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Enigma
He’s an Enigma, an unsolved mystery or a puzzle missing the final piece. How did he become this way? Well, that’s the part that gets complicated.
Kol -
I’m a foster kid raised by greed and child abuse. I fought my way out of the system, literally. My bloody knuckles and bruised ribs have made me the man I am today: one angry, distrusting a$$hole.
I keep my thoughts and my words to myself, and my women to the barest of minimums. Don’t get me wrong. I could have any woman I wanted, but I don’t want just any of them.
I want her. Jade. She looks like Barbie but fights like Brutus.
She drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and constant want to discuss my “feelings”.
That damn stubborn streak of hers is going to be the end of me.
Jade –
I’m a foster system reject, but I refuse to let it hold me back. I know what I want in life and how to get it, but some men think a female fighter is a distraction to the real MMA fighting that men do. I’m not going to let anyone get in the way of living my dreams.
So when I have to beat a fighter to join an exclusive MMA training center, I choose him. The Enigma.
One trip and I fall in love.
I see the lover I need inside the fighter I want, but his past keeps his heart caged and untrusting.
When life starts to crumble down around us, a cowardly shadow of the man I admire takes over.
Will Kol and Jade fight to keep their love alive? Or does one slip of the tongue break their trust forever? What happens when the fight is over, but no one wins?
Kol -
I’m a foster kid raised by greed and child abuse. I fought my way out of the system, literally. My bloody knuckles and bruised ribs have made me the man I am today: one angry, distrusting a$$hole.
I keep my thoughts and my words to myself, and my women to the barest of minimums. Don’t get me wrong. I could have any woman I wanted, but I don’t want just any of them.
I want her. Jade. She looks like Barbie but fights like Brutus.
She drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and constant want to discuss my “feelings”.
That damn stubborn streak of hers is going to be the end of me.
Jade –
I’m a foster system reject, but I refuse to let it hold me back. I know what I want in life and how to get it, but some men think a female fighter is a distraction to the real MMA fighting that men do. I’m not going to let anyone get in the way of living my dreams.
So when I have to beat a fighter to join an exclusive MMA training center, I choose him. The Enigma.
One trip and I fall in love.
I see the lover I need inside the fighter I want, but his past keeps his heart caged and untrusting.
When life starts to crumble down around us, a cowardly shadow of the man I admire takes over.
Will Kol and Jade fight to keep their love alive? Or does one slip of the tongue break their trust forever? What happens when the fight is over, but no one wins?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2019
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Lally
16 books97 followersTidbits (I'm not that interesting!):
Born: "We are Marshall", West Virginia
Hometown: "Censor"nati, Ohio; home of the Bungles football team
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Anything, but poor; or bored; or lazy.
Longest-standing hobby: Reading books and giving solo car concerts
Astrology: Sagittarius
Personality typing: Myers-Briggs ISFJ (“The Defender”)
Favorite Book: Gone With the Wind
Favorite Color: Red
If I could have a superpower: It would be the ability to teleport
Most annoying habit: Singing every song that I know on the radio
Life's philosophy: Do me wrong and I'll do you even worse; do me right and I'll do you even better.
Biggest fear: Heights and never being truly loved
Born: "We are Marshall", West Virginia
Hometown: "Censor"nati, Ohio; home of the Bungles football team
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Anything, but poor; or bored; or lazy.
Longest-standing hobby: Reading books and giving solo car concerts
Astrology: Sagittarius
Personality typing: Myers-Briggs ISFJ (“The Defender”)
Favorite Book: Gone With the Wind
Favorite Color: Red
If I could have a superpower: It would be the ability to teleport
Most annoying habit: Singing every song that I know on the radio
Life's philosophy: Do me wrong and I'll do you even worse; do me right and I'll do you even better.
Biggest fear: Heights and never being truly loved
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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July 8, 2019
Enigma is my second book by C.M. Lally. This is the story of two MMA fighters, one man and one woman, both products of the system, both with big dreams for the future.
Kol Porter grew up in foster care, with a father that used him for his own gain. Kol started out fighting in the underground because he was forced to. But he was good at it, a legend actually. Now, all Kol wants is to make it in the UFC. Kol keeps to himself. He’s broody and angry. He cares little about anything else but his training. He’s never had anything more than a one night stand with any woman. His long time friend and trainer, Lou, and his brother, Shawn, are the only people he really trusts.
