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Mockingbird Place #5
The Fighter in Unit J
Will it take a miracle for this Episcopal priest and MMA fighter to fall in love? Stephen I call him Anthony, though everyone else calls him Tony. Why? Because I know there’s more to this rude, obnoxious, sullen, sexy man. Anthony totally mesmerizes me. He’s like a drug habit I can’t quit. I’m a priest. I should know better. We are friends. Or were. I guess he felt safe with me since I’m a priest. But when he learned that my church is welcoming to gays and that it even has gay priests, he backed off. I haven’t been totally honest with him about my feelings, but I’m sure he senses them. He’s incredible in the fighting cage and wins all his fights. Before Anthony, I never cared for boxing, let alone mixed-martial arts fights. But now? I’m enthralled every time I see him battle it out with an opponent. What does he whisper to them before he pummels them to the mat? I wonder. Why does he keep his guard up with everyone, especially me? He’s pushed me away at every turn. He’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t believe in anything. Not God. Not anyone. Not even me. I should just walk away. But I just can’t. Every time I look into his eyes something overwhelming and undeniable pushes me to keep holding on to hope. Is there a chance for us or is it just a fool’s fantasy? —— Anthony I like sex, but making love? That’s not in the cards for me. If a guy wants more from me than wild, sweaty sex… I move on. There’s plenty of others to choose from. I don’t let people in. It never works out. Never. I made a mistake opening up to Stephen when he moved into Mockingbird Place. Why do I like him so much? He’s a priest. Father Stephen. And he believes in things I see as fairy tales. I have my reasons. I’ve seen the darkest parts of humanity, and I didn’t see any divine light breaking through. I’ve iced him out. I know what he wants, and I can’t give it to him. I’m not white-picket anything. Never will be. But I can’t get him out of my mind. It’s driving me crazy. The only thing I know to do is to shut out everything and jump back into the cage. That’s the only place it gets really quiet for me and I can forget for a few precious moments.
190 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2016
17 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Kris Cook
28 books348 followersThough starting in straight erotic romance, Kris's total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was "My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn't it about time? I've been out since I was twenty-five."
A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black.
Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.
For news, info and upcoming releases, be sure to stop by www.KrisCook.net
A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black.
Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.
For news, info and upcoming releases, be sure to stop by www.KrisCook.net
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 6, 2016
2.75 stars
I was very excited to read Tony's story ...
but I wasn't feeling this one.
I was very excited to read Tony's story ...
but I wasn't feeling this one.
November 22, 2019
Delightful
This is the book that I was most unsure of, when reading the blurbs to this series. But I found that I actually liked Tony and Stephen as one of my favorite couples in this series. I liked that Stephen was portrayed as a man of faith and compassion in a way that both were positive qualities. I liked that Tony showed some concern that they might clash due to their differing value systems. These two were optimistic and their love helped them endure the hardships that they faced.
This is the book that I was most unsure of, when reading the blurbs to this series. But I found that I actually liked Tony and Stephen as one of my favorite couples in this series. I liked that Stephen was portrayed as a man of faith and compassion in a way that both were positive qualities. I liked that Tony showed some concern that they might clash due to their differing value systems. These two were optimistic and their love helped them endure the hardships that they faced.
August 13, 2020
Just wow. There is so much emotional baggage to work through for both men. They have each suffered from childhood trauma that led them to the path they are following. Tony feels he needs to be closed of. Stephen wants to reach out to the world. These two prospectives really make starting a relationship difficult. There is misunderstanding and hurt to work through. The crisis point breaks the stalemate.
October 11, 2017
Wow!
So good! So thrilling and angst and bam! Wow! So much love and belief to hold on to, so much goodness
So good! So thrilling and angst and bam! Wow! So much love and belief to hold on to, so much goodness
September 23, 2018
I love this series and all the characters. While I thought this story was good, I don’t think it flowed as well as the others.
August 15, 2018
Another great Mockingbird Place story. These stories always intertwine with other characters from Mockingbird. They are stories of a small apartment complex and the people who live there they are like a tiny village and take care of each other in many ways. Charming, full of real people with real problems and real friends who help them through. Hot and steamy while being complex and full of rich texture.
October 20, 2016
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The first book in the series to have only a single model. Stormy background seems to be reflective of "the fighter" in this series. I've been looking forward to Tony's story from the beginning and look forward to reading this one.
> > Looking Deeper < <
First person POV and despite the title, the majority is told from Father Stephen's perspective!
Tony's been the sullen, moody, and brooding resident usually lurking in the background since the start of the series. A resident of Mockingbird Place since he was a minor, he looked to Malcom, Sarah and Martha as parental figures. He's a MMA fighter with unique style that is really telling about the demons he fights on a daily basis.
Stephen, while being a man of the cloth, had a dark past as well. Yet he still insists on being seen as a flesh-and-blood man with needs, wants, feelings and desires. Things that scare the ever-loving hell out of Tony. Having read this series from the beginning, I'd been drawn to the tortured soul that was/is Tony all along. He had been a quiet, yet compelling, background character and I was so very glad to see it was finally his turn to have his story told.
Tony and Stephen have a very rocky relationship, sometimes not even sure if they are friends, this rockiness goes from hot to cold, one step forward swiftly followed by two steps back. Their chemistry was difficult to buy into. Stephen backed his words with actions often, showing support and love to Tony from almost the start. Tony, however fought any feelings he had and continued to push Stephen and many others away when he felt they were getting too close. They really were polar opposites and it made me wonder a lot throughout the story how they were going to get to their HEA which seemed nearly impossible. It was only in response to a serious event that things suddenly perform a complete 180. Again, I had a little trouble accepting that as it happened.
Regardless... the plot was full of activity and the cast was filled with the rest of the Mockingbird characters and residence as well as other new characters. The flow was steady. This installment of the series was one huge conflict which, thankfully and finally, was able to find a resolution. The conclusion is solid and satisfying. There were a few very minor points of predictability, but the timing of them was not foreseen, making it much more acceptable.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderful addition to the series. I think I'd personally built Tony up so much in my mind, though, that I'd expected "more" out of his story... "more" what? I'm not sure. More relationship, a stronger connection sooner? I do not know. The story was not lacking any of the elements that I normally look for, it just did not match the expectations I'd had built up for it in my mind.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
The first book in the series to have only a single model. Stormy background seems to be reflective of "the fighter" in this series. I've been looking forward to Tony's story from the beginning and look forward to reading this one.
> > Looking Deeper < <
First person POV and despite the title, the majority is told from Father Stephen's perspective!
Tony's been the sullen, moody, and brooding resident usually lurking in the background since the start of the series. A resident of Mockingbird Place since he was a minor, he looked to Malcom, Sarah and Martha as parental figures. He's a MMA fighter with unique style that is really telling about the demons he fights on a daily basis.
Stephen, while being a man of the cloth, had a dark past as well. Yet he still insists on being seen as a flesh-and-blood man with needs, wants, feelings and desires. Things that scare the ever-loving hell out of Tony. Having read this series from the beginning, I'd been drawn to the tortured soul that was/is Tony all along. He had been a quiet, yet compelling, background character and I was so very glad to see it was finally his turn to have his story told.
Tony and Stephen have a very rocky relationship, sometimes not even sure if they are friends, this rockiness goes from hot to cold, one step forward swiftly followed by two steps back. Their chemistry was difficult to buy into. Stephen backed his words with actions often, showing support and love to Tony from almost the start. Tony, however fought any feelings he had and continued to push Stephen and many others away when he felt they were getting too close. They really were polar opposites and it made me wonder a lot throughout the story how they were going to get to their HEA which seemed nearly impossible. It was only in response to a serious event that things suddenly perform a complete 180. Again, I had a little trouble accepting that as it happened.
