Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fight For It is the first book by author Amy L. Gale that I have read and I can not wait to read more! I read this in one sitting, not wanting to put it down at all. Main characters, Ray and Alyssa, were well written and you could feel the chemistry between them. There was such a great flow to the book and it was such an easy read. I can not wait to read more in this series.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011. Since then she has authored and published over forty-five books. The married mother of five sons promises romances with a Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it because she lives it.
Obsessed with the art of writing and the business of publishing, chronic entrepreneur Bernadette Marie established her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, in 2011 to bring her own work to market as well as offer an opportunity for fresh voices in fiction to find a home as well.
When not immersed in the writing/publishing world, Bernadette Marie can be found spending time with her family, traveling, and running multiple businesses. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and loves Tai Chi. She is a retired hockey mom, a lover of a good stout craft beer, and might have an unhealthy addiction to chocolate.
Author Interview With Bernadette Marie
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Maddie returns home after her dream of becoming a professional dancer is put on hold. One good thing about moving home to her small town is the view…especially of the neighbor next door. Too bad he has a grumpy attitude to go with those gorgeous looks. Maybe she can turn his frown upside down…
Adam moves to a small town to escape the memories of the past and try to heal. He is weighed down by immense guilt for failing to save his wife. He just wants to live in solitude…but his neighbor’s dog seems to have other ideas.
These two are amazing characters. They are both overcoming different obstacles in their lives. Maddie wants to find the good in Adam…because she sees it…but Adam is determined to keep her away. Thank goodness for her meddling dog! You can feel the emotions come off the pages for both of them and it makes for a beautiful story.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story was an awesome one! An enemies to lovers Romance that I didn’t want to put down. The Author had great attention to detail and I adored the main characters even the grumpy main. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won’t be my last.
Happy Reading!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read, I was pulled right in from the beginning.
Maddie has been sneaking peeks at her new neighbor and she finally gets the nerve to approach him and lets just say he was not very receptive, she quickly retreated back to her home. There is something about Maddie that Adam finds soothing and he enjoys secretly watching her dance on the beach. Her fugly dog has also been sneaking over to his house and seems to be growing on him. As the story moves forward they start to grow closer, with little hiccups here and there.
Both Maddie and Adam have things that they are dealing with personally. They seem to have a connection and being together helps ease some of the stress.
Will Maddie get past her issues and finally get her dream job? Will Adam be able to get past his issues and open up to Maddie?
Overall this was a great read. I loved all of the characters, especially the dog. I loved Maddie and her strength, her thoughts about Adam had me LOL at times. We get a bonus chapter at the end along with a sneak peek at the next book in the series. The author does a great job with her writing and I can’t wait to read the next book. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First timer read with this author and this was a great starter!! Adam and Maddie are a couple you root for, and can easily imagine. Maddie is the sweet girl next door who is the good friend and ever loyal supporter. She always sees the good. When Adam moves in next door you can easily describe him as brooding, sexy, and mysterious. While Adam wears a façade wanting to be hidden he finds that wont work with Maddie. As Maddie wears him down they start a slow descent into love, and its a beautiful journey. When something is meant to there wont be anything to hold you back.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The first story was about a best friend that sleeps with her dad. The next story I want to say is about getting that chance to love the one who got away. This was a really fast paced book. I loved that it had two short stories combined.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nothing quite like an enemies to lovers romance to round out the summer with! A.K. Macbride does a wonderful job at painting a picture of what trauma does to people and how it affects relationships, specifically the one between Maddie and Adam in this novel.
This author is new to me, but this will not be the last book I will read by them! Now that I’ve read this one I plan to go back and read Instant Heat, but in reading this I did not find it necessary that I needed to read that book first, which was a plus! There are definitely a lot of unanswered questions that I have about both characters after reading this book, particularly addressing the family issues in Maddie’s life. Can’t wait to read more!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow Burn by A.K. Macbride is an intense and emotional roller coaster ride of a story. This story has everything that an avid romance reader needs, from a brooding man who thinks he doesn’t deserve love, to a girl that proves he does, crazy and intense chemistry, and some funny moments to make the story not to heavy. The characters are amazing, the plot leaves me wanting more, and the authors word building leaves me not being able to wait to read more by this author.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The title says it all. Really. I was hooked from the second that Maddie and Adam met. A tattooed grumpy as all hell neighbor? This book was phenomenal, sexy, infuriating and a page turner that didn’t disappoint right to the very end! A.K. Macbride is a new author for me and this won’t be our last!!!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic story! This is my first book that I read from Author A.K. MacBride and I love this slow burn of a romance. The is the story of Maddie and Adam that is truly an emotional roller coaster. I believe they both do not feel like they deserve love. Maddie is a dancer, but ends up working for her parents hardware store and they are not in full support of Maddie as a dancer. When Maddie is left a beachfront cottage by her grandmother, this is where she meets Adam. He is rude, grumpy, yes full of pain, but when you find out Adam’s story, you have all these feels why. You really root for these two characters and their story. Highly recommended if you love a contemporary romance with a small town feel. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a HUGE fan of small town, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance reads!! Slow Burn has got to be by far one of my FAVORITE reads of the year!! This is book two in it’s series, so upset with myself for reading out of sync, so I most certainly will be reading all books in series. I literally could NOT set this story aside when I started reading! I just had to read it ALL, as I really really loved this author’s style! Eager to read more of her work as well!
