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lsmith95's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
snaze6's review against another edition
5.0
A quick read about Leo and Cami’s relationship. Despite being in the same circle of people surrounding MMA fighting for several years, they really don’t know each other. From their years of being in each other’s proximity they each developed their own impression of who the other is, but when reality shakes up these false images, each of them is intrigued to learn a little more of the truth. And what they find surprises and intrigued them to learn even more.
This is the first book in Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders, which is a group of fighter’s who join Seth’s gym after a drug cheating scandal occurs at their old gym. This short read is an both an introduction to these new fighters (Leo, Tony, Enya, Oman, and Vic) and of Leo and Cami’s romance. It’s told in dual first-person POVs which keep you focused on the emotions, happenings and reasons for how things take place in the story.
Leo Delaney is trying to not live up to become like his father, an MMA champion who routinely and openly cheated on Leo’s mother. He’s been told he’s so much like his farther as to be a carbon copy of him. Leo doesn’t see this as admirable.
Camile/Cami is the twin sister to Karson, an MMA fighter who was arrested as part of the drug scandal and who was the abusive ex-boyfriend of Lena (who is now with Jace - was book #1 Fighter’s Heart).
These previously side characters are interesting and engaging, and their stories will bring additional interactions with beloved characters from the Crown MMA Romance series (Jace/Lena, Seth/Ashlin, Gabe/Sydney, and Harley/Devon). I’m so exited to read more in this world created by A. Rivers!
I really enjoyed this book and found Cami’s emergence from under her brother’s control and influence and out from his shadow to be exhilarating. She finds her voice and confidence which is powerful and Leo’s love and support is a huge catalyst for her changes and continued progress. I cheered out loud when she finally takes a stand against a family member over the phone just as a huge special event in her life gets ready to begin. Go Girl!
Leo also changes from viewing things in a black/white and right/wrong, cut and dried manner to start seeing more of a continuum on things that incorporates shades of grey, and intent and other’s feelings.
Excited to read more! Smitten kitten has to be my favorite character description in a while!!
This is the first book in Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders, which is a group of fighter’s who join Seth’s gym after a drug cheating scandal occurs at their old gym. This short read is an both an introduction to these new fighters (Leo, Tony, Enya, Oman, and Vic) and of Leo and Cami’s romance. It’s told in dual first-person POVs which keep you focused on the emotions, happenings and reasons for how things take place in the story.
Leo Delaney is trying to not live up to become like his father, an MMA champion who routinely and openly cheated on Leo’s mother. He’s been told he’s so much like his farther as to be a carbon copy of him. Leo doesn’t see this as admirable.
Camile/Cami is the twin sister to Karson, an MMA fighter who was arrested as part of the drug scandal and who was the abusive ex-boyfriend of Lena (who is now with Jace - was book #1 Fighter’s Heart).
These previously side characters are interesting and engaging, and their stories will bring additional interactions with beloved characters from the Crown MMA Romance series (Jace/Lena, Seth/Ashlin, Gabe/Sydney, and Harley/Devon). I’m so exited to read more in this world created by A. Rivers!
I really enjoyed this book and found Cami’s emergence from under her brother’s control and influence and out from his shadow to be exhilarating. She finds her voice and confidence which is powerful and Leo’s love and support is a huge catalyst for her changes and continued progress. I cheered out loud when she finally takes a stand against a family member over the phone just as a huge special event in her life gets ready to begin. Go Girl!
Leo also changes from viewing things in a black/white and right/wrong, cut and dried manner to start seeing more of a continuum on things that incorporates shades of grey, and intent and other’s feelings.
Excited to read more! Smitten kitten has to be my favorite character description in a while!!
bookish_kristina's review against another edition
4.0
This novella is a quick light hearted read, finishing in just under two hours. It’s a cute story with very little angst and no drama. The female main character struggles to find confidence after having to deal with an overbearing brother and unsupportive parents. The hero helps her grow into herself and is very sweet, but the heavy lifting of her growth is done herself, which I appreciate, she was no damsel in distress. The hero’s issues seem to remain unresolved or just magically disappear though, I’d like to have seen him go up against his demons as well. In the beginning he states that he cannot be in a relationship with a woman because his dad cheated on his mom and he’s afraid he will end up like him. No proof is given to validate his fears as he is not a cheater and is actually nicknamed the priest. He is not promiscuous in any way, but as his relationship with the heroine develops we never see him struggle and his issue with commitment disappears. The hero doesn’t really grow at all in this one and I’m not sure why it was even mentioned that he had commitment issues at all, seemed pointless if it wasn’t going to be addressed. However this story really focussed on the heroine and her growth which I felt was well done in the short time frame that a novella offers. Quick, short, happy read with no drama, ow, break ups or angst. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
lesleyt's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aromer19's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
blissful_barker's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lukka2008's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The FMC needs to stand on her own and the MMC helps. This was fine. Just ok.
ashjuillet's review
5.0
Leo and Camile were perfect for each other. I love how Camile got the courage to stand up for her dreams over the course of the book with Leo's encouragement (even though he sometimes felt frustrated about her attitude). I also loved the way Leo's feelings for her changed the moment she became sassy.
larsreads's review
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0