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Xavier Malone returned to Maryland for his ten-year high school reunion to get away from all the drama in Seattle.
He never thought he would spend the week second-guessing every decision he’s ever made or seriously consider trading in his suit and tie for a chance to get in the cage.
Most of all, he wasn’t supposed to fall for Cassidy, his childhood best friend.
As Xavier makes plans to pursue his lifelong dream, following in the footsteps of his father Jax, a legend in the fighting world, he convinces himself that he needs Cass in his corner more than he needs her in his bed.
But Cass has longed for Xavier to see her as more than a friend for years and is tired of waiting. Now that he’s back, she’s not going to waste her chance to finally tell him how she feels.
There’s only one thing that can stand in the way of Xavier and Cass’s happiness, and that’s Xavier’s unfinished business with his estranged wife.
He never thought he would spend the week second-guessing every decision he’s ever made or seriously consider trading in his suit and tie for a chance to get in the cage.
Most of all, he wasn’t supposed to fall for Cassidy, his childhood best friend.
As Xavier makes plans to pursue his lifelong dream, following in the footsteps of his father Jax, a legend in the fighting world, he convinces himself that he needs Cass in his corner more than he needs her in his bed.
But Cass has longed for Xavier to see her as more than a friend for years and is tired of waiting. Now that he’s back, she’s not going to waste her chance to finally tell him how she feels.
There’s only one thing that can stand in the way of Xavier and Cass’s happiness, and that’s Xavier’s unfinished business with his estranged wife.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
181 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hart
137 books1,779 followersLane Hart is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, D.B. West, and their two children. She loves all things beach related, especially sea turtles, and is a huge fan of the Carolina Panthers.
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July 26, 2020 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/26/2020)! 🎁
June 29, 2020
2 1/2 Stars
I’m sure I’m a minority here, but here goes my review:
I really wanted to like this one but...
There were too many red flags in this friends to lovers romance (a genre I usually enjoy) that made it uncomfortable to read.
I found both Xavier and Cass dishonest and selfish. I’m sure that’s not how I was supposed to view them, but there were too many distasteful aspects to this romance that I couldn’t get over.
Possible *Spoilers* ahead:
They were best buddies for over twenty years and Xavier never though of Cass as anything but a best friend. That was good seeing how he was married and had pledged his love to another.
But there’s Cass who had romantic feelings for Xavier all along and was the keeper of all of his secrets. I though her “friendship “ had a hidden agenda because she actually wanted Xavier for herself. This was apparent when Camilla his wife warned her off and she fought back feeling she had more rights to Xavier than his wife would ever have.
Now really, marriage is hard enough as it is, but having your husband have a female confidant who is secretly in love with your husband makes for a disaster. I’m not siding with Camilla, but I think so many times, men will keep their female friends and value them more than their wives.
Cass never acted on her feelings for Xavier, but it was clear that she felt she had more of a committed relationship with him than Camilla because of their years of friendship. She was elated they broke up. Again not a healthy way for a marriage with the husband’s bestie waiting on the sidelines for a breakup.
Xavier was a fool. So he married Camilla, she broke his heart, a few months passed, he went back for his reunion and stayed with Cass. His horrible dishonesty was he never filed for divorce, was still married and allowed his bestie (that he supposedly confided everything to) to think he was divorced. What a dishonest cheating cheater. Ugh, Just no. *Spoilers* end.
Other than that there were bright spots in this storyline with fun and witty dialogue and cute reminiscent memories shared between the main couple.
There was a lot to like about this well written romance, it just wasn’t for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m sure I’m a minority here, but here goes my review:
I really wanted to like this one but...
There were too many red flags in this friends to lovers romance (a genre I usually enjoy) that made it uncomfortable to read.
I found both Xavier and Cass dishonest and selfish. I’m sure that’s not how I was supposed to view them, but there were too many distasteful aspects to this romance that I couldn’t get over.
Possible *Spoilers* ahead:
They were best buddies for over twenty years and Xavier never though of Cass as anything but a best friend. That was good seeing how he was married and had pledged his love to another.
But there’s Cass who had romantic feelings for Xavier all along and was the keeper of all of his secrets. I though her “friendship “ had a hidden agenda because she actually wanted Xavier for herself. This was apparent when Camilla his wife warned her off and she fought back feeling she had more rights to Xavier than his wife would ever have.
Now really, marriage is hard enough as it is, but having your husband have a female confidant who is secretly in love with your husband makes for a disaster. I’m not siding with Camilla, but I think so many times, men will keep their female friends and value them more than their wives.
