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Wayward Fighters #1
Knockout
Life doesn’t always give us second chances, but an evening out gives Alyson a front-row seat to a crippling past…and a volatile future.
Alyson Blake grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, relying on no one but herself—until the boy next door stole her heart with one electric first kiss, only to be ripped from her world by handcuffs and prison bars. Now an adult, Alyson has carved out a quiet, simple existence—until she attends an event that changes everything.
Jamison “Judge” Weston rules the boxing ring with fury, swagger, and powerful fists. Leaving behind a troubled past, his career is his salvation. But when Alyson reenters his life, racing to her side means risking everything his brutal childhood deprived him of—the money, fame, and independence boxing brings a man with his savage reputation.
Their attraction burns hotter than ever, but when Alyson’s dedication to her job collides with a dangerous threat, Jamison faces the ultimate test: stand by while Alyson’s life implodes or put everything on the line—again—and fight for the woman he loves, jeopardizing the disciplined existence he’s barely keeping between the ropes. But she’s his last shot at grace—if he can keep her safe so she can teach him the same.
Fans of Sienna Blake’s Fighter’s Kiss and Chelle Bliss’s Hook Me will go wild for Knockout, book one of J.C. Valentine’s Wayward Fighters series.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this electrifyingly sexy fighter romance now!
Alyson Blake grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, relying on no one but herself—until the boy next door stole her heart with one electric first kiss, only to be ripped from her world by handcuffs and prison bars. Now an adult, Alyson has carved out a quiet, simple existence—until she attends an event that changes everything.
Jamison “Judge” Weston rules the boxing ring with fury, swagger, and powerful fists. Leaving behind a troubled past, his career is his salvation. But when Alyson reenters his life, racing to her side means risking everything his brutal childhood deprived him of—the money, fame, and independence boxing brings a man with his savage reputation.
Their attraction burns hotter than ever, but when Alyson’s dedication to her job collides with a dangerous threat, Jamison faces the ultimate test: stand by while Alyson’s life implodes or put everything on the line—again—and fight for the woman he loves, jeopardizing the disciplined existence he’s barely keeping between the ropes. But she’s his last shot at grace—if he can keep her safe so she can teach him the same.
Fans of Sienna Blake’s Fighter’s Kiss and Chelle Bliss’s Hook Me will go wild for Knockout, book one of J.C. Valentine’s Wayward Fighters series.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this electrifyingly sexy fighter romance now!
420 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2014
About the author
J.C. Valentine
56 books2,012 followersUSA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
June 5, 2015
ATTENTION! All individuals loving (the panty wetting) fighters, head this way…
Okay let’s just start by me saying I’m a sucker for fighters, so when I saw J.C. Valentine had written a novel with a fighter…. I was already sucked in!
Their story was sweet to read, them being childhood best friends, each struggling with a shitty family (to say the least). It was fantastic to read the chemistry between them. The struggle they both have to overcome to prepare their way is amazing.
Besides the novel being slow in some areas it maintained its hold on me throughout the entire novel!
Novel kindly provided by author, J.C. Valentine, in exchange for an honest review.
Okay let’s just start by me saying I’m a sucker for fighters, so when I saw J.C. Valentine had written a novel with a fighter…. I was already sucked in!
They were just two people with shitty backgrounds trying to figure it out.The characters of Alyson Blake and Jamison Weston trap you in with their all-around amazingness! Jamison, the sexy tattooed fighter (would not expect nor want anything less) isn’t just a total badass who had me on the edge of my seat the entire novel, he also has a softer side. I fell in love with him when he became Ally’s protector, at night coming through her window to keep her safe. Their attraction for one another is nothing short of sweet and hot mixed together. Daaamn!
Their story was sweet to read, them being childhood best friends, each struggling with a shitty family (to say the least). It was fantastic to read the chemistry between them. The struggle they both have to overcome to prepare their way is amazing.
"When I look at you, I feel like you're looking back at me. You see me, Ally. I'm not just Jamison 'The Judge' Weston, ... I'm a man. I almost forgot what that feels like."This wonderfully amazing story ends on a cliff-hanger, which had left me rushing around like a maniac trying to get my hands on the second book to fulfil my Knockout addiction. (That’s another review to come :))
Besides the novel being slow in some areas it maintained its hold on me throughout the entire novel!
“If you keep looking at me like that, you’re face is going to freeze. All the guys at the gym will laugh at you, and then I’ll be forced to fight for your honor.”Overall, this was a fantastic start to this two-part series and I definitely like what I have come across. I honestly recommend this novel to all individuals in the mood for a sexy and sweet mix of action and laughter!
Novel kindly provided by author, J.C. Valentine, in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
I feel like this story deserves a decent rant. As much as I enjoyed it, as much as it entertained me, there were quite a few things that irked the fck out of me!
Let's start off with what I liked:
✔ Jami. I know this isn't the popular opinion, but I really liked him. I liked his cockiness that was on the right side of confidence. I liked how hot the author made him seem. Shoot, I was convinced that I wanted to lick him from head to toe too! I even liked his wishy-washiness. Yes, he was saying that he wasn't looking for anything serious, but that was his brain talking. His heart was making him do all of the things good men do. His protectiveness, his alphaness was all well warranted.
✔ The MMA backdrop. Guaranteed drooling!
✔ The history between Jami and Alyson. The author handled the domestic abuse with sensitivity.
So what I didn't like:
✖ Alyson. Why was this chick so freaking TSTL??? She was like an assertive imbecile. Disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing no matter how dumb she looked. She never had a valid point!
✖ Alyson. Strange things are happening and not once did she ASSERT herself and share these things with Jami, the man who has taken it upon himself to protect her. Freaking idiot!
✖ Alyson. She constantly complained about Jami's career. WTF?! I was unable to sympathize with her. I get that she was a victim when she was a child. I get it. But c'mon. He was already an MMA fighter when they reunited. Matter of fact, it was at one of his damn events that they did their reuniting!!
✖ Alyson. Through all of the flashbacks, there was no mention of where her parents were in present time. I know that's not her fault, but because I hate her, I'm laying the blame at her doorstep.
✖ Alyson. She was ungrateful, inconsiderate, and unworthy of Jami.
Overall, an interesting story that I will definitely see it's conclusion in Tapout, if only to continue seeing Jami ;)
Release Date: April 6, 2014
Genre: Contemporary MMA Fighter Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Book One of the Wayward Fighters duet
Let's start off with what I liked:
✔ Jami. I know this isn't the popular opinion, but I really liked him. I liked his cockiness that was on the right side of confidence. I liked how hot the author made him seem. Shoot, I was convinced that I wanted to lick him from head to toe too! I even liked his wishy-washiness. Yes, he was saying that he wasn't looking for anything serious, but that was his brain talking. His heart was making him do all of the things good men do. His protectiveness, his alphaness was all well warranted.
✔ The MMA backdrop. Guaranteed drooling!
✔ The history between Jami and Alyson. The author handled the domestic abuse with sensitivity.
So what I didn't like:
✖ Alyson. Why was this chick so freaking TSTL??? She was like an assertive imbecile. Disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing no matter how dumb she looked. She never had a valid point!
✖ Alyson. Strange things are happening and not once did she ASSERT herself and share these things with Jami, the man who has taken it upon himself to protect her. Freaking idiot!
✖ Alyson. She constantly complained about Jami's career. WTF?! I was unable to sympathize with her. I get that she was a victim when she was a child. I get it. But c'mon. He was already an MMA fighter when they reunited. Matter of fact, it was at one of his damn events that they did their reuniting!!
✖ Alyson. Through all of the flashbacks, there was no mention of where her parents were in present time. I know that's not her fault, but because I hate her, I'm laying the blame at her doorstep.
✖ Alyson. She was ungrateful, inconsiderate, and unworthy of Jami.
Overall, an interesting story that I will definitely see it's conclusion in Tapout, if only to continue seeing Jami ;)
Release Date: April 6, 2014
Genre: Contemporary MMA Fighter Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Book One of the Wayward Fighters duet
November 26, 2020
Alyson Blake sees Jamison Weston in a cage fight after not seeing him for years. They share a rough background, but a fateful night separated them. Now back in each other lives and Jami fighting for a living, Alyson is back in danger and Jami once again swears to protect her.
