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Sophie Caldwell might not like asking for help, but help is what she needs if she’s going to save her family business from her uncle. Her grandma left one rule for Sophie if she wants to gain sole ownership before she’s thirty—get married. Yeah, fat chance of that happening since she hasn’t had a boyfriend in years, and now she can’t get her uncle off her ass.

British-born MMA fighter Xander James has never lost a fight, and he’s not about to start now. He’s on the brink of a comeback that could make him a UFC champion, but his landlord wants to take away his last chance by shutting down his gym. Hell, no. Fortunately, his landlord’s niece has a problem of her own. Time for a proposal she can’t refuse.

281 pages, ebook

First published February 27, 2017

128 people are currently reading
4806 people want to read

About the author

Gina L. Maxwell

37 books4,153 followers
Gina L. Maxwell is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 International bestselling author living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. As a lifelong romance novel addict, she began writing as another way of enjoying her love of Happily Ever Afters.

Her debut novel in 2012, Seducing Cinderella, hit the bestseller lists within a month of its release and continues to be a fan favorite a full decade later.

When she’s not reading, writing, or spending way too much on planners and office supplies, Gina enjoys hanging out with her grown children, experiencing everything life has to offer, and dreaming of her someday-move to someplace tropical.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,057 reviews2,867 followers
February 11, 2017
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You know it's weird. Sometimes certain situations will annoy the hell out of me in stories and at other times they won't even register on my radar. This is one of those times where I was turned off by the way the author presented the hero. First, we have a heroine that has watched OW coming and going from our hero's apartment ALL THE TIME. On top of that, we get to hear the hero thinking all about how he is attracted to the heroine and continued to fuck OW and picture it was her during the sex. Neither probably would have bothered me overly much except for the fact that there was NOTHING stopping him from asking the heroine out if as his inner thoughts suggested he was SOOOO into her! It just left me thinking this hero was a bit of a disgusting douche to be honest.

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Now that I have gotten that off my chest I will say that I did end up really enjoying this one. The writing was great. The story moved along at a nice clip. The sex scenes were HOT. The secondary characters were great. Once Xander and Sophie got married they were both devoted to the other and watching their relationship develop was really sweet. There was a tiny bit of OW drama and a little bit of angst. The epilogue was super cute and if you have read the previous books (I have not and this stands up fine as a standalone) it will wrap up this series (I assume this is the last book) with a nice little HEA bow.

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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,313 reviews13.7k followers
March 4, 2017
4 STARS

God, had any woman ever tasted so good, felt so perfect, so soft and strong and absofuckinglutely amazing? No way. At least none that he’d had. Sophie Caldwell left them so far in her dust that new rating systems would have to be invented. One through ten was a joke.


It's hard to believe that it's been four years since I first read the book that began my love affair with all things Gina L Maxwell, Seducing Cinderella. This book was slightly bittersweet for me to read since it concludes what's been one of my favorite series. But damn, Gina, way to go out with a bang!

So Xander James...

Yeah. What's better than a ripped MMA fighter? Give him a British accent. I mean....*drools*. I know, I know, I'm easy. But I can't help myself. I loved the man.

Xander is training for his comeback fight. He's supposed to be focused on nothing but that, but the green haired pinup beauty and owner of the cupcake bakery nextdoor to his gym proves to be a distraction he can't resist. When he sees an opportunity to save her bakery and his gym from a sale planned by her greedy uncle, he takes it. The terms? A marriage.

Now, I'm a sucker for the fake marriage trope, and this story fully delivered on that end. Sophie was a sassy, tatted and pierced ball of awesome. She's had her heart broken by every man she's ever trusted and it's hard to believe what the sexy MMA fighter is offering her. It's even harder when the lines blur and the sexual chemistry between them proves to be too much to resist.
She was a visual addiction that only got stronger with each passing day.

I LOVED the banter between these two. LOVED IT.
Jesus Christ, Xander. I don’t know whether I should try to have sex with that thing—and I emphasize try—or use it to roll out dough.
What the hell am I supposed to do with that weapon of mass vagina destruction?”
“Now you’re just trying to play to my ego,” he said with a wicked grin...