Cass never acted on her feelings for Xavier, but it was clear that she felt she had more of a committed relationship with him than Camilla because of their years of friendship. She was elated they broke up. Again not a healthy way for a marriage with the husband’s bestie waiting on the sidelines for a breakup.
Xavier was a fool. So he married Camilla, she broke his heart, a few months passed, he went back for his reunion and stayed with Cass. His horrible dishonesty was he never filed for divorce, was still married and allowed his bestie (that he supposedly confided everything to) to think he was divorced. What a dishonest cheating cheater. Ugh, Just no. *Spoilers* end.
Other than that there were bright spots in this storyline with fun and witty dialogue and cute reminiscent memories shared between the main couple.
There was a lot to like about this well written romance, it just wasn’t for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2021
This was book 1 in the
"Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy"
series. This was a really good read. Xavier Malone returned to Maryland for his ten-year high school reunion to get away from all the drama in Seattle. Xavier was a born fighter his father Jax was a legendary fighter but he decided to go to law school instead leaving his best friend Cass behind. Xavier and Cassidy were childhood friends but Cass has been in love with him for years but never said anything. While staying with her he is blind to her feelings. This was a pretty good read Xavier realized what was important to him. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Xavier has come home for his 10 year class reunion. His marriage is in shambles and he is unhappy with his life.
Cassidy has been Xaviers best friend for 20 years and has always wanted more but didn’t want to risk their friendship. When they both decide to throw caution to the wind sparks will fly but Xavier is keeping a secret that could ruin everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassidy has been Xaviers best friend for 20 years and has always wanted more but didn’t want to risk their friendship. When they both decide to throw caution to the wind sparks will fly but Xavier is keeping a secret that could ruin everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2020
Risk 5 stars - Is a long friendship more important than the promise of deep love and passion? Would you stay safe or take a risk? The two lead characters feel very real and very different from what I’ve read before in an MMA romance. Xavier is a guy who couldn't make a decision without being pushed into it. He is very reliant on his best friend who happens to be in love with him. He has weaknesses that show he’s human. Cassidy, on the other hand, has metamorphosed from a very shy teenager to a very confident person sexually, emotionally and personally. She owns up to her choices. It’s a very refreshing read. There are steamy sex scenes. The book came with real conflicts and real solutions. Very good read. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
July 6, 2020
3.75 stars-XAVIER is the first instalment in Lane Hart’s contemporary, adult COCKY CAGE FIGHTER LEGACY erotic, romance series-a spin off and second generation series from the author’s Cocky Cage Fighter series. This is attorney and son of Jaxson and Page (JAX #1) Xavier Malone, and sport’s store owner Cassidy Brooks’ story line. XAVIER and the Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow or understand the current timeline.
Told form dual first person perspectives (Xavier and Cassidy) XAVIER follows the friends to lovers relationship between twenty-eight year old attorney Xavier Malone, and sports store owner Cassidy Brooks. For close to twenty years Xavier and Cassidy have been best friends but Xavier had placed our heroine in the friend zone, leaving a heart broken Cassidy to continually pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. College, law school and marriage meant Xavier moved on with his life, only keeping in touch with his best friend a few times per year. With their high school tenth anniversary just days away, Xavier returns to his home town in Maryland, without his wife, considering a future in the MMA. Spending his days and nights with Cassidy forced Xavier to see the bigger picture including a life with Cassidy Brooks, and the pending divorce from his estranged wife Camilla. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance and relationship between Cassidy and Xavier, and the potential fall-out as Xavier’s lies by omission place our heroine in a precarious situation, breaking her heart, all over again.
Xavier Malone is tired of the daily grind of legal proceedings, and hopes to enter the world of the MMA, as his father and uncle, and sister before him but his failed marriage is a problem for his family, and his attraction to his best friend Cassidy Brooks may interfere in his training regimen. Cassidy Brooks has been in love with her best friend for as long as she can remember. Hoping to keep their relationship platonic, Cassidy struggles to keep her feelings for Xavier in the friend zone until a drunken night reveals the truth.
The relationship between Xavier and Cassidy is a friends to lovers wherein Xavier’s current relationship status becomes a bone of contention between our leading couple. Xavier knows that his marriage is over but convincing his soon to be ex-wife is another matter. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Xavier’s parents Jax and Page (Jax #1), his uncle Jude (Jude #2), his sister and fellow MMA fighter Macy, as well as a number of Cassidy’s ‘friends with benefits’ and her Fantasy Football players.
XAVIER is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and trust. A story of unrequited love, revelations, secrets and struggle. The premise is entertaining and spicy; the romance is arousing and lively; the characters are sexy and inspiring.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told form dual first person perspectives (Xavier and Cassidy) XAVIER follows the friends to lovers relationship between twenty-eight year old attorney Xavier Malone, and sports store owner Cassidy Brooks. For close to twenty years Xavier and Cassidy have been best friends but Xavier had placed our heroine in the friend zone, leaving a heart broken Cassidy to continually pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. College, law school and marriage meant Xavier moved on with his life, only keeping in touch with his best friend a few times per year. With their high school tenth anniversary just days away, Xavier returns to his home town in Maryland, without his wife, considering a future in the MMA. Spending his days and nights with Cassidy forced Xavier to see the bigger picture including a life with Cassidy Brooks, and the pending divorce from his estranged wife Camilla. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance and relationship between Cassidy and Xavier, and the potential fall-out as Xavier’s lies by omission place our heroine in a precarious situation, breaking her heart, all over again.
Xavier Malone is tired of the daily grind of legal proceedings, and hopes to enter the world of the MMA, as his father and uncle, and sister before him but his failed marriage is a problem for his family, and his attraction to his best friend Cassidy Brooks may interfere in his training regimen. Cassidy Brooks has been in love with her best friend for as long as she can remember. Hoping to keep their relationship platonic, Cassidy struggles to keep her feelings for Xavier in the friend zone until a drunken night reveals the truth.
The relationship between Xavier and Cassidy is a friends to lovers wherein Xavier’s current relationship status becomes a bone of contention between our leading couple. Xavier knows that his marriage is over but convincing his soon to be ex-wife is another matter. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Xavier’s parents Jax and Page (Jax #1), his uncle Jude (Jude #2), his sister and fellow MMA fighter Macy, as well as a number of Cassidy’s ‘friends with benefits’ and her Fantasy Football players.
XAVIER is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and trust. A story of unrequited love, revelations, secrets and struggle. The premise is entertaining and spicy; the romance is arousing and lively; the characters are sexy and inspiring.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 6, 2021
The Cocky Cage Fighters Return with a New Generation of Characters
Love, love, love that Lane Hart is continuing the Cocky Cage Fighter MMA romance series with a legacy spinoff with Book 1, “Xavier.” X is the son of the original Havoc couple, Jax and Page Malone, and he’s come to a crossroads in his life. A successful attorney like his mom, he also yearns to fight in the cage just like his dad, uncle, and extended Havoc family - a secret he has only shared with his lifelong best friend, Cassidy. The beautiful entrepreneur has been in love with her gorgeous bestie since they were teens, and their ten-year high school reunion brings him across the country - without his cheating wife. Sparks fly as Xavier reconnects with Cass, his family, including his baby sister Macy, and himself. Such an awesome way to begin the second generation of stories. All the sexy, funny, endearingly sweet, and “AWW” moments that are hallmarks of the original series. And the Havoc guys have given us plenty of kids for more stories! Yes, Lane Hart, that was a not-so-veiled hint!
Love, love, love that Lane Hart is continuing the Cocky Cage Fighter MMA romance series with a legacy spinoff with Book 1, “Xavier.” X is the son of the original Havoc couple, Jax and Page Malone, and he’s come to a crossroads in his life. A successful attorney like his mom, he also yearns to fight in the cage just like his dad, uncle, and extended Havoc family - a secret he has only shared with his lifelong best friend, Cassidy. The beautiful entrepreneur has been in love with her gorgeous bestie since they were teens, and their ten-year high school reunion brings him across the country - without his cheating wife. Sparks fly as Xavier reconnects with Cass, his family, including his baby sister Macy, and himself. Such an awesome way to begin the second generation of stories. All the sexy, funny, endearingly sweet, and “AWW” moments that are hallmarks of the original series. And the Havoc guys have given us plenty of kids for more stories! Yes, Lane Hart, that was a not-so-veiled hint!
July 7, 2020
I really love Lane Hart's writing style and this book wasn't an exception. It was smooth and so easy to read! I liked the chemistry between Xavier and Cass and their happily-ever-after. I wanted more groveling from Xavier for his "sins" though...
December 9, 2025
Nice shortish story. I loved Cass.
July 7, 2020
If you loved the Cocky Cage Fighter Series then prepare to fall head over heels for Xavier Malone in this next series.... Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy! Xavier is Jax and Page Malone's son who doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to career choice..... lawyer but loves MMA. When his life comes crashing down he returns home, spending time with his bestfriend Cassidy and realizing that he'd been chasing the wrong dreams. What happens when he decides to change course with his life? This is one series you'll definitely want top read!
July 26, 2020
OMG. I was so happy to have another book from this lady, that I couldn't stop smiling.
She has given me some hot as hell books and she was the one that introduced me to MMA books.
