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Fighting For Her #1
Until You're Mine
You might’ve heard of me, Shane Knox, the guy who rose quickly through the MMA fighter ranks, only to crash just as fast. No one cares about personal reasons when it comes to losing fights and money. I’m determined to get back to where I was. For you to hear my name again. I’ve finally convinced the owner of Team Domination to take a chance and get me back in fighting—and winning—shape. What I didn’t bargain for is the guy’s spitfire of a daughter. Factor in her two professional-fighter brothers who are acting as my coaches and the fact that my career hangs in the balance, and Brooklyn’s the last girl I should be fantasizing about.
The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.
The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.
393 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2018
About the author
Cindi Madsen
54 books2,250 followersCindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She and her family also take their Marvel addiction very seriously, as their one-eyed cat, Agent Fury, and their kitty named Valkyrie can attest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
Follow her on Twitter @cindimadsen
Find her on FB: Cindi Madsen Books
See her inspiration pins on Pinterest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
Follow her on Twitter @cindimadsen
Find her on FB: Cindi Madsen Books
See her inspiration pins on Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
March 8, 2018
4,25 stars
I loved this book very much. However, it is not for everyone as it comes with warnings that I will mention about below. Despite all, it just worked for me and I am happy that I gave the book a chance 😊
***********************************************
First of all, the book is very-well written and captivating. Dual point of view is used, which helps us to get into the minds and hearts of the characters.
I liked both characters and their story. It felt so real.
Their feelings, their connection and the hot chemistry between them… all felt so real.
I felt their attraction and connection very strongly through the flames that burnt the pages.
Sometimes, in some books, the writer tries to convince us about the strong chemistry between the MCs but saying is something and showing is something else.
The writer of this book shows it, makes us feel it as if those feelings are our own. I thought I was in love and suffering while they were struggling with their dilemma.
***********************************************
The hero, Shane, is an MMA fighter, who was once at the top of his career, but when his mum got cancer, he sacrificed it all to be near her. Only this proves me that he is one of the good guys.
Her mother took him when he was in foster care and looked after him as if her own and he was there for her when she needed him. By the way, her husband just flew away and left her alone in sickness!
When Shane lost his top place in the MMA world, not only his girlfriend but also many people he called friends left him. This made him question his own worth. He downsized the people in his life and there are only a few people that he trusts and lets in now.
***********************************************
Now, Shane's mother has beaten cancer and Shane is training to get to the top of his career again.
The place where he has his training is the place where he meets the heroine, Brooklyn.
It is insta-lust and attraction that happens between them. And it is strong. Sparks fly and pages catch flames…
But Brooklyn is off-limits. She is the daughter of the gym’s owner and she is the sister of Shane’s coaches Finn and Liam.
Brooklyn doesn’t even live there. She is an artist and lives in another state hours away. She is only visiting her family for a few months during summer to help them with the accounts and in autumn, she is going to leave.
Being the daughter of the owner and the sister of his training coaches makes Brooklyn off-limits for Shane, obviously, but as if it is not enough, Brooklyn has a boyfriend back at home and for a few months they will be doing the long-distance relationship while she is helping her family here.
See the situation clearly now?
She is off-limits and forbidden!
So what happens?
Here is what happens:
They both feel attracted to each other and try to resist it. Then, they channel their feelings into some flirtatious banter. Those moments were fun 😊
“Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love one’s self is the beginning of a lifelong romance.’” I patted his chest. “I hope that you and yourself will be very happy together.”
***
“Give me your phone,” he said.
“You need to work on words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ I can even teach you how to ask a question instead of barking orders. It’s pretty amazing once you get the hang of it.”
They are both aware of the fact that they have a strong attraction towards each other. It is so palpable. Although both of them want to run into each other’s arms, Brooklyn stops him every time he tries to come closer.
Brooklyn was once broken by an MMA fighter who cheated on her and her father, who was once a famous fighter, also cheated on her mum. That’s why, she has trust issues towards all fighters. And thus, she has chosen a safe boyfriend after healing her broken heart. There is not much passion between them but she feels he is a safe choice of a boyfriend. She believes that it is enough, she thinks that what she has with her boyfriend is what she wants, although it is not! She is just trying to convince herself that it is. Once burnt, she doesn’t want to live a strong and passionate love affair with anyone that might put her heart at risk again, let alone a fighter who will have lots of groupies when he becomes famous. However, Brooklyn soon sees that Shane is not the typical MMA fighter that she feels she needs to stay away from. She sees that Shane is different.
And after a certain point, it is not only lust and physical attraction between them. The more they talk about general things and the more they get to know each other, the more the attraction between them grows and develops into deeper feelings for each other.
Shane already knows that he wants to risk everything to have Brooklyn. So, as in the saying of, “All is fair in love and war”, he starts to try harder to win her heart.
During the first half of the book, Shane tries to make Brooklyn see that there is something strong and something real growing between them and he wants her to stop resisting it.
Is there cheating?
Shane wants to kiss her once but she says she can’t be that woman who cheats, so he doesn’t push her. He says he wants her but he doesn’t use her feelings towards him and take advantage of it. He shows how much he wants her and waits, fearing and hoping at the same time.
Until the boyfriend comes and pays Brooklyn a visit, they stay friend-ish 😊.
And until Brooklyn and her boyfriend break up, there is not even a kiss between Shane & Brooklyn (and not that they didn't want, they just resisted).
Now, it is up to you to decide if this is a hard limit for you or not.
You may call it emotional cheating and want to avoid the book.
Or not.
It depends on how you see it.
I am just telling it as it is.
***********************************************
As for me, I saw it as something like a “divine intervention” because Brooklyn’s relationship with her boyfriend was dull and it lacked passion. It didn’t seem like it would last long. Or even if it did, it would always feel lacking.
So if you ask me, it was good that she met Shane before she took her relationship with her boyfriend to a further point such as living together or getting married.
***********************************************
One may question the moral aspect of it all, but I didn’t. I let myself feel it… feel their lust, chemistry and attraction… feel their emotions, their struggle and dilemma.
And the writing made me feel it all very strongly. I found myself lost in their world of passion and dilemma. That’s why, I was relieved when Brooklyn took the next necessary step.
It was necessary because if you are feeling some strong attraction for a man other than your boyfriend or your husband, the right thing to do is to break up with him because it shows that what you have with him wasn’t strong or it wasn’t enough.
It never felt like a love triangle because Brooklyn never questioned who she had stronger feelings for. She was never unsure about it. She only hesitated about what to do for a while because she questioned if she would settle for a safe and passionless relationship or if she would risk her heart again.
Shane isn’t a man-wh*re. He doesn’t get involved with groupies or other women around. He only sees Brooklyn, he only wants her and he only chases her. When Brooklyn sees that Shane is so much more than a typical MMA fighter, she makes her decision more easily.
Brookly didn't feel like a cheater to me. She developed feelings for the hero while she had a boyfriend but she didn’t act on it until she broke up with him.
Well, she ran to Shane immediately afterwards and didn't need a recovery time from the break-up...
Was it Ok for me?
Well, hell yes. I’d been waiting for that moment for so long! If I were her, I might probably drop everything and everyone & run to Shane. He was a force that you couldn’t resist!
When Shane & Brooklyn become lovers, they fall for each other even deeper. However, their lives are in different states, their dreams are so different from one another’s and that is even a bigger problem between them.
They will have to learn what to prioritize and how to compromise if they want each other more than anything.
***********************************************
I loved that this book was imperfectly perfect. I loved that it showed human weaknesses and all.
And I liked the epilogue. Personally, I am sick of the copy/paste epilogues that all consist of a marriage and at least two babies as a rule.
I loved that this book had a happy end that didn’t involve marriage and babies… At least, not yet.
Maybe, we’ll see those things happening in the following books, which I guess will be about Brooklyn’s brothers.
I will definitely continue the series as I loved this author’s writing.
“Just because you can’t imagine a girl not tripping over herself for a chance to touch you doesn’t mean I’m stubborn. It’s called fidelity.”
I knew what it was like to be cheated on, so I’d never put anyone through that self-esteem shattering experience.
“And what are we called?” Shane asked.
“Friends,” I said, and when he gave me a skeptical look, I added, “Ish.”
“Oh. Now it’s crystal clear.”
***
“For your information, I happen to like soft.”
I cupped her chin, forcing her icy blue gaze to mine. “No, you want to want soft, but you don’t. You want hard.”
I ran my thumb along her jawline. “It’ll never work out—he doesn’t even know you. There are dozens of things I’d call you, but since I do know you, ‘angel’ sure as hell wouldn’t be one of them.”
“You’ve hardly talked to me all week, and now that my boyfriend shows up you suddenly want to kiss me?”
“I want to kiss you every time I see you. If I had my way, I’d be kissing you every second of every fucking day.”
***
She looked deceptively sweet when she slept. Although I had seen her sweet side more recently—I liked that she made me work for it, and didn’t show that side easily. It kind of made it feel like she saved it just for me.
***
I hit my limit on being a spectator to discussions that involved me. “Do you guys need my input? You know, as the guy who’ll be in the cage?”
Brooklyn had placed a finger to my lips. “You just stand there and look pretty. I’ll let you know when it’s time for the punching and running.”
I loved this book very much. However, it is not for everyone as it comes with warnings that I will mention about below. Despite all, it just worked for me and I am happy that I gave the book a chance 😊
***********************************************
First of all, the book is very-well written and captivating. Dual point of view is used, which helps us to get into the minds and hearts of the characters.
I liked both characters and their story. It felt so real.
Their feelings, their connection and the hot chemistry between them… all felt so real.
I felt their attraction and connection very strongly through the flames that burnt the pages.
Sometimes, in some books, the writer tries to convince us about the strong chemistry between the MCs but saying is something and showing is something else.
The writer of this book shows it, makes us feel it as if those feelings are our own. I thought I was in love and suffering while they were struggling with their dilemma.
***********************************************
The hero, Shane, is an MMA fighter, who was once at the top of his career, but when his mum got cancer, he sacrificed it all to be near her. Only this proves me that he is one of the good guys.
Her mother took him when he was in foster care and looked after him as if her own and he was there for her when she needed him. By the way, her husband just flew away and left her alone in sickness!
When Shane lost his top place in the MMA world, not only his girlfriend but also many people he called friends left him. This made him question his own worth. He downsized the people in his life and there are only a few people that he trusts and lets in now.
***********************************************
Now, Shane's mother has beaten cancer and Shane is training to get to the top of his career again.
The place where he has his training is the place where he meets the heroine, Brooklyn.
It is insta-lust and attraction that happens between them. And it is strong. Sparks fly and pages catch flames…
But Brooklyn is off-limits. She is the daughter of the gym’s owner and she is the sister of Shane’s coaches Finn and Liam.
Brooklyn doesn’t even live there. She is an artist and lives in another state hours away. She is only visiting her family for a few months during summer to help them with the accounts and in autumn, she is going to leave.
Being the daughter of the owner and the sister of his training coaches makes Brooklyn off-limits for Shane, obviously, but as if it is not enough, Brooklyn has a boyfriend back at home and for a few months they will be doing the long-distance relationship while she is helping her family here.
See the situation clearly now?
She is off-limits and forbidden!
So what happens?
Here is what happens:
They both feel attracted to each other and try to resist it. Then, they channel their feelings into some flirtatious banter. Those moments were fun 😊
“Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love one’s self is the beginning of a lifelong romance.’” I patted his chest. “I hope that you and yourself will be very happy together.”
***
“Give me your phone,” he said.
“You need to work on words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ I can even teach you how to ask a question instead of barking orders. It’s pretty amazing once you get the hang of it.”
They are both aware of the fact that they have a strong attraction towards each other. It is so palpable. Although both of them want to run into each other’s arms, Brooklyn stops him every time he tries to come closer.
Brooklyn was once broken by an MMA fighter who cheated on her and her father, who was once a famous fighter, also cheated on her mum. That’s why, she has trust issues towards all fighters. And thus, she has chosen a safe boyfriend after healing her broken heart. There is not much passion between them but she feels he is a safe choice of a boyfriend. She believes that it is enough, she thinks that what she has with her boyfriend is what she wants, although it is not! She is just trying to convince herself that it is. Once burnt, she doesn’t want to live a strong and passionate love affair with anyone that might put her heart at risk again, let alone a fighter who will have lots of groupies when he becomes famous. However, Brooklyn soon sees that Shane is not the typical MMA fighter that she feels she needs to stay away from. She sees that Shane is different.
And after a certain point, it is not only lust and physical attraction between them. The more they talk about general things and the more they get to know each other, the more the attraction between them grows and develops into deeper feelings for each other.
Shane already knows that he wants to risk everything to have Brooklyn. So, as in the saying of, “All is fair in love and war”, he starts to try harder to win her heart.
During the first half of the book, Shane tries to make Brooklyn see that there is something strong and something real growing between them and he wants her to stop resisting it.
Is there cheating?
Shane wants to kiss her once but she says she can’t be that woman who cheats, so he doesn’t push her. He says he wants her but he doesn’t use her feelings towards him and take advantage of it. He shows how much he wants her and waits, fearing and hoping at the same time.
Until the boyfriend comes and pays Brooklyn a visit, they stay friend-ish 😊.
And until Brooklyn and her boyfriend break up, there is not even a kiss between Shane & Brooklyn (and not that they didn't want, they just resisted).
Now, it is up to you to decide if this is a hard limit for you or not.
You may call it emotional cheating and want to avoid the book.
Or not.
It depends on how you see it.
I am just telling it as it is.
***********************************************
As for me, I saw it as something like a “divine intervention” because Brooklyn’s relationship with her boyfriend was dull and it lacked passion. It didn’t seem like it would last long. Or even if it did, it would always feel lacking.
So if you ask me, it was good that she met Shane before she took her relationship with her boyfriend to a further point such as living together or getting married.
***********************************************
One may question the moral aspect of it all, but I didn’t. I let myself feel it… feel their lust, chemistry and attraction… feel their emotions, their struggle and dilemma.
And the writing made me feel it all very strongly. I found myself lost in their world of passion and dilemma. That’s why, I was relieved when Brooklyn took the next necessary step.
It was necessary because if you are feeling some strong attraction for a man other than your boyfriend or your husband, the right thing to do is to break up with him because it shows that what you have with him wasn’t strong or it wasn’t enough.
It never felt like a love triangle because Brooklyn never questioned who she had stronger feelings for. She was never unsure about it. She only hesitated about what to do for a while because she questioned if she would settle for a safe and passionless relationship or if she would risk her heart again.
Shane isn’t a man-wh*re. He doesn’t get involved with groupies or other women around. He only sees Brooklyn, he only wants her and he only chases her. When Brooklyn sees that Shane is so much more than a typical MMA fighter, she makes her decision more easily.
Brookly didn't feel like a cheater to me. She developed feelings for the hero while she had a boyfriend but she didn’t act on it until she broke up with him.
Well, she ran to Shane immediately afterwards and didn't need a recovery time from the break-up...
Was it Ok for me?
Well, hell yes. I’d been waiting for that moment for so long! If I were her, I might probably drop everything and everyone & run to Shane. He was a force that you couldn’t resist!
When Shane & Brooklyn become lovers, they fall for each other even deeper. However, their lives are in different states, their dreams are so different from one another’s and that is even a bigger problem between them.
They will have to learn what to prioritize and how to compromise if they want each other more than anything.
***********************************************
I loved that this book was imperfectly perfect. I loved that it showed human weaknesses and all.
And I liked the epilogue. Personally, I am sick of the copy/paste epilogues that all consist of a marriage and at least two babies as a rule.
I loved that this book had a happy end that didn’t involve marriage and babies… At least, not yet.
Maybe, we’ll see those things happening in the following books, which I guess will be about Brooklyn’s brothers.
I will definitely continue the series as I loved this author’s writing.
“Just because you can’t imagine a girl not tripping over herself for a chance to touch you doesn’t mean I’m stubborn. It’s called fidelity.”
I knew what it was like to be cheated on, so I’d never put anyone through that self-esteem shattering experience.
“And what are we called?” Shane asked.
“Friends,” I said, and when he gave me a skeptical look, I added, “Ish.”
