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Blood and Glory #2
Take Down
Sometimes we have to go through the dark to reach the light.
Whenever he steps into the octagon, heavyweight champion Gabriel Maddox is focused on one thing, and one thing alone: destroying the man in front of him with calm, devastating precision. He’s controlled in everything he does, but it’s not a control that comes easily. It’s born out of pain and survival—out of necessity. Dominating in the octagon, and dominating in bed, Gabe is a man who gets what he wants. And when he lays eyes on journalist Megan Sinclair, he wants her.
From the moment Megan meets Gabe, she knows there’s something different about him. Something hiding behind all of that calculated control. His commanding, dominating nature sparks a need in her, opening her eyes to desires she didn’t know she had. She wants to know what it would feel like to be at his mercy. To give herself over to him, even if it’s only for one night.
Megan brings out an insatiability in Gabe, and he knows one night isn’t enough. Against his better judgement, he breaks his rules for her as his control starts to slip. Where she’s Beauty, he’s the Beast, and he doesn’t think she can handle the dark needs he harbors. Needs involving her submission and his twisted fantasies. But Megan craves what he’s offering, sending them both down a dangerous path.
Whenever he steps into the octagon, heavyweight champion Gabriel Maddox is focused on one thing, and one thing alone: destroying the man in front of him with calm, devastating precision. He’s controlled in everything he does, but it’s not a control that comes easily. It’s born out of pain and survival—out of necessity. Dominating in the octagon, and dominating in bed, Gabe is a man who gets what he wants. And when he lays eyes on journalist Megan Sinclair, he wants her.
From the moment Megan meets Gabe, she knows there’s something different about him. Something hiding behind all of that calculated control. His commanding, dominating nature sparks a need in her, opening her eyes to desires she didn’t know she had. She wants to know what it would feel like to be at his mercy. To give herself over to him, even if it’s only for one night.
Megan brings out an insatiability in Gabe, and he knows one night isn’t enough. Against his better judgement, he breaks his rules for her as his control starts to slip. Where she’s Beauty, he’s the Beast, and he doesn’t think she can handle the dark needs he harbors. Needs involving her submission and his twisted fantasies. But Megan craves what he’s offering, sending them both down a dangerous path.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2017
37 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Harper St. George
59 books1,267 followersHarper St. George grew up in rural Alabama and along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, where stories of the past sparked her lifelong love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school she discovered historical romance novels, which brought all of those elements together in one irresistible package. She’s been hooked ever since.
Today, Harper lives in the Atlanta area where she writes historical romance set from the Viking Era to the Gilded Age. Her novels have been translated into ten languages and featured in major publications including Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Oprah Daily, Woman’s World, Forbes, PopSugar, and Bustle. She has also received the prestigious honor of having her books selected for Book of the Month Club and BuzzFeed Best Romance of the year. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
Today, Harper lives in the Atlanta area where she writes historical romance set from the Viking Era to the Gilded Age. Her novels have been translated into ten languages and featured in major publications including Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Oprah Daily, Woman’s World, Forbes, PopSugar, and Bustle. She has also received the prestigious honor of having her books selected for Book of the Month Club and BuzzFeed Best Romance of the year. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 8, 2017
Amazing characters and fab story! 5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you ever met someone you immediately gravitated to? You knew you needed to get to know them? That they were supposed to be in your life? That’s what happened in this romance.
As a second in the series, this book does standalone but wraps in the friendship and a bit of storyline from the first book Dirty Boxing.
Take Down is an intense book in many ways. We meet a guy who is so hurt and broken that he doesn’t think he deserves anything better out of life.
But Megan has fallen hard. She’s drawn to him Like a moth to a flame. When she is with him, her soul is complete but he feels unworthy.
With intense passion, off the charts heat and emotion, this book will truly get under your skin. I hated seeing it end but I was thrilled with the final result. I can only hope that there are a few more books in the series up their sleeves.
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you ever met someone you immediately gravitated to? You knew you needed to get to know them? That they were supposed to be in your life? That’s what happened in this romance.
As a second in the series, this book does standalone but wraps in the friendship and a bit of storyline from the first book Dirty Boxing.
Take Down is an intense book in many ways. We meet a guy who is so hurt and broken that he doesn’t think he deserves anything better out of life.
But Megan has fallen hard. She’s drawn to him Like a moth to a flame. When she is with him, her soul is complete but he feels unworthy.
With intense passion, off the charts heat and emotion, this book will truly get under your skin. I hated seeing it end but I was thrilled with the final result. I can only hope that there are a few more books in the series up their sleeves.
* copy received for review consideration
November 22, 2017
3 Stars
Take Down is a standalone and is part of the Blood and Glory series. This is my first Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt book. I love trying new authors and I like fighting books.
Gabriel doesn’t do relationships. He had a past and because of that he is the way he is. He’s a MMA champion fighter and he’s good at his job. Gabriel was a character. If you like a super guarded Hero, then this is your guy. It was difficult at times to get to know the guy because his walls were made of steel. But you can tell deep deep deep down his heart is made out of gold.
Megan is a journalist and usually I don’t like a journalist story line, but she’s not the typical journalist, she doesn’t do whatever she can to get the story. It’s not that kind of plot and thank you for that. She’s a typical heroine and as much as I wanted to like Megan, I found it hard to side with her.
This is the kind of book where the Heroine chases after the Hero and the premise did promise that so if you like that kind of book then this one is for you. I personally prefer the Hero chasing the Heroine, but this kind of changes things up a bit.
Overall the book was what promised, a guarded Hero, a persistent Heroine and a lot of fighting involved. If you like the politics of fighting, then you really like this book. This book gets into the gritty politics of of the sports. So there is that side storyline and it’s not all focused on the relationship.
An ARC was provided.
http://amzn.to/2A1BO9Z
Take Down is a standalone and is part of the Blood and Glory series. This is my first Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt book. I love trying new authors and I like fighting books.
Gabriel doesn’t do relationships. He had a past and because of that he is the way he is. He’s a MMA champion fighter and he’s good at his job. Gabriel was a character. If you like a super guarded Hero, then this is your guy. It was difficult at times to get to know the guy because his walls were made of steel. But you can tell deep deep deep down his heart is made out of gold.
Megan is a journalist and usually I don’t like a journalist story line, but she’s not the typical journalist, she doesn’t do whatever she can to get the story. It’s not that kind of plot and thank you for that. She’s a typical heroine and as much as I wanted to like Megan, I found it hard to side with her.
This is the kind of book where the Heroine chases after the Hero and the premise did promise that so if you like that kind of book then this one is for you. I personally prefer the Hero chasing the Heroine, but this kind of changes things up a bit.
Overall the book was what promised, a guarded Hero, a persistent Heroine and a lot of fighting involved. If you like the politics of fighting, then you really like this book. This book gets into the gritty politics of of the sports. So there is that side storyline and it’s not all focused on the relationship.
An ARC was provided.
http://amzn.to/2A1BO9Z
November 27, 2017
I liked this exciting read.
Gabe is a MMA champion. He's an intense man who trains hard and respects his chosen sport, but fights not for the love of the win but to block the pain of a loss he will never recover from. And he's a one night only - no relationships type of guy, so no girlfriends.
Megan is a journalist hoping to get Gabe to open up and answer all the questions he keeps avoiding. And he's hot, there was definitely an attraction between them, she wants to investigate that some more.
The chemistry was there all right, but is Megan prepared to take Gabe on his terms?
A very good story. Great plot and character development. I felt sadness, joy and even laughed as the story progressed, it was that well balanced.
I enjoy a good MMA romance, and Take Down is definitely one of the best.
I highly recommend it!
Gabe is a MMA champion. He's an intense man who trains hard and respects his chosen sport, but fights not for the love of the win but to block the pain of a loss he will never recover from. And he's a one night only - no relationships type of guy, so no girlfriends.
Megan is a journalist hoping to get Gabe to open up and answer all the questions he keeps avoiding. And he's hot, there was definitely an attraction between them, she wants to investigate that some more.
