Contemporary Romance. Rtd. sick Marine Ryan and Ally, MMA with brain injuries (sensible...). Very slow in places. OK-
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4.5 stars!!!
This is the second book from this author I've read and I love them both. The TBI and PTSD that was addressed in this book was well done and needed. It didn't go deep at all, but wasn't glossed over and it was brought out in the open.
Will definitely be reading more of Ranae's work. ( )

Good book but the ending left a little to be desired. It almost seemed anticlimactic. ( )

This review can also be found on my blog.

A sizzling contemporary romance featuring a former Marine turned MMA fighter and an equally kick butt heroine – literally. While I have read three other stories by this author (and I have yet to post my reviews for two of them #fail), this is by far the most sensual and probably her best work.

What I loved about this story was that the author not only chose a hero and heroine from different backgrounds – one rich, one poor - but also a different heritage and family dynamics. While Ryan decided against joining the family company in favor of becoming a Marine, that decision put a deep rift between himself and his family. They never proclaimed to have been proud of him or his choices. Then we have Ally Rivera. Her father is in jail for murder, her estranged brother has joined her uncle's gang, she lives with her mother and is utterly devoted to her, and Ally enters MMA fights for the prize money. The contrast between the two families couldn't be more different on the surface. But beneath it all are misunderstandings and secrets.

The story flowed really easily, and I got completely caught up in Ryan and Ally's instant attraction and the sparks flying off of them whenever they locked eyes.

He took half a step toward her, his gaze still locked with hers. The way his blue eyes shone was crazy – streetlights didn't flatter anyone like that. Except for him. “Ally Rivera,” he said, all traces of his recent grin gone from his mouth, “if I sit down and have dinner with you, it's going to be a date. So if that's not what you're offering, I'm going to have to say no thanks.”

We get hints as to why she's very cautious to the point of being paranoid about him, but it didn't make sens until much later. In the mean time, the build up of sexual tension had me thinking back to my first serious boyfriend. It was kind of cute to see these two adults take baby steps. When they finally came together it made the wait so worth while. I think I swooned a lot up until then. Heck, Ms Rose even made putting on a condom sound ridiculously sexy!

”You have no idea how hard it is for me to hold back when I look at you. There are so many stupid things I want to do – even stupid things I want to say. I could use a lady with a makeshift weapon and a dose of maternal instinct to keep me from spoiling our perfect first date.”

As the full story about Ally and her family unfolded, I got a much better understanding of her character. Her turmoil over her brother's actions made me a little emotional, as well as Ryan coming to her defense the only way he knew how. This story is so much more than the allure of MMA fighters or military heroes. This story had heart and conflict, and two people from the opposite sides of the spectrum coming together and finding their own brand of happiness.

My favorite line from the story had to be the part from which this book gets its title. Ally couldn't have been any sweeter.

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )