Grappling for Position

Book Review of Grappling For Position (Against The Cage Series)

Title: Grappling For Position

Series: Against The Cage Series

Author: Melynda Price 

Date Published: March 2nd 2017

Date Read:   March 4, 2017

The Blurb:

This battle of wills is about to go below the belt…

Willow Scott is sweet, innocent, and 100% untouchable. She’s the epitome of everything MMA fighter Regan “Rapscallion” Matthews has always wanted, but will never have. A woman like her deserves more than a scrapper from the wrong side of the tracks—the Scott’s charity case.
Unfortunately for Regan, his best friend’s little sister is all grown up and she’s tired of playing by the rules. When Willow sees something she wants, she goes after it—damn the consequences—and her sights are set on him. With a shot at the Welterweight title finally within his grasp, Willow Scott is a distraction Regan can’t afford. But this willful woman is determined to make him tap-out.
Willow has been in love with Regan Matthews since she was in pigtails and braces. Over the years, she’s all but given up hope of her brother’s friend returning her affection, but a part of her never stopped praying that someday he would see her as more than Kyle Scott’s annoying little sister. If Willow has her way that’s all about to change, and Regan must decide if he’s willing to risk losing his best friend and the Welterweight title for a woman he doesn’t deserve but cannot live without.

My Review

5 Forbidden Fruit Stars

Some Spoilers

OMG I have been waiting for Regan and Willow's story since Passing His Guard and it was amazing!!! I love me some brother's best friend love stories! I started this book and I couldn't put it down. I stayed up til 4am finishing it and I was sad when it ended! Willow was stubborn, strong, and so brave. I love that she fought for what she wanted and what she thought was right. Regan was sexy, playfully, funny, and very loyal. Both Willow and Regan were endearing, and relatable. Both had a very hard life. Willow losing her parents and almost being killed herself. Regan suffering the abuse of an alcoholic father. Both were fighters picking themselves up and making a life for themselves.

 

Willow, her brother Kyle, and Regan all grew up together. Willow has always loved Regan and Regan fell in love with Willow when she was 16 although he fought his feelings. Regan felt that Willow was forbidden fruit. That it would be disloyal to be in a relationship with his best friends baby sister. Regan and Willow's relationship was angsty with some push/pull balanced out with plenty of sweet. And the heat omg the heat. Regan and Willow had a strong connection. The sex in this book was hot! What is it about the forbidden fruit that just makes it sweeter? I loved getting to see Regan and Willow give into their relationship. I was also on pins and needles waiting for Kyle to find out about his baby sister and his best friend. And boy did the shit hit the fan when Kyle found out. I loved Regan, Willow and Kyle. I thought their dynamic was sweet. I felt bad that Kyle took things so badly and I want more Kyle! I loved everything about this book but the epilogue. I felt the epilogue was kinda weak. I love this series and I hope Kyle and Grim get their own books!

Fighting for Control

Book Review of Fighting For Control (Against the Cage Series)

Title: Fighting For Control

Series: Against The Cage Series

Author: Melynda Price

Date Published:  March 22nd 2016 

Date Read:    March 18, 2016

The Blurb: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 Review

5 Damaged, Broken Stars

Some Spoilers

Fighting for Control the 3rd book in Melynda Price's Against the Cage series was amazing. OMG I freakin' love Nikko!!!!!!! I fell in love with Nikko when I read Passing His Guard back in August 2015. I knew that the minute Nikko's book came out I would have to get my hands on it. Nikko was everything I wanted and more. This book was way better than Passing his Guard and that is saying a lot since Passing his Guard was awesome. Melynda Price did an excellent job of hooking me from the beginning and I didn't put that book down til I hit the last page. I mean really how can I not be hooked when the book starts with a sexy blonde sitting next to Nikko on a plane just out and ask him to have sex with her in the plane bathroom. Talk about an opener! Then six months after that mind blowing mile high sex Nikko finds out that his new psychologist is none other then the woman that rocked his world in the plane bathroom.

"Listen, I don't do this sort of thing- ummm...ever-but I have had one of the worst days of my
life, and you don't look like yours is going so hot, either. Do you umm..... want to go into the bathroom with me?"-Violet

********************************************************************************************

No how are you doing? How've you been since we banged? Was she seriously going to sit there and act like that shit on the plane didn't happen? "I can't believe you're a goddamn psychologist!"-Nikko

Nikko was perfect. Straight up he was so yummy! Nikko was so broken and damaged I just wanted to wrap him up in my love and save him. Nikko had some serious issues but he was still charming, sweet, caring, and a little funny too. Of course he was a sexy bad ass MMA fighter, but he was also a broken ex Marine. Anyone who has ever read my reviews knows I have a thing for (ex or not) Military, Cops, Firefighters, or any man in a uniform really. So yeah Nikko was a wet dream. Strong, dominate, and protective. I loved all Nikko's hard edges and I thought he really grew in this book. I don't think there was anything I would change about him. 

"I have to know..." He lowered his head, stopping inches from her mouth, her quickening breaths brushing against his lips. "Know what?" she whispered, sounding so sexy and breathless. "If you taste as good as I remember."-Nikko and Vi

"Then don't make me a liar, Nikko. Help me help you. Your career is too important to just throw away on the past. You can get beyond this. I believe in you. You just need to believe in yourself."-Vi

Violet was just as amazing as Nikko. She was calm, but strong and she fought like hell for Nikko. She was a sweet, caring person but Vi was no doormat. Vi was a more intellectual person but she had a wild side full of passion. Nikko really seemed to pull that wild side out of her. I loved how she never gave up on Nikko no matter how many times he lashed out at her or pushed her away. Vi had no problem taking Nikko to task but she was determined to help him. She was perfect for him.

