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Caged Love #1
Love Hurts
Even when she won’t fight for us, I’ll go to war for her…
Inside the Octagon, I have no fear. I’m at home, in my element, inflicting pain onto men trained to hurt me just as badly. Making them submit, knocking them out, maiming them, because it’s them or me. And I choose them.
Outside the Octagon, my only weakness is a five-foot-two, classy as fuck woman that I’ve loved for most of my life. She’s the one that brings me to my knees, fills my arms, my heart, and one day soon, my bed. She makes me reckless. Volatile. I drink too much and try too hard to fuck my way out of feeling—all because of her.
Frankie De Rosa is my girl, my best friend. I haven’t earned her yet, but I won’t stand by and let anyone take her from me. She will be the greatest fight of my life, but she’s worth the battle.
Love hurts, but anything worth having does, right?
I’m Deacon “The Hitman” Love — Welcome to the Cage.
Inside the Octagon, I have no fear. I’m at home, in my element, inflicting pain onto men trained to hurt me just as badly. Making them submit, knocking them out, maiming them, because it’s them or me. And I choose them.
Outside the Octagon, my only weakness is a five-foot-two, classy as fuck woman that I’ve loved for most of my life. She’s the one that brings me to my knees, fills my arms, my heart, and one day soon, my bed. She makes me reckless. Volatile. I drink too much and try too hard to fuck my way out of feeling—all because of her.
Frankie De Rosa is my girl, my best friend. I haven’t earned her yet, but I won’t stand by and let anyone take her from me. She will be the greatest fight of my life, but she’s worth the battle.
Love hurts, but anything worth having does, right?
I’m Deacon “The Hitman” Love — Welcome to the Cage.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2015
475 people are currently reading
5514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
dnf
May 7, 2017DNF @40%
I started out really liking this one, and while I'm curious to see where it's going to go, I'm so frustrated with the hero I think I'm going to call it quits now.
I started out really liking this one, and while I'm curious to see where it's going to go, I'm so frustrated with the hero I think I'm going to call it quits now.
July 15, 2015
3.75 Angst me, why don't you Stars
You know how sometimes you stumble unto a book that while it's a little rough around the edges, you can just tell that with a little more time honing their craft, you've just discovered an author that's about to go straight to your auto-buy list? Mandi Beck is definitely that author for me. Was this book perfect? No, there were quite a few parts that didn't really work for me and didn't quite add up. But for a debut novel, this was fantastic. I'm always more lenient in my ratings of a debut novel and author simply because it takes time to truly discover your perfect formula. I can also tell you that Mandi definitely has hers with the dirty talking OTT alpha male that Is Deacon. I loved it! It has a few of your typical New Adult circumstances that may not work for everyone, but this angst whore just gobbled it right up.
Deacon “The Hitman” Love is a successful MMA fighter that's never lacking for female attention. Unfortunately no amount of faceless women and a few sweaty hours spent between the sheets will never erase his longing for the one woman he truly wants; his best friend, Frankie. Deacon has been in love with Frankie for almost as long as they've been friends. She's been a part of his life and his family's for years. While she may be like a sister to his brothers, the way he feels for her is anything but brotherly. But Frankie doesn't see him that way and she's been dating a royal douchebag that Deacon can't help but rile at every chance he gets. But then one stolen kiss changes everything...
Frankie doesn't trust Deacon and his love-them-and-leave-them habits not to break her heart. Her boyfriend is the reasonable choice for her or at least that's what she makes herself believe. But when Frankie gets hurt, nothing will stop Deacon for fighting his way into her heart.
Frankie is terrified of letting Deacon in, but it's not long before she realizes that her feelings for him are much deeper than she's let herself believe.
The relationship between Frankie and Deac was definitely a volatile one. Deacon is hot tempered and Frankie isn't much better with her flip-flopping feelings. But it just worked in this book. Maybe it was all the delicious dirty talk?
Because I have to say that Deacon really delivered on that end.
I struggled a bit in the first half of the book to really understand the dynamic of Frankie and Deacon's relationship. I would have loved to have more development on that and really getting a better look into their past that led to the certain quirks they currently have; him kissing the inside of her wrist, buying her expensive jewelry for her birthdays, his whole family calling her "The Princess" etc. I'm not sure if this will be something that Mandi may give us in the next book, but it would have been great to have here. As it was, I struggled a little to really develop a connection to Deacon and Frankie's friendship. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely chemistry between them, and the author does a great job with that.
Deacon also definitely has his share of bonehead decisions here. There were times where I wanted to reach through my kindle and beat him with it just to make him see sense.
Frankie was a big question mark for me for a good portion of the book. Considering the majority of the story is told in Deacon's POV, it was tough to get a good grasp on her. Does she truly care for Deacon the way he cares for her? Is the presence of another guy going to introduce a love triangle? (shudders). Luckily this more or less gets ironed out in the second half, and I found myself warming up to her. Although she is dating someone in the beginning and there is the ex boyfriend that suddenly entered the picture, I never felt that dreaded love triangle situation. Frankie and Deac are definitely the main focus, and I'm so happy about that.
While I could sit and nitpick at certain parts, the bottom line is that I enjoyed the heck out of this book, minor quibbles and all. It was angsty, sexy, and with a little element of suspense. Plus it's set in my home town of Chicago. How do I not love that?
My biggest quibble? That. Fucking. Cliffhanger. OMG! I swear it almost made me stroke out. How could you leave me like this? HOW? How, I ask you?!! That was just cruel. I need the next book like yesterday! But as much as I hated the cliffhanger, it also made sense. A lot of times I read books and it feels like an author cuts it off suddenly for shock value or for no other reason but to split a book that could have easily been one longer novel into two. This was not the case here. You can tell that these characters had come a somewhat full circle and it needed that break. So as much as that cliffy made me a stabby shouty mess, I get why it was necessary.
I can't wait to see what's in store for this couple next!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
We flamed bright and then crashed, losing everything in the process.
You know how sometimes you stumble unto a book that while it's a little rough around the edges, you can just tell that with a little more time honing their craft, you've just discovered an author that's about to go straight to your auto-buy list? Mandi Beck is definitely that author for me. Was this book perfect? No, there were quite a few parts that didn't really work for me and didn't quite add up. But for a debut novel, this was fantastic. I'm always more lenient in my ratings of a debut novel and author simply because it takes time to truly discover your perfect formula. I can also tell you that Mandi definitely has hers with the dirty talking OTT alpha male that Is Deacon. I loved it! It has a few of your typical New Adult circumstances that may not work for everyone, but this angst whore just gobbled it right up.
