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Late-night shock jock Sophie Morelle has been fired, dumped by her network after an embarrassing incident cost them big bucks. But she knows just how to get back on her feet—by filming a raw, gritty documentary about MMA fighters, starring the hottest welterweight around. The only problem? He’s the one responsible for ruining her life.

MMA-champion-turned-model Caden Kelly is hell-bent on reestablishing himself as the best fighter in the country. He’d been on a roll, too, until that loudmouth reporter hit him in the head with a camera on national TV. The headaches he’s suffered since are nothing compared to the one he gets when she shows up, seeking an exclusive. That Sophie’s gorgeous is undeniable…but she’s also the most infuriating woman he’s ever met.

Stepping into the ring with Caden Kelly is not for the faint of heart, but Sophie’s never been the delicate type. This champion may have finally met his match—both in and out of the bedroom.


Don’t miss Knock Out, a Romantic Times Magazine 4 1/2 Stars Top Pick - available now!

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

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About the author

Michele Mannon

15 books597 followers
About the author

Michele Mannon has been writing romance since her first publication in 2012. A multiple recipient of Romantic Times Magazine’s prestigious TOP PICKS award, Michele’s books always pack a punch, leaving readers laughing out loud or swooning and biting their fingernails at all the appropriate times.

To date, she’s written a contemporary sports romance series and a spicy contemporary/New Adult series with a heavy dose of suspense. Her books have been sold in print, digitally, and on Audible.

Michele lives on a mountain overlooking the Delaware River, where she can be found with a glass of Riesling in her hand and a laptop on her lap. Find her online at: http://www.michelemannon.com

Or connect here:

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books334 followers
May 16, 2014
Gloves off, hard-hitting, grittier side to MMA! Whewboy did this one take me for a ride! I was very taken with Caden in the first book and was amused by the late appearance of Sophie Morelle so I was eager to move into this sequel story that took off pretty much where the first book ended. It was so much more than I was expecting and went somewhere entirely different than the first book- literally since it went on a road trip to Vegas. Figuratively, it went a different direction too. Caden and Sophie's story is so much different and that was a good thing.

The story opens with Sophie being recently let go from her job for accidentally clocking Caden Kelly in the head with a TV camera and ending the Favorite's chances at an MMA crown. Sophie is no quitter so she is on the road now to catch up to the tour bus carrying Jerry and his MMA fighters to the championship in Vegas. She will do a documentary story on the fighters leading up to the big fight and make her network apologize for all the horrid stuff they said about her and her career as they take her back. She is determined to succeed even if it means using all her wiles to get an exclusive out of the despised Caden Kelly. His perfect body is plastered over every billboard in America sporting the underwear he endorses so why shouldn't a fame-hound like that deny her even if he hates the sight of the person who gave him a concussion.

Caden still fights headaches from when Sophie hit him with the camera and he's determined to take his training and this big fight seriously so he does more than groan when he encounters the trouble magnet, Sophie Morelle, chasing the tour and nosing about for a story. She has latched onto him and he has no intention of giving the foul-mouthed, brazen shock jock even a hint of his private life, but that doesn't mean he can't get up some fun along the way.

Through road mishaps, no holds barred cage events, busload of championship-hungry MMA fighters, danger-proned female reporter, bag of illegal steroids and drugs, illegal betting rings, a cagy fighter who is trying to live down his past, and an explosive attraction, the roadtrip to Vegas is anything, but dull.

As I noted earlier, the plot on this one picks up the general thread of the story about the MMA championship and the fighters involved while shifting to a new couple for the romantic interest. The story isn't so much focused on the sport though it plays a part with the grittier side of the sport being the focus when it is like cage fighting, steroid use, illegal gambling rings, etc.

I'm getting an inkling now that there will be no easy romances in this series. Easy attraction and hot passion; yes, but not so much with the relationship. The relationship building takes work and time- very refreshing after reading so much instalove. And really, I should also state that the characters aren't easy people either. They're flawed and have their issues and much of the story is spent in a growth arc for Caden and Sophie separately and together.

