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Slam: A Bad Boy Romance

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She was mine, and I was going to fight to keep it that wayI used to fight hard and f**k harder.The only woman in my life was named whiskey.Until I met Cadence.She had a sweet mouth that begged me to claim it, curves that I could stroke for days.Every inch of her was worth tasting, worth drowning in.I knew I had to have her. She was going to scream my name. I'd make sure of it.The one problem? Her father controls her...And now that bastard wants to drag me back into the fighting pits.But I can't, not anymore. I won't break the promise I made years ago.The only thing I ever planned to fight for again was what belonged to I don't play his games, he'll sell her to pay off his debts.But I won't let that happen.Because she's already mine.Even if she doesn't know it yet.

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

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167 people want to read

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Leah Holt

42 books405 followers

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5 stars
43 (22%)
4 stars
55 (29%)
3 stars
53 (28%)
2 stars
27 (14%)
1 star
9 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
743 reviews8 followers
December 21, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review

WOW! Quinn is one dirty talking alpha male...melts your panties right off
Cadence wants to be independent but she also wants to be there for her father even though he is abusive and manipulative. she feels she owes him for raising her. her mother died giving birth to her and in a way she feels she needs to atone for that. she is her father's puppet; he pulls her strings ~ he tells her what she can and cannot do and when...
Quinn is a sexy alpha male. he walks into the bar where Cadence works and the minute he sees her he knows he wants her. he makes her see that she is more than her dad's puppet. I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on him.
I also would have loved for Nico and her dad to get theirs!
highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,200 reviews22 followers
October 9, 2016
Quinn and Cadence's story was fast paced, interesting and a sexy read. Quinn was definitely "swoon-worthy" and a compelling character. Cadence was raised by a dispicable man, but survived and broke away. Reading the story to their HEA was enjoyable. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and would recommend this good book by Leah Holt.
Profile Image for Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews).
1,207 reviews98 followers
October 9, 2016
3.5 stars! Two shitty lives collide and make one beautiful life.

Cadence works at a bar ran by her sleazy hustler father. She has been made to feel unwanted since she can remember but yet he will not let her stray. Life is mundane but she is not going anywhere. That is until Quinn walks in the bar with his naughty mouth and he decides she is worth it all. He took out one of her dads goons in a fight and now her father wants Quinn to replace him. Can Candence convince him and now that he has piqued her interest will she get to keep him?!?!

Quinn will not get back in the ring. He will not fight. Only problem is he will do anything for this beautiful girl he met at the bar. He scared of nobody. Problem is Marco (Candace's father) has his hooks in and somebody is going to pay. Will they ever be free of Marco or will this debt always be over their heads?!?!

This was a cute story. I liked the concept a lot and I love Leah's work. This book just felt very rushed and missing pieces. I just felt the ending and the meeting with Nico to be unrealistic. I don't think he would have gave up. But on to more positive notes...the characters are well developed and I could see the bar and the underground ring. I loved the way the story was going. Quinn is no joke he is a bad ass hottie. I'm so glad these two who were broken found each other and the ending is just beautiful.

**I recieved this book as an ARC from the author and in return I gave my honest review**
Profile Image for Katherine.
183 reviews
October 17, 2016
So I quite liked this. It had a great premise, and I'm a sucker for a tenderhearted MMA fighter.
Quinn and Cadence were quite cute together, fairly mature. I loved that Quinn had issues that he was able to talk about and work through, and his special place where he works is a great touch to his character. However, he became very paranoid toward the climax of the novel, I don't know why that irritated me, but it was a bit too much. Cadence was a pretty good female lead, so many daddy issues though. I can't explain it well, but it's almost as if her guilt over her mothers death (not her fault) creates an unhealthy relationship relationship with her father, where he hates her for it, but she doesn't want to leave him because of it. It's weird. Otherwise, a strong heroine.

The plot was pretty damn good, I do love an oops baby. BUT, and here's the kicker, it was so incredibly fast paced at the end of the story, after dragging on for so damn long... Honestly, it was incredibly disjointed. I really struggled to get into the story because of this, it felt like the story wasn't going anywhere, and then all systems go, which isn't a nice way to read.

Overall, I liked this book, but the writing pace had so many issues, it ruined it a bit.

Would I recommend this book? Maybe, depends on the person, but this is not for everyone.
Would I reread it? Nope.


I received a free review copy of this book.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
April 25, 2016
Awesome MMA storyline that has the MC hero Quinn who is trying to fight his way out of a bad life involved with the heroine, whose father is one bad, scary dude. Candace is a lovely young woman who has been made to feel like she is worth nothing until Quin aka Slam enters her life at a moment where she is needing a hero.
Quinn knows who her father is and knows this is quite possibly the wrong thing that could go wrong, just did. There is a backstory as to why Canadace has so much dislike of her father and where they end use in the end. a Quinn comes to see that he has deeper feelings for Canadce than what he orginally thought. Due to the actions of others, their time is together is short but the MC realize the love is there.
I enjoyed the twists and turns built into the story which allowed them the time to figure out what is going on an whrere they stand with one other. The ending is fantastic. Would have like more interaction between the other members in the story but overall is a good book.

My rating: 4.3 stars ****

**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
November 30, 2015
*I received this book in exchange of an honest review*

Why did it have to end??? Why???
Calling on to all lovers of MMA romances, "Slam" is a book for you!!! Well written with an interesting story, thrilling with a nice plot and sizzling hot thanks to its super sexy characters, "Slam" will melt a little bit more than your heart! Quinn and Cadence's chemistry will be a major focus, yes, but emotional and deep at times, this book brushes also certain subjects in the likes of the loss of someone dear, the importance of unconditional love, the self destruction caused by the hate of a parent... I would have loved to have a longer, more detailed version of this book, because i honestly didn't want it to end! I really felt there was room for more, so much more!!! I also wanted to have a peek in their future, i was expecting a comeback from Louis... Leah Holt can i ask for a sequel? If no, then I still have to say that this book is amazing! I loved every second of it and really couldn't put it down!!! Quinn and Cadence welcome to my favorite couple's list!!!!!
Profile Image for Bella.
1,103 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2015
Slam is a short bad boy romance. This book was off the hook. Great writing. The story had me sucked and I couldn’t wait until the end. I loved how unpredictable it was. And it ends with HE.
We have Quinn which is hot and sexy and I wouldn’t mind visit from him in my shower anytime. But he is not so develop we don’t see so much of his past just few glances and a lot of his thinking in the present. But on the other hand Candace is very develop and very likable. Although strong she feels she has debt to her father and leaves him treating her like a piece of trash. And that is until in her life comes Quinn and shoves her true value.
Their attraction and everything else between them is panty melting hot.
I was so grateful for ARC copy from author.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,654 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2016
3.5 out of 5 stars

Body Lock by Leah Holt was a steady story involving Quinn and Cadence. He wanted her once he saw her and would have her at any cost. This story included a colorful mix of characters along with the plot of the book. Leah Holt did a good job of drawing you into the story and adding dynamic to each of the characters.

Cadence's father just seemed flat through parts of the book and I would have liked to have seen more interaction/back story with him and his dynamic with Cadence... or even more of a history to build onto Quinn's character. It doesn't necessarily take away from the story, but it would have given it more "umph".

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
December 5, 2015
It’s a very good, well-written story. The plot progression and pacing was great. The character development, the plot structure, the way in which the story develops had me intrigued, enthralled and captivated the whole entire time. The passion and sizzling chemistry Quinn and Cadence shared is so tangible and beyond scorching!

There are twists and turns, betrayal, deceit and a story line that makes of this book a page turner. My only complaint, is that the story was to short for my liking.

Slam is a fabulous standalone read, with an HEA which I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,519 reviews53 followers
October 9, 2016
This is a very good MMA romance plot line. There's heat, suspense and humour all packaged into an intriguing page-turner.

Quinn is the dirty-talking hero you love to love, and Cadence is the girl you want to be saved despite her reluctance to leave her hard life. The villains are easy to dislike and bring their own flavour to the book.

I only had a little problem with the time jumps in the later half of the book, but I heartily recommend this novel.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, and look forward to reading more of Ms. Holt's work.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,889 reviews213 followers
August 28, 2018
Quinn and Cadence meet at her bar and you just know they're destined to end up together, regardless of other peoples' wishes. Their chemistry is electric and both are well rounded, likable characters. He's a former fighter and she's a daughter who has always lived under her sleazy father's thumb. But, when she meets Quinn, she finally meets someone who will be there for her, who will protect her from anything and everything.

I like the plot and both Quinn and Cadence and the progression of their relationship. It's well written and well paced.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Raylene Green.
441 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2016
I enjoyed the plot and I understand where the book was supposed to go; unfortunately, it fell short for me. The ending was rushed and it left me wanting more. You can't help but like Quinn; especially when you find out what a dick Cadence's dad is and when you read close to the end why Quinn chooses to fight, you fall in love with him more. This book had potential, but for some reason, it just fell short for me. Not sure why.
Profile Image for Rebecca M Aho.
11 reviews
December 26, 2015
Short story lengthened by testosterone fueled smut

It had great potential, but it really fell short. Former fighter meets abused "mob" (Fight boss Marco) princess and falls in lust. Breaks Macros best fighter and has to take his place or the daughter will have to pay off the debt. Could've been way better. But it is what it is...Smut.
Profile Image for Tammy.
524 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2016
Nope

You know that show "The Soup"? Their tag line was "We watch it do you don't have to." That's how I feel sometimes. I read this so you don't have to. Unless you like extreme insta-love with no plot. The bones were there. They just needed a lot of meat on them. Don't let the pretty cover drag you in, either.
Profile Image for Maria.
892 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2016
A great book. Quinn I a hot alpha guy and when he sees Cadence he is blown away he needs to have her. But Cadence farther is a psycho and they have a long fight ahead of them if they are going to be together. A steamy hot book with a lot of action. So much was happening. I will highly recommend this book
3,248 reviews27 followers
October 7, 2016
I loved this story about Quinn a sexy MMA fighter that can take care of himself and knows exactly what he wants and needs and takes it.Cadence is a woman ruled by her father that treats her like garbage her whole life until she meets Quinn who will show her the way.This is one sexy story with twists and turns,betrayal and deceit you cant put it down.
Profile Image for Kimkbries.
1,730 reviews
October 15, 2016
When Quinn saw Cadence he knew he wanted her. Cadence felt the same but knew it could not happen. Not with her life the way it was. Can Quinn convince her to try or will everything that says it cannot happen win? I enjoyed this story of a bad boy looking to save the girl and finding happiness and life as well. I am a huge fan of Quinn!
1,024 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2015
You have two strong independent people like Quinn and Cadence. What do you get? One hot steaming book. I loved the story line and plot. I really enjoyed reading this. Quinn is all alpha male. Cadence is a strong willed woman. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz.
280 reviews11 followers
December 5, 2015
Great Love/MMA/Bad Boy Love Story!! Both characters have their own battles that they have to go through to find their happily ever after!! Cadence and Quinn have their work cut out for themselves!!

** Received ARC for review. **
Profile Image for Ashton.
48 reviews
January 10, 2016
Amazing

I really liked this book. One of my favorite things was how the author was able to write the store from both of the main characters' point of view. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for AWB.
843 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2016
The h's reluctance to leave her shitty life and the shitty people ruling her were so frustrating. Her reasoning wasn't worthy of the shit she put up with. It kinda put her into the 'poor pitiful me' whining category.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 288 books623 followers
October 8, 2016
I didn't want this book to end! Poor Cadence and her douchebag dad! Quinn is a bad boy MMA fighter and sets his sights on Cadence. Cadence is stuck in a world she doesn't want to be in. Safe. HEA. Steamy. Must Read!
Profile Image for Linda.
901 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2016
An bad boy fighter romance with an interesting plot line it just felt a bit rushed at the end.
Profile Image for rebecca.
996 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2016
Good book

Loved the book. Great story good sex. Never read this author before but would recommend this book to anyone. Loved
Profile Image for Catherine Marie Meyer.
790 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2016
excellent!

the bad boy in this story wasn't really that bad. he was aware when he met his woman and knew he wanted her, he just didn't realize he wanted her forever.
Profile Image for Jodie Fisher-Batz.
20 reviews
February 24, 2019
❤❤❤❤❤

This was incredible. It touched my heart. Science's dad was an evil bastard but Quinn finally made her see just how amazing she was. Two people searching, then go sing what they need. I loved how strong she was with Nico, she drove her point home! I thought I picked my favorite Leah Holt book, but now I realized I could never have just one.❤
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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