Long Shot

by Lexi Whitlow

Staying away from him is a fight I can't hope to win. I haven't seen my stepbrother since the night of my daddy's funeral. He kissed me hard, turned around, and walked clean out of my life just when I needed him most. While I've been working my ass off in medical school, he's been fighting on the underground circuit...or so I hear. Probably drinking and womanizing too--it's all he's ever done. Now I'm back in town, and I hope I never see him again. Even if I can't get him out of my head. But when Joshua "Long Shot" McRae shows up on my porch in the middle of a damn storm with a dislocated shoulder and a cut that needs twenty stitches, I can't turn him away, can I? It's only just this once.

Genres: Romance, Fighters, Sports, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Mixed Martial Arts

396 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Lexi Whitlow is a small-town girl with big dreams. She spent her early years growing up between Virginia and North Carolina, playing in the dark rich dirt of Eastern North Carolina at her granddaddy's farm. She's a Southern as can be, and she spends her days chasing her five-year-old and her puggle (that's a pug-beagle hybrid, folks) and writing her ass off.

She holds a master's degree in English literature, and her mom is so proud she's "using her degree."

Lexi harbors a not-so-secret love for bad boys. She loves fighters, tough-as-nails cowboys, bikers, and criminals. Her husband is a scientist... but he has the heart of a bad boy for sure. She spends what little free time she has crocheting, painting, and going on long walks with her family.

Reviews

[Ashleyjo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be titled "The Cursing Doormat & The Runaway Alpha" ...

"He's a fighter, a manwhore, a loser of the worst kind. The kind our two families have produced year after year, polluting the Carolina coastline like oil. "

Well, that certainly makes me want to swoon with you over the dude ~ now doesn't it?

I wanted this....



I got this...



Setup

Step bro, Josh, is underground MMA fighter and perpetual screwup. Step sis, Nat, is nurse turned medical student. They grew up friendAmies w crush. Mom is a crackhead and dad was some kinda drunk con w/ a side of Jesus. Dad dies. Nat asks Josh for help. Josh leaves her hanging so she will leave for medical school because he isn't good enough for her.

Fast forward 3 years. She's back for her residency and he is still fighting underground for some thug that everyone is afraid of, BUT, no fear because he has a "plan." I keep hearing about him having this "plan," but by 50% all I'm seeing is a bunch of dumbassary.













Tree Bark Has More Sense Than These Two TwiddleDips

As with his "plan" to get away from the thug running the fights, he also constantly informs us that he has a "plan" to get Nat back. Another Ming plan... F'me!

So, his "plan"...



Sorry, anyway...

"...to win her once and for all. "

If being a complete ass with his head up his own ass, which he's been the entire book thus far is his plan, then I guess he is succeeding.

First time he sees her in three years and it's to ask her to risk losing her career as a doctor by breaking into a clinic and treating his injuries; wasn't her being able to become a doctor one of the main reasons he stayed away from her? ~ what fucking sense does that make?!?!? Endangering her and her job is going to finally win her? Uhhuh.

Moving on...

" I'm only cocky because I'm the best fighter the Outer Banks has ever seen. And because I can get any lady, tourist it townie-"

Because the girl you want so wants to hear about all the women you have, could, and still might can get . Yes, that will certainly win her *eyeroll!!*

"You can't even offer me an apology for... For anything. For walking out on me, for disappearing, for pushing your way into my house and making me risk my job for you."

She said it, not me! But, she's still a dumbass.

His response...

"I didn't make you do anything."

Still no apology.

Her response....

She lets him stay. She may call him an asshole to his face, but she's mentally swooning over this ass and masturbating to images of his face at night. She's ready to just fuck him, no matter what or how he wants her - a fuck toy, one-timer, long term - she don't care.



Of course, he up and leaves before they actually screw. Cue it being time for him to run (again) because he isn't good enough for her and his thug boss may hurt her.

Like none of that was an issue a few fucking chapters back when his plan was to make her "his." Give me an effing break!

At 50% in, I'm done! I can't take no mo'.

The characters are in no way appealing.

The woe is me inner ramblings of her: he's an ass and I want his ass ~to~ his: she's so hot, I'm not good enough for her, but otherwise I'm the shiznet of all shiz.