I have to say that when I began this story, I really didn't like Sophie. She was a brash, self-absorbed, judgmental, 'I have the right to your private life because I am a reporter' type that got my hackles up. Her grudge against Caden because he's got endorsements, he's got a pretty face, and he's a womanizer just smacked of bitterness- and hypocrisy considering what she did to claw her way out of her poor town beginnings and up her way to success. I was close to setting the book aside, but then I was curious to see if there was a bend in her road and wanted to see where the story took her. I'm glad I did because the road trip and getting to know Caden was a real life experience for her. I love it when self-discovery takes place and results in change, but not so much change that the sassy woman that Caden fell for was completely absent.

That leads to Caden. Caden is another one who did what he had to do to survive and somehow came through with a heart and some conscience. He was unapologetic about his faults and he owns to them. He is determined to pull through to the other side where he can see the man he wants to be. I loved that because of his tough beginnings, he saw right through Sophie to who she was underneath all the layers she had piled on over the years. Caden was no pushover. He fell for Sophie and was a generous lover, but he called her on her crap too. When he opened up to her and gave himself through those video-tapings, I was so melty for him and I wanted to boot Sophie up the butt for snapping to conclusions about what he put on them and refusing to watch.

So in the end, I'm glad that I didn't lay this one aside and stuck it out. The mystery with the drugs was a nice background plot thread. There were some good secondary characters including old Sal who cracked me up. Now I totally want Bracken and Anthony's stories too.

I would recommend this for contemporary romance fans who enjoy romance set against the backdrop of the MMA world with the balance more on the characters and hot romance than the sport though there is some of that too. This could be read as a standalone since the main story starts and finishes in this one though the characters were introduced in the previous book and the backdrop time line started in the earlier book.

My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews149 followers
March 30, 2014
Caden can be an a** but I knew I loved him the minute he got all protective over someone that he didn't particularly care for, "Caden tensed. No matter how much he disliked Sophie, she didn't deserve to be taken down by the likes of Bouvine. Caden was going to have a fist talk with that a**hole. "Was she hurt?" he murmured, his tone sounding threatening even to his own ears." The boy is cocky, "I'd say our lockin' lips had gotten us somewhere. Hell, I'm in your bed right now. Bet I could be inside your panties in a heartbeat. Noe, that would really be somewhere." Sophie sure does know how to make a man stop in his tracks, "Caden laughed. She reached over and cupped the rigid length of him through his sweats. His laughter stopped." I mean when these two are together they sure like to be adventurous, "we'll see them way before they can see us. Keep your eyes on the horizon, honey." His hands found the buttons of his Bermuda shorts. He opened them and was working his co** out of his boxers before she could even say the word horizon. "Drop your panties and get on up on the hood." I loved how the two characters had a love/hate relationship and I loved to see it grow.
Profile Image for Anabelle Bryant.
Author 19 books403 followers
August 12, 2014
You don’t need to enjoy MMA fighting to love this book. That is immediately evident once you start reading. Tap Out has a strong plot and subplot, steamy sex scenes and plenty of action. Add that to the romance, suspense and depth of character and the book comes out a winner, no referee involved.

Sophie and Caden are plotted (literally) against each other from the first chapter and the intensity of their relationship develops to cover all corners of emotions. There’s a great balance of plot, emotion and sex. This is not one of those “fall in love in the first chapter” novels. The characters have to work at it, earn it, and win it. It’s refreshing, interesting and intriguing because the reader becomes part of the story until their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
6,952 reviews828 followers
April 16, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


Once again author Michele Mannon has dragged me into the world of MMA fighting and boy am I glad she did. I flat out loved this crazy, mixed up story between Caden Kelly and Sophie Morelle whom we met in book one when she accidentally cause him to be unable to compete which promptly led to her losing her job. It was so fun to watch these two as they go from adversaries, to friends, to lovers, and back again. Having more in common than they every realized these two formed a strange bond built on their mutual admiration for the way they approach what’s important to them. The witty banner, sizzling chemistry, mutual love/hate feelings, and an outrageous road trip all make up this most excellent story that I could not put down!

There is so more to both Caden and Sophie than meets the eye. They both have things in their past that have shaped them into the people they are today. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they genuinely like and respect each other and things get complicated.

Sophie is bound and determined to make a documentary about MMA fighters and wants to feature Caden’s life story and Caden wants nothing more than to win the championship and get on with his life. As Sophie uncovers the dark side of fighting she also begins to realize that there is more to Caden than his underwear model good looks. Caden discovers that Sophie’s on air persona is way different than the woman she is away from the cameras.

In addition to the back and forth relationship between Caden and Sophie, Caden is training for the fight of his lifetime and Sophie finds herself investigating corruption within the organization as well as fighters using performance enhancing drugs. Sophie was already not the most popular person around this group and what she uncovers makes her a target of many.

This book will keep you on your toes and make you lose sleep, it’s just that good. Remarkable characters, a little bit of suspense, a whole lot of sexy fun and some flat out amusing dialog makes Tap Out an outstanding competitor in the world of books about MMA fighters.
Profile Image for Victoria S..
64 reviews25 followers
April 7, 2014
Caden Kelly Tap 3.5 Stars

What do you get when you mix a feisty, sophisticated, career driven female tv host, Sophie Morelle, with a hot headed, Grade A celebrity, determined MMA fighter, Caden Kelly?

Tap Out

You get sizzlingly steamy yet frustrating tension you can cut with a knife but boy is the banter and sparks in this story attention gripping! We first meet Sophie, she is scorned by the recent loss of her job as a late night tv host, she is harbors anger towards the person she holds responsible for her unemployment—Caden Kellly; former hotshot MMA fighter turned panty melting model. As the wheels in her mind begin to turn in hopes of gaining her job back, she discovers the one person she dislikes with a passion, is the one person who could put the “Sophie Morelle” back on the map as a tv host.

Light bulb goes off, her perfect plan centers around capturing an inside documentary on MMA fighters, their preparation for the big Tetnus Tournament in Vegas. However, a previous unfortunate event Sophie was involved in at a former tournament has not been forgotten, not by the other fighters and most certainly not by the victim—Caden Kelly. What was a complete accident on Sophie’s part, was not received as so by Caden when his fight was almost jeopardized when he got zonked in the head by her camcorder which knocked him out.

Bygones can be bygones right? Easier said than done. Sophie finds out real quick when she is forced to ride the touring bus with the macho fighters that her welcome is anything but warm. I really enjoyed Sophie’s character. Ms. Mannon does an exceptional job portraying a confident, independent overall strong minded heroine.

”No man, in any shape or form—muscular heartthrob or unpleasant memory—was going to stop her.”

Sophie is no meek bunny on a bus full of wolves she uses her wit, sass and class to find her way into the group’s good graces one by one to get her story. Her hardest shell to crack is no other than the man who is to be the star of her feature.

Caden Kelly is working hard to make a come-back as the top of the top of MMA fighters; he does not have time for distractions/road blocks and while Sophie is gorgeous
“Fuckability factor aside, that woman was trouble. Tried and proved trouble. What he did know about her, he didn’t like. She was dangerous. Relentless when it came to getting her story. Uncaring of who she hurt. Unfazed by the drama that always seemed to unfold round her.”
As Sophie makes progress gaining acceptance from the fighters, a few dickweeds—Jaysin and despicable promoter, Jerry, continue to give her a hard time. The drama cloud hanging over Sophie unravels a dark secret taking place under the surface of the tour, drugs being distributed, fighters hyped up on steroids and blood doping; her well-being is put in harms way causing a shift in relationship between her and Caden. Under that bulky muscular, cold exterior is a compassionate man who protects just as fiercely as he fights. Soon both of these characters begin to realize there is a lot more to one another than what meets their eye. The connection is sexually intense causing your kindle screen to fog up. Hot damn does Caden know how to make a girl squirm and blush. I was beyond proud of the maturity we see in Sophie in her ability to allow herself to open up and let her walls down for Caden. Unfortunately, Caden struggles with accepting love.

”A man like him didn’t deserve a woman like her for the long term. She brought out things in him—a hope in him, feelings within him—that were best left dead.”

We discover on the surface this man still has demons he is battling stemming from his broken childhood. My heart went out to him yet at the same time gain such respect for all the obstacles he has conquered to better himself.

All hell breaks loose in the last 25% of the book. Where I thought some parts dragged on in the middle of the book the last portion of the story, Michele Mannon really grabs your attention and keeps you glued page after page. The character growth and flow of the story were done very well. I hate to nip pick, every reader has their own opinion so I have one of many; for me I would have liked more fighting scenes of Caden and heck one last good sex scene towards the end too! Those are minor still I enjoyed the funny flirty banter between Sophie and Caden and just adored the old man Sal who tried as he might to bring balance to all the hostile situations haha

**Received this book as a gift for honest review**
Profile Image for Gokce G.
436 reviews67 followers
June 2, 2014
One of these days, I'm definitely going to watch some MMA matches. Not only are they real, but sounds like they're done within a set of rules that keep the fighters safe. Plus, the men. Now, I'm not all too shallow, but a gal can always appreciate her men. And delving more into the world of MMA, and getting to know more of the fighters in this book, I sure did appreciate these men.

I have to admit, Caden surprised me. While expecting a flirtatious, shameless fighter, I met a very down-to-earth man who was much more sensible than I initially gave him credit for. He was a man with a history, and that, exactly, is the key to connect with a character. Although we're never given any detail more than necessary, we get a few glimpses into his past through his point of view, and it was just the kind of history I could feel and relate to. Not a whole window open, but breadcrumbs spread here and there for me to understand him.
From the start, Caden presented a sensual sensibility that made me warm up to him immediately. A man who wanted to make amends for past mistakes, a man who wanted to be better for the future, and wanted to forget and move on. I can always appreciate a character who takes up the offer of a second chance with sincerity and in all its seriousness. In all these regards, and his relentless protectiveness over Sophie and his boyish charm, he was a good hero in my eyes.

The same goes for Sophie's character. She was also a surprise, in a good sense of course. She had the kind of history, again with the breadcrumbs, that made it possible for me to relate to her and understand her nature. She was a strong woman. Strong enough to land her own naughty late night show on tv. Though we never really get to see just how naughty she is late at night, we get the idea. But the Sophie we meet in the book is less shameless and more understanding, and a lot determined. The last we'd seen of these two characters were in the previous book, where they both had a hit to their careers thanks to an unfortunate accident, so Sophie, just like Caden, sets out to salvage her career, and comes head to head and wit to wit with fighter and lover extraordinaire Caden Kelly.

Although I had a hard time following some of the dialogue and flow of the story at times-there seemed to be a pace to them that took me a try or two to catch up- I enjoyed the banter between Sophie and Caden. They brought out the best in each other, be it in or out of the bed. They had good chemistry, they were both easy to connect with, and they were both definitely good surprises. So I suggest give this book a try. Not only did it piqued my interest in a new sport, but now I'm also looking forward to yet another series, and another set of characters. What this means for my to-read pile is still a mystery. I mean, I could very well be chasing an illusion here.

A good mix of action and romance, I recommend this book to those who like their heroes not afraid to land a punch or two, and their heroines strong and ready to take life head on.
April 13, 2014
Sophie and Caden (both seen as secondary characters in Mannon's first book of the Worth the Fight series) are still dealing with terrible after effects of things that happened to both of them as children, but they are also dealing with more recent fallout from their careers. If you read Knock Out, you'll remember that Sophie hits Caden accidently with her video camera, causing him to almost miss out on his big comeback fight in Las Vegas and her to lose her night-time celebrity interview television show.

On the road to Las Vegas, they find each other again, and it's a pretty bumpy ride. I loved both these characters: he's a ripped alpha MMA cage fighter (who left the ring to be a very popular model), and she's a spunky heroine who wants to interview him (and the other "Boys" on the bus) for a documentary that she hopes will get her career back on the right track.

Caden doesn't know why he likes and falls so quickly for red-headed Sophie, and he fights his feelings as we see them encounter each other on the road, in motel rooms, and at fighting venues. Even though Sophie blames Caden for losing her job, she can't help what she comes to feel for him either.

She soaked up every bit about him. The way he filled a T-shirt like nobody's business. The tightness of his buns in those faded jeans. There was so much more to Caden than a pretty face, but boy-oh-boy did his body just do it for her. Like [those] drool-worthy biceps...