Deacon “The Hitman” Love is a successful MMA fighter that's never lacking for female attention. Unfortunately no amount of faceless women and a few sweaty hours spent between the sheets will never erase his longing for the one woman he truly wants; his best friend, Frankie. Deacon has been in love with Frankie for almost as long as they've been friends. She's been a part of his life and his family's for years. While she may be like a sister to his brothers, the way he feels for her is anything but brotherly. But Frankie doesn't see him that way and she's been dating a royal douchebag that Deacon can't help but rile at every chance he gets. But then one stolen kiss changes everything...
Frankie doesn't trust Deacon and his love-them-and-leave-them habits not to break her heart. Her boyfriend is the reasonable choice for her or at least that's what she makes herself believe. But when Frankie gets hurt, nothing will stop Deacon for fighting his way into her heart.
Frankie is terrified of letting Deacon in, but it's not long before she realizes that her feelings for him are much deeper than she's let herself believe.
The relationship between Frankie and Deac was definitely a volatile one. Deacon is hot tempered and Frankie isn't much better with her flip-flopping feelings. But it just worked in this book. Maybe it was all the delicious dirty talk?
Because I have to say that Deacon really delivered on that end.
I struggled a bit in the first half of the book to really understand the dynamic of Frankie and Deacon's relationship. I would have loved to have more development on that and really getting a better look into their past that led to the certain quirks they currently have; him kissing the inside of her wrist, buying her expensive jewelry for her birthdays, his whole family calling her "The Princess" etc. I'm not sure if this will be something that Mandi may give us in the next book, but it would have been great to have here. As it was, I struggled a little to really develop a connection to Deacon and Frankie's friendship. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely chemistry between them, and the author does a great job with that.
Deacon also definitely has his share of bonehead decisions here. There were times where I wanted to reach through my kindle and beat him with it just to make him see sense.
Frankie was a big question mark for me for a good portion of the book. Considering the majority of the story is told in Deacon's POV, it was tough to get a good grasp on her. Does she truly care for Deacon the way he cares for her? Is the presence of another guy going to introduce a love triangle? (shudders). Luckily this more or less gets ironed out in the second half, and I found myself warming up to her. Although she is dating someone in the beginning and there is the ex boyfriend that suddenly entered the picture, I never felt that dreaded love triangle situation. Frankie and Deac are definitely the main focus, and I'm so happy about that.
While I could sit and nitpick at certain parts, the bottom line is that I enjoyed the heck out of this book, minor quibbles and all. It was angsty, sexy, and with a little element of suspense. Plus it's set in my home town of Chicago. How do I not love that?
My biggest quibble? That. Fucking. Cliffhanger. OMG! I swear it almost made me stroke out. How could you leave me like this? HOW? How, I ask you?!! That was just cruel. I need the next book like yesterday! But as much as I hated the cliffhanger, it also made sense. A lot of times I read books and it feels like an author cuts it off suddenly for shock value or for no other reason but to split a book that could have easily been one longer novel into two. This was not the case here. You can tell that these characters had come a somewhat full circle and it needed that break. So as much as that cliffy made me a stabby shouty mess, I get why it was necessary.
I can't wait to see what's in store for this couple next!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
April 2, 2020
FUCK ME SIDEWAYS AND FROM BEHIND.
Let me start off by saying I'm hungry, I'm tired as fuck and all I want to be doing right now is sleeping but I can't. I need to get these words that are screaming to get out of my head.
There once was this author called Mandi Beck who wrote a book called Love Hurts. After a few likes and messages here and there I got offered an ARC of said book. At that moment I was totally and completely book hungover. I tried to read two books after the book that kicked me straight in the ballocks and I just couldn't get into them. I settled for defeated and I was a miserable bastard.
So going back to this ARC that was gifted to me. I explained to Mandi that I feel bad as sometimes the words just don't come out of me when I finish a book to write a review. I didn't want the authors to see my other reviews and want the same as it just doesn't work sometimes, I call it 'reviewers block' I could love and recommend the book to every Tom, Dick and Harry but the reviews I do are minimum because, yeah it's impossible for me. Mandi totally understood and said she wasn't looking for a review she just wanted to give the book to me because, well just because.
Two hours later I was on chapter 4 trying my hardest to stay awake because I just couldn't get enough of it. I didn't think I would be able to get into another book but that fucker had me glued to each page like flies around shit.
I will start off with the characters and then the main reason why I've given this book a massive 5 stars.
DEACON FUCKING LOVE!! Literally it was like love at first sight, not only was he huge, tattooed with long hair that we wore in a bun (moist) but his filthy fucking mouth had me throbbing like a son of a bitch. Fuck me I have NEVER read an alpha that curses more then I do. He was just so fucking ALPHA and HOT! And the way he loved his girl made me sigh.
Now I'm a heroine whore, and I love the heroines the same as I do the alpha's so I'm always worried I'm not going to adapt to them. Frankie 'The Princess' was a little different, I liked her but I think I would of loved her if the whole book was told in her POV, what I mean is I didn't connect but that's totally due to the fact that the whole book (minus a few chapters) was told by Fuck My Face Deacon and I loved being in that fuckers head!!! The thing he would think and say will have you dropping your knickers before you can say COCK!
I couldn't and still can't believe this is this authors first book. I didn't believe her and searched the web and goodreads because I honesty thought no one could possibly be that good with their first book. It's normal in this world, a lot of readers fall in love with a book by an author and it would be her fourth or fifth one because it's all a learning curve, you just keep getting better as you write. I've read a book by an author and thought how have I not read anything by her before and read the first book and love it but can see a massive difference because hey we all got to start off somewhere but this fucking women blew me away on the first page. It just flowed so easily and everything just worked for her and I honestly think that if she writes like this on her first book I can't even fucking imagine what stage she would be at on her third or fourth.
I loved the book but I LOVED her writing so much more and there is a difference because you can love a book but the writing can need a little work, some especially if it's an authors first book but I couldn't and wouldn't want to change one word written in this novel.
All I can say is this world better watch out for Mandi Beck because she is about to blow your fucking minds!!!
I love this women but the way she left me hanging at the end made me want to rethink our new found friendship....HOW THE FUCK CAN YOU END A BOOK LIKE THAT???
MOTHERFUCKER!
April 18, 2015
Love hurts? Understatement. 5 STARS .. hand him over PRINCESS
Deacon and Frankie ♥
^ That quote. What Deacon says just aboutkills me. My heart broke when I read that. It doesn't stop there though. Through out most of the novel my heart was breaking for Deacon. I've never disliked the heroine before until ... FRANKIE. This woman is FRUSTRATING (I SWEAR I LOST HAIR FROM PULLING ON IT). I get it they've been friends for YEARS and he's kind of a manwh*re BUT he's changed for you and come ON he keeps declaring his feelings for YOU. These feelings that he's harbored FOREVER. I'm really trying to feel for Frankie but I CAN'T .. it's been hours since I finished and I'm still DISAPPOINTED in her. At this point, I say screw Frankie .. I'll mend that heart of yours Deacon!