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fight for It by Amy L Gale was just an amazing and flawless story. Ms. Gale gives us an amazing plot, with great character development, lots of ups and downs, plenty of romance and chemistry. Throw in a girl that your in love with but you can’t pursue due to her being your best friends sister and this fast paced sports novel will have you on the edge of your seat. There is no doubting that there is chemistry between Ray and Alyssa, one would allow say that they are soul mates. But with all the challenges they have to face will they be together? Will the fight be worth it in the end? And will love really conquer all? You’ll have to read Fight for It by Amy L Gale to find out for yourself.
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a book that is romance plus the sport of fighting like boxing. This is my first book I read by Author Amy L Gale and I absolutely loved it! When Ray Wilson, whom was a professional boxer, returns to Sunset Cove to re-open The Kraken Bar & Grill. The real estate agent that he meets to sign all the paperwork is no other then Alyssa, whom he had known since high school. Growing up Alyssa’s brother was Ray’s best friend. After divorcing her abusive husband, Alyssa really tries to build her own business. When Alyssa meets with Ray to sign the paperwork for the bar he bought, spark also fly between Ray and Alyssa. The two really hit it off, until a opportunity for one last fight that Ray is a part of could ruin his left eyesight permanently, and someone is behind the set up of this fight. I just loved this story and I try not to give any spoilers away. This is a quick read but did NOT disappoint!
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What better way to describe this compelling novel than Slow Burn! I enjoyed reading this novel- ranging from Adam’s struggle with seeing past his scars (not only physically but internally) to Maddie trying to get her parents to come to terms with her career in dancing. When their worlds collide, sparks fly, and they embark on a journey of romance, love, and hope. This novel proves that sometimes we need to look past the surface of one’s façade to find the person truly worth loving.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This enemies to lovers romance had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the main characters, grumpy Adam and bubbly Maddie and enjoyed seeing how their relationship changed and developed throughout the story. Maddie is instantly attracted to her new neighbour Adam after all he’s tall, muscular and has tats, but then he opens his mouth and she discovers that he is also rude and obnoxious. However, despite Adams poor first impression Maddie believes that there is more to him and that he’s hiding a past pain. The storyline flowed well and the descriptive narrative bought both the setting and the characters to life making this an engaging read. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this as the story had both sad moments, tragic moments and then laugh out loud moments along with plenty of romance. I found myself still thinking about Adam and Maddie long after I had put the book down, which for me is always a sign of a good read.
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fight For It (Sunset Cove) by Amy L. Gale is a great book with some truly likeable characters. From the minute I started reading this book I felt connected to Alyssa and Ray. You could imagine each of their struggles and felt like you were ok their journey with them.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed watching the character development that she brought out. The book was easy to read and enjoyable from the first page to the last. This is a great book and I can’t wait to discover more of this authors work.
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Willa’s ex Hayden is a total creep. To me it screams domestic violence. I love how she falls in love with Brody. They have such a innocent and pure relationship. No matter how they try to Saratoga their relationship it still blossoms.
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this sport romance. The author does a great job with her characters making them relatable and easy to fall in love with. This story is full of first love, memories and danger which all makes for a gripping read.
Ray is a champion boxer. He returns to his home town to retire after an injury to his eye could lead to him being blind. When he takes over the Kraken bar he enlisted the help of his old school friend Lys. Neither of them expected the old flames from their school days to reignite and catch fire but boy is the attraction hot.
However things aren’t all good for the couple with Lys ex husband Jared in the background he is out to destroy the couple and the life they are making together.
When Ray is given the opportunity for one last fight in Vegas he jumps at the chance not realising it is a set up to destroy him for good.
Can Lys make Ray see sense and call off the fight? Can Ray win the fight or will Ray lose his eyesight and the girl he loves chasing a dream thats over?
Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Home to the Outback is the first in the Bunya Junction book series by Nicole Flockton. This was a sweet story of returning to your hometown and finding all that you actually needed in life was there for you. At first, Dr. Ryan Flanagan seems like he will be full of arrogance but the more we are given into his character, he becomes a very loving and caring individual. I like how he grew into who he became. Most often, plastic surgeons are portrayed as indulgent and snobbish, but this is not the case with Ryan. Sindy Carruthers is the nurse that steals Ryan’s heart and is overcoming her own demons that had her return to Bunya Junction 2 years prior to Ryan’s return and working alongside Ryan’s father figure in the local medical practice. I would absolutely recommend this read. It’s a very easy to get into and short enough that I found my afternoon swept away by the characters. I will be looking out for the next books in this series.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For anyone who likes this sort of genre with two very fast-paced short stories, this is a definite must to read. Two back-to-back stories that are completely unrelated. LM Mountford knows how to put a lot of sexy details in a short story and make the reader wish for more.
The first story: Tequila Sunset is about a girl’s best friend and her father. Cassandra has been told she is boring, she is feeling more than inadequate, and is spending some much-needed time in the pool with her best friend Stacey. Stacey’s father, David, is there and -after his divorce- has been noticing Cassandra the same way that she is noticing him. Cue fantasy.
The second story: Beneath the Sheets is a short, romantic story about two lifelong friends who have lost touch. Sarah reaches out to Alex after years apart and he jumps on the first flight to her – no questions asked. Their romance picks up right where it left off all those years ago and makes for a wonderfully sweet and exciting read.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great one – – I personally enjoy the ‘enemies to lovers’ story line. In Slow Burn there was nice character development and they had relatable, real-world issues to work through. I think I read this in two short sittings, and it has enough steam and intrigue to keep the reader engaged but it’s not overly explicit. In the end you’re rooting for Adam and Maddie to end up together but the author makes you wait right up until the end to reveal if they will or not. I’d read more from A.K. MacBride!
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance and read the book in one sitting as I was hooked from start to finish. Professional boxer Ray “The Wrecker” Wilson has had to retire from the ring due to injury. Ray returns to his hometown of Sunset Cove to buy The Kraken Bar & Grill a former infamous hotspot. Real-estate agent Alyssa Higgins is trying to restart her life having divorced her abusive husband who unfortunately still lives in the town, the same town his family run. Ray and Alyssa meet when he needs her expertise to buy The Kraken, Ray can’t believe he’s face to face with the one girl who was always ‘off limits’ due to her being his best friends little sister. Alyssa is surprised to find the legendary heartthrob is back in town especially as he’s followed by reporters everywhere he goes.
Whilst Alyssa believes Ray just sees her as his best friends sister still, Ray is trying to resist their obvious chemistry especially as they are both grieving for Alyssa’s brother. Just as the couple grow closer Ray has an opportunity to go back in the ring but this decision may change everything. This is a heartwarming romance with a sporting theme, the storyline flows well and has plenty of drama and suspense in the plot to keep readers happily turning the pages. The characters are all well defined and I especially liked the main characters, Ray and Alyssa. The chemistry between the pair really came across in the writing and as they were both likeable and relatable I felt engaged with them and their story. A great short read which I recommend.
Slow Burn by A.K. MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a delicious slow-burn. There is something to be said for going slow instead of quick and fast all the time. This one delivers it all in spades. We really get to know the characters and their wants and needs. Adam is quite the guy. At first I loved to dislike him but slowly..oh so slowly he turned a corner as I changed my opinion about him. He is a grump and kinda mean. By the end he is a hot dreamboat. There is one scene in here that I highlighted because I loved it so much. Sadly its near the end so I can’t say anything because I don’t want to give anything away. But let’s just say..my heartbeat picked up as I held my breath. Madison is wonderful. She has challenges that are different from Adam’s but I still enjoyed all her turmoil, tears and smiles.
Secondary characters are super. First off can a dog be a character? Sheldon has a smallish part but its a instrumental in the story. Frankie is a great character. Supportive and there for her bestie. I see her story is next and I am excited. There are parents, friends and family that all help these two try to get together.
Overall this is a wonderful read. The suspense of will they or won’t they drove me crazy! Heck even that first kiss! Yowza! I loved seeing the growth of these two and I look forward to more.
The title of this series (Breathing Hearts) fits perfectly.
