Craving the Fight

I missed the Gloves Off series when I first discovered LP Dover years ago but picking up this next gen series didn’t have me feeling lost at all. I will say I probably would have had more of an appreciation for everything these characters went through.

There was a ton of suspense and the sparks between Carter and Emma were off the charts. Some parts were seriously over the top but this book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

I don't know what rock I have been hiding under, but I will admit that I have not read the original series. I thought it was just a MMA fighter series. Boy, was I wrong!!!! I definitely will be rectifying my mistake. I want to go back and read the original stories so I can meet the rest of the family, the original characters, and see everything that they went through and survived.

It will not be a hardship. Just the hints of the parents past in this book has my curiosity demanding to read them all NOW. Authors have a writing cave, I need a reading cave so I won't be disturbed as I get sucked into the series.

The author did an amazing job of writing a next generation story without confusing me. The author gave me enough background information so I was never lost. I was given glimpses into the past. I was shown how the past influences the present. The author piqued my interest in the parents' stories while sucking me into a riveting story involving the children.

The story was thrilling to read. The relationships between the fighters and their siblings illustrate just how supportive they are of one another. They have no problem stepping in and helping each other out, no matter the cost. There is a lot to be learned from them as they stand up to evil to protect their own.

I don't know how the author did it, but I felt as if I was ringside. I heard the punches. I smelt the sweat and blood. The tension was extreme, not just for the fighters but for everyone else. Emotion rolled off the pages, both good and bad.

My hatred for those that were forcing issues are real. The Mafia storyline added so much to the drama. There are many different crime families involved, but there is one that is worse than the others. The organizer will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Nikolai is the perfect villain. HIs creepiness had me wanting to boil my eyes and scrub in Lysol. I wanted to yell "Run" whenever he graced the page. I can't wait for him to get what he deserves. He will get what he deserves, right? That would be an amazing happily ever after.

I must thank the author for the romantic side of the story. I do enjoy a second chance romance. Emma and Carter deserve happiness but the author sure makes them work for it.