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The Clinch
Eden Bauer grew up in a rough part of New York with an unsafe home life and took refuge in the neighborhood Taekwondo dojang. When the master of the dojang offered to train Eden as a live-in student, he started her on a journey that would eventually lead her to become the UFC featherweight champion of the world.
Eden loves competing and coaching the underprivileged kids of her community, but just as she’s getting comfortable with her champion title, a new martial artist from a legendary family comes roaring onto the scene with a dynasty on her shoulders. Brooklyn Shaw is a loud, cocky, aggressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu genius who’s also unfortunately pretty dreamy.
Brooklyn and Eden’s rivalry attracts worldwide attention, but as they spend time together, Eden sees past Brooklyn’s showmanship to who she really is. They ought to be perfect for one another, but can either really fall in love with the person standing in the way of her dreams?
Eden loves competing and coaching the underprivileged kids of her community, but just as she’s getting comfortable with her champion title, a new martial artist from a legendary family comes roaring onto the scene with a dynasty on her shoulders. Brooklyn Shaw is a loud, cocky, aggressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu genius who’s also unfortunately pretty dreamy.
Brooklyn and Eden’s rivalry attracts worldwide attention, but as they spend time together, Eden sees past Brooklyn’s showmanship to who she really is. They ought to be perfect for one another, but can either really fall in love with the person standing in the way of her dreams?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
45 people are currently reading
1973 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Disney
8 books131 followersNicole is a lifelong storyteller who is happiest when exploring the hidden corners of life. She lives in Denver, Colorado, where she is a collector of jobs that inspire her writing. She has worked as a 911 operator, police dispatcher, and martial arts instructor. Nicole loves words that hit hard and stories that linger. She has written literary fiction, contemporary LGBT, short stories, and flash fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
January 19, 2021
This was fantastic! I loved it and while the year is still young, this book was so much better than everything else I have read in 2021. With the holidays and all the craziness going on, I’m a little late on this review. I kept seeing friend after friend rate this 5 stars. To see a sports romance get this kind of hype made me so excited to read this. But, we all know with hype sometimes comes disappointment… well I’m happy to say that was not the case and that the hype for this book is real.
I have been reading books from Disney since she started at Bold Strokes Books. Her first book was okay, but it showed some potential. Her second still had some bumps but it was a good step up. Her third book, Shadows of a Dream, was not my kind of book. It was way too depressing and didn’t fit my tastes but I could still tell that it was her best written book so far. And now with The Clinch, Disney has finally put everything together and came up with a 5 star book. It’s so nice to see that potential turn into such a great book. People say you should write what you know, and since Disney is a martial artist, I think she proved that saying is true.
I’m a big sports fan and sports romances are one of my favorite types of romances to read. However, I’m not a MMA kind of girl. I do watch boxing on the rare occasion and even some Taekwondo in the last Olympics, but that is it. As you can see from my rating that not being a fight fan did not mess up my enjoyment at all. The fight scenes are so well written, so well done, that being a complete MMA newb you could still understand everything that was going on. Disney made it so exciting that you feel like you actually are a MMA fan. So don’t let the MMA part put you off. This is a romance with excitement and if that combo appeals to you, this book is a must.
The pace on this book was so much fun to read. It was good and fast but perfect for reading about sports actions. Not only was the pace good but the whole book was really gripping. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book and the time flew by. I wanted to read half this book last night but instead I was up to 3am because I HAD to finish the story. There are no lulls or even places where you would want to stop reading. Even the romance has this high intensity that keeps you reading. There are no slow or boring parts and the whole book is just great reading entertainment. To be completely honest, I’m so tempted to start reading this whole book all over again. I have not read the same book back-to-back since I was a teenager but since this book just flew by, I feel like I need to read it again to look for fight details I might have missed, and I want to enjoy the romance again. I really don’t have the time now but this is absolutely going on my rare reread list.
I don’t know if Disney has plans for a sequel or spin-off book. I think she really struck gold here and there is a secondary character Laila that could make for a really interesting main character (if she fast-forwarded a few years so Laila was a little older). I’m going to be greedy and keep my fingers crossed for more. With everything going on right now, especially in the USA, this is the kind of book I really needed. All of Disney’s story choices where so well done and I just completely loved this. This is a book not to be missed and I absolutely recommend it to all sapphic fans.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
I have been reading books from Disney since she started at Bold Strokes Books. Her first book was okay, but it showed some potential. Her second still had some bumps but it was a good step up. Her third book, Shadows of a Dream, was not my kind of book. It was way too depressing and didn’t fit my tastes but I could still tell that it was her best written book so far. And now with The Clinch, Disney has finally put everything together and came up with a 5 star book. It’s so nice to see that potential turn into such a great book. People say you should write what you know, and since Disney is a martial artist, I think she proved that saying is true.
I’m a big sports fan and sports romances are one of my favorite types of romances to read. However, I’m not a MMA kind of girl. I do watch boxing on the rare occasion and even some Taekwondo in the last Olympics, but that is it. As you can see from my rating that not being a fight fan did not mess up my enjoyment at all. The fight scenes are so well written, so well done, that being a complete MMA newb you could still understand everything that was going on. Disney made it so exciting that you feel like you actually are a MMA fan. So don’t let the MMA part put you off. This is a romance with excitement and if that combo appeals to you, this book is a must.
The pace on this book was so much fun to read. It was good and fast but perfect for reading about sports actions. Not only was the pace good but the whole book was really gripping. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book and the time flew by. I wanted to read half this book last night but instead I was up to 3am because I HAD to finish the story. There are no lulls or even places where you would want to stop reading. Even the romance has this high intensity that keeps you reading. There are no slow or boring parts and the whole book is just great reading entertainment. To be completely honest, I’m so tempted to start reading this whole book all over again. I have not read the same book back-to-back since I was a teenager but since this book just flew by, I feel like I need to read it again to look for fight details I might have missed, and I want to enjoy the romance again. I really don’t have the time now but this is absolutely going on my rare reread list.
I don’t know if Disney has plans for a sequel or spin-off book. I think she really struck gold here and there is a secondary character Laila that could make for a really interesting main character (if she fast-forwarded a few years so Laila was a little older). I’m going to be greedy and keep my fingers crossed for more. With everything going on right now, especially in the USA, this is the kind of book I really needed. All of Disney’s story choices where so well done and I just completely loved this. This is a book not to be missed and I absolutely recommend it to all sapphic fans.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
**'Storytelling is a feat of self-preservation..making some characters sound real in a story is necessarily an exercise in impressionism...'
Compelling read!
A well written story. Highly recommended!
Compelling read!
A well written story. Highly recommended!
February 3, 2021
not to be dramatic but Brooklyn Shaw could punch me in the face and i’d still thank her
January 16, 2021
This is a brilliant read ! I’ve been off reading for a couple of months now for personal reasons so when a couple of my friends recommended this, I didn’t hesitate..
I’m not even a fan of marital arts and I couldn’t put the book down!
Do yourself a favor and read this! Not to be missed :)
I’m not even a fan of marital arts and I couldn’t put the book down!
Do yourself a favor and read this! Not to be missed :)
May 15, 2022
Update on 5/15/22: Reread is even more riveting. Still hoping for an audiobook.
Eden Bauer is the reigning UFC Featherweight champ and everyone wants a shot at her belt but she crushes and no one comes close. Now a brash upstart thinks she’s got a right to jump the line and go for a title fight against Eden. Brooklyn Shaw is sculpted like a goddess and commands the spotlight at only 22. She fearlessly brawls her way to victories, becoming a fan and media favorite just like the rest of her family who is MMA royalty. Only Eden stands in her way.
Two well matched mc’s in every definition. The author gives them both strengths and flaws. There’s detailed information but the author guides rather than lectures so that it accentuates and illuminates the rituals, the training, the small moments that make up this world and it builds the tension to an unbelievable level just like the anticipation to a real championship bout.
I’m a big sports fan and often times when I read a book about an athlete, I sigh because it’s so difficult to replicate the charged atmosphere of a game or match. This author captured the tiger by its tail and I felt the adrenaline of two warriors hitting the octagon, I got a knot in my stomach while I read the account of the crazed action, I swear I could even hear the thunder of the packed arena.
I know people are reading arcs and declaring that they’re going to be favorites of ‘21 which seemed a bit exaggerated but I honestly feel that way about this book. The sex scenes between Brooklyn and Eden are so red-hot my skin was burning. She mentions “a haze of heat” and I can’t describe their chemistry any better. I couldn’t break from their story, not for work, not for sleep, just absorbed every word because it’s that kind of a book.
To paraphrase the author, this book is “not a battle but a journey.” Beyond everything else, it’s also character studies of two women. So well done. This is an author who figured out where they may have fallen short in the past, fixed it and leveled up. In case anyone is wondering, the fights are rough because this is Mixed Martial Arts but it’s not gratuitous. Read this book for the heat, for the well drawn characters, for the emotional twists created by a wonderful storyteller, or even for the sports.
I read this ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eden Bauer is the reigning UFC Featherweight champ and everyone wants a shot at her belt but she crushes and no one comes close. Now a brash upstart thinks she’s got a right to jump the line and go for a title fight against Eden. Brooklyn Shaw is sculpted like a goddess and commands the spotlight at only 22. She fearlessly brawls her way to victories, becoming a fan and media favorite just like the rest of her family who is MMA royalty. Only Eden stands in her way.
Two well matched mc’s in every definition. The author gives them both strengths and flaws. There’s detailed information but the author guides rather than lectures so that it accentuates and illuminates the rituals, the training, the small moments that make up this world and it builds the tension to an unbelievable level just like the anticipation to a real championship bout.
I’m a big sports fan and often times when I read a book about an athlete, I sigh because it’s so difficult to replicate the charged atmosphere of a game or match. This author captured the tiger by its tail and I felt the adrenaline of two warriors hitting the octagon, I got a knot in my stomach while I read the account of the crazed action, I swear I could even hear the thunder of the packed arena.
I know people are reading arcs and declaring that they’re going to be favorites of ‘21 which seemed a bit exaggerated but I honestly feel that way about this book. The sex scenes between Brooklyn and Eden are so red-hot my skin was burning. She mentions “a haze of heat” and I can’t describe their chemistry any better. I couldn’t break from their story, not for work, not for sleep, just absorbed every word because it’s that kind of a book.
To paraphrase the author, this book is “not a battle but a journey.” Beyond everything else, it’s also character studies of two women. So well done. This is an author who figured out where they may have fallen short in the past, fixed it and leveled up. In case anyone is wondering, the fights are rough because this is Mixed Martial Arts but it’s not gratuitous. Read this book for the heat, for the well drawn characters, for the emotional twists created by a wonderful storyteller, or even for the sports.
I read this ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2021
This book deserves every single damn five stars it has been given.