They are amazing, just saying.
Lane Hart is the bomb. He's writing is not only lying hot as hell but also raw and unpredictable.
Just grab her books and see for yourself.
Xavier is her latest release and it's the first book from the Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy.
But I want to tell you something first.
Despite the fact that this book is a standalone, I think k you should read The Cocky Cage Fighter series first to get a better insight into this series. You won't regret it. Trust me.
This new book explores the lives of Xavier and Cassidy.
Xavier is the son of a legend. Being good that way, he has some expectations he needs to fulfill.
He just needs to get away from everything so what better place to stay than his hometown with his childhood best friend, to attend their high school reunion.
Cassidy was always a determined girl. She knew what she wanted so she fought for it.
Her childhood best friend supported her so she knew she could do it.
Years later, when she invites him to stay at her place...
Oh boy...
How I missed this genre.
I really did, and written by Lane Hart is was another masterpiece.
Fantastic plot, very well written, super engaging, and intense. It was just the thing I needed.
To witness the struggles everyone can have to make others proud it's exhausting.
Why do people tend to fight what they really want in order to feel accepted?
Why can't we just be ourselves and don't give a damn about what others think?
It was perfect to have a glimpse of Jax, Paige, and Jude.
I missed those guys.
Each chapter was even more addictive than the other and I couldn't stop reading or smiling.
It was the perfect story that I was eager to read.
Amazing book Lane Hart. Perfect and intense just the way I like it.
Can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
She has given me some hot as hell books and she was the one that introduced me to MMA books.
They are amazing, just saying.
Lane Hart is the bomb. He's writing is not only lying hot as hell but also raw and unpredictable.
Just grab her books and see for yourself.
Xavier is her latest release and it's the first book from the Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy.
But I want to tell you something first.
Despite the fact that this book is a standalone, I think k you should read The Cocky Cage Fighter series first to get a better insight into this series. You won't regret it. Trust me.
This new book explores the lives of Xavier and Cassidy.
Xavier is the son of a legend. Being good that way, he has some expectations he needs to fulfill.
He just needs to get away from everything so what better place to stay than his hometown with his childhood best friend, to attend their high school reunion.
Cassidy was always a determined girl. She knew what she wanted so she fought for it.
Her childhood best friend supported her so she knew she could do it.
Years later, when she invites him to stay at her place...
Oh boy...
How I missed this genre.
I really did, and written by Lane Hart is was another masterpiece.
Fantastic plot, very well written, super engaging, and intense. It was just the thing I needed.
To witness the struggles everyone can have to make others proud it's exhausting.
Why do people tend to fight what they really want in order to feel accepted?
Why can't we just be ourselves and don't give a damn about what others think?
It was perfect to have a glimpse of Jax, Paige, and Jude.
I missed those guys.
Each chapter was even more addictive than the other and I couldn't stop reading or smiling.
It was the perfect story that I was eager to read.
Amazing book Lane Hart. Perfect and intense just the way I like it.
Can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 5, 2020
Note make sure you read the whole blurb and read other reviews, ‘Estranged wife’ I thought that they were in the process of divorce but I assumed wrong like Cass.... I didn’t get a change to read Xav’s parents in Jax (1st story in the series) so I went into blind. Other then What I said it’s a good story. I might have to read the whole series one day.m
Possibly Spoiler(s)
She has 2 bed buddies when Zavier come back to their home town,, different versions of Him. .
Xav has been lying about one thing this entire time he’s home, and it’s not about getting into the cage for his first real fight it’s what he left behind... he’s married and hasn’t even started getting a divorce.
Cass THINKS that’s what she assumes when Xavier said he’s leaving the wife, but he is very much married when she spreads her legs and doesn’t learn the truth until three quarters of the book at their high school reunion, when the woman in question shows up. Xavier and Cass’s first time together and minutes after Is when the elephant is revealed. Mind you they were separate for 6 MONTHS because she cheated behind his back and not just the one time. But he wasn’t a saint after he moved out since he needed to prove his masculinity and his mastery of a woman..
Cass is too trusting, But has been in love with Xavier since high school as he slept his way through the female population at their school but her.
Xavier is a 28 year old child. If he don’t want to do something he won’t and let it be on the back burner until it’s forces in his face.. He really only noticed Cass as a real woman when he came to stay at her home prior To the reunion because she had a boob job and he couldn’t take his eyes off of those in the beginning, then their first kiss after a drunk Cass let her deep feelings out and meeting one of her bed buddies, has Xav thinking and seeing her differently and not just as a best friend (since they were 9).
Possibly Spoiler(s)
She has 2 bed buddies when Zavier come back to their home town,, different versions of Him. .
Xav has been lying about one thing this entire time he’s home, and it’s not about getting into the cage for his first real fight it’s what he left behind... he’s married and hasn’t even started getting a divorce.
Cass THINKS that’s what she assumes when Xavier said he’s leaving the wife, but he is very much married when she spreads her legs and doesn’t learn the truth until three quarters of the book at their high school reunion, when the woman in question shows up. Xavier and Cass’s first time together and minutes after Is when the elephant is revealed. Mind you they were separate for 6 MONTHS because she cheated behind his back and not just the one time. But he wasn’t a saint after he moved out since he needed to prove his masculinity and his mastery of a woman..
Cass is too trusting, But has been in love with Xavier since high school as he slept his way through the female population at their school but her.
Xavier is a 28 year old child. If he don’t want to do something he won’t and let it be on the back burner until it’s forces in his face.. He really only noticed Cass as a real woman when he came to stay at her home prior To the reunion because she had a boob job and he couldn’t take his eyes off of those in the beginning, then their first kiss after a drunk Cass let her deep feelings out and meeting one of her bed buddies, has Xav thinking and seeing her differently and not just as a best friend (since they were 9).
June 27, 2020
Xavier Malone chose not to follow in his father’s footsteps of being a Cage fighter. Instead, he became a lawyer like his mother and lived across country. When his marriage breaks up, he visits home and his best friend, Cassidy. Their story takes off from there and doesn’t look back. This is book 1 of the Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series and it will have readers anxiously anticipating the next. Great read!
July 12, 2020
We have a friendship from childhood to adulthood. Xavier is a lawyer who filled his mom into law and not his dad into cage fighting. His life’s best friend Cass has been by his side from day one, even when he got married and moved away. Now is the class reunion and he’s coming home. What about his wife? What will Cass think? What does he really want in life? So many questions and decisions to be made.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
This was a new author for me. I really enjoyed this book. It is a spin off from the original series but other than a few references to Xavier's father and mother, I don't think it affected what I read. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and enjoyed the info given regarding cage fighting. (something I know nothing about) I loved this couple and the hot romance scenes and will definitely read more in this series and probably go back to the original series.
February 18, 2025
eh
It’s a quick read that you can read in one setting without difficulty but it’s not the best. Not the best and not the worst.
It’s a quick read that you can read in one setting without difficulty but it’s not the best. Not the best and not the worst.
July 7, 2020
5 stars!
Best friends to lovers
Xavier is the first book in the next gen of Lane Hart’s Cocky Cage fighters. I read and fell in love with all her Cocky Cage Fighters and making Xavier the first book was so amazing.
We met him as a little boy since he was Jac and Page’s first born. But now it’s 20+ years later and we finally get to. Now the man he has turned into.
I expected greatness in this book and we definitely get greatness. This book was fun, sexy, heartwarming and sweet. Not too much angst but just a little to keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved Cass’ and Xavier together. It’s always so incredible to read a best friends to lovers story. You can just feel how intense there love will be because they know everything about each other. I don’t think I can think of anything I would change about this book except maybe I could have read at least 10 more chapters of their love story and not have gotten bored.
So if you have read the Cocky Cage fighters series you don’t need me to tell you that this book was all that you expect and more. But it you haven’t read the previous series then you should and then get started with this book! You will not be disappointed.
Best friends to lovers
Xavier is the first book in the next gen of Lane Hart’s Cocky Cage fighters. I read and fell in love with all her Cocky Cage Fighters and making Xavier the first book was so amazing.
We met him as a little boy since he was Jac and Page’s first born. But now it’s 20+ years later and we finally get to. Now the man he has turned into.
I expected greatness in this book and we definitely get greatness. This book was fun, sexy, heartwarming and sweet. Not too much angst but just a little to keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved Cass’ and Xavier together. It’s always so incredible to read a best friends to lovers story. You can just feel how intense there love will be because they know everything about each other. I don’t think I can think of anything I would change about this book except maybe I could have read at least 10 more chapters of their love story and not have gotten bored.
So if you have read the Cocky Cage fighters series you don’t need me to tell you that this book was all that you expect and more. But it you haven’t read the previous series then you should and then get started with this book! You will not be disappointed.
Want to read
February 27, 2024Prch Amz July 26, 2020
July 8, 2020
I decided to try a new trope and since I have read some of Lane Hart’s books and loved them I decided to read Xavier. Xavier and Cassidy have been best friends for close to twenty years. Cassidy knew she loved Xavier and when he told her he was coming home for their high school 10 year reunion and that he was divorced she was thrilled. She still was hesitant to try to change their relationship to being more than friends but while drunk she kisses Xavier and told him she had been waiting for him for the longest time. Xavier on the other hand didn’t think of Cassidy in the same light or at least that he wanted to think about her in any light but as friends as he was scared to ruin their friendship but when he comes home a day early and he can see all of the changes that have happened to Cassidy he doesn’t quite know what to think. He let Cassidy think his divorce was final when he hand revenues filed for it yet. While talking with Cassidy she had Xavier to try and visualize that he was dying and had to live each day like it was his last what did he see himself doing that changed everything. I think I will let you read the rest as I am sure I said more than enough. If you want to know what happens then you will need to read the book. You won’t regret giving it a try even if it is not your trope that you would normally read. Find out what Xavier saw for himself and if he changed his life around or when his wife shows up at the reunion did he go back with her and try to fix their marriage and give counseling a try like his wife wanted him to. Find out how Cassidy reacted when she found out that Xavier’s divorce was not finalized. I honestly Would recommend this book to anyone. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2020
The Cocky Cage Fighters are back with a new generation. The last time we saw Xavier, he was just a kid. Son of a world champion MMA fighter, he is big, strong and athletic as well as intelligent. He let circumstances in his life lead him down a different path from his dad. Now a lawyer, when his marriage implodes, he takes stock of his life and realizes just how unhappy he has been for years. He has allowed himself to be swept along in life and hasn't made choices that will lead him to the happiness he desires.
Going home after he and his wife separate, Xavier begins to remember all the good in his home town - especially his best friend, Cass. She has always been a bit of a firecracker and once Xavier sees her again, he realizes that she's grown into a beautiful, independent woman. His old feelings of friendship are there, but the attraction he pushed down in years past returns in full force. Cass will challenge Xavier to think about what he wants and to mindfully make the decisions he needs to to achieve those goals.
While Xavier starts out as a bit of a wishy-washy character, he grows up fast to pursue what he really wants. I was cheering when he got back in the cage. The man he develops into is more self-assured and likable; he'll have you rooting for success.
4.5 stars for this kick-a$$ sports romance. So happy the next generation of MMA champs are coming! Can't wait to read the next legacy novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Going home after he and his wife separate, Xavier begins to remember all the good in his home town - especially his best friend, Cass. She has always been a bit of a firecracker and once Xavier sees her again, he realizes that she's grown into a beautiful, independent woman. His old feelings of friendship are there, but the attraction he pushed down in years past returns in full force. Cass will challenge Xavier to think about what he wants and to mindfully make the decisions he needs to to achieve those goals.
While Xavier starts out as a bit of a wishy-washy character, he grows up fast to pursue what he really wants. I was cheering when he got back in the cage. The man he develops into is more self-assured and likable; he'll have you rooting for success.
4.5 stars for this kick-a$$ sports romance. So happy the next generation of MMA champs are coming! Can't wait to read the next legacy novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2020
While overall I liked this book, it did have some pretty big issues for me. To start I want to say that I love that this new series ties back to the Cocky Cage Fighter Series, which I really enjoyed. Now, I wish I could say that I loved this couple but I didn't. I wanted to, so badly but I just couldn't. I enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and unrequited/repressed feelings are my jam, but the way this story was written made me feel that Cass's hands weren't clean, so to speak. She may not have started the fire but she loved watching it burn and in my opinion, did help to feed the flames. Still, I didn't totally hate her for it. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Xavier. He had this massive advantage from the start by being Jax and Page's son. This should have guaranteed him an easily won, comfortable place in my heart but then he had to and cross lines that I just don't like crossed. While I won't go into details because I refuse to ruin a book for others, this took all the shine off him for me and he lost my respect. So, although this wasn't a homerun for me it was still a good read. I am definitely looking forward to future entries in this series. This is my forthright review that I am freely electing to post.
July 4, 2020
I enjoyed the original series and now there is a spin off of the Cocky Cage Fighter series!! In this friends to lovers story, we start with Xavier Malone and his best friend Cassidy who have been friends since childhood and beyond. The pair have had feelings for each other throughout their friendship that they did not act upon. When life circumstances change for Xavier, he returns home and to his friend after 10 years of being away where he makes some life changing decisions while keeping some secrets to himself . Since secrets have a way of coming to light at the wrong time, that is what happens to Xavier after he gives into his feelings for Cassidy. Without giving too much more away, the pair get their HEA in the end.
I thought that the pair were a well written pair but I thought that at first their story moved a little slowly and then the end happened quickly. Once they explored the chemistry between them it was off the charts for them. I enjoyed touching base with some of the characters from the original series but I would have like to see a little more of them since this is a spin off series. Overall, I enjoyed this book and if you liked the original series then I think that you would enjoy this series as well.