The chemistry between them was through the roof. I loved the slow build and the high sizzle.

I also loved seeing all my favorites from the past books make a cameo.

Sweet Victory was a deliciously satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite series. It was sexy and sweet. It was entertaining and scorching hot. It was everything I've come to expect from this author and exactly what made me a fan of hers to begin with.

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,069 reviews855 followers
April 11, 2017
Great finish to a fantastic series!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Sweet Victory by Gina L. Maxwell
Book Four of the Fighting For Love series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: February 27, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Confident but distrustful Sophie Caldwell needs help if she's going to save her family business. Her grandma left one rule for Sophie to maintain ownership from her uncle before she's thirty: get married. But how does she get her uncle off her ass when she's only twenty-seven and hasn't had a boyfriend in years?

Lean, cut, British-born MMA fighter Xander James has never lost a fight, and he's not about to start now. On the brink of a comeback to be a UFC champion, his landlord wants to take away his last chance by shutting down his gym. No. Hell no. Fortunately, his landlord's niece has a problem of her own. Time for a proposal she can't refuse.

What I Liked:

Years ago, I read Seducing Cinderella and absolutely LOVED the book. To this date, that book is one of my favorite Brazen novels. I must say, Brazen doesn't make 'em like they used to. Seducing Cinderella and a slew of other "older" publications were among their very best. Sweet Victory is the fourth book in the Fighting for Love series (Seducing Cinderella was book one). The series closes with Sophie and Xander, a feisty baker and a sexy British MMA fighter.

Sophie's bakery and Xander's gym are across the street from each other, and under the same property ownership. The property owner, who happens to be Sophie's uncle, decides to sell the property. But Sophie is set to inherit the bakery from her grandmother, either when she turns thirty, or when she gets married. So what does she do when Xander suggests they get married? She accepts, to save the bakery, and his gym. So they get married. But what happens when both of them don't want the marriage to have an expiration date?

I liked this book, which is great because I read the synopsis and immediately thought that I would enjoy. I mean, which woman wouldn't like a romance novel with a British male protagonist? And an MMA fighter, no less. This is only the second book I've read by Maxwell, but she has not disappointed me yet.

Xander is every bit as sexy and swoony as the synopsis - and cover - make him out to be. He's a flirt when it comes to Sophie, but he's also a good man and a dedicated fighter. He trains incredibly hard and is so driven. But he also has a hero complex and a heart of gold. When he hears Sophie's uncle belittling her, he swoops in and defends her. Not in a I-am-man-let-me-fix-everything-for-you type of way, but in a selfless, incredible way. Xander had me hooked from the start. He seems like a ladies' man and an incorrigible flirt, but he's so sweet and so good.

Sophie loves her bakery, and she is determined to protect it. Marrying Xander seemed absurd but she doesn't realize just how much she likes him, before they get married. Sophie is a feisty, tough lady. She likes things her way but she also balances her way and Xander's way - I like how she compromised to him too (it wasn't all Xander and his selflessness).

The two of them together are dynamite and firecrackers! They have serious chemistry from the start, and it practically boils and sizzles between them. I do like how they knew each other from before the start of the story - with their respective places of work being across the street from each other, they see a lot of each other. Xander comes by the bakery to flirt with her before his run. I like how they had chemistry before the story started, and it got more intense after they got married. Because holy guacamole, did they have some intense chemistry. The two of them in close quarters was hot!

The whole rushed marriage thing was handled well, and not totally cheesy and inauthentic. They had six months to play married and then they could file for divorce and go about their merry ways. But of course both of them fall for each other during that time... I like how it wasn't an insta-love type of romance. Lust, yes, but the progression of feelings was well-written.

You know in the climax of romance novels (especially Brazen romance novels) when the hero breaks up with the heroine or the heroine breaks up with the hero? And then one of them (usually the man) has to grovel, whether it's his fault or not? I LOVE how that whole thing is handled, in this book. Sophie is the one who jumps to some dumb conclusions and leaves him, BUT she is also the one who owns up and chases him back. I was really really pleased to see that Sophie went after her man (and not the other way around), especially since she hurt him by leaving him.