"I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to let you in."-Nikko

Nikko wasn't a gentle lover. He fucked the same way he did everything else- demanding, controlling, and unapologetic.-Vi

Nikko and Vi's relationship was intense and full of passion. They fought a bit because Vi wouldn't just let Nikko hide from his past. They were wild together and had major chemistry. I loved them as a couple. I also loved Nikko with his daughter Ray and his two nieces OMG so adorable. I loved all the side characters, and was so happy that I got to see how Aiden and Ryann are doing. I also loved the little glimpse of the romance between Willow and Regan. I loved everything about this book truly. The ending was so sweet my teeth hurt and I had a dopey smile on my face. Now I am hoping the next book is Willow and Regan's book because I'm dying to know how that goes! This series gets better every book. 

"I'm not treating you like one! I just want you to talk to me! That's what normal people do when they care about each other Nikko! They talk, they share their feelings. It's called communication. You should really try it sometime."-Vi

Passing His Guard

Book Review of Passing His Guard (Against the Cage Series)

Title: Passing His Guard

Series: Against The Cage Series

Author: Melynda Price

Date Published: August 25th 2015  

Date Read: August 03, 2015

The Blurb:

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.

My Review

      4 Take a ride on Disco Stick Stars 

"Baby, I've got so much testosterone pumping through my system right now, all I can think about is working it out on you."

"Holy hell, you try my patience. Right now I can't decide what I want to do more, throttle you or fuck you."

Passing His Guard is the 2nd book in the Against the Cage series, but it can be read as a stand alone as I didn't read the first book, and had no problems following this one. This is the first book I have read by Melynda Price and I really enjoyed it. Enjoyed it enough that I am thinking of going back and reading the first one just to have a little more time in this world.

"That's what I'm trying to do, but you're clam-jamming me." He busted out laughing, which had not been what she was going for-at all. "I'm what?" he asked incredulously. "Clam-jamming me. It's the female version of cock-blocking,"

What this book is about

Ryann Andrews is in big trouble. The kind that could cost her, her life. A month ago her father was murdered in a hit and run, and Ryann knows who killed him. The Mob boss took him out because he owned him a ton of money. Now that mob boss is after Ryann for her father's debt. She has 2 weeks to pay the 75,000 or else! Desperate for money Ryann takes on the job of finding the son of Senator Kruze and bringing him home. When Ryann finds Aiden Kruze she can't believe it's the same guy. He is not the good looking, suit wearing Lawyer in the photo she was given. Standing before her is a sexy, cocky, kick ass MMA fighter all tatted up and pierced. Aiden “Disco Stick” Kruze has no intentions of going back home to his old life, but Ryann doesn't care what he wants or how sexy he is, she is getting him home and collecting that money no matter what she has to do!

Aiden:

"You touch her again and I'll fucking kill you."

Aiden is all kinds of yummy! He is fun, sweet, sexy, totally kick ass, and very smart. Aiden is a multifaceted character. He tends to hide the real him behind his alter ego "Disco Stick" the womanizing MMA fighter. Aiden feels like people and women only want to be around him because of his fame, Which makes him feel used and gives him a vulnerability that is endearing. Aiden tends to put his foot in his mouth a lot when it comes to Ryann, jumping to wrong conclusions and getting himself in trouble. I love how protective he is with Ryann. Aiden makes a perfect swoon worthy Hero.

"Rohypnol..." Her whispered response was spoken so softly, he barely heard her. "Are you serious? You fucking roofied me?" "Well, when you say it like that, you make it sound so bad."


"Damn, baby girl, that was hot. You know this silver tongue is good for more than just talking. Why don't you pull over and unlock these cuffs and I'll be more than happy to show you. Give me thirty seconds between those sweet thighs of yours and I'll make you come so hard-"

Ryann:

"I can take it, Aiden. I promise you won't break me."

Ryann is a very likeable heroine. She has a very realistic and down to earth personality. She had the perfect balance of independence and sass without coming across as bitchy. She has had a lot thrown at her and she is still fighting. She is brave, strong and sweet. Ryann is a good match for Aiden because she sees and likes the real him and not "Disco"

"I told her you had crabs." Aiden inhaled, choking on the fire searing a path into his lungs and sending him into a coughing fit. Mother. Fuck. "You did what?" he wheezed. The corner of Ryann's mouth twitched, and he swore to God, he'd never been more close to throttling a woman in his life. " I. Told. Her. You. Had. Crabs."


"Please....... he gave me trail mix." "That wasn't all he wanted to give you." "You're being ridiculous," she chided. "And you're being naive if you thing that guy didn't want to fuck your brains out." She laughed. She actually laughed at him. "You're right, Aiden. Nothing says 'I want to fuck your brains out' like a bag of trail mix."

"Fuck, Ryann... I'd fight every day if it meant coming home to this."

Aiden and Ryann have some massive sexual tension going on in this book. By the time they come together it was explosive, wild, and hot. I love them as a couple and was totally invested in their relationship. I loved the story plot. I found it suspenseful and thrilling. There are a few curveballs thrown in there that I didn't see coming. Nikko OMG Nikko!!! I want me some Nikko. Please Melynda Price Please write Nikko's story. I fell in love with Aiden's friend Nikko he was such a great character. The only problem I had with this book was there was a little to much internal monologue. Not enough to make it boring or anything just enough to slow the book down a bit. I am a sucker for a sweet epilogue and this book gave me one that had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. I thought this was an awesome and exciting read with lovable characters, scary realistic bad guys, and a delightful ending. I will definitely be reading more books from this author especially if she gives Nikko his own book!!!!!

"Have you noticed he's been acting different these past few days?" she pressed. "Of course I've noticed, but you gotta understand, Gingersnap, we're guys. This isn't the Vagina Monologues. We don't talk about our feelings."