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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Amy Brennan

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Am I ever glad I decided to pick this novel up. I was very unsure as I have never been a fan of the UFC nor any form of wrestling for that matter, but this was so much more than that. The connection you can feel between Grace’s family members within these pages, and the yearning she has to provide for those she loves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this authors writing style, the way the characters are built up and you just get to connect with the main character on the deepest level possible, and as the novel goes on, that love and adoration grows. I very much look forward to reading more of the Grace series, and do hope you decide to purchase this novel as well, you won’t regret it!

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Bound by Grace by Carsen Lane – Review by Colleen Noyes

Bound by Grace (Grace Series, #0.5)Bound by Grace by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bound by grace is the prequel to Caging Grace by Carsen Lane. This is a small novella that can be read in a quick sitting. It sets up the beginning of Graces’ story by showing the love that Liam and Aggie had. You are given a lot of backstory for each main character and it gives a little more insight to what you will read in Caging Grace. I love the introduction to Liam, Aggie, Carl, and Mason. The only downside is I wish it was a full novel so we really got even more of Liam and Aggie but that’s just my selfishness lol. You can easily read Caging Grace without reading this one but why would you:)

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Colleen Noyes

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is my favorite story I’ve read so far this year it had every single aspect that you would want in a contemporary women’s sports fiction. The female main character Grace is bold, fierce, and broken. This character is written so immensely strong I found myself not able to stop reading. She was supported by an equally amazing array of characters but not once did the author stray from this being a book about a strong female character who is fighting through her life, a very difficult one at that. The author was brilliant at how she showed so many signs of this one person. You could feel the strength, the fright, the love, the struggle, the guilt, and the sheer will of determination. I really loved that each character had their own struggles and sense of brokenness but they never once overshadowed or took over from the character of Grace. While there are moments of relationship building the story is clearly about a woman’s journey and finding out who she is, where she wants to go, and where she has been. The story felt like it was written by someone who has experienced those things and I felt so connected to the writing style and the character. This is a book that I will not soon forget and will probably go back and read it a second time after I read the novella Bound By Grace. I cannot wait for more books in the series or more books by this author. If you have ever had to fight through anything in your life then pick up this book and you will find yourself no longer feeling alone.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Mary Espinoza

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caging Grace is a powerful and emotional story about dedication, determination and overcoming barriers. Grace is strong, determined, passionate and is doing everything she can to care for her younger sister and her mom. The chance comes for Grace to make some big moves in her life, she jumps on it! Some amazing characters are thrown her way including Johnny, her trainer and Dar, a rich, snotty kid who isn’t as big and bad as he seems on the surface. Grace, Johnny and Dar end up bringing out the best of each other and they build amazing relationships are true and genuine. From page 1, I was captivated by Caging Grace, she has to deal with quite a bit of adversity, and is determined to succeed from it all!

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Mary Espinoza, June 2022

Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Piper Foster

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frim the offer I was engrossed in this story. Grace just stuck out to me she an amazing character and a women to watch out for. The story really flown well. 3 enjoyed Grace been in the cage it felt right she honor her father that way and had that connection. The support and live around her is great.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Robin Rankin

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caging Grace (The Grace Series Book 1)

I had no expectations going in since this is a new author and this book is their first full length, though the synopsisgot my attention.

I have to say I was quite impressed with the total package.  The characters, story were well written and have a great depth to them. Really think we have only scratched the surface with Grace and not even that far with Johnny and I have so many questions about everything and everyone.

I loved watching Grace develop and evolve throughout this book.  I may have obsessively thought about the book for a day or two after I finished which caused me to not be able to get started on my next book.

I could go on and on about this book, but instead of that I’m going to tell you to read it.  It is anything but the typical romance.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by stephanie nicole

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane

This book really blew me out of the water, I was definitely not expecting it to be the roller coaster emotional read that it was. Grace was an amazing character who had to fight for so many more things then anyone should have to. I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover, but upon starting the book I simply couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough. Grace’s journey was beautifuly written, and possibly one of the beat books that I have read this year.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was not expecting what in did with this book. But in a very good way. This book was not just your typical romance but about finding love on a personal level and persona growth. This was something Grace goes through in this book. The emotions in this book with determination, hardship, love and learning to love was very captivating to read. It was so inspiring to read. This book was amazing from start to finish. Grace was an easy character to absolutely cheer on, her determination to do what it takes to provide for herself, her mother and sister, and to see her grow was amazing, the way things play out our amazing, I love how they are back stories in the stories were you can really understand the character better, which just makes you fall in love with them more. I highly recommend this book.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Daryian Lucas