“Oh. Now it’s crystal clear.”
***
“For your information, I happen to like soft.”
I cupped her chin, forcing her icy blue gaze to mine. “No, you want to want soft, but you don’t. You want hard.”
I ran my thumb along her jawline. “It’ll never work out—he doesn’t even know you. There are dozens of things I’d call you, but since I do know you, ‘angel’ sure as hell wouldn’t be one of them.”
“You’ve hardly talked to me all week, and now that my boyfriend shows up you suddenly want to kiss me?”
“I want to kiss you every time I see you. If I had my way, I’d be kissing you every second of every fucking day.”
***
She looked deceptively sweet when she slept. Although I had seen her sweet side more recently—I liked that she made me work for it, and didn’t show that side easily. It kind of made it feel like she saved it just for me.
***
I hit my limit on being a spectator to discussions that involved me. “Do you guys need my input? You know, as the guy who’ll be in the cage?”
Brooklyn had placed a finger to my lips. “You just stand there and look pretty. I’ll let you know when it’s time for the punching and running.”
December 13, 2018
Thanks to the Dilek’s excellent review, I reshelved this book from NO to YES.
I read it and I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
Hero was a good man, I adored and respected him for how he cared for his mother. He gave up his career and he stood by her – he literally saved his foster mother. AMAZING!!!
The heroine was ok, I fully understood and supported her doubts about the fighters – this hero was a good man, but it’s unfortunately true that the most of them don’t remain faithful.
What really bothered me and kinda ruined the romance part – how they treated h’s bf/ex bf.
There was no physical cheating, but definitely emotional one.
Why did the hero call her bf stupid? Kindergarten! Only because a man isn’t an athlete or/and has a woman, you lust after, he’s stupid? I beg to differ!
The hero pursued the heroine while knowing she was taken.
And the scene in the gym when she humiliated her bf… Cheap. Sorry, but not sorry.
And then her bf confessed he was interested in OW – yeah, let’s make it’s easier for the readers to accept this situation. Meh. And how she was in hero’s arms only hours after she broke up with her bf...
After that the book was ok. I liked how he supported her artistic nature and stood by her.
Cute epilogue.
Without OM unfair drama I would have probably rated it with 4.
I read it and I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
Hero was a good man, I adored and respected him for how he cared for his mother. He gave up his career and he stood by her – he literally saved his foster mother. AMAZING!!!
The heroine was ok, I fully understood and supported her doubts about the fighters – this hero was a good man, but it’s unfortunately true that the most of them don’t remain faithful.
What really bothered me and kinda ruined the romance part – how they treated h’s bf/ex bf.
There was no physical cheating, but definitely emotional one.
Why did the hero call her bf stupid? Kindergarten! Only because a man isn’t an athlete or/and has a woman, you lust after, he’s stupid? I beg to differ!
The hero pursued the heroine while knowing she was taken.
And the scene in the gym when she humiliated her bf… Cheap. Sorry, but not sorry.
And then her bf confessed he was interested in OW – yeah, let’s make it’s easier for the readers to accept this situation. Meh. And how she was in hero’s arms only hours after she broke up with her bf...
After that the book was ok. I liked how he supported her artistic nature and stood by her.
Cute epilogue.
Without OM unfair drama I would have probably rated it with 4.
December 20, 2017
Is there someone you want so much, that you’d do anything it takes, including crossing some lines to make sure that person’s yours?
That was the question that jumped out at me the further I got into “Until You’re Mine”; the rest were just details. I did like Cindi Madsen’s writing, the whole MMA world that she'd created as well as the characters' back stories, up until that point when I realised that I was actually struggling through the first half of the book.
Brooklyn’s and Shane’s chemistry wasn’t in doubt. Sparks flew. Chests heaved. Clothes nearly came off. But not quite. The only complication? Brooklyn was taken, in a stable relationship that admittedly didn’t have that much fire, which was the only thing that held both Brooklyn and Shane back from burning up the sheets.
And that was where I stopped reading, then struggled to put my thoughts together. The bottom-line was that I found it hard to respect Shane, who kept aggressively pushing the boundaries with Brooklyn—the deliberate moves he put, the heavy innuendos—when she’d all but made it clear a few times that she had a boyfriend. Heroes who go balls-deep in their pursuit of the woman can be fun to read about, but not when they cross some lines and show their lack of common decency.
That Brooklyn had allowed it despite the thin veneer of sense when it came to avoiding Shane she seemed to have made it equally hard to root for her. She did try of course which made me like her a bit more, but her constant engagement with Shane, her quick breakup with her boyfriend after humiliating him in the gym (thanks to Shane again) then jumping into bed with him the very same night somehow made a mockery of that relationship she seemed to exult as safe and treasured because it was exactly the world she wanted out of. It was sort of implied that Brooklyn’s boyfriend had someone else on the line as well who might have been a better fit for him (this was still innocent, unlike Shane/Brooklyn’s hot and heavy stuff), though that shouldn't have been an excuse just to get both protagonists together, guilt-free.
This wasn’t quite cheating in the physical sense of the word, but it all felt very close to it, which made this pairing difficult to get behind. Admittedly, this wasn’t the sanctity of marriage that was being breached, but I found myself very, very uncomfortable with the general lack of respect for the relationship that Brooklyn was in as both Brooklyn/Shane flirted into unsafe territory, as though it was just a shackle that tied her down and to be gotten rid of.
Clearly, this is just not the book for me. Madsen’s writing is one that I do go back to however (it’s almost a guarantee), but after feeling a little burnt by this read, I’m more than a little wary of the rest of this series.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
That was the question that jumped out at me the further I got into “Until You’re Mine”; the rest were just details. I did like Cindi Madsen’s writing, the whole MMA world that she'd created as well as the characters' back stories, up until that point when I realised that I was actually struggling through the first half of the book.
Brooklyn’s and Shane’s chemistry wasn’t in doubt. Sparks flew. Chests heaved. Clothes nearly came off. But not quite. The only complication? Brooklyn was taken, in a stable relationship that admittedly didn’t have that much fire, which was the only thing that held both Brooklyn and Shane back from burning up the sheets.
And that was where I stopped reading, then struggled to put my thoughts together. The bottom-line was that I found it hard to respect Shane, who kept aggressively pushing the boundaries with Brooklyn—the deliberate moves he put, the heavy innuendos—when she’d all but made it clear a few times that she had a boyfriend. Heroes who go balls-deep in their pursuit of the woman can be fun to read about, but not when they cross some lines and show their lack of common decency.
That Brooklyn had allowed it despite the thin veneer of sense when it came to avoiding Shane she seemed to have made it equally hard to root for her. She did try of course which made me like her a bit more, but her constant engagement with Shane, her quick breakup with her boyfriend after humiliating him in the gym (thanks to Shane again) then jumping into bed with him the very same night somehow made a mockery of that relationship she seemed to exult as safe and treasured because it was exactly the world she wanted out of. It was sort of implied that Brooklyn’s boyfriend had someone else on the line as well who might have been a better fit for him (this was still innocent, unlike Shane/Brooklyn’s hot and heavy stuff), though that shouldn't have been an excuse just to get both protagonists together, guilt-free.
This wasn’t quite cheating in the physical sense of the word, but it all felt very close to it, which made this pairing difficult to get behind. Admittedly, this wasn’t the sanctity of marriage that was being breached, but I found myself very, very uncomfortable with the general lack of respect for the relationship that Brooklyn was in as both Brooklyn/Shane flirted into unsafe territory, as though it was just a shackle that tied her down and to be gotten rid of.
Clearly, this is just not the book for me. Madsen’s writing is one that I do go back to however (it’s almost a guarantee), but after feeling a little burnt by this read, I’m more than a little wary of the rest of this series.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
January 12, 2020
This book is sweet. Really sweet. Not that cheesy sweet. I like how the author gives us a hero, Shane who does not brag about his manwhore. Instead he is loyal, fierce and only have eyes for 1 girl, Brooklyn. It is refreshing to read a determination hero.
Brooklyn is a typical heroine. Strong, sassy, talented and loving daughter and sister. She also loyal to her boyfriend even she is attracted to Shane. The author build the sexual tension between 2 characters. Their attraction is slow burn. From friend to lover.