The chemistry was there all right, but is Megan prepared to take Gabe on his terms?
A very good story. Great plot and character development. I felt sadness, joy and even laughed as the story progressed, it was that well balanced.
I enjoy a good MMA romance, and Take Down is definitely one of the best.
I highly recommend it!
November 24, 2017
3.5 Fangs
This is the second book in the Blood and Glory series.
I liked Dirty Boxing and I was looking forward to reading about the next couple.
Megan Sinclair feels an attraction to Gabriel Maddox from the moment she meets him. She's a journalist and her next assignment involves learning more about the MMA, its fighters and what makes them tick. She was not counting on her own's body reaction towards Gabriel just from their first interaction. He intrigued her. She knew there were things he was avoiding and this piqued Megan's curiosity. By the end of the interview, she couldn't deny his allure. Soon after, when he offers a fling, no strings attached, she doesn't want to walk away from it.
Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox suffered a terrible loss. For this reason in the last few years, he has dedicated himself to the MMA sport. His training routine is punishing. He's also the current champion in his class and he wants to keep it this way. He lives a quiet life and he likes it this way. Nevertheless, meeting Megan has caused chaos in his self-imposed romantic detachment. He will fight their connection and he will make it clear to her that nothing else can come from their arrangement. But, we all know about best-laid plans.
Like I said earlier, I enjoyed reading Dirty Boxing and I couldn't wait to learn more about Maddox. He was punishing himself for an event which changed his life. He was trying to keep himself from love or being loved. He didn't think he deserved happiness. He was sure he couldn't offer anything else to Megan.
I can understand why Megan wanted more. On the sexiness department, there were no complaints but after what she has dealt with, she was not going to settle. As soon as she knew things were changing for her, she was honest with Maddox.
In the end, I think they both grew as characters and they were able to help heal each other.
I do have one complaint about the plot and it had to do with something that happened during the last fight scene which is the main reason for my rating. I thought it was unnecessary.
Anyway, I was happy with the ending and I do want to read the next one in the series.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
March 5, 2018
After the compelling glimpses readers got of Gabe “The Sandman” Maddox in the first installment in the Blood and Glory series, he’s back in all his quiet and commanding glory in a gut-wrenching tale that brought a few tears to my eyes. He’s not the only one dealing with a painful past though as a female reporter, and friend of the heroine from the previous book, is still trying to overcome the scars her fight against cancer left her with both inside and out. Together they’ll find a bit of healing, along with lots of scorching encounters, in a journey to HEA that pulled at my heartstrings before reaching its surprising conclusion.
Gabe Maddox is the elder statesman of the MMA, secure in his place in the League and making a comfortable living. He doesn’t want to make any waves as his career is coming to an end, but personal and professional entanglements soon have him waging a battle more important than his upcoming match in the ring against Leandro Oliveira. He’s always been focused in and out of the ring, regimented in how he lives and trains, like a man possessed. The moment he meets Megan though his stoic veneer starts to crack. The demons of his past, the ones he thought he put into submission, soon come boiling to the surface as she starts making him feel things he’s not felt for a very long time. In a relationship that started out as no-strings, it’s not long before their relationship becomes more personal and has him making some life-altering decisions. Gabe’s a delicious hero, sexy and controlling when we first see him. It’s clear though that he’s hiding things, hurting from a past that he refuses to talk about, which leaves readers wanting to know more. His past is a heartbreaking one of loss and guilt that he’s still punishing himself for by denying himself the happiness that Megan brings into his life. Though his pushing her away is frustrating it’s understandable and his love and loyalty to his loved ones endeared him to me all the more. It had me wanting to hug him as well as hit him over the unnecessary guilt he’s been carrying and rooting for him to finally forgive himself.
Megan Sinclair’s life is finally starting to get back to normal after a romantic break-up and a battle against cancer. It’s a battle that’s left her bruised, both inside and out, as her body carries scars while her sex drive and self-esteem are at an all-time low. The moment she meets Gabe though every part of her seems to roar back to life and when he offers her a no-strings affair she jumps at the chance to start living again. As their casual relationship turns more personal, and as Megan pushes Gabe for more, readers will find themselves caught up in all the emotional highs and lows as Gabe fights his past for a future with her. Megan is a strong-willed heroine, kindhearted and a good support to those she calls friend, a woman who’s overcome a painful past and still sees the good in life. She’s also very inquisitive and doesn’t back down easily which makes her relationship with Gabe all the more compelling as he’s thoroughly tempting and full of secrets. Her cancer battle had me admiring her all the more too as it’s dealt with head-on throughout this story and depicts both the physical and mental aspects of all she’s overcome. While it brought her low it never broke her completely and it ultimately gave her the strength to settle for nothing less than Gabe’s love. Being with Gabe was a healing balm to them both in a relationship that was scorching yet sweet and heartbreaking at times.
This story pulled me in from the very start with its appealing main couple and cast of equally entertaining secondary characters. Megan and Gabe’s connection is combustible from the moment they locked eyes and from there their interactions were teeming with sexual tension. Their relationship may have started out as them just scratching an itch but it wasn’t long before their hearts and minds became involved. Their interactions started out erotically-charged with a bit of BDSM involved but they slowly became a bit sweeter and more heartwarming and showed Gabe in a more personable light. Fighting is all he cared about at the start but by the end he made the grandest gesture of all to show Megan how much he came to care for her. It was an act that was bold and left me cheering both him and the authors for doing the unexpected. The world of MMA was again vividly depicted, both in and out of the ring, and highlighted a group of sexy and colorful fighters I’m longing to learn more about. Bad boy Oliveira is next up to take center stage and with the compelling groundwork laid here his story promises to be one of decadent delights. On a whole this was yet another stellar story in a series that I hope to see more of as there’s plenty of fodder for the future. The authors gave us lots of heart and soul with Megan and Gabe’s HEA, as well as lots of sweaty interludes, in a tale that had me cheering and shedding a few tears along the way.
Gabe Maddox is the elder statesman of the MMA, secure in his place in the League and making a comfortable living. He doesn’t want to make any waves as his career is coming to an end, but personal and professional entanglements soon have him waging a battle more important than his upcoming match in the ring against Leandro Oliveira. He’s always been focused in and out of the ring, regimented in how he lives and trains, like a man possessed. The moment he meets Megan though his stoic veneer starts to crack. The demons of his past, the ones he thought he put into submission, soon come boiling to the surface as she starts making him feel things he’s not felt for a very long time. In a relationship that started out as no-strings, it’s not long before their relationship becomes more personal and has him making some life-altering decisions. Gabe’s a delicious hero, sexy and controlling when we first see him. It’s clear though that he’s hiding things, hurting from a past that he refuses to talk about, which leaves readers wanting to know more. His past is a heartbreaking one of loss and guilt that he’s still punishing himself for by denying himself the happiness that Megan brings into his life. Though his pushing her away is frustrating it’s understandable and his love and loyalty to his loved ones endeared him to me all the more. It had me wanting to hug him as well as hit him over the unnecessary guilt he’s been carrying and rooting for him to finally forgive himself.
Megan Sinclair’s life is finally starting to get back to normal after a romantic break-up and a battle against cancer. It’s a battle that’s left her bruised, both inside and out, as her body carries scars while her sex drive and self-esteem are at an all-time low. The moment she meets Gabe though every part of her seems to roar back to life and when he offers her a no-strings affair she jumps at the chance to start living again. As their casual relationship turns more personal, and as Megan pushes Gabe for more, readers will find themselves caught up in all the emotional highs and lows as Gabe fights his past for a future with her. Megan is a strong-willed heroine, kindhearted and a good support to those she calls friend, a woman who’s overcome a painful past and still sees the good in life. She’s also very inquisitive and doesn’t back down easily which makes her relationship with Gabe all the more compelling as he’s thoroughly tempting and full of secrets. Her cancer battle had me admiring her all the more too as it’s dealt with head-on throughout this story and depicts both the physical and mental aspects of all she’s overcome. While it brought her low it never broke her completely and it ultimately gave her the strength to settle for nothing less than Gabe’s love. Being with Gabe was a healing balm to them both in a relationship that was scorching yet sweet and heartbreaking at times.