I loved reading in Deacon's perspective however I love anything Deacon .. officially obsessed with my new book boyfriend! Sure I guess it was good to read in Frankie's perspective .. Princess? You sure she ain't the Devil in disguise(OR IN PLAIN SIGHT)? Anywho .. that plot though. That plot was AMAZING, nail biting, and had me bawling. Mandi Beck you have a gift and THANK YOU for sharing your talent (ESPECIALLY DEACON). I have a weakness for Fighters (OR A WEAKNESS FOR DEACON IN GENERAL) I think it's the determination they have; it's so admirable. Speaking of determination, Deacon gets that support from his team most importantly from his BROTHERS (WHY HELLO LOVES) I really hope they get their own books!! The confidence of those men. Deacon oozes that confidence .. he owns that hot pink (ALL FOR FRANKIE).
This book was PURE PERFECTION if you ask me. I LOVED IT. It made me FEEL .. It stayed with me HOURS later! That's when you know it's REAL. Thatcliffhanger just about KILLS me. I honestly am not patient and not sure how I'll survive (MAYBE DEACON CAN SAVE ME TOO) till the NEXT one. I NEED MY DEACON .. and YOU Mandi Beck are depriving him from me!!
Love HurtsMandi Beck
- Sleepless, Readmore.
Twitter
Deacon and Frankie ♥
Even when she won't fight for us,
I'll go to war for her.."
^ That quote. What Deacon says just about
Tell him youcan'thim.
Tell him youcan'tbe with him. Tell him, Frankie.
I'm done waiting.
I loved reading in Deacon's perspective however I love anything Deacon .. officially obsessed with my new book boyfriend! Sure I guess it was good to read in Frankie's perspective .. Princess? You sure she ain't the Devil in disguise(OR IN PLAIN SIGHT)? Anywho .. that plot though. That plot was AMAZING, nail biting, and had me bawling. Mandi Beck you have a gift and THANK YOU for sharing your talent (ESPECIALLY DEACON). I have a weakness for Fighters (OR A WEAKNESS FOR DEACON IN GENERAL) I think it's the determination they have; it's so admirable. Speaking of determination, Deacon gets that support from his team most importantly from his BROTHERS (WHY HELLO LOVES) I really hope they get their own books!! The confidence of those men. Deacon oozes that confidence .. he owns that hot pink (ALL FOR FRANKIE).
I want you, you belong to me,
and you always have Frankie.
This book was PURE PERFECTION if you ask me. I LOVED IT. It made me FEEL .. It stayed with me HOURS later! That's when you know it's REAL. That
She's my forever, my m*therfucking end game.
I'm done. The Princess owns me,
and p*ssy that I am, I couldn't be happier about it.
I feel invincible right now.
Love HurtsMandi Beck
- Sleepless, Readmore.
August 11, 2017
I could not keep going after page 45. The guy is so annoying and such a real jackass.
avoid
September 17, 2022SPOILER - self note
He cheats during their separation in book 2 with 2 models.
Avoid this duet.
He cheats during their separation in book 2 with 2 models.
Avoid this duet.
February 11, 2015
★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★
Do you like OTT Alpha males? If yes, then this book is perfect for you.
Deacon Love is an MMA fighter who has loved his best friend since forever. His family, the 'Loves' grew up very close to Frankie 'The Princess' De Rosa, their fathers being best friends and co-owners of the boxing gym and Frankie's dance studio.
When Frankie announces her engagement, Deacon decides that it's finally time to swoop in and claim his girl. Unfortunately, Frankie doesn't trust Deacon and has always opted for 'safe' boyfriends who she knows can't hurt her like Love can.
There was lots of back and forth, with Deacon claiming The Princess and protecting her from all that's bad in the world. Frankie is not going to lie down and roll over though, and when she discovers something that proves her reasons to distrust him were right, she backs off and makes him work for a place back in her heart.
_ _ _ _
Told mainly in Deacon's POV, with a chapter here and there from Frankie, we definitely get the full force of an OTT Alpha. I prefer my Alpha's a little less in your face, but the love he has for Frankie can't be denied. He will do anything for her and it's pretty obvious he cares for her deeply. (Apart from when he makes that typical cliched NA mistake that men can't keep it in their pants!)
I would probably have liked more from Frankie, by the time I got to the end of the book I didn't really feel like I knew her well enough. I wasn't quite sure what it was the she saw in Deacon, I know what I saw but I think it would have been good to hear more of her thoughts. Also, I know her dance partner was helping her out a lot in her business, but I didn't appreciate that she was leading him on throughout the whole book.
Overall, it was a great debut and it was a fun, steamy read.
Ends on a cliffy, Book 2 continues their story
Review copy gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Do you like OTT Alpha males? If yes, then this book is perfect for you.
Deacon Love is an MMA fighter who has loved his best friend since forever. His family, the 'Loves' grew up very close to Frankie 'The Princess' De Rosa, their fathers being best friends and co-owners of the boxing gym and Frankie's dance studio.
When Frankie announces her engagement, Deacon decides that it's finally time to swoop in and claim his girl. Unfortunately, Frankie doesn't trust Deacon and has always opted for 'safe' boyfriends who she knows can't hurt her like Love can.
There was lots of back and forth, with Deacon claiming The Princess and protecting her from all that's bad in the world. Frankie is not going to lie down and roll over though, and when she discovers something that proves her reasons to distrust him were right, she backs off and makes him work for a place back in her heart.
_ _ _ _
Told mainly in Deacon's POV, with a chapter here and there from Frankie, we definitely get the full force of an OTT Alpha. I prefer my Alpha's a little less in your face, but the love he has for Frankie can't be denied. He will do anything for her and it's pretty obvious he cares for her deeply. (Apart from when he makes that typical cliched NA mistake that men can't keep it in their pants!)
I would probably have liked more from Frankie, by the time I got to the end of the book I didn't really feel like I knew her well enough. I wasn't quite sure what it was the she saw in Deacon, I know what I saw but I think it would have been good to hear more of her thoughts. Also, I know her dance partner was helping her out a lot in her business, but I didn't appreciate that she was leading him on throughout the whole book.
Overall, it was a great debut and it was a fun, steamy read.
Ends on a cliffy, Book 2 continues their story
Review copy gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2015
I really liked this. Albeit, there is a bit of angst in it and it does end in a cliffhanger, I my interest is definitely piqued as to what will happen next!!
