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Caged #1
Caged: Takedown Teague
This is not made for TV. This is the raw, brutal underground of no-holds-barred combat. Inside the cage there is nothing but me and the pain I inflict on those who dare enter. In the cage, I never have to worry about anyone but myself. Yet, when she began standing outside of the cage, everything changed. I was no longer fighting for the money or the glory – I was fighting for her.
"Hands down one of the best books Shay has ever written....Five plus stars. I couldn't put it down once I started it." - Teresa, Two Girls with Books
"Hands down one of the best books Shay has ever written....Five plus stars. I couldn't put it down once I started it." - Teresa, Two Girls with Books
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
58 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
About the author
Shay Savage
44 books3,802 followersShay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”
Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
July 22, 2015
3.75 - 4 CliffhANGER Stars - Forest Gump Edition
Just so everyone knows: This book ends on a cliffhanger.
And, if you know me and my reading peeves at all, you know I - like many folks - loathe these sons of bitch snatches.
So needless to say, I was verra bummed when I got to the end of this thing.
There was some consoling involved.
But, ultimately, I was able to talk myself off the ledge long enough to come here andspew bullshit wax poetic about this thing.
But I digress.
I mention this immediately because I myself did not realize that this was a cliff when picking this bad boy up.
Now, I'm sure this was mentioned in some of my friend's reviews, but alas, I didn't read any reviews on this.
Because it's Shay fucking Savage.
Which means I know it will be good.
Although nothing I've read before from her has ended in this manner - So color me surprised.
In fact, she even does a sort of "oops, sorry!" shout out at the end of this thing.
But anycliffs, moving on...
When picking up a Shay Savage book, it's always much like Forest Gump's proverbial box of chocolates.
*
*
*
*
*
Seriously though.
Every book (or series) I've read by her is always vastly different from any other.
And they are always good.
Dr. Pepper good.
And obviously, this one was no different in its difference.
LOLZ.
Anyjenny, I really enjoyed this book, although it did seem a little slow to get going...and a little too close lipped about the character backgrounds for my liking.
Don't get me wrong, a little mystery builds the "interest" and all.
But sometimes it also builds my irritation.
Which was kind of the case for me here.
Something people also might want to know is that there is what I would qualify as a very low level of steam.
Boy meets girl and really likes girl, of course.
But they spend the vast majority of the book languishing in an awkward neighbor/roommate relationship.
Yes, Forest, indeed you are.
In the plus column, there were awesomely skeezy-shudder inducing curve balls of WTFukery thrown in toward the end.
For serious though.
Things that make you go ewwwwwwwwww.
Anyshrimp, I am hoping this doesn't turn into of those never-ending serials that cost a first born each.
However, I definitely enjoyed my unbeknownst-at-the time first installment of this and I look forward to book two.
Until then?
Just so everyone knows: This book ends on a cliffhanger.
And, if you know me and my reading peeves at all, you know I - like many folks - loathe these sons of bitch snatches.
So needless to say, I was verra bummed when I got to the end of this thing.
There was some consoling involved.
But, ultimately, I was able to talk myself off the ledge long enough to come here and
But I digress.
I mention this immediately because I myself did not realize that this was a cliff when picking this bad boy up.
Now, I'm sure this was mentioned in some of my friend's reviews, but alas, I didn't read any reviews on this.
Because it's Shay fucking Savage.
Which means I know it will be good.
Although nothing I've read before from her has ended in this manner - So color me surprised.
In fact, she even does a sort of "oops, sorry!" shout out at the end of this thing.
But anycliffs, moving on...
When picking up a Shay Savage book, it's always much like Forest Gump's proverbial box of chocolates.
*
*
*
*
*
Seriously though.
Every book (or series) I've read by her is always vastly different from any other.
And they are always good.
Dr. Pepper good.
And obviously, this one was no different in its difference.
LOLZ.
Anyjenny, I really enjoyed this book, although it did seem a little slow to get going...and a little too close lipped about the character backgrounds for my liking.
Don't get me wrong, a little mystery builds the "interest" and all.
But sometimes it also builds my irritation.
Which was kind of the case for me here.
Something people also might want to know is that there is what I would qualify as a very low level of steam.
Boy meets girl and really likes girl, of course.
But they spend the vast majority of the book languishing in an awkward neighbor/roommate relationship.
Yes, Forest, indeed you are.
In the plus column, there were awesomely skeezy-shudder inducing curve balls of WTFukery thrown in toward the end.
For serious though.
Things that make you go ewwwwwwwwww.
Anyshrimp, I am hoping this doesn't turn into of those never-ending serials that cost a first born each.
However, I definitely enjoyed my unbeknownst-at-the time first installment of this and I look forward to book two.
Until then?
August 27, 2015
4.5 Stars LIVE! * Amazon US * Amazon UK *
CAGED is only the second ever book I've read by Shay Savage (I've no idea why because her writing ticks all the boxes for me!) I found myself addicted from the beginning to the very end! The story completely carried me away into the world of Liam-TAKEDOWN-Teague. This story is, of course, told completely from Liam's point of view, a writing trait that Shay Savage is known for being expert at and Caged certainly demonstrates her flair for portraying the male perspective, his prose and dialogue are executed to perfection.
Liam is a guy who speaks his mind and equally avoids emotion. He’s a cynic and a realist whose one and only love is fighting, it’s his life and the only time he feels alive.
Tria Lynn is a small town girl who’s trying to make a difference in the world. In contrast to Liam, she’s idealistic, pensive and thoughtful and likes to play things by the book so, of course, she wants to get to know the REAL Liam Teague. I liked her quirks, her character traits and her measured dialogue. She's not the main player for me, in that she's not the most important aspect of the story. Shay Savage as I've touched on is famed for her male story-telling so the heroine, for me, is not as important. Did I love her? Probably not but she did not offend me either, her role is to bring out the inner vulnerabilities of the male protagonists character and in this the heroine is highly successful. The way Liam is with her is completely adorable and totally swoon worthy.
I loved the development of both protagonists; their rich history layered throughout the fluid telling is engaging. The author takes her time allowing her characters to evolve within the context showing us the whys and the hows and then the story arc takes an incredible turn, if I’m honest one I’m not sure about but.... Tria is part of a community that’s dwindling in numbers..... all of a sudden I felt sick to the depths of my heart it was a plot devise I had not expected... how it will ultimately work very much depends on how it plays out but this author has a way of engaging my interest with the unusual.
Caged has left me hanging, but in a wonderful way, I LOVE cliff-hangers, they're an element of motivation to make me crave the next book, and it's not long until the next part!
I've seen a little criticism levelled at this story and in some respects I understand because I feel readers were maybe expecting something different than they experienced. Going into this read, I have to admit my pre-conceived notions made me think it would be darker, hotter and somewhat grittier than I experienced. In reality I found it to be addictive lovely reading with a sudden messed up and crazy element out of left field. The topic towards the end is a little perturbing, and as I stated, I’m not entirely sure about that aspect but I was completely invested in following the protagonist's relationship. I fell in love with the way Liam slowly becomes enamoured with the heroine. The way they dance around each other is enchanting but if you’re expecting hot sex you’ll not find this in Caged, not yet..... I feel and hope that element will come to the forefront in the second part of this story *TRAPPED* which I very much anticipate will lead me down a much grittier path.
EXCERPT
**THE ENTIRE SERIES IS NOW LIVE**
Review thoughts for TRAPPED
Review thoughts for RELEASED
Trapped (Book Two) Caged Series
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Released (Book Three) Caged Series
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Advanced copy provided, via TRSoR, for my honest review thoughts.
CAGED is only the second ever book I've read by Shay Savage (I've no idea why because her writing ticks all the boxes for me!) I found myself addicted from the beginning to the very end! The story completely carried me away into the world of Liam-TAKEDOWN-Teague. This story is, of course, told completely from Liam's point of view, a writing trait that Shay Savage is known for being expert at and Caged certainly demonstrates her flair for portraying the male perspective, his prose and dialogue are executed to perfection.
Liam is a guy who speaks his mind and equally avoids emotion. He’s a cynic and a realist whose one and only love is fighting, it’s his life and the only time he feels alive.
Tria Lynn is a small town girl who’s trying to make a difference in the world. In contrast to Liam, she’s idealistic, pensive and thoughtful and likes to play things by the book so, of course, she wants to get to know the REAL Liam Teague. I liked her quirks, her character traits and her measured dialogue. She's not the main player for me, in that she's not the most important aspect of the story. Shay Savage as I've touched on is famed for her male story-telling so the heroine, for me, is not as important. Did I love her? Probably not but she did not offend me either, her role is to bring out the inner vulnerabilities of the male protagonists character and in this the heroine is highly successful. The way Liam is with her is completely adorable and totally swoon worthy.
I loved the development of both protagonists; their rich history layered throughout the fluid telling is engaging. The author takes her time allowing her characters to evolve within the context showing us the whys and the hows and then the story arc takes an incredible turn, if I’m honest one I’m not sure about but.... Tria is part of a community that’s dwindling in numbers..... all of a sudden I felt sick to the depths of my heart it was a plot devise I had not expected... how it will ultimately work very much depends on how it plays out but this author has a way of engaging my interest with the unusual.
Caged has left me hanging, but in a wonderful way, I LOVE cliff-hangers, they're an element of motivation to make me crave the next book, and it's not long until the next part!
