Back in the Ring

The Predator #4

by Brooke May

Tragedy, it can strike anyone.
Healing after it can take weeks, months, years, or even decades.
Bijou Augustine has struggled.
Being a young widow, raising her daughter alone, and now her biggest challenge of keeping her late husband’s dream going, Bijou feels like she is slowly losing grip on her life.
Living in a small town in Georgia doesn’t make for a great economy. Having a youth center is necessary but not worth donating money toward for services.
Growing despite, Bijou begins making calls to search for donations, but one call changes everything.
Willing to work for nothing, mountain man Noah sweeps in with a glint in his penetrating gaze that captivates Bijou the moment they meet.
She’s awkward and he is clearly still healing from his own pain.
But there is more to it, there has to be with how he is always checking his surroundings. But the thrill of something new clouds Bijou’s thoughts.
Whatever he is hiding may be more than Bijou can handle with her already packed plate.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2019

About the author

Brooke lives in North Central Wyoming with her husband she affectionately refers to as the warden, their two wild and crazy boys, and her yellow lab, Timber.
When she doesn't have her nose in a good story, Brooke enjoys spending as much time as she can outside. Walking around town, fishing, hunting, hiking, and messing around the mountains, Brooke loves the great outdoors which shows up quite a bit in her works.
Brooke has been writing and telling stories since she was old enough to get someone to sit and listen to her, mainly being her best friend. She started off posting fanfictions and then decided to publish when she was on maternity leave with her youngest. A year later My Cowboy came out.
Brooke doesn't just write one type of romances, but loves to explore as many as her mind can come up with.
Her hobbies outside of reading are landscape photography, drawing, and just being outside where she can get dirty.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/1/2020)! 🎁

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

BACK IN THE RING is the 4th book in The Predator Series. I have not read the previous stories in the series and had no problem understanding who was who.

This was an easy read that flowed well from beginning to end. Characters are quickly developed and you know the motivation of each as they are introduced. Having never been in the situation that the h is in, I found it frustrating that she was trying to keep a business that was constantly "fundraising" yet never getting ahead. I would hope that a confidant would have advised her well before year 8 to succeed or get out.

The story is well plotted and the kids in the story play an integral role and keep the lightness of the story moving. The daughter's "tween" attacks had me cringing, but I was able to identify so much. hahaha There are lessons in this book that aren't obvious or preachy, but show how growing and moving forward doesn't mean you don't have a past.

I have note in the beginning of the book the "everyone should have a friend like Mara" but at times I found her to be over the top annoying. I suppose that's what most quirky best friends are like, right?

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bijou Augustine is walking a fine line as a young widow she is trying to save her youth center while raising her daughter. Stretched thin she is at the end of her rope. When Noah begins to help, Bijou is not certain what the feelings growing between them means. Noah is keeping something from her though will Bijou be willing to accept his secrets or will it tear them apart.

I really liked Bijou, her daughter was spot on for tween years. I could easily visualize the dramatics. Noah is terrific and thought he was a wonderful partner to Bijou. Another great book in the series and completely different then the other books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Back In the Ring is the fourth book in The Predator Series by Brooke May. It is a wonderful second chance romance, with lots of emotion, new beginnings, a little drama, superb characters, and lots of sizzle. It is the fourth book in a series of standalones- but having said that there are recurring characters who have had their own book/s previously, who also make appearances in this book (and each others). They really are worth getting to know, too. You don’t need to have read the other three books before starting this one, but they are great stories in their own right and do help to build a bigger picture for you.
Bijou Augustine is a widow who lives in a small town with her 12 year old daughter. With the downturn of the economy she has been struggling to keep her youth centre afloat. It was her late husband’s dream, and his legacy- so she’s determined to do everything she can to keep it running. She begins a fundraising campaign to find donations that will help keep the doors open. The centre desperately needs some repairs and is at the top of her list of priorities. When her best friend’s new neighbour turns out to be a handyman, things start to get interesting.
Noah Stone lost his wife a year earlier, leaving him a single father to his two and a half year old son. He is a broken man, with secrets that will soon come into play. He is a great father, and a caring man. But he has pushed people away and taken a step back from the world. So, is he really ready to move on? What happens when secrets are revealed? Will it bring them closer or drive them apart for good?
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are really well developed, interesting, and endearing- Claire and Holder were a great addition to the story. They helped to bring a realism and believability to the story- as well as some cuteness. And everyone needs a friend like Mara- she was hilarious.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. May does next.