I thought that the pair were a well written pair but I thought that at first their story moved a little slowly and then the end happened quickly. Once they explored the chemistry between them it was off the charts for them. I enjoyed touching base with some of the characters from the original series but I would have like to see a little more of them since this is a spin off series. Overall, I enjoyed this book and if you liked the original series then I think that you would enjoy this series as well.
July 9, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in the new Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series. This is a spin off series from Lane's Cocky Caged Fighters series. In this book, Xavier, Jax's son, is back in town for his 10 high school reunion and he is going to stay with his best friend Cass. Xavier was living across country where he was a lawyer and living with his wife. Xavier is now getting a divorce, but he never told his family. xavier is confused about his marriage, he knows it is over, but he can't file for divorce. Cass has been in love with Xavier forever and is excited to see him again. Cass wishes Xavier loved her back, but she also wants to try and get over him so she can move on. When they talk one night, Cass gets Xavier to admit he wants to fight and she convinces him to talk to the coach at Haven. Xavier is also confused about his attraction to Cass. I loved this book. I loved Xavier with Cass. I think he loved her all along, but he was scared of losing her. Cass and Xavier had amazing chemistry. I think Xavier had to make some hard decisions about his life and i think he needed Cass to stand by him. Great one.
July 11, 2020
A wonderful homecoming to the Cocky Cage Fighter Series where we get to meet Xavier who is the son of Jackson "Jax" and Paige Malone. Xavier moved away to follow in his mother Paige's career path and became a very successful lawyer. He should be happy but when he finds out his wife cheated on him with another lawyer in the firm where he works he begins to think more and more about things missing in his life. Those thoughts include Cassidy, his best friend for over 20 years and also about following in his father's footstep as a MMA Cage Fighter. When he comes back "home" for his 10th High School reunion, he realizes that Cassidy has grown into a beautiful woman and that maybe she could become more than "just a friend". My only complaint is that for such a masculine and alpha male, Xavier is a bit indecisive but then that is also a key part of this story and just makes it exciting.
Do yourself a favor and it you have not read any of the Cocky Cake Fighter books, go ahead and read them so you will be ready for this new "Legacy" series that starts off with a bang with this Book #1.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
Do yourself a favor and it you have not read any of the Cocky Cake Fighter books, go ahead and read them so you will be ready for this new "Legacy" series that starts off with a bang with this Book #1.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
July 5, 2020
OMG I AM LOVING THIS SERIES SPIN OFF!!
OMG I AM LOVING THIS SERIES SPIN OFF!! This is book 1 in the spin off series of Cocky Cage Fighters. Xavier is the son of Jax and Page Malone who both appear as does sister Macy, Uncle Jude and so many more characters from the original series. Fresh off the break up of his marriage and in town for his HS reunion, Xavier is staying with his best friend since childhood Cassie. But Cassie isn't the same girl he has always known. Cassie in order to survive after Xavier moved across country leaving her to fend for herself has needed to make changes, be more outgoing, jump into the dating pool and for her own self esteem get a pair of new boobs! Cassie has always been in love with Xavier but he has never been able to see her that way. Now that he is seeing her in a different light, will their friendship survive or will it be the beginning of the end? Can't wait for book 2 which is Sage's (son of Linc) book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG I AM LOVING THIS SERIES SPIN OFF!! This is book 1 in the spin off series of Cocky Cage Fighters. Xavier is the son of Jax and Page Malone who both appear as does sister Macy, Uncle Jude and so many more characters from the original series. Fresh off the break up of his marriage and in town for his HS reunion, Xavier is staying with his best friend since childhood Cassie. But Cassie isn't the same girl he has always known. Cassie in order to survive after Xavier moved across country leaving her to fend for herself has needed to make changes, be more outgoing, jump into the dating pool and for her own self esteem get a pair of new boobs! Cassie has always been in love with Xavier but he has never been able to see her that way. Now that he is seeing her in a different light, will their friendship survive or will it be the beginning of the end? Can't wait for book 2 which is Sage's (son of Linc) book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
The second generation of the Cocky Cage Fighters series is off to a great start with this book! Xavier Malone is back home for a high school reunion, to escape what he thinks is a failure in Seattle and spend some quality time with his best friend Cassidy. What he didn't see coming, by coming home, is rethinking which path he will ultimately take for his future. Cassidy has always hoped that Xavier would eventually see her as more than a friend, but his marriage had her looking for fill ins in the men she spends time with. Now Xavier is back, choosing to follow in his dad's footsteps and finally seeing Cassidy in a different light. That should be all she wrote, right? Not quite but now that Xavier has picked up the gloves and stepped in the ring he won't give up without a fight to have everything that is right for him. These two are awesome, plus there's the bonus of Xavier's dad, mom and uncle making appearances and his awesome sister. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
July 9, 2020
Loved the continuation of the series about the kids
I was super excited to read this story because it's a continuation of the cage fighters series except this part is with the kids. I always think it's fine when we get to read books that have characters from the other stories example this story had the the parents and a few others from the previous series. MS book we have Xavier who is the son of the title holding fighter Jax Malone who had his own. I feel like Xavier was a very relatable character for the fact that big life decisions can be very hard to make and you can kind of feel lost in life. And then we have his best friend Cass who is the complete opposite of Xavier who knows exactly what she wants and always has. With Xavier coming home for his class reunion Xavier's forced to make some decisions that'll change his future. If you enjoyed the other cage fighter books or just in general like MMA fighter books this one's for you. So can't wait to read more and I think I'm going to love Sage's book just as much.