This story pulled me in from the very start with its appealing main couple and cast of equally entertaining secondary characters. Megan and Gabe’s connection is combustible from the moment they locked eyes and from there their interactions were teeming with sexual tension. Their relationship may have started out as them just scratching an itch but it wasn’t long before their hearts and minds became involved. Their interactions started out erotically-charged with a bit of BDSM involved but they slowly became a bit sweeter and more heartwarming and showed Gabe in a more personable light. Fighting is all he cared about at the start but by the end he made the grandest gesture of all to show Megan how much he came to care for her. It was an act that was bold and left me cheering both him and the authors for doing the unexpected. The world of MMA was again vividly depicted, both in and out of the ring, and highlighted a group of sexy and colorful fighters I’m longing to learn more about. Bad boy Oliveira is next up to take center stage and with the compelling groundwork laid here his story promises to be one of decadent delights. On a whole this was yet another stellar story in a series that I hope to see more of as there’s plenty of fodder for the future. The authors gave us lots of heart and soul with Megan and Gabe’s HEA, as well as lots of sweaty interludes, in a tale that had me cheering and shedding a few tears along the way.
November 14, 2017
4.5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though Gabe holds the championship belt, he fights not to hold onto it, but because exhausting himself in cage is the only way for him to find peace. He has more scars than just those on his
skin. Gabe is a lone wolf, keeping everyone at bay, and living in fear that another loss of someone he loves will be his undoing. Better to just not love at all right? After all, there's plenty of women out there who are happy to have just one night with Gabe 'The Sandman' Maddox.
Megan knows all about scars. After a battle with cervical cancer, she's alive and healthy but completely at odds with her own body and unable to get out of her own head. She's attracted to Gabe but she knows he doesn't date. Megan is looking to find a guy to settle down with, and despite their attraction, she knows Gabe is all wrong for her.
But the chemistry between these two burns pretty bright, right from the start, and their interactions get hotter by the page. When things get hot and heavy in a darkened hallway, Megan finds herself surprised but turned on by Gabe's dominant ways. He might be all wrong for her, but submitting to him gets her out of her head in a way she hasn't been able to since her operation and chemo. A relationship might be off the cards, but one night might be just what they both need to scratch their respective itches.
I know I've said it before,but I love these two authors together. They're everything that's good about contemporary romance. Hot, sweet, sexy romance. And I loved it. We first met both Gabe and Megan in Dirty Boxing, where Gabe is such a mysterious figure. It's great to learn his story and see him get his HEA.
I wasn't expecting the dominant/submissive thing at all, but it fit both characters perfectly. BDSM is pretty much an automatic no go for me, so I was glad I didn't know about it going in, cos I would have missed a great story. In terms of BDSM, its very much on the light side. We're really talking nothing more than him bossing her around and tying her up, so even if you're like me and find it a bit of a turn off, you'll be fine.
My only complaint was really in the ending. Gabe's dialogue gets a bit over the top and while I can appreciate him turning a corner and overcoming his demons, his words felt like they were coming from an entirely different character. But honestly, in the scheme of things, it wasn't a huge problem. In the very next scene I found myself crying because I was so moved. Any book that can move me to tears gets top marks in my book.
A definite must if you've read Dirty Boxing or for sports romance fans. You don't need to have read Dirty Boxing to enjoy this, it stands alone, but I highly recommend you do, because Dirty Boxing was one of my favourite reads so far this year! Looking forward to book 3!
Though Gabe holds the championship belt, he fights not to hold onto it, but because exhausting himself in cage is the only way for him to find peace. He has more scars than just those on his
skin. Gabe is a lone wolf, keeping everyone at bay, and living in fear that another loss of someone he loves will be his undoing. Better to just not love at all right? After all, there's plenty of women out there who are happy to have just one night with Gabe 'The Sandman' Maddox.
Megan knows all about scars. After a battle with cervical cancer, she's alive and healthy but completely at odds with her own body and unable to get out of her own head. She's attracted to Gabe but she knows he doesn't date. Megan is looking to find a guy to settle down with, and despite their attraction, she knows Gabe is all wrong for her.
But the chemistry between these two burns pretty bright, right from the start, and their interactions get hotter by the page. When things get hot and heavy in a darkened hallway, Megan finds herself surprised but turned on by Gabe's dominant ways. He might be all wrong for her, but submitting to him gets her out of her head in a way she hasn't been able to since her operation and chemo. A relationship might be off the cards, but one night might be just what they both need to scratch their respective itches.
I know I've said it before,but I love these two authors together. They're everything that's good about contemporary romance. Hot, sweet, sexy romance. And I loved it. We first met both Gabe and Megan in Dirty Boxing, where Gabe is such a mysterious figure. It's great to learn his story and see him get his HEA.
I wasn't expecting the dominant/submissive thing at all, but it fit both characters perfectly. BDSM is pretty much an automatic no go for me, so I was glad I didn't know about it going in, cos I would have missed a great story. In terms of BDSM, its very much on the light side. We're really talking nothing more than him bossing her around and tying her up, so even if you're like me and find it a bit of a turn off, you'll be fine.
My only complaint was really in the ending. Gabe's dialogue gets a bit over the top and while I can appreciate him turning a corner and overcoming his demons, his words felt like they were coming from an entirely different character. But honestly, in the scheme of things, it wasn't a huge problem. In the very next scene I found myself crying because I was so moved. Any book that can move me to tears gets top marks in my book.
A definite must if you've read Dirty Boxing or for sports romance fans. You don't need to have read Dirty Boxing to enjoy this, it stands alone, but I highly recommend you do, because Dirty Boxing was one of my favourite reads so far this year! Looking forward to book 3!
November 12, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
I have been brought to submission by “The Sandman”. Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt’s Blood and Glory series continues with two broken souls in need of healing and each other. Take Down is the second book in the series and deals with some real and tragic issues, but that is not to say that it is not light and fun also.
“Everyone was in possession of a beautiful hourglass, with a finite amount of sand.”
Megan Sinclair is a free-lance journalist who, thanks to her best friend Jules and her connections, is about to cover a series of articles on the MMA fighters of the WFC. When she meets Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox for an interview, her libido jumps up and takes notice. Since she knows better than most not to let an opportunity pass by, she pursues him. But Gabe refuses her again and again, until their mutual sexual attraction gets the better of them.
“She was drawn to him, and felt an almost desperate need to know him. To understand him. As though there were a part deep within herself that was pulling her to him.”
Gabe doesn’t lie to himself or Megan when he tells her he can’t be what she needs, but he wants her and lets that want offer her what little he can give, sex with no strings and no expectations. He never sees a woman more than once and he never gives them more than the orgasms he promised, but with Megan things are different. The game has changed on him and he doesn’t know if he can play anymore. Will he grab ahold of this second chance at love, or will he push her away one time too many?
“He was distant, gruff, and obviously had a metric ton of baggage. Not exactly relationship material, but God, as she watched him, she found that she didn’t care. She just wanted him.”
Megan was easygoing and talkative. She has a happy go lucky personality and I found that I envied her that, because if this woman that has been through so much can be optimistic and find the brightside to life, who am I to complain that the laundry hasn’t been washed or the dishes are not put away. Her situation and insight put a lot of things in perspective. I especially realized how much I take for granted. Megan is definitely an eye-opening character. I loved when she stood up to Gabe and asked for what she wanted out of their relationship.
“She made him want things he had no right to want. Things he didn’t deserve. Things he didn’t know how to give.”
Gabe is the definition of dark and brooding. His past holds a lot of pain and he fights to help numb it. I understood this on a personal level, when I am overwhelmed with emotions that I want to shut off I turn to what I love, reading and writing. For Gabe that was fighting. Of course, he is a hardheaded stubborn man and as such almost loses the one good thing he has. I appreciate that he realized it fairly quickly and when he was presented with an opportunity to make it right he took it.