Regardless... the plot was full of activity and the cast was filled with the rest of the Mockingbird characters and residence as well as other new characters. The flow was steady. This installment of the series was one huge conflict which, thankfully and finally, was able to find a resolution. The conclusion is solid and satisfying. There were a few very minor points of predictability, but the timing of them was not foreseen, making it much more acceptable.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderful addition to the series. I think I'd personally built Tony up so much in my mind, though, that I'd expected "more" out of his story... "more" what? I'm not sure. More relationship, a stronger connection sooner? I do not know. The story was not lacking any of the elements that I normally look for, it just did not match the expectations I'd had built up for it in my mind.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
October 19, 2016
I have really enjoyed the Mockingbird Place series and I think this might be my favorite book of the series. Stephen and Anthony really touched my heart with their relationship, their struggles and ultimately their love.
Stephen is an Episcopal priest with a deep faith and love for God and his church, he also has a deep love for fighter Anthony, but Anthony gives him mixed messages on how he actually feels. Stephen knows they are meant to be together and will not give up on Anthony. Anthony has lived a hard, hard life and fighting is his way of dealing with it. He likes Stephen sure, but he’s not sure he believes in God or love, so beyond a feel-good hook up he doesn’t a future with Stephen.
Everyone in Mockingbird Place is rooting for these two and so was I! They certainly don’t have it easy, dealing with childhood traumas, doubts and major internal walls, this relationship isn’t anywhere near perfect. I loved that Stephen never gave up on Anthony though, walking away was not an option. He was so strong in his love for Anthony that even in the rough moments, it doesn’t waver. I felt like I understood both men in this story and even when it hurt I could see the reasons behind their actions. Even though it takes a tragedy to make Anthony realize what’s important, it was so touching to finally see him make that breakthrough and admit how he really felt.
Again, I have loved this series and Stephen and Anthony were a fantastic addition! This book really brings all of the characters together in a beautiful, touching way. I laughed and cried in this book and once again felt like these people are my friends. Kris Cook has created a great little community in Mockingbird Place with fantastic friends and wonderful relationships. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to see what comes next from Mr. Cook!
October 20, 2016
This is book 5 in the series and I really hope to see more on the Mockingbird Place family cause there is so much more we could see with this close knit friends who became a family. We knew that Tony (Anthony) was a fighter and had a past that only S & M knew about and we knew that Stephen was a priest, but in this story we get to see that the looks they shared with each other really did mean so much more than friends.
Stephen did not have the perfect childhood people led to believe and although he gave his faith to God, he still felt lonely and just wanted a family to call his own. Tony had a tragic childhood and continues to haunt him even while fighting. We learn the secret of what he whispers to fighters, before he takes the win each fight. Oh my, I am shocked that no one prior to this has leaked that.
Stephen has deep feelings for Tony, but with Tony's past and knowing that he is not ready, Stephen accepts just a friendship at this time until Tony is ready. The question is are you ever really ready for a relationship? No, not always. Just ask Tony, he may not have been ready (he was, but fought it for his own reason), but a turn of event has him changing his mind with Stephen.
These two stubborn males were made for each other and for someone who wasn't ready for a relationship sure surprises, Stephen with some much unexpected news at the end. Oh my, that is the perfect ending for Stephen. I love this series and you always felt as you were apart of the Mockingbird Place. I hope to hear more on not only the characters that we grew to love, but the others that have recently come to Mockingbird Place. Would love to read about Ava and Harrison cause that's a story to have a man accept in her situation. All I am saying on this. A must read series you don't want to miss.
Stephen did not have the perfect childhood people led to believe and although he gave his faith to God, he still felt lonely and just wanted a family to call his own. Tony had a tragic childhood and continues to haunt him even while fighting. We learn the secret of what he whispers to fighters, before he takes the win each fight. Oh my, I am shocked that no one prior to this has leaked that.
Stephen has deep feelings for Tony, but with Tony's past and knowing that he is not ready, Stephen accepts just a friendship at this time until Tony is ready. The question is are you ever really ready for a relationship? No, not always. Just ask Tony, he may not have been ready (he was, but fought it for his own reason), but a turn of event has him changing his mind with Stephen.