December 6, 2015
3 Stars
I had a few friends who told me to read this one and I jumped on it the first chance I got. This ended up being one of those reads where the hero was just way too ott for me. At about 60% in I still wasn't sure what the storyline was about. And the constant use of the word "princess" had me rolling my eyes and it really started to irritate me. This was a debut novel by this author, and although I didn't care for the style of this story, the writing was still good for a debut. Sadly, it didn't work for me.
I had a few friends who told me to read this one and I jumped on it the first chance I got. This ended up being one of those reads where the hero was just way too ott for me. At about 60% in I still wasn't sure what the storyline was about. And the constant use of the word "princess" had me rolling my eyes and it really started to irritate me. This was a debut novel by this author, and although I didn't care for the style of this story, the writing was still good for a debut. Sadly, it didn't work for me.
January 3, 2015
I am so in love with Deacon! Not surprising, as I do love me a good alpha male and Deacon basically wrote the book on alpha. This is a fantastic debut with an absorbing story, volatile fighter, and a strong heroine! 5 stars from me!
January 28, 2015
Oh my I can't believe I was able to actually finish this book. I refuse to not finish a book that I start however this one came close to being tossed aside. The hero wasn't bad. In fact I rather liked Deacon. The problem was the heroine Francesca, aka Frankie, aka the Princess. She ruined this entire book for me. Deacon professes his feelings for her and she doesn't respond. Then the big incident happens and her ex comes back into the picture. She knows how Deacon feels about her but yet she does nothing to stop her ex's advances and flirtatiousness which is done in front of Deacon, and then everyone seems to think Deacon is the screw up or the one that isn't good enough for her. I beg to differ, Deacon deserved someone so much better than her. Then she gets mad about something that happened before she gave Deacon a shot which she had no right to get angry over. For crying out loud they weren't together and she never told her Ex to leave her alone/stop flirting with her. Not to mention she never went public with Deacon. Ugh this chick seriously ruined the whole book for me. I kept hoping Deacon would be smart and just drop her.
Oh and the books ends on a cliffhanger
Oh and the books ends on a cliffhanger
January 4, 2015
5 Stick and Move stars!
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I was completely blown away! This is Ms. Beck’s debut novel and she nailed it. The writing was flawless. The characters have all found a place in my heart. I feel like I am a part of their family! This story held mystery, a hot alpha filthy talking MMA fighter, a feisty kick a$$ heroine, and steam! Lots and lots of panty melting, swoony steam. I was so entranced with this story that my heart was literally beating in my throat at times and I would have to snap myself back to where I really was. Ms. Beck’s way with banter had me laughing out loud and I was easily transported into the story. I devoured it and when it ended I felt like I had lost friends. I will say that Ms. Beck has found her calling and I will be anxiously waiting for what she has for us next!
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I was completely blown away! This is Ms. Beck’s debut novel and she nailed it. The writing was flawless. The characters have all found a place in my heart. I feel like I am a part of their family! This story held mystery, a hot alpha filthy talking MMA fighter, a feisty kick a$$ heroine, and steam! Lots and lots of panty melting, swoony steam. I was so entranced with this story that my heart was literally beating in my throat at times and I would have to snap myself back to where I really was. Ms. Beck’s way with banter had me laughing out loud and I was easily transported into the story. I devoured it and when it ended I felt like I had lost friends. I will say that Ms. Beck has found her calling and I will be anxiously waiting for what she has for us next!
August 12, 2015
DNF at 46%
Ugh! Such a waist of my time!
My two mains issues:
The author just tells us that the H has been in love with the h for years and that's it. We have no idea how it started, how it progressed, why they are still not together... nada! I don't wanna read about MCs being in love, but falling in love. There was not even a worth-mentioning flashback.
It was written mainly from the H's POV and we had NO CLUE what was going on in the h's mind. Doea she want him? Does she consider him a friend? A brother? What? I know we've had plenty of books from only the girl's POV but usually the author gave us plenty to go on and judge the other MC.
I won't be reading the second one!
Ugh! Such a waist of my time!
My two mains issues:
The author just tells us that the H has been in love with the h for years and that's it. We have no idea how it started, how it progressed, why they are still not together... nada! I don't wanna read about MCs being in love, but falling in love. There was not even a worth-mentioning flashback.
It was written mainly from the H's POV and we had NO CLUE what was going on in the h's mind. Doea she want him? Does she consider him a friend? A brother? What? I know we've had plenty of books from only the girl's POV but usually the author gave us plenty to go on and judge the other MC.
I won't be reading the second one!
November 8, 2015
"But I've always loved you. That hasn't changed. Only the way I love you has."
There are so many things I want to say here so bear with me this could take awhile!
First of all I would like to thank the author for an ARC of this book as my first read of 2015 because if this is any indication as to how my reading year is gonna go I may never get my nose out of a book!
Let me just preface this review with this statement. Being as this is a debut novel for this author and even though I knew I was loving it the whole way through I was prepared to only rate it 4-4.5 stars. That all changed with the absolute heartache that I felt in the last 25% of this book. Yes I'm a masochist and the pain I felt while reading this was real and so damn good.
I loved the way this book was written. From how the storyline arced to the fact that it is predominately told from the hero's POV and that it is by far my absolute favorite friends to lovers storyline were just some of the pro's that were adding up fast for me.
So let's talk about the hero. Deacon Love is a fighter, he's ex- military, alpha and a lover. Oh is he ever a lover. His character is complex, intense and sexy as hell. Deacon doesn't ever hold back and I loved it. He's raw and unashamed in his words and his actions. I couldn't get enough.
Then you have Frankie. Francesca De Rosa is a dancer who grew up in a testosterone filled gym that was run by her father. So all of her life she has been surrounded by men who love her (and happen to be Deacon's brothers) and would do anything to protect her and who are all well aware that she only belongs to one of them, Deacon. However that isn't something Frankie is willing to admit. She knows Deac is her best friend but never really thought they were meant to be together! Did I love Frankie? Yes. Did I go through a good portion of this book thinking damn I could be friends with this girl? Yes. Were there times when she drove me bat shit crazy? ABSOLUTELY!!! But it was a price I was willing to pay!
Deacon and Frankie's story is complicated and sometimes heartbreaking and it does end in a cliffy but honestly this book is worth your time! So mark your calendars, add it to you tbr's and keep an eye out for this up and coming author.
There are so many things I want to say here so bear with me this could take awhile!
First of all I would like to thank the author for an ARC of this book as my first read of 2015 because if this is any indication as to how my reading year is gonna go I may never get my nose out of a book!
Let me just preface this review with this statement. Being as this is a debut novel for this author and even though I knew I was loving it the whole way through I was prepared to only rate it 4-4.5 stars. That all changed with the absolute heartache that I felt in the last 25% of this book. Yes I'm a masochist and the pain I felt while reading this was real and so damn good.
I loved the way this book was written. From how the storyline arced to the fact that it is predominately told from the hero's POV and that it is by far my absolute favorite friends to lovers storyline were just some of the pro's that were adding up fast for me.
So let's talk about the hero. Deacon Love is a fighter, he's ex- military, alpha and a lover. Oh is he ever a lover. His character is complex, intense and sexy as hell. Deacon doesn't ever hold back and I loved it. He's raw and unashamed in his words and his actions. I couldn't get enough.
Then you have Frankie. Francesca De Rosa is a dancer who grew up in a testosterone filled gym that was run by her father. So all of her life she has been surrounded by men who love her (and happen to be Deacon's brothers) and would do anything to protect her and who are all well aware that she only belongs to one of them, Deacon. However that isn't something Frankie is willing to admit. She knows Deac is her best friend but never really thought they were meant to be together! Did I love Frankie? Yes. Did I go through a good portion of this book thinking damn I could be friends with this girl? Yes. Were there times when she drove me bat shit crazy? ABSOLUTELY!!! But it was a price I was willing to pay!
Deacon and Frankie's story is complicated and sometimes heartbreaking and it does end in a cliffy but honestly this book is worth your time! So mark your calendars, add it to you tbr's and keep an eye out for this up and coming author.
February 23, 2015
+++ 5 "FANCY AS FUCK" STARS!!! +++
FUCK! This book had me twisted and made my heart race from start to finish. I’ve never in all my years of reading met a fictional character like Deacon Love . He’s one of a kind. And he’s someone that loves fiercely; loves with everything that he has. Mind. Body. Soul.
Deacon and Frankie have known one another for years. His dad and her dad are close friends; The Loves and the De Rosas are basically family. Deacon and Frankie are tight and inseparable. Over the years he’s feelings for Frankie have crossed the line of friendship and he doesn't know how to tell her how he feels.
Frankie’s birthday party brings heartbreaking news for Deac and he begins to lose hope but never once does he give up on his Princess. Fast forward 2 months, Frankie goes through a rather traumatic event and not once did Deacon ever leave her side. He needed to show her how much he loves her.
One thing that needs to be known is that Deacon is a beast. He’s an MMA fighter with longish dark hair and gorgeous eyes. He’s bun wearing ways are perfection and his dirty, sexy mouth will have you changing your panties and wanting to take cold showers at each turn of the page. He’s crass and doesn't take shit from no one. His weakness: Frankie and his temper.
Frankie, the Princess, is blonde and with beautiful blue eyes and a total spitfire. She’s sassy and has a passion for dancing. She knows deep down in her soul that she loves Deacon but she’s afraid to put her heart on the line for a man that is known to be a manwhore.
When they finally do get together is like a blaze of fire. Passionate, beautiful; you drown in the angst, the feelings, the hurt, the sadness, and the heartbreak. Because through those good moments, there were also the bad. Deacon without his princess is like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. Those were the moments that were earth shattering.
This story will leave you lusting for more, on the edge of your seat panting as you gasp for air. As a book, let alone an author's debut novel it was utterly brilliant and a breath of fresh air.
Kudos, to you Mandi on writing one hell of a cliffy!!!! I had to fight the urge to scream and throw a tantrum, since I was at work at the time but let me tell you this cliff hanger will DESTROY you. I kept swiping at my Kindle trying to force it to move to the next page, but nothing happened, which only broke my heart even more :'(. I cannot wait to continue reading the next books in this series and any other books she writes. Mandi, you’re stuck with me woman! LOL.
FUCK! This book had me twisted and made my heart race from start to finish. I’ve never in all my years of reading met a fictional character like Deacon Love . He’s one of a kind. And he’s someone that loves fiercely; loves with everything that he has. Mind. Body. Soul.
Deacon and Frankie have known one another for years. His dad and her dad are close friends; The Loves and the De Rosas are basically family. Deacon and Frankie are tight and inseparable. Over the years he’s feelings for Frankie have crossed the line of friendship and he doesn't know how to tell her how he feels.
Frankie’s birthday party brings heartbreaking news for Deac and he begins to lose hope but never once does he give up on his Princess. Fast forward 2 months, Frankie goes through a rather traumatic event and not once did Deacon ever leave her side. He needed to show her how much he loves her.
One thing that needs to be known is that Deacon is a beast. He’s an MMA fighter with longish dark hair and gorgeous eyes. He’s bun wearing ways are perfection and his dirty, sexy mouth will have you changing your panties and wanting to take cold showers at each turn of the page. He’s crass and doesn't take shit from no one. His weakness: Frankie and his temper.
Frankie, the Princess, is blonde and with beautiful blue eyes and a total spitfire. She’s sassy and has a passion for dancing. She knows deep down in her soul that she loves Deacon but she’s afraid to put her heart on the line for a man that is known to be a manwhore.
When they finally do get together is like a blaze of fire. Passionate, beautiful; you drown in the angst, the feelings, the hurt, the sadness, and the heartbreak. Because through those good moments, there were also the bad. Deacon without his princess is like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. Those were the moments that were earth shattering.
This story will leave you lusting for more, on the edge of your seat panting as you gasp for air. As a book, let alone an author's debut novel it was utterly brilliant and a breath of fresh air.
Kudos, to you Mandi on writing one hell of a cliffy!!!! I had to fight the urge to scream and throw a tantrum, since I was at work at the time but let me tell you this cliff hanger will DESTROY you. I kept swiping at my Kindle trying to force it to move to the next page, but nothing happened, which only broke my heart even more :'(. I cannot wait to continue reading the next books in this series and any other books she writes. Mandi, you’re stuck with me woman! LOL.
dnf
December 26, 2015I was already skimming at 14%. Just wasn't feeling it. I didn't find the H all that likeable, and it was in his POV. The use of "the princess" as a term for the h was WAY overused and I was getting really annoyed with it, and that was barely at 14%! I can't imagine reading that throughout the whole book.
January 13, 2017
Cheating douche. Don't care if they weren't technically together at the time. It was implied and they had been intimate. Same old cliche over and over.
February 11, 2015
4.5 STARS
I was loving this story up to a point where I wanted to do this
seriously, Deacon I thought was a douche but actually I liked how he was willing to change whereas I think it was Frankie that got me all
I know if it's a little extreme but I was hoping that Frankie would actually be able to meet Deac half way but nope she couldn't and then hello what the hell was she doing with Cristiano, I totally don't get this chick but overall I love where and how this story has turned out.
Except for the ending..........
NEXT BOOK CAN'T GET HERE QUICK ENOUGH
I was loving this story up to a point where I wanted to do this
seriously, Deacon I thought was a douche but actually I liked how he was willing to change whereas I think it was Frankie that got me all
I know if it's a little extreme but I was hoping that Frankie would actually be able to meet Deac half way but nope she couldn't and then hello what the hell was she doing with Cristiano, I totally don't get this chick but overall I love where and how this story has turned out.
Except for the ending..........
NEXT BOOK CAN'T GET HERE QUICK ENOUGH
January 21, 2015
What an annoying heroine! This would have been a really good book except for her! I've read a lot of books with annoying h but currently she takes the cake. She's super insensitive and all other negative things I could think of but the insensitivity is extreme. And to think the H and h are best friends first.
December 4, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Ci troviamo in una delle metropoli americane più famose al mondo, Chicago. Deacon “Hitman" Love è uno dei lottatori MMA più forti del momento, trovarsi nell'Octagon, il ring di questo sport composto da arti marziali miste per lui è come trovarsi a casa. Lottare per lui è liberarsi del peso della vita, e non importa se dovrà scontrarsi con altri sportivi per arrivare alla vittoria, Deac ci mette sempre tutto se stesso. Nella vita privata invece Deac ha un grande punto debole di nome Francesca, o Frankie per gli amici più stretti e per la famiglia. Lei è bellissima, è l'unica donna che possiede il cuore di Deacon ed è anche l'unica che lui desidera nella sua vita. Ma purtroppo la vita è sempre una lotta continua verso la serenità. Riusciranno Deacon e Frankie a superare tutte le avversità che si troveranno sul loro cammino? La trama di questo libro mi ha incuriosita moltissimo, non sono esperta di sport come l'MMA, per me è una cosa totalmente sconosciuta, ma viverlo con gli occhi di Deacon, un vero lottatore che dà tutto se stesso in ogni gara, è stato molto affascinante. La storia ha catturato la mia attenzione sin da subito, Deacon mi ha conquistata immediatamente: lui è ribelle, rude, molto focoso, affascinante nel suo modo di essere un combattente, ma soprattutto ama Frankie veramente con tutto il suo cuore. Ci saranno momenti in cui cederà, ma non smetterà mai di lottare per la donna che possiede il suo cuore. Frankie invece è una donna meravigliosa, una piccola furia bionda che non si separa mai dai suoi tacchi, non si fa mettere i piedi in testa e che combatterà moltissimo per se stessa e per i suoi sentimenti. La storia è narrata prevalentemente dal pov di Deacon con qualche capitolo raccontato da Frankie. La lettura è scorrevole e coinvolgente. Non mancheranno i personaggi secondari, che orneranno tutta la storia intorno ai protagonisti, ad alcuni mi sono proprio affezionata e spero tanto che l'autrice abbia già scritto qualcosa o pensi di farlo in futuro, sarei felice di leggere altri libri…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Ci troviamo in una delle metropoli americane più famose al mondo, Chicago. Deacon “Hitman" Love è uno dei lottatori MMA più forti del momento, trovarsi nell'Octagon, il ring di questo sport composto da arti marziali miste per lui è come trovarsi a casa. Lottare per lui è liberarsi del peso della vita, e non importa se dovrà scontrarsi con altri sportivi per arrivare alla vittoria, Deac ci mette sempre tutto se stesso. Nella vita privata invece Deac ha un grande punto debole di nome Francesca, o Frankie per gli amici più stretti e per la famiglia. Lei è bellissima, è l'unica donna che possiede il cuore di Deacon ed è anche l'unica che lui desidera nella sua vita. Ma purtroppo la vita è sempre una lotta continua verso la serenità. Riusciranno Deacon e Frankie a superare tutte le avversità che si troveranno sul loro cammino? La trama di questo libro mi ha incuriosita moltissimo, non sono esperta di sport come l'MMA, per me è una cosa totalmente sconosciuta, ma viverlo con gli occhi di Deacon, un vero lottatore che dà tutto se stesso in ogni gara, è stato molto affascinante. La storia ha catturato la mia attenzione sin da subito, Deacon mi ha conquistata immediatamente: lui è ribelle, rude, molto focoso, affascinante nel suo modo di essere un combattente, ma soprattutto ama Frankie veramente con tutto il suo cuore. Ci saranno momenti in cui cederà, ma non smetterà mai di lottare per la donna che possiede il suo cuore. Frankie invece è una donna meravigliosa, una piccola furia bionda che non si separa mai dai suoi tacchi, non si fa mettere i piedi in testa e che combatterà moltissimo per se stessa e per i suoi sentimenti. La storia è narrata prevalentemente dal pov di Deacon con qualche capitolo raccontato da Frankie. La lettura è scorrevole e coinvolgente. Non mancheranno i personaggi secondari, che orneranno tutta la storia intorno ai protagonisti, ad alcuni mi sono proprio affezionata e spero tanto che l'autrice abbia già scritto qualcosa o pensi di farlo in futuro, sarei felice di leggere altri libri…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
March 26, 2015
*I received an Arc in return for an honest review *
My FIRST read of 2015!!!
Thank you Mandi for popping my Arc cherry!!!
Mandi, you seriously out did yourself with this book! I am so proud of you! I am looking forward to many more of your books in the future, but definitely looking forward to more of my man Deacon and possibly sharing some of him with the others!
Deacon “The Hitman” Love has become my book HUSBAND!! I am calling dibs Jodi!!! This is the kind of alpha I have been waiting for, longing for and needing. Thank you Mandi for bringing him to my life!
I loved the writing of the book, the story, just everything about it!
But I could seriously spank your naughty ass for leaving me like that at the end....
My FIRST read of 2015!!!
Thank you Mandi for popping my Arc cherry!!!
Mandi, you seriously out did yourself with this book! I am so proud of you! I am looking forward to many more of your books in the future, but definitely looking forward to more of my man Deacon and possibly sharing some of him with the others!
Deacon “The Hitman” Love has become my book HUSBAND!! I am calling dibs Jodi!!! This is the kind of alpha I have been waiting for, longing for and needing. Thank you Mandi for bringing him to my life!
I loved the writing of the book, the story, just everything about it!
But I could seriously spank your naughty ass for leaving me like that at the end....
October 4, 2015
3.5 stars
January 6, 2015
Shit. Fuck! Omg! That about sums up my feelings on this one. The angst is off the charts, It's like Mandi knows the way to my heart. LOL! Seriously, I loved this one. Full review to come closer to release date.
*ARC copy provided by author in exchange for honest review*
*ARC copy provided by author in exchange for honest review*
nope
October 13, 2018Thanks to Christy, nope: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 16, 2021
DNF
Way to slow and pathetic.
Hero is supposed to be an alpha wrestler but has been in love with his best friend all through their 💀..., Don't get confused cos the hero was the most pathetic, weakest, pretentious hero I've ever read. hero was so pathetic in his pinning for his best friend , when the girl introduced him to her boyfriend's he behaves cordial and nice in front of her then behind her back he behaves like a spoilt brat bragging about stuff he buys for her, how close she and him are , that I'm in life forever while said boyfriend is only temporary 🤡 bullshit stuff like that (bro even did the same pathetic shit to her fiance) , To me hero was pathetic, childish and weak to be doing stuff like this to his best friend boyfriends and fiance all because his being in love for years with her.i honestly can't imagine Carter from untouchable, Adien from Deviant king doing weak ass stuff like this and these are perfect example of Aloha males, once they like a girl they make sure said girl and supposedly boyfriend or fiance knows that the girls His and the boyfriend or fiance should get out .not when the girls back is turned you start telling her boyfriend's or fiance stupid stuff🤦.
Way to slow and pathetic.
Hero is supposed to be an alpha wrestler but has been in love with his best friend all through their 💀..., Don't get confused cos the hero was the most pathetic, weakest, pretentious hero I've ever read. hero was so pathetic in his pinning for his best friend , when the girl introduced him to her boyfriend's he behaves cordial and nice in front of her then behind her back he behaves like a spoilt brat bragging about stuff he buys for her, how close she and him are , that I'm in life forever while said boyfriend is only temporary 🤡 bullshit stuff like that (bro even did the same pathetic shit to her fiance) , To me hero was pathetic, childish and weak to be doing stuff like this to his best friend boyfriends and fiance all because his being in love for years with her.i honestly can't imagine Carter from untouchable, Adien from Deviant king doing weak ass stuff like this and these are perfect example of Aloha males, once they like a girl they make sure said girl and supposedly boyfriend or fiance knows that the girls His and the boyfriend or fiance should get out .not when the girls back is turned you start telling her boyfriend's or fiance stupid stuff🤦.
January 19, 2015
****Warning I drop the F bomb in this review several times…which I almost never ever do. Ha, but now I bet you’re intrigued. GOOD.****
I don’t even know where to begin this review other than to say how fucking hot it was. Debut author Mandi Beck has seriously hit it out of the park with Love Hurts and I honestly think it’s a guaranteed winner with readers.
Deacon has wanted his best friend Frankie in the carnal sense for years. Never wanting to upset their balance, he’s kept his feelings hidden and been her safe spot to fall when times were rough. Instead he plays the field as a love em and leave em guy because no one compares to the one woman he can’t bring himself to take. He’s a class one douche to all these other women but in his defense they seem to know the score going into it. Of course being a huge douche is going to get you some women who refuse to let go.
When Frankie announces her impending marriage Deacon realizes that it’s now or he may lose her forever. He rashly tells her his feelings at her engagement party immediately alienating and confusing her. She runs right into the arms of her fiance who isn’t to keen on her relationship with Deacon to begin with. Radio silence ensues until a few months later when Deacon gets a horrible phone call that nearly does him in. Rushing to Frankie’s side, he vows to never let her come to harm again, but Frankie isn’t so sure she can fight both their demons and come out on top.
Love Hurts is gritty, not even masking itself in a pretty package. Deacon is brash, brutal and raw. He cusses as often as I breathe, but it’s who he is. Seriously, “fuck” can appear several times a page. You’ve been warned so if you read this book there will be no complaining on the language. Beck pulls no punches with her characters, There were times I wanted Frankie to tell Deacon to take his attitude and his self righteousness for a walk. There were times she did. Frankie is a strong heroine. Though broken she remains standing through the rough patches. I loved her and her saucy attitude. Especially where Deacon and his cohorts were concerned. They may call her the Princess but she’s more warrior than not.
Deacon is constantly screwing up. If he’s not saying the wrong thing he’s hiding something or letting some skanky woman get down on her knees for him. He’s not always thinking with the right head and he lets his temper get the best of him where Frankie is concerned. But it makes him human and I liked that aspect. These two have a love that is not pretty. It’s dirty and completely fucking fabulous. Deacon is a hero I loved to hate and Frankie is a woman I’d love to be. Their sex is off the charts hot. I can’t even explain the hotness to you. Let’s just say I was reading it at work and it was the most uncomfortable I’ve been while being in the same room as my boss. Beck had a wonderfully dirty mind that translates to the page like magic.
I loved everything about it until I got to that cliffhanger. Damn you Mandi! Love Hurts is an angst ridden ride to Fuck-Me-Twice town…I loved it and I need more NOW!
I give Love Hurts by Mandi Beck 5 stars!
I don’t even know where to begin this review other than to say how fucking hot it was. Debut author Mandi Beck has seriously hit it out of the park with Love Hurts and I honestly think it’s a guaranteed winner with readers.
Deacon has wanted his best friend Frankie in the carnal sense for years. Never wanting to upset their balance, he’s kept his feelings hidden and been her safe spot to fall when times were rough. Instead he plays the field as a love em and leave em guy because no one compares to the one woman he can’t bring himself to take. He’s a class one douche to all these other women but in his defense they seem to know the score going into it. Of course being a huge douche is going to get you some women who refuse to let go.
When Frankie announces her impending marriage Deacon realizes that it’s now or he may lose her forever. He rashly tells her his feelings at her engagement party immediately alienating and confusing her. She runs right into the arms of her fiance who isn’t to keen on her relationship with Deacon to begin with. Radio silence ensues until a few months later when Deacon gets a horrible phone call that nearly does him in. Rushing to Frankie’s side, he vows to never let her come to harm again, but Frankie isn’t so sure she can fight both their demons and come out on top.
Love Hurts is gritty, not even masking itself in a pretty package. Deacon is brash, brutal and raw. He cusses as often as I breathe, but it’s who he is. Seriously, “fuck” can appear several times a page. You’ve been warned so if you read this book there will be no complaining on the language. Beck pulls no punches with her characters, There were times I wanted Frankie to tell Deacon to take his attitude and his self righteousness for a walk. There were times she did. Frankie is a strong heroine. Though broken she remains standing through the rough patches. I loved her and her saucy attitude. Especially where Deacon and his cohorts were concerned. They may call her the Princess but she’s more warrior than not.
Deacon is constantly screwing up. If he’s not saying the wrong thing he’s hiding something or letting some skanky woman get down on her knees for him. He’s not always thinking with the right head and he lets his temper get the best of him where Frankie is concerned. But it makes him human and I liked that aspect. These two have a love that is not pretty. It’s dirty and completely fucking fabulous. Deacon is a hero I loved to hate and Frankie is a woman I’d love to be. Their sex is off the charts hot. I can’t even explain the hotness to you. Let’s just say I was reading it at work and it was the most uncomfortable I’ve been while being in the same room as my boss. Beck had a wonderfully dirty mind that translates to the page like magic.
I loved everything about it until I got to that cliffhanger. Damn you Mandi! Love Hurts is an angst ridden ride to Fuck-Me-Twice town…I loved it and I need more NOW!
I give Love Hurts by Mandi Beck 5 stars!
September 22, 2015
1.5-star
I know that I am in the minority when I say that I did not like this story. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to rate it a 1-star, considering I finished the book (without skimming) and may even go so far into saying that I will read the next book (only to see what happened – damn cliff-hanger).
I had high hopes for this. The rating for this book is high and a friend of mine had read it a while ago, absolutely loved it and was waiting on bated breath for the next book. When I saw that the next one was being released yesterday, I thought I’d go ahead and read this one and have my alpha-fighter fix.
Firstly, I don’t know why there was a prologue in the first place, or why the author chose that particular scene as the prologue. As far as I could tell, the prologue was set in present time and although I am aware that what happens next is dramatic, when the next chapter jumps back to two months prior and them cuts back to the present in the second chapter – it seemed a little misplaced. Maybe it was too soon to jump back to the present, but either way, there was something to the chapter placement that left me floundering.
Speaking of floundering, I felt like I was pushed into the deep-end of the pool without floaties, when characters were introduced and not really explained that their relation is to the main characters. I felt like there was a whole other back story that I missed out on. I actually went to the author’s profile on GR to see if there was a different series I should’ve read before this one (there wasn’t). Case in point: Indiana. She was constantly mentioned. She was always there. You can tell she’s a permanent fixture to both Frankie and Deacon, but it wasn’t until 39% into the book when it’s (kind of) explained what her relationship to either main characters were. It was distracting. I had to go back to the beginning of the book, re-read the first chapter to see if I missed something (I didn’t) and couldn’t let go (‘coz she’s always mentioned) until almost half-way though the book.
Frankie. Geez, where to start with this woman. Needless to say, she gave me the shits. Badly. The double standards surrounding that woman is so large, I don’t understand how others can know what rules she plays by.
There is a situation where Deacon effs-up and I understand how big an eff-up it was, but I don’t think it excuses Frankie from stringing along her ex-boyfriend, Cristiano and shoving it in Deacon’s face, but gets all riled up and hurt when a catty biatch tries to sidle up to Deacon (who might I add – rebuffs her EVERYTIME). Whenever Cristiano makes a play, does Frankie tell him to stop? Nooooooo. She lets him touch her, kiss her, doesn’t say she’s not interested when he’s being suggestive. She laps it up and blames it on Deacon for not being there, when she’s the one pushing him away in the first place. Bloody hell it just boils my blood when I think about it.
Deacon is not blameless. He has a short fuse, quick to react and thinks with his dick most of the time, but at least he’s trying!
All-in-all, a disappointing read. I will read the next one, hoping that Frankie will get her shite sorted and stop playing games.
I know that I am in the minority when I say that I did not like this story. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to rate it a 1-star, considering I finished the book (without skimming) and may even go so far into saying that I will read the next book (only to see what happened – damn cliff-hanger).
I had high hopes for this. The rating for this book is high and a friend of mine had read it a while ago, absolutely loved it and was waiting on bated breath for the next book. When I saw that the next one was being released yesterday, I thought I’d go ahead and read this one and have my alpha-fighter fix.
Firstly, I don’t know why there was a prologue in the first place, or why the author chose that particular scene as the prologue. As far as I could tell, the prologue was set in present time and although I am aware that what happens next is dramatic, when the next chapter jumps back to two months prior and them cuts back to the present in the second chapter – it seemed a little misplaced. Maybe it was too soon to jump back to the present, but either way, there was something to the chapter placement that left me floundering.
Speaking of floundering, I felt like I was pushed into the deep-end of the pool without floaties, when characters were introduced and not really explained that their relation is to the main characters. I felt like there was a whole other back story that I missed out on. I actually went to the author’s profile on GR to see if there was a different series I should’ve read before this one (there wasn’t). Case in point: Indiana. She was constantly mentioned. She was always there. You can tell she’s a permanent fixture to both Frankie and Deacon, but it wasn’t until 39% into the book when it’s (kind of) explained what her relationship to either main characters were. It was distracting. I had to go back to the beginning of the book, re-read the first chapter to see if I missed something (I didn’t) and couldn’t let go (‘coz she’s always mentioned) until almost half-way though the book.
Frankie. Geez, where to start with this woman. Needless to say, she gave me the shits. Badly. The double standards surrounding that woman is so large, I don’t understand how others can know what rules she plays by.
There is a situation where Deacon effs-up and I understand how big an eff-up it was, but I don’t think it excuses Frankie from stringing along her ex-boyfriend, Cristiano and shoving it in Deacon’s face, but gets all riled up and hurt when a catty biatch tries to sidle up to Deacon (who might I add – rebuffs her EVERYTIME). Whenever Cristiano makes a play, does Frankie tell him to stop? Nooooooo. She lets him touch her, kiss her, doesn’t say she’s not interested when he’s being suggestive. She laps it up and blames it on Deacon for not being there, when she’s the one pushing him away in the first place. Bloody hell it just boils my blood when I think about it.
Deacon is not blameless. He has a short fuse, quick to react and thinks with his dick most of the time, but at least he’s trying!
All-in-all, a disappointing read. I will read the next one, hoping that Frankie will get her shite sorted and stop playing games.
February 12, 2015
“Then how about how all I want is to be inside you right now? Under you, over you, behind you, I really don't fucking care as long as I'm inside you." And.. The award for the dirtiest, filthy mouth goes to... DEACON "THE HITMAN" LOVE. Seriously though. This book is HOT! 5++ stars for Deac and his funny, teasing, banter and dirty mind. I loved him. Every single part of him. I couldn't get enough. There is plenty of drama and hot sex in this book. I even like Frankie but most of the time I want to junk punch her. I mean really the man makes this book. Oh and did I mention he has a beard and a man bun?? Yeah. Enough. Said.
Read
April 2, 2016Review to come....
September 5, 2016
Just...mehh. The choices and dialogue between these two left me scratching my head. Why? Just why? Needless to say I didn't enjoy this one. Deacon was TOO much. And the drama felt so contrived.
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