Thank you, Ms. May!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well my goodness! This was a fun and enticing little read! I have not had the pleasure of reading any of the other previous Predator series books by Brooke May before I scooped up Back in the Ring, but I had no problems at all with understanding or character placements etc., and I really truly am stoked to now be able to to go back and have three books to devour while I wait for the next book to come. This book has a bit of everything in it, from the drama and the comedy to break it up, tearful moments where I was wanting to reach out and hug the characters, to the moments where I was so over the moon in love with them. Every emotion felt was real and raw, I felt as if I was there with the characters a lot of the time.

Bijou Augustine is determined to keep her dead husband's dream alive, the struggling and dilapidated youth center. Things only become more complicated for Bijou as her daughter approaches the difficult tween years and tries every last nerve she has. Then life as she knows it will be forever changed when she meets the handsome Noah. As perfect as they seem however there is a secret lurking in his past… You HAVE to one-click and find out how this story comes together for Bijou and Noah. I am sure that you will fall in love with them just as much as I have! Happy reading!

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijou lost Elijah & is raising their daughter by herself. Noah has a has a 2 yr old son he’s raising alone after losing his wife. When their worlds collide, will they run from or to each other.
This is a wonderful book and I loved every part of it!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the Ring (The Predator Series Book 4)
By Brooke May

Another great instalment to the Predator series. From the minute I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down until the book was finished. This has been a great journey throughout this series and one that I would recommend to read.

Noah ex-boxer married to Helena until she was tragically killed when a drunk driver hit their car. Noah is now left to bring up their only child Holder. After Helena's death, Noah was harassed by the media, so he went into hiding to get away from them. Noah eventually buys a house in a small town called Phillips Creeks. Noah was so sure that living in this small town the media would not find him. when Noah moved to Phillips Creek he decided to go into the handy work business.

Bijou was born and raised in Phillips Creek. The love of Bijou life was her husband, Eli. Unfortunately, Eli passed away eight years earlier. after his passing Bijou was left to bring up to their daughter Claire. when Bijou found out that Noah was going into the handy work business she decided to approach him for help.

Bijou and Noah
They both officially met when Bijou asked Noah if he could repair the air-conditioning unit at the children's club her and Eli had started. While fixing the air conditioner Noah noticed there was a lot to do to fix up the children's club. Feelings were sparking between Noah and Bijou but at the beginning Bijou was not sure what to do with them. Bijou had a sense that Eli had sent Noah and Holder to her and Claire, so she acted upon her feelings for Noah. Months into their relationship the media found out where Noah was and stormed Phillips Creek to get an interview. however, the media was coming up with their own ideas as to why Noah was hiding out in a small town. Noah thought it was a good idea for Bijou and Claire to stay away from him until he had sorted out the media. Bijou listened for a while but then decided she was going to help her man. What will happen with Noah and Bijou?

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quite literally frothing at the mouth to get into this read and back into the ring ( pardon the play on my words )

Oh my word I was an emotional wreck at the prologue so again I had to warn those close to me that I would be emotionally and physically unstable and unavailable for a day or so 🙈🤷‍♀️❣️📚

Bijou and Elijah were soul mates and they had a beautiful little girl Claire and they worked hard and had their dream of a starting a youth centre but fate dealt them a tragic hand and Bijou and Claire were left without their hero and now bijou is living life for Claire and things aren’t easy especially trying to keep the centre afloat , my heart aches for with each door that closes on her but just as we’re about to loose hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel ! There’s a lot of pressure to sell the centre and I get it but I also feel Bijou’s heart and kept rooting for her …also she’s so easy to relate with as a mom and the battles we have to “endure” with our kids 🥰

Mara , is Bijou’s bestie , she’s a real hoot and a bestie any girl would want , her new neighbour , Noah is sooooooo hot , single and raising his son , Noah on his own so Mara is already playing matchmaker in her mind and Claire will be babysitting for him so who know what can happen ( I’m sooooo excited )

Oh my gosh Noah could leave mother superior in a melted puddle and questioning her vows ( no disrespect intended) and little Holden is such a cutie 🥰 Claire is so good with as well , just makes my heart flutter , she looks at him like a little brother not someone in her care 🥰

Noah and Mara share the pain of loosing their other half and they get each other but they also know they deserve another chance at happiness , a chance at life , together …..

Noah , Holden , Bijou , Claire , friends and family have a very special place in my heart and waiting for each instalment is torture , when I’m not with them I miss them 🥰

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment to the Predator series. From the minute I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down until the book was finished. This has been a great journey throughout this series and one that I would recommend to read.

Noah ex-boxer married to Helena until she was tragically killed when a drunk driver hit their car. Noah is now left to bring up their only child Holder. After Helena's death, Noah was harassed by the media, so he went into hiding to get away from them. Noah eventually buys a house in a small town called Phillips Creeks. Noah was so sure that living in this small town the media would not find him. when Noah moved to Phillips Creek he decided to go into the handy work business.

Bijou was born and raised in Phillips Creek. The love of Bijou life was her husband, Eli. Unfortunately, Eli passed away eight years earlier. after his passing Bijou was left to bring up to their daughter Claire. when Bijou found out that Noah was going into the handy work business she decided to approach him for help.

Bijou and Noah
They both officially met when Bijou asked Noah if he could repair the air-conditioning unit at the children's club her and Eli had started. While fixing the air conditioner Noah noticed there was a lot to do to fix up the children's club. Feelings were sparking between Noah and Bijou but at the beginning Bijou was not sure what to do with them. Bijou had a sense that Eli had sent Noah and Holder to her and Claire, so she acted upon her feelings for Noah. Months into their relationship the media found out where Noah was and stormed Phillips Creek to get an interview. however, the media was coming up with their own ideas as to why Noah was hiding out in a small town. Noah thought it was a good idea for Bijou and Claire to stay away from him until he had sorted out the media. Bijou listened for a while but then decided she was going to help her man. What will happen with Noah and Bijou?

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in The Predator Series. Once again we are taken on an emotional journey dealing with loss, grief, and learning to love again. This book could be read as a standalone however I thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. The author has an incredible way of writing characters that the reader can emotionally connect with which makes the stories even more powerful.

In this story we meet Bijou Augustine and Noah. Both of our main character have been dealt blows by losing the love of their lives and now they are learning to rebuild their lives.
Bijou was left widowed and looking after her daughter all while trying to run the children's centre that her late husband started. Time are hard, the centre needs so many repairs and Bijou can't afford to do them. However she doesn't want to let go of the last connection to her deceased husband. Since his passing Bijou's life has revolved around the centre and her daughter, romance has never really played a part of been a thought until she meets Noah.

Noah has moved to the small town hoping for a fresh start. After losing his wife in an accident Noah has shit himself off from the world and pushed people away. However when he goes to do some work at a children's centre in his new town he can't deny the attraction towards the owner Bijou. Will he be able to let his walls down and maybe have a second chance at love or will he push her away like everyone else?
And how will Bijou react when secrets are revealed will it bring them closer together or push them further apart?
Can they work together to save the Children's centre or will Bijou lose the dream her deceased husband worked so hard for.