These two stubborn males were made for each other and for someone who wasn't ready for a relationship sure surprises, Stephen with some much unexpected news at the end. Oh my, that is the perfect ending for Stephen. I love this series and you always felt as you were apart of the Mockingbird Place. I hope to hear more on not only the characters that we grew to love, but the others that have recently come to Mockingbird Place. Would love to read about Ava and Harrison cause that's a story to have a man accept in her situation. All I am saying on this. A must read series you don't want to miss.
October 20, 2016
This story had the perfect set up to be so much more than it became. This is my favorite couple, and I'm sad to say that the story let me down. Not only was it rushed to the point of frenzied, but it jumped and skipped with a lot of back and forth. Holes were left and I was left wanting more because the story feels somewhat lacking and incomplete.
Stephen is a priest at one of the local Episcopal parishes and is gay. Tony is a MMA fighter who is haunted by his past, and he is also Maddox's little brother. Stephen wants more from Tony than he is willing to give, and Tony doesn't believe he can be in a real relationship. Will they find a way to overcome? Why is Tony fighting so hard?
I am not one to say that people can't change when something major happens, but it is a 180 degree turnaround in a split second. No arguments, no fighting it. Everything is just BAM, and I think it needs more development. I do love this couple and I wished their story was more instead of a wrap-up session. 3 stars.
Stephen is a priest at one of the local Episcopal parishes and is gay. Tony is a MMA fighter who is haunted by his past, and he is also Maddox's little brother. Stephen wants more from Tony than he is willing to give, and Tony doesn't believe he can be in a real relationship. Will they find a way to overcome? Why is Tony fighting so hard?
I am not one to say that people can't change when something major happens, but it is a 180 degree turnaround in a split second. No arguments, no fighting it. Everything is just BAM, and I think it needs more development. I do love this couple and I wished their story was more instead of a wrap-up session. 3 stars.
October 20, 2016
I’m been with this series from the being. I read each book seeing Kris Cook develop as a writer. I love this group of characters that they have formed this great big family where they love unconditionally. Each story was it’s own and different and some good reads.
Tony & Stephen have been a mystery. The loving glances and easy chemistry in previous books led me to believe they had a deeper relationship. I really thought Kris was going to develop on that a little more. These two were hot and cold and their story fell a little flat for me. I loved each of their back stories and the storyline but I felt their love story was a little rushed and dull. That doesn’t mean this wasn’t a good read I just wish their story was developed and smoother I guess you could say.
I wonder if this is truly the last book in the series or if there’s more to come of Mockingbird Place. If we say goodbye they will be missed.
Tony & Stephen have been a mystery. The loving glances and easy chemistry in previous books led me to believe they had a deeper relationship. I really thought Kris was going to develop on that a little more. These two were hot and cold and their story fell a little flat for me. I loved each of their back stories and the storyline but I felt their love story was a little rushed and dull. That doesn’t mean this wasn’t a good read I just wish their story was developed and smoother I guess you could say.
I wonder if this is truly the last book in the series or if there’s more to come of Mockingbird Place. If we say goodbye they will be missed.
October 18, 2016
What's hotter than a bad boy fighter and a priest?
This one could lean on the verge of taboo, but it doesn't. It was tastefully written and showed that even a man of the clothe is human and desires love too.
As with the previous read, there were some discrepancies that I felt like could have been corrected. It's nice to see people being so accepting but I find it hard to believe an entire church would be ok with their leader being gay. Showing the real life struggles and conflict would have made this story more developed and real.
Stephan and Anthony both want each other but Anthony refuses to let him in. He sees Stephan's religion as one of the biggest reasons why they'd never work.
When his past comes to life, can Stephan help him through the tunnel of darkness. Will they both finally give in to their hearts?
One click this 3.5 star conclusion to the Mockingbird Place
This one could lean on the verge of taboo, but it doesn't. It was tastefully written and showed that even a man of the clothe is human and desires love too.
As with the previous read, there were some discrepancies that I felt like could have been corrected. It's nice to see people being so accepting but I find it hard to believe an entire church would be ok with their leader being gay. Showing the real life struggles and conflict would have made this story more developed and real.