Jade Cantor is a blonde haired beauty. People mistake her for a Barbie doll type, a dumb blonde. But she is anything but. Jade also grew up in foster care but she had a caring foster mother. She did experience love. Now, all Jade wants is to be a female UFC Champion. She wants to be someone young girls can look up to and believe they can do anything. But first she has to find a place to train. When Lou agrees to train her, she has to agree to be a grappling partner with Kol. They both have skills the other needs and can help each other. She knows she can learn so much from Kol. She only wishes that he doesn’t seem to hate her so much.
“I may look like Barbie, but I’ll drop you like G.I. Joe.”
As time goes on, Kol and Jade begin to trust one another a bit more. Feelings begin to develop. Jade knows how she feels but she’s unsure about how Kol feels and she wants him to say the words. But words aren’t easy for Kol. He’s never had a close relationship with anyone except his brother, Shawn, and with Lou. This is all new to him.
Before Kol is able to come to terms with how he feels for Jade, the rug is ripped out from under them both once again and causes them both to question everything.
“Jade is my person. She may not know it yet, but she is. She’s the only one I need to impress as a man, a person, a fighter, and as a lover.”
This is a sweet, sexy story of two people that finally find that one person made especially for them, that just fits. But of course, the road can’t be easy. They have to survive some bumps in the road, and maybe some bumps on the head, before they see the light. I loved the epilogue. Our angry, broody Kol finally finds all the words. I really did enjoy this and I believe I will think of these two every time I see a fight on television now.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Kol Porter grew up in foster care, with a father that used him for his own gain. Kol started out fighting in the underground because he was forced to. But he was good at it, a legend actually. Now, all Kol wants is to make it in the UFC. Kol keeps to himself. He’s broody and angry. He cares little about anything else but his training. He’s never had anything more than a one night stand with any woman. His long time friend and trainer, Lou, and his brother, Shawn, are the only people he really trusts.
Jade Cantor is a blonde haired beauty. People mistake her for a Barbie doll type, a dumb blonde. But she is anything but. Jade also grew up in foster care but she had a caring foster mother. She did experience love. Now, all Jade wants is to be a female UFC Champion. She wants to be someone young girls can look up to and believe they can do anything. But first she has to find a place to train. When Lou agrees to train her, she has to agree to be a grappling partner with Kol. They both have skills the other needs and can help each other. She knows she can learn so much from Kol. She only wishes that he doesn’t seem to hate her so much.
“I may look like Barbie, but I’ll drop you like G.I. Joe.”
As time goes on, Kol and Jade begin to trust one another a bit more. Feelings begin to develop. Jade knows how she feels but she’s unsure about how Kol feels and she wants him to say the words. But words aren’t easy for Kol. He’s never had a close relationship with anyone except his brother, Shawn, and with Lou. This is all new to him.
Before Kol is able to come to terms with how he feels for Jade, the rug is ripped out from under them both once again and causes them both to question everything.
“Jade is my person. She may not know it yet, but she is. She’s the only one I need to impress as a man, a person, a fighter, and as a lover.”
This is a sweet, sexy story of two people that finally find that one person made especially for them, that just fits. But of course, the road can’t be easy. They have to survive some bumps in the road, and maybe some bumps on the head, before they see the light. I loved the epilogue. Our angry, broody Kol finally finds all the words. I really did enjoy this and I believe I will think of these two every time I see a fight on television now.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
January 8, 2019
This book was such a surprise for me but I don’t want to be misunderstood. I honestly admit that I am not a great fan of MMA romance but I think that all books deserve to be read before expressing an opinion. So this book is so much more than what I really expected. Both characters come from the foster care system and have the same dream but while Jade is a positive and easygoing person, Kol on the contrary, is exactly an “Enigma”. He is a man hardened by his past issues but deep inside he is starved for love and human touch. Jade will be the only person who will help Kol heal his soul and manage his burden but it will take a while before finally surrendering to happiness. In my opinion this story is the demonstration that everyone can have a second chance in life. One just needs to find the missing puzzle like Kol did and finally become a whole. A positive and enjoyable read.