I am not a huge sports fan, I don’t watch, and I don’t know anything about anything. But my husband is, particularly MMA. So, I have caught glimpses of fights and the fighters and I just want to say that from the small amount I have seen, Harper and Tara got it right. It was well done, I felt as if I was there, watching. Their words and descriptions brought it to life for me.
Speaking of descriptions, I cannot write this review without saying how attracted I was to Gabe from his first interaction with Megan. I highlighted and noted “His description is so freaking hot! Omg! I love him already!” I know, not very thought out and intelligent, but these ladies had me salivating!
I immensely enjoyed reading about Gabe and Megan, their hardships and how they overcame them together. This series is shaping up to one of my favorites and I cannot wait to read the next book! FIVE life’s too short stars.
I have been brought to submission by “The Sandman”. Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt’s Blood and Glory series continues with two broken souls in need of healing and each other. Take Down is the second book in the series and deals with some real and tragic issues, but that is not to say that it is not light and fun also.
“Everyone was in possession of a beautiful hourglass, with a finite amount of sand.”
Megan Sinclair is a free-lance journalist who, thanks to her best friend Jules and her connections, is about to cover a series of articles on the MMA fighters of the WFC. When she meets Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox for an interview, her libido jumps up and takes notice. Since she knows better than most not to let an opportunity pass by, she pursues him. But Gabe refuses her again and again, until their mutual sexual attraction gets the better of them.
“She was drawn to him, and felt an almost desperate need to know him. To understand him. As though there were a part deep within herself that was pulling her to him.”
Gabe doesn’t lie to himself or Megan when he tells her he can’t be what she needs, but he wants her and lets that want offer her what little he can give, sex with no strings and no expectations. He never sees a woman more than once and he never gives them more than the orgasms he promised, but with Megan things are different. The game has changed on him and he doesn’t know if he can play anymore. Will he grab ahold of this second chance at love, or will he push her away one time too many?
“He was distant, gruff, and obviously had a metric ton of baggage. Not exactly relationship material, but God, as she watched him, she found that she didn’t care. She just wanted him.”
Megan was easygoing and talkative. She has a happy go lucky personality and I found that I envied her that, because if this woman that has been through so much can be optimistic and find the brightside to life, who am I to complain that the laundry hasn’t been washed or the dishes are not put away. Her situation and insight put a lot of things in perspective. I especially realized how much I take for granted. Megan is definitely an eye-opening character. I loved when she stood up to Gabe and asked for what she wanted out of their relationship.
“She made him want things he had no right to want. Things he didn’t deserve. Things he didn’t know how to give.”
Gabe is the definition of dark and brooding. His past holds a lot of pain and he fights to help numb it. I understood this on a personal level, when I am overwhelmed with emotions that I want to shut off I turn to what I love, reading and writing. For Gabe that was fighting. Of course, he is a hardheaded stubborn man and as such almost loses the one good thing he has. I appreciate that he realized it fairly quickly and when he was presented with an opportunity to make it right he took it.
I am not a huge sports fan, I don’t watch, and I don’t know anything about anything. But my husband is, particularly MMA. So, I have caught glimpses of fights and the fighters and I just want to say that from the small amount I have seen, Harper and Tara got it right. It was well done, I felt as if I was there, watching. Their words and descriptions brought it to life for me.
Speaking of descriptions, I cannot write this review without saying how attracted I was to Gabe from his first interaction with Megan. I highlighted and noted “His description is so freaking hot! Omg! I love him already!” I know, not very thought out and intelligent, but these ladies had me salivating!
I immensely enjoyed reading about Gabe and Megan, their hardships and how they overcame them together. This series is shaping up to one of my favorites and I cannot wait to read the next book! FIVE life’s too short stars.
October 8, 2018
Take Down is a sexy, emotional MMA drama. Megan has lived through a serious cancer scare, and it's affected her in physical and more importantly, emotional and mental ways. She hasn't been comfortable in her own skin, or comfortable with her sexuality, since. But, when she meets Gabriel Maddox, the MMA fighter she's interviewing, he just may be the man to give her back the passion she deserves.
Gabe is haunted by a very personal loss, and it's left him angry, and hollow, and feeling as if he can't let himself live or love again. So he trains for his title fight, and engages in lightly kinky hookups that have no emotional connection for him whatsoever. That is, until he meets the beautifully submissive Megan, who's interviewing him for a series of articles she's writing about him and some of the other fighters that train at his gym. When the two started engaging in a strictly for sex arrangement, I was cringing, not because it wasn't hot, (it was really hot), but because I knew it was going to implode in a big way and one or both of them would be left with broken hearts. When the big drama happened, instead of cringing, though, I was just mad. Mad at Gabriel for holding his feelings hostage, mad at Megan for being so doormat-ish with him for their entire "arrangement" and just mad in general because it wasn't necessary. I wanted better for both of them because they deserved it. Thank God it was resolved quickly, but I'm still irritated the author chose to take this route. I'm tired of heroes and heroines who won't allow themselves to feel the love every human on the planet deserves to feel for someone. I'm tired of characters who feel like they don't deserve what we all deserve - to be happy, to be in love, to be alive. Ugh.
But still, I couldn't honestly rate this less than 4 stars because it's well written, it's emotionally substantive, the characters are layered and realistic, and it's hot. Can't ask for much more in good fiction.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Gabe is haunted by a very personal loss, and it's left him angry, and hollow, and feeling as if he can't let himself live or love again. So he trains for his title fight, and engages in lightly kinky hookups that have no emotional connection for him whatsoever. That is, until he meets the beautifully submissive Megan, who's interviewing him for a series of articles she's writing about him and some of the other fighters that train at his gym. When the two started engaging in a strictly for sex arrangement, I was cringing, not because it wasn't hot, (it was really hot), but because I knew it was going to implode in a big way and one or both of them would be left with broken hearts. When the big drama happened, instead of cringing, though, I was just mad. Mad at Gabriel for holding his feelings hostage, mad at Megan for being so doormat-ish with him for their entire "arrangement" and just mad in general because it wasn't necessary. I wanted better for both of them because they deserved it. Thank God it was resolved quickly, but I'm still irritated the author chose to take this route. I'm tired of heroes and heroines who won't allow themselves to feel the love every human on the planet deserves to feel for someone. I'm tired of characters who feel like they don't deserve what we all deserve - to be happy, to be in love, to be alive. Ugh.
But still, I couldn't honestly rate this less than 4 stars because it's well written, it's emotionally substantive, the characters are layered and realistic, and it's hot. Can't ask for much more in good fiction.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 9, 2017
*arc received in exchange for any honest review*
Take Down is the second book in the Blood and Glory series. This novel can be read as a standalone.
One thing I am absolutely loving about this series is the fact that it gets better with each book (and there has only been two books so far.... these men...I tell you! )
Gabe 'The Sandman' Maddox a man who needs no introduction but highly deserves one! This man is fierce, domineering, and sexy as all hell! Let's not forget he's also a sweetheart underneath all of that alpha fighter hotness!
After losing everything he loved, Gabe submerges himself in the world of MMA. He fights to keep his demons at bay. He fights because he feels like it's the only thing he has left. That is until he meets a kind-hearted reporter, Megan.
Megan is a journalist who's world is finally starting to look up. When she gets assigned to write a series of articles on MMA and the fighters behind the sport she finds herself intrigued by Champion fighter Gabe.
Gabe and Megan's chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS. From the very first interaction I was rooting for these two. I was captivated from the start. I loved these two characters as separates and as a couple. I was honestly blown away by this story.
I am a huge fan of MMA so of course I love romance novels that center around the sport. I was surprised at how much MMA was actually in this novel. It was fun to read about Gabe's strict routines. I loved that aspect of the novel. It actually felt like I was watching a real fighter's life play out.