The story of the fighting and thug life is obtuse and half-ass told.

The writing itself is hard to follow because the characters don't speak like normal human beings would fucking speak. Riddle me this, riddle me that €£¥$&@.

There's never any honest convos. It's her put herself out there by saying what an ass he is/has been.... Him changing the subject... And her moving on right along with it, never getting the apology.



I'm bored. I'm tired of trying to decipher what the fuck these people are trying to say. And, I dislike both character's actions and personalities.



I wish other readers all the luck in the world getting to the end... Alcohol couldn't even get me through this one!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freebie from instafreebie

I'm glad I didn't pay for it. It was a good idea and parts were really good, but it was such a sssslllooowww a$$ read. It never takes me this long to read a book. I kept getting bored and put it down. I've read worse.

[Tina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

-- MY THOUGHTS >
** Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review **

Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Another bare-chested male model, muscled and tattooed. Gritty, edgy look to cover.
Another step-sibling story, but I'm interested in the MMA and Doctor aspect more.

Looking Deeper:
DEBUT NOVEL - First person, Alternating POVs - clearly defined and easy to follow.
Natalie and Josh are mid-20's, self-admitted white trash products of useless family, both struggling to make something better of themselves. While Natalie has gone on to medical school and is attending her residency in the hopes to specialize in obstetrics, Josh is still fighting in the illegal MMA circuit. But, he has a few tricks and surprises of his own. Once best friends, then step-siblings, Nat and Josh now have no real tie to one another other than the undeniable draw toward the other. Each character is written with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, perfections and flaws. Their chemistry is always simmering in the background, but they try to deny or hide it... until they come together, figuratively and literally, with a flashbang. Some of the sex scenes feel a bit too drawn out and over-extended.
There are a handful of secondary characters to add support and substance to the plot. Dialogue is good; believable, but I found myself getting annoyed on behalf of the lead characters over the use of "Joshie" or "Natty". Those nicknames sound entirely to childish and I think I'd take them as an insult, jeer, or taunt. The interaction between characters is good. The plot was solid, had good follow-through with plenty dimension and dynamics to keep the reader hooked. The writing style is smooth and the story's flow progresses nicely. There are plenty of minor conflicts along the way, and a few major ones, but they are handled in a manner befitting the character(s). Predictability is relatively low. The conclusion is solid and satisfying, other than not knowing what happened to Bee.
Overall, it's a well-written story of average length. There's enough action and suspense to satisfy most RomSus readers. There's more than enough graphic sex to satisfy the erotic crowd. It safely fits into numerous categories within the Romance genre. A very good Debut effort.

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Heat Level: 4.5 [R +/- X] ~ Score: 3.8 ~ Stars: 4
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[Mary Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given in exchange for an honest review

**New author alert** The author didn't disappoint in this story - this had a very good plot from the beginning until the very end. The author draws you into the book from the beginning and keeps you hooked. I really enjoyed this story. This is a step-brother, MMA fighter, bad boy story :) For the first book by this author she nailed it.

Natalie & Josh take you on a journey from the beginning. How they become best friends since they were teens and did everything together. When Natalie's father passes away and Josh show's up - he gives her the hottest kiss and then walks away. Three years go by before Natalie returns to the hometown and she'll do anything to stay away from Josh until he shows up on her doorstop needing help. She decides to help Josh and the more time she spends with Josh the more she wants him. She has to overcome the pain & hurt that Josh caused when he walked away from her when she needed him most.

Josh wants Natalie so bad but he doesn't think that he is the man for her. When he needs her help, he will do anything he can to get it. He wants to make things right with her and let her know what he has done since they last seen each other. He is trying to improve his life for the better. He can't stop thinking of her and wants to be with her. If only things were that simple.

This book has so much going on that it will keep you on your toes, let alone the hot steamy chemistry going on between the two characters. Most of all, a book about love. It's a book that won't disappoint you.

Great job to the author on an amazing book. I highly recommend.

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you fancy MMA fighters? This one is pretty messed-up, yet he's still hot and has a good story to tell.
Josh had always had a crush on his stepsister, but was so beyond salvation that he kept running away from her to keep her safe from his violent world.