January 23, 2019
Great read!
This is the first book I've read from this author. Some really great read. It's a bit confusing at times with how it jumps around and there are a few typos but all in all it was great with an amazing HEA
This is the first book I've read from this author. Some really great read. It's a bit confusing at times with how it jumps around and there are a few typos but all in all it was great with an amazing HEA
January 29, 2019
Loved that this did not end in a cliffhanger. Jade was a great character. She was fierce, but not a hard ass. She was just a normal girl whose passion was to be a UFC fighter. Kol was difficult. He has issues trusting because of his past. It took him a bit to fix himself and learn to trust Jade and his feelings for her.
January 5, 2019
I am always soooo hungry for the next book by Cyndy and this one satisfied my hunger for now. I was so excited to download this book and I was not disappointed.
Great characters......................................................check
Great story line.......................................................check
Great electricity between lead male and female..check
Great friendships....................................................check
This book had all the pulls and pushes of a man and woman in love but fighting it all the way and Kol (swoon) is a man's man with all the appeal that ladies look for in a man.
I loved the MMA centering of this book since it's a little close to my heart.
Kol and Jade butted heads from the beginning as they struggle not to let the other know their true feelings. But we all know the heart loves who it loves and sometimes we get lucky just like this couple did and end up in a relationship that is perfect for us.
I loved Lou and Liam who were like family to both Kol and Jade.
Jade had a great girl squad in Candy, Leanne and Angie. These ladies would be a welcome addition to anyone's squad.
As always I loved the proposal which means we this book with an HEA ;)
Great characters......................................................check
Great story line.......................................................check
Great electricity between lead male and female..check
Great friendships....................................................check
This book had all the pulls and pushes of a man and woman in love but fighting it all the way and Kol (swoon) is a man's man with all the appeal that ladies look for in a man.
I loved the MMA centering of this book since it's a little close to my heart.
Kol and Jade butted heads from the beginning as they struggle not to let the other know their true feelings. But we all know the heart loves who it loves and sometimes we get lucky just like this couple did and end up in a relationship that is perfect for us.
I loved Lou and Liam who were like family to both Kol and Jade.
Jade had a great girl squad in Candy, Leanne and Angie. These ladies would be a welcome addition to anyone's squad.
As always I loved the proposal which means we this book with an HEA ;)
January 5, 2019
MMA and so much more wrapped in the words of this story!
Kol and Jade have a few things in common, stubbornness, foster homes, natural born fighters, and a connection that reaches far beyond the ring.
While Kol may use his actions to speak for him, Jade uses both, making them an explosive pair when signals get crossed- luckily these two bolts of electricity have support in their corners ready to throw them both back into the fight!
An empowering, enlighting smooth sailing storyline streaked with heat-fueled passion, fantastic main characters, as well as amazing secondaries ( I loved Shawn) that kept me swiping pages wanting to see how these two stubborn characters would get their HEA!
I am a big fan of MMA, in my opinion, this is an excellent book if you love MMA or sports romances, the terminology was on point, well described, not overbearing, and had a real gruff feel. ( because let's face it, some sports romances, have little to no "sport" involved unless they're chasing their love interest )
Kol and Jade have a few things in common, stubbornness, foster homes, natural born fighters, and a connection that reaches far beyond the ring.
While Kol may use his actions to speak for him, Jade uses both, making them an explosive pair when signals get crossed- luckily these two bolts of electricity have support in their corners ready to throw them both back into the fight!
An empowering, enlighting smooth sailing storyline streaked with heat-fueled passion, fantastic main characters, as well as amazing secondaries ( I loved Shawn) that kept me swiping pages wanting to see how these two stubborn characters would get their HEA!
I am a big fan of MMA, in my opinion, this is an excellent book if you love MMA or sports romances, the terminology was on point, well described, not overbearing, and had a real gruff feel. ( because let's face it, some sports romances, have little to no "sport" involved unless they're chasing their love interest )
January 8, 2019
I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t 100% sure on this book, because I am not a sports romance reader at all! But I love all of this authors books, so decided to start it and see how I got on! Well, by the end of chapter one I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down!