I enjoyed this story and the characters, the fun banter and the sexy romance. The swoony, hot British guy really made the story, but I also loved the feisty by vulnerable heroine, and beautiful love story presented. This was definitely a great end to the series!

What I Did Not Like:

The drama towards the end of the book was fairly minimal, but it was there. Don't we all hate watching a woman jump 45435345 miles to some dumb conclusion? At least Sophie woman-ed up and ran after him.

Would I Recommend It:

If you're looking for a quite, steamy, swoony read, then give this one a shot. It's only the second Maxwell book I've read but I liked it a lot. I highly recommend the first book, Seducing Cinderella - Reid and Lucie are fiery together. This book is great too! I'm sure the series in general is amazing.

Rating:

4 stars. Perhaps I'll read the second and third book in the future, but for now I'm content with having read books one and four. They were excellent! I'll definitely be looking for more Brazen novels by Maxwell in the future.
Profile Image for moi, k.y.a..
2,076 reviews380 followers
March 22, 2018
Kötü gün - tatlı, eğlenceli, seksi romance.
İy geldi.
Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,136 followers
March 10, 2017
As far as category romances goes, Sweet Victory is on par with most of the books from Brazen. It's hot and steamy with great banter to boot. I have to admit though that I almost DNF'd this one.

The reason? It's so shallow really but I am so over heroines with green, pink or whatever color hair. Like I said, shallow. But after reading so many blonde goddesses with pink, green, purple, rainbow tipped hair I'm just over it.

I know, I know. I'm being a picky bitch again. Fortunately, I did end up enjoying Xander and Sophie. Gina Maxwell just knows how to write a perfect blend of steam and heartfelt romance. I enjoyed their chemistry and the way their romance developed felt natural. The conflict wasn't bad either. Plus Xander is uber hot. And the sexy times are...wowza! So hot.

Short and sexy. That's Sweet Victory. If you're in the mood for those then this book is for you.

***ARC provided via Netgalley
Profile Image for Martina.
364 reviews19 followers
December 31, 2024
3--⭐

This book was... Ok.
Nothing bad, nothing great. I was happy to finish the series, but I have to admit I didn't feel a connection with the MFC, and that makes me detached from the romance. Plus the smut didn't hit me much in this...
Still love Xander 💚

And now a brief summary of the series:
#1 Seducing Cinderella: amazing, sweet, hot, omg I want more of this.
#2 Rules of Entanglement: meh for the whole initial situation (that was dumb), but the chemistry was over the roof and the smut was seriously smutting (🥵)
#3 Fighting for Irish: loved him so much, but the plot was darker than expected, so it wasn't the steamy romance I wanted at all.
#4 Sweet Victory: nothing was wrong here, but nothing was great... I feel I'll forget about it in 2 new books time 🤷🏼


﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌ ☽ QUOTE DUMP ☾ ﹌﹌﹌﹌

❥ Considering the man kept his drapes perpetually open, she had to wonder if the good people of England used them purely for decorative purposes, or if exhibitionism was merely a way of life for him.

❥ “So you got fat and had to go up a weight class, huh?” “Gorgeous, the only thing on my body that can be called fat is my d—” “Okayyyyy,”

❥ His comfort gave her a rare feeling of safety that allowed her to let her guard down enough to drift into that place between lucidity and the land of dreams.

❥“Sophie Caldwell, from the moment I saw you behind the counter of your bakery, all fit and tatted and shoving a cake ball into your mouth (..) I knew I’d spend months thinking about how to get into your knickers. And, in all honesty, my balls in your mouth.”

❥“So, Sophie Caldwell, I’d be the happiest man- with- a- permanent- set- of- blue- balls- alive if you’ll agree to marry me in the cheesiest Elvis wedding Vegas has ever seen and promptly divorce my arse when I’ve outlived my usefulness.”

“Not all men are like the ones you’ve been with, Sophie,” he said quietly. “There are plenty who are capable of being faithful— happy to be, even.”

❥ That man is a goddamn unicorn and you know it. If you don’t grab him by that big, beautiful horn, then someone else will. Grab it, Soph. Grab it and hold on tight, because I guarantee he’ll give you one hell of a ride.

❥“I promise that the only thing I’ll be destroying is your desire for any other man in your bed.” “Oh,” she squeaked. Hypnotized by his dark blue eyes, she said, “Suppose that’s fine, then.”

❥“I have a feeling I’d let you get away with just about anything you wanted.”

❥“I’d also like to thank my incredible wife—” He’s married? What an asshole! “— Sophie.” Oh… right. Guess that makes me the asshole.

❥“Do you know what I love about you being bound and blindfolded, Sophie?” She shook her head. “No.” “Without sight or the ability to touch me, you’re forced to focus on your own pleasure. Every touch, every kiss, every lick will feel ten times more powerful. And you’ll be helpless to do anything but beg me to let you come.”

❥ “Though I have no issues with being starkers in public, and I appreciate your sense of adventure, you’re forgetting one thing.” “What’s that?”"I don’t share what’s mine,” he said. “No one else gets to experience you the way I do. To see the pleasure wash over your flawless face or hear the euphoric sounds you make as I drive us both to the edge of madness and beyond.” Xan felt the muscle in his jaw tic in agitation. “No one.”
Profile Image for Jackie - Fire & Ice Book Reviews.
549 reviews151 followers
March 1, 2017
Another winner from Gina.

I was excited to read this from the blurb and because it's Gina.

And I loved it.

Sophie was unique, and a spit fire. I loved her right away, and Xander was Sweet and very protective. Cue the swooning.

I sure wish I was actually there eating all of Sophie's yummy treats.

Thumbs up to this book.
Profile Image for Özlem Yazıcı.
63 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2018
Çok severek okuduğum bir seri daha sona erdi. Harika bir yolculuk oldu. Birbirinden Harika bu 4 adamın hikayesi muhteşemdi. Böyle güzel adamlar inşallah bir yerlerde vardır. Çünkü hayat çok daha güzel ve umut dolu bir yer olur. Böyle erkeklere ihtiyacımız var. 👏🏻👏🏻😍😍❤️❤️
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,522 reviews132 followers
March 11, 2017
Ahhh, a hot MMA fighter who offers to marry the hot baker so she can save her bakery. What does that give you? A fake to real romance story and that's my favorite kind!

I loved Xander. He was sweetness funny and romantic. Watching him fall in love with Sophie was amazing. The scene where he met Sophie's grandmother made me cry :)

This was the fourth and last book in this series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,232 reviews
March 3, 2017
Seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for Xander's story! So happy to see him again and Gina does not disappoint with this one. Holy hotness! MMA fighter, great sense of humor and so very alpha male. Ummm, yeah, did I mention he has a British accent. Xander is the last of his MMA friends to find his true love. This is the 4th book in the Fighting for Love series.

Sophie Caldwell is in a bit of a pickle when her uncle wants to sell off her livelihood. Never did she guess that her too s3xy for words flirt buddy would want to help her out. There is no denying the chemistry between these two. Sophie and Xander launch into their agreement never promising anything more than friendship. I loved how their slow build up finally ends in some explosions. But more than that, is the aha moment when they both realize the friendship has morphed into something more.

So great to see all our favorite characters back in this book. Loved seeing the guys all support each other and try to figure out their women. Sophie made a great addition to the "family".

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Scarlett Leva.
Author 8 books64 followers
February 27, 2017
AN ENCHANTING AND GREAT READ!!!!

Sophie is a strong young woman who guards her emotions. Always giving the pretense of strength to outsiders. After all she has been through in her personal life, she spends her time keeping her promise to her grandma.

The relationship between Sophie and Xander is enchanting. I liked how well developed the characters were. You are able to see their relationship develop; YAASSS!!! The sexual chemistry is HOT!!! There was an emotional connection that I loved.

Xander is what most women wish dream of. He is sexy, charming, charismatic and sexy as all get out. He knew what he wanted and worked hard to achieve it. I enjoyed him and the visual of his body…. LORD HELP ME!!!