And they are hot, hot, hot together:

Caden: "I'm going to make that sweet body of yours sing. You're gonna get an exclusive, alright. And if you keep looking at me that way, it's be multiples. My specialty."

Some of the MMA characters from the last book show up here as well. Two get their comeuppance (yeah!), and Sal (the fight manager) wisecracks throughout the story and supports Sophie as well.

Just like with Knock Out, I recommend this book to those who like their hot ripped alpha guys, sex-on-a-stick fighters, and a strong heroine with gumption.

*I received an ARC copy from Carina Press through netgalley.com; this is my honest opinion about this book*
Profile Image for Margreet Asselbergs.
568 reviews44 followers
March 28, 2014


My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️


An unfortunate accident at the last MMA bout Sophie Morelle was present at, cost her her job as provocative late night host of a tv-show. Determined to get her job back, she hatches a plan to film an inside documentary on MMA fighters as they prepare for one of the bigger tournaments scheduled in Vegas. One problem; the main focus of her project is the same man who was the victim in that unfortunate accident, as well as responsible for the loss of her job........

Trying to make a come-back as number one MMA fighter, Caden Kelly can handle the ribbing from the other fighters over the billboards sporting lifesized ads of him modeling underwear. What was harder to handle was the shock of seeing that annoying reporter who had knocked him out with a camera and almost sidetracked his return to the cage. He is not sure what she hopes to find, but from experience he'd say she likely brings trouble with her.

Getting stuck on a rattling old bus with a bunch of hostile testosterone-loaded mega sized men, is not Sophie's idea of fun, but she has to find a way in to the group's good graces to get her story. Even if Jerry, their sleezeball promoter, seems more eager than most to dump her out the window. But no one surprises her more than Caden, who seems to have thrown himself up as her protector, especially after finding out Sophie discovers more than just fighting is being promoted.

Sophie's desperation to get this documentary made and her job back as well as her journalistic curiousity, have her getting into more trouble than Caden is able to keep up with. She simply drives him crazy, in more ways than one.....

REMAINDER OF THE REVIEW ON APRIL 6th on RIPE FOR READER BLOG
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Kat DM.
321 reviews31 followers
May 24, 2014

*on behalf of Give Me Books Blog*


Well, I'm a sucker for MMA romance and this book was a total unputdownable for me. This book had action and passion. Read it in one sitting and LOVED it! Swooned over Caden.

Sophie Morello a late night jock has been fired and dumped by her network from tripping over someone and accidentally hitting a very important MMA fighter named Caden Kelly in the head with her camera. She's trying to get back on her feet by following Caden and asking for an interview for her documentary that would help her get her career back. He's responsible for her losing her job since he filed for attempted murder(so he said) and a restraining order against her.

MMA champion turned into an underwear model with billboards wherever you go on highways. His been with a lot of women which I hated that part about him. He's an arrogant person in the beginning. After a few a Chapters he started changing how he treated Sophie. I love their nick names for each other, Sophie is chili beans and Caden is sweet buns. He may be feisty and acted like he did not want Sophie but deep down he was just scared. He thinks that if he does give in with what he was feeling for Sophie would make him a weak person.

The book was slow in the beginning but did justice after a few chapters.

All that being said, I loved this story and I loved Sophie and Caden together. I started rooting for them from the very beginning. Alpha-Male Caden you just can't miss and feisty Sophie. As crazy as this plot is, it just worked for them.