This is an emotional story about dealing with loss and fighting for a second chance at happiness.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijou Augustine is a woman who is struggling to keep her life and business together which has become harder each year since she lost the love of her life, but now she is reaching breaking point. As the youth centre she has poured her heart and soul into becomes more of a burden than a blessing, she has to endure the embarrassment of cold calling for donations and suffer the rejection which people dish out without a care for the person on the other end of the phone.

While she is dealing with this, her teenage daughter is full of the joys of puberty including mood swings and arguments, but there are beams of light when she sometimes says the odd nice thing or comes up with a good idea. Fortunately for Bijou, her daughter finally takes some initiative and this helps more than she could ever expect when a phone call comes through with a deep, rumbling voice at the other end who just so happens to also be a repair man.

This one phone call could be the answer to her prayers, especially when she meets this mountain of a man for the first time and is immediately put at ease by his agreement to help out with fixing up the youth centre. The only issue is that he doesn't want any money for it, this is compounded by the fact that he is the first man that Bijou has even found attractive since her husband passed, but she is awkward and can sense that he is healing too.

Will Bijou be able to save her centre and figure out how she feels about her tall, dark and extremely handsome repair man, all while trying to come up with a plan to save her and her husband's life's work? This is a sweet romance with a little spice thrown in where secrets come into light as prayers for the end of struggles are made, all while hope blossoms in this story of finding love after loss.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the Ring (The Predator Series Book 4)
By: Brooke May
5 out of 5 stars

The story Back in the Ring (The Predator Series Book 4) by Brooke May is a contemporary romance book. It is a story that hooked me in from the beginning, and I found myself lost in its pages. It is a book that had my emotions going up and down right along with the characters. I loved reading about Bijou Augustine and Noah. Bijou is a woman who runs a youth center. The center is important to her as she is keeping her late husband’s dream alive. At times she finds herself feeling frustrated, angry, and defeated. She is determined that the center will stay open even with donations dwindling. Noah is a man that is handsome and charming. He is kind and is willing to work for nothing. From the first time she meets Noah, Bijou feels a strong attraction to him. She is affected by him. There is a connection between them. Both Bijou and Noah are still healing from the pain that has occurred in their lives. Will these two take a chance and start a relationship? What does the future hold for them? Read this book to find out. This is a story that has both heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes. I grew to care about both Bijou and Noah with each chapter that I read, and I was wanting them both to find happiness. There is romance and steamy moments included in this book. There are also additional characters that you read about, and I enjoyed reading about the interactions they have with Bijou and Noah. Don’t miss out on a story that is well written and you won’t want to put down until you have read the ending. I highly recommend reading it.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bijou has been through a lot the past few years but the biggest struggle is trying to keep her husband's memory alive with the youth club he set up for under privileged kids, but with the economy in the toilet she is struggling to keep her head above water at the moment and she is also trying to raise her 12 year old daughter which is not an easy task on her own.

So when things needs fixing within the centre who can she rely on to help, Noah was her husband's friend and a widower himself looking after his two year old son, so he volunteers to help with the repairs as a handyman he is more than capable of helping fix it up, but he is private and pushes people away if they get too close, but he has a secret but what happens when secrets threaten to be revealed.

This is the fourth book in the series and can be read as a stand alone story. The characters are well developed and the story flows brilliantly. The chemistry between these characters is off the charts and you are willing them to get together and see where it goes. Bijou's daughter is just the right kind of angst to make the character believable.

I enjoyed this story and read fast paced to see what would happen in the end, the secondary characters where a great additional to the story and added an extra layer which has you invested in the story. I can't wait to read the next instalment of this series.

[Mary]

Back in the Ring by Brooke May is an awesome feel-good story! Brooke May never disappoints with any of her books! So, we are introduced to the main character named Bijou and we find out that she has lost Elijah who was her everything, and unfortunately leaves her alone with their daughter, Claire. Bijou has enough on her plate and Claire, who is going through a rough stage, isn't making it easy for her mom. Bijou and Elijah had a dream...and now Bijou doesn't know if she can keep maintaining that dream with a defiant child on her hands. Of course, like life usually does, Bijou is thrown a curveball when Noah unexpectedly turns up in her life. Bijou has enough to deal with in her life, and a sexy man like Noah isn't helping her! Little does Bijou know that Noah is her saving grace in more than one aspect, will Bijou be able to keep her cool around Noah and stay friends only, or Bijou give into her body's wants? This is the fourth book in The Predator series, and I can only imagine how all of the other books are, I am definitely going to go back and read all of the books before this one. Brooke, I love your books...keep them coming! Hopefully, y'all will pick up a copy and read for yourself...you can either be like me and read books out of order or read the series in order.... either way, I don't think you will be one bit disappointed!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bijou is a widowed mom trying to keep her husband’s dream of a Youth Center alive but struggling to keep it and her family afloat. Bijou and her daughter Claire work hard everyday. But living in small town Georgia trying to keep the Youth Center open while dodging developers and costly repairs to the building is driving Bijou to the brink.

Noah is trying to heal after the devastating loss of his wife to a drunk driver. Noah is also trying to manage being a full-time father. Not that he hasn’t had the last year without his wife to get used to it but now he needs to focus on living again. Noah moves to a small town in the middle of nowhere in hopes of getting lost in the crowd, knowing that someday his past will surface.

Noah is attempting small town life as a handyman. When he crosses paths with Bijou, Noah realizes that there might still be room in his life for more than just his son. Bijou also fights the idea that she can move on with her life even after 6 without her husband. As Noah and Bijou rediscover love, they slowly rediscover themselves. Despite a few hiccups along the way, their love blossoms.

This was a heart-wrenching but warming addition to this series.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series and it did not disappoint. It was just as good if not better than the first three books. This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the whole series. The characters are sprinkled throughout the other books, so you have an idea of who they are. Plus, you are able to get a deeper connection with the characters. If you choose to read this book first just know that you won't be disappointed. You will be able to gain that connection because of how the book is written. I love a good second chance love story and I love to see growth of characters. This book has both of those things. These characters have been through some stuff in their lives and they are hesitant to move forward because of the past trauma. The growth allows them to believe again and fall for each other. The emotions that this book was able to pull out of me was shocking but felt cathartic at the same time. It was a quick read because I couldn't put it down. I am just a huge fan of this series and the books keep getting better and better. I love reading the evolution of the characters in this book. It has everything a great romance would have; love, steam, push and pull, character development, and being a page turner.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijou is a widow left to raise her daughter alone in a small town after suffering the loss of her husband. His dream was to run a youth center in his town, and Bijou is struggling to continue to receive enough donations in order to keep it open to honor him.

Noah is a widow left to raise his son after his wife was killed by a drunk driver - he ran to the mountains of the same small town to escape the media when they realized who he was and continued to hound him after the death of his wife. He was also a friend of Bijou's husband, Eli.

As Bijou struggles, she reaches out to Noah out of desperation to see if he can help make a repair in the center due to being Eli's friend. Noah agrees, and then notices how many other things need repairs while he's there. The chemistry that is pulling them together like a magnet inspires Noah to offer his time and help to her free of charge, and he can't seem to make himself stay away from her. As the story progresses, it takes us through many highs and lows as they navigate life as single parents, life as widows, and life as they are brought together to a person who feels so much like their other half.

Fantastic world-building, story-writing, character development...I'm a big fan!

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Brooke May's books, especially The Predator series. I was so happy that this book is all about Noah's story and that we get to know his character on a deeper level. This story starts immediately with a tragedy, which had me in tears from the first page. After reading the Prologue and learning of the tragic occurrence that befell Noah, you get to read all about our new characters including a widower, Bijou, and her daughter Claire, who run a community center in their small town in Georgia. After the tragedy Noah experienced, he moved his family to this small town in Georgia, where he went to heal. What a beautiful story that unfolds as Noah and Bijou meet and work together to improve the quality of the community center. I was so excited when some special characters made an appearance from the past Predator series, no spoilers on who, but know that the storylines do continue with some little hints as the storyline goes along following Noah's new life. Happy reading as you continue this newest installment of The Predator series.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2024

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the Ring (The Predator Series Book 4)

I have been hooked on this series since I first started it and couldn't wait to dive into this book. Then I read the prologe and had to step away for a few days. I was not expecting that at all.

Once I got my feelings in check I opened the book and I'm so glad I did. I instantly fell in love with Bijou and her daughter Claire as well as the relationship they have with one another. Definitely one I have wished I could have with my Mom and with my daughters. My girls and I are close but nothing like Bijou and Claire.

This is about healing and embracing a second chance at love and a normal life. I'm so glad they were each able to find the person to help make the holes in their hearts smaller, but never completely. It's hard to lose someone you love and the pain grief don't ever truly go away.

I really hope there will be more in this series. I will be waiting impatiently hoping that someone in this group isn't done with their story and starts talking to Ms. May.

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the Ring (The Predator Series)
By Brooke May
4 Stars

I read the other books in this series and when I saw this one, I scooped it up. I didn’t read the blurb so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book was about Noah. This far in the series, he has been a secondary character appearing once in a while. I’m happy that he got his own story. The year following his wife’s unfortunate death has been hard for him. It led him to a small town in Georgia where no one knew him. Fate intervenes when he finds Claire as a babysitter. Meeting her mom changed his life. For the last seven years Bijou has been existing. Meeting Noah, she finally feels alive once again. Struggling to keep her youth center afloat, he is a godsend. Will his secrets make or break their budding relationship?

This was a wonderful romance about second chances at love. I think the main characters made an awesome couple. I felt bad about Helena’s passing but what blossomed afterwards for Noah was heartwarming. This was a great addition to this series.

[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books from this author and she always blows my mind. This is the fourth book of the very addictive Predator series. You can read this book as a stand alone but there are some previous characters in the story as well. I was hooked on this book right from the start. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Bijou Augustine is a young widow that is trying to raise her daughter all on her own. She is also trying to keep her late husband's center open as well. Bijou is starting to realize that the center is losing money and it is also in bad shape. She doesn’t know what to do. Bijou’s friend introduces her to the handsome Noah. He is a single dad that also lost his love. They feel something for each other but they want to take it slow. Will Bijou find another happy ever after or will the past be too much for her to heal?

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the ring is part 4 of the series and it’s definitely a 5 star read. In this book, there will be parts of characters from previous books in the series and I recommend reading them In order to prevent spoilers. Noah has just moved to a new town after losing his wife in a tragic accident. Bijou and her late husband opened up a youth center that is now become hard to Maintain and keep running. The center needs a lot of work and donations haven’t been coming in as they have in previous years.
When Noah offers to help Bijou with repairs free of charge, she doesn’t know what to think. She is attracted to him as soon as she met him but, she tries not to let that secret out. Will these two be able to have a relationship after the heartbreak they both endured ? Will the center be able to remain open or will Bijou have to close the doors on her late husbands dream? Definitely a great addition to the series.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is definitely on my list of books to pick up without a second thought as they create some incredible stories. This is the fourth book in The Predator series, and just like the others, it doesn’t disappoint. Bijou was a fantastic character who felt more like a friend than a character in a story. Noah is the perfect book boyfriend! The chemistry between them leaps off the pages, and I found myself fully invested in them immediately. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster with twists and turns throughout. I may have shed a few tears here and there, but there is also plenty of romance and spice! If you enjoy contemporary romances with steamy scenes that don’t overtake the plot, this is a great place to start. Although you can read this as a standalone, you will likely circle back to the entire series because you won’t be able to get enough. I can’t wait to see what other must-reads this author has in store for us!

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back in the Ring is Book 4 in The Predator Series and I am enjoying this series. I recommend reading this series from the beginning as you get to know the characters in each book. I knew I would devour this story of Noah and Bijou right from the beginning prologue. This story gave me raw emotion of loss, secrets and grief but also a second chance for two people who deserved nothing but the best in each other.

Noah is looking to move forward in his life, finding a small town to start over looking for purpose. Finding that purpose that includes Bijou and her youth center may be the right start. All Bijou needs is a sign to continue keeping the center open....that sign is Noah. Can these two hearts find a way to listen to each other and heal......

This is a fantastic story that I could not put down. I really loved Noah and Bijou's story.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijou Augustine has had it a bit rough recently. She became a widow fairly young and is also raising her daughter. While he was still alive she and her husband had opened a youth center that had been their dream. Times are tough and she is desperate to keep the dream alive. As Bijou makes phone calls trying to get donations to keep the center open she is met with a consistent stream of no's until one call changes everything. Noah enters her life and she finds herself being attracted to someone for the first time since she lost her husband. He has been hurt and has his own secrets and troubles to work through. It may be more than Bijou can handle given everything she is dealing with. Will these two give a relationship a try? I enjoyed this entire series and the chemistry between characters. I have read other books by this author both is a series and as individual books. The stories always flow nicely and don't ever seem rushed. I highly suggest checking out her work.

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the ring by Brooke May is the 4th book in the Predators Series, and another that I could just NOT put down. Noah and Bijou are the main characters in this story, and gives us an amazing second chance love that will leave you in awe. Both have lost someone so close them and left to raise children alone. Noah moves to Phillips Creek to get away from the media and Bijou has lived in Phillips Creek her whole life. Both feel the spark and months into their relationship the media finds Noah. This brings up so much for Noah but Bijou wants to stand by her man no matter what.

This book truly had to be my favorite in the series so far, I love the single parents coming together after such a loss. Every time I pick up a Brooke May book, I don’t want to put it down. Instantly I am taking in by the characters and the writing style. Well done again!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

May continues to amaze me with her continuation of the Predator series. This is Noah's story and tragedy has struck his life. Bijou is a small town widow struggling to keep the youth center she and her late husband dreamed of running and providing for their small town. When fate intervenes and pushes these two together, sparks fly and wounds are opened and healed. I really loved this story and though it did take a little bit of time to get into, I really loved seeing Bijou's story and struggles with not only losing her husband very early on in their marriage, but now having to raise a tween girl on her own. I also loved seeing her relationship with her bestie, Mara. Again, May has outdone herself and I can't wait to get my hands on her next book!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the Ring is the fourth electrifying installment in The Predator Series. This book delivers a gripping blend of intense action, compelling characters, and a well-crafted plot. Im telling you it's always a pleasure reading work from this author. The writing is sharp and dynamic, capturing the raw energy of the fights and the personal struggles of the characters with equal skill. The fight scenes are particularly well-executed. That mixed in with Bijou and Noahs character development and their romantic drama add depth to the story, making it more than just a series of high-octane battles. I can't wait to read the next book. I highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijou's backstory made my heart hurt for her. It's hard to keep living when the one you love passes away. Even though it was 8 years ago grief has a funny way of showing up. Especially while trying to keep a youth center running and raising a 12 year old on top of everything. Noah also has lost a loved one and raising his two year old son. Both trying to find their way back to normal. As Bijou struggles to keep the place running one phone call she makes changes her life. Noah comes into the picture to lend a helping hand. This gruff man is pretty amazing but guarded. The kids definitely were great supporting characters, they made me giggle when all I wanted to do was cry. Although, secrets never stay secret for long. Will Noah's blow up in his face????

[Candida Furbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series but can be read as a standalone. Even though this book can be read as a standalone I still recommend reading the other books in this series because they are all good reads. I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author and this one is no different. This story has love, loss, second chances, chemistry, drama, great characters, and so much more. This book kept me glued to the pages which made for a quick read. I found myself completely invested in Bijou and Noah's story. Can they move on from their past traumas to love again? Will Bijou be able to keep the youth center running? These are things you will find the answers to when you dive into this enjoyable story. I recommend this book and I can't wait to read what comes next.