The book made me laugh, mad and even teared up a couple of times. When certain things happened, I thought I knew the outcome but I was SO… SO... WRONG. It was even BETTER….

Gina Maxwell always DELIVERS.

This arc was provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,734 reviews187 followers
February 13, 2017
It's not the first marriage of convenience that has ever happened, nor will it be the last - and as it all begins, it's a desperate situation that forces Xander and Sophie into one. Their careers and livelihoods are at stake and as it really is, a business proposition that will start and end clinically 6 months after the storm passes.

Feelings, however, as well as stirrings of mutual lust, get in the way and threaten to turn the fake marriage into a real one.

I did think that apart from the rocky beginning - Xander did come across as the womanising, bastard-type British MMA fighter who used Sophie's face in place of the women he brought back - the story did get a little sweeter as Gina L. Maxwell tried to show how devoted both Xander and Sophie were to each other. (An English accent doesn't - and shouldn't - make it better, despite what it seems) But I found myself pretty much unsurprised by the progression of the story; it wasn't unpredictable or unexpected in any way, but perhaps it isn't meant to be at all since this imprint is really about the recycling of tropes and the numerous takes on them because readers simply like the variants.

There's also a wrap up of all the couples in this series (though I don't exactly remember them at all) but that's probably an epilogue for those who do. 'Sweet Victory' can definitely work as a standalone though, and if the alpha MMA-type fighters are what you personally dig, then this is is something I'd recommend.

*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
Profile Image for Stephanie.
333 reviews7 followers
Want to read
January 24, 2014
Please, please, please let this be Xander's book! A whole book of that accent would be amazing!
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,402 reviews6 followers
February 13, 2017
Sophie is determined to carry on her grandmother's legacy and keep the family bakery thriving, but her uncle has other plans, he's out to make a buck and wants to sell the building that houses the family bakery. Taking over the bakery came with a very important stipulation, her grandmother insisted in order for her to maintain ownership she must be married by the age of thirty, but for some reason her uncle is jumping the gun a little and forces her into a very sticky situation, now she needs a husband and fast or her dreams of keeping the bakery open will be dashed...

As if knowing Sophie needed a knight and shining armor to save her beloved bakery, Xander James jumps in armed with a plan to save the day... a marriage proposal and a partnership which will give them both what they want. Sophie is hesitant to make a deal with the womanizing fighter, but with her uncle pushing for a sale she feels as though she has no other choice, so she takes the deal, and they both get far more than they bargained for!!

Once again Ms. Maxwell has knocked my socks off with one of her sultry and OH SO naughty reads, the minute I started this one I was pulled into Sophie and Xander's steamy little world, and completely dazzled by every printed word. These two came together under unique circumstances, but it didn't take them long to find a common bond, and start creating some serious heat! Sophie entered the partnership with the plan to not fall prey to the charming fighter, but she soon learned her defenses against him were useless, he was just too damn tempting, and once she had a little taste she knew she'd never get enough of him!! Xander was seriously something else, I mean what is not to love about an alpha with a sexy fighter physique, panty melting British accent, and a fierce dedication to give his woman every little thing she wants and desires!! I have to say this is by far my favorite read from Ms. Maxwell yet, she completely outdid herself with the character development on this one!!!

If you are looking for a naughty little fairy tale that is sure to leave you completely satisfied then I highly recommend you get your hands on this book, you will not be disappointed!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Profile Image for Tricia.
610 reviews
September 5, 2020
Seducing Cinderella had always held a special place in my heart, Sweet Victory is now on top. Xander was everything I want in a Hero. Alpha, funny, playful, Sweet, charming and sexy!!! I'm utterly and totally in love with Xan!!!! And Sophie... she was amazing too. Strong, independent, fun... make for the perfect heroine. And not only do you get these two.... but the rest of the Fighting for love Crew is in this. The banner between Jax and Reid... priceless. Maxwell does a fabulous job with her detail and impeccable writing. And this epilogue!!! Are you kidding me!!! This was such a bittersweet ending. Loved this series. Well done Gina!!!! Oh, yea, did i say I read this in one sitting??? Yep... hello 1am!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
March 1, 2017
This is Xander and Sophie’s story. Sophie is determined to carry on her grandmother's legacy and in order to carry on said legacy, she needs to marry or her uncle will pull the rug out from under her and take the family bakery away from her. This is one she and her grandmother did together, ran together until she got very sick and now her uncle is trying to be a miser and steal the business away from her. But what her uncle may not know may be her saving grace to stop him from stealing out from under her the business-- Taking over the bakery came with a very important stipulation, her grandmother insisted in order for her to maintain ownership she must be married by the age of thirty. If she cant find a husband, then she is doomed and she loses her bakery, the one thing that has given her peace and joy in her life where everything of late has gone wrong.
Xander James comes ready to help so he jumped in and tried to save the day-- a marriage proposal and a partnership which will give them both what they want. Sophie isn’t sure because Xander has a rep for being a womanizer but he is an awesome MMA fighter. What’s a girl to do? She ends up putting her faith in Xander. What they thought was just a business deal ends up being more than either expected or wanted.
I did like the pacing of this story and the contemporary feel of a modern forced marriage deal. It was flavored with the angst of how both MC felt –doing it for the good yet not sure why when they sort of felt trapped. What I didn’t like knowing was that Xander was still sleeping around on Sophie during the beginning of their marriage. Yes, it was a marriage of convenience but still, there was a chemistry between them and I didn’t get the feeling he was going to be faithful. This is only my opinion but I felt like this detracted from a little of the story. The overall tones and the emotions more than eased on the way and the ending was sweet. Xander and Sophie definitely belonged together.

My rating: 4.5 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,616 reviews92 followers
April 30, 2024
Gina L. Maxwell’s “Sweet Victory” is a sweet, spicy, and swoony marriage of convenience romance featuring Xander James and Sophie Caldwell, and it happens to to be the final book in her Fighting for Love series.

Xander and Sophie’s marriage may have started off as fake, but their feelings for each other turned out to be very real in the end. I thought they were a well-developed couple, and I loved how their relationship grew and developed over the course of the novel.

Xander was a very protective hero, and one of my favorite things about this novel was how he was always swooping in to save the day for Sophie, and how he was willing to do anything to make her feel happy and cared for.

As for Sophie, I loved how kindhearted she was and how devoted she was to continuing her grandmother’s legacy. She was a total sweetheart, and I loved how supportive she was of Xander and his career.

There were also appearances from previous main characters in this series, which was really nice to see as well! The Fighting for Love series was my first time reading anything by Gina L. Maxwell, and I definitely don’t regret it. I’m sad that it’s over, but I’m really glad I gave this series and her writing a chance!
Profile Image for Ekaterin.
187 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2018
Je ne mets pas moins parce que j'aime bien cette série dans son ensemble. C'est hyper futile léger et cela se lit vite. Une série quand même en dents de scie qui ne finit malheureusement pas avec son meilleur tome. Pour moi les 2 et 3.

Pour ce tome en particulier, il ne se passe rien et c'est d'un prévisible affligeant. Les personnages sont mimis mais complètement plats. Et je ne parle même pas de la pseudo intrigue ni de l'affligeant épilogue.

Malgré tout j'ai passé un bon moment tout au long des aventures de ses gentils sportifs et pour une lecture légère elle remplie bien son rôle. Ne pas chercher plus
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2020
This is the second of Gina L. Maxwell's Fighting for Love books I've read, and it's very good. The main characters are fun and real, and the subplot with Sophie's grandmother forgetting her due to dementia is heartbreakingly true and authentic. Admittedly, the rest of the book was rather trope-y (I could see Sophie's evil uncle twirling and imaginary mustache), it's still a lot of fun to read, and brings together the characters from all four novels in the series in a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for J.E. Benoit.
Author 2 books34 followers
March 2, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

“What the hell am I supposed to do with that weapon of mass vagina destruction?”
“Now you’re just trying to play to my ego,” he said with a wicked grin as he knelt at the foot of the bed. “I promise that the only thing I’ll be destroying is your desire for any other man in your bed.”


Xander James has wanted only one thing for as long as he can remember – to win a UFC championship. Coming off an injury and being older than most of the other fighters out there, he has to work extra hard to make this dream a reality. All of his hard work is about to pay off because he’s very close to making his comeback. Hearing that his landlord is trying to sell the block of real estate where his gym resides is an inconvenience that he just doesn’t need right now. He’s not happy about it but is willing to deal with it until he overhears his landlord telling his niece, the sexy baker that Xander’s had his eye on, that she is going to lose the beloved bakery that she took over from her grandmother. There isn’t much Sophie Caldwell can do about the situation, however, because her Grams locked up her trust until she turns 30 or until she gets married. With no man in sight, Sophie’s situation seems hopeless. That is until that hunky, British fighter that she often flirts with walks into her bakery announcing their engagement to her uncle. Can these two fake it long enough to save their businesses? And what’ll happen when their allotted time is up?

I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I did really enjoy this one. I’ve read a lot of fake relationship/engagement stories lately and when done right they are a lot of fun and I though this one was done very well. Xander and Sophie were both great characters and they had sizzling chemistry. I loved their banter and friendship as they got to know each other. It was a lot of fun watching them gradually fall for each other, the more time they spent together. Xander was super sweet and charming and Sophie was a pretty cool chick. The story wasn’t overly angsty but there was just enough drama to keep things interesting. There were also several very touching moments, particularly with Sophie’s Grams and I loved the ending! I think fans of the series will really enjoy the epilogue as they get to see all of their past favorites come together again. I’d definitely be interested in reading the other books in this series at some point!

“You’ve definitely got me under some sort of spell. I’ve never been so hard for a woman before. Never wanted a woman with such intensity before. What have you done to me?”
“Nothing you haven’t already don’t to me,” she whispered.

Profile Image for Amber Boyd.
728 reviews15 followers
March 7, 2017
I'm seriously possibly without words. It seems I've been waiting for years for this story, and in a way I guess I have. Bear with me this review has a backstory.

I read Seducing Cinderella (#1 in this series) way back in 2013, and absolutely fell in love with Gina Maxwell's writing and storytelling. Then later that year I got the chance to meet her and Parker Hurley (aka Reid Andrews) in Vegas at my first signing. From then I was hooked! Then there was Jax's story and then Irish (blew me away); and that's when I first met Xander James. This snarky, cocky Brit that's oh so loyal to his best mates. Skip to Fall of 2014, I'm back in Vegas for a signing and to see sweet Gina once again. I also get to meet the uber fantastic Jace Dean, who is Gina's muse for Xander. So yeah it's taken some time for this story, but I've been patient reading all the books bc life happened and Gina had to put Sweet Victory on hold for a minute.

But oh my was the wait ever worth it! I absolutely adored every single thing about this book. From start to finish Xander and Sophie were exactly who I hoped! Xander was still is snarky and cocky self; and Sophie was the tough as nails, independent woman to hold her own with him. What starts as something seemingly fake becomes oh so much more than either could ever have dreamed. Such a beautiful story of letting go of your old hurts, while embracing new desires and it didn't hurt that their chemistry was oh so hot!! Throw in both the adding in of all the couples from the series, as well as the heartbreaking story of Sophie and her grandmother (which caused more than a few tears for me bc I've lived that); and well I'm not sure I could've asked for more from a series ending book. Once again thank you Gina for all the words, and for creating such wonderful characters!!
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,289 reviews35 followers
March 9, 2017


Xander is working hard on his comeback in the Mixed Martial Artist scene after a career threatening injury. He has no time for women or a relationship until he is confronted with an eviction notice for his gym. To prevent himself from losing his gym he teams up with Sophie who owns a bakery across the way. The business person who wants to buy them out is none other than Sophie's evil Uncle. Xander and Sophie decide to do a marriage of convenience so they won't lose their businesses. At first they try to keep things strictly professional but they can't fight the attraction they have towards each other. I loved how strong and sassy Sophie was and how she was able to hold her own when it came to Xander. Xander was a total sweetheart despite his attempts to act like he doesn't care. He displayed some tender moments throughout the story. I did enjoy the story but it was a little predictable for me and I had a feeling where the storyline was heading before the book was over. Overall, I did enjoy the story and will definitely be checking out the other books.

3.5 Stars

*an arc was given for an honest review*

For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
Profile Image for Nayab.
329 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2017
Whenever I read (and review) any of Gina’s books there’s always that underlying anxiety, that worry, that my words won’t be able to do her writing - and what they made me feel as I was reading - justice. But as soon as I sit down to read her books the words just start pop in to my head, clamouring to get out even before I’ve finished reading or even sat down to write the review, and you know what? For me that’s just another sign of a good writer, where your brain is writing out the words even though moments before you were struggling/worrying over being a complete blank when it came time to write the review.



I would wait years and years for a Gina L Maxwell book and after reading Sweet Victory I’m even more sure of that now.



Xander and Sophie… I don’t even have the words... *swoon*

I was only four or five pages in and Xander had already pulled out the swoon… I knew there was a(nother) reason I loved Gina’s books (aside from the full on romance factor) ;P



This:



“Jeans slung so low that the only thing holding them up were the curves of his ass and a prayer."



Has to be my favourite Gina quote ever… I love it!


Little Gina-isms like these (amongst other things) are why her books are my favourite, you get the funny/playful along with the sexy and it makes reading her books just that bit more fun.



I forgot how heart-warming Gina’s Fighting For Love series is… Oh God, How am I ever going to get over this series ending?! *cries*



Profile Image for Kelly.
1,186 reviews
October 27, 2017
Cute romance! Kept picturing Conor McGregor! :))
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2017
I have been wanting Xander's story since he first appeared in this series. And now that I have read it, all I can say is, "Noooooo!". I am not ready for this series to be done. After falling for Reid and Lucie in Seducing Cinderella and doing numerous "Re-Reid's," I have loved this series. And Xander and Sophie's story is the perfect ending. He is so deliciously dirty, compassionate, protective, loving, and encouraging. I loved him throughout this story. He took such care of Sophie and the scenes with Marjorie - major swooning. Sophie was a great strong woman, confident in herself, eager to succeed, and a great flirt with Xander. Her temptations of him were hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter. And seeing the rest of the gang was the cherry on top. The epilogue was beyond loving. But Gina Maxwell, if you ever read this, I am going to need a future book on how all these couples are doing. I would love to see how the rest of their lives unfolded.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,420 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

I enjoyed this story
It was fast paced and funny and sweet and a little bit of everything. Not to mention the sexucal chemistry between Sophie and Xander


Though Xander was a bit of a 'manwhore' in the beginning even though he was attracted to Sophie, when it counted he was totally devoted to her.
I loved their back and forth banter and liked that Sophie was a tough heroine. Everything about this book was just a good read for me. Will definitely keep you entertained

Reviewed on behalf of



Profile Image for Nomims.
1,791 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2017
DNF @ 34%

2 years of wait to read that...
Maybe i read too many or i wasn't into it but the story is the same as ever, too cliché and so predictable it's not even funny.
Sometimes it can work because the story is entertaining but with this one i was just bored and angry and decided to stop it.
Again it may be a case of me not the book so try it you could be surprised but i was not interested at all. I dn't know what i expected honestly, but i thought that after a long wait i would be at least entertained but no ^^
Profile Image for Frances.
1,477 reviews35 followers
February 15, 2017
I haven't read anything else in this series, but I saw this book was by Gina and I knew I needed to read it.
I've read her other series, Playboys in Love and loved those so I knew I had to pick this one up.
Xander is English (swoon accent) and trying to get back into the UFC after an injury. He loves what he does and where he does it. Sophie is a baker, loves what she does and where she does it. Enter the evil Uncle who wants to kick them out of their homes, unless Sophie is married things won't go her way. Xander has appreciated her from afar for a long time now, but if she needs his help he's willing to step in. I love the whole friends to lovers. The little bit of heartbreak and watching them fall in love when they don't realize it.
It's a quick read, kind of super sweet, but to the point.
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