Given the year, I believe this book was written when fighter romances were at a peak. Here I am, more than six years later, judging a story that was written to meet the high demand for MMA novels.
Welp, I found this cliched, too many coincidences, romance building was all over the place, the conflict set up was good, but J.C. Valentine made the heroine too ditzy when it came to the danger.
There was also a lot of fluff. Some of this could have been cutout. I didn’t particularly like spending so much time in Alyson’s head. Her thoughts irritated me.
I enjoyed the narration of the fights the most. It was noticeable that Valentine probably spent some time watching fights in preparation of this book.
The side characters were also interesting. Spencer’s mysterious errands and the push and pull of his relationship with Olivia would make a great story.
Given the year, I believe this book was written when fighter romances were at a peak. Here I am, more than six years later, judging a story that was written to meet the high demand for MMA novels.
Welp, I found this cliched, too many coincidences, romance building was all over the place, the conflict set up was good, but J.C. Valentine made the heroine too ditzy when it came to the danger.
There was also a lot of fluff. Some of this could have been cutout. I didn’t particularly like spending so much time in Alyson’s head. Her thoughts irritated me.
I enjoyed the narration of the fights the most. It was noticeable that Valentine probably spent some time watching fights in preparation of this book.
The side characters were also interesting. Spencer’s mysterious errands and the push and pull of his relationship with Olivia would make a great story.
April 20, 2014
Solid 4 stars read!
This was a very nice book.I really loved it.
I love books with sexy fighters in it,and I can say that I'm not disappointed with this one.
It's a story about past and future...friendship and love...
This was a very nice book.I really loved it.
I love books with sexy fighters in it,and I can say that I'm not disappointed with this one.
It's a story about past and future...friendship and love...
March 25, 2014
I received this book as a gift for an honest review.
This is a great story. No, wait, a fantastic story. Jamison Weston (Jami) and Allison Blake (Ally) were childhood friends. Both came from abusive, dysfunctional families and formed a bond while helping each other through their traumatic childhoods. Jami was arrested and then left town and Ally thought she would never see him again.
Years later a chance meeting has them remembering their past together and pondering what it all means. They both are aware that no one would ever be able to understand what their childhoods had been like except the other. The bond that had been formed was still there, despite years of absence.
Much like in life, events have been put into place, life has gone on, and people are affected by their relationship. Jami doesn’t have time for a relationship with his career in full swing. Ally, has always wanted Jami in her life and has to struggle with doubts and the people wanting to pull Jami away from her.
This is a fantastic story of two people who grew up in the most unfavorable conditions, but have struggled to make it out and not make the mistakes of their parents their own. The attraction is strong, steamy and sweet. At times I thought the story dragged and their union could have come sooner. But, overall, I really liked the story.
I hate waiting for the next book. I’m kind of “over” cliff hangers and books that require me to wait to find out what happens. Life is too short. But, I do recommend this book and think you will love reading about Jami and Ally.
This is a great story. No, wait, a fantastic story. Jamison Weston (Jami) and Allison Blake (Ally) were childhood friends. Both came from abusive, dysfunctional families and formed a bond while helping each other through their traumatic childhoods. Jami was arrested and then left town and Ally thought she would never see him again.
Years later a chance meeting has them remembering their past together and pondering what it all means. They both are aware that no one would ever be able to understand what their childhoods had been like except the other. The bond that had been formed was still there, despite years of absence.
Much like in life, events have been put into place, life has gone on, and people are affected by their relationship. Jami doesn’t have time for a relationship with his career in full swing. Ally, has always wanted Jami in her life and has to struggle with doubts and the people wanting to pull Jami away from her.
This is a fantastic story of two people who grew up in the most unfavorable conditions, but have struggled to make it out and not make the mistakes of their parents their own. The attraction is strong, steamy and sweet. At times I thought the story dragged and their union could have come sooner. But, overall, I really liked the story.
I hate waiting for the next book. I’m kind of “over” cliff hangers and books that require me to wait to find out what happens. Life is too short. But, I do recommend this book and think you will love reading about Jami and Ally.
May 15, 2014
As I said this was a sweet and easy read. Not alot of angst. I have read a lot of fighter books..... the one thing that was different about this was Jamison and Ally had a connection unlike the other books.....they were neighbors when they were younger and he was always her protector, climbing into her window at night just to keep her safe. I loved that! I loved the banter between them, some things making me laugh out loud. And there was no cheating in this book (which is a major pet peeve of mine) so that was good. Ally was a strong person who said what was on her mind. When she didn't tell Jami some things, that would piss me off, but I get that she wanted him to stay focused on the fights and not have to worry about her. I will definitely read the next book as this one kinda ended on a cliffhanger, but not so bad that I wanted to throw something! lol
I was provided an ARR of this book.
I was provided an ARR of this book.
May 2, 2014
5 brilliant stars!
I have read everything J.C. Valentine has written and have loved everyone of them. She has the ability to grab me and pull me into the story and feel what each character feels.
Knockout is no exception. I fell in love with these characters. I'm a huge sucker for a fighter and Jamison(Jami) is superb! He is against commitment so he offers Allyson an arrangement with no strings attached. Ally doesn't think she can do no strings so she fights the pull he has on her.
Eventually she can't say no, right? And of course it's amazingly hot! I'm an angst-whore and this one had plenty of that! Fair warning this does end in a cliffhanger....I don't mind a cliffhanger as long as I'm not waiting years for the rest of he series.
If you are into the fighters, you don't want to miss this one!!
I have read everything J.C. Valentine has written and have loved everyone of them. She has the ability to grab me and pull me into the story and feel what each character feels.
Knockout is no exception. I fell in love with these characters. I'm a huge sucker for a fighter and Jamison(Jami) is superb! He is against commitment so he offers Allyson an arrangement with no strings attached. Ally doesn't think she can do no strings so she fights the pull he has on her.
Eventually she can't say no, right? And of course it's amazingly hot! I'm an angst-whore and this one had plenty of that! Fair warning this does end in a cliffhanger....I don't mind a cliffhanger as long as I'm not waiting years for the rest of he series.
If you are into the fighters, you don't want to miss this one!!
April 10, 2014
This book went wayyy to slow for my liking. I skimmed the last couple of chapters tbh.
Alyson was annoying me. All the things that were happening were just so suspicious, how could she not piece things together? It was so annoying! I hate when certain characters are just act ignorant. When you know someone is after you, you don't just ignore it and act like its not happening. You tell somebody. And Alyson just acted like things were fine and dandy and no one is harassing her. How stupid can you be really? She just put herself it stupid situations and it just got on my nerves.
This book just sort of dragged. It got boring to the point I just didn't want to read it anymore, but I wanted to know what happened.
Anyway the book ended in a cliffhanger so I'll probably just skim that one because I really don't feel like reading it :(
Alyson was annoying me. All the things that were happening were just so suspicious, how could she not piece things together? It was so annoying! I hate when certain characters are just act ignorant. When you know someone is after you, you don't just ignore it and act like its not happening. You tell somebody. And Alyson just acted like things were fine and dandy and no one is harassing her. How stupid can you be really? She just put herself it stupid situations and it just got on my nerves.
This book just sort of dragged. It got boring to the point I just didn't want to read it anymore, but I wanted to know what happened.
Anyway the book ended in a cliffhanger so I'll probably just skim that one because I really don't feel like reading it :(
September 20, 2014
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Click the image to enter and win the SIGNED SERIES!
Knockout is book one in the Wayward Fighters series and is an Adult Contemporary Romance written by J.C. Valentine. I read this as a R2R with Fifty Shades Support Group . As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.
4 Knockout Stars!
Sexy MMA Fighter With A Sketchy Past Falls For the Childhood Friend He Left Behind! Bring On The Angst!
The Review:
I really enjoyed this steamy, intense and angsty read. Our two main characters have history as childhood friends which is one of my favorite type of reads and this author did a great job connecting past and present. And of course the hero is a smokin’ hot MMA fighter who wants nothing to do with commitment and the heroine is a sweet temptation who slowly breaks down his walls. Yeah! Loved this read.
Story/Characters...
Alyson Blake works as a social worker, helping abused and battered women and their children leave the domestic hell that’s shredding them of their independence and self-worth. She does this because her past is darkened with the same things these women and children are going through. Her father tormented her youth, leaving bruises on both her and her mother more times than she could count. Her only saving grace was the wayward boy next door who crawled in through her bedroom window to protect her when he could and to keep her company while a nightmare played out on the other side of her bedroom door.
That is until one fateful night drove him away.
Jamison Weston’s childhood was filled with criminal activity and a home life he rather forget. Putting all his anger and fear into MMA fighting saved his life and he wants nothing but to rise to the top and prove to everyone he really is worth something. That is until the girl who stole his heart so long ago comes waltzing back into his life.
It’s been five years since Ally last saw Jami but Ally is determined to get the second chance she’s wanted since the night he left. But as Jami works his magic in the ring, Ally is reminded of the violence in her past and sometimes the man she’s falling in love with all over again, scares her. I really enjoyed Ally’s character. She was brave and strong and she didn’t wallow or complain. Yes, she hated the violence but she pushed forward so she could stand strong for Jami. I loved that. And she took in strangers because she wanted them to have a better life, a chance at a future and an escape. I loved her noble cause and the lengths she went to in order to help.
Distractions are the last thing Jami needs but he is having a hard time staying away from Ally and together, these two steam up the pages with their intense chemistry! Jami was definitely an alpha male. He knows what he wants and he goes after it full force but he also has a vulnerable side. He’s sweet but he’s also focused and sometimes that gets in the way of other things.
This story explodes with fun and sexy moments, some scary stalker action and friendships that will have you grinning from ear to ear. And the fight scenes! Oh my! This book had some intense fight sequences, which felt realistic and the nail biting suspense on who was going to come out the victor literally had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was watching a Rocky movie where just when you think the hero can’t take any more of a beating, he rises back up and comes out of his huddle swinging. It was exciting, exhilarating and very well written.
Wishlist...
All along we get a few snippets of Jami and Ally’s past , but I really wanted to know more about Jami. We know that his home life was bad, that he had to commit crimes to survive and that his father tried to keep him down by stealing his money. But I wanted to know more about how he spent his days, the things he had to do and more about where his head was at after the “incident” that caused him to leave and not look back. His friendship with Ally seemed to be the one constant in his life but he left it all behind after that night and I wanted more on the why’s. Maybe in the next book.
And for Ally’s character, after the “incident”, it’s hinted that the abuse stopped but what happened to Ally’s father and mother? So many questions unanswered. Maybe it was intentional so that there’s more flashbacks in the second book. I hope there’s more to come on their pasts.
The Wrap Up:
Open ended questions aside, this book rocked! I love this author and her writing style and with the cliffy this book ends on, I can’t wait for the second book in this series to see how Jami and Ally’s story continues.
Click the image to enter and win the SIGNED SERIES!
Knockout is book one in the Wayward Fighters series and is an Adult Contemporary Romance written by J.C. Valentine. I read this as a R2R with Fifty Shades Support Group . As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.
4 Knockout Stars!
Sexy MMA Fighter With A Sketchy Past Falls For the Childhood Friend He Left Behind! Bring On The Angst!
The Review:
I really enjoyed this steamy, intense and angsty read. Our two main characters have history as childhood friends which is one of my favorite type of reads and this author did a great job connecting past and present. And of course the hero is a smokin’ hot MMA fighter who wants nothing to do with commitment and the heroine is a sweet temptation who slowly breaks down his walls. Yeah! Loved this read.
Story/Characters...
Alyson Blake works as a social worker, helping abused and battered women and their children leave the domestic hell that’s shredding them of their independence and self-worth. She does this because her past is darkened with the same things these women and children are going through. Her father tormented her youth, leaving bruises on both her and her mother more times than she could count. Her only saving grace was the wayward boy next door who crawled in through her bedroom window to protect her when he could and to keep her company while a nightmare played out on the other side of her bedroom door.
That is until one fateful night drove him away.
Jamison Weston’s childhood was filled with criminal activity and a home life he rather forget. Putting all his anger and fear into MMA fighting saved his life and he wants nothing but to rise to the top and prove to everyone he really is worth something. That is until the girl who stole his heart so long ago comes waltzing back into his life.
It’s been five years since Ally last saw Jami but Ally is determined to get the second chance she’s wanted since the night he left. But as Jami works his magic in the ring, Ally is reminded of the violence in her past and sometimes the man she’s falling in love with all over again, scares her. I really enjoyed Ally’s character. She was brave and strong and she didn’t wallow or complain. Yes, she hated the violence but she pushed forward so she could stand strong for Jami. I loved that. And she took in strangers because she wanted them to have a better life, a chance at a future and an escape. I loved her noble cause and the lengths she went to in order to help.
Distractions are the last thing Jami needs but he is having a hard time staying away from Ally and together, these two steam up the pages with their intense chemistry! Jami was definitely an alpha male. He knows what he wants and he goes after it full force but he also has a vulnerable side. He’s sweet but he’s also focused and sometimes that gets in the way of other things.
This story explodes with fun and sexy moments, some scary stalker action and friendships that will have you grinning from ear to ear. And the fight scenes! Oh my! This book had some intense fight sequences, which felt realistic and the nail biting suspense on who was going to come out the victor literally had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was watching a Rocky movie where just when you think the hero can’t take any more of a beating, he rises back up and comes out of his huddle swinging. It was exciting, exhilarating and very well written.
Wishlist...
All along we get a few snippets of Jami and Ally’s past , but I really wanted to know more about Jami. We know that his home life was bad, that he had to commit crimes to survive and that his father tried to keep him down by stealing his money. But I wanted to know more about how he spent his days, the things he had to do and more about where his head was at after the “incident” that caused him to leave and not look back. His friendship with Ally seemed to be the one constant in his life but he left it all behind after that night and I wanted more on the why’s. Maybe in the next book.
And for Ally’s character, after the “incident”, it’s hinted that the abuse stopped but what happened to Ally’s father and mother? So many questions unanswered. Maybe it was intentional so that there’s more flashbacks in the second book. I hope there’s more to come on their pasts.
The Wrap Up:
Open ended questions aside, this book rocked! I love this author and her writing style and with the cliffy this book ends on, I can’t wait for the second book in this series to see how Jami and Ally’s story continues.
May 17, 2014
***Copy provided by the author thru GR's Fifty Shades Support Group in exchange for an honest review***
Whew....it's over and I mean that in a good way. This book especially Jami's fights had me on the edge of my seat, i felt like I was the one watching the fight. With that said I freaking love MMA/UFC fights even though I'm always cringing so this book was definitely right up my ally. There were so many good things that I loved in this book from the chemistry Ally and Jami had, the slow building of their relationship, the fights seemed real and I liked all the other characters in the book. This was the first book by this author that I've read but can guarantee I'll be reading more of her books. I can't wait until the second book.
Whew....it's over and I mean that in a good way. This book especially Jami's fights had me on the edge of my seat, i felt like I was the one watching the fight. With that said I freaking love MMA/UFC fights even though I'm always cringing so this book was definitely right up my ally. There were so many good things that I loved in this book from the chemistry Ally and Jami had, the slow building of their relationship, the fights seemed real and I liked all the other characters in the book. This was the first book by this author that I've read but can guarantee I'll be reading more of her books. I can't wait until the second book.
April 11, 2014
Love a good fighter story, and this one was a great read. Another friends to lovers, a favourite trope of mine.
I really loved the banter between Alyson and Jami. Both characters didn't have a good life growing up, and when they come together as adults, they made each other stronger. But life doesn't give them the peace they deserve.
Trouble follows Alyson when she follows her heart, and helps a women from one of her cases. Jamie will do everything to protect her.