This novel surprised me with the depth of the characters' inner musings. Their fears and flaws, the weight of their shared past, are well represented as well as their inevitable attraction to each other. What's more, the magnetic pull between them is strong, sensual. Though their personalities and struggles are also paramount to how the relationship takes place.

The pace is slow, and the sad, bittersweet tone of the writing and the gritty plot really engage the mind. I liked that Natalie is a doctor and she helps Josh with physical therapy. And what makes their relationship a bit forbidden and doomed is not, ironically, their family bonds, but the ugly underground fighting matches Josh is involved in.

Long Shot has a strong story built around rigged fights and a couple that can't resist each other's meaning in their lives. Despite Josh's errors, he pushes against fate and rebuilds himself. I really enjoyed the efforts he makes to free himself from his evil mentor, the fights in a cage, the difficult and rewarding process of winning over the love of his life. Of course, the steamy moments were fantastic. However, they took on a special significance as both characters come to terms with what they mean to each other. The ending was bloody, emotional and perfect.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised to find that this was a debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Josh and Natalie.

One time step siblings Josh and Natalie haven't seen each other since Josh walked away after a shared steamy kiss with Natalie at her fathers funeral. Forward on a few years and Natalie has put herself through school and is training to become a doctor and who else would a battered and bruised underground MMA fighter need other than an attractive doctor. There is more though to Josh and Natalie's attraction to each other.

Josh finds himself in a spot of bother and needs a place to lay low and recover before his next fight and Natalie just can't seem to say no to him. Josh's troubles end up catching up with not just him though but Natalie is brought into the equation too by those who want to control Josh. All Josh wants is to better himself and improve life for himself and those around him.

This was an interesting story with good descriptions that easily brought images of Josh and his fights. The characters were likable and Josh certainly was shy or lacked self esteem.

I would definitely read more from Lexi Whitlow and can't wait for the next in this series.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh and Natalie have quite a history. They were friends for years, step-siblings briefly, and then three years of no contact at all. Josh is a mess with ties to a nasty fight promoter and he has kept his distance but needs Natalie now. Natalie is a resident and wants to work on her medical career but can never turn Josh down when he is in need. She jeopardizes everything to be with him.

Josh is someone who tries to do the right thing. He wants to protect others. He doesn't want to hurt Natalie yet he keeps doing it with his secrets and distance. Natalie can't cut that tie to him. She is highly educated and knows better but she really cares about him and wants him.

The chemistry between them is amazing. No one else registers when they are together. They burn for each other. It makes you wonder how they resisted that temptation for so many years.

The story moves fast and keeps you interested. You wonder how they can escape from their pasts to have a future together with so many obstacles in their path.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I am talking about! A Stepbrother MMA book with an actual plot!!! Love, Love, LOVE this book! Natalie and Josh, what a great pair!

This is the first book I have read by Lexi Whitlow, and I am a fan. I cannot tell you how disappointed I get in stepbrother books when it’s all about the sex. Don’t get me wrong it’s still hot as hell, but sometimes you just need a plot to go with it. Let me tell you this book delivers that and a whole lot more. I want….no NEED more books like this one. I was excited to see that the author was going to continue the story with Ash and Summer’s story. There was a whole lot of questioning looks thrown out between those two. I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds.

[Sam Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a fantastic story i really enjoyed it i couldnt put it down. there is alot to this story but isnt predictable i would love to read more about their journey. there is a great background to this story which is brought through well. i loved the connection between the characters and the fact they support each other through everything life throws at them. this has a good amount of violence and revenge as well as HOT sex

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh is quite the resilient man, 'I bring my lips to her ear lobe flick my tongue against it. “And I am going to wear your *** out when we get home, splint or not.” Josh likes to make sure his girl is good and taken care of, “and effing you so hard that you need more of me when you get home?” I liked this book.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't want to be mean or negative but, it was kind of boring.

[Cathy Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 26% in. It went on and on and on and on about their past. Couldn't handle the seriously ridiculous repetitive references to their past.