Stephan and Anthony both want each other but Anthony refuses to let him in. He sees Stephan's religion as one of the biggest reasons why they'd never work.
When his past comes to life, can Stephan help him through the tunnel of darkness. Will they both finally give in to their hearts?
One click this 3.5 star conclusion to the Mockingbird Place
January 17, 2019
So deserved 5 stars from me
I'am so speechless I loved Stephan and tony I mean wow I could book down
this book was such a emotional intense and beautiful journey I wanted to hug these guys so much.
This story broke my heart in parts and made me cry a few times but there was also a lot of laughter it was perfect.
I loved catching up with the other characters from the previous stories they was amazing as always.
This was the most intense story of the series thank you Kris Cook for another beautiful journey in mockingbird place I can't wait to see whats next
I'am so speechless I loved Stephan and tony I mean wow I could book down
this book was such a emotional intense and beautiful journey I wanted to hug these guys so much.
This story broke my heart in parts and made me cry a few times but there was also a lot of laughter it was perfect.
I loved catching up with the other characters from the previous stories they was amazing as always.
This was the most intense story of the series thank you Kris Cook for another beautiful journey in mockingbird place I can't wait to see whats next
August 23, 2016
This is Anthony and Stephens story.
Sometimes it's very hard to go back into your past to see and understand your demons
Often you need help to do this .
Trusting a person is the key word here once you enable trust especially with the man who loves you, it can work.
Once Anthony decided to " try " their love grew .
A beautiful read .
Written as Pat Jay
Sometimes it's very hard to go back into your past to see and understand your demons
Often you need help to do this .
Trusting a person is the key word here once you enable trust especially with the man who loves you, it can work.
Once Anthony decided to " try " their love grew .
A beautiful read .
Written as Pat Jay
August 22, 2016
Love It!
Mockingbird Place is one of the best series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Tony and Stephen story is the one I been waiting on and I can truly say that I was not disappointed. They both had a difficult childhood, Tony more so than Stephen. With the love and strong mindset of Stephen they both get their HEA.
Mockingbird Place is one of the best series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Tony and Stephen story is the one I been waiting on and I can truly say that I was not disappointed. They both had a difficult childhood, Tony more so than Stephen. With the love and strong mindset of Stephen they both get their HEA.
September 15, 2016
Mockingbird 5
This couple just about broke my heart, they fought with everything to get their happy ending, love tales of breaking down walls and this was amazing, highly recommend this whole series so far
This couple just about broke my heart, they fought with everything to get their happy ending, love tales of breaking down walls and this was amazing, highly recommend this whole series so far
January 22, 2017
All 5 of these books are absolutely my all time favorite. I thought they were written spectacular and kept me right there from page 1 of book 1 to the last page of book 5. I want to read more. The author must write more Please!!!!!!
November 27, 2016
I like this series very much, but Tony put Stephen through so much and there is no indication that if his hand hadn't been forced, he would have stepped up. This particular book left me cold as a result.
August 21, 2016
Great
Loved Tony and Stephen glad they finally got their happy ending for awhile there I wasn't so sure it would a happen now it's Braxtons turn
Loved Tony and Stephen glad they finally got their happy ending for awhile there I wasn't so sure it would a happen now it's Braxtons turn
October 2, 2016
3.5 Stars
Full Review to come
Full Review to come
October 23, 2016
Okay
First book in the series. It was ok. It felt a bit forced and sappy at times. Everything just seems to work out so beautifully everyone so happy it was too much. Cute story!
First book in the series. It was ok. It felt a bit forced and sappy at times. Everything just seems to work out so beautifully everyone so happy it was too much. Cute story!
April 5, 2017
I enjoyed Anthony and Stephen's story, but there were a few big errors that distracted me from the story. I felt like Tony was just being difficult and hiding while Stephen was trying everything to get them together. Mr Cook does a great job of creating couples you can't help but want to get to know more and see happily in the future. I appreciate this series and can't wait to read more of it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews