review
www. thereadingcafe.com
August 27, 2018
The perfect slow burn that made you want to put your hand right back on that hot stove one more time. I had a serious book hangover after reading this, it pushed every single button I have and some I didn't know I had. The expletives flew like magic carpets around the kitchen as I was finishing the book. Sailing merrily along and someone lets the air of out my tires and I sink right into a pit. Damn I hate that. I want to lop off Liam's private parts, discard and throat punch for good measure. I'm getting ahead of myself.
Chelsea is back from Denver for 6 weeks to help start a new office in San Diego. It's her chance to prove that she can be management material. She has a problem asserting herself. With her history it's pretty obvious why. She's spend the last x number of years mooning over Liam Roth and Liam and Chelsea are best friends since they were kids. Grew up next store to each other. His sister is her best friend. She's part of their family. Liam was always her protector. They really are good friends.
Chelsea wants more. When Liam suggests she stay with him while she's here she agrees abut only if she can help out or pay, he'll hear nothing of the sort. Chelsea cannot cook. She's a smoke alarm away from disaster in the kitchen. Liam is busy helping his brother get ready for a fight and spends a lot of time at the gym. Chelsea brings them all food. Liam is helping her work on her assertiveness as well. Everyone knows that Liam and Chelsea belong together, except Liam. Liam knows but refuses to disrupt their friendship, his dedication to the gym and the family business and he's seen what happens when marriages take a dive, as evidenced by his own parents. Once they get over their little but of uneasiness loving together and the romance heats up it makes 5 minutes inside the cage look like kindergarten. These two are smoking hot. The usual broody Liam is now happy and more easy going. Problem is he thinks about Chelsea all the time. I have to give Liam his due when he keeps Chelsea from running overboard with her mother and even though she does do something, he doesn't throw it in her face, he's there to comfort her. Her mother is one lazy @#$%^&* and the sister is no better and let's just say her family is and always was one big #$%^&*((*%$. EOS. Liam has a little jealous streak, Alex asks for help with PR and that's right up her alley and she is more than happy to help. She is getting better at work and even handles a difficult employee. When she decided she wants to stay in San Diego, she talks to her boss and the boss offers her his job in Denver, which is a huge step up for her, a promotion and all the perks. Something she's been wanting since she left. She needed to prove to herself she could do this. When she comes home to talk to Liam, Liam .. lets just say doesn't respond the way he's been responding the past 6 weeks and Chelsea leaves. She disappears for a few days. This is where I wanted to drop kick Liam. Honestly, I have never read a better jackass written like Cindi pulled off with Liam. Let me add stupid to the jackass part.
So what happens with these two? Good question right? Chelsea will take that job back in Denver? It's her dream come true. Even though she gets another job offer in Cali, does she really want to stay?
This one will light your torch and keep fanning the flame. It's an absolute must read and it's stellar writing as always from Ms Madsen. Could not have been better and it deserves more than 5 stars without a doubt.
*arc from netGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
August 6, 2018
I received a copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.
After reading Brooklyn and Shane's story in Until You're Mine, Cindi Madsen drew me in and left me panting for the best friend romance that I knew was going to explode in Until We're More. I couldn't wait to see the sparks fly and desires collide between Liam and Chelsea and I just knew that their story was going to be epic! Liam and Chelsea are all pent up sexual frustration and untold feelings that just make you want to bash their heads together and hold them to you and comfort them all at the same time.
Liam Roth is sullen and moody and has to be the sexiest Oscar the Grouch on the planet. He is a man made up of few words and lots of grunts and Chelsea seems to be the only one who can get past his gruff exterior to see the great man underneath. Liam is not an easy character to get to know but once you see who he is deep inside, you can't help but fall madly in love. I adore a man with a rock hard body and a soft heart and Liam is all that and more!
Chelsea Jessop had me alternating between sympathy and laughter for her through out her story. Where Liam is silent, she is a nervous chatterbox and always says the funniest most inane comments that along with her awkward moments just make you love her even more. I enjoyed watching her grow more confident and assertive as her story went on and cheered her on every step of the way.
Cindi Madsen delivers a love story wrought with tension and emotions that boil over and keep us all salivating and begging for more of this couple that no amount of distance or time could separate. I highly recommend Until We're More for a best friend romance that keeps emotions high and temperatures even higher. Cindi Madsen has had me hooked on her writing from the moment I met all of her sexy fighters from Team Domination and my love for them has grown bigger and bigger!