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
2,203 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2014
In the book prior Sophie Morelle, hot shot Shock Jock, had tripped at an MMA match. Bumping her camera man who in turn was bumped so hard lost hold of his camera and knocked out Caden Kelly. He was the up and coming welterweight fight champion and underwear model.
In that one miss step both careers were shot to the high heavens. Sophie who’s contract was in negotiations for her contract was fired due to the company pulling their ads from the station for Caden’s underwear ads. Also, not allowing her to go get another job for a month due to a no sigh contract clause.
As for Caden he suffered a concussion and never ending headaches. Plus the fact that it now stalled his come back for a while. He was focused but in pain. He was worried but with just cause. You see Sophie was not his favorite person and she had been asking around.
Caden hated users/posers. He had way too many of those from his past. To him that is what Sophie posed. As for her she used her smart mouth, outlandish talk, and shock value to keep everyone mainly men at bay. Due to her past and how she was treated. Let’s just say they both had serious trust issues, commitment issues, and intimacy issues.
I really enjoyed this series. This is the second book I have read and I have to say they keep you on your toes. There are some very funny moments between Caden and Sophie as well as some very scary ones too. Some in the way of physical harm that comes and can come to the characters, but the emotional scars from their past that they go through that you piece together as the reader. Ms. Mannon does it in such a real way that you can see it unfold right before your eyes. A lot happens in this 267 pages. I give it 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
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Profile Image for Talk Books To Me.
415 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2014
What Karia has to say:

I freaking loved this story!!! I laughed literally out loud in my car while reading. Sophie is such a stuck up raging beeyach that I couldn’t help but love her. Then, add the fact that she has a whole suitcase just for her underwear collection…LOVE it!

Caden is the big, broody, bad-ass MMA fighter who is trying to escape his pretty boy face and uber hot underwear billboards to claim the heavy weight championship. Take these two volatile personalities, put them in a sexy Austin Martin on the open road and sprinkle in some wild side characters. This book was way more than I had expected. Even as the story progressed, the situations were totally novel and I found myself thinking about Caden and Sophie when my family forced me to stop reading and cook for them or drive them about.

I loved how the characters were written so authentically, I could actually read the dialogue in rapid staccato. The arguments and discussions were like I was right there. The supporting characters were also very well written and gave depth to both Sophie and Caden. While it is no secret that momma likes a fight book…Tap Out was a really good book with some raw, gritty fights and hot steamy loving! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Paris.
Author 14 books49 followers
November 22, 2015
I had a bit of a difficult time connecting with this story. I didn’t find either of the characters all that likeable for the majority of the book. There was just something so standoffish and bratty about Sophie. I appreciated that she was fighting for her career and trying to claw her way back to the top, but it sort of seemed at times that she didn’t really care about anyone else. Caden also seemed a bit rude at times. He was pretty mean to Sophie even though what happened between them the first time they met was a complete and total accident.

I enjoyed the mystery plot that was interwoven between the romance. That was the best part of the book, until I started to really feel the chemistry between Sophie and Caden. By the time I finished the book, I was really enjoying it and I was glad that I stuck with it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
Profile Image for Tinabooklover.
660 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2015
This book!!! It took me all day to read it! I really wanted to give this book 2 stars but I liked the ending so I bumped it up to 3. But that was a huge push.
I liked the 1st book in this series but this one...the writing was all over the place. I don't know how many times I had to go back a few pages because I thought I missed something. It was a good story, but it was hard to follow. One minute one thing was happening and then the next it was on to something else and I was like "wait, what just happened?? Did I miss something?" I don't remember the 1st book being like that.
I always try and give an honest review, and I don't like to hurt an authors feeling by giving a bad one, but this book was definitely not one I enjoyed. The story line was great but the writing, not so much. I feel bad about this because I really like the characters in this book, I just think it could have been so much more.
Profile Image for Emma.
Author 32 books41 followers
July 29, 2016
I loved the first book in this series and this one was even better. The two main characters had such rich backstories. They fought so hard to hide their pasts from each other, but their pasts made them who they are and made their connection so much deeper. They’re perfect for each other and their happily ever after was well fought for and deserved.
Profile Image for Melissa Kate.
Author 4 books107 followers
Read
April 22, 2014
Ever since reading Knock Out, I have been anxiously anticipating the release of Tap Out and it did not disappoint. The emotions and the drama that unfolds just sucks the reader in. Loved the chemistry and banter between the main characters and definitely loved the sass of the Heroine.

Craving the next MMA book desperately!!
3,093 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2018
This story did not fully hold my interest and I think that's why I found it confusing at times. My mind kept drifting and I'm not sure if it was just the mood I was in while listening, or if the story was to blame. I didn't find anything particular wrong with the story, so maybe it was just me.
Profile Image for Veronica Franco.
486 reviews15 followers
May 6, 2014
Caden and Sophie were too cute... trying too kill each other while they where trying to rip their clothes... i loved them together... now i´m curious about the beast of brother ...
296 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2018
Another MMA story Continues from Knock Out but can be read alone . Caden Kelly the Model and the reporter Sophie Morelle 's story . It was cute and romantic . both had pasts they had to work out . to have a romance and there was drugs who was the dealer you had to try and figure out . The sleezy promoter did all kinds of shady things along the way . It was a fun read you wanted to keep reading .
Profile Image for Andi.
878 reviews
December 29, 2017
This was...

Fun, edgy, and romantic. The story was slightly different from the first one. I loved the female character. I loved the male character also but felt a little like they were similar to the initial two main characters. Strong woman with a hard yet soft hearted fighter. It might be because both were damaged in each story. I'm going to get more by this author.
Profile Image for Natalie Brooks.
1,097 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars. While it kept me captivated, there was something about this book that stops me from giving it four stars. I felt a bit distanced from the characters.
Profile Image for Hot Stuff Book Reviews.
245 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2014
Find more on the blog: http://hotstuffbookreviews.wordpress....


REVIEW:
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

If you’ve been following what I’m reading, you must know that I enjoy a lot contemporary romance novels that feature fighters. Obviously, I had to give this one a shot.

This is the second book of a series of books featuring different characters. You don’t have to read the first one to read this one as the former characters are never mentioned.

I think the length of the book is perfect considering the story and the ”mysteries’’ surrounding the sub-plot. Any shorter and some things wouldn’t have been developed enough.

Though, I would have loved it if the sub-plot, the turn to which Sophie’s documentary took, would have been more present. Some more twists, some more mysteries would have been welcomed and I think that higher stakes for the main characters wouldn’t have been too much.

That being said, the chemistry between Caden and Sophie is unmistakable and saves the whole story. In fact, I truly enjoyed their little banters, their hot moments together and how Caden ends up opening up more to her. But it’s not too rushed which is a very good thing because I hate it when characters get to it so fast when they’re supposed to ‘’hate’’ each other. The romance part of this book is well-built to be believable.

But I would have loved to see some scenes more detailed or even showed instead of cutting them off and jumping to a few days later. In fact, a couple of times it threw me off when it comes to the timeline to the point that I had to stop reading for a minute to think about it.

The writing style is flawless for the genre, gives a real voice to Sophie while Caden’s POV is a little less convincing sometimes.
I like that the author doesn’t use too many clichés and that she is able to create many interesting characters that I’d be happy to see in their own book.

This series is not my favorite, but I do spend a good time reading these books and I know that I’ll read the next one once it’s available.

What do you think about Caden? Is he your new book boyfriend? Did you enjoy reading Tap Out?
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,827 reviews1,139 followers
July 30, 2016
Length: 4709 kindle
Style: Contemporary Romance / Sports
Story: GOOD
Intimacy level: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Series: (Worth The Fight) Book#2
Price: $3.99

3.5 ***stars

The Good

A nice and sexy read. I liked Sophie's character, she was very determine with getting her story. Cade, laid back at times but very sexy in is demeanor, especially towards Sophie, I must say, I really liked his vibe and the way he handles things it was very sexy and a turn on. These two started off rocky but I like the way their story and love progress throughout the story.


The Bad
I was split with this story sometimes. For me, the beginning took sometime getting into as well as other sections in the book.


Overall
A likable story with a sexy MMA fighter and a determined journalist. This was an entertaining read, that at times, holds my attention or it didn't, but I still liked it. I didn't read the first book in the series and would still like to read the first book in the series called Knock Out.


RNJ
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com

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Profile Image for iloveladyporn.
1,280 reviews82 followers
November 14, 2014
I have read the first book "Knock-Out" - Well I listened to it through an audio book so I had already gotten a taste of Sophie and Caden. As for this book, I could not for the life of me get into it. Sophie has pretty much hit rock bottom loosing her late night show and having everyone in the MMA world dislike her but she has an idea to get her career back on track- Getting an exclusive with the person who hates her the most Caden Kelly. It's a tough go for Sophie not only with Caden but the other MMA men and the promoter Jerry - they all seem to be out for blood but Caden tends to step in an save her each time. Caden has bigger issues to worry about than Sophie Morelle, but the more time he spends with her he finds out that her tough act is just that. These two have a lot in common, and it will take a trip across the country for them to figure that out. There is danger at every turn. Some hot sex scenes but those too did nothing for me. The ending was good.

* I gave this book a 3 because it was well written I just personally couldn't get into it so to give it anything less would be unfair to the author.
Profile Image for b.andherbooks.
2,092 reviews929 followers
June 3, 2015
Review based off a free ARC received from www.netgalley.com

Standard romance with an MMA twist. Sophie and Caden had a bad first impression - she knocked him out with her move camera while filming a TV segment, knocking him out both literally and from the MMA competition he was scheduled to fight in. After this incident Sophie is fired and looking to make a comeback with a documentary about mixed martial arts fighting, and of course Caden is on the tour she hooks up with. After many many trials, will their sparks ignite love?

Fun times, but the story was very bogged down with plot points. The characters need to contend with poverty, near-rape, drugs, lying, etc, and I found myself skimming ahead to the hotter parts. I think a bit of streamlining would have done this story good.

Would make a good eBook addition to a library catalog.
Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,139 reviews84 followers
April 16, 2014
I loved this book...

http://talkbookstomeblog.wordpress.co...

Excerpt from my girlfriend guide...please click the link and check out what other fight books momma loves!!!

Tap Out by Michelle Mannon releasing April 14, 2014. (I gave this awesome book a 4 ½ star rating…only took the half off because near the beginning Sophie drove me a bit mad…but then both Caden and I warmed up to her…Caden more so than I. But then he was also blinded by lust and the desire to confirm or deny her declaration of her commando state. This book had great side characters, fun dialogue and a great set of leads who knew how to burn up the sheets, toss verbal barbs and fight like hell to get their happy ever after).
Profile Image for Roz ~ My Written Romance.
408 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2014
You can read my other reviews at My Written Romance.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 / 5


I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I was expecting to.

I definitely liked the MMA and suspense aspects of this story, however for me, there didn't seem to be as much focus on the romance as I would have liked.

There was a really delicious tension building between Sophie and Caden, but it didn't quite deliver what I was expecting. I suppose I was expecting more of the hot and steamy.

I do hope that there is something planned for Caden's brother, Bracken. He was very intriguing.
Profile Image for Dar.
3,527 reviews65 followers
March 19, 2015
That was so good! After meeting these two in the previous book, wasn't sure I would like them much, but they were wonderful!

MMA fighter and shock-jock lady are just the personas for both of these people. They both have some ugliness in their past, and while things are alluded, and some explanations given, it doesn't take over. Their pasts are explained enough to explain where they are, and that is all that is needed. The story very much stays in the present

The present is pretty exciting for both them, and they recognize something in each other that most people miss. I loved these two together, they perfectly fit as ying and yang to each other

Overall this was an awesome love story with two very engaging and interesting characters
Profile Image for Carole.
824 reviews
November 14, 2015
If you want a story about a kick ass fighter and feisty heroine,
this is your story.

The Worth the Fight series continues with our main characters
Caden and Sophie who we met briefly in the first book Knockout.

There is a saying, don't just the book by it's cover - well this
applies to both Caden and Sophie, 2 misjudged people.

There was enough intrigue and humor and sex to keep the reader on their toes.
What I also enjoyed about this story, besides Caden, was that their relationship took time to develope and not the usual insta love.

Towards the end of the story, we are introduced to Caden's brother Bracken.

I look forward to reading the next in this series.
Profile Image for Rachel Webb.
663 reviews29 followers
August 3, 2016
I liked the first in this series more, but this was a solid follow-up although Sophie's inability to press rewind on her camera that she kept with her 24/7 to watch 3 small segments of video was extremely frustrating and could have solved a lot of problems. I would have liked it more if she had teamed up with her man to solve the drug problem, but instead conflict was created where conflict didn't need to be. That being said, my desire for all things MMA romance is still at an all time high so I will be reading more in this series and recommending it.
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