Review ~ Fighting for Control (Against the Cage #3) by Melynda Price

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 22nd 2016

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Description:
For Nikko “the Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d.

Dr. Violet Summers is stunned to discover her newest patient is the man who rocked her world—and put her heart in a clinch after her nasty divorce. She’s determined to delve deep into the darkness that haunts him and to keep all further encounters strictly professional.

Nikko doesn’t want a shrink. What he needs is Violet. With the memory of their passion blazing between them, it’s only a matter of time before they give in to desire. Can Violet help save this surly fighter from his own personal nightmare? Or will he forfeit his career and his last chance at love?

My Opinion

I'm struggling for words. This was an intense yet beautifully written read that capture my attention and heart then refused to let it go.

Fighting For Control is the third book in this series. I have read book two, but I really must go back and read book one. While it can definitely be read as a standalone I'd recommend reading the others, because one characters do feature from other books, and two this author is brilliant.

I didn't really know what to expect from Nikko's book. However, his story was gut-wrenching and I felt for him every step of the way as he fought through his PTSD and survivor's guilt to come out on the other side a healing man.

There were a lot of small things going on in this book. The forbidden nature of his and Violet's relationship, his PTSD, both of their exs, his career, and more. I thought it all flowed beautifully and the author didn't a good job of making things clear enough to keep my interest but not overloading me with information. I would have liked a little more detail in the ending. Nikko's secrets came a little late for me. Although I knew what had happened from the flashbacks, I wanted him to admit it sooner.

I also wanted more from the ending. Only my reason for that is because I didn't want the book to end and force me into reality. Nikko was a fighter in all aspects of life and I loved him.


Overall a brilliant, captivating read. It held my attention from the first chapter and I could put it down. I'd highly recommend!

5

Review ~ Passing His Guard (Against the Cage #2) by Melynda Price

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 25th 2015

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Description:
Aiden “Disco Stick” Kruze walked away from it all—money, family, friends, and a successful career as a lawyer in Manhattan—to pursue his dream of being an MMA fighter. When a sexy private investigator shows up at Aiden’s gym, he mistakenly assumes she’s a cage-banging groupie.

Ryann is determined to haul Aiden back home. She’s desperate to claim the reward money that will pay off her father’s creditors before the man who killed her father comes to collect from her.

Aiden is done living his life under the microscope of being a senator’s son. He’s not going back to New York—ever—and there’s nothing this tenacious redhead can do about it. Or is there?

When the demons of Aiden’s past catch up with him, he realizes the lies, deception, and betrayal run deeper than he ever imagined. Aiden must put his career and his life on the line to save the woman who’s stolen his heart.

*NOTE: Can be read as a standalone*

My Opinion

When I saw the length of this read I didn't expect to read it in one sitting. However, that's exactly what I ended up doing because I couldn't put it down.

Having never read or heard of this author before I wasn't sure what to expect. I have a high expectation for fighter romances after having read so many, but it's safe to say this one lived up to previous books and is one of the better ones out there.

From the start it had my attention. Once again this is a book with a female lead in a job that wouldn't typically be considered 'women's work'. As a PI, Ryann, was an interesting character. She wasn't over the top with her kick-ass attitude, but she was strong and resilient. I believed in her emotions and I thought the author combined her weaker moments in a way that was realistic.

Similarly, Aiden was an interesting character. From player to good-guy, I thought the two sides to him were well defined and the transition was believable. I liked how he softened around Ryann, yet he was unsure of himself. It was easy to see he cared, even if he tried to hide it with anger.

Moreover, there was definitely chemistry between the two. The passion and lust that started off was filled with tension and I thought the author kept the intensity up well. It grew with their emotions and changed in a natural way as feelings changed.

As for the plot, it was good. This book had the added bonus of involving the mafia as well as MMA so I can't fault it for that. It had plenty of secrets to reveal and plenty of plot strands to keep things interesting. At times I did feel description or thoughts went on a bit too long and it could have been cut down slightly more. There were also a number of questions left unanswered in the end (to view spoilers visit Goodreads version). It just seemed a bit rushed and small details weren't considered. That is the reason this isn't a five star read for me.

Overall though, a great read. I'm hoping Nikko is going to get a book next, but for now I'd definitely recommend this.

4