[Kimber Hellmers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A few inconsistencies in the story line from time to time. Some awkward dialogue here and there. My biggest issue was that for the first half of the book, if not more, was Natalie constantly saying 'this can't happen', or something indicating that she really shouldn't be with Josh. But she did nothing to keep him away, nor did she stay away from him. It became distracting for her to keep saying it, but not doing it. There was no conviction in a lot of her words or actions. Josh had the potential to be a great hero, but then he would make comments that were just dumb, or obnoxious. I liked the idea of the whole story, but I really did end up skimming a lot. It wasn't a bad read, just mediocre, to me. I may or may not read the next book. We'll see.

[Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways) · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMA romance with lots of steam and lots of suspense!

I liked the angle of Natalie and Josh being step-siblings who sorta had feelings for each other when they were younger, but nothing ever came of it...until that one day...

I also liked how Josh threw himself at Natalie's mercy and I felt she handled it beautifully; she gave him just a little bit of pain and sass to remind him that he was foolish, but also patched him up and helped heal him.

If you like fighter romances with some grit, altruism and sexytimes, then this book is for you!


(I received this book for free by subscribing to the author's newsletter, and I voluntarily read and reviewed this eBook.)

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. MMA fighting is not something I'm familiar with but I enjoyed read this story. It was gritty and sexy so for mature over 18 year old only. I felt sorry for Josh he was in so deep and had made some really bad choices and he was trying to fix his life. The step-brother thing was a problem at times but Natalie was always drawn to Josh. She had fought her way out of poverty and becomes a Doctor. Which mad Josh feel not good enough. I was a really good story. I liked it so much and that I bought the next in series.

[Staphysagria · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting to write using almost all dialogue and first person narrative. It certainly makes for an authentic feel. But somehow the emotion doesn´t come across, although there was a lot of physical damage going on it all happened in a strangely distanced manner.

[Pamela aka Scottieluvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

RRRC 2019 Author Challenge
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Well written contemporary with a boxer theme mixed in. The intrigue was compelling, believable. The characters sturdy and genuine as the romance smooth and plausible. Remarkably entertaining read, I'll look forward to more from this author.

[Tara Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down to be honest. It was very gritty and dirty.
I found the main characters to be insanely hot. I would read this book again for sure

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I totally agree with ashleyjo's review of this story: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

[Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headline: 3.5 stars. In its defense, my head was jumbled.
I have to be honest. I wasn’t wholeheartedly reading this like I normally do. My daughter was being a bigger pain than normal this week and I am one of those people that if I start a book, I must read it before I can start another. So, I will most likely be coming back to read this and review it again. Now on to my review, keeping what I said above in mind. I enjoyed the basis of the story. The plot and the characters were a thought up well. It was the in-between that just didn’t mesh for me. I felt it was too chaotic in a way. I really do look forward to coming back and reading this again, just to prove to myself that it was my heads fault and not the books’. Happy Reading!

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lexi Whitlow’s first book. WOW!!!! Girl you nailed it. Freaking awesome book. I received this book for an honest review. It was truly amazing. This is a MMA step-bother book. You have that bad boy going on mixed with the taboo.

Natalie though she had been attracted to her step-brother always looked at him as off limits. She had worked so hard to become a doctor. She was faced with the fact when Josh had appeared interested in her he walked away with not even a glance back to look at her. To top that off when he left it was at the worst time in her life. It was after her father’s wake. That should be pretty unforgivable don’t you think? He was not there for her when she graduated college, never returned her text or phone calls, or once check to see how she was doing. It was like he fell off the face of the earth. For all she knew was he was dead. Now there he is at her front door needing under the radar medical care.

Joshua McRae was no good. He as a bad boy. He loved fighting but more then anything he craved his stepsister. He has strong feelings for her. Can Joshua stay around and be the man that she needs?

Josh is in some pretty big trouble that he is having a problem getting out of and if he is not careful it could put Natalie’s life in danger. Though he appears to be a bad boy he truly has a good heart. Sorry have to read the book to find out why I say that. He has dreams that he would like to see come true and more then anything he would like Natalie to be including in those dreams, but things seem to dark for that to happen. Can Josh get out of this dark hole he finds himself in.