I've seen a little criticism levelled at this story and in some respects I understand because I feel readers were maybe expecting something different than they experienced. Going into this read, I have to admit my pre-conceived notions made me think it would be darker, hotter and somewhat grittier than I experienced. In reality I found it to be addictive lovely reading with a sudden messed up and crazy element out of left field. The topic towards the end is a little perturbing, and as I stated, I’m not entirely sure about that aspect but I was completely invested in following the protagonist's relationship. I fell in love with the way Liam slowly becomes enamoured with the heroine. The way they dance around each other is enchanting but if you’re expecting hot sex you’ll not find this in Caged, not yet..... I feel and hope that element will come to the forefront in the second part of this story *TRAPPED* which I very much anticipate will lead me down a much grittier path.
EXCERPT
**THE ENTIRE SERIES IS NOW LIVE**
Review thoughts for TRAPPED
Review thoughts for RELEASED
Trapped (Book Two) Caged Series
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Released (Book Three) Caged Series
* Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Advanced copy provided, via TRSoR, for my honest review thoughts.
July 13, 2015
5 KNOCK OUT STARS
This one surprised me. It wasn't what I expected, not as dark nor as gritty as I'd thought but thoroughly enjoyed it. And that's one of the things I love about Shay, she keeps me on my toes.
Shay Savage is among my favourite authors and another one of the many things I love about her stories is her heroes. She has this gift for creating such complex, flawed, intense, sexy-as-all-get-out male characters and their POVs are just as unique as her characters, and so real!
Liam “Takedown” Teague is an undefeated cage fighter.
He fights two nights a week in some dive bar and eeks by on his winnings. Life's simple: eat, fight, drink, F*@k and sleep.
But it's obvious, Liam's merely existing, not living. Then one night, Liam makes a decision to get involved. To save a young woman, Tria Lynn, walking home late at night
who is oblivious to the danger right behind her. Liam steps in and saves Tria from a dark and tragic outcome.
Tria and Liam slowly become friends and over time, Tria comes to mean more to Liam than he realizes.
Both Tria and Liam have secrets and difficult pasts. While Tria shares hers, we only get snippets of Liam's.
“Give me your past. Tell me why.”
He's got demons and secrets that are yet to be revealed. I really enjoyed the pace of this relationship as these two try to figure out what they have, if it's worth it and if so, how's it going to work.
Liam is older and more experienced than Tria and it's absolutely sweet and hilarious to see Liam control his urges around her. He's stuck at first base...
and wants so much more but knows that Tria's not ready. It's really endearing and cute, and included quite a few laugh out loud moments.
I read this book in one sitting and it left me wanting more. While it does end on a cliffy, fortunately we don't have to wait too long for the next book.
**An ARC generously provide by Shay Savage in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
This one surprised me. It wasn't what I expected, not as dark nor as gritty as I'd thought but thoroughly enjoyed it. And that's one of the things I love about Shay, she keeps me on my toes.
Shay Savage is among my favourite authors and another one of the many things I love about her stories is her heroes. She has this gift for creating such complex, flawed, intense, sexy-as-all-get-out male characters and their POVs are just as unique as her characters, and so real!
Liam “Takedown” Teague is an undefeated cage fighter.
He fights two nights a week in some dive bar and eeks by on his winnings. Life's simple: eat, fight, drink, F*@k and sleep.
But it's obvious, Liam's merely existing, not living. Then one night, Liam makes a decision to get involved. To save a young woman, Tria Lynn, walking home late at night
who is oblivious to the danger right behind her. Liam steps in and saves Tria from a dark and tragic outcome.
Tria and Liam slowly become friends and over time, Tria comes to mean more to Liam than he realizes.
Both Tria and Liam have secrets and difficult pasts. While Tria shares hers, we only get snippets of Liam's.
“Give me your past. Tell me why.”
He's got demons and secrets that are yet to be revealed. I really enjoyed the pace of this relationship as these two try to figure out what they have, if it's worth it and if so, how's it going to work.
Liam is older and more experienced than Tria and it's absolutely sweet and hilarious to see Liam control his urges around her. He's stuck at first base...
and wants so much more but knows that Tria's not ready. It's really endearing and cute, and included quite a few laugh out loud moments.
I read this book in one sitting and it left me wanting more. While it does end on a cliffy, fortunately we don't have to wait too long for the next book.
**An ARC generously provide by Shay Savage in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
July 17, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Caged: Takedown Teague” was my first full length novel by this author and it was nothing like I expected to be. It was very different from any fighter books I have read so far and one of the reasons is the fact the story is told entirely from the male POV.
“Caged” tells the story of Liam “Takedown” Teague a 26 years old cage fighter. He fights two nights a week at a local bar where he always wins. His life means only training and fighting. One night after a fight, Liam saves a girl from being raped and probably murdered since the neighborhood they live in is not exactly a good one. The girl, Tria, is 20 years old, she’s studying for her degree and works night shifts in a greasy bar as a waitress.
Liam and Tria live in the same building. They become close friends, but shortly Liam becomes smitten with his new neighbor. He likes Tris’s sweetness and innocence and he wants more. While Liam finds out more about Tria and her past, Tria gets to know just a few things about him. However, both of them try to forget about their pasts. Tria likes Liam as well and see the good in him, so eventually they get involved.
I really enjoyed this one and I loved Liam’s POV. I had a blast being in his head. Like I mentioned the story is told only from his POV, so his character development was done much better than Tria’s. I love his personality and his inner monologue. He made me smile more times than I can count. Honestly I expected to read about a badass fighter, but Liam is sweet and even tender and I loved this soft side of him. He was an endearing character from start to finish, even if he’s not perfect and has his own flaws. He is hardworking, a good fighter, he’s loyal and with Tria is sweet, caring and so protective. There were also some LOL moments where we get to see Liam control his urges he has. Needless to say, he was hilarious at times. Tria was also very easy to like. She’s innocent and naïve and even if we don’t get her POV, we get to know her personality..a little and also we get to know her background story. What I loved the most about her was her loyalty for the people she cares about.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and also how everything between these two characters progressed. Nothing was rushed which I really liked. We don’t get a huge amount of time in the cage, but I was more than ok with this aspect of the story since most of the fighter books I've read bored me to death with this aspect.
Overall, this was a great, entertaining read and I’m looking forward to read the next book in the series!
“Caged: Takedown Teague” was my first full length novel by this author and it was nothing like I expected to be. It was very different from any fighter books I have read so far and one of the reasons is the fact the story is told entirely from the male POV.
“There was no referee.
There were no rounds.
There was really only one rule—whoever taps out or goes unconscious loses.”
“Caged” tells the story of Liam “Takedown” Teague a 26 years old cage fighter. He fights two nights a week at a local bar where he always wins. His life means only training and fighting. One night after a fight, Liam saves a girl from being raped and probably murdered since the neighborhood they live in is not exactly a good one. The girl, Tria, is 20 years old, she’s studying for her degree and works night shifts in a greasy bar as a waitress.
Liam and Tria live in the same building. They become close friends, but shortly Liam becomes smitten with his new neighbor. He likes Tris’s sweetness and innocence and he wants more. While Liam finds out more about Tria and her past, Tria gets to know just a few things about him. However, both of them try to forget about their pasts. Tria likes Liam as well and see the good in him, so eventually they get involved.
“There was me, and there was her, and there was us.”
I really enjoyed this one and I loved Liam’s POV. I had a blast being in his head. Like I mentioned the story is told only from his POV, so his character development was done much better than Tria’s. I love his personality and his inner monologue. He made me smile more times than I can count. Honestly I expected to read about a badass fighter, but Liam is sweet and even tender and I loved this soft side of him. He was an endearing character from start to finish, even if he’s not perfect and has his own flaws. He is hardworking, a good fighter, he’s loyal and with Tria is sweet, caring and so protective. There were also some LOL moments where we get to see Liam control his urges he has. Needless to say, he was hilarious at times. Tria was also very easy to like. She’s innocent and naïve and even if we don’t get her POV, we get to know her personality..a little and also we get to know her background story. What I loved the most about her was her loyalty for the people she cares about.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and also how everything between these two characters progressed. Nothing was rushed which I really liked. We don’t get a huge amount of time in the cage, but I was more than ok with this aspect of the story since most of the fighter books I've read bored me to death with this aspect.
Overall, this was a great, entertaining read and I’m looking forward to read the next book in the series!
October 2, 2015
Caged: Takedown Teague by Shay Savage
Release information: 7/14/2015
Series: Caged
Future Release: Trapped
Release: 8/4/2015 pre-order available
Liam “Takedown” Teague is an underground fighter who spends two nights a week pummeling opponents and the days in between training. A simple life of rinse, wash and repeat. But all of that soon changes when he saves Tria from a dangerous situation. Now life is becoming about so much more. Something that Liam gave up hope for long ago.
Takedown Teague is the first in the Cage Trilogy and although some readers experienced his story as fan-fiction, this was my first meeting. One thing that separates Shay from other romance authors is her ability to tell a story from the male point of view. She feeds this need I have to get inside the Hero’s head like no other author.
The first book in this series sets up the story perfectly. Tria and Liam both have horrible pasts that they are running from and although we get a good look into the life Tria was living, we haven’t even begun to peel back the layers of what Liam has endured. And although I loved book one, I think the punch to the gut impact I was expecting is going to happen in book two.
I didn’t love this more than Surviving Raine, which is my all-time favorite Shay book, but I have strong feeling that this series as a whole is going to soon change that. I couldn’t help but be drawn into these two characters, Liam was expected to be this bad boy fighter that was going to be a hard shell to crack and although you know he’s seen plenty of ugly in his life, there is this thing about him that still remains soft even after years of hard. I can’t wait to see him broken down and discover all of his secrets, even though I feel like it might just break my heart to watch.
For readers who fear the dreaded release cycle for series, have no fear. We aren’t left with a desperate cliffhanger, we aren’t left wondering when the next book is coming out... it’s already up for pre-order and rumor has it, that part three will be released soon after.
If you have not read a story from Shay, you need to do that. Her take on romance is not traditional. It’s not hearts and flowers, it is gritty and criminal at times. You are going to get to the soft underbelly of the men who are featured in her stories, but you are going to have to work to get there.
I am going to be as patient as I can waiting the next few weeks until I can continue this story, but I can honestly say that I will be dropping everything once I have that book in my greedy hands.
Release information: 7/14/2015
Series: Caged
Future Release: Trapped
Release: 8/4/2015 pre-order available
Liam “Takedown” Teague is an underground fighter who spends two nights a week pummeling opponents and the days in between training. A simple life of rinse, wash and repeat. But all of that soon changes when he saves Tria from a dangerous situation. Now life is becoming about so much more. Something that Liam gave up hope for long ago.
Takedown Teague is the first in the Cage Trilogy and although some readers experienced his story as fan-fiction, this was my first meeting. One thing that separates Shay from other romance authors is her ability to tell a story from the male point of view. She feeds this need I have to get inside the Hero’s head like no other author.
The first book in this series sets up the story perfectly. Tria and Liam both have horrible pasts that they are running from and although we get a good look into the life Tria was living, we haven’t even begun to peel back the layers of what Liam has endured. And although I loved book one, I think the punch to the gut impact I was expecting is going to happen in book two.
I didn’t love this more than Surviving Raine, which is my all-time favorite Shay book, but I have strong feeling that this series as a whole is going to soon change that. I couldn’t help but be drawn into these two characters, Liam was expected to be this bad boy fighter that was going to be a hard shell to crack and although you know he’s seen plenty of ugly in his life, there is this thing about him that still remains soft even after years of hard. I can’t wait to see him broken down and discover all of his secrets, even though I feel like it might just break my heart to watch.
For readers who fear the dreaded release cycle for series, have no fear. We aren’t left with a desperate cliffhanger, we aren’t left wondering when the next book is coming out... it’s already up for pre-order and rumor has it, that part three will be released soon after.
If you have not read a story from Shay, you need to do that. Her take on romance is not traditional. It’s not hearts and flowers, it is gritty and criminal at times. You are going to get to the soft underbelly of the men who are featured in her stories, but you are going to have to work to get there.
I am going to be as patient as I can waiting the next few weeks until I can continue this story, but I can honestly say that I will be dropping everything once I have that book in my greedy hands.
July 13, 2015
Title: Caged
Series: Takedown Teague #1
Author: Shay Savage
Release Date: 14 July, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger:. Yes
HEA:
Caged is a story that follows twenty six year old cage fighter named Liam ‘Takedown’ Teague. Liam’s life is very simple: he fights in a cage two times per week, and kicks his opponents asses, during the day he trains and keeps in shape. He lives in a poor neighborhood, barely makes ends meet and tries to surive day after day.
One night, after a fight at the ‘Feet First’ Liam saves a girl named Tria from thugs. From this point on, his life, simple as it was, changes dramatically. Now he is so smitten with the girl he protected he is willing to do almost everything to capture her attention.
Caged, told only in Liam’s POV is very well written story. It’s full of suspense and swoon worthy moments. I have to admit that the author’s done a great job, especially in creating the main hero. Liam is just right mix of alpha with adorable, charming guy. I liked reading from his point of view; he was hilarious, sweet and sexy.
To be completely honest, my only issues were connected with Tria. I found her a tad bit too naïve and young for my liking. There were times when I was having a hard time with her dramatics and actions. What is more, her ‘family’s story’ which is revealed in the last 25% of the book, was bizarre and really messed up. I’m still not sure if I should laugh, cry or consider it totally unrealistic.
Overall, I had fun with this one! It was very exciting, heart racing and funny romance, which I’ve been reading with a smile on my face. I really enjoyed this entertaining story, although it wasn’t as gritty as I expected, I am very much looking forward to the second part of it. I have a feeling that author will surprise me and Liam has even much more to share with us.
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August 24, 2015
*4 Fighter Loves A Good Girl Stars*
"Something about this felt different-not quite as dreamlike but still surreal."-Liam
Shay Savage is by far one of my favorite authors. I really enjoy her unique writing style because she really knows how to write a man's POV! Caged: Takedown Teague was quite different from her other work and yet i thoroughly enjoyed meeting Liam and Tria and reading their story!
"There was no referee. There were no rounds. There was only one rule-whoever taps out or goes unconscious loses."-Liam
Liam is a fighter. He works in a seedy underground fighting circuit in order to pay the bills. We discover rather quickly that he is a man that comes from money and yet, he is living far from the lap of luxury. One night, after a fight, he sees a beautiful young woman walking home alone. Of course, she is thrown into a scary situation and although he is hesitant, he is happy to intervene and offer her help. After saving the day, Liam walks Tria home and they discover that they are neighbors.
Tria is a mystery. She exudes independence and seems to have it all together and yet, she lacks the understanding of day to day living in the slums. Liam is happy to help her.There was a definite attraction between the two, but Liam makes it a point to focus on his friendship with Tria. As time passes, Tria and Liam become inseparable.
"I was lost. Completely and totally lost within her. I was f*cked. I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her to me."-Liam
Although the attraction is evident between the two, nothing blossoms past friendship. When Tria's past plows it's way into her present, Liam is forced to intervene. The two finally recognize that they have feelings for one another and should definitely give their relationship a chance.
Don't expect "the standard" Shay Savage steamy love scenes in this read. This first book is all about the friendship between Liam and Tria. They both have such painful pasts that they must overcome before they can even consider a future together. What works well in this read is the character development that takes place within Liam. We get such a clear picture of the man he was, the man he is, and who he wants to be. Tria is still quite a mystery for me. I will also say that the big plot twist at the end really threw me! I would have never guessed the book would have gone in that direction. It left me at the edge of my seat and wanting more. Ms. Savage does a fantastic job of building tension and anticipation between the two main characters. There was a definite element of NA angst as we wait and wonder, will these two just get together?
Overall, I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a good NA Fighter Romance Story. There were moments that I felt like the tempo of the story was a bit slow and yet, the twist at the end just made everything explode all at one time. Will Tria and Liam find a future together? Can they possibly overcome the demons of their past? I, for one, cannot wait to find out!!!
~ARC graciously provided via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review!~
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"Something about this felt different-not quite as dreamlike but still surreal."-Liam
Shay Savage is by far one of my favorite authors. I really enjoy her unique writing style because she really knows how to write a man's POV! Caged: Takedown Teague was quite different from her other work and yet i thoroughly enjoyed meeting Liam and Tria and reading their story!
"There was no referee. There were no rounds. There was only one rule-whoever taps out or goes unconscious loses."-Liam
Liam is a fighter. He works in a seedy underground fighting circuit in order to pay the bills. We discover rather quickly that he is a man that comes from money and yet, he is living far from the lap of luxury. One night, after a fight, he sees a beautiful young woman walking home alone. Of course, she is thrown into a scary situation and although he is hesitant, he is happy to intervene and offer her help. After saving the day, Liam walks Tria home and they discover that they are neighbors.
Tria is a mystery. She exudes independence and seems to have it all together and yet, she lacks the understanding of day to day living in the slums. Liam is happy to help her.There was a definite attraction between the two, but Liam makes it a point to focus on his friendship with Tria. As time passes, Tria and Liam become inseparable.
"I was lost. Completely and totally lost within her. I was f*cked. I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her to me."-Liam
Although the attraction is evident between the two, nothing blossoms past friendship. When Tria's past plows it's way into her present, Liam is forced to intervene. The two finally recognize that they have feelings for one another and should definitely give their relationship a chance.
Don't expect "the standard" Shay Savage steamy love scenes in this read. This first book is all about the friendship between Liam and Tria. They both have such painful pasts that they must overcome before they can even consider a future together. What works well in this read is the character development that takes place within Liam. We get such a clear picture of the man he was, the man he is, and who he wants to be. Tria is still quite a mystery for me. I will also say that the big plot twist at the end really threw me! I would have never guessed the book would have gone in that direction. It left me at the edge of my seat and wanting more. Ms. Savage does a fantastic job of building tension and anticipation between the two main characters. There was a definite element of NA angst as we wait and wonder, will these two just get together?
Overall, I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a good NA Fighter Romance Story. There were moments that I felt like the tempo of the story was a bit slow and yet, the twist at the end just made everything explode all at one time. Will Tria and Liam find a future together? Can they possibly overcome the demons of their past? I, for one, cannot wait to find out!!!
~ARC graciously provided via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review!~
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 29, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1LxTzO0
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1RzZXTw
Told in Shay's unmistakeable Male POV style, I was immediately transported into the world of undefeated Cage Fighter Liam 'Takedown' Teague. He is a bit of a mystery, living hand to mouth and fighting 2 nights a week at a local bar.
One night he spots a lone woman, walking home from work and has no choice but to intervene when he sees 4 men go after her, his protective streak kicks in and he saves Tria from a fate worse than she could ever imagine.
Tria has left her small town behind, much to the chagrin of her family, and is working and studying in order to make a better life for herself. She's very naive considering where she has come from, but sweet and the perfect compliment to Liam's pent up personality.
_ _ _ _
As this is the first book in the trilogy , it is more of an introduction to the characters, and a what I would consider a slow burn. Liam and Tria form a friendship which slowly turns into more and we discover that they both have secrets that neither is that keen to share.
The last 20% of the book took a turn that I was not expecting, at all, but I have to say that I am very interested in how it's all going to play out. I really liked being in Liam's head, he was an interesting character and quite funny at times.
There isn't much of him in the ring but we do get a sneak peek into life of a cage fighter, and I was very interested in his training partner/manager, Yolanda. She is definitely a character who I'd like to know more about.
If this trilogy could be compared to a meal, this was definitely a starter that has me gagging for more, and I can't wait to see their relationship develop, especially with the crazy goings on that they found themselves embroiled in at the end. This did end on a cliffhanger, but luckily the next book is out in a few weeks.
This is the first book of a trilogy, told from Liam's POV. Books 2 and 3 will be out very soon after. Ends on a cliffhanger.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1LxTzO0
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1RzZXTw
Told in Shay's unmistakeable Male POV style, I was immediately transported into the world of undefeated Cage Fighter Liam 'Takedown' Teague. He is a bit of a mystery, living hand to mouth and fighting 2 nights a week at a local bar.
One night he spots a lone woman, walking home from work and has no choice but to intervene when he sees 4 men go after her, his protective streak kicks in and he saves Tria from a fate worse than she could ever imagine.
Tria has left her small town behind, much to the chagrin of her family, and is working and studying in order to make a better life for herself. She's very naive considering where she has come from, but sweet and the perfect compliment to Liam's pent up personality.
_ _ _ _
As this is the first book in the trilogy , it is more of an introduction to the characters, and a what I would consider a slow burn. Liam and Tria form a friendship which slowly turns into more and we discover that they both have secrets that neither is that keen to share.
The last 20% of the book took a turn that I was not expecting, at all, but I have to say that I am very interested in how it's all going to play out. I really liked being in Liam's head, he was an interesting character and quite funny at times.
There isn't much of him in the ring but we do get a sneak peek into life of a cage fighter, and I was very interested in his training partner/manager, Yolanda. She is definitely a character who I'd like to know more about.
If this trilogy could be compared to a meal, this was definitely a starter that has me gagging for more, and I can't wait to see their relationship develop, especially with the crazy goings on that they found themselves embroiled in at the end. This did end on a cliffhanger, but luckily the next book is out in a few weeks.
This is the first book of a trilogy, told from Liam's POV. Books 2 and 3 will be out very soon after. Ends on a cliffhanger.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 13, 2015
5 'LMAO' stars
I think my face hurts from all the smiling and laughing from this wacky read. Liam is a riot!
Caged: Takedown Teague is a surprisingly delightful read. I'm anticipating some dark caged fighter story, but instead I got a humorous laugh out loud story of a penniless caged fighter who is so smitten with his new neighbor that he is willing to do anything to keep her, including being her platonic roommate.
Liam 'Takedown' Teague is a guy who left his wealthy family and his future behind to live on the street. His history with his estranged family still remain a mystery to us. Liam practically live hand to mouth with his two fights per week. Life seems so mundane until he save a damsel in distress one night and his life is never the same again.
Tria is new in town, studying for her degree and working night shift to pay the bills. One night when she was attacked on her walk back home, she met a stranger who not only save her but later become her closest friend in the city.
As per Shay Savage's style, the whole story was told from the male POV. Getting into Liam's mind is a wonderful experience in itself. His POV is simply delightful and addictive to read. I started this book in the evening and I can't put it down until I finished it at 3am.
I don't understand why is he having such a hard time getting the girl. Instead of turning on his sexual charm and hit on the girl, he end up being in the 'friend-zone'. Poor guy. The things he did to impress her was borderline ridiculous, but a whole lot of swoon. Sigh. I just can't stop laughing and snickering at his foolishness. The length he will go for his girl is limitless. There is also a dose of assholishness and pervy side of him that I enjoy. Also for the first time, I get to read about a couple that are so broke they can't even get from one city to another without resorting to the extreme.
The revelation regarding Tria's family and where she came from was another whole load of fucked-up-ness. I don't know whether to cringe or laugh about it. It was so bizarre. I think Liam gave a really good reaction about the whole deal. I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans he will come up next. I also looking forward to his character development. I wonder what is the future install for this lovely couple.
Recommended for those who will enjoy a non-dark fighter story and some wacky male POV.
I think my face hurts from all the smiling and laughing from this wacky read. Liam is a riot!
Caged: Takedown Teague is a surprisingly delightful read. I'm anticipating some dark caged fighter story, but instead I got a humorous laugh out loud story of a penniless caged fighter who is so smitten with his new neighbor that he is willing to do anything to keep her, including being her platonic roommate.
Liam 'Takedown' Teague is a guy who left his wealthy family and his future behind to live on the street. His history with his estranged family still remain a mystery to us. Liam practically live hand to mouth with his two fights per week. Life seems so mundane until he save a damsel in distress one night and his life is never the same again.
Tria is new in town, studying for her degree and working night shift to pay the bills. One night when she was attacked on her walk back home, she met a stranger who not only save her but later become her closest friend in the city.
As per Shay Savage's style, the whole story was told from the male POV. Getting into Liam's mind is a wonderful experience in itself. His POV is simply delightful and addictive to read. I started this book in the evening and I can't put it down until I finished it at 3am.
I don't understand why is he having such a hard time getting the girl. Instead of turning on his sexual charm and hit on the girl, he end up being in the 'friend-zone'. Poor guy. The things he did to impress her was borderline ridiculous, but a whole lot of swoon. Sigh. I just can't stop laughing and snickering at his foolishness. The length he will go for his girl is limitless. There is also a dose of assholishness and pervy side of him that I enjoy. Also for the first time, I get to read about a couple that are so broke they can't even get from one city to another without resorting to the extreme.
The revelation regarding Tria's family and where she came from was another whole load of fucked-up-ness. I don't know whether to cringe or laugh about it. It was so bizarre. I think Liam gave a really good reaction about the whole deal. I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans he will come up next. I also looking forward to his character development. I wonder what is the future install for this lovely couple.
Recommended for those who will enjoy a non-dark fighter story and some wacky male POV.
Want to read
July 13, 2015
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE.
Sounds amazing.
Book 1 in trilogy.
BLURB:
This is not made for TV. This is the raw, brutal underground of no-holds-barred combat. Inside the cage there is nothing but me and the pain I inflict on those who dare enter. In the cage, I never have to worry about anyone but myself. Yet, when she began standing outside of the cage, everything changed. I was no longer fighting for the money or the glory – I was fighting for her.
Books in The Caged series should be read in order:
Book 1: Caged: Takedown Teague
Book 2: Trapped
Book 3: Untitled
ARC provided to me by author Shay Savage in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author "Shay Savage" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Caged: Takedown Teaque
SERIES: (Caged #1)
AUTHOR: Shay Savage
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: July 14th, 2015
MY RATING: 4 STARS
4 UNDEFEATED STARS
This is my ELEMENT
My SHOW
My LIFE
My ONE and ONLY
LOVE
I got paid a hundred a fight, win or lose. If I won, I got more.
LIAM: Is a 26 year old hot tempered tattooed bad ass fighter with an attitude to match when it comes to taking down his opponents in the cage..
TRIA: Is a 20 year old suffering from small town syndrome aka: A naive girl lost in a big city..
BOTH HAVE SECRETS
When I first started fighting here, Yolanda told me I needed a catchy nickname of some sort. We toyed around with a few and figured "Takedown" fit well with my name and sounded pretty tough. I started going by Liam "Takedown Teaque."
I have really high expectations for this book and that is only due to the fact that this author is the bomb (Transcendence & Surviving Raine) ring any bells for anyone!!
This author never ceases to surprise me, there is nothing Shay Savage can't write where I've never loved it..A unique non insta-love book, kept me intrigued all the way throughout till I inhaled that last page..I LOVED Liam, how Shay captured his humour and brought him alive on the pages was what made me claim him as my favourite fighter character, he's not just all brawn, we saw that side where he wanted to love, to protect, slowly we were shown more of him can't wait to see what the next book brings..
When I saw that SHAY was writing a FIGHTER book I had to jump on this..Lover me a hot sweaty ripped fighter guy..
In typical shay fashion this book is no different when it comes to getting so absorbed within the story that it's a struggle to put down once started..I love her writing style..
The humour in this will have you in stitches, Liam is just full of one liners that had me giggling out loud..
TITLE: Caged: Takedown Teaque
SERIES: (Caged #1)
AUTHOR: Shay Savage
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: July 14th, 2015
MY RATING: 4 STARS
4 UNDEFEATED STARS
This is my ELEMENT
My SHOW
My LIFE
My ONE and ONLY
LOVE
I got paid a hundred a fight, win or lose. If I won, I got more.
LIAM: Is a 26 year old hot tempered tattooed bad ass fighter with an attitude to match when it comes to taking down his opponents in the cage..
TRIA: Is a 20 year old suffering from small town syndrome aka: A naive girl lost in a big city..
BOTH HAVE SECRETS
When I first started fighting here, Yolanda told me I needed a catchy nickname of some sort. We toyed around with a few and figured "Takedown" fit well with my name and sounded pretty tough. I started going by Liam "Takedown Teaque."
I have really high expectations for this book and that is only due to the fact that this author is the bomb (Transcendence & Surviving Raine) ring any bells for anyone!!