Enigma (Kol) and Jade are both fighters wanting to make the big times! They are both foster care kids, but their upbringings were worlds apart! Kol was forced into fighting whereas Jade was raised by a loving family!
To be the best Jade needs the best! So she goes to the male only gym to try and get Kol and his trainer to help her! Kol refuses point blank, but Lou agrees to help, giving Kol little choice!
The two get closer when they are forced to go away for a few days together, but then after Jade pushes for answers Kol shuts down! Things go from bad to worse and despite trying her best Kol ignores her because he blames her for something major that happens to him!
Can two people who are so different find a way through to be together, light v dark, love v hate, which will win??
Enigma (Kol) and Jade are both fighters wanting to make the big times! They are both foster care kids, but their upbringings were worlds apart! Kol was forced into fighting whereas Jade was raised by a loving family!
To be the best Jade needs the best! So she goes to the male only gym to try and get Kol and his trainer to help her! Kol refuses point blank, but Lou agrees to help, giving Kol little choice!
The two get closer when they are forced to go away for a few days together, but then after Jade pushes for answers Kol shuts down! Things go from bad to worse and despite trying her best Kol ignores her because he blames her for something major that happens to him!
Can two people who are so different find a way through to be together, light v dark, love v hate, which will win??
March 30, 2019
Enigma, he had earned the name and it fit him like a glove. She had skills but not the skills she needed to be a prize MMA fighter. She had her circle of sister friends to ground her and feed the feminine side but fighting was her passion. This was a really good read. This new to me author showed a surprising depth to her characters. The friends and associates who guide and guard them add so much to the picture of who these two are. The passion for their craft, the desire to want more but unsure how to sustain it. This author brought it all to the table and laid it bare. I was so flooded with emotion I had to take a breath before writing this. I do need to read more from this author especially now when so many authors are using sex to fill in the story this author didn't have to. I loved watching these two make it work, the fighting, the winning, the love.
January 27, 2019
Enigma is an entrancing romance that I devoured and stayed up way past my bed time to finish. These damaged characters pushed themselves into my heart and pulled me into their story.
I love Jade's strength and courage. She is fearless in going after her dream and isn't afraid to combine her beauty and power. Kol's stubborn rough edges were frustratingly loveable. ha! I'm not even sure if that makes sense to anyone other than me. I enjoyed seeing the way his big heart would shimmer through the roughness when it came to the people he cares for.
This was my first experience reading an MMA romance and I have to say, I am definitely interested in reading more. Especially if they are written by C.M Lally!
I love Jade's strength and courage. She is fearless in going after her dream and isn't afraid to combine her beauty and power. Kol's stubborn rough edges were frustratingly loveable. ha! I'm not even sure if that makes sense to anyone other than me. I enjoyed seeing the way his big heart would shimmer through the roughness when it came to the people he cares for.
This was my first experience reading an MMA romance and I have to say, I am definitely interested in reading more. Especially if they are written by C.M Lally!
January 6, 2019
Fight for survival, fight for recognition, fight for money or fight for love. Kol has to fight numerous ways in the MMA ring, but it is not until he opens his heart to a woman he at first hated that he understands exactly what he has always fought for. CM Lally has outdone herself with this novel. Her characters had such emotion and depth, her storyline not only had me hooked from the prologue but I could not put it down until it was finished. The novel was so well written it felt like you were taking the punches and throwing the kicks. Her supporting characters were not just there for fluff but actually made the characters stronger. This is one book you do not want to miss.
January 6, 2019
I loved Jade and Kol. It’s like Barbie met the barbian. I loved how their rough background is what bonded them because they both had an understanding. Jade was a determined girl to get what she wanted and by that i mean MMA contract and win, to be able to train at Liam’s gym (all male by the way), as well as Love. Kol was a guarded person he doesn’t trust easily and or let anyone in easily which made this chase for Jade so much sweeter when she finally was let in.
I love a great MMa book and this one certainly doesn’t dissapoint! It was well written and I loved the storyline!! 5⭐️S all the way!!!!
I love a great MMa book and this one certainly doesn’t dissapoint! It was well written and I loved the storyline!! 5⭐️S all the way!!!!
January 4, 2019
What a fabulous book! I loved the MMA side to it, it was interesting to read about a world i know nothing about.