[Kristy Dean-Veen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review by: Kristy Dean
Title: Long Shot
Author: Lexi Whitlow
Pages: pg 250
Price: $.99 on October 25, 2015

Authors writing style: I was given an arc for an honest review. Another author asked me to read this story. I am very impressed with this authors writing style for a first time author. I didn’t want to put it down. Even with me working a 40 hr week, I was dying to get back into the story. The characters were well developed and you could connect with the characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Overview: (May have some spoilers). The Story starts off strong with Natalie back home for her dad’s funeral. Her dad was a big alcoholic, so it didn’t surprise her when her dad married another alcoholic when she was in high school. Which is how Natalie met Joshua “Long shot”. Both were trying to survive theirs parent’s addiction. Josh and Natalie depended on each other until josh was kicked out of the house. Josh’s dream of being an MMA fighter was not what their parents wanted for him. Natalie went away to school to be a doctor. When she comes home, she tries everything to reconnect with Josh but he didn’t want Natalie to see what he was like or for her to see the world he was roped in with. That was all fine until Josh got hurt and he needed Natalie to heal him. Now both can’t keep fighting the feeling that they have had toward each other over the years. Now both are depending on each other to fight for a future they both want. Both want better than what they had growing up.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review – Long Shot: An MMA Stepbrother Romance

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the second in the Bad Boy Romance series and ends in an HEA. Josh and Natalie had history together as teens. Their alcoholic parents married and forced them into a new family. Natalie had a secret crush on Josh, who was oblivious. At the funeral for Natalie’s dad, Josh kisses Natalie for the first time, and leaves her for 3 years. Josh’s thought process was to protect Natalie from his own alcoholism and tendency to fight. When Josh and Natalie reconnect, Josh is ready to claim Natalie, while she is wondering how different Josh really is.

>The love story is cute. Enough backstory is given to get how much Natalie pined for Josh. She is now a successful nurse, but her lower class slang keeps her and Josh grounded. Josh alludes to a plan to get out from under the evil man who owns him as a fighter, but the plan is confusing. Josh seems to tell the plan to Natalie, but then Natalie tells Josh he keeps things from her. Josh says he needs to win a big fight for the money, but then doesn’t really need the money. The climax with Frank was a bit anticlimactic.

>The fight scenes were very exciting, along with the descriptions of Josh’s injuries, keeping the story feeling very real. The romance was very hot, especially how dominant Josh was. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 4 stars. I loved the characters, but the plot against Frank and the whole timing of the plot needed more explanation.

[Emma Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy sh!t. Mind Blowing Pantie Melting Hot Dam!

Natalie and Josh both come from poor back grounds, and struggled through out life when growing up. Natalie's dad was an drunk and theft who she couldn't depend on. Natalie wanted to become better by getting her degree and making some think out of her self. Right at the start of the story is the scene between Natalie and Josh. Josh walked out on Natalie when she needed him the most. Therefore causing her pain and hurt. She went off and completed her degree. All was going well until Josh turns up outside her house bloodied and bruised needed medical help. After 3 years of silence from him Natalie can't refuse him. But when Josh begs to stay and won't explain why Natalie doesn't understand till the stakes are too high. Not only is her heart on the line but also her future.

Josh is jawing dropping smoking hot. But he has his own flaws. His a survivor after years of alcohol abuse. Struggling to build up a better life he soon has to start making sacrifices as soon as Natalie is back in town. Torn between wanting to right the wrong he made so many years ago and torn between trying to create a better life. Every one is counting on Josh to protect and create a new fighting area.

This book is brilliant definitely wroth the read. Addictive couldn't put it down until i read the whole story.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Long Shot: An MMA Stepbrother Romance by Lexi Whitlow

4 out of 5 stars

I was given an ARC for an honest review and I am so glad I got to read this book.

Natalie has never forgotten her stepbrother Josh. She had been in love with him ever since she was a teenager. But when he abruptly left her after her father’s funeral, she vowed never to see him again.

Now she is back in her hometown for work and hoping that it won’t be a mistake.

Josh “Long Shot” McRae has always been in some sort of trouble. That is why he had to walk away from Natalie. He couldn’t bring her down with him.

When Josh finds himself in trouble and in medical need, he knows he needs to go to Natalie. She is still as beautiful as she was before and now he knows he can’t let her go again.