After reading Brooklyn and Shane's story in Until You're Mine, Cindi Madsen drew me in and left me panting for the best friend romance that I knew was going to explode in Until We're More. I couldn't wait to see the sparks fly and desires collide between Liam and Chelsea and I just knew that their story was going to be epic! Liam and Chelsea are all pent up sexual frustration and untold feelings that just make you want to bash their heads together and hold them to you and comfort them all at the same time.
Liam Roth is sullen and moody and has to be the sexiest Oscar the Grouch on the planet. He is a man made up of few words and lots of grunts and Chelsea seems to be the only one who can get past his gruff exterior to see the great man underneath. Liam is not an easy character to get to know but once you see who he is deep inside, you can't help but fall madly in love. I adore a man with a rock hard body and a soft heart and Liam is all that and more!
Chelsea Jessop had me alternating between sympathy and laughter for her through out her story. Where Liam is silent, she is a nervous chatterbox and always says the funniest most inane comments that along with her awkward moments just make you love her even more. I enjoyed watching her grow more confident and assertive as her story went on and cheered her on every step of the way.
Cindi Madsen delivers a love story wrought with tension and emotions that boil over and keep us all salivating and begging for more of this couple that no amount of distance or time could separate. I highly recommend Until We're More for a best friend romance that keeps emotions high and temperatures even higher. Cindi Madsen has had me hooked on her writing from the moment I met all of her sexy fighters from Team Domination and my love for them has grown bigger and bigger!
March 15, 2022
Soooo most are on one of two FMC teams.
Team innocent sweet virgin
or
Team badass bitch
But there’s also the goofy, clumsy, dorky girl. And I have yet to see this done well. In this book our FMC is a dip. She drove me nuts. And unfortunately the female Narrator made it worse with her cartoonish inflections. (For other reasons as well, I will actively avoid books that she narrates). Our FMC was a goofy caricature and I found myself liking this book less and less as time went on.
This book needed to be more developed. We have our” BFFs that secretly love each other but don’t know it” abd then eventually our “No this didn’t mean anything it was just for fun. But really I’m saying that because you deserve to follow your dreams and be free” tropes, but they weren’t done well.
The Blurb for this book sounded amazing, but honestly, this book is a pass, it’s not memorable and was a waste of time. 🤷🏻♀️
Team innocent sweet virgin
or
Team badass bitch
But there’s also the goofy, clumsy, dorky girl. And I have yet to see this done well. In this book our FMC is a dip. She drove me nuts. And unfortunately the female Narrator made it worse with her cartoonish inflections. (For other reasons as well, I will actively avoid books that she narrates). Our FMC was a goofy caricature and I found myself liking this book less and less as time went on.
This book needed to be more developed. We have our” BFFs that secretly love each other but don’t know it” abd then eventually our “No this didn’t mean anything it was just for fun. But really I’m saying that because you deserve to follow your dreams and be free” tropes, but they weren’t done well.
The Blurb for this book sounded amazing, but honestly, this book is a pass, it’s not memorable and was a waste of time. 🤷🏻♀️
August 27, 2018
This is the second book in Cindi's new MMA Fighting for Her series. I have to admit I'm not normally a fan of MMA books, but I did really like the first book, Until Your Mine.
In this book we have Chelsea and Liam, who are best friends yet both harbor deep feelings for the other one. Chelsea had moved away, and is now back in town for work. It's suddenly not so easy for these two to contain their feelings- or keep their hands to themselves.
Liam and Chelsea has the cutest friendship, and it's quite obvious there is a chemistry between the two of them. They had a lot of fun banter and sweet moments for sure. It is a slow burn, so there is plenty of build up, but at times it felt like it was happening a little too slowly.
All in all this was a fun, sweet, funny book, I just wished there was a little more oomph to it. There was also a lot of internal thoughts and at times I found myself disconnecting and skimming through.
In this book we have Chelsea and Liam, who are best friends yet both harbor deep feelings for the other one. Chelsea had moved away, and is now back in town for work. It's suddenly not so easy for these two to contain their feelings- or keep their hands to themselves.
Liam and Chelsea has the cutest friendship, and it's quite obvious there is a chemistry between the two of them. They had a lot of fun banter and sweet moments for sure. It is a slow burn, so there is plenty of build up, but at times it felt like it was happening a little too slowly.