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.2/5 Stars
This was a good book! This book takes on some pretty intense situations in life. Grace learns to fight for self defense, but ends up having to fight underground to keep afloat. She turns to UFC when she’s introduced to it by her trainer. The expectations I had for Grace and her love life evolved as her love life evolved. In the end, she chooses herself and chooses to out herself first. There’s a valuable lesson in this book that is very important for anyone. Sometimes, even when it’s not comfortable, we have to choose ourselves in order to heal and move forward in a healthy way.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Candida Hopper

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book. This read kept me entertained and glued to the pages. Grace has been through so much in her young life and she keeps on fighting through all of her struggles literally and figuratively. She hasn’t had it easy trying to take care of her younger sister and sick mom. All of her hard work pays off when she gets a chance to join the UFC. She has guilt about fighting that she needs to work through. There are also some other really great characters in this story. I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that this is a must read, you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend this book.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Ashley McMillon

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caging Grace is a story of a young woman who has so much on net own shoulders. Grace is weighed down heavily by tragedy and supporting her family. Grace has been forced to grow up due to poverty, mental illness in her family, and the loss of a parent. Ultimately as the reader you are intrigued by this tragic story and root for Grace the whole way through. This story hits close to home for anyone who has witnessed how tragedy can attempt to destroy a life, and will give you hope to find strength within yourself and keep pushing on. This book was a really great read with great character development.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Katrina Evanochko

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went into this book thinking I knew what would happen, and boy was I wrong. This is not your typical romance. It is a book about hardship, determination, and learning how to love yourself. Grace is a character that you quickly connect with and immediately want to see her life improve. She is someone who doesn’t let adversity hold her back and she is determined to do whatever it takes to provide for her sick mother and younger sister.

I am not a UFC fan and know very little about the sport, but you don’t have to know anything to appreciate this story. Grace struggles with choosing to fight for more than just survival, and the reasons behind her feelings are absolutely heartbreaking. The way her story unfolds is well crafted. You are never just told what happened – you see the pieces of it through flashbacks, conversations with other characters, and her internal dialogue, and start to get a picture, and then when you finally see the whole picture, I cried for 14 year old Grace.

The supporting cast of characters are wonderful. Carl and Mason are in the background, but their support is what has gotten Grace through. Alasdiar took me by surprise. You think you know who he is and what role he will play in the story, and he became one of my favourite people. Johnny has his own trauma that he is dealing with, and while we don’t know much about his story, what we do know made my heart hurt for him. When he took down Zach for being disrespectful I wanted to cheer! There are multiple people who could be love interests, and all of them have reasons they could be good, or not good, but my reverse-harem-loving self wants her to have all of them LOL! I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Whitney Morrison

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal read! Once I started I couldn’t put this one down. Grace is such an amazing person and I loved every part of her journey. She is a fighter in both senses of the word. I couldn’t get enough and I was sad when it was over. I highly recommend this book!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by M Policicchio

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic. Amazing. Thrilling. Heart Wrenching. Sucks you in and won’t let you go.

Grace has lived in poverty her entire life. She learned to fight for everything in her life since she was young. Grace figured out that she also had to fight for her family’s survival in every way. That presents itself as occasional underground MMA fights. Grace gets the chance of a lifetime to become a brand ambassador for a new fitness apparel company. If she takes this job, they will pay her more than she could possibly imagine and give her the opportunity to fight professionally. Once Grace takes the job and slowly starts opening to others, she builds a family of friends.

If you can read this and not be caught up in the action, not cringe and flinch when the author describes the fighter’s injuries, no root for Grace during every fight, not feel pride when Dar stands on his own two feet, not hope for more for Grace, and having you buying the others in the series, YOU should not call yourself a bookworm! This book is one of the best I have read this year. LOVED IT!!!!!!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jo Frizzell

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was beautifully written! I always enjoy books with strong female leads, and this story was no exception to that. Grace’s strength, tenacity, and strong familial bonds – both chosen and blood – were illustrated wonderfully in every bit of her journey. I adore that she holds herself to high standards and isn’t afraid of hard work; I truly just adore everything about her as a character and wish I could meet her. I also really enjoyed the way the story is told, truly showing her, in every facet of herself. The way that Dar, Johnny, Mason, and Carl rally around her is just amazing. If I could change anything about this story, I absolutely wouldn’t. The emphasis she places on choosing herself for the first time after spending her entire life as a caretaker is just perfect; she says it best when she says that she couldn’t be someone else’s half when she’s never even been whole. So, if you’re looking for a strong female lead that never quits, who has a strong moral code, so much compassion, and the kahones to take the world by storm, this is definitely a story you shouldn’t miss!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Lucy Machard

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not a sports person. Never have been, never will be. But let me tell you- this author has COMPLETELY made me a fan of cagefighting. This book is phenomenal! It does go off to a slower start, with a lot of flashbacks to give history to the character and to build the series, but when the rising action starts, it’s so hard to put down! I loved the way the author created the dynamics between the characters, and I honestly can’t wait to read the novella, or to read the next book. Absolute 100/10.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely read,
Grace is a young girl when her father dies in the underground fight ring, leaving her to care for her mother and younger sister, and how do you do that when you are from the less affluent area of the city?
You do what you know, you fight.
The story follows Grace as she comes of age and moves up the ranks of the underground fighting. Juggling caring for her family, a job and her own memories. Spotted by an up and coming company she moves into the UFC. We watch the characters evolve and her group of supporters and those who care for her grow, how she affects their lives.
Touches on themes of mental illness, desperation and shows those that you choose as family are not always blood.
Really well written, making you feel as though you are one of the team. An author that I cannot wait to read the next book from.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Tina Vega

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about a woman who is determined to make it. Working three jobs to provide for her mother and sister and she still struggles. One of those jobs is fighting in the ring. On a lucky break, she gets noticed which gives her an opportunity to better her family’s life. We are down in the trenches with her rooting for her to win. The author created a character that is admirable and strong. It was a great read with an inspiring theme.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Melissa Saxton

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new author to me and a semi new genre about a UFC fighter. I admit I wasn’t so sure but boy am I glad I took the time to read it!

Grace a sensitive yet incredibly strong young woman has been dealt a terrible hand in life, starting by being jumped as a young girl going to the store for her dad. Her trials continue raising her sister but thanks to lessons from her father she is more than capable of taking care of herself and her sister.

When an opportunity to move up from underground fighter to the UFC emerges she jumps at the chance to provide for herself and her sister. This story explores Grace’s strength, resilience, and a little humor and romance.
The characters are very well developed, realistic; and I can’t wait for the subsequent stories to come!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jerricka Brown

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. I was hooked from the very beginning. This is my first book by this author and I was thoroughly entertained. I love how it goes between time frames. I felt a connection with the main character. I highly recommend this book.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Lisa Helmick

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story filled with amazing characters! I really got pulled in to Grace’s life. She is an inspiring character. I felt, wished and hoped for her. We meet her at her almost lowest and watch in awe as her dreams become reality. Sure there are humps and bumps along the way but they only endear her to me more.

Her friends and family are all great secondary characters! As with Grace we learn about them along the way. I liked the camaraderie between a lot of them. It is tough times but I still saw myself smiling at them all.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Just about everything about it made me happy. This is a new author for me and she did an excellent job creating this world and characters.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Karyn Taylor

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic work of Women’s Fiction that had me hooked (no pun intended) from the very beginning. It was also my first time reading any work by this author and I can definitely say that I will be reading more, especially more of this series.
Grace is just one of those fantastic characters that swallow you up whole and has you totally invested in their story. I absolutely loved her whole outlook on life. She’s given up everything in life to provide for her sick mother and to bring up her sister.
I love the relationships she has with the significant men in her life, Johnny her trainer and Alasdair, another fighter at her gym that she’s friends with. Both are really amazing guys but I know which one I’d like Grace to have a romantic relationship with if that’s in the cards for her. I won’t say who but allow you to make up your own mind.
This is an excellent book and I’d definitely recommend it to others.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Shannon Fowler

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story. I love stories with a happy ending. When the main couple can ride off into the sunset after defeating whatever demons they needed to. That’s my usual happily ever after. Grace is the main character in this story and even though the ending is a little different than my usual, Grace does eventually ride off into the sunset.

Dealing with your past and even your current demons is a tough thing to do. Finding a safe outlet for your anger, fear and even confusion, is healthy. Grace was able to find that outlet in the underground fighting ring where her father use to fight. The ring is where Grace finds peace even though it went against what she thought her parents wanted for her. Grace finds it hard to live up to some self-perceived expectations.

This story was my first by this author and I am glad there is going to be more. I want to know what happens to the other people in Grace’s life. Recommend this story.

Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Lauren West

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author was amazing and told a hell of a story. Grace proved to be a strong and resilient woman who’s success was well earned. She loved her family, loved MMA, and she proved she could conquer the world. She did so much to overcome the way she grew up and her mom and sister were very much her world, and when she got her MMA trainers in her life they become family as well. This is a story for everyone to read and relate to about following dreams and becoming the best they can be.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a captivating tale. The characters and plot are so well developed and you won’t find plot holes in this story. This is a keep you on the edge of your seat, death grip on the book, can’t put it down until it’s over type of book. It’s not really action based but more reflective and pensive. I really enjoyed how well the emotions were portrayed in this story. Every ounce of guilt, futility, joy, and development of self really made this book what it is. I am interested to see what book two will hold.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Michelle Collier

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I can promise you it will not be the last. Caging Grace was so amazing. The characters are all their own form of broken. Seeing how they have survived and how they are moving forward in their lives was a true pleasure. Grace is so strong yet so lost in a lot of ways. The journey she is on is enough to send most people running for the hills or at least looking for the easy way out. For Grace that is not an option. I love this story so much and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Wendy Wary

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved reading this tale about Grace, a young woman who learned to fight as a means for survival, and then fighting in an underground circuit as a way to make money to help support her mother and sister after her father dies. The struggle of facing starvation and threat of losing her family due to her mother’s schizophrenia and their impoverished living conditions is all Grace can focus on in her small little world in the Bronx.
But, when she gets offered a deal to fight legitimately while representing a freshly launched athletic clothing brand, it affords her an opportunity to finally think beyond how she’s going to pay for medications and care for her mother and when her next meal will be. Weighed by promises and ghosts from the past, Grace has to figure out how to overcome her emotions and fears and decide if fighting professionally is something she wants.
With a cast full of colorful and diverse characters, the author did a great job weaving a story about overcoming hardships, facing fears, finding yourself, healing from the past, dedication and perseverance, and building community with those around you. I’m excited to read the next book in the series!

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Caging Grace (The Grace Series #1) by Carsen Lane-Review by Amanda Kimble

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Caging Grace (The Grace Series #1) by Carsen Lane

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This book is a great read, but I’m not going to ruin who she gets with. Caging Grave is the first book in The Grace Series.

Grace has always fought since she was young. First in Underground Cage Fighting and then UFC. Underground because she needed to keep a roof over her family’s head. Now thanks to her gym owner she finds herself a new deal. The quote I chose for Grace is: “Why do I have a feeling that’s only the beginning? Trust is big with me, O’Malley. Once it’s gone, we’re done. Get me? I want full disclosure on everything.”

Johnny is Grace’s trainer after she becomes an ambassador for a clothing line which requires UFC. He has also had a rough childhood so he connects with Grace on a level no one else understands. The quote I chose for Johnny is: “You’ve already won, Grace. You’ve come face to face with your own demons, and you’ve come out on top. You’ve given yourself the right to hope, the chance to dream. Don’t allow fear to steal your dream from you. You’ve never let fear win before, so don’t start now.”

Dar is a Harvard graduate and working out at Grace’s gym. He catches Grace’s eye and figures out that he can do a whole lot better than he is now. The quote I chose for Dar is: “You were a child, Grace, and sadly those types of accidents happen in the ring. You have no penance to pay. Even if you did, don’t you think you’ve paid it by now?”

Highly recommended for Women’s Fiction lovers.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Kerry Baker

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a story about determination and the ability to rise above. Grace is one of those characters that you can’t seem to help but root for. There is something about her that has you connecting instantly. I enjoyed the fact that we got to see a bit of her history and how everything started.
The story was engaging. There were a few times I wished it had a bit more pace but I still found myself enjoying what was going on and wanting to know how things might end. The overall storyline was well written and showed some great development. This was a great book that is definitely worth reading.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Jess Engel

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! A new favorite for me! This was a wonderful read and story about a girl literally fighting her way through life.

The author does an amazing job crafting this story and building tension through her storytelling. The cast of characters, especially Grace, is well-developed and “real” enhancing the story and the readers connection.

Grace carries the world on her back and we follow her story of life’s trials, opportunities, and successes. She is a character you root for and will keep you turning the pages!

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