Natalie finds herself drawn to Josh again. She knows she shouldn’t but she puts everything on the line for him including her career.

When Josh’s problems put Natalie in danger, he knows he has to work fast.

This was a great MMA stepbrother novel. It has the gorgeous alpha male and the smart and beautiful heroine. The story was full of action and some smoking hot sex.

I definitely recommend this book to read!

[Catarina Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well What can I say, Long Shot is Lexi Witlow’s first book and I think it will be a smash hit.

It has everything in it at it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. This book is more than just a step brother romance, it deals with issues such as love, forgiveness, redemption and second chances.

Right from page one you known that Natalie and Josh,even though they are step sibling are meant to be together and you want them to fight to be together, you want Natalie to forgive Josh who is a cage fighter, you want them to work together and really succeed and have a happy after.

There are secrets and there is a plan Josh has, you want him to open up and tell Natalie everything, because the can only succeed together and win.

I loved it and I feel this is a start to a series, the second characters are really great and support Natalie and Josh. I would like to see more of Josh and Natalie see where it all leads how they do survive and accept on another. But if this is a standalone and doesn't become a series I still loved it. I gave this book 5 stars and I wish nothing but future success to Lexi Whitlow.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy of Long Shot for an honest review.

I don't usually read books about fighting......BUT!!!!

It's a great story that will start you on an emotional ride and keep you there all the way to the end.

The story is well written and the charters are great. I love the story line.

I was so glad to see this wasn't your usual stepbrother story. Whew!!! Don't know how many more of those I can take...lol They were not brother and sister for very long and I think that makes it even better.

I really liked the fact that Natty and Josh didn't let their "white trash" status & "alcoholic parents" keep them from becoming what they wanted to become in life.

The descriptions of places, things, fights and doctoring are all believable and well written. Just enough info to make you "get" a great picture in your mind but not so much that your tired of reading them. I could see Nat fixing a nose and picture in my mind the look on the kids face when she does. You can almost feel it yourself... It's just perfect.

Lexi Whitlow GREAT work can't wait to read more. :0)

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves the MMA, Romance and a wee bit of pain.

[The Magic of Books Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Shot: An MMA Stepbrother Romance

4 stars
Reviewed by Holly Main

Let me just say I'm still in shock that this book is a debut novel, the writing is so clean and clear, the story flows with such ease and the story line is awesome, keeps you guessing and wanting to know what will happen next!

Natalie is so stuck in her own head and heartbreak that at times she's not sure which way is up or down. She's busy trying to make the best life for herself and move on from her past but something keeps pulling her back.

Josh is stuck in his past but not by choice, he knows one day things will be different if he just sticks it out.. One thing keeps him pushing forward.. The one thing he shouldn't want.. Natalie.

This story while is a step brother romance it's so different from the others I've read, it's a story of hope, courage, testing boundaries and never giving up. Take a chance to experience Natalie and Josh's journey of breaking free from their past, you won't regret it.


Late Night Books Reviewer Holly

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of overcoming the things holding you back!

This MMA + Stepbrother Romance makes for a great read! There are bumps, bruises, broken bodies and longing and loving what your not supposed to. And now a bit about the story...

Natalie and Josh are brought together at 15 when their parents marry. They are always drawn together, but resist until the night of Nat's dad's funeral. One kiss and Josh high tails it out of there. His life is just not in the right place, he isn't good enough for her, and doesn't think he ever will be. When Nat returns 3 years later Josh has his life in better shape and has a plan. Will he succeed in his plans for their future?

Favorite passages:
- I might be used to living in hell, but it doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate heaven right when I’m in it.
- All victories come in their own packages, and this victory seems to be mine.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading stories about fighters and a love that goes back in time. Natalie and Josh will capture your hears. Their love goes back to when they where in high school. They both felt an attraction to one a other but something always seems to keep them apart. Josh was stubborn and thought he could keep Natty safe by leaving and trying to better himself as a fighter and helping underage kids get out from under the clutches of his old trainer Frank. Natalie always wanted Josh but denied her feeling for him because he once ( not anymore) was her step brother and she did not think he wanted her. Unfortunate circumstances lead Josh back to Natalie and things slowly start to fall in place for them. Wonderful love story.