All in all this was a fun, sweet, funny book, I just wished there was a little more oomph to it. There was also a lot of internal thoughts and at times I found myself disconnecting and skimming through.
September 5, 2018
It's not often I have to write a review like this one, but I promised an honest review and that's what this is. I really wanted to like this one. It's always great to discover a new author and the blurb got me hooked for this one. I love a good friends-to-lovers story, but sadly, I had a very difficult time connecting with the characters and the story. After almost a week of attempts reading this and putting it down, I just had to put it down for good. I'm not sure what it was about this title, but it just didn't grab me and after 5 days and only getting to 25%, this just wasn't the title for me.
Your experience with this book may vary from mine.
An ARC was provided for review.
Your experience with this book may vary from mine.
An ARC was provided for review.
September 9, 2018
3 1/2 stars. I was a bit frustrated at the repetitive "we are friends and I can't lose that" and "I am no good for her" thoughts int the first half of this book. The same thoughts over and over. I almost didn't finish. But I persevered and it did get better. Liam was actually pretty awesome. Chelsea was a bit of too passive for me. She was working on being more assertive, but I would have liked a bit more character progression examples of this. She just seemed to all of a sudden have a backbone at the end. I really liked the last couple of chapters. They finally got their act together.
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August 24, 2018
Until We're More (Fighting For Her #2) by Cindi Madsen
Until We're More has a great formula for figuring out the mechanics of love. When dealing with heartbreak stay active, keep alert and if given the chance try to make things right. With an arrogantly aggressive cat, a determined ex and a suitcase full of untended baggage Cindi Madsen sets about making you smile while tempting your heart. Liam and Chelsea are hard to resist, but I'm sorry to say in my opinion were upstaged by a cat. It's hard not to love that.
Until We're More has a great formula for figuring out the mechanics of love. When dealing with heartbreak stay active, keep alert and if given the chance try to make things right. With an arrogantly aggressive cat, a determined ex and a suitcase full of untended baggage Cindi Madsen sets about making you smile while tempting your heart. Liam and Chelsea are hard to resist, but I'm sorry to say in my opinion were upstaged by a cat. It's hard not to love that.
August 24, 2018
LOVED this book! It has all the snarky sass and humor I've come to expect from this author all wrapped up in a fantastic slow burn second chance romance. Through in a little MMA hotness and I was a goner! Chelsea and Liam have sizzling hot chemistry that jumps from the pages and from the very first page you know that they can try and resist all they want but they were meant to be together. This is a an excellent highly entertaining read that needs to be on everyone's must read list. You don't want to miss it!
September 3, 2018
Liam and Chelsea, bffs that danced around their feelings for each other. Man these two push and pulled and were oblivious to each other’s feelings for the other.
They finally got their act together and gave in to a relationship for a short period of time. Things were going great but too many people giving their input. Chelsea had goals and Liam didn’t want to hold her back.
After some heartbreak and then coming to their senses they figured it out. It wasn’t easy but they definitely got their HEA.
We were able to catch up with Liam’s sister Brooklyn and her boyfriend Shane.
They finally got their act together and gave in to a relationship for a short period of time. Things were going great but too many people giving their input. Chelsea had goals and Liam didn’t want to hold her back.
After some heartbreak and then coming to their senses they figured it out. It wasn’t easy but they definitely got their HEA.
We were able to catch up with Liam’s sister Brooklyn and her boyfriend Shane.
August 4, 2018
Liam's thoughts tend to stray at times, "was I okay? Well, I couldn’t stop staring at my best friend’s breasts , so I wasn’t sure that was okay." There are times Liam's girl has to do some convincing:
“Because it’s my job to take care of you. You need to be able to walk into work tomorrow.” I wrapped my legs around his waist, earning another groan.
“Limping works just fine.” He gave me his signature scowl.
I liked this book, I loved Liam.
“Because it’s my job to take care of you. You need to be able to walk into work tomorrow.” I wrapped my legs around his waist, earning another groan.
“Limping works just fine.” He gave me his signature scowl.
I liked this book, I loved Liam.
August 4, 2018
Holy slow burn Batman!!! I love me a friends to lovers story and this one was FANTASTIC.
Full review to come soon.
Full review to come soon.
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