The story is simple but adding the development of the characters, it js surprisingly sweet.
4 stars
Brooklyn is a typical heroine. Strong, sassy, talented and loving daughter and sister. She also loyal to her boyfriend even she is attracted to Shane. The author build the sexual tension between 2 characters. Their attraction is slow burn. From friend to lover.
The story is simple but adding the development of the characters, it js surprisingly sweet.
4 stars
January 11, 2019
I have some contradictory feelings about this one.
The writing itself is addicting, as I'm used to with this author, and made it a fast-paced read.
And I love the MMA fighter elements so much.
But the main characters weren't always to my liking.
They showed some frustrating behavior throughout the book.
Overall, it had enough enjoyable parts and I'd definitely want to read more in this series since I love the set-up of it all, and since I really loved (5 stars) the other book about Liam.
There's still 1 brother we haven't gotten a full length novel on, so I'm hopeful haha!
The writing itself is addicting, as I'm used to with this author, and made it a fast-paced read.
And I love the MMA fighter elements so much.
But the main characters weren't always to my liking.
They showed some frustrating behavior throughout the book.
Overall, it had enough enjoyable parts and I'd definitely want to read more in this series since I love the set-up of it all, and since I really loved (5 stars) the other book about Liam.
There's still 1 brother we haven't gotten a full length novel on, so I'm hopeful haha!
March 20, 2018
In this story, cocky MMA fighter Shane Knox meets his match in sassy artist Brooklyn Roth, his new coach's daughter. Despite obstacles such as trust issues, a boyfriend and past fuck-ups, the two of them can't seem to stay away from one another.
Cindi Madsen delivers again. A fast-paced, well-written romance starring an array of strong, loveable characters (I totally fell for Liam and Finn, Brooklyn's over-protective older brothers). Emotional yet not draining, quite steamy, funny and totally swoon-worthy.
I can see Brooklyn having a boyfriend being an issue for some readers, but I do think it was handled alright (.
This is probably my favorite book by Madsen. Definitely a go-to author for me whenever I'm in need of some love.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2018
To the man on the cover of this book: who are you? where do you live? how do you like your eggs in the morning? because wow. Get back to me.
Review:
“I’m such a shitty girlfriend. The act had gone too far, and I’d be pissed if the situation was reversed, supposed friend or not.
I crossed my arms, adding a much-needed boundary”
First half of this book, I was not impressed at all. Her behaviour of toeing the line with Shane without "cheating", knowing she was inevitably going back to her boyfriend made me salty because I genuinely didn't see where she was going with it/what the end goal was? Putting herself in a situation where you know the other party is clearly attracted to you, saying "no", yet spending so much time together didn't make sense to me under the guise of "friendship" other than her perhaps putting herself in a situation where she could cheat. He kept pushing, but at the end of the day I saw that being because he thought he had a shot with her so I didn't mind the persistent or pursuit, and found that very attractive on the contrary. She however had an obligation to her relationship so could have shown a little more respect and decorum when they ended, and when she and Shane began. But, there was no drama with him with any girl whatsoever which just made him even more hotter in my eyes.
After the amicable boyfriend breakup, her relationship with Shane soared, and honestly, he's everything! She's confident, they've both had normal dating histories, but the conflict arises with their dreams, careers, her family, and their different locations since she's only meant to be at her fathers gym managing the books for a few months. So the second half I loved, and it flipped my rating.
Review:
“I’m such a shitty girlfriend. The act had gone too far, and I’d be pissed if the situation was reversed, supposed friend or not.
I crossed my arms, adding a much-needed boundary”
First half of this book, I was not impressed at all. Her behaviour of toeing the line with Shane without "cheating", knowing she was inevitably going back to her boyfriend made me salty because I genuinely didn't see where she was going with it/what the end goal was? Putting herself in a situation where you know the other party is clearly attracted to you, saying "no", yet spending so much time together didn't make sense to me under the guise of "friendship" other than her perhaps putting herself in a situation where she could cheat. He kept pushing, but at the end of the day I saw that being because he thought he had a shot with her so I didn't mind the persistent or pursuit, and found that very attractive on the contrary. She however had an obligation to her relationship so could have shown a little more respect and decorum when they ended, and when she and Shane began. But, there was no drama with him with any girl whatsoever which just made him even more hotter in my eyes.
After the amicable boyfriend breakup, her relationship with Shane soared, and honestly, he's everything! She's confident, they've both had normal dating histories, but the conflict arises with their dreams, careers, her family, and their different locations since she's only meant to be at her fathers gym managing the books for a few months. So the second half I loved, and it flipped my rating.
January 1, 2018
I’m normally not a big fan of MMA books but I think Cindi Madsen has changed my mind. As with all her books, this book is swoon worthy with the perfect blend of humor, romance and sweet moments.
I liked both Shane and Brooklyn and they made the perfect couple. Both have overcome some crappy stuff in their past and had different ways to deal with that but yet they made the perfect couple and balanced each other out .
While I enjoyed both I liked Brooklyn a bit more, while she was funny and confident she was not as cocky as Shane. But I think that is why they were made for each other.
I really enjoyed this book a lot, while of course a bit predictable we still get some nice surprises, awesome characters main and side that kept me glued to the page., Plus we get a gym full hot and sweaty guys, so what’s not to love.
Once again Madsen done it again and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series already.
I rate this nook 5 ★
January 22, 2018
Do you wanna know why the book is called Until You're Mine? Because except from the obvious reason aka Shane wanting Brooklyn we have Shane wanting a woman who is not his and actually belongs to someone else. For half the book Brooklyn is in a relationship with someone else and she never mentions that they have problems and they are fighting. Basically, they are in a healthy relationship and there was no reason for them to break up. It's not uncommon to experience the chemistry Brooklyn and Shane had when one is in a relationship, but most people don't act on it and they don't break up with each other. Brooklyn doesn't cheat on her boyfriend physically, but emotionally, no matter how hard she tried she couldn't do anything about it. Shane was always there pushing. Also, Brooklyn got over the end of her relationship very fast and I stopped liking her then. The whole book was a struggle, to be honest. I spend half the book having the hero pursuing a woman who belonged to someone else, a heroine who is trying to avoid hi, but ends up with him most of the time and secondary characters who didn't appear enough. I hope the next book will avoid most of these mistakes and give us a lighter and better story, The last few chapters saved the story from been a complete no no for me, but I don't think I would recommend the book.
January 1, 2018
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
USA Today bestselling author Cindi Madsen takes on the rough and tough world of MMA in the first of a new series. Until You’re Mine doesn’t give the rise to glory hero you expect. Our hero has already risen and fell, we get to experience his climb back to the top.
Shane Knox was the man who had it all. One fight away from a championship belt when life threw him for a loop. He found out who his friends were fast, and now he is lucky to get a second shot at his dream. But all that may crash and burn worst than before if he can’t keep his hands and mind off one Brooklyn Roth.
This book starts off slow, so slow I almost put it down. But I love MMA romances and the banter between Shane and Brooklyn was quite entertaining that I kept going. I love that Shane already experienced the rise and fall of stardom before the book begins, and while he is arrogant it isn’t in regard to his fighting.
Both Shane and Brooklyn have had some hard life experiences because of the world of MMA. Brooklyn, I felt sorry for right off the bat. She tried so hard to fit in and be a part of the family business only to have it blow up in her face. I wanted to smack Blake Roth several times for the way he treated and took advantage of his daughter.
I loved our hero and heroine, the story was good once it picked up the pace. I am hoping that a lot of the background has been laid as to prevent the drag in future books in the series. I am looking forward to Finn and Liam getting their HEAs too. Four stars.
USA Today bestselling author Cindi Madsen takes on the rough and tough world of MMA in the first of a new series. Until You’re Mine doesn’t give the rise to glory hero you expect. Our hero has already risen and fell, we get to experience his climb back to the top.
Shane Knox was the man who had it all. One fight away from a championship belt when life threw him for a loop. He found out who his friends were fast, and now he is lucky to get a second shot at his dream. But all that may crash and burn worst than before if he can’t keep his hands and mind off one Brooklyn Roth.
This book starts off slow, so slow I almost put it down. But I love MMA romances and the banter between Shane and Brooklyn was quite entertaining that I kept going. I love that Shane already experienced the rise and fall of stardom before the book begins, and while he is arrogant it isn’t in regard to his fighting.
Both Shane and Brooklyn have had some hard life experiences because of the world of MMA. Brooklyn, I felt sorry for right off the bat. She tried so hard to fit in and be a part of the family business only to have it blow up in her face. I wanted to smack Blake Roth several times for the way he treated and took advantage of his daughter.
I loved our hero and heroine, the story was good once it picked up the pace. I am hoping that a lot of the background has been laid as to prevent the drag in future books in the series. I am looking forward to Finn and Liam getting their HEAs too. Four stars.
January 16, 2018
LOVED this book!! Cindi Madsen dives into the MMA world with a flourish as she brings us the story of Shane and Brooklyn. Shane Knox is a former MMA star who is trying to regain his reputation and win a comeback fight. Brooklyn is the daughter of the man who has agreed to take a chance on Shane. Training and working on his comeback with Brooklyn's brothers and father is an opportunity Shane can't afford to screw up yet Brooklyn is too tempting to ignore. Brooklyn knows first hand that dating a fighter her father is working with can lead to all sorts of trouble. Been there. Done that. That's why she's sworn off the bad boy fighter types. She has to admit though that there is something about Shane that calls to her. Will she repeat the mistakes of her past or will she have the strength to resist temptation.
As expected from Cindi Madsen the story is wonderfully written and these characters will pull you in immediately. Their chemistry is also undeniable. This is a book I highly recommend.
Trigger alert - When the story first starts Brooklyn is involved with another man. Nothing happens between Shane and Brooklyn until she is clear of that relationship though.
As expected from Cindi Madsen the story is wonderfully written and these characters will pull you in immediately. Their chemistry is also undeniable. This is a book I highly recommend.
Trigger alert - When the story first starts Brooklyn is involved with another man. Nothing happens between Shane and Brooklyn until she is clear of that relationship though.
December 21, 2017
Let's start with that cover shall we? That's one of the best covers I've seen since??? Right. Moving on. The cover is just the start of what is one hell of a read. You read the blurb, I'll hit the high points, there were no low points and this book is a winner.
Brooklyn- I loved her. The inner dialogue, the banter with her brothers and yes Shane. Brooklyn is an art student, now graduate and has a internship back in San Fran waiting for her. She's beckoned home by her brother who promises that their Dad wants to try to make amends. Right, not so much.
The family owns a gym that trains MMA fighters. When Brooklyn agrees to come home to help for 2 months she's met with months of back paperwork, bills and a huge mess and of course Shane.
Growing up in this life she wants no part of it. She's mostly made peace with the past and her father's lack of any sort of acknowledgement of her, her brothers and the gym came first. She was just a p.s. She's knows what she's getting into when she comes home, what she didn't expect was Shane. The minute they made eye contact it was game on. Shane chased and Brooklyn ignored. I loved it.
The witty banter between these two was spectacular. I laughed, melted a little (yeah I really did) he was just over the top. A really good guy. And the chemistry between these two was sparking right off the pages. He was such a tease. I loved it. He has his history too, one that he opens up and talks with Brooklyn about. She's still fairly guarded with him, trying to protect herself from falling although I thought she'd already taken the dive. But no, the way Cindi wove this amazing tale between the two it was hard to tell. Her two older brothers were always there. Her father...oh good grief, I'd like to kick the man in the pants. The man should have just kept his foot in his mouth all the time. He had no idea what came out of that mouth of his. Liam her oldest brother is seriously grouchy and testy since their friend moved away. He won't admit it, but he misses her. We get to see their story in the next book and I can't wait.
So here's the shake with this book. You have two people who care deeply for each other and they're both chasing their dreams. Brooklyn has a dream art showing and this internship in San Fran. Shane has a big fight coming up and his dream is to get back into the fighting game and claim the title he came so close to. They both know they can't have both, their dreams and each other. The worlds don't mesh. Or could they? It's a tough call. She was raised in that life, she knows what it's like. She needs to be who she is. Neither of them want to ask the other to leave their future for the unknown.
The feels are just insane in this book. I loved every single moment, the wit, the steam, the anger and frustration. Every emotion you felt.
This book is an absolute winner. It deserves more than 5 stars. Looking for to the next story.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled.**
*I voluntarily reviewed this book. The above is my honest review and the opinions are mine alone*
Brooklyn- I loved her. The inner dialogue, the banter with her brothers and yes Shane. Brooklyn is an art student, now graduate and has a internship back in San Fran waiting for her. She's beckoned home by her brother who promises that their Dad wants to try to make amends. Right, not so much.
The family owns a gym that trains MMA fighters. When Brooklyn agrees to come home to help for 2 months she's met with months of back paperwork, bills and a huge mess and of course Shane.
Growing up in this life she wants no part of it. She's mostly made peace with the past and her father's lack of any sort of acknowledgement of her, her brothers and the gym came first. She was just a p.s. She's knows what she's getting into when she comes home, what she didn't expect was Shane. The minute they made eye contact it was game on. Shane chased and Brooklyn ignored. I loved it.
The witty banter between these two was spectacular. I laughed, melted a little (yeah I really did) he was just over the top. A really good guy. And the chemistry between these two was sparking right off the pages. He was such a tease. I loved it. He has his history too, one that he opens up and talks with Brooklyn about. She's still fairly guarded with him, trying to protect herself from falling although I thought she'd already taken the dive. But no, the way Cindi wove this amazing tale between the two it was hard to tell. Her two older brothers were always there. Her father...oh good grief, I'd like to kick the man in the pants. The man should have just kept his foot in his mouth all the time. He had no idea what came out of that mouth of his. Liam her oldest brother is seriously grouchy and testy since their friend moved away. He won't admit it, but he misses her. We get to see their story in the next book and I can't wait.
So here's the shake with this book. You have two people who care deeply for each other and they're both chasing their dreams. Brooklyn has a dream art showing and this internship in San Fran. Shane has a big fight coming up and his dream is to get back into the fighting game and claim the title he came so close to. They both know they can't have both, their dreams and each other. The worlds don't mesh. Or could they? It's a tough call. She was raised in that life, she knows what it's like. She needs to be who she is. Neither of them want to ask the other to leave their future for the unknown.
The feels are just insane in this book. I loved every single moment, the wit, the steam, the anger and frustration. Every emotion you felt.
This book is an absolute winner. It deserves more than 5 stars. Looking for to the next story.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled.**
*I voluntarily reviewed this book. The above is my honest review and the opinions are mine alone*
January 18, 2018
This is a steamy romance starring MMA fighter Shane Knox who has joined Team Domination to try to get back into winning fighting shape. He’d been highly successful until personal worries distracted and detracted from his performances. Now he’s determined to win awards and trusts the Roth family to get him into shape once more. What he hadn’t bargained for was Brooklyn Roth and the feelings just seeing her bring forth.
Brooklyn left her father’s MMA gym behind her, fed up with life being about fights and fighting with no time for her or her art. She’s a talented artist but her Dad just thinks of it as a silly hobby. Now her brother Finn has convinced her to come home for the summer to help sort out the gym’s books and to reconnect with their father and her other brother, Liam. What she hadn’t expected was to be so attracted to one of the new fighters, Shane Knox. She has a steady, reliable boyfriend back home - she avoided the muscular fighters behind when she went to college. She needs to leave Shane alone, any relationship can only end in heartbreak! As the two strive to achieve their very different personal goals, can love find a way to bring them together?
Sometimes the place and people you’re working to get away from really are the ones with whom you’ll find happiness but discovering that and admitting it take courage and time. The whole story revolves around personal feelings of being worthy and valued for yourself and your aspirations - and how previous experiences can lower your self-esteem. However, with two such different aspirations there needs to be compromise on both sides and that’s sometimes well nigh impossible to acknowledge or achieve. This is a well written, pacy, steamy romance with well developed characters, plenty of angst and a liberal sprinkling of humour. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Brooklyn left her father’s MMA gym behind her, fed up with life being about fights and fighting with no time for her or her art. She’s a talented artist but her Dad just thinks of it as a silly hobby. Now her brother Finn has convinced her to come home for the summer to help sort out the gym’s books and to reconnect with their father and her other brother, Liam. What she hadn’t expected was to be so attracted to one of the new fighters, Shane Knox. She has a steady, reliable boyfriend back home - she avoided the muscular fighters behind when she went to college. She needs to leave Shane alone, any relationship can only end in heartbreak! As the two strive to achieve their very different personal goals, can love find a way to bring them together?
Sometimes the place and people you’re working to get away from really are the ones with whom you’ll find happiness but discovering that and admitting it take courage and time. The whole story revolves around personal feelings of being worthy and valued for yourself and your aspirations - and how previous experiences can lower your self-esteem. However, with two such different aspirations there needs to be compromise on both sides and that’s sometimes well nigh impossible to acknowledge or achieve. This is a well written, pacy, steamy romance with well developed characters, plenty of angst and a liberal sprinkling of humour. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
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January 28, 2018
Review to come!
January 29, 2018
4 stars
I really enjoyed Until You're Mine by Cindi Madsen.
The storyline was entertaining, it was well written and my attention was held all throughout the book.
Shane and Brooklyn were likable characters that I easily connected with and loved watching them fall in love. They had a strong connection and their chemistry was off the charts.
I also enjoyed getting to know Brooklyn's family, her brothers added to my overall enjoyment and I'm excited to read their stories in the near future.
Until You're Mine is a great start to the Fighting For Her series, and I highly recommend it.
Get your copy of Until You're Mine now!
AMZ:http://amzn.to/2B17qdR
B&N: http://bit.ly/2oN9HHH
iBooks: http://apple.co/2Bzq79u
*A big thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
I really enjoyed Until You're Mine by Cindi Madsen.
The storyline was entertaining, it was well written and my attention was held all throughout the book.
Shane and Brooklyn were likable characters that I easily connected with and loved watching them fall in love. They had a strong connection and their chemistry was off the charts.
I also enjoyed getting to know Brooklyn's family, her brothers added to my overall enjoyment and I'm excited to read their stories in the near future.
Until You're Mine is a great start to the Fighting For Her series, and I highly recommend it.
Get your copy of Until You're Mine now!
AMZ:http://amzn.to/2B17qdR
B&N: http://bit.ly/2oN9HHH
iBooks: http://apple.co/2Bzq79u
*A big thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
September 2, 2018
Three and a half stars.
Brooklyn Roth was born into a family of MMA fighters and her family owns an MMA gym/ training centre in San Diego. After living and breathing MMA her entire life she realised her father, three brothers and boyfriend Conrad all thought her dreams were subservient to MMA, and Team Domination, their MMA team. When Conrad cheated on her she declared enough was enough and left for San Francisco to pursue her dreams of being an artist. Shane left Team Domination and her family blamed her for mixing the family business with pleasure. Now her boyfriend Trey is the opposite of all those testosterone-fuelled alpha-male MMA fighters - and that's the way she likes it. Solid, dependable, safe.
Now, at her brothers' request Brooklyn is back to try to wrestle some kind of control over the finances of the business, apparently all four men are too busy to pay the bills and keep the books and have allowed a series of book-keepers to let the accounts get into a shambles. When Brooklyn arrives she finds her father still thinks her art is a waste of time and that she OWES the business - because Conrad cheating on her and then leaving the Team put the gym in a black hole. Basically Brooklyn is not a daughter, more of a business asset to attract and retain fighters and do the stuff the men can't be bothered to do.
When Brooklyn arrives her eye is immediately caught by a new fighter, Shane Knox. He's cocky, talented and pushy. No matter how much Brooklyn tells herself he's no longer her type, she is irresistibly drawn to him. But she's only in town for a few months to fix the books and she has a boyfriend.
Shane Knox was on his way to the big time when his mom caught cancer and he lost a few fights. Faster than a speeding bullet his girlfriend and his so-called friends and trainers deserted him like rats from a sinking ship. Now he's back and starting right at the bottom, but this time he won't let anything stand in his way. Although the boss' sassy daughter is certainly easy on the eye and he just lurves annoying her. But Shane has learned that people can't be relied on to stick around, and he can't risk his comeback on a woman who isn't planning on staying.
I love Cindi Madsen but I'm not a fan of MMA novels so I was interested to see where this novel fell - the answer is just about in the middle. I don't like alpha-male posturing as exemplified by Brooklyn's father, some of her brothers and her ex. This lacked the humour I associate with Cindi Madsen's other novels but, as I said, I'm not a fan of MMA novels generally so the above average rating is pretty good - if you like MMA novels you will probably rate this much higher.
Having said all that, I am intrigued about Brooklyn's brother Liam and his relationship with Chelsea - what happened there? So, maybe I'll request the next book in the series after all.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Brooklyn Roth was born into a family of MMA fighters and her family owns an MMA gym/ training centre in San Diego. After living and breathing MMA her entire life she realised her father, three brothers and boyfriend Conrad all thought her dreams were subservient to MMA, and Team Domination, their MMA team. When Conrad cheated on her she declared enough was enough and left for San Francisco to pursue her dreams of being an artist. Shane left Team Domination and her family blamed her for mixing the family business with pleasure. Now her boyfriend Trey is the opposite of all those testosterone-fuelled alpha-male MMA fighters - and that's the way she likes it. Solid, dependable, safe.
Now, at her brothers' request Brooklyn is back to try to wrestle some kind of control over the finances of the business, apparently all four men are too busy to pay the bills and keep the books and have allowed a series of book-keepers to let the accounts get into a shambles. When Brooklyn arrives she finds her father still thinks her art is a waste of time and that she OWES the business - because Conrad cheating on her and then leaving the Team put the gym in a black hole. Basically Brooklyn is not a daughter, more of a business asset to attract and retain fighters and do the stuff the men can't be bothered to do.
When Brooklyn arrives her eye is immediately caught by a new fighter, Shane Knox. He's cocky, talented and pushy. No matter how much Brooklyn tells herself he's no longer her type, she is irresistibly drawn to him. But she's only in town for a few months to fix the books and she has a boyfriend.
Shane Knox was on his way to the big time when his mom caught cancer and he lost a few fights. Faster than a speeding bullet his girlfriend and his so-called friends and trainers deserted him like rats from a sinking ship. Now he's back and starting right at the bottom, but this time he won't let anything stand in his way. Although the boss' sassy daughter is certainly easy on the eye and he just lurves annoying her. But Shane has learned that people can't be relied on to stick around, and he can't risk his comeback on a woman who isn't planning on staying.
I love Cindi Madsen but I'm not a fan of MMA novels so I was interested to see where this novel fell - the answer is just about in the middle. I don't like alpha-male posturing as exemplified by Brooklyn's father, some of her brothers and her ex. This lacked the humour I associate with Cindi Madsen's other novels but, as I said, I'm not a fan of MMA novels generally so the above average rating is pretty good - if you like MMA novels you will probably rate this much higher.
Having said all that, I am intrigued about Brooklyn's brother Liam and his relationship with Chelsea - what happened there? So, maybe I'll request the next book in the series after all.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
Shane, an MMA fighter, was at the top of his field, until he crashed, and though there were personal reasons for it, no one really cared about him, just what he could do for them. Now, trying to make his way back to the forefront, he knows he must maintain his focus, concentrating solely on his goal. But that was before she entered his life, his trainer's daughter.
Brooklyn is surrounded by MMA, thanks to her dad and brothers, but a painful past experience with a fighter ensures she'll never take that risk again. Plus, she has a boyfriend, and though they're doing the long-distance thing, he's right for her, isn't he? Then why does her dad's new client intrigue her so?
As Shane and Brooklyn get to know one another, and it's quite obvious Shane is unlike any MMA fighter she's ever known, as in completely opposite of the usual stereotype, their mutual attraction continually strengthens, as does their connection, but there are roadblocks, the least being Brooklyn's not quite single status.
Shane is a good man and knows he and Brooklyn belong together, he just needs to get her to realize that too. As well as surviving her dad and brothers.
Can Brooklyn let go of her past hurt and take a chance on Shane? Will Shane get through to Brooklyn? Will he prove he's the man for her? Can Shane regain his previous status as a fighter? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people embark on a journey full of love.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Brooklyn is surrounded by MMA, thanks to her dad and brothers, but a painful past experience with a fighter ensures she'll never take that risk again. Plus, she has a boyfriend, and though they're doing the long-distance thing, he's right for her, isn't he? Then why does her dad's new client intrigue her so?
As Shane and Brooklyn get to know one another, and it's quite obvious Shane is unlike any MMA fighter she's ever known, as in completely opposite of the usual stereotype, their mutual attraction continually strengthens, as does their connection, but there are roadblocks, the least being Brooklyn's not quite single status.
Shane is a good man and knows he and Brooklyn belong together, he just needs to get her to realize that too. As well as surviving her dad and brothers.
Can Brooklyn let go of her past hurt and take a chance on Shane? Will Shane get through to Brooklyn? Will he prove he's the man for her? Can Shane regain his previous status as a fighter? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people embark on a journey full of love.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Shelved as 'nope'
December 20, 2017Not my kind of mcs or romance book.
Don’t go flirt with op when you’re in a serious relationship. That’s not cool.
And imo, it’s a form of cheating.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Don’t go flirt with op when you’re in a serious relationship. That’s not cool.
And imo, it’s a form of cheating.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 13, 2017
Can someone just wrap me in a bubble of Shane Knox please?. Man .. my life would complete.
Shane a fast famous extremely talented MMA fighter was set to hit records of success only to crash faster that he flew to fame. Unfortunately for him the business doesn't care about personal struggles. When he was ready again for a chance of success it became more of a fight to find someone willing to back his ability to win. What he didn't count on was Brooklyn, the daughter of team Domination's owner and the sister of his two trainers. This is were things become a little tricky.
Ohh lord have mercy I devoured this book. I love me a good MMA romance with all that hot manly alpha testosterone flying around.. amongst other things(I.e - abs, muscles.... more abs and did I mention abs?). All joking (not joking) aside. I love the pace of the story, whilst there is an instant attraction this author manages to build up romance slowly favouring the characters connection firsthand. You get to see them bicker and banter, learn eachother by pushing buttons and flirt their asses off whilst resisting the temptation of some inevitable smoking hot horizontal tango. I love that they built a friendship of sorts first because while they weren't yet completely consumed by eachother I had a chance to connect to each character individually learning about them firstly making me completely invested in them as a couple. The story itself is set at a great pace with a little of everything. You get that build up we long for but you also get snippets of side characters that re fresh the story giving you a little hope at the possibilities of their futures. With a lot of build up, humour bickering and banter. A little angst and suspense and some real emotional moments that had my eyes leaking a tear or two it's safe to say the author missed nothing out while managing to also not over do it with useless fillers and unnecessary drama.
Shane Knox is everything an alpha book boyfriend should. Cheeky, confident, bossy and at times overbearing yet sweet and attentive to the people whom he loves. He worked his ass of to get to the top and gave it up without thought to care for his poorly mother. He has no regrets for the sacrifices he's made but is willing to grind his ass for the chance to prove himself again. He's hilarious, cocky and a total shithead at times but you can't help love his cheeky nature and his fight for the things he wants. There wasn't one thing I disliked about him whatsoever.
Brooklyn is a force to be reckoned with. She finally found something for herself and is accepting that her father will never be there to support her dream when suddenly she's emotionally bribed back home to help her family save the very gym that's became a place of disappointment to her. My heart went out to the girl that just wanted her fathers support. I felt for her because no matter how she put it she seemed to be in the wrong and whilst she held grudges they were definitely deserved. she's a funny, sweet, fiesty take no bull heroine who held her own strong in a male dominated world and that made me love her all the more. Loyal to a fault she was willing to give up her dream for those she loves again and I'm so glad she finally got her happy ending.
Together the chemistry was off the charts. The connection real and believable, I rooted for them the whole dame book. Everything about this story ticked all my boxes and I can't gush enough about how much I enjoyed it. This is my first book from this author but I can assure you it will not be my last.
I cannot wait for what's to come with Liam and Chelsea's story. I've got a feeling It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shane a fast famous extremely talented MMA fighter was set to hit records of success only to crash faster that he flew to fame. Unfortunately for him the business doesn't care about personal struggles. When he was ready again for a chance of success it became more of a fight to find someone willing to back his ability to win. What he didn't count on was Brooklyn, the daughter of team Domination's owner and the sister of his two trainers. This is were things become a little tricky.
Ohh lord have mercy I devoured this book. I love me a good MMA romance with all that hot manly alpha testosterone flying around.. amongst other things(I.e - abs, muscles.... more abs and did I mention abs?). All joking (not joking) aside. I love the pace of the story, whilst there is an instant attraction this author manages to build up romance slowly favouring the characters connection firsthand. You get to see them bicker and banter, learn eachother by pushing buttons and flirt their asses off whilst resisting the temptation of some inevitable smoking hot horizontal tango. I love that they built a friendship of sorts first because while they weren't yet completely consumed by eachother I had a chance to connect to each character individually learning about them firstly making me completely invested in them as a couple. The story itself is set at a great pace with a little of everything. You get that build up we long for but you also get snippets of side characters that re fresh the story giving you a little hope at the possibilities of their futures. With a lot of build up, humour bickering and banter. A little angst and suspense and some real emotional moments that had my eyes leaking a tear or two it's safe to say the author missed nothing out while managing to also not over do it with useless fillers and unnecessary drama.
Shane Knox is everything an alpha book boyfriend should. Cheeky, confident, bossy and at times overbearing yet sweet and attentive to the people whom he loves. He worked his ass of to get to the top and gave it up without thought to care for his poorly mother. He has no regrets for the sacrifices he's made but is willing to grind his ass for the chance to prove himself again. He's hilarious, cocky and a total shithead at times but you can't help love his cheeky nature and his fight for the things he wants. There wasn't one thing I disliked about him whatsoever.
Brooklyn is a force to be reckoned with. She finally found something for herself and is accepting that her father will never be there to support her dream when suddenly she's emotionally bribed back home to help her family save the very gym that's became a place of disappointment to her. My heart went out to the girl that just wanted her fathers support. I felt for her because no matter how she put it she seemed to be in the wrong and whilst she held grudges they were definitely deserved. she's a funny, sweet, fiesty take no bull heroine who held her own strong in a male dominated world and that made me love her all the more. Loyal to a fault she was willing to give up her dream for those she loves again and I'm so glad she finally got her happy ending.
Together the chemistry was off the charts. The connection real and believable, I rooted for them the whole dame book. Everything about this story ticked all my boxes and I can't gush enough about how much I enjoyed it. This is my first book from this author but I can assure you it will not be my last.
I cannot wait for what's to come with Liam and Chelsea's story. I've got a feeling It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2021
I went into this with low expectations and ended up liking it! I felt like the hero and heroine communicated. Their conflicts seemed real and realistic. I appreciated the way they handled things and worked at thing. It had the over the top fighter thing without being a machismo cesspool. I’m going to look for more from this author.
Want to read
January 18, 2018Signed paperback #giveaway!
“I’ll wake you up tomorrow morning with my head between your thighs. How does that sound?”
Read the full excerpt HERE and make sure to enter for a chance to win!
http://bit.ly/CindiMadsenGiveaway
“I’ll wake you up tomorrow morning with my head between your thighs. How does that sound?”
Read the full excerpt HERE and make sure to enter for a chance to win!
http://bit.ly/CindiMadsenGiveaway
April 3, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Dedications
I’m captives of both main character , they have their quality & weakness
I will never believe that I will drop my tears for this book as the banter between h & H keeping me entertained
Not to mentioned both her charming brothers
You learned to sacrifice for the one you love, set them free - if it’s mean for you , it will find a way
This book touch closer to home
This my first MMA fighter book that goes beyond my expectations
I’m captives of both main character , they have their quality & weakness
I will never believe that I will drop my tears for this book as the banter between h & H keeping me entertained
Not to mentioned both her charming brothers
You learned to sacrifice for the one you love, set them free - if it’s mean for you , it will find a way
This book touch closer to home
This my first MMA fighter book that goes beyond my expectations
January 21, 2018
Read our full review on Hypable!
Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen is a masterful slow burn, full of sexual tension that will consume readers!
I must admit that before diving into Until You’re Mine, I was going through a book slump. For whatever reason, the last few books that I had read just didn’t do it for me. So even though I had read books by Cindi Madsen in the past, I was nervous that I wasn’t going to like this one thanks to my slump. But I was so, so wrong.
Right from the start, I was hooked on Brooklyn and Shane’s story. Cindi Madsen wastes no time in getting things going which I think really helped me. There wasn’t a ton of backstory to get through before readers get to see Brooklyn and Shane meet.
That’s not to say that they don’t each have things the reader needs to learn about them, it’s just taken care of as the story unfolds. I read romance novels because I want to see a couple’s story so I really appreciated that I didn’t have to wait for it to get going.
Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen is a masterful slow burn, full of sexual tension that will consume readers!
I must admit that before diving into Until You’re Mine, I was going through a book slump. For whatever reason, the last few books that I had read just didn’t do it for me. So even though I had read books by Cindi Madsen in the past, I was nervous that I wasn’t going to like this one thanks to my slump. But I was so, so wrong.
Right from the start, I was hooked on Brooklyn and Shane’s story. Cindi Madsen wastes no time in getting things going which I think really helped me. There wasn’t a ton of backstory to get through before readers get to see Brooklyn and Shane meet.
That’s not to say that they don’t each have things the reader needs to learn about them, it’s just taken care of as the story unfolds. I read romance novels because I want to see a couple’s story so I really appreciated that I didn’t have to wait for it to get going.
January 19, 2018
Slow burning, full of passion and wit, Until You’re Mine was an unexpected read.
Shane is trying to fight his way back to the top of the MMA world. Set up in a new gym, he’s taken aback by the new girl there, Brooklyn. She’s the sister of his trainers and the daughter of the man who owns the gym. He is determined pursuit of her. She brings her own obstacles, but Shane wants to be the one to get around them. Brooklyn is a sweet character. She puts her dreams on pause when she’s called home. I found her admirable and very likable.
Overall, Until You’re Mine is a great read. The pacing felt a bit jumpy, slow at first, then wrapped up quickly, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I would recommend to the reader looking for a sexy athletic hero.
*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
Shane is trying to fight his way back to the top of the MMA world. Set up in a new gym, he’s taken aback by the new girl there, Brooklyn. She’s the sister of his trainers and the daughter of the man who owns the gym. He is determined pursuit of her. She brings her own obstacles, but Shane wants to be the one to get around them. Brooklyn is a sweet character. She puts her dreams on pause when she’s called home. I found her admirable and very likable.
Overall, Until You’re Mine is a great read. The pacing felt a bit jumpy, slow at first, then wrapped up quickly, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I would recommend to the reader looking for a sexy athletic hero.
*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
March 13, 2018
I LOVED Shane!! 😍♥️
February 21, 2018
I received a copy via Net Galley and voluntarily left a review
From the moment I took a peek at this smokin' hot cover with the sweaty, muscled body wearing nothing but unbuttoned jeans and hand wraps, I just knew I had to give this “new to me author” a chance and check out this fighter romance. It wasn't long into Until You're Mine and Cindi Madsen had me tied up in knots over the sexual tension and heart melting moments between Shane and Brooklyn. I couldn't turn my head away and miss a single word and verbal punch that they threw at one another. I was kept on my toes from the first page to the last wondering what was going to happen next.
Shane Knox had my heart knocked out and had claimed victory over it before the end of the first chapter. I loved seeing him grow as a person and become completely enamored with Brooklyn. Shane is the hot and broody type that makes your blood pump all the harder when he puts on his wraps and steps in the cage. I fell I love with his heart, muscles, and his sexy moves!
Brooklyn Roth is a woman who has her mind set on the future filled with beautiful canvases full of vivid color. What she does not plan on is coming home for the summer to help her estranged father and brothers with their boxing gym. The other wrench thrown in her plans is in the form of the sexiest muscles and smile around. Little did she know that this fighter is out to win and that includes her body and soul. Brooklyn had my heart with her feisty and stubborn nature and her ability to love after such a heartbreak. She is a fighter through and through and doesn't even know it!
Cindi Madsen delivers a gut punching love story full of heat, some laughter, and lots of feels! I highly recommend Until You're Mine for a romance that will make your temperature rise while filling your heart to the brim. Though this was the first book, it will not be the last that I read by this talented author. It wasn't long into Shane and Brooklyn's story and I could smell the sweat of the boxing gym and see the steam rising between these two along with feeling like I had become a part of Team Domination. Cindi's writing is multifaceted, fascinating, and had me falling head over heels for the all the gorgeous fighters in her fictional universe. I am obsessed and ready for more time with Team Domination!
From the moment I took a peek at this smokin' hot cover with the sweaty, muscled body wearing nothing but unbuttoned jeans and hand wraps, I just knew I had to give this “new to me author” a chance and check out this fighter romance. It wasn't long into Until You're Mine and Cindi Madsen had me tied up in knots over the sexual tension and heart melting moments between Shane and Brooklyn. I couldn't turn my head away and miss a single word and verbal punch that they threw at one another. I was kept on my toes from the first page to the last wondering what was going to happen next.
Shane Knox had my heart knocked out and had claimed victory over it before the end of the first chapter. I loved seeing him grow as a person and become completely enamored with Brooklyn. Shane is the hot and broody type that makes your blood pump all the harder when he puts on his wraps and steps in the cage. I fell I love with his heart, muscles, and his sexy moves!
Brooklyn Roth is a woman who has her mind set on the future filled with beautiful canvases full of vivid color. What she does not plan on is coming home for the summer to help her estranged father and brothers with their boxing gym. The other wrench thrown in her plans is in the form of the sexiest muscles and smile around. Little did she know that this fighter is out to win and that includes her body and soul. Brooklyn had my heart with her feisty and stubborn nature and her ability to love after such a heartbreak. She is a fighter through and through and doesn't even know it!
Cindi Madsen delivers a gut punching love story full of heat, some laughter, and lots of feels! I highly recommend Until You're Mine for a romance that will make your temperature rise while filling your heart to the brim. Though this was the first book, it will not be the last that I read by this talented author. It wasn't long into Shane and Brooklyn's story and I could smell the sweat of the boxing gym and see the steam rising between these two along with feeling like I had become a part of Team Domination. Cindi's writing is multifaceted, fascinating, and had me falling head over heels for the all the gorgeous fighters in her fictional universe. I am obsessed and ready for more time with Team Domination!
July 25, 2020
I'm so conflicted. I enjoyed the writing and loved the characters and setting. But.... the cheating !!!
Brooklyn has come back to her father's gym after four years to help out for a few months. She's in a steady relationship with a seemingly great guy. But then she sees Shane and sparks fly.
Shane has a thing for Brooklyn from first site, and learning she has a boyfriend isn't going to stop him from doing everything he can to make her fall for him and prove she's really his.
Argh. I really disliked how Shane refused to respect Brooklyn's boundaries. And I was pretty disappointed in how easily she crossed the line too, especially after being cheated on herself.
I pushed through and read this to the end and genuinely enjoyed it, but I think it needs a big fat warning sticker for anyone who has been cheated on in the past, because this book might just push a few of the wrong buttons for you.
Four stars reduced to three for the cheating.
Brooklyn has come back to her father's gym after four years to help out for a few months. She's in a steady relationship with a seemingly great guy. But then she sees Shane and sparks fly.
Shane has a thing for Brooklyn from first site, and learning she has a boyfriend isn't going to stop him from doing everything he can to make her fall for him and prove she's really his.
Argh. I really disliked how Shane refused to respect Brooklyn's boundaries. And I was pretty disappointed in how easily she crossed the line too, especially after being cheated on herself.
I pushed through and read this to the end and genuinely enjoyed it, but I think it needs a big fat warning sticker for anyone who has been cheated on in the past, because this book might just push a few of the wrong buttons for you.
Four stars reduced to three for the cheating.
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