This author never ceases to surprise me, there is nothing Shay Savage can't write where I've never loved it..A unique non insta-love book, kept me intrigued all the way throughout till I inhaled that last page..I LOVED Liam, how Shay captured his humour and brought him alive on the pages was what made me claim him as my favourite fighter character, he's not just all brawn, we saw that side where he wanted to love, to protect, slowly we were shown more of him can't wait to see what the next book brings..
When I saw that SHAY was writing a FIGHTER book I had to jump on this..Lover me a hot sweaty ripped fighter guy..
In typical shay fashion this book is no different when it comes to getting so absorbed within the story that it's a struggle to put down once started..I love her writing style..
The humour in this will have you in stitches, Liam is just full of one liners that had me giggling out loud..
July 21, 2015
I hate to rate a Shay Savage book so low; but if I am being honest, I was quite disappointed with this one and it was nothing like I expected either.
I did enjoy the hero; who was a cage fighter named Liam "Takedown" Teague. He has major secrets about where he comes from, and how he ended up fighting in a bar two nights a week for very little money. Liam was everything I love in my alpha heroes. He was aggressive, possessive, and highly sexual. It is extremely too bad though, that all of the action he got during the whole book was with his hand. I kid you not...No sex to be found; except a hell of a lot of masturbating. Now, I am not a prude, and done right...masturbation scenes can be highly erotic. Liam's were sadly not anything to brag about, and I think I became just as frustrated as he was! LOL
Moving on to the heroine..Her name is Tria, and she holds a bunch of secrets too. One night while she is walking home in a very scary neighborhood..and very late as she had just gotten off of work...she runs into a situation with a group of guys that are up to no good. This is where her hero enters the picture and helps her out of a very dangerous situation. Ironically, as Liam walks her home; they find out they are neighbors! Circumstances change their living situation very fast, and they end up living together very quickly. Liam has developed major feelings for Tria, and I believe that Tria has them right back. Unfortunately, we only get Liam's POV through the whole story. I have to wonder if that contributed to my lack of compassion when it came to the heroine. I just didn't care for her at all. The way she treats Liam, left a bad taste in my mouth..More than a few times, I wanted to slap her silly for the way she talked to him.
"Caged" is nothing that I thought is was going to be. I found it to drag on, and there was more than once where I was going to pull a DNF right way. It also ends with a Cliffy, and I can't answer yet as to whether or not I will read the second book. I am nosy by nature, and I will admit that I am a bit curious about the outcome of everything. Time will tell if I will have the desire to complete this one or not.
I am going to leave my review at that. I just can't in good conscience rave about this story. I still do label Shay Savage as one of my favorite authors, I just think that my expectations for this story weren't met. Some people will I am sure really enjoy this story; but it just wasn't one that wowed me.. Moving on to another read!!!
I did enjoy the hero; who was a cage fighter named Liam "Takedown" Teague. He has major secrets about where he comes from, and how he ended up fighting in a bar two nights a week for very little money. Liam was everything I love in my alpha heroes. He was aggressive, possessive, and highly sexual. It is extremely too bad though, that all of the action he got during the whole book was with his hand. I kid you not...No sex to be found; except a hell of a lot of masturbating. Now, I am not a prude, and done right...masturbation scenes can be highly erotic. Liam's were sadly not anything to brag about, and I think I became just as frustrated as he was! LOL
Moving on to the heroine..Her name is Tria, and she holds a bunch of secrets too. One night while she is walking home in a very scary neighborhood..and very late as she had just gotten off of work...she runs into a situation with a group of guys that are up to no good. This is where her hero enters the picture and helps her out of a very dangerous situation. Ironically, as Liam walks her home; they find out they are neighbors! Circumstances change their living situation very fast, and they end up living together very quickly. Liam has developed major feelings for Tria, and I believe that Tria has them right back. Unfortunately, we only get Liam's POV through the whole story. I have to wonder if that contributed to my lack of compassion when it came to the heroine. I just didn't care for her at all. The way she treats Liam, left a bad taste in my mouth..More than a few times, I wanted to slap her silly for the way she talked to him.
"Caged" is nothing that I thought is was going to be. I found it to drag on, and there was more than once where I was going to pull a DNF right way. It also ends with a Cliffy, and I can't answer yet as to whether or not I will read the second book. I am nosy by nature, and I will admit that I am a bit curious about the outcome of everything. Time will tell if I will have the desire to complete this one or not.
I am going to leave my review at that. I just can't in good conscience rave about this story. I still do label Shay Savage as one of my favorite authors, I just think that my expectations for this story weren't met. Some people will I am sure really enjoy this story; but it just wasn't one that wowed me.. Moving on to another read!!!
July 19, 2015
Thank you Shay Savage for going from one of my top favorite authors to the bottom of my list.
I'm so sick of authors adding descriptive sex scenes with other women after the hero has met and built a relationship with the heroine.
He doesn't actually sleep with the woman in question because he realizes he's actually really interested in the heroine but the scene was too descriptive. It shows that had he been able to perform he would have 100% had sex with her. It was so fucking pointless it pissed me off enough to not want to bother finishing it. He hadn't received any indication that the heroine wasn't interested so why he would attempt something with the heroine instead of some random whore makes no sense to me.
For the safety gang group: I tagged it descriptive because the scene I'm referring to his "sexual stuff" (as Erika likes to put it lol) with another woman.
You're off my safe list and I'm so damn disappointed in you for going this route. Definitely will be proceeding with caution from now on when reading any of your books.
Just lost a loyal fan.
UPDATE>
I ended up finishing it just in case and only bumped it up to 2 stars because the rest of the book had me curious about what was going on. I wasn't invested in the characters and I was just waiting for him to fuckup again. After reading spoilers for the last two books in the Evan Arden series and then reading the blurb for the next book in this series I don't think I'll be continuing. I don't trust the author not to include cheating or sexual bs with other women since she didn't have any problem doing that in her other series.
I'm so sick of authors adding descriptive sex scenes with other women after the hero has met and built a relationship with the heroine.
He doesn't actually sleep with the woman in question because he realizes he's actually really interested in the heroine but the scene was too descriptive. It shows that had he been able to perform he would have 100% had sex with her. It was so fucking pointless it pissed me off enough to not want to bother finishing it. He hadn't received any indication that the heroine wasn't interested so why he would attempt something with the heroine instead of some random whore makes no sense to me.
For the safety gang group: I tagged it descriptive because the scene I'm referring to his "sexual stuff" (as Erika likes to put it lol) with another woman.
You're off my safe list and I'm so damn disappointed in you for going this route. Definitely will be proceeding with caution from now on when reading any of your books.
Just lost a loyal fan.
UPDATE>
I ended up finishing it just in case and only bumped it up to 2 stars because the rest of the book had me curious about what was going on. I wasn't invested in the characters and I was just waiting for him to fuckup again. After reading spoilers for the last two books in the Evan Arden series and then reading the blurb for the next book in this series I don't think I'll be continuing. I don't trust the author not to include cheating or sexual bs with other women since she didn't have any problem doing that in her other series.
July 16, 2015
Liam “Takedown” Teague is a 26 year old, badass, hot tempered, tattooed cage fighter. He works, sleeps and eats cage fighting. Only working two nights per week and training in between on the other days. Simply existing and living day to day. Fighting and struggling to survive, but doing so on his own. Running from his past, arrogant and prideful enough, to stay away from his family's empire. He's in his element when in the ring. The adrenalin keeps him moving, feeling.
Living in a run down area, Liam knows the occupants of this area of town, must traverse the streets with care. At every corner, lurks thugs and robbers, gangbangers, either warring or selling dope. When Liam sees a young girl, dressed skimpily, walking through the streets at an ungodly hour of the morning, all he can do is shake his head, thinking this girl has a serious dead wish. When said thought comes to fruition, it leaves Liam with no other choice than to aid this damsel in distress.
Meeting 20 year old Tria Lynn, becomes a conundrum for Liam. She's this sweet, naive young girl, new to town and to the area, working and struggling to make ends meet. Every cent goes towards her college and paying bills. With little left over for recreation. Yet, for Liam, this sweet and feisty spit fire, intrigues him with her larger than life attitude, and his respect only grows for Tria. She's so young and ambitious, willing to work hard for a better life.
Saving Tria was the best decision Liam has even made in his life. Slowly, a friendship develops, that keeps the other on their toes, and Liam realizes that his feelings for her are becoming more than neighbourly concern.
When Tria's past comes knocking, Liam knows it's only a matter of time before Tria succumbs to the pressure. And he isn't willing to let her go.
As the story progresses Shay Savage gives us a suspenseful and drama filled plot, that will throw the reader for a loop. Totally unexpected. My only concern was I felt that Tria, trivialized her family situation, and it started to border on simply being too naive. Even though it ends on a cliffy, we see where a wonderful prelude for the second instalment has been set. Which will definitely keep the reader intrigued and waiting for more.
*ARC provided by TRSOR on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
Living in a run down area, Liam knows the occupants of this area of town, must traverse the streets with care. At every corner, lurks thugs and robbers, gangbangers, either warring or selling dope. When Liam sees a young girl, dressed skimpily, walking through the streets at an ungodly hour of the morning, all he can do is shake his head, thinking this girl has a serious dead wish. When said thought comes to fruition, it leaves Liam with no other choice than to aid this damsel in distress.
