Liked the quirky characters ( )

Who wouldn't like Simon. Like the other stories in the SBC Fighters series, this gorgeous man finds his future bride. He doesn't take long to let her know who is boss. ( )

Geez, I have to say Simon comes off really cold in the first chapter when he is ending it with his girlfriend. I guess it's kind of explained by stating he never really loved her but man show some regret or anger.
 
Wow, Simon is so arrogant! I haven't decided yet if I like it or am annoyed.The character of Barnaby (Simon's real father) was overworked as a villain. The whole storyline of Barnaby blackmailing Dakota was weird and creepy. I wish the author would have thought of a different way to get Simon and Dakota together because they were pretty decent characters.
 
Going to have to say ditto with the character of Bonnie (Simon's ex-girlfriend) on being overworked. She was a little too scary crazy.Through most of the book I couldn't help wondering if the author was a pimp for the UFC (what the SBC is modeled after in this series) because she kept touting how all the fighters are sooo smart, funny, chivalrous, and all around fantastic. I mean Simon is constantly trying to get Dakota to talk and when Dakota says "Good grief, you are the most talkative man.." Simon says "Most men enjoy a little conversation" (!?!) This is all being said while Dakota is sitting naked on Simon's lap in a hot tub. I can stand to have my imagination stretched as much as the next person , but come on!
 
Have to say I loved the ending and how Simon let Dakota take care of Marvin; overcoming her fear and all that jazz.
 
This was an average book and if you read the first in the series "Causing Havoc" you might like it even more because you'll recognize a lot of the characters. Nothing spectacular here though.
 
B- ( )

Simon Evans, an ex-SBC fighter has been working as a trainer since his retirement. But when he founds his girlfriend cheated on him, he’s surprised to discover that he’s not upset about ending it. What he does want to do is get back into the cage and resume his career.

Dakota has made some mistakes in her life and when goaded by her stepfather to find and bring the son he walked away from so many years ago to meet him, she feels she doesn’t have a choice. Not looking at the guy’s name until after she leaves the house; OMIGOD, not only does she know who Simon is as she follows the sport, but she’s a huge fan and finds him incredibly sexy.

I’ve read most of the newer books and enjoyed them, but I’ve got to say that I like these older stories even more as they aren’t nearly as bogged down in sex so early in the book. Dakota had been abused by her ex-husband who still won’t leave her alone and provides the big threat. It’s left her with a lot of issues and we see her fight through and conquer each one. And who wouldn’t want a guy like Simon?

The story is interesting and the characters are definitely likable. What I really love about these series is that characters met in prior books are on hand making the story feel familiar from the get-go, like coming home.

Read from a library book. ( )

I didn't like the heroine. Despite her circumstances, emotionally she was easily swayed and never really developed a backbone. I skimmed some of the second half but did finish. Fighter Simon decides to return to the ring and is distracted by Dakota who someone sent to find him.
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