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jr1323's review
5.0
Wow! Layla went home to visit and her world turned upside down. Cruz was there to help pick up the pieces and learn to love for real. Layla always said she wouldn’t date a fighter but Cruz makes her change her mind. Their pasts are heartbreaking but they help each other heal. Amazing book!!!
naughtybookaffair's review
5.0
I absolutely love H.J and her writing. This one proves that. I love Cruz. There is just something about a fighter with a soft side. I love how he is there for Layla when she needs someone the most and is there anytime that she needs him . But at the same time she is there for Cruz when he needs someone. This was an amazing well written story line with some great characters that had great chemistry. As in most of her books there is that heart wrenching moment that you dont see coming. But then she makes things better by the end of the story. I absolutely love books that are written like that. It really gets you into the story line and what is going on with the characters. These two are drowning in their own pain but that is what brings them together. I love her writing style and absolutely loved this book. Cruz is a new favorite of mine.
babblingchatterreads's review
4.0
🖋 SNEAK PEEK REVIEW 🖋
I am one who not usually a fan of MMA; however, this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars read was one that got me hooked and itching for more from the series.
Layla and Cruz's story is filled with personal history that will have you feeling broken and alone thanks to moments in life that affected them that is beyond their control. Thanks to the hand they were given they are both guarded and limit their trust to certain important people in their lives. Whether she liked it or not; MMA has always been in Layla's life. Little did they expected that a loss would bring these two together and opening their eyes and mind. Layla hated fighting and falling for a fighter is not in her plans.
I am one who not usually a fan of MMA; however, this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars read was one that got me hooked and itching for more from the series.
Layla and Cruz's story is filled with personal history that will have you feeling broken and alone thanks to moments in life that affected them that is beyond their control. Thanks to the hand they were given they are both guarded and limit their trust to certain important people in their lives. Whether she liked it or not; MMA has always been in Layla's life. Little did they expected that a loss would bring these two together and opening their eyes and mind. Layla hated fighting and falling for a fighter is not in her plans.
dlparrott's review
5.0
Layla couldn't handle her vicious past and she couldn't live with all the reminders, so she ran. She left the two people that mean the most to her, her father and her grandmother. They are the ones who raised her and were there for her growing up. Now she is back home but the past has a way of colliding with her present. When tragedy hits her square in the heart she strikes up a new friendship with a fighter from her dad gym.
Cruz Felix had one goal in mind fight till he reaches the championship in Las Vegas. Cruz found a new home where he can get his head straight and train, it just so happens to be Layla’s dad's gym. He is the reason that Cruz is fighting again. Cruz to has a past that had him running from it but it's more of a past that has him running to something.
Even though the attraction between is instantaneous they are both drowning in their own misery and secrets. These secrets that have a way of finding the light and have the power to destroy there carefully built lives.
What a way to start this series. In with a bang H.J. Bellus. First i have read a lot of her books and they just keep getting better and better. This one is by my favorite book by this author. I loved the twists and turns she has going on. This book is so easy to follow so you won't get lost. I won't lie that I cried like a baby and that was just at the beginning of the book. When Layla came home I was on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen for this little girl turned broken woman. You can see how much her dad and her grandma means to her that it just warms your heart. Now Cruz the way he just has this way of knowing exactly what she needs in her time of need. That is so darn great to read I absolutely feel in love with him. Cruz has only one goal in life and that is to make it to Las Vegas for his father. These two souls are broken but seem complete whenever they are together they just didn't know it yet. Even Jag who is a secondary character in this book makes it so darn entertaining. As you read you see the secrets unfold that they have made Layla run. It's heartbreaking you know she has her reasons for keeping them to herself but you can't help but yell at her to tell Cruz because he can help. But shoot dang when her past collides with the present I wanted to yell at her to run girl be free be that coward but then I yell at her to stay she promised. It was just an emotional time for me. I seriously thought I was going to have to have a talk with Layla When she ran from Cruz and didn't let him explain. Come on lady be the strong woman that your grandmother and dad raised. When the past catches up to her she has no choice but to lay everything out in the open. Layla and Cruz are perfect for each other. Layla with her Latina temper and Cruz with his just temper. Just down right perfect. The chemistry and that sexy time. Hello kindle set on fire. I look forward to the next book in this series. This book is about coming home finding love out of the painful memories.
Cruz Felix had one goal in mind fight till he reaches the championship in Las Vegas. Cruz found a new home where he can get his head straight and train, it just so happens to be Layla’s dad's gym. He is the reason that Cruz is fighting again. Cruz to has a past that had him running from it but it's more of a past that has him running to something.
Even though the attraction between is instantaneous they are both drowning in their own misery and secrets. These secrets that have a way of finding the light and have the power to destroy there carefully built lives.
What a way to start this series. In with a bang H.J. Bellus. First i have read a lot of her books and they just keep getting better and better. This one is by my favorite book by this author. I loved the twists and turns she has going on. This book is so easy to follow so you won't get lost. I won't lie that I cried like a baby and that was just at the beginning of the book. When Layla came home I was on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen for this little girl turned broken woman. You can see how much her dad and her grandma means to her that it just warms your heart. Now Cruz the way he just has this way of knowing exactly what she needs in her time of need. That is so darn great to read I absolutely feel in love with him. Cruz has only one goal in life and that is to make it to Las Vegas for his father. These two souls are broken but seem complete whenever they are together they just didn't know it yet. Even Jag who is a secondary character in this book makes it so darn entertaining. As you read you see the secrets unfold that they have made Layla run. It's heartbreaking you know she has her reasons for keeping them to herself but you can't help but yell at her to tell Cruz because he can help. But shoot dang when her past collides with the present I wanted to yell at her to run girl be free be that coward but then I yell at her to stay she promised. It was just an emotional time for me. I seriously thought I was going to have to have a talk with Layla When she ran from Cruz and didn't let him explain. Come on lady be the strong woman that your grandmother and dad raised. When the past catches up to her she has no choice but to lay everything out in the open. Layla and Cruz are perfect for each other. Layla with her Latina temper and Cruz with his just temper. Just down right perfect. The chemistry and that sexy time. Hello kindle set on fire. I look forward to the next book in this series. This book is about coming home finding love out of the painful memories.
geekybookmama's review
5.0
I absolutely freaking loved this book! Cruz was such a sweetheart and Layla wow I seriously love that chick! Her kickass attitude was awesome.
lilta08's review
5.0
I devoured this book in a day. I loved it. Cruz is such a wonderful book. If you love MMA and a great love story about a strong women and man who go through hell and back to make it in not only life but love, you will love this book. Layla is one strong woman, mentally and physically. Cruz is a hot tempered alpha male.
bookishshani_k's review
5.0
I’ve read a few of HJ’s other books in the past and have really enjoyed them. The ones I have read were chock full of humor and sass. This one though, was totally different than those!
Cruz is the first book in her Diablo Throne MMA Series and includes characters that will make another appearance in later books.
Layla is tough and has been through hell. The hell she lives with internally has done a lot to keep her closed off from those she loves the most. She ran away from her past as fast as she could. But a vacation to home makes it all come crashing back. Everything she’s worked for, everything she’s tried to move past smacks her in the face after a huge loss. How she reacts to it will define the next moves in her life. How does she go on? Can she?
Cruz is on his way to a championship title. Boss took him in when he was at his worst and helped to create the machine he is now. He too has held back huge parts of his life that he has wanted to keep secret. But with the return of Boss’ daughter, she can blow everything up for him and make him face it. Is he ready? Will Layla defeat his ability to focus?
They come together in a fast and fiery explosion of emotion, steam and battles. Can they take on this challenge and win? Or will it hurt in more ways than they can count?
I was so sucked into this book from the get go! Layla’s story pulled at my heart from the beginning and I felt a deep connection for her and the ones she loves. She’s fiery and honest, something I respect a lot. Cruz is mega hot and his story was not one I expected at all! Just their dynamic was so incredibly engaging. I loved this book! I can’t wait for Jag and see what else HJ has in store for us!
Cruz is the first book in her Diablo Throne MMA Series and includes characters that will make another appearance in later books.
Layla is tough and has been through hell. The hell she lives with internally has done a lot to keep her closed off from those she loves the most. She ran away from her past as fast as she could. But a vacation to home makes it all come crashing back. Everything she’s worked for, everything she’s tried to move past smacks her in the face after a huge loss. How she reacts to it will define the next moves in her life. How does she go on? Can she?
Cruz is on his way to a championship title. Boss took him in when he was at his worst and helped to create the machine he is now. He too has held back huge parts of his life that he has wanted to keep secret. But with the return of Boss’ daughter, she can blow everything up for him and make him face it. Is he ready? Will Layla defeat his ability to focus?
They come together in a fast and fiery explosion of emotion, steam and battles. Can they take on this challenge and win? Or will it hurt in more ways than they can count?
I was so sucked into this book from the get go! Layla’s story pulled at my heart from the beginning and I felt a deep connection for her and the ones she loves. She’s fiery and honest, something I respect a lot. Cruz is mega hot and his story was not one I expected at all! Just their dynamic was so incredibly engaging. I loved this book! I can’t wait for Jag and see what else HJ has in store for us!
booksinastorm's review
3.0
https://books-in-a-storm.tumblr.com/post/613454450484559872/snowflake-book-reviews-title-cruzdiablos
meganlowe87's review
4.0
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this book and chose to review it.
I liked this book. The story was strong, Layla was awesome. She’s strong, she’s sassy, and she was likeable. Cruz was strong, silent, and protective. I think I would’ve liked a little more detail. I would’ve loved more depth after the text message, and definitely more in between the last chapter and the epilogue. I think there was so much more than could’ve been explored there but it was kind of brushed over, especially with what Layla revealed. I also got a bit annoyed with the use of Spanish and there being no explanation for what was said. I don’t mind another language, but an explanation would’ve been great. For me, that’s what prevented this book being a 5 star read.
I did like the book, and the supporting characters so I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
I liked this book. The story was strong, Layla was awesome. She’s strong, she’s sassy, and she was likeable. Cruz was strong, silent, and protective. I think I would’ve liked a little more detail. I would’ve loved more depth after the text message, and definitely more in between the last chapter and the epilogue. I think there was so much more than could’ve been explored there but it was kind of brushed over, especially with what Layla revealed. I also got a bit annoyed with the use of Spanish and there being no explanation for what was said. I don’t mind another language, but an explanation would’ve been great. For me, that’s what prevented this book being a 5 star read.
I did like the book, and the supporting characters so I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
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