I am sooooo looking forward to the next book in this series! Eeek... That little snippet has me on edge and impatiently waiting!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
Take Down is the second book in the Blood and Glory series. This novel can be read as a standalone.
One thing I am absolutely loving about this series is the fact that it gets better with each book (and there has only been two books so far.... these men...I tell you! )
Gabe 'The Sandman' Maddox a man who needs no introduction but highly deserves one! This man is fierce, domineering, and sexy as all hell! Let's not forget he's also a sweetheart underneath all of that alpha fighter hotness!
After losing everything he loved, Gabe submerges himself in the world of MMA. He fights to keep his demons at bay. He fights because he feels like it's the only thing he has left. That is until he meets a kind-hearted reporter, Megan.
Megan is a journalist who's world is finally starting to look up. When she gets assigned to write a series of articles on MMA and the fighters behind the sport she finds herself intrigued by Champion fighter Gabe.
Gabe and Megan's chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS. From the very first interaction I was rooting for these two. I was captivated from the start. I loved these two characters as separates and as a couple. I was honestly blown away by this story.
I am a huge fan of MMA so of course I love romance novels that center around the sport. I was surprised at how much MMA was actually in this novel. It was fun to read about Gabe's strict routines. I loved that aspect of the novel. It actually felt like I was watching a real fighter's life play out.
I am sooooo looking forward to the next book in this series! Eeek... That little snippet has me on edge and impatiently waiting!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
November 20, 2017
Get your tissues ready! Gabriel's story will bring you to tears. His story is tragic, heartbreaking and changed his life forever. Since that day he hasn't been really able to move on; he's tried different things but never truly moved on.
Megan sort of sneaks up on him; she interviews him for an article she's writing and the two of them seem to have a physical connection. An arrangement that starts as something purely physical between two people to help each other heal, quickly begins to cross more lines than either intended to.
Megan is strong, having gone through an ordeal that changed her life forever. Then she struggled with the aftermath and long term affects of that ordeal. When Gabriel gave Megan exactly what she needed, and never knew she needed, she didn't want to lose it. She stood up for herself, telling Gabriel exactly what she wanted and needed from him.
It was up to Gabriel to decide if he was able to give that to her.
Megan sort of sneaks up on him; she interviews him for an article she's writing and the two of them seem to have a physical connection. An arrangement that starts as something purely physical between two people to help each other heal, quickly begins to cross more lines than either intended to.
Megan is strong, having gone through an ordeal that changed her life forever. Then she struggled with the aftermath and long term affects of that ordeal. When Gabriel gave Megan exactly what she needed, and never knew she needed, she didn't want to lose it. She stood up for herself, telling Gabriel exactly what she wanted and needed from him.
It was up to Gabriel to decide if he was able to give that to her.
November 9, 2017
The second book in the Blood and Glory series is about two people who have endured heartbreaking personal issues, and they now need to find a way to move forward and perhaps even find happiness. With the hero being a MMA fighter, he appears to be tough and in control. Yet on the inside, he is vulnerable and always guarded. While the heroine has also suffered, she tries to be upbeat and looks for something positive, even when an incident could turn out to be undesirable. When the couple are drawn together by sexual escapades, their lives are changed in ways neither could have ever predicted. The scenes where feelings are the focal point touched me on numerous levels, while the moments filled with steamy sex definitely grabbed my full attention. Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt have made TAKE DOWN a compelling plus emotional story about the world of MMA fighting.
As a journalist, Megan Sinclair likes to uncover facts that no one else knows. Her latest project for an online magazine is about the World Fighting Championship and the individuals who fight for this league. To learns about the reason someone would want to participate in such a sport, she is doing several interviews. One of the men with whom Megan will be speaking is Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox.
When Megan and Gabe meet to discuss his career choice, he is cordial but seems to be holding back on various questions. There was an occurrence years ago that changed his life, and the event still haunts him every day. To take his mind off the tragedy, he tries to keep his whole focus on staying a champion fighter. Though the interview between Gabe and Megan was short, there was enough time for them to make a huge impression on each other, and now they want to discover more.
Since I had never watched a MMA fight before reading the Blood and Glory series, I did give it a try. What I learned was how challenging the bouts were, and I could tell these men had diligently trained to be so athletic. In TAKE DOWN, Gabe often seems to be giving his career everything he has, especially in how he lives his life on a daily basis. It may look as if all is wonderful since he is a champion, but one fateful day has left him guilt ridden and not letting anyone get past the emotional barriers that he has erected. But one interaction with Megan, and he feels a spark of interest that just will not go away. She also feels the same, but has no idea how big the hurdle is which stands in the way of them having a relationship. While they have no trouble at all when it comes to satisfying sex, having openly honest conversations do not look to be happening. I could easily sense how extremely difficult some discussions were for Gabe, and this caused me to worry about what would happen to their relationship, as I wanted the likable Megan to find pleasure in life. TAKE DOWN entertains with real-life experiences, lusty sexual encounters, and engaging characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion
As a journalist, Megan Sinclair likes to uncover facts that no one else knows. Her latest project for an online magazine is about the World Fighting Championship and the individuals who fight for this league. To learns about the reason someone would want to participate in such a sport, she is doing several interviews. One of the men with whom Megan will be speaking is Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox.
When Megan and Gabe meet to discuss his career choice, he is cordial but seems to be holding back on various questions. There was an occurrence years ago that changed his life, and the event still haunts him every day. To take his mind off the tragedy, he tries to keep his whole focus on staying a champion fighter. Though the interview between Gabe and Megan was short, there was enough time for them to make a huge impression on each other, and now they want to discover more.
Since I had never watched a MMA fight before reading the Blood and Glory series, I did give it a try. What I learned was how challenging the bouts were, and I could tell these men had diligently trained to be so athletic. In TAKE DOWN, Gabe often seems to be giving his career everything he has, especially in how he lives his life on a daily basis. It may look as if all is wonderful since he is a champion, but one fateful day has left him guilt ridden and not letting anyone get past the emotional barriers that he has erected. But one interaction with Megan, and he feels a spark of interest that just will not go away. She also feels the same, but has no idea how big the hurdle is which stands in the way of them having a relationship. While they have no trouble at all when it comes to satisfying sex, having openly honest conversations do not look to be happening. I could easily sense how extremely difficult some discussions were for Gabe, and this caused me to worry about what would happen to their relationship, as I wanted the likable Megan to find pleasure in life. TAKE DOWN entertains with real-life experiences, lusty sexual encounters, and engaging characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion
November 8, 2017
I absolutely loved this novel! Take Down was such a surprise hit. The blurb looked fantastic but I didn't expect it to pack the emotional punch that it did. I loved Megan and Gabe. This was such a fantastic novel!
While Take Down was the second novel in the Blood & Glory series, it is a complete standalone. Anyone who knows me knows that I love fighter/MMA books. There is something about the quiet, intense and broody fighter that does it for me. That is exactly what we received here. Gabriel was amazing. He was so so intense and the chemistry between him and Megan was combustible. (And the Smexytimes? GOOD LORD- they were hot!!) I felt drawn to his secret pain and just wanted to hug this man who shied away from emotional entanglements after his tragic past. Megan likewise was a sassy perfect match for him! She was strong and looking to feel whole again after the adverse psychological impact of a past illness. As a result, they helped each other: a friends with benefits arrangement that would help her find herself again and be more confident in her sexuality while remaining emotion-free. But what happens when life happens and feelings develop? Can Gabe give it one more shot at love or will his past dictate that he walk away from Megan for good?
I really loved this novel. It was sexy, fast paced and surprisingly emotional. I teared up quite a few times. All in all, this was such an amazing book and I look forward to the next one! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
While Take Down was the second novel in the Blood & Glory series, it is a complete standalone. Anyone who knows me knows that I love fighter/MMA books. There is something about the quiet, intense and broody fighter that does it for me. That is exactly what we received here. Gabriel was amazing. He was so so intense and the chemistry between him and Megan was combustible. (And the Smexytimes? GOOD LORD- they were hot!!) I felt drawn to his secret pain and just wanted to hug this man who shied away from emotional entanglements after his tragic past. Megan likewise was a sassy perfect match for him! She was strong and looking to feel whole again after the adverse psychological impact of a past illness. As a result, they helped each other: a friends with benefits arrangement that would help her find herself again and be more confident in her sexuality while remaining emotion-free. But what happens when life happens and feelings develop? Can Gabe give it one more shot at love or will his past dictate that he walk away from Megan for good?
