I'm exiled. Banished from the concrete jungle I call home and forced to spend my summer on my uncle's farm. That's where I met my step-cousin, Tobias, a guy who takes the strong, silent type to the next level.
We were told to stay away from each other. Bad influences, they said. But, as we'll soon discover, all we have is each other inside the brutal and dangerous world of the Midwest Alphas, an illegal fighting tournament that promises fame and glory for the victor.
Tobias is the local favorite to win it all, but his competitors will stop at nothing to keep that from happening. Including going after the one thing he wants more than winning.
Me.
I trust him when he says he won't let anybody put their hands on me.
Anybody but him.
Untouched is an epic tale of young star-crossed lovers from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tabatha Kiss and her dark alter ego, Tabatha Drake! It is book one of a trilogy.
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tabatha Kiss is from Chicago, Illinois.
You can probably catch her huddled up in a hoodie, reading a good romance beneath a tree with her trusty husky by her side. She enjoys roller derby, sushi, and is always searching for her forever bad boy.
So I pick up this book because of the hot body in the cover and the name untouched, had me hooked. Now this story is not for everyone as it does deal with drugs and violence. It's not a dark read however like a feared at the beginning. I loved the hero Tobias (I hated the name at first but then later it became hot). He is just a guy trying to do what's best for his family. He is an MMA fighter and he is living a lie. She is recovering from drug abuse and physical abuse at the hand of her step-brother. The story keeps you guessing and wondering what will happen next. I loved it and did not think I would cause fight books are really not my thing at all. Now I find out it has two more parts. Holy cow! I have to get those to read them. I don't think it will be as good as this one but I want to see where it leads. Happy reading.
This is a dark, sexual novel. There is some drug and physical abuse in the book but don’t let this stop you from reading the story. This will give layers to the story about the characters Claire and Tobias. Their stories will draw you in and will keep you on the end of the seat . You will not like Claire at first but when you get to know her story and really *see* her, you will feel for her and want to see her find her happiness. And for Tobias, well your heart will bleed for him and want him be BE happy and get his happiness. This story rocked my heart and made me cry. Tabatha Kiss always writes emotional, sensual stories and this doesn’t disappoint. Their unconventional love story is wonderful and I cannot wait to read who the next couple is in Midwest Alphas.
**Note--A brand-new, extended edition of The Midwest Alphas Trilogy which features features nearly 10,000 new words from the author***
My Rating: 4.5 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review****
This is a dark, sexual novel. There is some drug and physical abuse in the book but don’t let this stop you from reading the story. This will give layers to the story about the characters Claire and Tobias. Their stories will draw you in and will keep you on the end of the seat . You will not like Claire at first but when you get to know her story and really *see* her, you will feel for her and want to see her find her happiness. And for Tobias, well your heart will bleed for him and want him be BE happy and get his happiness. This story rocked my heart and made me cry. Tabatha Kiss always writes emotional, sensual stories and this doesn’t disappoint. Their unconventional love story is wonderful and I cannot wait to read who the next couple is in Midwest Alphas. My Rating: 4.5 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review****
an ok read. heroine is the damaged one. not impressed with her backstory. hero ok but beta. kinda boring even tho he does mma fighting. this is the first book in a 3 book series and I don't feel compelled to read the others as it deals with the heroine's backstory coming back to haunt her. Bleh.
nice cover tho. gave it the extra star for the eye candy
This was a very quick read with the main character being a "troubled" girl and sent away to get clean and get her life together. Claire is 17 and is literally dumped on her stepfather's brother's doorstep. She was immersed in addiction/partying and she couldn't see what her life would have ended up looking like (no thanks to her stepbrother, Rick) until she lands on Charlie's doorstep and he changes her life. Resistant at first (but with no options or choice in the matter) she learns what chores are expected of her, is stripped of all methods of communication with anyone outside of the house and gets clean. Charlie has a son (Tobias) and both have been told to stay away from the other. Tobias is an underground fighter. His attraction to Claire is instant, but he tends to avoid her like the plague - until he sees her at one of his fights. They see each other a bit more often after that, but it's always at the instigation of Claire. As her 18th birthday arrives, she realizes that she's not ready to go back to Chicago because she's not in a healthy enough place to be able to avoid and say no to temptation. Rick shows up in an effort to take her back, and we see just the type of influence he has been on the impressionable teenager. I was thrilled with the addition of Tobias's POV throughout the book. I always enjoy getting into their headspace and this was done well by Tabatha. I was proud to see Claire evolve in a healthy environment on the farm. She's still able to find trouble and temptation but is able (and wants to) say no due to the woman she is becoming. While this does end with an HEA, their story does continue in the next book - Unbroken. This was primarily a re-read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read of Tabatha's, but it will definitely not be the last. Claire Holloway lived in Chicago, but when she gets into trouble her step-father sends her to live with his brother in Missouri. Charlie Eastwood is a former cop that has experience with troubled teens. He tells Claire how things are going to be and he expects her to abide by his rules. Claire hates the farm at first sight. Tobias is Charlie's son and she is warned to have nothing to do with him. He secretly fights in illegal MMA fights. I loved the whole story and I recommend this to anyone, except those who don't like reading about drugs or abuse.
Claire has been messing with drink and drugs, and only avoids court when her mother and step-father take her to his brother, a former cop who lives on a farm. There she meets his son, Tobias and realises there is more going on than she knows. A great story, villains and threats, but Claire's personal issues are her biggest battle. Part one of a series.
Got this free on Amazon for a limited time and I agree that it was dark and sexy, but NOT that dark.
I like stories of change, and this one is all about it.
Claire really needed the change and she got it in spades. She's on the road to ruin with her stepbrother Rick, with all the drugs and partying and when her stepfather put his foot down and took her to the ex-cop uncle, she was in for an adventure. She meets the mysterious Tobias who works nights in the automobile factory and things start from there.
It's understandable that Claire acts out but Uncle Charlie knows discipline and how to enforce it until Claire eventually adapts. She may have snuck a few times thinking he won't get wind of it but through this experience she got to a lot of thinking. With the author's description, a farm with that type of surroundings, starry nights that seemed endless, and a reason to stay would convince someone to do stay away from the hustle and bustle of the windy city, and the people in them.
I liked the farm house, it seemed really peaceful, days start early and end early and is conducive to self reflection. An added incentive is the step cousin who's actually an underground mixed martial arts fighter, who's also hot, and who also has the hots for her. Their love scene was that - a love scene, which was seet. Yes it's a bit steamy but not enough to burn the sheets...or hay stacks.
So there, I loved the author's writing style and plotting and I'd definitely read more of her works.
I read the Midwest Alphas Trilogy a while and I absolutely loved it. So I was excited to revisit these characters again with an added bonus of extra chapters in Tobias’ point of view. I loved getting inside Tobias’ head and reading about what he thinks. I love Tabatha’s writing, it was very well written with very easy to love characters. It had a mix of emotions, action, drama and a little romance without it being too over the top between Claire and Tobias. I loved their interactions especially with other characters like Charlie, Amy and Rick. I think each character was introduced well and it was great to read how everyone connected to each other on different levels. I loved how much Claire does grows a little throughout the book and figures out what she wants. The same with Tobias, I loved how caring and protective he was with Claire right from the beginning. The start did start off a little slow for me and there were a couple parts that fell a little dull but it was quickly overtaken with turns that had me unable to put the book down. The story didn’t end in a major cliffhanger but it does make you want to go and read the next one to continue on with their journey. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
Claire has been dropped off on her step-uncle Charlies Farm, her mother and step-father have decided the ex-cop is the best suited to help her detox not only drugs but her current life situation. Charlie's methods may be a little unorthodox, but he knows just what the stubborn Clarie needs to get her life straightened out. Meeting Charlies son Tobias is a curious distraction- when she finally finds out what Tobias has been up to, it causes them to form a relationship-one Tobias was trying to avoid, he may be attracted to her, but she is here for help- she is still 17 for a couple more weeks- he needs to keep his eyes on the secret agenda and not his frustrating distracting.. I really enjoyed this heartfelt, slightly angsty, slow burn, given a second chance to do right tale- I did not read this trilogy before it was redone, so I cannot say whether it is better or not- but I think it was just right for me the first time around! A book I would read again and recommend to others. I am looking forward to digging into book number 2! I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book
Untouched was a really enjoyable read and it is told from both main characters point of view which enables you to really connect to them and I also really loved Tobias’s dad Charlie. Charlie brought Claire back from her troubled ways and enabled her to feel safe and cared for.
Whilst reading Untouched you are given great moments of MMA action with the other bad boy alpha fighters and then some suspenseful moments with heartache involving her step-brother Rick.
Both the physical and emotional scenes between Tobias and Claire are really well written, with great build up and were perfect –I loved them together. I did also appreciate the author respecting Tobias and him waiting for Claire to recover and turn 18 – Tobias gave her respect when she had been given very little by her family.
Tobias and Charlie create an environment for Claire to recover and want to be a better person along with Amy who was humorous and enlightened you to the world of ALPHA fighting.
Personally for me there is no real cliffhanger at the end of this book 1 of the trilogy and if you are happy where this was left you could walk away.
Claire is slowly destroying her life, and as punishment her stepfather sends her to live with his brother. Uncle Charlie has helped a lot girls like Claire, and he hopes she turns into one of his successes. Tobias is Charlie's son. He is hurting and struggling with guilt. Uncle Charlie doesn't want the two to interact. He doesn't want Claire to negatively influence his son, and he doesn't want Tobias to hinder Claire's growth.
Tobias has a secret, and once Claire finds out, the two can't seem to stay away from each other. They end up helping each other heal, but there are two people who would like to, literally, destroy the couple. Hopefully, their love and strength will see them through the darkness.
This really isn't a sport romance, as the MMA is just a means to an end. Tobias is fighting for fame and glory, he wants something much more important. It's more about growth, strength, and love. There is a mild cliffhanger, but I still believe Untouched can be a standalone, if you don't want to see what happens next with Tobias and Claire.
Claire and Tobias are a TKO that Havre you hooked! Claire is a troubled girl. After falling into drugs and abuse her parents have shipped her off to be straighted out by distant nonrelations. She is as you would expect reluctant and down right stubborn at first. Having gone from using drugs to mask her pain and problems she is now having having to face and own up to the fact that her chooses lead her to her current predicament and problems. Dealing with the new rules is hard for Claire especially the one that says stay away from Tobias. Tobias seems to be just your average Midwest guy. Works in factory minds his own and doesn't cause waves - but he is leading double life. He is part of am underground MMA ring and is infamous within their ranks. He knows he should stay as from Claire. She is a girl n crisis and doesn't need his added drama. But he cannot help the fact that since he first laid eyes on her he has been drawn. But with both of their pasts and presents threatening to bring them down will they be able to survive the hits coming from all sides?
This story follows Tobias, who is an underground MMA fighter, and his step-cousin Claire, who is a recovering drug addict. Tobias is fighting for a good reason & hunting for the man who put his sister in the hospital. Claire is just trying to escape the darkness and danger of her previous life, as well as her step-brother Rick (who is also Tobias’ cousin). But neither one of them can stay away from the other and soon tensions are too high to resist temptation. I didn’t read the first release edition of this book but when I was offered a chance to read the re-release I was excited. I’ll admit that neither of these types of characters typically appeals to me but this book series might have changed my opinion. There is a taboo aspect of the step-family relationship but if you can handle that, then you will enjoy this book. There is romance, suspense & drama aplenty in this book. It does end on a cliff-hanger though, so you will want to read them in order. It is a quick read, and once you finish it you’ll want to dive right into the next one.
I absolutely loved this story! I feel like i personally know the characters. Brilliant storyline, dark and romantic. A lot of bad boy MMA stories out there are just bad boys with swelled heads getting turned around by new love - this however, is not like that. Tobias has a reason for doing what he does. Then there is Claire, a bad girl turned good. Not going to say any more, i dont want to give anything away. But i will say, this is one of my top three favorite MMA books i have read. It's the first i have read by this author and i look forward to reading more! Arc for honest review - i later purchased.
These were awesome stories worth every penny. The first story was of a girl that's left at her step uncles because of drugs but Sun learns the drugs weren't her problem find out her story. Second book is a journey of growth that bring step siblings. To gather. Enjoy.
ARC review for honest review These were awesome stories worth every penny. The first story was of a girl that's left at her step uncles because of drugs but Sun learns the drugs weren't her problem find out her story. Second book is a journey of growth that bring step siblings. To gather. Enjoy.
Genre: Romance - MMA, suspense, action Stand-Alone: Mostly Part of a Series: Yes - Book 1 of a triology POV: Claire and Tobias Steam-level: Warm but not too hot 5/5
I'll admit that when I read that this book had a slight cliffhanger I was a bit worried as I hate cliffhangers with a vengeance. However Untouched finishes the story being told and leaves the reader at a good point in the story where you can choose to read the next book or not. This is the best kind of cliffhanger in that it's a logical conclusion to the end of the book. I should have never second-guessed Tabatha Kiss in this detail and I'm glad I gave it a shot. Untouched was full of action, suspense, and drama. I loved Tobias and his grit and determination and Claire with her attitude, determination, and willingness to trust and learn from her mistakes. I read this book in less than a day. It was a fast read and really hard to put down. An excellent MMA books! I can't wait to see what happens next!.
This is the second time I have read this book. The first time was back in November and it was from Claire's point of view only. This book was rewritten and edited to add Tobias's point of view in some areas. I enjoyed it a second around. If I had read this version first maybe Tobias's point of view might have added something to the story, but since I didn't Tobias's point view didn't do anything for me. Sorry. I liked the backstory of Claire it is typical of teens today. It was believable for me. This is action and drama. This is not a lot of sex. Things can be a little predictable, but I'm okay with that even if I had not read before. If you like a little action, a little violence and a girl trying to start over, then take a look. In my opinion it's worth reading. I received an ARC edition for my honest and voluntary review.
When Claire is sent to her step uncles farm to get her lie in order she as no idea what to expect. She's used to the partying, drinking, drugs and her stepbrother who she claims to love. What she does get is a dose of reality, getting up at the crack of dawn and tending to the farm with her step uncle. But there is also Tobias, her step cousin, who also has a secret and when she finds out what it is, they grow closer. But they have a few things against them and some people want to see them fail. A great story with action, some suspense, lust/love, growing up as well as letting go of the past to move forward along with healing and having that one someone by your side to see you through it. It ends in a HFN with 2 more books on the story of Tobias and Claire. * I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
This book is a great read and even though it's part of a series, the end is not a cliffhanger, which I appreciate! Claire might be a bit of a problem child at the start but before long she is growing and changing thanks to step-uncle Charlie's efforts and her involvement with step-cousin Tobias and his secret life as an underground MMA fighter for the Midwest Alphas. Harsh truths and her growing affection for Tobias open her eyes to the disastrous road she was on. The book culminates in a confrontation that could have devastating consequences for everyone.
I am eager to see where the second book, Unbroken, takes Claire and Tobias. Great writing as always by Tabatha Kiss. This book grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put it down. I loved it.
I enjoyed the first book in the Midwest Alphas series. Claire and Tobias are told to stay away from the other, but both soon realize the other is just what their life needs. Claire is sent into Tobias's world by the way of his father and her issues. What starts for her as the worst thing ever soon becomes exactly what she needed. Tobias has a secret from his father and it finds him in underground fights hoping to win the title of Alpha of the circuit. The Midwest Alphas may have men that fight in the rings, but it's the women who run the show as Claire will soon learn from her new friend. I love all the characters and the story made me want to know what would happen next with them all. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I read this story when it was first released - i loved it then, but i love it more now! Having the extra chapters with Tobias' point of view make it so much better.
Tobias, a good bad boy, fighting for a reason - and not like your regular bad boy fighters. Claire a bad girl turns good - getting mixed up with the wrong people. An edge of the seat story that keeps you gripped throughout, that brings out emotions of all kinds and keeps you hooked from the first page.
Tobias will always be my number one book boyfriend without a doubt. I highly recommend this book, if i could give it more than 5 stars, i would.
Untouched the first book in Tabatha Kiss’s Midwest Alpha series. In this book we meet Clair, a troubled girl from Chicago who is sent to live on her step-father’s brothers farm after being caught with drugs. It’s there that she meets Tobias, the handsome brooding boy across the hall with secrets of his own. When Clair stumbles upon Tobias’s secret life as an illegal MMA fighter, sparks fly and a hot romance starts to form between them. I absolutely loved the journey that this book has taken me on and I can’t wait to start book two.
This was a great book and I can't wait to read the next one! There was suspense, twists and turns, and romance. I loved the chemistry between Claire and Tobias. While this does end in a cliffhanger, it ends in a way that you could read it as a standalone. However, I can't imagine not wanting to read book two. *I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*