Meeting 20 year old Tria Lynn, becomes a conundrum for Liam. She's this sweet, naive young girl, new to town and to the area, working and struggling to make ends meet. Every cent goes towards her college and paying bills. With little left over for recreation. Yet, for Liam, this sweet and feisty spit fire, intrigues him with her larger than life attitude, and his respect only grows for Tria. She's so young and ambitious, willing to work hard for a better life.
Saving Tria was the best decision Liam has even made in his life. Slowly, a friendship develops, that keeps the other on their toes, and Liam realizes that his feelings for her are becoming more than neighbourly concern.
When Tria's past comes knocking, Liam knows it's only a matter of time before Tria succumbs to the pressure. And he isn't willing to let her go.
As the story progresses Shay Savage gives us a suspenseful and drama filled plot, that will throw the reader for a loop. Totally unexpected. My only concern was I felt that Tria, trivialized her family situation, and it started to border on simply being too naive. Even though it ends on a cliffy, we see where a wonderful prelude for the second instalment has been set. Which will definitely keep the reader intrigued and waiting for more.
*ARC provided by TRSOR on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
July 14, 2015
Liam is a cage fighter in a local bar, struggling to make it day by day. He meets Tria when he saves her from being a victim, a new girl in the big city. You think you know what happens next? I don’t think you do, but it is the start of an interesting romance.
My first time in Ms. Savage’s world : I’ve heard alot, and I mean, ALOT of good things about Ms. Savage’s writing from many different friends, but this is my first time reading one of her stories. After reading Caged, I think I need to bump her books up my TBR list. Obviously, I can't compare this to her earlier works, but I will say the writing was good, and while I know this is the first in a trilogy, there is a good foundation of characters and storyline possibilities. I enjoyed the first person POV from the hero instead of the heroine, which isn’t as easy to do.
Liam’s all man : Often, the male perspective can come off one of two ways - either too emotional, which makes me feel like we’re in the heroine’s head not the hero’s, or it’s over the top crude, rude and full of a-holery, almost like that man who buys the biggest truck to overcompensate for his short...comings.
Like anything else in life, there’s a delicate balance that needs to be struck, and Ms. Savage has it down pat. The entire time you are in Liam’s head, you are never in doubt that he’s a man. A young, quick-tempered, hurt young man, but definitely a man. I could feel his excitement while fighting, I could see the kindness that Liam hides behind a cold protective outer shell, and I loved seeing his attraction and emotional attachment to Tria build and build. He’s a bit immature, and his mouth can get away from him, but I love his protectiveness of Tria.
Tria’s personality comes through : Now, first person POV can be difficult for me, usually because the viewpoint can be narrow and I don’t get to know both leads as well as I’d like. Tria’s a bit of a mystery at first, but as Liam falls for her, I felt her personality starts to shine through. Their banter, his fear/mocking of her purse was hilarious (the list of nicknames for her purse made me smile every time it came up) and as the story progressed, their friendship/attraction gets stronger and stronger. I will say, her past is a big part of why I was surprised, because frankly, it’s not what I was expecting.
Unusual plot turns : Now, I like to think of myself as a seasoned romance reader, so it’s hard to really surprise me. The blurb set me up for a fairly standard cage fighter romance and I was down for that. What I got had elements of the familiar, but between the ominous notes of one of Liam’s past struggles, and Tria’s unusual upbringing and going home to this strange little isolated community, the path has some twists and turns that tell me that this is anything but usual, and I like that.
Not exactly safe, but it’s ok : For those who need a “safe read,” fair warning - there’s a brief scene early on in the story, before anything ever happens between Tria and Liam. Because of the way it plays out, I didn’t have a problem with it.
It’s a cliffy : If you’ve read any of my reviews, you may have noticed that I have a lack of love for cliffhangers. So far, this is clearly only the first part of the story so it’s hard to judge how it will all come together in the end. It feels incomplete and the connection between Liam and Tria is still in its early tentative stages.
However, in this case the wait isn’t long (second book comes out in August), and the story’s strong enough that I know something big’s going to go down, so to speak, and I just don’t know what happens next. In a romance, that doesn’t happen often to me, so kudos to Ms. Savage - you’ve intrigued me.
I really enjoyed alot of this, and was surprised enough with the turn at the end that I want...no need to know what happens next. Considering my stance on trilogies, I’m cautiously optimistic and impressed at how Ms. Savage has hooked me on this series. I’d definitely recommend this for fans of trilogy series and fighter romances.
**ARC provided by author for review**
My first time in Ms. Savage’s world : I’ve heard alot, and I mean, ALOT of good things about Ms. Savage’s writing from many different friends, but this is my first time reading one of her stories. After reading Caged, I think I need to bump her books up my TBR list. Obviously, I can't compare this to her earlier works, but I will say the writing was good, and while I know this is the first in a trilogy, there is a good foundation of characters and storyline possibilities. I enjoyed the first person POV from the hero instead of the heroine, which isn’t as easy to do.
Liam’s all man : Often, the male perspective can come off one of two ways - either too emotional, which makes me feel like we’re in the heroine’s head not the hero’s, or it’s over the top crude, rude and full of a-holery, almost like that man who buys the biggest truck to overcompensate for his short...comings.
Like anything else in life, there’s a delicate balance that needs to be struck, and Ms. Savage has it down pat. The entire time you are in Liam’s head, you are never in doubt that he’s a man. A young, quick-tempered, hurt young man, but definitely a man. I could feel his excitement while fighting, I could see the kindness that Liam hides behind a cold protective outer shell, and I loved seeing his attraction and emotional attachment to Tria build and build. He’s a bit immature, and his mouth can get away from him, but I love his protectiveness of Tria.
Tria’s personality comes through : Now, first person POV can be difficult for me, usually because the viewpoint can be narrow and I don’t get to know both leads as well as I’d like. Tria’s a bit of a mystery at first, but as Liam falls for her, I felt her personality starts to shine through. Their banter, his fear/mocking of her purse was hilarious (the list of nicknames for her purse made me smile every time it came up) and as the story progressed, their friendship/attraction gets stronger and stronger. I will say, her past is a big part of why I was surprised, because frankly, it’s not what I was expecting.
Unusual plot turns : Now, I like to think of myself as a seasoned romance reader, so it’s hard to really surprise me. The blurb set me up for a fairly standard cage fighter romance and I was down for that. What I got had elements of the familiar, but between the ominous notes of one of Liam’s past struggles, and Tria’s unusual upbringing and going home to this strange little isolated community, the path has some twists and turns that tell me that this is anything but usual, and I like that.
Not exactly safe, but it’s ok : For those who need a “safe read,” fair warning - there’s a brief scene early on in the story, before anything ever happens between Tria and Liam. Because of the way it plays out, I didn’t have a problem with it.
It’s a cliffy : If you’ve read any of my reviews, you may have noticed that I have a lack of love for cliffhangers. So far, this is clearly only the first part of the story so it’s hard to judge how it will all come together in the end. It feels incomplete and the connection between Liam and Tria is still in its early tentative stages.
However, in this case the wait isn’t long (second book comes out in August), and the story’s strong enough that I know something big’s going to go down, so to speak, and I just don’t know what happens next. In a romance, that doesn’t happen often to me, so kudos to Ms. Savage - you’ve intrigued me.
I really enjoyed alot of this, and was surprised enough with the turn at the end that I want...no need to know what happens next. Considering my stance on trilogies, I’m cautiously optimistic and impressed at how Ms. Savage has hooked me on this series. I’d definitely recommend this for fans of trilogy series and fighter romances.
**ARC provided by author for review**
October 18, 2015
This was my last book for the month of July. It was...........good. It was good, I liked it...It was pretty fast paced, it was a little....odd at times. I liked Liam [haven't 'met' one I haven't liked yet :)] and Tria wasn't too bad either. I am not really sure...I can't seem to wrap my head around it yet. That last little bit was kind of fucked up....so I am interested in seeing what part 2 brings.
come find me:
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come find me:
www.facebook.com/ReadsAsh
IG: ash.reads Twitter: @ReadsAsh
March 15, 2017
"Review" posted: 08.05.2016
(edited: 10.05.2016)
No. Nope. Not for me. Not at all. And no, I am not going to continue with this series.
Rate: 1.5 *It had some potential, but no* stars.
No. Nope. Not for me. Not at all. And no, I am not going to continue with this series.
Rate: 1.5 *It had some potential, but no* stars.
July 13, 2015
4 -
I was never one...
Stars!
I quickly realized that Caged: Takedown Teague is something that I had originally read in part when Shay originally published it as Fan-Fiction, I don’t believe I ever finished it in that form, so it was good to get back into the story and read a bit more than before.
The book is written in Shay’s inimitable style and as you would expect Liam’s head is an extremely entertaining place to be. I will be honest and say that the four star rating is wholly for Liam’s characterization, personality and inner monologues, because if I am honest, I didn’t really feel there was a lot going on in relation to the story-line, for the bulk of the book.
”Maybe it’s time for you to take a chance again.”
Caged is definitely what I would call a slow burn, in that if you are looking for any major drama, a little angst or epic plot-twists, that is common-place for this author you are going to be in for a bit of a surprise. The main portion of this installment in the Caged series is the initial meeting, getting-to-know-you, and general relationship development between Liam and Tria. Yes both of them are sporting some pretty messed up pasts (Tria’s, I found particularly out there) but there isn’t a lot about any of that, apart from a few teasers, until the last 25% or so of the book.
The whole thing was actually quite sweet, and although Liam could definitely win gold in the ‘Wanking Olympics’, the sexy-times are pretty thin on the ground, you don’t really get a huge amount of time in the cage either, but the general flow of the story pretty much evolves around Liam trying to understand why he is so intrigued and protective of Tria and her massive handbag, their day to day lives crammed into a tiny apartment together, and where a relationship between the two of them could go, if he ever manages to pull himself out of the 'Big Brother' / 'Friend-Zone' with her.
She had promise.
She had potential.
I didn’t have shit.
This really was the appetizer for me, and I have a feeling that the bulk of the action is going to be delivered in part two of the series; Trapped, Shay unusually has left this part of Liam and Tria’s story at a pretty big cliff-hanger, and now that the building and development of their relationship has got to a certain point I am interested to see what direction it goes, and whether the issues from both of their pasts have any effect detrimentally or otherwise on the fragile future they are starting to carve out for themselves. All is most definitely yet to be revealed!
ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I quickly realized that Caged: Takedown Teague is something that I had originally read in part when Shay originally published it as Fan-Fiction, I don’t believe I ever finished it in that form, so it was good to get back into the story and read a bit more than before.
The book is written in Shay’s inimitable style and as you would expect Liam’s head is an extremely entertaining place to be. I will be honest and say that the four star rating is wholly for Liam’s characterization, personality and inner monologues, because if I am honest, I didn’t really feel there was a lot going on in relation to the story-line, for the bulk of the book.
”Maybe it’s time for you to take a chance again.”
Caged is definitely what I would call a slow burn, in that if you are looking for any major drama, a little angst or epic plot-twists, that is common-place for this author you are going to be in for a bit of a surprise. The main portion of this installment in the Caged series is the initial meeting, getting-to-know-you, and general relationship development between Liam and Tria. Yes both of them are sporting some pretty messed up pasts (Tria’s, I found particularly out there) but there isn’t a lot about any of that, apart from a few teasers, until the last 25% or so of the book.
The whole thing was actually quite sweet, and although Liam could definitely win gold in the ‘Wanking Olympics’, the sexy-times are pretty thin on the ground, you don’t really get a huge amount of time in the cage either, but the general flow of the story pretty much evolves around Liam trying to understand why he is so intrigued and protective of Tria and her massive handbag, their day to day lives crammed into a tiny apartment together, and where a relationship between the two of them could go, if he ever manages to pull himself out of the 'Big Brother' / 'Friend-Zone' with her.
She had promise.
She had potential.
I didn’t have shit.
This really was the appetizer for me, and I have a feeling that the bulk of the action is going to be delivered in part two of the series; Trapped, Shay unusually has left this part of Liam and Tria’s story at a pretty big cliff-hanger, and now that the building and development of their relationship has got to a certain point I am interested to see what direction it goes, and whether the issues from both of their pasts have any effect detrimentally or otherwise on the fragile future they are starting to carve out for themselves. All is most definitely yet to be revealed!
ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
August 2, 2015
***DNF @ 38%***
Not sure what I read here.
Not sure why people like it.
Uhm, not for me. Sowwie.
Not sure what I read here.
Not sure why people like it.
Uhm, not for me. Sowwie.
July 16, 2015
Where to start with this review? First let me say that I really do enjoy Savage's writing style and CAGED is well written. This one is definitely on the New Adult romance spectrum. Tria is young, naive, and struggling to find her place. Although young as well, Liam is experienced and a bit jaded already. He has survived a rough patch that has collapsed the characters and lives of many others. Liam has self imposed restrictions and solitude to help him fight his demons and overcome the very real challenges that he still faces.
In CAGED the backgrounds of Liam and Tria are revealed slowly but steadily. The way Liam and Tria come together shows how inexperienced and naive Tria is and the basic goodness that still lives in Liam. I like that the story is told through Liam and his sense of humor peeks through frequently; especially in the form of his many titles for Tria's giant overstuffed bag.
I found myself cruising through CAGED generally enjoying the read and out of nowhere there is a plot twist that made me stop dead in my tracks. I can't of course say what that twist is, but let me say it's a doozie! It involves Tria, her upbringing, and her best friend. Ya'll...I just didn't see that one coming. It makes sense-kind of. But the ideology behind it in today's world is so out there that it takes the reader making a leap of faith that Savage is going to take the story in a direction where this all makes sense somehow to make it work. I have that faith in Savage. After all, if she can make me love a caveman she can make this crazy out there twist work. I will admit to getting a bit of the giggles because I thought that it was going to play out as some kind of elaborate joke on Tria and Liam, but no it's real folks! I don't know why I thought that because no one in the story made it out that way at all. It's a very real and serious situation for them as a community.
I also struggled with a star rating on this one. I at first thought that I would give it 3 stars since I probably won't reread this one, but I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished the story so surely that warrants 4 stars. After all, I will definitely be standing in line waiting to get my hands on book 2 since CAGED ends in the dreaded cliffhanger and we have to wait for book 2, TRAPPED, to come out in August to see how this all plays out.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
In CAGED the backgrounds of Liam and Tria are revealed slowly but steadily. The way Liam and Tria come together shows how inexperienced and naive Tria is and the basic goodness that still lives in Liam. I like that the story is told through Liam and his sense of humor peeks through frequently; especially in the form of his many titles for Tria's giant overstuffed bag.
I found myself cruising through CAGED generally enjoying the read and out of nowhere there is a plot twist that made me stop dead in my tracks. I can't of course say what that twist is, but let me say it's a doozie! It involves Tria, her upbringing, and her best friend. Ya'll...I just didn't see that one coming. It makes sense-kind of. But the ideology behind it in today's world is so out there that it takes the reader making a leap of faith that Savage is going to take the story in a direction where this all makes sense somehow to make it work. I have that faith in Savage. After all, if she can make me love a caveman she can make this crazy out there twist work. I will admit to getting a bit of the giggles because I thought that it was going to play out as some kind of elaborate joke on Tria and Liam, but no it's real folks! I don't know why I thought that because no one in the story made it out that way at all. It's a very real and serious situation for them as a community.
I also struggled with a star rating on this one. I at first thought that I would give it 3 stars since I probably won't reread this one, but I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished the story so surely that warrants 4 stars. After all, I will definitely be standing in line waiting to get my hands on book 2 since CAGED ends in the dreaded cliffhanger and we have to wait for book 2, TRAPPED, to come out in August to see how this all plays out.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
August 24, 2015
*ARC received from author*
It just occurred to me that I've been remiss with my Shay read, and I've almost forgotten how well she does male POV!!! Just almost... I really need to rectify that soon and get on with her other books!
This is a story about a young caged fighter with a hidden past and the girl he meets who's running away from something and wanting a new start. They're not living on easy street, that's for sure, but they make it look easy. At the point they're at, it seems all about the basics of necessities, think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.Yet, there's more there than meets the eye, given what I know of their past, especially Liam's. At least, the glimpse that I've seen so far. In the simplicity of their needs, they're appreciative of the littlest things which I found really endearing.
It's about navigating thru their daily lives and just getting to know each other, and for me to get to know each character. So in that sense, it feels like nothing much happened throughout the book. And if I have a tiny beef, that would probably be it. Even as things are slowly getting revealed or people in their past are getting introduced, this has a slow burn feel to it.
But guess what I really really enjoyed? Umm, Liam!!! His thoughts and words crack me up endlessly. I love the innocence too in some of them. I found him totally charming, even in his most asinine moments. The sleeping moments are definite faves. And most fave? His thoughts on her purse!!! Seriously!!! Only a guy, I tell ya!!! SMH! And I love it! What did I say earlier, that Shay can do male POV like it's no one's business!
And Tria is just a strong a character. There's strength in her fragility. And I appreciate her honesty.
Needless to say, I am eagerly gonna wait for the next book!
It just occurred to me that I've been remiss with my Shay read, and I've almost forgotten how well she does male POV!!! Just almost... I really need to rectify that soon and get on with her other books!
This is a story about a young caged fighter with a hidden past and the girl he meets who's running away from something and wanting a new start. They're not living on easy street, that's for sure, but they make it look easy. At the point they're at, it seems all about the basics of necessities, think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.Yet, there's more there than meets the eye, given what I know of their past, especially Liam's. At least, the glimpse that I've seen so far. In the simplicity of their needs, they're appreciative of the littlest things which I found really endearing.
It's about navigating thru their daily lives and just getting to know each other, and for me to get to know each character. So in that sense, it feels like nothing much happened throughout the book. And if I have a tiny beef, that would probably be it. Even as things are slowly getting revealed or people in their past are getting introduced, this has a slow burn feel to it.
But guess what I really really enjoyed? Umm, Liam!!! His thoughts and words crack me up endlessly. I love the innocence too in some of them. I found him totally charming, even in his most asinine moments. The sleeping moments are definite faves. And most fave? His thoughts on her purse!!! Seriously!!! Only a guy, I tell ya!!! SMH! And I love it! What did I say earlier, that Shay can do male POV like it's no one's business!
And Tria is just a strong a character. There's strength in her fragility. And I appreciate her honesty.
Needless to say, I am eagerly gonna wait for the next book!
July 16, 2015
Awesome. Shay Savage has managed to create a refreshing and heart-warming story. This is the story of Teague and Tria.
Teague is a cage fighter. He is the best at what he does and he loves it. Fighting is his life and he wants nothing more than the thrill of a win.
When he stumbles upon a girl in need of help, his entire life changes. Tria is a girl that screams different. When she develops an odd friendship with the fighter, she finds a new ally in his face.
Circumstances and Teague's kindness will force them to form a strong bond that will start changing into something much more.