Kol is all hard edges and gruffness, Jade is all pretty lady but shredded and eager to learn. Kol has an emotional wall around him and Jade is taking it down a brick at a time....... Kol is an amazing fighter but an Enigma, Bit Jade is trying really hard to work him out.
This book is all about girl power and the power of belief in ones self, love and the need to work through differences.
A great read....I highly recommend it!!
Kol is all hard edges and gruffness, Jade is all pretty lady but shredded and eager to learn. Kol has an emotional wall around him and Jade is taking it down a brick at a time....... Kol is an amazing fighter but an Enigma, Bit Jade is trying really hard to work him out.
This book is all about girl power and the power of belief in ones self, love and the need to work through differences.
A great read....I highly recommend it!!
January 8, 2019
Loved, loved, loved it. Kol the enigma was mysterious deep down a sweet man who had a heart of gold but his walls were up because of how he was raised and he didn’t trust no one until jade the grenade got him to open up and trust and most importantly know what true love was about to communicate not just physically but verbally words and actions are go hand in hand. Amazing job CM lally
June 26, 2019
Kol & Jade
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Kol and Jade both have had rough childhoods but have dreams of making it big in the world of MMA fighting. Kol is already on his way, and Jade is determined to learn from him. However the biggest lesson either of them give each other is the meaning of what love really is.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Kol and Jade both have had rough childhoods but have dreams of making it big in the world of MMA fighting. Kol is already on his way, and Jade is determined to learn from him. However the biggest lesson either of them give each other is the meaning of what love really is.
January 6, 2019
4*
Kol has been passed from foster home to foster home learning early on to fight, the repercussions are he doesn’t trust easily.
Jade is desperate to fight and join Liam’s gym will her persistence pay off?
When the two are thrown together it’s sink or swim can either of them win.
Great story.
Kol has been passed from foster home to foster home learning early on to fight, the repercussions are he doesn’t trust easily.
Jade is desperate to fight and join Liam’s gym will her persistence pay off?
When the two are thrown together it’s sink or swim can either of them win.
Great story.
January 6, 2019
A knock out
You see the tough exterior first, and then the trust, and then the love. This book had all that’s needed for true love, but doesn’t come without life’s hurdles. Another book of the Great CM Lally that leaves you with all the feels and waiting for her next release.
You see the tough exterior first, and then the trust, and then the love. This book had all that’s needed for true love, but doesn’t come without life’s hurdles. Another book of the Great CM Lally that leaves you with all the feels and waiting for her next release.
January 6, 2019
Gah!! Amazing!!
I truly loved this book!! Kol and Jade have each been through so much so I was really rooting for them to get their HEA!!
Everything about this book was fantastic- the writing was great, it flowed so well, I could not put it down!! I highly recommend it!!
I truly loved this book!! Kol and Jade have each been through so much so I was really rooting for them to get their HEA!!
Everything about this book was fantastic- the writing was great, it flowed so well, I could not put it down!! I highly recommend it!!
January 12, 2019
Jade and Kol were both connected by the same dream to be an MMA fighter, be champions, after fate gets them together or rather Lou as spotting partners there connection and their chemistry is out of this world
January 26, 2019
4,5 stars
What a great story from an author I had not read before
Their personal stories make so much sense, this is a book that is rich in character development that makes sense
Looking forward to reading more from this author
What a great story from an author I had not read before
Their personal stories make so much sense, this is a book that is rich in character development that makes sense
Looking forward to reading more from this author
February 16, 2019
Tugs are the heart strings
I absolutely love all the self discovery and emotion this book has. The range of emotions you feel will give you that amazing book hangover we as readers crave! I can wait to get more from this world of characters.
I absolutely love all the self discovery and emotion this book has. The range of emotions you feel will give you that amazing book hangover we as readers crave! I can wait to get more from this world of characters.
February 16, 2019
Winner
When 2 people have the same dream things should be easy, right. They have a connection, but lack the trust. Their lives are torn apart and put back together in this emotional story. Read it.
When 2 people have the same dream things should be easy, right. They have a connection, but lack the trust. Their lives are torn apart and put back together in this emotional story. Read it.
March 25, 2019
Jade and Kol were amazing! Sometimes the things that we fight the hardest for are the biggest battles.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews