Soldier

Fit to Love #2

by Tarin Lex

Soldier: Fit to Love Book 2
Alpha Fighter & Curvy Older Woman Insta Love Romance

The one with the southpaw.

Ava
Just because I’m a romance writer doesn’t mean I’ve been lucky in love.
My wildest dreams come true in my books—not in my life.
Then one night my best friend Sofi encourages me to go for it with the hunky, younger MMA fighter, and I don’t have a good reason to turn down the chance.
I just wonder if a guy like him could ever really be interested in an older, curvy woman like me.

Soldier
I’m the last ‘big-ticket’ item at an auction benefiting literacy programs. I figured it’d be for a good cause. Didn’t expect the winning bidder to knock the breath from my lungs.
Curves for days? Check. Makes me laugh? Check. Open to a little…adventure?
Check, check.
She bid on one evening, one date.
And after that, she stole my heart.

Soldier is a short, sweet & steamy, older woman younger man insta love romance. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating. This is a standalone story part of the Fit to Love MMA fighter romance series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fighters

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2020

About the author

Hi! I’m a mama of four living my dream writing romance out in the country with the love of my life! I’m a busy bee like you, so writing & reading short romance is my jam. I hope each of my stories makes you smile, makes you sigh, makes you...swoon. ;) Most of all I hope you reach “The End” feeling ever-inspired and optimistic. With me, it’s always safe, steamy & sweet, with happily-ever-afters guaranteed!

Write to me: tarin@tarinlex.com
Join my tribe: facebook.com/groups/tarinlexreaders
Visit my site: www.tarinlex.com

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and very enjoyable read. Sam and Ava meet at a literacy auction when she bids on him to win a date. The chemistry and attraction between them was so instant and intense. Loved their story and the epilogue was so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amz Sept 20, 2021

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure that people who don't like chocolate are psychopaths?

Soldier is the second book in the Fit to Love series and this time it is Soldier and Ava finding each other in the most unlikely of ways.
Sam (Soldier) Valentine is in his late twenty's and is a mixed martial artist and former welter weight champion. He is currently ranked fifth in the world and working to be number one. Soldier finds himself as the "big ticket" at a charity auction one night. Drake, his story is next in this series, was supposed to be there originally but he had had to drop out due to some bad press coverage and Soldier found himself being enlisted instead. Lucky for him as he is about to win the biggest prize he never knew he wanted and not even have to build up a sweat........well maybe later on he will be sweating a lot!!!
Ava is thirty-nine years old and is a writer..........romance writer that is. She and her best friend Sofi are at a charity fundraiser supporting a literacy program she supports. With Sofi having successfully won a couple items at the auction there is one final "big ticket" item left. When Soldier steps onto the stage and Ava sees him she's "close to checking myself for drool, he's that handsome." What Soldier is is tall, blonde, muscular and a hunk. Sofi is not about to let Ava get away without biding so up goes her paddle. With most people now out of money it is down to Ava and one other woman but her top bid wins a date with Soldier. He just hopes she likes chocolate.
This is a wonderfully sweet, funny, interesting and hot and sweaty short romance story. One of the nice details of the story was the fact that Ava is ten years older than Soldier and he just does not care. He also takes the time to learn details about her and remember them, which include the way his backyard is decorated for their second date. He gleaned that one from reading one of her own books. Yep he is a keeper but then again so is Ava. I also loved the Epilogue as it is really lovely to see where they are and who they are surrounded by three years later.

[Terri Pietrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short erotic ARC love story by Tarin Lex, about an MMA fighter and a curvy older woman.
Being a romance write, Ava and her friend Sofi are at a auction, benefiting literacy programs and not finding anything to bid on, until Ava saw Sam Soldier Valentine, the big ticket auction, Ava bid on and won a date with the MMA fighter.
Sam a fighter, was auctioned off to raise money for fundraiser, a date with the winner and after seeing the two women bidding on him, he hoped it would be the curvy beautiful woman, he soon learned her name is Ava. Sam planned every minute of there date, by taking a cooking class together on making chocolate bouchon and after a walk in the part for boxing lessons. With a little competition between Ava and Sam up for grabs, a wager was formed, if Sam wins he get a second date and if Ava wins she has the last chocolate bouchon. Sam won. Sam knew after the first date he wanted to see Ava again, even though she was older then him, and he did not care, but after the second date Sam knew, he never want to be with out Ava in his life ever.
I am volunteering to leave a review for a ARC of this book.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sammy is up for auction at a literacy fundraiser. Ava has not found any thing she wanted to bid on beer it’s a collectors item book or anything of that nature to support the literacy program. She is an author. She likes writing romance novel books that is her genre. And then she sees Sammy. So Sam is up there waiting to be bid on because he is the finale so to speak. And since everybody has spent all their money on all the other things that were auctioned it was just Ava and another woman. Eva when’s the auction. Sammy already has plans for their days. Even though she is about 10 years older than he is that doesn’t sway his attraction for heart. They have a good time And hit it off really well on the date. From then on his interest in taking her out was Imperative. No cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fit to Love is a sweet series that is going to melt your heart and remind you that anything possible if you open yourself up.

I fell in love Sam. He is a MMA Fighter, who is big and strong but has a bigger heart. Ava is amazing woman. She may be shy but is a confident romance writer. Ava who was roped into bidding on Sam during a charity auction. Being as confident as Ava is, she is not let the age difference of 10 year effect her. The chemistry between them is smoldering, it doesn't hurt that Sam actually listens and pays attention to Ava, shown when he transformed his backyard to something she wrote in one of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a romance writer who attended a charity auction with her friend. She bid on the final entry and won a date night with a young, muscled MMA fighter. Although she was sure their 10-year age difference mattered, she and Sam (“Soldier”) seemed to be instantly attracted to each other.

Sam made their first date something unique – he took her to a cooking class featuring chocolate (which would win over about 85% of us females). He knew Ava was the one for him. Now he just had to convince her that age had nothing to do with how two people felt about each other.

I loved this short story! Sam, was an absolute sweetheart. Their chemistry together was sizzling, but grab your copy and see what you think! Is there a HEA for these two?

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity auction to forever! This is a short read, but a great one as it is an older woman and younger man. This is about Soldier Valentine and Ava. Soldier is at a charity in place of someone that was supposed to be there, so he is a bit bashful of the whole situation. He is also a professional fighter and is attracted to Ava immediately and hopes she wins the date. She wins and they are going out on their first date then the second one beats them all, when he reacts a scene in her books as Ava is a romantic novelist. Well they end up falling for each there and even though she does not believe in love at first sight gives in to him… It has a great ending. Check it out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first; I love the cover of this book!
Soldier is book two in the fit to love series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Whilst at a charity auction, romance writer Ava makes a bid on Sam. From the moment they meet sparks fly.
The chemistry between Sam and Ava is clear to see and I liked them as a couple. They made a cute pair.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Sammy "Soldier" are going to give you an unforgettable romance. It's an instant attraction but a few dates in, see it turning into a lot more.

Ava is older and quite an interesting character. She's a romance writer with no romance of her own. Until her friend helps her win a bid date with Sam.

Sam...drool mop needed!! He's such a great guy. He's even an "inspiration" book boyfriend in his own story. I liked that it focuses on the build of the relationship with minimal se*. Loved it. Tarin has hit another homerun. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Soldier.

This one was quite unusual, not the short insta-love OTT I expected at first, I enjoyed a lot Killian's book, and it was nothing like Soldier. I love reading this kind of book on work breaks, they're short enough and never fail to get my mind off work. This one did its work too, Sam was so sweet, too sweet with Ava for a fighter, but I liked it that way.
And the epilogue was just perfect with the way they formed their family, as I said unusual, but perfect in its own way. I'll stay tuned for more book in this series for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quick fun and sexy read about an older woman Ava who is at a auction and the last bid for tonight is sexy Sam aka Soldier and Ava gets into a bit of a bidding war for Soldier but Ava wins. Soldier comes over to Ava he is very happy that she won him for a date and he’s taking Ava to a cooking class to learn how to make chocolate bouchons and when he says that in Ava’s ear she shivers. That’s all I’m going to give you guys this is a fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is a romance writer. She was at a charity auction and bid on a date night. Her friend made sure she got the date. Sam was a hunky muscled MMA fighter and he was very interested in Ava. Their first date was a cooking class with chocolate. Sam felt that Ava was the woman for him. Ava was not as confident about this declaration. It is a fun, entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MRS ELISE HARRIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot help but fall for the main character of this book. It didn't take long to read but that may have been due to being a page turner of a story that I couldn't put it down, so much for working from home! Well written so the story was easy to follow and the characters were real. Doesn't have to be read as part of the series and can be read alone without confusion. Well worth reading, I recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple with a surprising "mise en abime"
Good short romance about the encounter and attraction between a young fighter and an older writer. The story itself is simple, hot, but I especially liked the way the heroine ends up telling what is going to happen at a time. A kind of mise en abime of the situation and the author, which is rather surprising to find in this kind of story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Fit to Love series. This is Ava and Sam's story. I loved reading this well written, smooth flowing story that pulled me in for the ride from the beginning. What could a MMA fighter and a romance author ten years older have in common? When the bid is won, initially one would think not much. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[adina willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ava and Sam (Soldier) story. Ava is at an auction for a literacy. Sam was the last and biggest item to bid on before donating money. Ava started to bid but another person also bid. Ava won the bet. I want someone to take me on the same date that Sam took Ava on. Good characters. This is a quick read that will have you wanting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

I really enjoyed this quick to read novella, it's the second book in the Fit to Love series, it has a fast-paced older woman/younger man storyline. Sam and Ava have an instant connection from when she purchased him at an auction to when they went on their first date. A sweet story that was a wonderful way to pass an hour or so.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this younger man older woman fast read about Sam and Ava. Ava is a romance author and Sam is a MMA fighter. They meet when Ava bids on a date with him at a charity auction. Grab your copy and go along on their date. No spoilers, but I absolutely loved what Sam did for Ava.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea LeCras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier, the one with the southpaw. Absolutely loved this story. Sucked me in right from the beginning. Couldn't put it down. Well written, and flows really well. The characters, their chemistry, personalities, and connection were great. Am loving this series. Can't wait for Drake's story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Fit to Love series and it's fantastic!! The story of MMA fighter Sam "Soldier" Valentine and romance writer Ava. They meet at a charity auction and it only gets better from there! A wonderful love story with a happy ending that is a pleasure to read and well worth it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and entertaining read. It is a fast pace page turner that is intriguing, witty, engaging, romantic, steamy, and passionate. The characters are likeable; the chemistry between them is intense and off the charts. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out fun and tuned sexy quick. I love how Sam tries to show Ava what she’s worth and I love that she’s the older one in the relationship. They both show sides of themselves the other didn’t expect. Ava and Sam have a sweet story. The ending totally got me too with their children.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dimple never lies!

What a sweet read! Sam was such an unbelievably good guy. The way he brought a scene from one of Ava's story to life for their second date...*sigh*. I am loving this series. I hope there are plans for Sofi to get a HEA also.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava meets Sammy the "Soldier" when her best friend ups a bid for him and she wins. What Ava doesn't expect is how real and fun he is to be around. Does he feel the same? Exciting and easy to be around Sammy and Ava seems made for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava goes to an auction and waits until the last bid. It happens to be Sammy Soldier MMA Alpha fighter. Ava wins the bid and they have a fantastic date. It leads to another date and by that time the MMA Soldier has won his prize and so has Ava. Who cares that she's older. They don't! Love the story. Sweet, Sexy and romantic. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Obsessive Booknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Fit to Love series. I enjoyed this one more then the first. Sam and Ava meet at an auction and even if that's a doubtful beginning to some it was so cute. Its an Insta-love, older woman/Younger man romance. MMA Fighter and a romance novelist make a sexy pair. It was a short, sweet and sexy read.
I received a free copy via booksprout for an honest review.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, delicious, romantic instalove story with terrific characters and yummy steam. It was additionally rather plausible and refreshingly free from annoying angst and unnecessary melodrama. Bravo!

I received a free copy of Soldier, but that did not affect my review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. That perfectly describes this book. It is full of hot sexy man, intrigue, perseverance, and perfection. I fully recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Wijnja · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story. good characters with good chemistry. although it is a short story, there is just enough depth. I enjoyed it and this story gets 5 stars from me

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.