Combine Jamie and Alyson's stubborness, and James temper makes this for an interesting couple.
Look forward to reading the next book in the series! Looking for a MMA contemp romance story? I recommend this one.
I really loved the banter between Alyson and Jami. Both characters didn't have a good life growing up, and when they come together as adults, they made each other stronger. But life doesn't give them the peace they deserve.
Trouble follows Alyson when she follows her heart, and helps a women from one of her cases. Jamie will do everything to protect her.
Combine Jamie and Alyson's stubborness, and James temper makes this for an interesting couple.
Look forward to reading the next book in the series! Looking for a MMA contemp romance story? I recommend this one.
July 12, 2014
1.5 stars...I guess I'm in the minority here. SPOILERS AHEAD.
So I tried, I really did try to get through this book but there were so many things that irked me that when it was all said and done I could just not find myself caring enough about the characters to continue. Then I found out that it was a cliffhanger and I had even less desire to finish it because I refused to put myself through the torture of reading another one.
So here are some of my issues:
#1 Allyson: Aly was a complete idiot. Let's see all the ways her character falls short for me. First of all, she is in love with a boy who almost kills her father to protect her mother and her. Said boy goes to jail and instead of standing by him, testifying on his behalf, explaining to the police what was happening she silently stands by and lets him be arrested and go to jail. She just watches everything happening, goes to her room and cries and then consigns herself to never seeing him again. WHAT? Talk about an ungrateful bitch. Then she doesn't even bother to find out what happened to him later or follow-up with him. She just let's him go. Some love she has for him. Fast forward 5 years and her new life. She is completely clueless to what is happening around her. This weird man is stalking her at the same time that the husband of one of her caseworkers is stalking them and she doesn't put two and two together? Really? She doesn't even tell Jami about the guy she's been seeing. Come one!!! The guy tells her he is leaving to go pick up his son at school and then Jami shows up to pick her up and tells her that Mile's dad tried to take him from the school and she still has no clue. MORON! Not only that. She goes to this shelter where supposedly all of her clients are and she leaves all of them and only takes Miles and Victoria. Why? She did nothing for the rest of them, just left them there. Um, hello. They all lost everything too. Then she gets all uppity every time someone tries to help her for her own good. She's too stupid to live. Finally, Jami moves in to her house to protect her and she makes him sleep on the couch. REALLY? You're having sex with him, you want him to be at his best for his fights yet you make him sleep on an uncomfortable couch as some sort of childish bid for independence. Give me a break!
#2 Jami: Mr. "I don't want a serious relationship". Um, let's see she's his best friend. He tells her he loves her. He holds hands with her. Takes her on dates. Protects her. Spends every spare minute with her. Lives in her house. Cooks for her. Drives her everywhere. Is not sleeping with or dating anyone else. Thinks about her at all hours of the day, so much so that it is a distraction to his fighting. Um, yeah baby boy sorry to tell you but you're not only in a relationship but a big, fat, monogamous one. Dumb ass. I don't even do all that shit with my husband and we've been married for 8 years. Plus, Jami throws little 5-yo boy tantrums every time he does not get his way. He refuses to talk to Aly for a week because she looked at another guy. SHE LOOKED AT HIM! He assumed she was hot for the guy so he drops her off and ignores her for a week. Doesn't even bother telling her why. (and another point against Aly, she just lets him and doesn't bother to call him on his bullshit). Newsflash hot stuff, no matter how hot you are we will always look at other guys. Just like no matter how hot your woman is, you will always look at other women. Doesn't mean she doesn't want you. Doesn't mean you're not hot. Doesn't even mean that she wants to sleep with the guy, it's just human nature. Deal with it and don't be such a pussy about it. Also, when Jami first sees Aly he doesn't recognize her. Are you kidding me? It's only been 5 years. He told her that she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen and could not stop thinking about her but he didn't know who she was? Also, he didn't bother to ever try and find out what happened to the girl whose father he almost killed and went to jail for? Come on.
#3 Don: What a total douche bag. He spends the whole book hating on Aly and calling her a whore and gold digger without knowing a single thing about her.
#4 Olivia: If it bothers you so much that Spence bails on you every time you go out, here's a thought instead of bitching and moaning about it, DUMP HIM!
#5 The sex: Sucked! It was boring and completely lackluster. She spent like 10 pages describing one of his fights and their first sexual encounter after months of sexual tension doesn't even merit 4 pages. The guy is finished practically before he begins. It was just a lot of build up for something that didn't even make me hot. I was like, "that's it?"
#6 The pacing: Get on with the story already!!! This book just dragged and dragged. I kept putting it down and looking through my Nook to see what else I could read instead.
Ugh, I got to the last few chapters and read the whole flashback of when Jami almost killed Aly's dad and she just stood there like a freaking mute and just couldn't do it anymore. Not sure if I read the same book that everyone else read but this was not good. If you want to read a good fighter book read the Real series.
So I tried, I really did try to get through this book but there were so many things that irked me that when it was all said and done I could just not find myself caring enough about the characters to continue. Then I found out that it was a cliffhanger and I had even less desire to finish it because I refused to put myself through the torture of reading another one.
So here are some of my issues:
#1 Allyson: Aly was a complete idiot. Let's see all the ways her character falls short for me. First of all, she is in love with a boy who almost kills her father to protect her mother and her. Said boy goes to jail and instead of standing by him, testifying on his behalf, explaining to the police what was happening she silently stands by and lets him be arrested and go to jail. She just watches everything happening, goes to her room and cries and then consigns herself to never seeing him again. WHAT? Talk about an ungrateful bitch. Then she doesn't even bother to find out what happened to him later or follow-up with him. She just let's him go. Some love she has for him. Fast forward 5 years and her new life. She is completely clueless to what is happening around her. This weird man is stalking her at the same time that the husband of one of her caseworkers is stalking them and she doesn't put two and two together? Really? She doesn't even tell Jami about the guy she's been seeing. Come one!!! The guy tells her he is leaving to go pick up his son at school and then Jami shows up to pick her up and tells her that Mile's dad tried to take him from the school and she still has no clue. MORON! Not only that. She goes to this shelter where supposedly all of her clients are and she leaves all of them and only takes Miles and Victoria. Why? She did nothing for the rest of them, just left them there. Um, hello. They all lost everything too. Then she gets all uppity every time someone tries to help her for her own good. She's too stupid to live. Finally, Jami moves in to her house to protect her and she makes him sleep on the couch. REALLY? You're having sex with him, you want him to be at his best for his fights yet you make him sleep on an uncomfortable couch as some sort of childish bid for independence. Give me a break!
#2 Jami: Mr. "I don't want a serious relationship". Um, let's see she's his best friend. He tells her he loves her. He holds hands with her. Takes her on dates. Protects her. Spends every spare minute with her. Lives in her house. Cooks for her. Drives her everywhere. Is not sleeping with or dating anyone else. Thinks about her at all hours of the day, so much so that it is a distraction to his fighting. Um, yeah baby boy sorry to tell you but you're not only in a relationship but a big, fat, monogamous one. Dumb ass. I don't even do all that shit with my husband and we've been married for 8 years. Plus, Jami throws little 5-yo boy tantrums every time he does not get his way. He refuses to talk to Aly for a week because she looked at another guy. SHE LOOKED AT HIM! He assumed she was hot for the guy so he drops her off and ignores her for a week. Doesn't even bother telling her why. (and another point against Aly, she just lets him and doesn't bother to call him on his bullshit). Newsflash hot stuff, no matter how hot you are we will always look at other guys. Just like no matter how hot your woman is, you will always look at other women. Doesn't mean she doesn't want you. Doesn't mean you're not hot. Doesn't even mean that she wants to sleep with the guy, it's just human nature. Deal with it and don't be such a pussy about it. Also, when Jami first sees Aly he doesn't recognize her. Are you kidding me? It's only been 5 years. He told her that she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen and could not stop thinking about her but he didn't know who she was? Also, he didn't bother to ever try and find out what happened to the girl whose father he almost killed and went to jail for? Come on.