I was super excited to read this story because it's a continuation of the cage fighters series except this part is with the kids. I always think it's fine when we get to read books that have characters from the other stories example this story had the the parents and a few others from the previous series. MS book we have Xavier who is the son of the title holding fighter Jax Malone who had his own. I feel like Xavier was a very relatable character for the fact that big life decisions can be very hard to make and you can kind of feel lost in life. And then we have his best friend Cass who is the complete opposite of Xavier who knows exactly what she wants and always has. With Xavier coming home for his class reunion Xavier's forced to make some decisions that'll change his future. If you enjoyed the other cage fighter books or just in general like MMA fighter books this one's for you. So can't wait to read more and I think I'm going to love Sage's book just as much.
July 9, 2020
I really like Cass. She is independent and fun and has turned herself around from her high school self. I also like Xavier but it took me a little to really like him as much as I like Cass. Their story is a great friends to lovers. It also has the slow burn element. I like that the feel is a small town romance due to the family "business" and all. I like that we get to see part of Macy as well as Xavier's mom, dad and uncle. I like that we get to see the dynamic between Cass and her mom. While Cass might not have had the best high school life, there is no heartbreaking parts of her past to overcome, nor is there any for Xavier other than he just seems to float along without any real direction. The story line is nice and easy to follow as is all of the dialogue. The little hick ups are a good match for the story line. The writing is good as is the character development. This is an enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2020
Ten year High School Reunion is the catalyst for some unexpected changes
Xavier is the first book in the A Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series and is a spin-off of the Cocky Cage Fighters series. As I had not read any books in that series I was hoping that I would not have any trouble with this first book in the new series and I was rewarded. Xavier is a man who is has two polar opposites within him. He is an upstanding and successful lawyer in Seattle but he is also grew up with a father who was a fighter and that had been his dream. Now at almost thirty Xavier is separated from his wife, married to his work and heading back to his ten year high school reunion in Maryland. While there his friend Cassidy and he renew their close friendship and they get even closer than ever. He also starts to think about what he really wants in life and what makes him happy. There are some life changing decisions coming his way so he better get ready to fight for the life he truly wants to have.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Xavier is the first book in the A Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series and is a spin-off of the Cocky Cage Fighters series. As I had not read any books in that series I was hoping that I would not have any trouble with this first book in the new series and I was rewarded. Xavier is a man who is has two polar opposites within him. He is an upstanding and successful lawyer in Seattle but he is also grew up with a father who was a fighter and that had been his dream. Now at almost thirty Xavier is separated from his wife, married to his work and heading back to his ten year high school reunion in Maryland. While there his friend Cassidy and he renew their close friendship and they get even closer than ever. He also starts to think about what he really wants in life and what makes him happy. There are some life changing decisions coming his way so he better get ready to fight for the life he truly wants to have.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
August 19, 2020
Xavier returns home for his ten year high school reunion. He stays with his best friend Cassidy and they enjoy time catching up. Xavier has been working in Seattle as a lawyer and his marriage has broken down because his wife was unfaithful. He intends getting a divorce but tells Cassidy he already is. His best friend is delighted as she knew his wife wasn’t good enough for him. But she’s always been biased as she’s been in love with him all her life. He’s just never noticed her that way before. Xavier may be working as a successful lawyer but he’s miserable. He comes from a family of successful cage fighters and with Cassidy’s help, he takes tentative steps to renter that field and pick up his career. But one thing he’s never been good at is making delicious. It’s why he’s still not divorced his wife.
This is a brilliant read from beginning to end. The characters and storyline are interesting and entertaining. Fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brilliant read from beginning to end. The characters and storyline are interesting and entertaining. Fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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