I really loved this novel. It was sexy, fast paced and surprisingly emotional. I teared up quite a few times. All in all, this was such an amazing book and I look forward to the next one! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
October 28, 2017
This book may be the second in a series, but it has lost none of the punch and intensity of the first book. Ms. Wyatt and Ms. St. George take their readers again into the world of MMA fighting. Their stories tell us what it is really like for the fighters in this league and how hard they have to train to make it to the top. This story tells us what fighters can escape in the ring.
Gabe Maddox is running from his past. Being in the ring allows him to forget his guilt, grief and pain. He can focus on just the fight. When he meets Megan Sinclair, she challenges his self-imposed isolation. Gabe has used women in the past for sex. They have all understood that it was a one night thing that meant nothing and were able to move on. He has never been tempted to get to know the women or to talk to them. With Megan, Gabe wants to know all and is willing to risk almost anything to have her.
Megan Sinclair doesn’t know what it is about Gabe that draws her so strongly. It might be his take charge attitude or his piercing blue eyes, but whatever it is, she can’t resist. Megan is a reporter doing a series of stories on the MMA. She knows that Gabe is hiding something, but isn’t sure what or how to get him to talk to her.
The sexual tension between Megan and Gabe sizzles off the page. Readers will feel the heat. The sex scenes in this book hold nothing back. They are descriptive and definitely include some bondage and submission.
This book adds to the story told in the first book in the series, but you do not have to read them in order or together to understand the world that Ms. Wyatt and Ms. St. George are describing. They give their readers plenty of background on MMA fighting and how the organization of this particular group is run.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the backgrounds of both Megan and Gabe. They are struggling to move on after some earth-shattering events. The events could have left each of them drowning in despair and yet, they are survivers who are working at being better every day.
Gabe Maddox is running from his past. Being in the ring allows him to forget his guilt, grief and pain. He can focus on just the fight. When he meets Megan Sinclair, she challenges his self-imposed isolation. Gabe has used women in the past for sex. They have all understood that it was a one night thing that meant nothing and were able to move on. He has never been tempted to get to know the women or to talk to them. With Megan, Gabe wants to know all and is willing to risk almost anything to have her.
Megan Sinclair doesn’t know what it is about Gabe that draws her so strongly. It might be his take charge attitude or his piercing blue eyes, but whatever it is, she can’t resist. Megan is a reporter doing a series of stories on the MMA. She knows that Gabe is hiding something, but isn’t sure what or how to get him to talk to her.
The sexual tension between Megan and Gabe sizzles off the page. Readers will feel the heat. The sex scenes in this book hold nothing back. They are descriptive and definitely include some bondage and submission.
This book adds to the story told in the first book in the series, but you do not have to read them in order or together to understand the world that Ms. Wyatt and Ms. St. George are describing. They give their readers plenty of background on MMA fighting and how the organization of this particular group is run.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the backgrounds of both Megan and Gabe. They are struggling to move on after some earth-shattering events. The events could have left each of them drowning in despair and yet, they are survivers who are working at being better every day.
October 9, 2017
Review to come!
May 1, 2021
The story of two survivors and how different their coping strategies were. Both Gabe and Megan underwent traumatic experiences and came back. Gabe filled with pain and suffering. Megan with light and a never quit attitude. When the two of them come together, they fit, but sometimes the past rears its ugly head when you least expect it.
October 29, 2017
Started off good for me. I liked the tension and build up of Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox and Megan Sinclair. But, the it went downhill for me with the back and forth. His dominating was a little over the top. Turned me off to the whole book.
November 15, 2017
Take Down is the second book in the exciting Blood and Glory series, co-written by outstanding authors Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt. A highly entertaining, captivating, MMA romance that's a definite must read! I absolutely love this book, and have been hooked on this series right from the start. With the terrific storyline, complex characters you can't help but love, humor, angst, intense situations, and surprise twists, this emotional roller-coaster of a story will capture your heart, and hold tight till the very end. This was a fantastic story, and a great addition to this incredible series!
I knew that Gabriel "The Sandman " Maddox's story was going to be an emotional one after the tragedy that he suffered from, but this went beyond my expectations. Dirty Boxing, book #1 in this series, had hinted about Gabriel's background, but didn't give the full version of what happened. Gabriel carries around so many demons, which is why he fights and trains harder than anyone else, trying to keep the monsters at bay, which usually works, until her.
Megan Sinclair has had beyond a difficult time the last few years. After surviving cancer, she decided to pursue her dream of being a journalist, which she is very good at. There are other demons haunting her since her surviving cancer, but she's not sure if she'll ever be able to overcome them. While doing a story about the WFC and it's fighters, she meets Gabriel Maddox. She's instantly drawn to him, even though she knows that he's keeping secrets about his past, but the problem is that she doesn't know if she wants his story for her job, or only for herself.
This was an incredible, emotionally captivating story that stole my heart. I absolutely loved Gabriel and Megan. Their characters were beautiful, strong, independent, and even though they both have their demons from their pasts haunting them, they're survivors. I'm so glad that they got the HEA they both truly deserved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, even though I'm not sure if I'll be able to like the main male lead. He was a jerk with an attitude in this book, but I do have hopes for him. I have no doubt that these wonderful authors will get him straightened out, somehow. Lol!
If you haven't read this series, I suggest that you start from the beginning. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but you'll get a better understanding of the series as a whole, learn about each couple, and the dynamics between the fighter's, and the WFC. You won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and amazing authors.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I knew that Gabriel "The Sandman " Maddox's story was going to be an emotional one after the tragedy that he suffered from, but this went beyond my expectations. Dirty Boxing, book #1 in this series, had hinted about Gabriel's background, but didn't give the full version of what happened. Gabriel carries around so many demons, which is why he fights and trains harder than anyone else, trying to keep the monsters at bay, which usually works, until her.
Megan Sinclair has had beyond a difficult time the last few years. After surviving cancer, she decided to pursue her dream of being a journalist, which she is very good at. There are other demons haunting her since her surviving cancer, but she's not sure if she'll ever be able to overcome them. While doing a story about the WFC and it's fighters, she meets Gabriel Maddox. She's instantly drawn to him, even though she knows that he's keeping secrets about his past, but the problem is that she doesn't know if she wants his story for her job, or only for herself.
This was an incredible, emotionally captivating story that stole my heart. I absolutely loved Gabriel and Megan. Their characters were beautiful, strong, independent, and even though they both have their demons from their pasts haunting them, they're survivors. I'm so glad that they got the HEA they both truly deserved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, even though I'm not sure if I'll be able to like the main male lead. He was a jerk with an attitude in this book, but I do have hopes for him. I have no doubt that these wonderful authors will get him straightened out, somehow. Lol!
If you haven't read this series, I suggest that you start from the beginning. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but you'll get a better understanding of the series as a whole, learn about each couple, and the dynamics between the fighter's, and the WFC. You won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and amazing authors.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
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October 29, 2021Now available to read FREE in KindleUnlimited
Megan tapped her pen against her lips. “I can get WFC info from Jules. I want to know what makes the light heavyweight champ tick.” More and more so the longer she talked to him.
Gabe’s eyes traveled a slow path down her body, and he rolled his chair several inches closer to hers. “I don’t think you could handle what makes me tick.” He stood and loomed over her, and she felt her lips part as though she needed to breathe him in. “Hope you got what you needed.”
He turned and left the room. For several seconds Megan stared after him, her heart throbbing in her chest. Even though he’d given her mere scraps for her article, she had to admit that Gabe Maddox was one of the most interesting, exciting, and intriguing interviews she’d ever had. She’d been completely in the moment, completely focused on him. Everything around her had disappeared except for Gabe and his quiet intensity, and all she knew was that she wanted more.
Yeah. He’d been worth the wait.
Add to your Goodreads shelf: Take Down
Read it now: Take Down
Megan tapped her pen against her lips. “I can get WFC info from Jules. I want to know what makes the light heavyweight champ tick.” More and more so the longer she talked to him.
Gabe’s eyes traveled a slow path down her body, and he rolled his chair several inches closer to hers. “I don’t think you could handle what makes me tick.” He stood and loomed over her, and she felt her lips part as though she needed to breathe him in. “Hope you got what you needed.”
He turned and left the room. For several seconds Megan stared after him, her heart throbbing in her chest. Even though he’d given her mere scraps for her article, she had to admit that Gabe Maddox was one of the most interesting, exciting, and intriguing interviews she’d ever had. She’d been completely in the moment, completely focused on him. Everything around her had disappeared except for Gabe and his quiet intensity, and all she knew was that she wanted more.
Yeah. He’d been worth the wait.
Add to your Goodreads shelf: Take Down
Read it now: Take Down
November 15, 2017
I love MMA, Boxing, Fighter romance novels. I can't seem to find as many lately and this one was amazing. It had an absolutely fabulous ending! I am talking causing a reader to experience extreme feelings. I am going to be a huge stalker of the authors of this book.
The writing was excellent. I was pulled in immediately. Gabriel is one very broken man and I was sunk just from that. Then you add in his alpha tough guy hiding a teddy bear of a broken man and omw let me at least take off my shoes before I completely melt! Then you have Megan. This is one strong chick who knows life and has such a strength that I can only wish I had. She lives life and doesn't waste it. She wants Gabriel and he is in for the fight of his life. But then so is she.
OMW I loved it. I want to reread it again. This book was super hot, super emotional and it will make you come back to read it as soon as you put it down. This couple will have you fall in love with them. I have not loved a sports romance so hard for so long and this one has me nuts over it. I loved it completely. I very much recommend it. It deserves all the stars!
The writing was excellent. I was pulled in immediately. Gabriel is one very broken man and I was sunk just from that. Then you add in his alpha tough guy hiding a teddy bear of a broken man and omw let me at least take off my shoes before I completely melt! Then you have Megan. This is one strong chick who knows life and has such a strength that I can only wish I had. She lives life and doesn't waste it. She wants Gabriel and he is in for the fight of his life. But then so is she.
OMW I loved it. I want to reread it again. This book was super hot, super emotional and it will make you come back to read it as soon as you put it down. This couple will have you fall in love with them. I have not loved a sports romance so hard for so long and this one has me nuts over it. I loved it completely. I very much recommend it. It deserves all the stars!
November 10, 2017
Megan meets Gabe when she interviews him about his MMA career for an article she’s writing. There seems to be an immediate mutual attraction, but Gabe is closed off about some of his past, specifically what precipitated his going into fighting full time. And while he really wants to give in to his attraction to Megan, his past has determined that he has no business in any romantic relationship.
I’ve been a fan of Tara Wyatt’s for some time, but the advance copy I read of this book is my first by this writing duo. This one grabbed me in a stranglehold and didn’t let go! Angsty, heartbreaking, super steamy (B and D without the S&M), and moving, Gabe and Megan’s story was a poignant, moving read. I wondered how Gabe would ever let go of the pain from his past in order to heal, so it was really gratifying to watch him come through the other side and allow himself to find love. He’s the damaged, vulnerable, good-hearted kind of hero that always wins my heart. Don’t miss his emotional, sensual, supremely satisfying story!
I’ve been a fan of Tara Wyatt’s for some time, but the advance copy I read of this book is my first by this writing duo. This one grabbed me in a stranglehold and didn’t let go! Angsty, heartbreaking, super steamy (B and D without the S&M), and moving, Gabe and Megan’s story was a poignant, moving read. I wondered how Gabe would ever let go of the pain from his past in order to heal, so it was really gratifying to watch him come through the other side and allow himself to find love. He’s the damaged, vulnerable, good-hearted kind of hero that always wins my heart. Don’t miss his emotional, sensual, supremely satisfying story!
February 14, 2018
The second book in this series and it has the “Sandman” Maddox fighting to defend his title that he just won. Meanwhile a journalist Megan Sinclair is drawn to him more after they have a sit down for an interview. She knows that there is more to the MMA champion. Gabriel does not think that he deserves any happiness for he once had it but not anymore. Megan has he own issues that she deals with, she keeps those to herself but she is always smiling not letting anyone know if she is having a bad day or not. A very good story about people that hopefully can get together if the sandman can get out of his own box that he has created. Very good characters and a very good story overall. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 8, 2017
WOW! What a terrific read! It was a hot, sexy passionate read. I loved this book. This story sucked me in from the beginning, I couldn't put it down. The characters were written, they were complex, believable, and likable. The chemistry between Gabe and Megan was off the charts. I felt so many emotions while this story. I smiled, laughed and teared up while reading.
Despite being part of a series, Take Down can be read as a standalone. I can't wait until the next installment. This is a must read for anyone the enjoys Sports Romance.
Despite being part of a series, Take Down can be read as a standalone. I can't wait until the next installment. This is a must read for anyone the enjoys Sports Romance.
March 11, 2018
4 Stars
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book in this series. It was quickly paced with a tight storyline. I was looking forward to reading about the H/h in this book after being introduced to them previously. Their back stories created depth and intrigue while their romance ignited all the feels. Overall, a fabulous addition to the series.
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book in this series. It was quickly paced with a tight storyline. I was looking forward to reading about the H/h in this book after being introduced to them previously. Their back stories created depth and intrigue while their romance ignited all the feels. Overall, a fabulous addition to the series.
October 18, 2021
Gabe and Megan for the win
Oh this book was heart wrenching. Reading through Gabe's pain was so hard. The story is so good and the scenes between Megan and Gabe are beyond hot. I couldn't put this down once I started it. A fantastic read!
Oh this book was heart wrenching. Reading through Gabe's pain was so hard. The story is so good and the scenes between Megan and Gabe are beyond hot. I couldn't put this down once I started it. A fantastic read!
March 7, 2018
very good read...emotional, intense, sexy, great storyline, my first read from authors and i'm looking forward to reading more books in this series...read via xoxo website:-)
November 8, 2017
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-ta...
Take Down is the second book in the Blood and Glory series by Tara Wyatt and Harper St. George and it is one angsty read!
Megan and Gabriel are two people with demons in their past, except one is willing to accept their past while the other chooses to ignore it and be stuck with their demons. Watching these two from their first meeting, and throughout the entire book you could feel the connection between the two, but also the push and pull between them as well.
I loved the back and forth between these two and the angst, but I wanted to scream at how these two kept secrets from one another. One wanted to keep things just sexual and both were okay with it, but every thing seems to get too confusing for these two and even though they both know they are in too deep neither one of them seems to want to end things, yet both keep pulling away and coming back for more.
These two truly do belong to one another, and I adored their relationship and watching them figure things out, but I felt that the story focused so much on them going back and forth, that when the truth finally came out for both of them, and both found out each others secrets, we didn’t get a lot of a true happily ever after for them. I wish we could have seen more of the after for them, or at least one of their secrets coming to light earlier in the book. I did adore the epilogue of this book and seeing how things ended for Megan and Gabriel as it was perfect.
If you’re wanting to an angty, intense, and hot romance that will have you falling in love, I highly suggest picking up your copy of Take Down by Tara Wyatt and Harper St. George today.
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
Take Down is the second book in the Blood and Glory series by Tara Wyatt and Harper St. George and it is one angsty read!
Megan and Gabriel are two people with demons in their past, except one is willing to accept their past while the other chooses to ignore it and be stuck with their demons. Watching these two from their first meeting, and throughout the entire book you could feel the connection between the two, but also the push and pull between them as well.
I loved the back and forth between these two and the angst, but I wanted to scream at how these two kept secrets from one another. One wanted to keep things just sexual and both were okay with it, but every thing seems to get too confusing for these two and even though they both know they are in too deep neither one of them seems to want to end things, yet both keep pulling away and coming back for more.
These two truly do belong to one another, and I adored their relationship and watching them figure things out, but I felt that the story focused so much on them going back and forth, that when the truth finally came out for both of them, and both found out each others secrets, we didn’t get a lot of a true happily ever after for them. I wish we could have seen more of the after for them, or at least one of their secrets coming to light earlier in the book. I did adore the epilogue of this book and seeing how things ended for Megan and Gabriel as it was perfect.
If you’re wanting to an angty, intense, and hot romance that will have you falling in love, I highly suggest picking up your copy of Take Down by Tara Wyatt and Harper St. George today.
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2017
Title: Take Down
Series: Blood and Glory Book #2
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Harper St. George, Tara Wyatt
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, MMA
Blurb: MMA champion Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox prefers to live his life quietly and intensely. He plays by the rules, respects the sport, and trains harder than any other fighter. It’s this unwavering focus that helps him block out the pain from a devastating loss in his past. He spends his days slaying his monsters in the octagon, and his evenings numbing himself with sexual conquests. With his painful baggage, he’s not looking for anything beyond his no-strings-attached lifestyle.
But journalist Megan Sinclair won’t leave him alone. She’s intensely drawn to Gabe from the moment she meets him, and wants to know more about the secretive man who both intrigues her and makes her heart race. As she gets to know the quiet, brooding fighter, she realizes that giving in to their intense chemistry could mend her scars. Will these two be able to heal each other, or will ghosts from the past keep them apart?
Thoughts: If you love a good MMA novel, then this is a great title to pick up. Having been a fan of Sydney Halston’s Worth the Fight series, I couldn’t not pick this title up. The characters are great…I liked how straight shooting these characters were with each other, and the storyline itself was good. The end really hit me though – as usual, when you have a guy so determined not to be in a relationship, he falls and falls hard. Overall, a great MMA contemporary romance.
Rating: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Blood and Glory Book #2
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Harper St. George, Tara Wyatt
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, MMA
Blurb: MMA champion Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox prefers to live his life quietly and intensely. He plays by the rules, respects the sport, and trains harder than any other fighter. It’s this unwavering focus that helps him block out the pain from a devastating loss in his past. He spends his days slaying his monsters in the octagon, and his evenings numbing himself with sexual conquests. With his painful baggage, he’s not looking for anything beyond his no-strings-attached lifestyle.
But journalist Megan Sinclair won’t leave him alone. She’s intensely drawn to Gabe from the moment she meets him, and wants to know more about the secretive man who both intrigues her and makes her heart race. As she gets to know the quiet, brooding fighter, she realizes that giving in to their intense chemistry could mend her scars. Will these two be able to heal each other, or will ghosts from the past keep them apart?
Thoughts: If you love a good MMA novel, then this is a great title to pick up. Having been a fan of Sydney Halston’s Worth the Fight series, I couldn’t not pick this title up. The characters are great…I liked how straight shooting these characters were with each other, and the storyline itself was good. The end really hit me though – as usual, when you have a guy so determined not to be in a relationship, he falls and falls hard. Overall, a great MMA contemporary romance.
Rating: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
November 3, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
OMG I loved this book, I thought that Nick's book was good But
Gabe's story shattered my heart, The pain he lives with and yet no
one knows that is until his interview with journalist Megan Sinclair.
Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox prefers to live his life quietly and intensely.
He plays by the rules, respects the sport, and trains harder than any other fighter.
It’s this unwavering focus that helps him block out the pain from a devastating loss
in his past. He spends his days slaying his monsters in the octagon, and his evenings
numbing himself with sexual conquests. With his painful baggage, he’s not looking
for anything beyond his no-strings-attached lifestyle.
But journalist Megan Sinclair breaks through this pain, when she agrees to ONE night with
Gabe and to follow his "rules" things change completely for the two.
OMG the sex was HOT HOT HOT. Gabe is not just dominate in the cage he is dominate
in the bedroom as well. And Megan had no idea that she was a submissive.
But can they continue with just sex relationship. When Megan starts to find out the
truth behind Gabe's pain and starts to have feelings for him. she realizes that she has
to let him go.
This book had me in tears so many times. But OMG the ending. Tears of joy flowed.
I HIGHLY recommend this book
OMG I loved this book, I thought that Nick's book was good But
Gabe's story shattered my heart, The pain he lives with and yet no
one knows that is until his interview with journalist Megan Sinclair.
Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox prefers to live his life quietly and intensely.
He plays by the rules, respects the sport, and trains harder than any other fighter.
It’s this unwavering focus that helps him block out the pain from a devastating loss
in his past. He spends his days slaying his monsters in the octagon, and his evenings
numbing himself with sexual conquests. With his painful baggage, he’s not looking
for anything beyond his no-strings-attached lifestyle.
But journalist Megan Sinclair breaks through this pain, when she agrees to ONE night with
Gabe and to follow his "rules" things change completely for the two.
OMG the sex was HOT HOT HOT. Gabe is not just dominate in the cage he is dominate
in the bedroom as well. And Megan had no idea that she was a submissive.
But can they continue with just sex relationship. When Megan starts to find out the
truth behind Gabe's pain and starts to have feelings for him. she realizes that she has
to let him go.
This book had me in tears so many times. But OMG the ending. Tears of joy flowed.
I HIGHLY recommend this book
November 12, 2017
I have been looking forward to Gabe’s story and it didn’t disappoint.
Gabe Maddox is so broken from his past he doesn’t feel he deserves a future. MMA fighting and no strings sex became his outlet. He is a distant, evasive, brooding, intense, focused puzzle.
Megan Sinclair has endured her own painful past and come out the other side determined to make the most of every moment with no regrets. She is a journalist. Her current story involves the newer CFW MMA league. Her best friend, Jules, is the owner’s daughter, so she has an in. Her first interview is with Gabe.
There is instant attraction between the two. However, Gabe recognizes that she isn’t a strings free kind of woman. Megan is completely intrigued by the mystery that is Gabe and intends to dig deeper. Watching these two evolve is filled with emotions. Gabe fights his growing emotions and Megan pushes his limits. I felt the connection between them as well as the resistance to let go of the past and move forward.
I felt the ending a little over the top to be consistent with Gabe’s personality/character. Still, I liked this book much better than the first.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Gabe Maddox is so broken from his past he doesn’t feel he deserves a future. MMA fighting and no strings sex became his outlet. He is a distant, evasive, brooding, intense, focused puzzle.
Megan Sinclair has endured her own painful past and come out the other side determined to make the most of every moment with no regrets. She is a journalist. Her current story involves the newer CFW MMA league. Her best friend, Jules, is the owner’s daughter, so she has an in. Her first interview is with Gabe.
There is instant attraction between the two. However, Gabe recognizes that she isn’t a strings free kind of woman. Megan is completely intrigued by the mystery that is Gabe and intends to dig deeper. Watching these two evolve is filled with emotions. Gabe fights his growing emotions and Megan pushes his limits. I felt the connection between them as well as the resistance to let go of the past and move forward.
I felt the ending a little over the top to be consistent with Gabe’s personality/character. Still, I liked this book much better than the first.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
November 3, 2017
I am a fan of MMA love story and I enjoyed reading this one. It is a story of young journalist Megan and MMA fighter Gabe who meet each other when Gabe gives Megan his interview. They are both young but in the short period of time, they got through a lot of pain a struggle. They are both fighters and strong and maybe that is what draws them together. They start a physical relationship until for Megan that is not enough. To me is clear why want Megan more from Gabe and it is funny because he was already given her more and didn't want to admit it. Also, I understand Gabe he found a coping mechanism to keep on living although his life was not satisfying until he met Megan and saw a new meaning in his life. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
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