#3 Don: What a total douche bag. He spends the whole book hating on Aly and calling her a whore and gold digger without knowing a single thing about her.
#4 Olivia: If it bothers you so much that Spence bails on you every time you go out, here's a thought instead of bitching and moaning about it, DUMP HIM!
#5 The sex: Sucked! It was boring and completely lackluster. She spent like 10 pages describing one of his fights and their first sexual encounter after months of sexual tension doesn't even merit 4 pages. The guy is finished practically before he begins. It was just a lot of build up for something that didn't even make me hot. I was like, "that's it?"
#6 The pacing: Get on with the story already!!! This book just dragged and dragged. I kept putting it down and looking through my Nook to see what else I could read instead.
Ugh, I got to the last few chapters and read the whole flashback of when Jami almost killed Aly's dad and she just stood there like a freaking mute and just couldn't do it anymore. Not sure if I read the same book that everyone else read but this was not good. If you want to read a good fighter book read the Real series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'finish-them-later'
October 30, 2014
Her eyes warmed as she studied him. Touching his face, she traced the line of his jaw from ear to chin. Then her fingers found his lips. He opened his mouth and licked the tips as she skimmed his bottom lip, and he committed the sultry look that flashed in her eyes to memory. “You don’t lie to me, do you?”
Jami held her head in his hands and looked into her eyes. “No, and I never will.” Jami couldn’t tear his eyes away. She smiled up at him, her expression soft, welcoming. Completely open to him. No one had ever looked at him quite like she did. As if she trusted him, and she did. He knew that. It wasn’t even a question.
He could fall in love with this girl. With this woman. This person who was his friend, and the only one who knew everything about his past—everything—and didn’t judge him for it. Even Coach didn’t know what he had done before they crossed paths. He knew he had a history with the cops and a bad home life, and that was the extent of it. Was she what people thought about when they thought of soul mates? The type of person they dreamed of when combing the world for The One?
How was a guy to know?
“If you keep looking at me like that, you’re face is going to freeze. All the guys at the gym will laugh at you, and then I’ll be forced to fight for your honor.”
Jami smirked, peeled her shirt up to expose her abdomen, and lowered his head. He glanced up at her. “You have a sassy mouth, Ally. I aim to fix that.”
“What—Jami!” Ally wheezed and squirmed beneath him in a futile attempt to escape his teasing tongue. Again and again, he swirled his tongue across her stomach, chuckling with each clench of her muscles, each lost breath, and squeal of delighted torture. When she grabbed two fistfuls of his hair and pulled, he decided to have mercy on her before she ripped a chunk of it from his scalp.
Somehow, he just didn’t think bald or patchy would be a good look for a guy his age.
“All right, okay,” he said, pulling her hands away gently. “Truce.”
Her laughter abated. When he let go of her hands, her arms fell out to the side. “You’re such an ass,” she panted. “My abs will hurt tomorrow, thanks to you.”
“No, thanks to you,” he corrected her. “It’s that sassy mouth getting you into trouble.” He was grinning, amusement, and true joy FILLING him up to the brink of overflowing. “You make me happy,” he blurted out.
Ally’s smile faltered and Jami wanted to punch himself. Why did he say that? Touching his face, Ally angled her head, studying him. “I’m glad. You’re always so serious. You need to smile more.”
“I smile all the time,” he protested.
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, you’re right. What was I thinking? You smile every day when you get to beat on poor Mike and whatshisname. You’re a very happy man then.”
“Hey, you gotta take it where you can get it.” Jami shrugged.
Silence fell between them, and they stared into each other’s eyes. This close, there was never any room for escape. It felt like he could see into her soul, and she into his. All the layers of bullshit were stripped away, cutting right to the heart. He’d never felt this way before. As a sliver of truth sat on his tongue, he opened his mouth to say what he knew she was waiting to hear. “Ally, I—” His throat closed up and no words came out.
Placing her finger over his lips, Ally hushed him. “Shh, you don’t have to say anything. I can see it every time I look at you.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I feel it whenever you touch me.”
“But you want—”
She cut him off. “It doesn’t matter. I can wait. I don’t want you to say it unless you feel it in here.” She flattened her palm over his heart. “I don’t want you to choke on the words. I want you to say them because you can’t not say them. Okay?”
He stared down at her. Who was this girl? Hundreds of women would be lined up outside his door just to hear those words, and she was telling him to wait? Unbelievable.
“I see those wheels turning,” she teased, then grew serious again. “Jami, let me ask you a question. Out of all the women you’ve had sex with, how many of them have you stuck around for?” Zero. She saw the answer in his eyes right away. “That’s what I thought, and that right there is why I am okay with waiting. Your heart already knows what it wants. Now we just have to wait for your brain to catch up.”
February 9, 2015
The story itself wasn't anything special, but it was okay enough for angsty, commitment-phob, MMA romance. The writing is okay, but stalls often with monotonous inner diatribes & has huge breaks between question/answers & inner ramblings. I often had to go back and reread to find out what question had been asked. Some of the sex scenes, although not graphic in an erotica sense, are very hot.
Five Big Problems
1. I can't fathom how these two people could spend so much time together and mean so much to each other as kids & the guy DIDNT recognize her at all when they reconnected just FIVE years latter?!? Wtf?
2. The emotional switches in this book were hard to keep up with. The male MC would go from playful and sexy to brooding and standoffish, saying she was his bf and loved her as a bf to that he wasn't sure if she'd even have a role in his life latter.... Sometimes there was a reasoning behind the switches, but often there wasn't anything even going on to spur the switches. I don't mind angst with purpose, meaning, but this wasn't. It was angsty for the sake of angst vs angst as the characters 'worked out' the issues between them.
3. The inner diatribes about how she was a distraction and he didn't "do commitment" was exhaustingly repetitive. And, his actions and words seem to constantly conflict. He'd be all possessive of her, but tell her quickly they didn't have a future. He'd tell her he couldn't commit to anything other than today, but then call her his girlfriend. He'd say she was a distraction and then move in with her. I guess the author was trying to show he was in denial, but it really just made him look like a dumbass.
4. I didn't get the flashbacks to childhood. When the characters are reunited, she says something about her being the last person he'd want to see; latter we find out what happened the last night they saw each other, but not why he would've been mad with her about it or even what happened to him after being arrested. Did I mention he didn't even recognize "the most beautiful girl he's ever seen" when they reconnect scoff . They both speak in present sense like they've never forgotten each other, but yet neither ever made active attempts to seek each other out or find out what happened to one another?!?! It just didn't make any damn sense. It was like someone saying "hey, remember when I jumped off that....... Yeah, sad stuff.... & hey, now I'm a paratrooper." Too many pieces missing, unfinished in the backlog to the storyline for it to be understandable, much less believable!
5. She says the three little words a commitment phob doesn't want to hear. He spends multiple paragraphs pondering it in the heat of the moment and still can't decide if she will even be in his future, much less if he loves her. Then, all of a sudden, without any outward or inner explanation, he blurts his "I love you!" Well, damn we had to hear paragraph upon paragraph... No, strike that.... We had to hear 85% of this book about why he couldn't, wouldn't, and shouldn't love her-love her, but don't get a single damn word on why, how he realized he does love her-love her.
Bottom line: I've read a lot worse, but I still can't classify this as anything I enjoyed or would rate any part of over a 2 - 2 1/2 stars.
This author knocked my socks off with "Raine," and I'd recommend that book to one and all. Maybe it's because Raine was sooo good, that I'm all the more disappointed here:/
Five Big Problems
1. I can't fathom how these two people could spend so much time together and mean so much to each other as kids & the guy DIDNT recognize her at all when they reconnected just FIVE years latter?!? Wtf?
2. The emotional switches in this book were hard to keep up with. The male MC would go from playful and sexy to brooding and standoffish, saying she was his bf and loved her as a bf to that he wasn't sure if she'd even have a role in his life latter.... Sometimes there was a reasoning behind the switches, but often there wasn't anything even going on to spur the switches. I don't mind angst with purpose, meaning, but this wasn't. It was angsty for the sake of angst vs angst as the characters 'worked out' the issues between them.