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a quick read. I really enjoyed the story for the first half. The characters and their plight drew me in. I cared about them and wondered what would happen. A Fighter (after forced retirement) coming back to his hometown..reinvesting in the town. Great idea! Then meeting back up with his BF sister. Perfect! Then there is her story of divorce from an abusive ex and learning to stand on her own again. Nicely Done.
The second half was not so good. The story went all over the place. The characters really fell flat and things didnt fit in place. The Story/Characters should be like a puzzle where everything fits together. In here I feel like pieces got put in the wrong place. I think a longer, more in depth look at the characters and story would have been more beneficial. Maybe even a look inside Ray’s head. It just felt rushed at times and the story didn’t match up with the great first half.
Overall I liked the idea and premise of this story.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
L.M. Mountford lives up to his moniker of “Lord of Lust” in this one!
Two quick read sexy short stories featuring tropical locations and how dirty the pairings can get in each location. These two stories will each leave you fanning yourself or going in search of a way to alleviate that tension.
I enjoyed that the tropes used were not duplicative between the stories. These stories are not for the faint of heart or those looking for a wholesome romance. These are stories about the passion and lust which exists between two parties and how hard and fast they can come together to explosive results. HEA’s are dubious at best here. This bundle certainly leaves me wanting to search out more of Mountford’s lustful works.
Further breakdown of each story as follows:
Tequila Sunset
A true Age Gap, Forbidden Romance based short story. A broken hearted young woman faces her attraction to her best friend’s father, and a recently divorced, writer’s blocked author, confronts his new longing for the forbidden fruit. This one plays up the taboo aspect by stating that David (a.k.a. Mr Street) remembered Cassandra playing with dolls along with his daughter while growing up, and having the nickname ‘Cass’ that he uses when acting in that more familiar role. As I don’t have a problem with age gap romances and tend to enjoy a little forbidden romance I really enjoyed this story. Tequila Sunset is well paced and has a good build up leading to the smut within.
Content Warning: an*l, sneaking around, talk of cheating
Beneath the sheets
I really enjoyed this story, getting to know about the past and rekindling of a high school friendship. The sexual tension is well built upon, and doesn’t feel like it’s the sole focus of the story, but rather an aspect of this relationship growing. This story reads more like the beginning of something that could grow into a story of it’ own, but its a sexy and sensual beginning to Alex and Sarah’s adult relationship nonetheless.
Content warning: cheating
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Romancing the Tropics
(A Tropical Cocktail Romance Boxset)
By: L.M. Mountford
Genre: Romance, Contemporary & Erotic
Pages: 92
Yes, yes, yes! Give me more I want more! I cannot get over this read, you will go back and read it repeatedly and I can tell you the author does not disappoint.
I am naming him KING of lust and erotica.
Grab a condom open this book the smut is real with capital S.M.U.T!
This will give you all the feels in all the right places if you know what I mean.
If you ever felt like your best friend’s dad was hot, you’re a Cassandra.
If you ever fell in love with your best friend, you’re a Sarah.
Do you remember prom night?
This will have you tracking down old lovers to be more then friends.
This is five stars and if I could give it six I would.
Like I said if there is any author that homes in on erotica and romance it is 100% Mountford.
He will have you ready to mount your mate.
It is not just erotic the story is captivating, and the climax of the plot might have you doing just that.
“….the idea only sent a hot shiver tingling up his spine as he dragged his eyes away.”
Fight for It by Amy L. Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book because it was a simple, easy, wholesome read. It was the standard story – small town feel, boy moves back to town a hero/big shot, meets girl who boy has known all his life, boy and girl kindle a romance, girl or boy pushes the other away for seemingly unknown reasons, trouble arises, boy or girl overcomes reasons in order to be with the other, they all live happily ever after… BUT I loved how Amy puts in a second villain character!
The twist that is not really a twist, which becomes a twist again made the story that much more intriguing!
I do feel that the end hit a bit too abruptly and the bow was tied a little too neatly, but overall it was a fun read and I am planning on keeping it in my back pocket for when I need an easy book to make me smile.
Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This set is definitely for the 18+ group. Two hot, steamy stories that heat up the pages. The author certainly knows how to bring out the lust in the ladies. Some nice romance and chemistry in the story make for good entertainment. Both stories have well-written characters. If you need a little spice, check out these stories
This is a well written love story. Her character are written very strongly. This is a great little pick me up mood boosting book. Ray a retired boxer who’s moved back to his hometown and Alyssa’s his best mate little sister. I really enjoyed reading Rays and Alyssa story I kind of wish it was longer.