I went in skeptical about how this would pan out especially because sports-related books don’t entice me as much as other tropes do. And I don’t follow Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) so a story about two women fighting tooth and nail for the UFC featherweight championship title would never have gotten me to pick up this book. But reviews after reviews rating this 5 stars had me curious.
My thoughts: This book deserves every single damn five stars it has been given. It had gripping scenes that had me on the edge and my brains are now completely fried. The MMA matches were fantastically written and so descriptive that it brought the fights to life – the punches, cheers, crowds and all. It brought back memories of a live Muay Thai fighting match I’d been to in Thailand, and even then I wasn’t as excited about the live match as I was reading this fictitious one. And if anyone can convert me into a sports fan, its Disney.
Disney did a great job with characterisation. Under the layer of fame and façade as MMA celebrities, the MCs themselves, Eden and Brooklyn were exciting people to know. Both came from underprivileged backgrounds, worked their asses off, and still managed to remain good people despite what they had achieved. The chemistry between the MCs were also off the charts because aside from the physical spark, there was a progressive connection between them that made it believable. And on this note, I would like to add that there a couple of scenes that were steamy and they were great.
This is my first book written by Disney and I am blown away. Can I have a sequel now, please?
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I went in skeptical about how this would pan out especially because sports-related books don’t entice me as much as other tropes do. And I don’t follow Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) so a story about two women fighting tooth and nail for the UFC featherweight championship title would never have gotten me to pick up this book. But reviews after reviews rating this 5 stars had me curious.
My thoughts: This book deserves every single damn five stars it has been given. It had gripping scenes that had me on the edge and my brains are now completely fried. The MMA matches were fantastically written and so descriptive that it brought the fights to life – the punches, cheers, crowds and all. It brought back memories of a live Muay Thai fighting match I’d been to in Thailand, and even then I wasn’t as excited about the live match as I was reading this fictitious one. And if anyone can convert me into a sports fan, its Disney.
Disney did a great job with characterisation. Under the layer of fame and façade as MMA celebrities, the MCs themselves, Eden and Brooklyn were exciting people to know. Both came from underprivileged backgrounds, worked their asses off, and still managed to remain good people despite what they had achieved. The chemistry between the MCs were also off the charts because aside from the physical spark, there was a progressive connection between them that made it believable. And on this note, I would like to add that there a couple of scenes that were steamy and they were great.
This is my first book written by Disney and I am blown away. Can I have a sequel now, please?
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2022
**Update after re-read**
Wow, I’ve read this book for the first time in January 2021 and now I’ve read it again (May 2022) and I liked it as much as I did then. I read 150+ sapphic books last year and this is my favourite one. Fantastic novel which deserves all the praise.
Well, well, well… What a spectacular wlw sports book! I have to admit that I wasn’t convinced of reading a novel about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting even with the promise of a lesbian romance but I’m so delighted that I did because it was an incredible treat.
Eden Bauer came a long way from a traumatic childhood to become the undisputed UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) featherweight champion. That is, until new Martial Artist Brooklyn Shaw appears in the sports scene trying to dispute her title. But what starts as an aggressive rivalry soon changes into something completely different. Can Eden fall in love with her fiercest competitor?
I love a wide range of sports to practice and to watch but Martial Arts are not one of them. As a matter of fact, I hate violent sports like boxing, wrestling and… MMA. However, I was completely enthralled by this book as it became a complete page-turner from the very first page. Ms. Disney is a Martial Artist herself but there’s a huge difference between being proficient at a sport and being able to describe it with precision so the reader can form a picture in their mind’s eye. And even a bigger gap to make the reader have the full experience of the sport from the athlete’s point of view, to empathise with their struggles, their sacrifices and to feel their pain. Reading the fighting scenes was like reading an action story, fast-paced and exciting. That is what makes this novel shine.
The story is told in first person from Eden’s point of view, which was a great choice as the reader can immerse into a champion’s headspace and experience a high-performance athlete’s frame of mind. As readers, we get behind her dreams and experience her biggest fears. The exclusive pov also helps to keep Brooklyn as an enigma to both Eden and the reader. A mystery to unpack and reveal as the story progresses.
Talking about Brooklyn, who is half Brazilian, half American, I was worried that the author wouldn’t manage to portray her with authenticity. As an Argentinean, I know our next-door neighbours quite well and I have to say that Ms. Disney depicted her perfectly in her body language, the forwardness about her feelings, her religiousness, and her strong sense of family. That leads me to point out that the secondary characters were all well rounded and each one of them played a particular role in the plot like an extended family, which made the story rich and multifaceted.
If you are a sports fan, this will be up your street, if you aren’t, read it for the romance, it’s passionate and hot. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. I really cannot fault this book. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Wow, I’ve read this book for the first time in January 2021 and now I’ve read it again (May 2022) and I liked it as much as I did then. I read 150+ sapphic books last year and this is my favourite one. Fantastic novel which deserves all the praise.
Well, well, well… What a spectacular wlw sports book! I have to admit that I wasn’t convinced of reading a novel about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting even with the promise of a lesbian romance but I’m so delighted that I did because it was an incredible treat.
Eden Bauer came a long way from a traumatic childhood to become the undisputed UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) featherweight champion. That is, until new Martial Artist Brooklyn Shaw appears in the sports scene trying to dispute her title. But what starts as an aggressive rivalry soon changes into something completely different. Can Eden fall in love with her fiercest competitor?
I love a wide range of sports to practice and to watch but Martial Arts are not one of them. As a matter of fact, I hate violent sports like boxing, wrestling and… MMA. However, I was completely enthralled by this book as it became a complete page-turner from the very first page. Ms. Disney is a Martial Artist herself but there’s a huge difference between being proficient at a sport and being able to describe it with precision so the reader can form a picture in their mind’s eye. And even a bigger gap to make the reader have the full experience of the sport from the athlete’s point of view, to empathise with their struggles, their sacrifices and to feel their pain. Reading the fighting scenes was like reading an action story, fast-paced and exciting. That is what makes this novel shine.
The story is told in first person from Eden’s point of view, which was a great choice as the reader can immerse into a champion’s headspace and experience a high-performance athlete’s frame of mind. As readers, we get behind her dreams and experience her biggest fears. The exclusive pov also helps to keep Brooklyn as an enigma to both Eden and the reader. A mystery to unpack and reveal as the story progresses.
Talking about Brooklyn, who is half Brazilian, half American, I was worried that the author wouldn’t manage to portray her with authenticity. As an Argentinean, I know our next-door neighbours quite well and I have to say that Ms. Disney depicted her perfectly in her body language, the forwardness about her feelings, her religiousness, and her strong sense of family. That leads me to point out that the secondary characters were all well rounded and each one of them played a particular role in the plot like an extended family, which made the story rich and multifaceted.
If you are a sports fan, this will be up your street, if you aren’t, read it for the romance, it’s passionate and hot. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. I really cannot fault this book. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 30, 2021
This book has been an interesting experience and please read this review until the end, because I loved it but that’s not how it started.
As a kid, Eden Bauer was saved from a rough childhood by Jin, who became her mentor and father figure, bringing her all the way to UFC featherweight world champion. Eden loves the competition as much as she loves coaching other underprivileged children at the Taekwondo dojang. Her life is everything she wants, until she has to fight a newcomer on the MMA scene. Brooklyn Shaw may be new but she comes from a legendary family. She’s impressive, she’s cocky, she’s talented, and as Eden will find out, she’s also under a lot of pressure and much sweeter than her brash – but gorgeous – exterior leads to believe.
During the first third of the story, all sorts of negative emotions went through me. I couldn’t understand how people put themselves through this (fight almost to death and call it sports or art), why I was putting myself through this (reading this book), it made me angry and anxious to the point of not breathing right. I had to keep reminding myself that more than a few of my trusted reviewers loved this book. I think part of why it triggered my anxiety is that my mum made me take judo for a few years as a child and I, unlike my brother, hated it. I’m hypersensitive to touch and all the contact – with people and with the floor – was horrifying. I guess some of that came back as I was reading. Also, that first third is really intense, as it sets the scene for Eden’s new life. Some life transitions are easier than others and Eden’s definitely not in the easy category.
As soon as I could breathe again, I fell in love with the characters and with the writing. It’s not flashy but it’s smart. The Clinch was my first book by this author and I’m very curious to read her previous and future ones. As for the characters, I love that Eden never takes the easy way out. I’m not sure how to explain it, but especially in her interactions with Brooklyn, Disney could have made her settle in some decisions but she never does. She always goes the extra mile. Whether it comes from her childhood, her athlete mentality, her personality, there’s a constant strength in her that I found captivating. And because the story is told from her point of view and in present tense, the reader falls in love with Brooklyn along with her, through her eyes and through her heart.
Eden and Brooklyn are at once very different and similar in some respects. They have the same passion for their art, for one. However, they come from contrasting backgrounds, Eden a white kid from the Bronx with no family, Brooklyn having grown up partly in Brazil, with a Brazilian mother and a Black American father and three brothers.
In sports romance novels, there’s always some emphasis on bodies, strength and agility and all that. Athletes’ bodies aren’t regular bodies, and that’s part of the appeal. With Mixed Martial Arts being made of, well, mixed arts, Eden and Brooklyn take part in the same competition, fight each other, but with different tools and their body types are very different. One is long and lean, the other is shorter and more muscular. The chemistry is off the charts but what makes it really fun to watch is that it starts with a professional appreciation of a peer’s work tool, in a way. When Eden first sees Brooklyn, all she knows is the brash and rude façade Brooklyn shows the MMA world. Even then though, she appreciates Brooklyn’s body and muscles for what they are: stunning and intimidating and extremely dangerous in the octagon.
There are a few very steamy scenes, made even hotter by the fact that these are two women in complete control of their bodies. Two very powerful – physically powerful – women. And when they give up that control, that power, that command over their body, it doesn’t get much sexier than that. Being me though, always looking for that vulnerability that makes power beautiful, what I loved most were the tender moments. The first kiss took me by surprise and I loved it.
The training and fight scenes are excellent and breathtaking, even for someone – like me – who has no idea what’s going on.
I can’t list everything I love, I’d rather you read the book, but I’ll end with a final comment on the pacing: it’s perfect. Thrilling. There’s no downtime, no lull when it would feel right to stop reading. I had to make myself stop because the words were becoming blurry and I needed sleep.
A couple of days ago, I posted a list of my favourite releases of 2021. I’ll be adding this one.
As a kid, Eden Bauer was saved from a rough childhood by Jin, who became her mentor and father figure, bringing her all the way to UFC featherweight world champion. Eden loves the competition as much as she loves coaching other underprivileged children at the Taekwondo dojang. Her life is everything she wants, until she has to fight a newcomer on the MMA scene. Brooklyn Shaw may be new but she comes from a legendary family. She’s impressive, she’s cocky, she’s talented, and as Eden will find out, she’s also under a lot of pressure and much sweeter than her brash – but gorgeous – exterior leads to believe.
During the first third of the story, all sorts of negative emotions went through me. I couldn’t understand how people put themselves through this (fight almost to death and call it sports or art), why I was putting myself through this (reading this book), it made me angry and anxious to the point of not breathing right. I had to keep reminding myself that more than a few of my trusted reviewers loved this book. I think part of why it triggered my anxiety is that my mum made me take judo for a few years as a child and I, unlike my brother, hated it. I’m hypersensitive to touch and all the contact – with people and with the floor – was horrifying. I guess some of that came back as I was reading. Also, that first third is really intense, as it sets the scene for Eden’s new life. Some life transitions are easier than others and Eden’s definitely not in the easy category.
As soon as I could breathe again, I fell in love with the characters and with the writing. It’s not flashy but it’s smart. The Clinch was my first book by this author and I’m very curious to read her previous and future ones. As for the characters, I love that Eden never takes the easy way out. I’m not sure how to explain it, but especially in her interactions with Brooklyn, Disney could have made her settle in some decisions but she never does. She always goes the extra mile. Whether it comes from her childhood, her athlete mentality, her personality, there’s a constant strength in her that I found captivating. And because the story is told from her point of view and in present tense, the reader falls in love with Brooklyn along with her, through her eyes and through her heart.
Eden and Brooklyn are at once very different and similar in some respects. They have the same passion for their art, for one. However, they come from contrasting backgrounds, Eden a white kid from the Bronx with no family, Brooklyn having grown up partly in Brazil, with a Brazilian mother and a Black American father and three brothers.
In sports romance novels, there’s always some emphasis on bodies, strength and agility and all that. Athletes’ bodies aren’t regular bodies, and that’s part of the appeal. With Mixed Martial Arts being made of, well, mixed arts, Eden and Brooklyn take part in the same competition, fight each other, but with different tools and their body types are very different. One is long and lean, the other is shorter and more muscular. The chemistry is off the charts but what makes it really fun to watch is that it starts with a professional appreciation of a peer’s work tool, in a way. When Eden first sees Brooklyn, all she knows is the brash and rude façade Brooklyn shows the MMA world. Even then though, she appreciates Brooklyn’s body and muscles for what they are: stunning and intimidating and extremely dangerous in the octagon.
There are a few very steamy scenes, made even hotter by the fact that these are two women in complete control of their bodies. Two very powerful – physically powerful – women. And when they give up that control, that power, that command over their body, it doesn’t get much sexier than that. Being me though, always looking for that vulnerability that makes power beautiful, what I loved most were the tender moments. The first kiss took me by surprise and I loved it.
The training and fight scenes are excellent and breathtaking, even for someone – like me – who has no idea what’s going on.
I can’t list everything I love, I’d rather you read the book, but I’ll end with a final comment on the pacing: it’s perfect. Thrilling. There’s no downtime, no lull when it would feel right to stop reading. I had to make myself stop because the words were becoming blurry and I needed sleep.
A couple of days ago, I posted a list of my favourite releases of 2021. I’ll be adding this one.
January 31, 2021
I had no idea what to expect from an MMA romance novel. But what I didn't expect is that I would be so involved in it. This book made me sit up on the edge of my seat and hold my breath a couple of times.
The way Disney writes about fighting is both beautiful and realistic. Coming out of an MMA fight battered and bruised doesn't quite cover it and that's what Disney lets you read about. A trip to a hospital is no luxury and after the fight between Eden and Brooklyn very necessary.
Eden and Brooklyn are both great characters. What you see is not always what you get and it was fun slowly peeling off all of Brooklyn's layers.
Secondary characters are great too. We've got Jin (Eden's teacher), Laila (friend and training buddy) and Mateo (student) on Eden’s side and Brooklyn's family. I favoured the first three but nearing the end Brooklyn's brothers grew on me. Mainly because of how they handled her coming out. Jin gave me a strong Mr Myagi vibe.
Normally I find that with sports romance the attention is mostly on the romance and less on the sport, I think in this novel there is a better balance. It is very heavy on the sport and I really liked that. Don't fear there is not enough romance: there is and the chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn is great!
I would definitely recommend this book. Enjoy! Check out this and other reviews at https://lesfic.home.blog/blog-feed/
The way Disney writes about fighting is both beautiful and realistic. Coming out of an MMA fight battered and bruised doesn't quite cover it and that's what Disney lets you read about. A trip to a hospital is no luxury and after the fight between Eden and Brooklyn very necessary.
Eden and Brooklyn are both great characters. What you see is not always what you get and it was fun slowly peeling off all of Brooklyn's layers.
Secondary characters are great too. We've got Jin (Eden's teacher), Laila (friend and training buddy) and Mateo (student) on Eden’s side and Brooklyn's family. I favoured the first three but nearing the end Brooklyn's brothers grew on me. Mainly because of how they handled her coming out. Jin gave me a strong Mr Myagi vibe.
Normally I find that with sports romance the attention is mostly on the romance and less on the sport, I think in this novel there is a better balance. It is very heavy on the sport and I really liked that. Don't fear there is not enough romance: there is and the chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn is great!
I would definitely recommend this book. Enjoy! Check out this and other reviews at https://lesfic.home.blog/blog-feed/
January 9, 2021
I have to admit, when I first read the blurb, I was not at all interested in this book. I have no interest in UFC or MMA or anything related to martial arts. I honestly can’t even tell you what those things mean without a google search. Then I started to see all the awesome reviews on Goodreads for “The Clinch” and decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did!
Eden is the current UFC featherweight champion of the world and is busy running and teaching at a Taekwondo dojang. She attends a fight with her friend and while there is taunted by another, newer fighter, Brooklyn. Brooklyn wants to fight Eden for the title and Eden finally accepts.
“…you say more by saying nothing.” “I don’t know about that. I say a lot saying something”
Eden and Brooklyn are about as different as night and day. They have vastly different life and family experiences. Their fighting techniques are completely opposite. Brooklyn is louder and likes to play heads games while Eden chooses to take the higher road. Eventually, Eden gets to know Brooklyn and comes to understand that her fighting persona is not exactly who she is. It was a joy watching as they went from enemies, or rivals, to eventual friends and then to lovers. The chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn was delightful and only got better the more I read. I was on the edge of my seat not only in anticipation of the fights, but also in how everything would come together for our leads.
To romance fans, like me, be prepared to wait for it. It takes a while for there to be even a hint of romance but once it finally gets there but once it does it’s very much worth it. The first 30% or so is all fighting and training and Nicole Disney giving us all a crash course on everything we need to know about the world of fighting. She does it so well though that you don’t even realize it’s happening. All of the fight scenes were written so well that even though I’ve never watched an actual fight, I could picture it clearly in my head while reading.
This is terrific choice for sports fans or those rivals-to-lovers romance fans. I could not recommend this high enough.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Eden is the current UFC featherweight champion of the world and is busy running and teaching at a Taekwondo dojang. She attends a fight with her friend and while there is taunted by another, newer fighter, Brooklyn. Brooklyn wants to fight Eden for the title and Eden finally accepts.
“…you say more by saying nothing.” “I don’t know about that. I say a lot saying something”
Eden and Brooklyn are about as different as night and day. They have vastly different life and family experiences. Their fighting techniques are completely opposite. Brooklyn is louder and likes to play heads games while Eden chooses to take the higher road. Eventually, Eden gets to know Brooklyn and comes to understand that her fighting persona is not exactly who she is. It was a joy watching as they went from enemies, or rivals, to eventual friends and then to lovers. The chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn was delightful and only got better the more I read. I was on the edge of my seat not only in anticipation of the fights, but also in how everything would come together for our leads.
To romance fans, like me, be prepared to wait for it. It takes a while for there to be even a hint of romance but once it finally gets there but once it does it’s very much worth it. The first 30% or so is all fighting and training and Nicole Disney giving us all a crash course on everything we need to know about the world of fighting. She does it so well though that you don’t even realize it’s happening. All of the fight scenes were written so well that even though I’ve never watched an actual fight, I could picture it clearly in my head while reading.
This is terrific choice for sports fans or those rivals-to-lovers romance fans. I could not recommend this high enough.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2024
Don’t know anything about Mixed Martial Arts fighting? Don’t care?
Well don’t worry.
Nicole Disney guides us through this world of modern day gladiators with a deft hand. It is the setting for a beautiful story about love in all its transformations. The family we have, the family we chose, our mentors and friends and our community all play leading roles in The Clinch.
I totally lost myself in this novel all due to Ms Disney’s masterful writing. The pacing of the story was perfect. The two main characters are what I picture Amazons to be. Dedicated and hard working to the point well passed exhaustion.
I will admit I am crushing on both main characters. Their hard won beautiful athletic bodies containing such good hearts was not at all what I was expecting. They are women formed by their childhoods who rise beyond early limitations. They are admirable. Have I ever said a character was admirable?
I don’t think so. This is an impressively well written novel which will knock your white gym socks off.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 ⭐️ rating and I will search down all of her other novels to read.
Well don’t worry.
Nicole Disney guides us through this world of modern day gladiators with a deft hand. It is the setting for a beautiful story about love in all its transformations. The family we have, the family we chose, our mentors and friends and our community all play leading roles in The Clinch.
I totally lost myself in this novel all due to Ms Disney’s masterful writing. The pacing of the story was perfect. The two main characters are what I picture Amazons to be. Dedicated and hard working to the point well passed exhaustion.
I will admit I am crushing on both main characters. Their hard won beautiful athletic bodies containing such good hearts was not at all what I was expecting. They are women formed by their childhoods who rise beyond early limitations. They are admirable. Have I ever said a character was admirable?
I don’t think so. This is an impressively well written novel which will knock your white gym socks off.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 ⭐️ rating and I will search down all of her other novels to read.
January 8, 2021
4.5 stars. What a trip, a spectacular sports themed romance. At the end of a crazy stressful week at work I was thinking of reading a couple of chapters before going to sleep, well think again, 4:00 am and I finished the book.
This book can be divided in two parts, the first part is purely focused on sports, whereas in the second part the focus shifts towards the romance, although the sports theme stays strong in the background. I’m not a big sports fan and I do not know anything about martial arts, but I ate this up.
Eden Bauer is the current UFC featherweight champion and you get to experience what the life of a pro martial artist would be like. Eden has not had an easy childhood and literally fought her way up to the top. She sort of grew up in a Taekwondo dojang where she now teaches and trains, which is her whole life. She is super focused and meticulous in her training. I just loved to read about her passion for the sport and I actually learned a lot about martial arts as well. While the matches were absolutely brutal I can see the elegance of the sport, the technique, willpower and respect it requires to be the best.
The book starts out with a competitor, the young cocky and aggressive Brooklyn Shaw, daring Eden to fight her. Brooklyn comes from a family of martial artists and is under a lot of pressure to honor her family. While Brooklyn has a big mouth, Eden slowly sees Brooklyn for who she really is, but their lives are so complex and there is no room for romance it seems. I don’t know why, but after the long heavily sports focused part of the book I did not expect this book to shift to such a strong emotional and angst filled romance, but it did and even though it starts rather late it didn’t feel rushed or anything. I loved Eden and Brooklyn, they had excellent chemistry and the sex scenes were very hot.
As this is told in the first person from Eden’s POV you know exactly what Eden thinks and feels, and sometimes I was whishing I could get a glimpse of Brooklyn’s thoughts, but not knowing is also the beauty of first person and through Eden I did feel I really got to know Brooklyn as well. Eden and Brooklyn have very different personalities, which translates to their fighting style, but also to how they deal with expectations, setbacks, and their attraction. There were moments where I could slap Brooklyn (although she would probably knock me out), but at the same time I got where she was coming from, not that that excuses everything, but I enjoyed to see her character grow.
I liked the title of the book, a clinch is explained in the book as a hold where neither opponent is in a favorable position, the fight could go either way, I think it suits the book well. I had not read a book by Disney before, but now I will read more. I easily recommend this book to those who like a book heavy on the sports, especially if you like martial arts, but I also recommend it to romance fans (you have to wait a while, but it is worth it) who don’t mind a good dose of angst.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book can be divided in two parts, the first part is purely focused on sports, whereas in the second part the focus shifts towards the romance, although the sports theme stays strong in the background. I’m not a big sports fan and I do not know anything about martial arts, but I ate this up.
Eden Bauer is the current UFC featherweight champion and you get to experience what the life of a pro martial artist would be like. Eden has not had an easy childhood and literally fought her way up to the top. She sort of grew up in a Taekwondo dojang where she now teaches and trains, which is her whole life. She is super focused and meticulous in her training. I just loved to read about her passion for the sport and I actually learned a lot about martial arts as well. While the matches were absolutely brutal I can see the elegance of the sport, the technique, willpower and respect it requires to be the best.
The book starts out with a competitor, the young cocky and aggressive Brooklyn Shaw, daring Eden to fight her. Brooklyn comes from a family of martial artists and is under a lot of pressure to honor her family. While Brooklyn has a big mouth, Eden slowly sees Brooklyn for who she really is, but their lives are so complex and there is no room for romance it seems. I don’t know why, but after the long heavily sports focused part of the book I did not expect this book to shift to such a strong emotional and angst filled romance, but it did and even though it starts rather late it didn’t feel rushed or anything. I loved Eden and Brooklyn, they had excellent chemistry and the sex scenes were very hot.
As this is told in the first person from Eden’s POV you know exactly what Eden thinks and feels, and sometimes I was whishing I could get a glimpse of Brooklyn’s thoughts, but not knowing is also the beauty of first person and through Eden I did feel I really got to know Brooklyn as well. Eden and Brooklyn have very different personalities, which translates to their fighting style, but also to how they deal with expectations, setbacks, and their attraction. There were moments where I could slap Brooklyn (although she would probably knock me out), but at the same time I got where she was coming from, not that that excuses everything, but I enjoyed to see her character grow.
I liked the title of the book, a clinch is explained in the book as a hold where neither opponent is in a favorable position, the fight could go either way, I think it suits the book well. I had not read a book by Disney before, but now I will read more. I easily recommend this book to those who like a book heavy on the sports, especially if you like martial arts, but I also recommend it to romance fans (you have to wait a while, but it is worth it) who don’t mind a good dose of angst.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2021
Holy moly, what a powerful and intense book. I am a big sports fan, played handball myself for about 20 years. Martial arts or any combat sports were never really my thing but I watched some during the Olympics. But what Nicole Disney created with this book is just simply perfect. I suggested this book to my book club friends and I’m happy that everybody liked it as much as I do, and not everybody is a sports fan.
The story is about Eden Bauer, who owes her success and current life to Jin, the master of the Emerald Tiger dojan. Growing up with a drinking mother in a dangerous neighborhood of New York, he saved her. He took her in as a live-in student, trained her, and gave her the opportunity for a good and successful life. And today she is the undefeated UFC featherweight champion of the world. And thankful as she is, she gives some youngsters the same possibilities as she got years ago. But then Brooklyn Shaw, a young, brash Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter from the Shaw Dynasty, arrives with an aggressive and arrogant demeanor and loudly challenges her to a title fight.
I am totally in awe of how the author was able to bring the different atmospheres between the pages. The training sessions, the fight preparations, and the fight are written with so much power and intensity, I was nearly as exhausted after the fight as the fighters themselves. I'm not sure I'm capable of describing how everything felt. I was there with Eden, in the octagon, experiencing the same roller coaster of emotions she was, like I was in her body, feeling everything she's feeling, the adrenalin high, the pain (alone the imagination hurt), and most of all the emotions.
The relationship and the romance between Eden and Brooklyn were also fantastic and capturing. I was rooting for them as a couple even as I didn’t know if they can find a way to make it happen. Described from Eden's point of view, we see how the change from being an adversary to lovers is happening, with all the facets in between, the ups and downs. The chemistry is phenomenal. The growing feelings, the conflicts, the falling in love, everything is palpable. And the sex is hot and full of emotions too.
The author created two fantastic, lovable bad-ass women with their hearts in the right place, with flaws and an enormous will to win, they have the fighter’s hearts of tigers. The secondary characters are very well developed too and bring a lot of depth and reality to the story with their friendship and family dynamics. I fell in love with Eden immediately, and shortly after with Brooklyn too. I absolutely loved how the two steely fighters can go with everything into a fight and show their soft hearts and go and help the young students.
Congratulations to Nicole Disney for creating this intense and wonderful book. Thank you. And I hope we will get more of Eden and Brooklyn, or maybe Laila’s story?
This is a must-read for every sports aficionado. And highly recommended to all the romance fans too. You don’t need to be into sports to love this book.
My rating 5+
The story is about Eden Bauer, who owes her success and current life to Jin, the master of the Emerald Tiger dojan. Growing up with a drinking mother in a dangerous neighborhood of New York, he saved her. He took her in as a live-in student, trained her, and gave her the opportunity for a good and successful life. And today she is the undefeated UFC featherweight champion of the world. And thankful as she is, she gives some youngsters the same possibilities as she got years ago. But then Brooklyn Shaw, a young, brash Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter from the Shaw Dynasty, arrives with an aggressive and arrogant demeanor and loudly challenges her to a title fight.
I am totally in awe of how the author was able to bring the different atmospheres between the pages. The training sessions, the fight preparations, and the fight are written with so much power and intensity, I was nearly as exhausted after the fight as the fighters themselves. I'm not sure I'm capable of describing how everything felt. I was there with Eden, in the octagon, experiencing the same roller coaster of emotions she was, like I was in her body, feeling everything she's feeling, the adrenalin high, the pain (alone the imagination hurt), and most of all the emotions.
The relationship and the romance between Eden and Brooklyn were also fantastic and capturing. I was rooting for them as a couple even as I didn’t know if they can find a way to make it happen. Described from Eden's point of view, we see how the change from being an adversary to lovers is happening, with all the facets in between, the ups and downs. The chemistry is phenomenal. The growing feelings, the conflicts, the falling in love, everything is palpable. And the sex is hot and full of emotions too.
The author created two fantastic, lovable bad-ass women with their hearts in the right place, with flaws and an enormous will to win, they have the fighter’s hearts of tigers. The secondary characters are very well developed too and bring a lot of depth and reality to the story with their friendship and family dynamics. I fell in love with Eden immediately, and shortly after with Brooklyn too. I absolutely loved how the two steely fighters can go with everything into a fight and show their soft hearts and go and help the young students.
Congratulations to Nicole Disney for creating this intense and wonderful book. Thank you. And I hope we will get more of Eden and Brooklyn, or maybe Laila’s story?
This is a must-read for every sports aficionado. And highly recommended to all the romance fans too. You don’t need to be into sports to love this book.
My rating 5+
May 13, 2022
"There are no lies in the octagon. Nothing superficial survives in here. You can't fake this. No weapons, no friends, no distractions, no outs, barely even any clothes. We're naked and vulnerable, staring at one another from the edge of our capabilities with nothing to help us but ourselves." pg. 237
Wow. What a great sports romance. Eden Bauer, reigning UFC featherweight MMA champion faces brawler Brooklyn Shaw in a knock down battle which leads to so much more. Not only is this a fascinating romance with heat and heart but new to me author Nicole Disney writes with passion and skill. The fight scenes are easy to visualize, the passion these women share is explored and their emotions are raw.
Fabulous read. You don't have to be a mixed martial arts fan to appreciate the dedication and desire needed to be the best of the best, even if it means facing off against the woman you love.
Wow. What a great sports romance. Eden Bauer, reigning UFC featherweight MMA champion faces brawler Brooklyn Shaw in a knock down battle which leads to so much more. Not only is this a fascinating romance with heat and heart but new to me author Nicole Disney writes with passion and skill. The fight scenes are easy to visualize, the passion these women share is explored and their emotions are raw.
Fabulous read. You don't have to be a mixed martial arts fan to appreciate the dedication and desire needed to be the best of the best, even if it means facing off against the woman you love.
May 11, 2023
➥ 1.5 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
It really breaks my heart that I didn't like this. At all... The setup sounded pretty solid, enemies-to-lovers, sapphic sports romance. The cover is hot, my goodreads friends loved it...yet this fell flat for me in so many ways. I almost feel that my brain needs rewiring because clearly everyone enjoyed this other than me, so if you want to give this book a chance, I'd still give it a shot.
I'm going to start out with the positive because I have so many things to complain about 😭. The action was written really well. Though I know little to nothing about fighting, I still understood what was going on and it was written in a way that rose my anticipation definitely had me invested. It's clear this author is very knowledgeable when it comes to this sport and it definitely shines through in the book. But that's about it.
I was gonna buddy read this with monica but I started early and got to 25% and was like “monica, spare yourself”. I, however, wanted to see how I’d feel about the whole book. This book is so loved among the sapphic community readers but I definitely have a different opinion (not that your opinion is invalid if you loved this! I’m glad you did).
I honestly don't quite know where to start with my criticism. For starters, the tropes bothered me immensely. Like I mentioned, Eden's backstory was cliche and unmoving. But also, there was a strong use of the coming-out-plotline to create drama and it was just overall so unpleasant. The 3rd act conflict and breakup hinges on the fact that Brooklyn's very religious family will not accept her. It also depicts homophobic trauma that Brooklyn has dealt with from her family, which was not cute. It's logical for coming out to be part of a queer book, but must it be so unpleasant, and used for the sake of conflict-creation?
What else do I hate? Public gestures. It's cringey imo, unintimate and embarassing. (Especially if it's Brooklyn doing it). But I guess one could look past that if they wanted to. I also hated the "I have to continue the family legacy and win this for them or they'll hate me" trope. So overdone and so boring.
About the actual mma fighting, I guess it was something that wasn't for me? Maybe I should have done more research regarding TWs but it's really intense. I just thought it would be regulated boxing or something. No, these girls' goal is literally to injure the other as much as possible, including but not limited to, breaking their neck (by holding them up by their ankle and dropping them head first on the ground), making them bleed and also (apparently) verbally degrading the other on television as part of the emotional...competition.
Stemming from that, I don't think Brooklyn being downright horrible and just claiming that it was all just for publicity and prior mental attack isn't justified, imo. She's out here calling Eden the worst things but it all is apparently just put in the past and considered a game tactic, which I don't believe.
She's so annoying and there was much more and much worse where that came from. So, I didn't really enjoy seeing day-to-day normal people try to kill each other, personally. It was kind of jarring but I guess that's not the book's fault. Just maybe something to know, going in.
This was meant to be a romance book and there was zero romance/character interaction until around 35%. From there, it's automatic instalove where they get to know each other for two days and declare their love. Also, I think Brooklyn was not it. She's more a masculine character, which I usually love, but she's just horrible. Arrogant, stuck up. I kept waiting for her to get humbled but she just never did, for fucks sake.
The sexual tension was mediocre, and the steam itself wasn't my favourite. The dirt talk was beyond cringey. I never want to hear baby come out of Brooklyn's mouth again. It's odd how I can melt when Olivia from TSV does it but it's just awful the way Brooklyn doesn't do it tenderly, rather, she uses it as an attempt to be hot? Idk. It's harsh of me but it felt like a grotty man was speaking when Brooklyn was spewing her dirty talk. The sex itself was boring and unemotional to me.
I might refresh this review at some point because it's not my proudest; kind of messy. But you get the gist. I'd never confidently recommend this to someone. It's not 1 star because it didn't have no thought-out plotline whatsoever and it wasn't that bad. But it wasn't that good either. I know this book is very loved by sapphic readers but I've recently been struggling with those recently. Hopefully I'll find a few gems soon.
"Come lie on the bed with me," she says. "Let me hold you."
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
It really breaks my heart that I didn't like this. At all... The setup sounded pretty solid, enemies-to-lovers, sapphic sports romance. The cover is hot, my goodreads friends loved it...yet this fell flat for me in so many ways. I almost feel that my brain needs rewiring because clearly everyone enjoyed this other than me, so if you want to give this book a chance, I'd still give it a shot.
I'm going to start out with the positive because I have so many things to complain about 😭. The action was written really well. Though I know little to nothing about fighting, I still understood what was going on and it was written in a way that rose my anticipation definitely had me invested. It's clear this author is very knowledgeable when it comes to this sport and it definitely shines through in the book. But that's about it.
➥ Brooklyn Shaw (h) was just insufferable, one of my main complaints. Which is such a disappointment because I really appreciated the biracial representation and it was nice to have a character that's not 'american'. She was so arrogant, rude and disrespectful. I just could not put it past me at all. In the middle of the book she just has a random change of heart and starts being nice, I guess, but I didn't buy it and other things she did still annoyed me. What most annoyed me was that we didn't get her perspective because I hated having to consume all of her bitchiness through Eden's one.
➥ Eden Bauer (h) was okay. I appreciate that she's respectful. Her sob story background was really cliche though and she was overall a pretty bland and shallow character.
I was gonna buddy read this with monica but I started early and got to 25% and was like “monica, spare yourself”. I, however, wanted to see how I’d feel about the whole book. This book is so loved among the sapphic community readers but I definitely have a different opinion (not that your opinion is invalid if you loved this! I’m glad you did).
I honestly don't quite know where to start with my criticism. For starters, the tropes bothered me immensely. Like I mentioned, Eden's backstory was cliche and unmoving. But also, there was a strong use of the coming-out-plotline to create drama and it was just overall so unpleasant. The 3rd act conflict and breakup hinges on the fact that Brooklyn's very religious family will not accept her. It also depicts homophobic trauma that Brooklyn has dealt with from her family, which was not cute. It's logical for coming out to be part of a queer book, but must it be so unpleasant, and used for the sake of conflict-creation?
What else do I hate? Public gestures. It's cringey imo, unintimate and embarassing. (Especially if it's Brooklyn doing it). But I guess one could look past that if they wanted to. I also hated the "I have to continue the family legacy and win this for them or they'll hate me" trope. So overdone and so boring.
About the actual mma fighting, I guess it was something that wasn't for me? Maybe I should have done more research regarding TWs but it's really intense. I just thought it would be regulated boxing or something. No, these girls' goal is literally to injure the other as much as possible, including but not limited to, breaking their neck (by holding them up by their ankle and dropping them head first on the ground), making them bleed and also (apparently) verbally degrading the other on television as part of the emotional...competition.
Stemming from that, I don't think Brooklyn being downright horrible and just claiming that it was all just for publicity and prior mental attack isn't justified, imo. She's out here calling Eden the worst things but it all is apparently just put in the past and considered a game tactic, which I don't believe.
“Brooklyn, congratulations on an incredible win. Take us through your thoughts on the fight.”
Brooklyn takes the mic from him and promptly ignores his question. “What’s up, Bauer?” She yells into the mic, filling the arena with a jarring but crystal clear volume. “You got my belt. I’m coming for you, baby. Get ready.” The crowd roars to life again. “Your reign is over. I’m going to crush you.”
She's so annoying and there was much more and much worse where that came from. So, I didn't really enjoy seeing day-to-day normal people try to kill each other, personally. It was kind of jarring but I guess that's not the book's fault. Just maybe something to know, going in.
This was meant to be a romance book and there was zero romance/character interaction until around 35%. From there, it's automatic instalove where they get to know each other for two days and declare their love. Also, I think Brooklyn was not it. She's more a masculine character, which I usually love, but she's just horrible. Arrogant, stuck up. I kept waiting for her to get humbled but she just never did, for fucks sake.
The sexual tension was mediocre, and the steam itself wasn't my favourite. The dirt talk was beyond cringey. I never want to hear baby come out of Brooklyn's mouth again. It's odd how I can melt when Olivia from TSV does it but it's just awful the way Brooklyn doesn't do it tenderly, rather, she uses it as an attempt to be hot? Idk. It's harsh of me but it felt like a grotty man was speaking when Brooklyn was spewing her dirty talk. The sex itself was boring and unemotional to me.
I might refresh this review at some point because it's not my proudest; kind of messy. But you get the gist. I'd never confidently recommend this to someone. It's not 1 star because it didn't have no thought-out plotline whatsoever and it wasn't that bad. But it wasn't that good either. I know this book is very loved by sapphic readers but I've recently been struggling with those recently. Hopefully I'll find a few gems soon.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
May 14, 2021
Listen, I'm not big on sports romance, but damn it, this was sooo good!
It was more sports than romance, but I didn't mind that at all. I loved the sport here, which was funny 'cause due to its roughness, UFC wasn't exactly of interest to me before.
Until now.
I should've known hot women would hook me in on anything 🤦🏻♀️ LOL
Speaking of hot women... Since I'm a visual person, I wanted to find a face for one of the MCs to better imagine her while reading. The only physical description provided for Eden were tall, lean, and white. So yeah, not much to go on there. Brooklyn, however, has very interesting features. She sounded like someone who could wear a mean face but still look gorgeous AF. So, who did I imagine her as you ask?
*Not a spoiler. Just being dramatic hehe 😛
Isn't she a goddess? 😍
But ok, enough swooning.
The plot has me captivated from start to finish. There were no dull moments. Disney took liberties in her sectioning and pacing of the story. The chapters were mostly short and fast-paced. It could either jump months after a previous event or directly follow it. But the writing was done well that this approach didn't hurt the narrative. Even when I saw where Disney was bringing the story from a mile away, my interest never wavered.
I loved the dialogues, especially the clever ones in a particular negotiation scene. And while I'm just as enamored as Eden is by Brooklyn's beauty, I'm actually smitten by Eden's thought process. Smart is sexy, so I'll always have a soft spot for intellectuals 😉
As for the romance, I loved the start of it. I'm a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, so I love it when the MCs initially bite each other's head off 😛 I just wish more time was spent to show Eden and Brooklyn's developing attraction before the first kiss (if you know me, you know I say this a lot—'cause nothing beats slow-burn romances, baby 💘). I get they already spent months together before that, but the huge time jumps between their intimate moments made it feel like a bit of something was missing midway—that was what it felt like to me at least, so this could just be me.
I also wish this book alternated between Eden and Brooklyn's POV; I wanted to get to know Brooklyn better. And that's the catch with first-person, single POV romance, isn't it? It'll always be a challenge for the author to keep the other MC, whose POV is absent from the tale, from becoming a secondary character in their own love story.
Brooklyn's love and loyalty to her family were tremendous, and I wanted a similar perspective of that love directed at Eden. Yes, it was there. But I craved an insight into her mind. To see her repressed feelings, fears, and warring thoughts. The point where it clicked she was in love with Eden. The proofs of that love being there before she decided to express it in a way it can't be discounted. Basically, if Disney followed this with a short in Brooklyn's POV, I WANT IT.
But wow, how Disney ended this story definitely pierced my little gay heart. I felt like an audience in the octagon, having goosebumps witnessing everything firsthand.
Will certainly check out other works by this author.
It was more sports than romance, but I didn't mind that at all. I loved the sport here, which was funny 'cause due to its roughness, UFC wasn't exactly of interest to me before.
Until now.
I should've known hot women would hook me in on anything 🤦🏻♀️ LOL
Speaking of hot women... Since I'm a visual person, I wanted to find a face for one of the MCs to better imagine her while reading. The only physical description provided for Eden were tall, lean, and white. So yeah, not much to go on there. Brooklyn, however, has very interesting features. She sounded like someone who could wear a mean face but still look gorgeous AF. So, who did I imagine her as you ask?
*Not a spoiler. Just being dramatic hehe 😛
Isn't she a goddess? 😍
But ok, enough swooning.
The plot has me captivated from start to finish. There were no dull moments. Disney took liberties in her sectioning and pacing of the story. The chapters were mostly short and fast-paced. It could either jump months after a previous event or directly follow it. But the writing was done well that this approach didn't hurt the narrative. Even when I saw where Disney was bringing the story from a mile away, my interest never wavered.
I loved the dialogues, especially the clever ones in a particular negotiation scene. And while I'm just as enamored as Eden is by Brooklyn's beauty, I'm actually smitten by Eden's thought process. Smart is sexy, so I'll always have a soft spot for intellectuals 😉
As for the romance, I loved the start of it. I'm a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, so I love it when the MCs initially bite each other's head off 😛 I just wish more time was spent to show Eden and Brooklyn's developing attraction before the first kiss (if you know me, you know I say this a lot—'cause nothing beats slow-burn romances, baby 💘). I get they already spent months together before that, but the huge time jumps between their intimate moments made it feel like a bit of something was missing midway—that was what it felt like to me at least, so this could just be me.
I also wish this book alternated between Eden and Brooklyn's POV; I wanted to get to know Brooklyn better. And that's the catch with first-person, single POV romance, isn't it? It'll always be a challenge for the author to keep the other MC, whose POV is absent from the tale, from becoming a secondary character in their own love story.
Brooklyn's love and loyalty to her family were tremendous, and I wanted a similar perspective of that love directed at Eden. Yes, it was there. But I craved an insight into her mind. To see her repressed feelings, fears, and warring thoughts. The point where it clicked she was in love with Eden. The proofs of that love being there before she decided to express it in a way it can't be discounted. Basically, if Disney followed this with a short in Brooklyn's POV, I WANT IT.
But wow, how Disney ended this story definitely pierced my little gay heart. I felt like an audience in the octagon, having goosebumps witnessing everything firsthand.
Will certainly check out other works by this author.
April 12, 2021
Incredibly well written. Lots of detail about various fighting styles. I appreciated our MC Eden and where she came from, with a poor upbringing and what she is trying to do with honoring that by giving other kids like her the same chance she had. She has a lot of heart and soul.
Where it fell down for me was with the love interest, Brooklyn, and her cocky arrogant attitude. I get that was the point, she was supposed to be exhausting, in need of being taken down pegs and shown humility. But all the smack talk, and media frenzy/social media bullshit she pulls made it difficult to sympathize with her. The same with the way her family is about their legacy and believing in their own BS. I couldn't cotton on to her, much. I really didn't understand why Eden was so enamoured with her and put up with her and her family's bullshit and continued on even in a professional capacity with her.
So the romance angle was even more perplexing for me, especially with the closeted issue, which made it angsty and convoluted. I just didn't understand why Eden would put up with that, either. The poor woman was constantly doormatting herself for this bitchy juvenile girl and this unyielding overbearing family, who clearly don't respect her.
It really sealed my deal for not liking Brooklyn toward the end with her attitude coming out again once Eden was fully healed enough to get back in the ring, and basically egging her on in.
Sports fans and fans of characters that are more arrogant, overconfident types would probably like this far better than me.
I just struggled to believe the connection, and the angst about 'coming out' was somehow constant yet not overly explained? Like it's stated Brooklyn has lots of religious tattoos, and does a ritual before a fight that looks like a prayer - yet she never seems to express her own religious affiliation? I would have thought having tatts like that, and acting the way she does would have brought the Religious angst out a bit more. It's made to seem that it's just her family is Religious and would never accept her sexuality. She loved them so much she was afraid to lose them - but I guess I didn't really understand how that gels with having your kids learn Jiu-Jitsu and egging your child into fighting matches, all for the prideful family legacy - when wearing tatts which the Bible also says is not kosher? So that kind of hypocrisy always does my head in. Definitely geared to more American audiences I think.
Where it fell down for me was with the love interest, Brooklyn, and her cocky arrogant attitude. I get that was the point, she was supposed to be exhausting, in need of being taken down pegs and shown humility. But all the smack talk, and media frenzy/social media bullshit she pulls made it difficult to sympathize with her. The same with the way her family is about their legacy and believing in their own BS. I couldn't cotton on to her, much. I really didn't understand why Eden was so enamoured with her and put up with her and her family's bullshit and continued on even in a professional capacity with her.
So the romance angle was even more perplexing for me, especially with the closeted issue, which made it angsty and convoluted. I just didn't understand why Eden would put up with that, either. The poor woman was constantly doormatting herself for this bitchy juvenile girl and this unyielding overbearing family, who clearly don't respect her.
It really sealed my deal for not liking Brooklyn toward the end with her attitude coming out again once Eden was fully healed enough to get back in the ring, and basically egging her on in.
Sports fans and fans of characters that are more arrogant, overconfident types would probably like this far better than me.
I just struggled to believe the connection, and the angst about 'coming out' was somehow constant yet not overly explained? Like it's stated Brooklyn has lots of religious tattoos, and does a ritual before a fight that looks like a prayer - yet she never seems to express her own religious affiliation? I would have thought having tatts like that, and acting the way she does would have brought the Religious angst out a bit more. It's made to seem that it's just her family is Religious and would never accept her sexuality. She loved them so much she was afraid to lose them - but I guess I didn't really understand how that gels with having your kids learn Jiu-Jitsu and egging your child into fighting matches, all for the prideful family legacy - when wearing tatts which the Bible also says is not kosher? So that kind of hypocrisy always does my head in. Definitely geared to more American audiences I think.
August 4, 2022
The Clinch is a brilliant rivals-to-lovers sports romance set in the Mixed Martial Arts world.
This is my first book by Nicole Disney and I love everything about it. It's written in the first person and you experience the story from Eden's perspective. It's really interesting to be in the headspace of a professional athlete. There are a lot of details about MMA, Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo and the fights are described very well.
The story is never boring or slow and always keeps you guessing and has some good twists.
I love Eden, because she is so mature, strong, smart and kind and I like how she handles every situation. She is the undefeated UFC champion, but doesn't let it get to her head.
I also love Brooklyn. She is very tough on the outside, but when Eden gets to know her it becomes clear that she is actually very kind and loving. I love her character development. She and Eden are an amazing couple with great chemistry.
Laila is another great character. She is Eden's friend and training partner and just so sweet and caring.
The only characters I don't like are Brooklyn's parents for not loving her the way she is. Yet it works for the story and it also shows that homophobia is still a big issue, even in 2021. I think Nicole Disney portrays very well how hard this is for Brooklyn, but also for Eden.
Another thing I like about The Clinch is the message that you can still reach your goals and live your dream despite having a rough start in life and how important your chosen family is.
This is my first book by Nicole Disney and I love everything about it. It's written in the first person and you experience the story from Eden's perspective. It's really interesting to be in the headspace of a professional athlete. There are a lot of details about MMA, Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo and the fights are described very well.
The story is never boring or slow and always keeps you guessing and has some good twists.
I love Eden, because she is so mature, strong, smart and kind and I like how she handles every situation. She is the undefeated UFC champion, but doesn't let it get to her head.
I also love Brooklyn. She is very tough on the outside, but when Eden gets to know her it becomes clear that she is actually very kind and loving. I love her character development. She and Eden are an amazing couple with great chemistry.
Laila is another great character. She is Eden's friend and training partner and just so sweet and caring.
The only characters I don't like are Brooklyn's parents for not loving her the way she is. Yet it works for the story and it also shows that homophobia is still a big issue, even in 2021. I think Nicole Disney portrays very well how hard this is for Brooklyn, but also for Eden.
Another thing I like about The Clinch is the message that you can still reach your goals and live your dream despite having a rough start in life and how important your chosen family is.
February 2, 2021
The Clinch is a well-written, exciting, and action-packed book that is truly worth the hype that it is getting.
Eden Bauer (27) is the skilled, humble, and undefeated MMA queen. Brooklyn Shaw (22 at the start of the book) is an up-and-coming martial artist who is gaining popularity because of how strong and menacing she is in the Octagon. Brooklyn challenges Eden for the belt and throughout the book, they exchange more than kicks and punches.
I don't think I have read any other lesfic that is focused on martial arts, which made this extra special. Having practiced a bit of MMA myself, I was really impressed with how accurately the details were written. But even if the reader has no background in MMA, the story and the scenes are easy to follow because Disney made it simple and easy to understand - even explaining the little technical terms that she used.
I thought that the characters were so well-written that they seemed real. The characterization was so well done that I have to admit that I hated Brooklyn's guts at the start of the book. Eden is so honorable and kind that you would naturally cheer for her. Even if I hated Brooklyn, I continued to read the book because I wanted to see Eden succeed. The supporting characters were also likable.
The fight scenes were so exciting! I felt like I was holding my breath during their fights and I couldn't stop reading. Disney would pull you in with her words, and you would feel the intensity of the fights as if you are there experiencing it yourself. I was blown away with how accurately they were written!
The only reason why I can't give this a perfect 5 is because I didn't really buy the romance. I felt like it came out of nowhere, and I thought the author glossed over the development of the relationship. I didn't get to see them fall in love with each other, so I was ambivalent about rooting for them. But I love Eden, so I will get behind anything she wants haha :)
Overall, I really liked this book and I think it's worth reading, especially if you are into the sports genre! :)
Eden Bauer (27) is the skilled, humble, and undefeated MMA queen. Brooklyn Shaw (22 at the start of the book) is an up-and-coming martial artist who is gaining popularity because of how strong and menacing she is in the Octagon. Brooklyn challenges Eden for the belt and throughout the book, they exchange more than kicks and punches.
I don't think I have read any other lesfic that is focused on martial arts, which made this extra special. Having practiced a bit of MMA myself, I was really impressed with how accurately the details were written. But even if the reader has no background in MMA, the story and the scenes are easy to follow because Disney made it simple and easy to understand - even explaining the little technical terms that she used.
I thought that the characters were so well-written that they seemed real. The characterization was so well done that I have to admit that I hated Brooklyn's guts at the start of the book. Eden is so honorable and kind that you would naturally cheer for her. Even if I hated Brooklyn, I continued to read the book because I wanted to see Eden succeed. The supporting characters were also likable.
The fight scenes were so exciting! I felt like I was holding my breath during their fights and I couldn't stop reading. Disney would pull you in with her words, and you would feel the intensity of the fights as if you are there experiencing it yourself. I was blown away with how accurately they were written!
The only reason why I can't give this a perfect 5 is because I didn't really buy the romance. I felt like it came out of nowhere, and I thought the author glossed over the development of the relationship. I didn't get to see them fall in love with each other, so I was ambivalent about rooting for them. But I love Eden, so I will get behind anything she wants haha :)
Overall, I really liked this book and I think it's worth reading, especially if you are into the sports genre! :)
August 7, 2022
Awesome enemies-to-lovers sports book. Very well written. Hot sex scenes and fantastic chemestry between the two MCs. Couldn‘t put it down. Goes to my fav list and will definitivly reread in the future.
As it is the audiobook is also out now. Maybe will try this out in the future also. Highly recommend.
As it is the audiobook is also out now. Maybe will try this out in the future also. Highly recommend.
February 4, 2021
I feel like I'm late to the party here - sooo many people have reviewed the book and loved it to bits. I won't make this a long review, but I did want to add my 2 cents worth... I really, really liked it. I thought it was original in terms of setting the characters within the UFC world and how they had to navigate their growing relationship by hiding from the gossip-mad public and a homophobic family.
I love grand gestures and boy did we get one of those towards the end. The level of drama was just right throughout the book - everything from the anxiety-inducing match descriptions to the expected relationship crisis (it is lesfic, after all). But, it was well done and not thrown in there just to follow a set formula.
I've been wavering between a 4 and 5 star rating on this. I want to to give it a 4.5 and I feel like I'm on a see-saw (this is better than most of my other 4 star rated books, but did I enjoy it as much as my 5 star ones?!) I'm literally on the 4.5 fence. But overall, there were too many good things about this to not go the full monty. Highly recommend!
I love grand gestures and boy did we get one of those towards the end. The level of drama was just right throughout the book - everything from the anxiety-inducing match descriptions to the expected relationship crisis (it is lesfic, after all). But, it was well done and not thrown in there just to follow a set formula.
I've been wavering between a 4 and 5 star rating on this. I want to to give it a 4.5 and I feel like I'm on a see-saw (this is better than most of my other 4 star rated books, but did I enjoy it as much as my 5 star ones?!) I'm literally on the 4.5 fence. But overall, there were too many good things about this to not go the full monty. Highly recommend!
January 12, 2021
Content warnings: graphic sex, blood, d slur, homophobia/homomisia, child abuse, minor character drug addiction, mention of prostitution, recreational drinking, uses of ableist language, hospitalization
Written in present tense, The Clinch is an incredibly vivid rivals-to-lovers sports romance, charged with immediacy.
Eden Bauer (27, gay) holds an undefeated record and is the reigning UFC featherweight championship. When newbie pro Brooklyn Shaw (22, biracial, Black) challenges Eden for a title match, Eden reluctantly agrees. Their rivalry is strong, but when post-match Brooklyn comes knocking on the door of Eden’s gym, will they be able to put aside their differences and work together?
I am already biased when I started this book because I love to read about martial arts (mainly wuxia novels). There is something sacred about the sport and beautiful about the relationships people form training together as well as the strong bond, often stronger than familial ones, between shifu and their disciples. But I didn’t know I was getting this when I heard that The Clinch is built around mixed-martial arts (MMA), something I’m not familiar reading about. Eden is trained in Taekwondo, and the discipline and honor she carries are probably not as prevalent as it would be in any other MMA storyline. I totally love that we got this in The Clinch—both her respect for the sport and unbreakable love for her found family paternal figure, Jin (I assume to be South Korean), founder of the dojang (Hanja: 道場) Emerald Tiger.
The story has a wonderful build and exciting climax, without a sudden conflict toward the end. We spend the first few chapters getting a feel of MMA training and fighting, and understanding what the sport means to Eden. We learn how important Jin is to her and that the Emerald Tiger is Eden’s home after Jin welcomed her into the establishment when she was younger and dealing with a neglecting if not abusive mother. The descriptions of rigorous training and high-stake matches help us respect the fighters, too. All the sport scenes were written with such intensity that Eden’s exhaustion was clear with all the muddled thoughts and I felt myself holding my breath in expectation of the next jab, hook, or kick.
The choice of having Eden as the first-person POV is sublime. The way we only see her side of the story makes The Clinch more intense since we are looking in from the relatively calm character on her relationship with the younger Brooklyn, who is still figuring out what she really wants in life. Brooklyn, who is a new UFC fighter with a legendary family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial artists, plays mind games with Eden before their much anticipated title match, but we soon see that she is a tough-looking young woman with a very sweet heart and eager to prove to her father, Samson, that she can make the Shaws proud.
I love Eden for her huge heart and her confidence, focus, and passion when it comes to training and fighting. And Brooklyn is definitely a stunning goddess of an athlete. Her playfulness, insecurities, and sincerity make her an incredibly lovable character, too. The secondary characters are also amazing. I cannot remember all the times my insides go warm and soft because of the wonderful relationships they have. Jin, a man with firm principles and loving heart, and Laila (18), Eden’s former student and now colleague, both provide unconditional support for Eden. Then there is Mateo (12), whose life of being in an abusive household reminds Eden strongly of her own childhood and who worships both Eden and Brooklyn. For Brooklyn, there is Théo, her brother and coach, and their bond is stronger than sibling, stronger than close friends.
There is so much love radiating off the pages even before Eden and Brooklyn admit so to themselves. We never really know what Brooklyn is thinking, but she is a very relatable character and their love is embodied in everything that Eden would do for Brooklyn, their sparring a dance.
The Clinch is a tension-filled romance with heavy themes, and I definitely shed a tear or two while reading. This is undoubtedly a story I would revisit, for both the fierce love between Eden and Brooklyn and the beautiful relationships surrounding them.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
Written in present tense, The Clinch is an incredibly vivid rivals-to-lovers sports romance, charged with immediacy.
Eden Bauer (27, gay) holds an undefeated record and is the reigning UFC featherweight championship. When newbie pro Brooklyn Shaw (22, biracial, Black) challenges Eden for a title match, Eden reluctantly agrees. Their rivalry is strong, but when post-match Brooklyn comes knocking on the door of Eden’s gym, will they be able to put aside their differences and work together?
I am already biased when I started this book because I love to read about martial arts (mainly wuxia novels). There is something sacred about the sport and beautiful about the relationships people form training together as well as the strong bond, often stronger than familial ones, between shifu and their disciples. But I didn’t know I was getting this when I heard that The Clinch is built around mixed-martial arts (MMA), something I’m not familiar reading about. Eden is trained in Taekwondo, and the discipline and honor she carries are probably not as prevalent as it would be in any other MMA storyline. I totally love that we got this in The Clinch—both her respect for the sport and unbreakable love for her found family paternal figure, Jin (I assume to be South Korean), founder of the dojang (Hanja: 道場) Emerald Tiger.
The story has a wonderful build and exciting climax, without a sudden conflict toward the end. We spend the first few chapters getting a feel of MMA training and fighting, and understanding what the sport means to Eden. We learn how important Jin is to her and that the Emerald Tiger is Eden’s home after Jin welcomed her into the establishment when she was younger and dealing with a neglecting if not abusive mother. The descriptions of rigorous training and high-stake matches help us respect the fighters, too. All the sport scenes were written with such intensity that Eden’s exhaustion was clear with all the muddled thoughts and I felt myself holding my breath in expectation of the next jab, hook, or kick.
The choice of having Eden as the first-person POV is sublime. The way we only see her side of the story makes The Clinch more intense since we are looking in from the relatively calm character on her relationship with the younger Brooklyn, who is still figuring out what she really wants in life. Brooklyn, who is a new UFC fighter with a legendary family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial artists, plays mind games with Eden before their much anticipated title match, but we soon see that she is a tough-looking young woman with a very sweet heart and eager to prove to her father, Samson, that she can make the Shaws proud.
I love Eden for her huge heart and her confidence, focus, and passion when it comes to training and fighting. And Brooklyn is definitely a stunning goddess of an athlete. Her playfulness, insecurities, and sincerity make her an incredibly lovable character, too. The secondary characters are also amazing. I cannot remember all the times my insides go warm and soft because of the wonderful relationships they have. Jin, a man with firm principles and loving heart, and Laila (18), Eden’s former student and now colleague, both provide unconditional support for Eden. Then there is Mateo (12), whose life of being in an abusive household reminds Eden strongly of her own childhood and who worships both Eden and Brooklyn. For Brooklyn, there is Théo, her brother and coach, and their bond is stronger than sibling, stronger than close friends.
There is so much love radiating off the pages even before Eden and Brooklyn admit so to themselves. We never really know what Brooklyn is thinking, but she is a very relatable character and their love is embodied in everything that Eden would do for Brooklyn, their sparring a dance.
The Clinch is a tension-filled romance with heavy themes, and I definitely shed a tear or two while reading. This is undoubtedly a story I would revisit, for both the fierce love between Eden and Brooklyn and the beautiful relationships surrounding them.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
January 14, 2021
Eden Bauer is a New Yorker who struggled as a teenager with a terrible home life. As she ran away from trouble one day, she was pulled into the neighborhood Taekwondo dojang. She never imagined that move would not only save her life, but put her on the path to be the undefeated UFC featherweight champion of the world and simply the greatest of all time. Bring in Brooklyn Shaw, a young and hungry for recognition Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert that immediately garners attention and an opportunity to fight for the belt. As the story develops, so does the relationship between the fighters and their unknowingly place blocking each other’s dreams.
Uff, that was a tough blurb as I do not want to spoil things!! This was a page turner for me. Started a bit slow, and I mean the first chapter, but nowadays that’s enough to derail my reading. In any case, it picks up quickly and amazingly. This story is narrated in first person from Eden’s POV. I have to say, this is my favorite type of narration. The intimacy of the storytelling suits me like no other. I was in awe at the description of the one particular event as it unfolded and Eden became aware of it. The descriptions were fabulous and had me wondering what was happening in that prodigal body of hers. It just pulled me into her body and the sensations in that moment in time. You will have to read it to understand!
The characters are fantastic in this one. Eden is a gem, honorable inside and outside the octagon. Brooklyn is unlikable at first, but the author effortlessly makes her endearing shortly after. And goodness, these two elite mixed martial artists drive the story with their unique and changing relationship. The secondary characters were also great, from sweet Mateo to grandmaster Jin and his relationship with Eden, to Théo on the Shaw family clan.
This was simply a great read. I will definitely look for it in audiobook as well. Thanks J for the recommendation! It was adrenaline pumping, yet very sweet when needed to be, because come on, we read romance. This novel covered a couple of tropes seamlessly, but it is mainly an enemies to lovers in a sports setting. Very well done. Non fans of the sport will appreciate and enjoy (for the record, I do not watch MMA). This was an easy 5 stars for me and no doubt will be reading more from this author in the near future.
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Uff, that was a tough blurb as I do not want to spoil things!! This was a page turner for me. Started a bit slow, and I mean the first chapter, but nowadays that’s enough to derail my reading. In any case, it picks up quickly and amazingly. This story is narrated in first person from Eden’s POV. I have to say, this is my favorite type of narration. The intimacy of the storytelling suits me like no other. I was in awe at the description of the one particular event as it unfolded and Eden became aware of it. The descriptions were fabulous and had me wondering what was happening in that prodigal body of hers. It just pulled me into her body and the sensations in that moment in time. You will have to read it to understand!
The characters are fantastic in this one. Eden is a gem, honorable inside and outside the octagon. Brooklyn is unlikable at first, but the author effortlessly makes her endearing shortly after. And goodness, these two elite mixed martial artists drive the story with their unique and changing relationship. The secondary characters were also great, from sweet Mateo to grandmaster Jin and his relationship with Eden, to Théo on the Shaw family clan.
This was simply a great read. I will definitely look for it in audiobook as well. Thanks J for the recommendation! It was adrenaline pumping, yet very sweet when needed to be, because come on, we read romance. This novel covered a couple of tropes seamlessly, but it is mainly an enemies to lovers in a sports setting. Very well done. Non fans of the sport will appreciate and enjoy (for the record, I do not watch MMA). This was an easy 5 stars for me and no doubt will be reading more from this author in the near future.
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2021
I’m not an MMA fan, but I loved this book. It’s the perfect mix of action and romance with some family drama thrown in for good measure.
Eden is the undefeated MMA champion in her weight class. She runs a Taekwondo dojang in a difficult neighbourhood and is dedicated to her training and the local kids.
Brooklyn is an up and coming fighter from a long line of jiu-jitsu specialists. As the only woman and the youngest one in her family she’s under a lot of pressure to take Eden’s belt and be the first Shaw to claim a world title.
I love so many things about both characters. The inclusion of Taekwondo and Jin as her Eden’s martial arts master allows us to see a different side to MMA than you might presume, with honour and discipline shown through Eden and her approach to life.
Brooklyn is passionate and out to achieve everything she can as quickly as possible, but underneath the bravado and brashness she’s soft, loving and conflicted. Her family are extremely homophobic and her love for Eden is something she struggles to reconcile with her desire to fight and make her family happy.
The chemistry between the two of them is really steamy and I loved how there is balance between tension, desire and love throughout the storyline.
The descriptions of the MMA action really make you feel like you’re in the heat of the moment with them, somehow without feeling too violent, which really impressed me.
Disney has created something special here, and even if you don’t love sport, or martial arts, I highly recommend you try this, it’s a definite re-read for me.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eden is the undefeated MMA champion in her weight class. She runs a Taekwondo dojang in a difficult neighbourhood and is dedicated to her training and the local kids.
Brooklyn is an up and coming fighter from a long line of jiu-jitsu specialists. As the only woman and the youngest one in her family she’s under a lot of pressure to take Eden’s belt and be the first Shaw to claim a world title.
I love so many things about both characters. The inclusion of Taekwondo and Jin as her Eden’s martial arts master allows us to see a different side to MMA than you might presume, with honour and discipline shown through Eden and her approach to life.
Brooklyn is passionate and out to achieve everything she can as quickly as possible, but underneath the bravado and brashness she’s soft, loving and conflicted. Her family are extremely homophobic and her love for Eden is something she struggles to reconcile with her desire to fight and make her family happy.
The chemistry between the two of them is really steamy and I loved how there is balance between tension, desire and love throughout the storyline.
The descriptions of the MMA action really make you feel like you’re in the heat of the moment with them, somehow without feeling too violent, which really impressed me.
Disney has created something special here, and even if you don’t love sport, or martial arts, I highly recommend you try this, it’s a definite re-read for me.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
This is a really great read. It's exciting and riveting. Eden Bauer is the reigning UFC champ, running her own dojang, minding her own business when an upstart newcomer challenges her to a title fight.
The training scenes are intense, the fight scenes phenomenal and there's nothing sexier that two incredibly fit women. Must be read.
The training scenes are intense, the fight scenes phenomenal and there's nothing sexier that two incredibly fit women. Must be read.
August 25, 2024
**update! Re-read August 2024. Still good. Still total agreement with the below review**
I love sports books, but MMA fighting? That definitely isn’t my thing, but after reading this book I might have to change my mind. The author does such a wonderful job describing the fights, the punches, the tactics behind it all, it’s almost poetic.
Eden Bauer is the undefeated UFC featherweight champion, she is calculated and super zen, and extremely fit. Eden grew up in a rough part of the Bronx, New York, as a kid she was saved by a taekwondo gym owner, Jin. Now she works in his dojang, tries to help the neighbourhood kids and trains and fights her MMA fights. When a new and talented fighter hits the MMA scene, Eden and her friend/ co-worker go and check her out. Brooklyn Shaw is 22, being coached by her famous family, at least in the fighting scene. When she spots Eden at her fight she challenges her to a title fight. Eden thinks it’s ridiculous as she has only 3 official fights under her belt, but it’s the fight everyone wants so Eden accepts.
At first glance Brooklyn and Eden are extremely different; Brooklyn is loud, aggressive and has a happy family life and as mentioned Eden is just zen and had to be rescued from the streets. When Eden gets to know the the person behind the fighting persona of Brooklyn she discovers they aren’t exactly the same. Eden finds out that they have a lot in common and Brooklyn might just be more than the rowdy brawler she seems. As a reader I was surprised to discover this as well, it’s a good surprise. Brooklyn turns out the be rather sweet and insecure about some things, which actually is the case for Eden as well. It’s such a lovely journey you are on with Eden and Brooklyn, it’s great to see them go from rivals, to friends, to lovers. But romance fans beware, you have to wait for the romance, not like a slowburn where there are hints and things. The first part of the book really is all fight prep, and Nicole Disney preps the reader for fights as well, explaining certain terms and tactics, but in a masterful way. It never seems like a lecture or a “teaching moment”. It’s done so well it almost makes me want to pick up MMA fighting as a sport, Disney makes it sound like a fun sport, great exercise for body and mind, maybe if it weren’t for the broken bones and cuts I would find a gym ;)
The second part of the book is more of an emotional journey where the romance starts as well. This book is written from Eden’s POV and it’s rather good, but sometimes I did wonder what Brooklyn was thinking and how that might add even more to the story. In my opinion a lot of the angst stems from how Brooklyn acts, so to me it seems like a logical choice to have her POV as well... At some point I actually expected the POV to switch from Eden to Brooklyn, but it didn’t happen. But this really is the only thing that “bothered” me and it was nothing major, the story still delivers and I never thought it would hold my attention because of all the fighting, but it easily does. And it turns out reading about fighting, at least how it’s written in this book, is amazing and thrilling.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
I love sports books, but MMA fighting? That definitely isn’t my thing, but after reading this book I might have to change my mind. The author does such a wonderful job describing the fights, the punches, the tactics behind it all, it’s almost poetic.
Eden Bauer is the undefeated UFC featherweight champion, she is calculated and super zen, and extremely fit. Eden grew up in a rough part of the Bronx, New York, as a kid she was saved by a taekwondo gym owner, Jin. Now she works in his dojang, tries to help the neighbourhood kids and trains and fights her MMA fights. When a new and talented fighter hits the MMA scene, Eden and her friend/ co-worker go and check her out. Brooklyn Shaw is 22, being coached by her famous family, at least in the fighting scene. When she spots Eden at her fight she challenges her to a title fight. Eden thinks it’s ridiculous as she has only 3 official fights under her belt, but it’s the fight everyone wants so Eden accepts.
At first glance Brooklyn and Eden are extremely different; Brooklyn is loud, aggressive and has a happy family life and as mentioned Eden is just zen and had to be rescued from the streets. When Eden gets to know the the person behind the fighting persona of Brooklyn she discovers they aren’t exactly the same. Eden finds out that they have a lot in common and Brooklyn might just be more than the rowdy brawler she seems. As a reader I was surprised to discover this as well, it’s a good surprise. Brooklyn turns out the be rather sweet and insecure about some things, which actually is the case for Eden as well. It’s such a lovely journey you are on with Eden and Brooklyn, it’s great to see them go from rivals, to friends, to lovers. But romance fans beware, you have to wait for the romance, not like a slowburn where there are hints and things. The first part of the book really is all fight prep, and Nicole Disney preps the reader for fights as well, explaining certain terms and tactics, but in a masterful way. It never seems like a lecture or a “teaching moment”. It’s done so well it almost makes me want to pick up MMA fighting as a sport, Disney makes it sound like a fun sport, great exercise for body and mind, maybe if it weren’t for the broken bones and cuts I would find a gym ;)
The second part of the book is more of an emotional journey where the romance starts as well. This book is written from Eden’s POV and it’s rather good, but sometimes I did wonder what Brooklyn was thinking and how that might add even more to the story. In my opinion a lot of the angst stems from how Brooklyn acts, so to me it seems like a logical choice to have her POV as well... At some point I actually expected the POV to switch from Eden to Brooklyn, but it didn’t happen. But this really is the only thing that “bothered” me and it was nothing major, the story still delivers and I never thought it would hold my attention because of all the fighting, but it easily does. And it turns out reading about fighting, at least how it’s written in this book, is amazing and thrilling.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
August 19, 2024
"All of our closeness is right there showing in her raw eyes, and at the same time, she’s across the ocean and drifting farther away every day."
Wow! I had high expectations from reading other reviews, but it truly exceeded them—I absolutely loved it.
The story strikes the perfect balance between technical fighting descriptions, angst, steam, and romance. Brooklyn and Eden were wonderful together, both in and out of the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship evolved slowly, transitioning from enemies to colleagues, then to friends, and finally to lovers.
The supporting characters were also beautifully crafted, with Jin being a standout— what a precious man he is!
Wow! I had high expectations from reading other reviews, but it truly exceeded them—I absolutely loved it.
The story strikes the perfect balance between technical fighting descriptions, angst, steam, and romance. Brooklyn and Eden were wonderful together, both in and out of the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship evolved slowly, transitioning from enemies to colleagues, then to friends, and finally to lovers.
The supporting characters were also beautifully crafted, with Jin being a standout— what a precious man he is!
April 26, 2022
5 Stars - WOW. Hands down best book of the year ...so far :)
Trust me this one is worth your cold hard cash. It's very exciting. Like, don't start reading this one without enough runway to finish it especially when you start the second half of the book - you will not be able to put it down. The sex scenes were hot and I mean, come on... two MMA fighters with perfectly sculpted physiques? *fan's self*
Go read Lex's review - she says everything I would want to say about it, better then I can. :)
Trust me this one is worth your cold hard cash. It's very exciting. Like, don't start reading this one without enough runway to finish it especially when you start the second half of the book - you will not be able to put it down. The sex scenes were hot and I mean, come on... two MMA fighters with perfectly sculpted physiques? *fan's self*
Go read Lex's review - she says everything I would want to say about it, better then I can. :)
January 14, 2021
I have been rereading books since this year started because I wanted the first boo I read to be a five star and I am so happy to say that it definitely was.
I loved absolutely everything about this book. The sport, the characters and the love. I couldn't wait to finish this book but at the same time didn't want it to end.
5 Golden stars
I loved absolutely everything about this book. The sport, the characters and the love. I couldn't wait to finish this book but at the same time didn't want it to end.
5 Golden stars
August 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. I was on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes!! Love how well written they are and how easy it is to imagine what’s going on. The author did an excellent job with that! Kudos 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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