3. The inner diatribes about how she was a distraction and he didn't "do commitment" was exhaustingly repetitive. And, his actions and words seem to constantly conflict. He'd be all possessive of her, but tell her quickly they didn't have a future. He'd tell her he couldn't commit to anything other than today, but then call her his girlfriend. He'd say she was a distraction and then move in with her. I guess the author was trying to show he was in denial, but it really just made him look like a dumbass.
4. I didn't get the flashbacks to childhood. When the characters are reunited, she says something about her being the last person he'd want to see; latter we find out what happened the last night they saw each other, but not why he would've been mad with her about it or even what happened to him after being arrested. Did I mention he didn't even recognize "the most beautiful girl he's ever seen" when they reconnect scoff . They both speak in present sense like they've never forgotten each other, but yet neither ever made active attempts to seek each other out or find out what happened to one another?!?! It just didn't make any damn sense. It was like someone saying "hey, remember when I jumped off that....... Yeah, sad stuff.... & hey, now I'm a paratrooper." Too many pieces missing, unfinished in the backlog to the storyline for it to be understandable, much less believable!
5. She says the three little words a commitment phob doesn't want to hear. He spends multiple paragraphs pondering it in the heat of the moment and still can't decide if she will even be in his future, much less if he loves her. Then, all of a sudden, without any outward or inner explanation, he blurts his "I love you!" Well, damn we had to hear paragraph upon paragraph... No, strike that.... We had to hear 85% of this book about why he couldn't, wouldn't, and shouldn't love her-love her, but don't get a single damn word on why, how he realized he does love her-love her.
Bottom line: I've read a lot worse, but I still can't classify this as anything I enjoyed or would rate any part of over a 2 - 2 1/2 stars.
This author knocked my socks off with "Raine," and I'd recommend that book to one and all. Maybe it's because Raine was sooo good, that I'm all the more disappointed here:/
March 3, 2014
It´s not whether you get knocked down, it´s whether you get up - Vince Lombardi
I love the way J.C. writes. Her words were perfect. It felt like I was part of the book. The description of all the situations and emotions, she did a great job. Everything felt so real. I was crying like a baby sometimes.
You´ve always protected me, and I guess the hardest part about it is that I know I can´t return the favor.
The storyline, that was something that I really enjoyed. Their lives were/are so hard and damaged. but the most important thing is what they have made of it. They are survivors, and now they have a second chance.
Jami is a fighter. His past was not good, he used to do illegal stuff, until het met his coach. He is a good man, he just needs someone to believe and love him, not the Judge.
Alyson is a sweet girl who loves helping women in their needing situations. She wants a better life for those women. She has experienced violence at a young age. She did not deserve that, but life is not fair. Her other half, her anchor was removed from her life. Thay both needed each other, he was the boy who made her feel safe, he protected her, and because of that she lost him. One night everything will change.
There was absolutely nothing hard about icing the balls of the guy you wanted to have sex with in front of a room full of eager men.
Something in his life was missing, the piece that will complete his puzzle. We have to remember that life is not easy.
Are they ready for a relationship? Will love destroy their lives? Will her life become a nightmare again?
J.C. Valentine did an excellent job. I could not put the book down. It was addictive, I needed more. Can´t wait for the second book. You left me on edge.
May 12, 2014
I received an ARR copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was an intense book. Great read and a total cliffhanger. If you have a weak heart, don't read this book until it's closer to September 2014 because that's when the next book in this series is scheduled to come out.
But, if you're like me and you can't resist a sexy alpha male with a tattoo and who also happens to be an MMA fighter than shit...go for it! Jump in feet first. Act now, ask questions later. Whatever you want to call it, just freakin' do it.
When I think of Jamison "The Judge" Weston, there is really only one line that comes to my mind:
I mean, who wouldn't want a sexy, MMA fighter to lust over. I mean shit, if the cover wasn't hot enough for you, I don't know what any of us reviewers would be able to say to tell you just how freakin' hot this man is...seriously!
So, for any fighter lover (like myself) this book is
What is really boils down to is a girl and boy who grow up next door to each other, the boy (Jamison, AKA Jami) has been the girl's (Alyson) protector from nearly day one. Some crazy stuff went down when they were kids and they were separated for a few years until one night when they come crashing back in to each others lives. I'm not going to get continue on and tell you the ending of this story because it isn't the end but it sure a beautiful thing...just before the freakin' cliffhanger happens!!!
I swear, one day I will find the creator of 'cliffhangers' and me and that sonovabitch are going to have a stern talkin'.
Just sayin'. Great book though, really.
This was an intense book. Great read and a total cliffhanger. If you have a weak heart, don't read this book until it's closer to September 2014 because that's when the next book in this series is scheduled to come out.
But, if you're like me and you can't resist a sexy alpha male with a tattoo and who also happens to be an MMA fighter than shit...go for it! Jump in feet first. Act now, ask questions later. Whatever you want to call it, just freakin' do it.
When I think of Jamison "The Judge" Weston, there is really only one line that comes to my mind:
I mean, who wouldn't want a sexy, MMA fighter to lust over. I mean shit, if the cover wasn't hot enough for you, I don't know what any of us reviewers would be able to say to tell you just how freakin' hot this man is...seriously!
So, for any fighter lover (like myself) this book is
What is really boils down to is a girl and boy who grow up next door to each other, the boy (Jamison, AKA Jami) has been the girl's (Alyson) protector from nearly day one. Some crazy stuff went down when they were kids and they were separated for a few years until one night when they come crashing back in to each others lives. I'm not going to get continue on and tell you the ending of this story because it isn't the end but it sure a beautiful thing...just before the freakin' cliffhanger happens!!!
I swear, one day I will find the creator of 'cliffhangers' and me and that sonovabitch are going to have a stern talkin'.
Just sayin'. Great book though, really.
May 14, 2014
Writing this review is gonna be difficult. There is so much awesomeness in this book it will be hard to write the cliff notes!! Ally and Jami were best friends as children. Ally was Jami's first friend and Jami was Ally's first kiss. As a child Ally was subject to an abusive father and she was a witness to the horrible abuse her mother had to sustain at his hands. Jami was her saviour. He sneaks into her window and comforts her and finally he aids in ending her fathers abuse. But then he is gone and Ally grows up and becomes a social worker helping women get out of the same terrible situations she had to grow up with.
As luck would have it their paths cross again. Jami is now a famous MMA fighter and WOW we have sparks! They quickly re-kindle their relationship but now there is an added HOT factor. I loved Jami even with his moods. And Ally is just a straight shooter who just wants to help the world overcome! Ally's best friend Olivia is an awesome second character and I need to know what is going on with her and Spenser! Spenser is Jami's best friend and he is totally up to something and I need to know!! There is alot going on in this book and let me tell ya I am not one to give away spoilers!!
In closing all I can say is this is one of the best books I have read so far in 2014 and September cannot get here soon enough I need part 2 like yesterday!!!
As luck would have it their paths cross again. Jami is now a famous MMA fighter and WOW we have sparks! They quickly re-kindle their relationship but now there is an added HOT factor. I loved Jami even with his moods. And Ally is just a straight shooter who just wants to help the world overcome! Ally's best friend Olivia is an awesome second character and I need to know what is going on with her and Spenser! Spenser is Jami's best friend and he is totally up to something and I need to know!! There is alot going on in this book and let me tell ya I am not one to give away spoilers!!
In closing all I can say is this is one of the best books I have read so far in 2014 and September cannot get here soon enough I need part 2 like yesterday!!!
April 4, 2016
This was good but predictable. It felt a little over the top at times and maybe that was just me. But I really did enjoy this one.
February 20, 2017
4 Knockout stars.
I love a badass alpha fighter mix it with a romance that is a childhood to lovers story and I'm in love.
Even when he was younger Jami was Alyson's protector. Alyson's mum was the victim of domestic violence, Alyson's father would drink and beat on her mother while Alyson cringed in her room. Jami would sneak in her window and confort her, they were childhood friends.
Seperated for years Alyson hadn't forgotten Jami but she had no idea what he was now or where he was until her friend Olivia dragged her along to a fight. There in all his glory and the main fight of the evening was Jami.
A slow plot at first, the characters picked up where they left off in the childhood years to being friends but I felt argued over silly things, some justified, Aly is against violence given her history but to many arguments, both were stubborn and both childish at times. Not what I expected from Jami I hoped he would be the voice of reason with Alyson's stubborn ways.
I do love it when the characters create a reaction from a reader with me it was frustration, the kind were you want to bang their heads together lol
Overall an interesting plot that picks up eventually, the couple move on from friends to more and with additional angst and twists in the plot Knockout becomes an interesting page turner.
Knockout doesn't lead to the full hea but you can start Tapout straight after which is what I intend to do.
Hopefully Aly & Jami will find there balance.
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I love a badass alpha fighter mix it with a romance that is a childhood to lovers story and I'm in love.
Even when he was younger Jami was Alyson's protector. Alyson's mum was the victim of domestic violence, Alyson's father would drink and beat on her mother while Alyson cringed in her room. Jami would sneak in her window and confort her, they were childhood friends.
Seperated for years Alyson hadn't forgotten Jami but she had no idea what he was now or where he was until her friend Olivia dragged her along to a fight. There in all his glory and the main fight of the evening was Jami.
A slow plot at first, the characters picked up where they left off in the childhood years to being friends but I felt argued over silly things, some justified, Aly is against violence given her history but to many arguments, both were stubborn and both childish at times. Not what I expected from Jami I hoped he would be the voice of reason with Alyson's stubborn ways.
I do love it when the characters create a reaction from a reader with me it was frustration, the kind were you want to bang their heads together lol
Overall an interesting plot that picks up eventually, the couple move on from friends to more and with additional angst and twists in the plot Knockout becomes an interesting page turner.
Knockout doesn't lead to the full hea but you can start Tapout straight after which is what I intend to do.
Hopefully Aly & Jami will find there balance.
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
February 15, 2017
Holy mother of God! What have I just read? I'm still sat here like, 'holy hell, that was intense, hot, mind-blowing and extraordinary'.
This is the first book I've read from this author and the story, along with the way it was written, took me into another world. A world of anxiety, love, deception, pain and a tonne of other emotions that came to surface while reading this. I was so sucked into the story that everything around me ceased to exist, and it's hard for a book to make me feel that way!!
Jami and Ally are two very damaged souls who're living life to better themselves. Though Ally had a bad time of in the past, Jami, in my opinion, had it worse. He's a hot-blooded alpha male that's persistent in everything he does, he likes control of his surroundings but not his women. He's like melted chocolate on the inside and completely hard, and toned, on the outside.
Ally is sweet, kind, generous and her career is something she's had first hand experience in. I loved that she never gave up with Jami, how to pursued him even when she was warned to back off. I loved that she cares more for others than she does herself. Though she is quite naive in some situations and I felt Jami's frustrations.
I'm looking forward to getting stuck into 'TAPOUT'. Like really freakin' excited to see what happens!!!
This is the first book I've read from this author and the story, along with the way it was written, took me into another world. A world of anxiety, love, deception, pain and a tonne of other emotions that came to surface while reading this. I was so sucked into the story that everything around me ceased to exist, and it's hard for a book to make me feel that way!!
Jami and Ally are two very damaged souls who're living life to better themselves. Though Ally had a bad time of in the past, Jami, in my opinion, had it worse. He's a hot-blooded alpha male that's persistent in everything he does, he likes control of his surroundings but not his women. He's like melted chocolate on the inside and completely hard, and toned, on the outside.
Ally is sweet, kind, generous and her career is something she's had first hand experience in. I loved that she never gave up with Jami, how to pursued him even when she was warned to back off. I loved that she cares more for others than she does herself. Though she is quite naive in some situations and I felt Jami's frustrations.
I'm looking forward to getting stuck into 'TAPOUT'. Like really freakin' excited to see what happens!!!
June 9, 2014
4 sweet yet bloody stars ****
Ok i’m a bit of a book whore. All it takes is a nice cover and a bad boy blurb to make me want a book and Knockout has both, so I was sold.
Alison & Jamison grew up in the same neighbourhood, being each others only relief from a childhood of misery and abuse. Then an event happened which lead to Jami being taken away in cuffs and not seeing each other again.
Until now. Dragged to a MMA fight by her friend Liv, Ally is seriously uncomfortable. She hates
fighting and is having to pin herself to her seat for her friend. When the last fighter enters the ring, Ally can’t believe it’s Jami she is seeing.
Dragged backstage by Liv who has no idea of the previous connection between the two, initially Jami
doesn’t recognise Ally, but wants to get to know the attractive brunette in front of him. Realising Jami doesn’t know who she is, Ally makes him remember:.
“Remember when we were kids? We used to be neighbours, and you used to crawl through my bedroom window at night.” Jami’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a startled breath. No fucking way. “Little Ally Blake?” Drawing her bottom lip between her teeth, Ally bit down - a nervous habit he now recognised - before pushing it back out. “I’m not so little anymore.”
Jami’s quite a sad soul. Taken in by his now coach, he reflects on the moment they met:
No one had ever seen potential in me about anything, and I guess it struck a chord.
The rekindling friendship and gradual romance between Ally & Jami is a slow burning one. It’s quite
sweet how they take time getting to know one another again, whilst Jami waits patiently for Ally to be ready for him. However, he’s only offering sex as he doesn’t do relationships. His naivety in thinking he could separate the two when they have such history, and are spending so much time together is something not often seen, and works well in the story. Both of them have things to overcome before they can properly be together. I did want to get the flags and bunting out by the time they finally did it though!
There is a whole back plot behind this story, that revolves around the work that Ally does, but i’m not going to go into and possibly spoil that. I will just say that that, and the bizarre behaviour of Jami’s friend Spencer around Liv, gives plenty of room for more story, which is coming in part two Tapout, due out on 8th July.
There is quite a lot of fighting in this book, so those of a nervous disposition might have to look away in some of the more meaty scenes of the book. I used to happily sit and watch boxing matches on the TV with my folks when I was younger, so I was grand!
Ok i’m a bit of a book whore. All it takes is a nice cover and a bad boy blurb to make me want a book and Knockout has both, so I was sold.
Alison & Jamison grew up in the same neighbourhood, being each others only relief from a childhood of misery and abuse. Then an event happened which lead to Jami being taken away in cuffs and not seeing each other again.
Until now. Dragged to a MMA fight by her friend Liv, Ally is seriously uncomfortable. She hates
fighting and is having to pin herself to her seat for her friend. When the last fighter enters the ring, Ally can’t believe it’s Jami she is seeing.
Dragged backstage by Liv who has no idea of the previous connection between the two, initially Jami
doesn’t recognise Ally, but wants to get to know the attractive brunette in front of him. Realising Jami doesn’t know who she is, Ally makes him remember:.
“Remember when we were kids? We used to be neighbours, and you used to crawl through my bedroom window at night.” Jami’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a startled breath. No fucking way. “Little Ally Blake?” Drawing her bottom lip between her teeth, Ally bit down - a nervous habit he now recognised - before pushing it back out. “I’m not so little anymore.”
Jami’s quite a sad soul. Taken in by his now coach, he reflects on the moment they met:
No one had ever seen potential in me about anything, and I guess it struck a chord.
The rekindling friendship and gradual romance between Ally & Jami is a slow burning one. It’s quite
sweet how they take time getting to know one another again, whilst Jami waits patiently for Ally to be ready for him. However, he’s only offering sex as he doesn’t do relationships. His naivety in thinking he could separate the two when they have such history, and are spending so much time together is something not often seen, and works well in the story. Both of them have things to overcome before they can properly be together. I did want to get the flags and bunting out by the time they finally did it though!
There is a whole back plot behind this story, that revolves around the work that Ally does, but i’m not going to go into and possibly spoil that. I will just say that that, and the bizarre behaviour of Jami’s friend Spencer around Liv, gives plenty of room for more story, which is coming in part two Tapout, due out on 8th July.
There is quite a lot of fighting in this book, so those of a nervous disposition might have to look away in some of the more meaty scenes of the book. I used to happily sit and watch boxing matches on the TV with my folks when I was younger, so I was grand!
July 14, 2014
I was recently in the mood for a fighter romance and this one fit the bill perfectly.
Alyson Blake came from an violent home life, Jamison Weston was her protector until he gets arrested for beating up her abusive father. She never thought she would see him again fate brings them together and she finds that her childhood crush is now an adult love. Jamison is shocked to have Alyson back in his life he never thought he would have the chance to be around her again. He denies his attraction to her playing at as wanting to protect her but he doesn't want a serious relationship his career is number one priority. Alyson and Jamison develop a really solid friendship. She loves him but keeps that to herself for awhile. I really thought the way the author let us get to know the characters kept me interested in the book. It did drag a few times and there were a few holes like why does the coach dislike Alyson so much that was not really addressed fully. I assume a few reason. Also the background characters were good but not great. I am interested in Spencer's story and what he's up to I have a feeling but I think Liv is being kind of dumb putting up with this disappearing acts. The only negative about Ally I found was that she is very naive for someone who came from a violent family life she keeps thinking she can handle everything on her own and falls into a trap that puts her and the ones she loves in danger because she trusts a stranger. Considering her job and background I thought that was a bit silly of her. All in all I like the book and look forward to reading the next one. There is a cliffhanger it not a big powerful I have to grab the next book now cliffhanger though. I have Tapout and I plan on reading it shortly to see how the author gives this sweet couple an HEA.
Alyson Blake came from an violent home life, Jamison Weston was her protector until he gets arrested for beating up her abusive father. She never thought she would see him again fate brings them together and she finds that her childhood crush is now an adult love. Jamison is shocked to have Alyson back in his life he never thought he would have the chance to be around her again. He denies his attraction to her playing at as wanting to protect her but he doesn't want a serious relationship his career is number one priority. Alyson and Jamison develop a really solid friendship. She loves him but keeps that to herself for awhile. I really thought the way the author let us get to know the characters kept me interested in the book. It did drag a few times and there were a few holes like why does the coach dislike Alyson so much that was not really addressed fully. I assume a few reason. Also the background characters were good but not great. I am interested in Spencer's story and what he's up to I have a feeling but I think Liv is being kind of dumb putting up with this disappearing acts. The only negative about Ally I found was that she is very naive for someone who came from a violent family life she keeps thinking she can handle everything on her own and falls into a trap that puts her and the ones she loves in danger because she trusts a stranger. Considering her job and background I thought that was a bit silly of her. All in all I like the book and look forward to reading the next one. There is a cliffhanger it not a big powerful I have to grab the next book now cliffhanger though. I have Tapout and I plan on reading it shortly to see how the author gives this sweet couple an HEA.
April 5, 2014
I received this to beta read. What a read, the story follows Alyson and Jami. Both are reunited with each other at a chance meeting at a fight, Jami is an MMA fighter. They were friends as kids and haven't seen each other in years. There are still strong bonds between the two as they were there for one another when it mattered, when they were young. Now that they are adults the bonds now run much deeper and they are attracted to each other. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Jami's commitments to fighting means that he doesn't want a relationship and because of his attraction to Alyson makes an offer of a relationship with no commitments. But Alyson doesn't want to be that type of girl, she needs more. They spend time together and their feelings grow. Alyson's decisions that she makes regarding work puts her life in danger and Jami must be there to protect her, no matter what. Can't wait for the next book. AWESOME READ.
February 28, 2017
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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1jSHf8q
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1n9sMeu
B&N: http://bit.ly/1lTsF7v
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1iozIwT
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1io7bfI
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/QJ5wH9
December 7, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Alyson Blake has grown up hard. She can take care of herself and expects nothing less. The only person she lets her guard down around is Jamison Weston. He's tough, protective and so sexy. They are in love. He is the one thing Alyson can count on in her life. When he's unexpectedly taken away to jail, they are torn apart.
For years they've been apart. They have gone on with their lives just never forgetting each other. When they reunite they're are actual sparks! I loved Alyson. She depends on no one but loves Jamison fiercely. I also loved Jamison! He's led a difficult life but wants to do better for his girl. This is a romance with action. It's also a fun and sexy read! I adored this entire book! Now on to book #2....
5 'knock me out' Stars!!
Alyson Blake has grown up hard. She can take care of herself and expects nothing less. The only person she lets her guard down around is Jamison Weston. He's tough, protective and so sexy. They are in love. He is the one thing Alyson can count on in her life. When he's unexpectedly taken away to jail, they are torn apart.
For years they've been apart. They have gone on with their lives just never forgetting each other. When they reunite they're are actual sparks! I loved Alyson. She depends on no one but loves Jamison fiercely. I also loved Jamison! He's led a difficult life but wants to do better for his girl. This is a romance with action. It's also a fun and sexy read! I adored this entire book! Now on to book #2....
5 'knock me out' Stars!!
May 19, 2014
I received this book from The Fifty Shades Support Group in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good fighter romance and this wonderful story was no exception! Jami and Ally grew up in troubled homes, but always had eachother to help them push through. Then one day that all changed and they both beleived they would never see each other again. When fate puts them in eachothers paths again, there is no going back.
I fell in love with them. I can not wait to see the end of their journey.. Mild cliffhanger, but it is not too bad. It felt right.
I can't wait to read #2 TAPOUT
XOXO
I love a good fighter romance and this wonderful story was no exception! Jami and Ally grew up in troubled homes, but always had eachother to help them push through. Then one day that all changed and they both beleived they would never see each other again. When fate puts them in eachothers paths again, there is no going back.
I fell in love with them. I can not wait to see the end of their journey.. Mild cliffhanger, but it is not too bad. It felt right.
I can't wait to read #2 TAPOUT
XOXO
June 22, 2015
3.5 stars
Childhood friends Ally and Jami share some incredible history together, as they both came from abusive homes right next door to each other. Years later they get back into contact with Ally now an advocate for abused women and children and Jami a successful MMA athlete.
I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. Overall it was a fine read but the hot/cold arguing between the two leads was annoying and Ally had some serious TSTL moments. This story had a great foundation but the innards were rather vexing.
Childhood friends Ally and Jami share some incredible history together, as they both came from abusive homes right next door to each other. Years later they get back into contact with Ally now an advocate for abused women and children and Jami a successful MMA athlete.
I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. Overall it was a fine read but the hot/cold arguing between the two leads was annoying and Ally had some serious TSTL moments. This story had a great foundation but the innards were rather vexing.
April 8, 2014
J.C. Valentine is one of my favorite authors. I loved all her work. This book just continues to prove how great she is. This is the first book in her Wayward series. Jami is a MMA fighter. Him and Ally have issues from their past. Can these two make it with their past and other things standing in their way. I was hooked from page 1. Jami is hot, sexy. I loved him from the start. The story flows smoothly and I could not put it down.
August 5, 2016
Ally and Jami meet when they were kids. Jami wanted to protect Ally from her father who was abusive. They lost touch, when they were adult she meet Jami again after going to a MMA fight after party. They became friends again and started falling in love. Great love story about both Jami and Ally never really knew what love is since they didn't have it when they were younger. Can't wait for the next one.
April 13, 2015
Good easy read ... reminds me of Remy and that can only be a good thing.
'The Judge' is one tough hunk, with this tender protective side that just makes you want one to hang in your wardrobe. But beware if you not in his corner then you are in trouble.
Alyson Blake is sweet, slightly ditzy gal but with a good heart. She has chosen to help those who are trying to start afresh.
Looking forward to the next book.
'The Judge' is one tough hunk, with this tender protective side that just makes you want one to hang in your wardrobe. But beware if you not in his corner then you are in trouble.
Alyson Blake is sweet, slightly ditzy gal but with a good heart. She has chosen to help those who are trying to start afresh.
Looking forward to the next book.
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