I loved the writing. The characters were extremely likable and Tria was adorable. Teague was strong, fearless and at the same time extremely loyal. The storyline was unique and I was sucked in from the beginning. I loved the secrets Teague has locked deep inside him and I was enthralled by Tria's story. Simply amazing.
4 Stars from me!!! Cannot wait for the next book!
I received an ARC via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review.
Teague is a cage fighter. He is the best at what he does and he loves it. Fighting is his life and he wants nothing more than the thrill of a win.
When he stumbles upon a girl in need of help, his entire life changes. Tria is a girl that screams different. When she develops an odd friendship with the fighter, she finds a new ally in his face.
Circumstances and Teague's kindness will force them to form a strong bond that will start changing into something much more.
I loved the writing. The characters were extremely likable and Tria was adorable. Teague was strong, fearless and at the same time extremely loyal. The storyline was unique and I was sucked in from the beginning. I loved the secrets Teague has locked deep inside him and I was enthralled by Tria's story. Simply amazing.
4 Stars from me!!! Cannot wait for the next book!
I received an ARC via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2017
4 stars
Reallllly liked this one. I loved how it was strictly told in Liam's POV. I found it funny and refreshing. I so used to reading books in just the female's. I loved Tria and Liam although I found that she was more of a side character and this is Liam's story. Not bad, but I would like her to be more fleshed out in the coming ones.
Reallllly liked this one. I loved how it was strictly told in Liam's POV. I found it funny and refreshing. I so used to reading books in just the female's. I loved Tria and Liam although I found that she was more of a side character and this is Liam's story. Not bad, but I would like her to be more fleshed out in the coming ones.
July 18, 2015
The best part of Caged is Liam's references to Tria's big purse. We can all relate. Otherwise, it was a bore.
Liam Teague is a cage fighter. He makes just enough money to get by. When he's not fighting he's working out or hooking up (so he says - we never witness it). He has to stay busy. It's hinted at from the beginning he used to have . And he still struggles with it when he's idle.
We meet Tria when Liam sees her walking home at night and he saves her from would-be muggers/rapists. It turns out she moved in to the same building as him. From there, they form a friendship. Liam feels very protective of her. And he wants her. Bad. But he's not sure how to proceed.
I'm very disappointed. The male pov is Savage's niche but I think the story would have benefitted from dual povs. Tria had a unique upbringing and I think being in her head would have added some interest. Liam just wasn't a strong enough character to carry the story in my opinion.
There was in this book! I know, say what?! Sometimes the sexual tension makes me just as giddy as the actual sex but not in this case. It was like watching a teenager try to make a move. I just didn't care. That, added to the detailed monotony that was Liam and Tria's life, made the story drag on and on. But then the last forty percent took a turn for the weird. It came out of left field. No thanks. I won't be picking up the sequels.
Liam Teague is a cage fighter. He makes just enough money to get by. When he's not fighting he's working out or hooking up (so he says - we never witness it). He has to stay busy. It's hinted at from the beginning he used to have . And he still struggles with it when he's idle.
We meet Tria when Liam sees her walking home at night and he saves her from would-be muggers/rapists. It turns out she moved in to the same building as him. From there, they form a friendship. Liam feels very protective of her. And he wants her. Bad. But he's not sure how to proceed.
I'm very disappointed. The male pov is Savage's niche but I think the story would have benefitted from dual povs. Tria had a unique upbringing and I think being in her head would have added some interest. Liam just wasn't a strong enough character to carry the story in my opinion.
There was in this book! I know, say what?! Sometimes the sexual tension makes me just as giddy as the actual sex but not in this case. It was like watching a teenager try to make a move. I just didn't care. That, added to the detailed monotony that was Liam and Tria's life, made the story drag on and on. But then the last forty percent took a turn for the weird. It came out of left field. No thanks. I won't be picking up the sequels.
July 22, 2015
Phenomenal!! Loved it, couldn't put it down, absolutely terrific story, I'm blown away
SUPERB READ _ here's my full review
PRE-REVIEW:
So happy to be reading this one
PRE_REVIEW:
SUPERB READ _ here's my full review
PRE-REVIEW:
So happy to be reading this one
PRE_REVIEW:
July 11, 2017
Wow, Shay Savage is the first author who actually got me to read the complete series without letting me complain how long each book was.
This book is like a magnet for a reader.
Really a good peace of work.
The story is very interesting if we start from the starting it starts with Liam in the cage(his fighting ring) and how if feel to be inside one.
Liam is a very good underground fighter who fights because it makes him feel alive not because he likes it or he makes a lot of money out of it .That was new fighter fight to make money but in Liams case it totally different he doesn't make enough money out of fighting and can barely meets the other expenses.
Tria is a small town girl who has just moved to the city and is working as a waitress and like any other heroine she is studying on the side line.She has a very reserved nature and does not let her emotions out easily .She has a very tough cover and is very realistic .
Lets see this story has many interesting characters but first Liam and Tria ,at fisrt when author is describing the characters she wrote that Liam is one who is not whey much interested in what others do.But out of the way he went to save Tria from the men who were trying to hurt her.
If we compare both of them you would see that there names are some what like this LT and TL.
Some what may I was actually comparing Liam from Remy from Katy Evans book Remy had bipolar issue but Liam had anxiety issues which made him look at everything like his fighting ring.Both the characters lived in the same shity apartment so no one could judge who lived in a better one.Ad the story had only Liams POV it was more difficult to know.One thing was very interesting in the story and made me wish author had added Tria POV to was when Liam called himself Tria brother and I eagerly wanted to know what she taught.I also loved the expression for Tria big purse when Lian says i could hide a mouse in there you wont even find out even if you do you would find your lip stick nippled.Really no one gets frightened when they see what a girl can keep in her purse.
But that was coverted by the other characters who made made the story very interesting and that was Krazy Katie who told a man how she was inside her whomb.That made the story more readable as there were more like this in the whole story.Over I loved the story .But some things were very different like Liam not earning enough like any normal underground fighter.This story felt more about Liams story.But I loved it any how.
This book is like a magnet for a reader.
Really a good peace of work.
The story is very interesting if we start from the starting it starts with Liam in the cage(his fighting ring) and how if feel to be inside one.
Liam is a very good underground fighter who fights because it makes him feel alive not because he likes it or he makes a lot of money out of it .That was new fighter fight to make money but in Liams case it totally different he doesn't make enough money out of fighting and can barely meets the other expenses.
Tria is a small town girl who has just moved to the city and is working as a waitress and like any other heroine she is studying on the side line.She has a very reserved nature and does not let her emotions out easily .She has a very tough cover and is very realistic .
Lets see this story has many interesting characters but first Liam and Tria ,at fisrt when author is describing the characters she wrote that Liam is one who is not whey much interested in what others do.But out of the way he went to save Tria from the men who were trying to hurt her.
If we compare both of them you would see that there names are some what like this LT and TL.
Some what may I was actually comparing Liam from Remy from Katy Evans book Remy had bipolar issue but Liam had anxiety issues which made him look at everything like his fighting ring.Both the characters lived in the same shity apartment so no one could judge who lived in a better one.Ad the story had only Liams POV it was more difficult to know.One thing was very interesting in the story and made me wish author had added Tria POV to was when Liam called himself Tria brother and I eagerly wanted to know what she taught.I also loved the expression for Tria big purse when Lian says i could hide a mouse in there you wont even find out even if you do you would find your lip stick nippled.Really no one gets frightened when they see what a girl can keep in her purse.
But that was coverted by the other characters who made made the story very interesting and that was Krazy Katie who told a man how she was inside her whomb.That made the story more readable as there were more like this in the whole story.Over I loved the story .But some things were very different like Liam not earning enough like any normal underground fighter.This story felt more about Liams story.But I loved it any how.
March 5, 2024
I must say I am REALLY happy that I had the foresight to return books 2 and 3 before the return cut off window.. 🙌
This is I believe, the first low rated book that I have for Ms. Savage.. Very disappointing.. I have a strong intuition that this story could have been told in one, maybe two books tops, but not be dragged on for three..
My issue here is not with the characters..it was the fact that this book dragged on for way too long, but without any real set up or point. I could handle this, if what I was given was actually interesting.. Even poignant. But it wasn't..
Oh and you get not one, and I mean not ONE pay off here for the emotional and physical frustration/angst that this book puts you through..NOT ONE😤😤
Then you wind up on a jacked up Island of where Tria, our heroine is from, and you are stuck here with her backward mainland folks and their VERY sick and backward beliefs on what sacred rituals of procreation entails, and why.. And then you're left with a very anticlimactic cliffhanger for your wasted time and trouble...
Guess I would have preferred more history snippets here with our H, Liam.. Especially since this entire story is in his POV.. But instead you get very few snippets of his history. And a very long, PG rated theme where he and Tria are concerned.
There's a slow burn🔥 and then there's this.. moving at the rate of a Sloth at the special Olympics..
So nope.. I have no love for this one. There was nothing here at all that would make me want to return for books 2 and 3 of this Trilogy..
It just leaves me with a very unsavory taste of milking the cash cow for everything it's worth for a story that should have peaked and ended by chap 18. #JS
Yeah.. NO. As you can see I wouldn't recommend this one..
This is I believe, the first low rated book that I have for Ms. Savage.. Very disappointing.. I have a strong intuition that this story could have been told in one, maybe two books tops, but not be dragged on for three..
My issue here is not with the characters..it was the fact that this book dragged on for way too long, but without any real set up or point. I could handle this, if what I was given was actually interesting.. Even poignant. But it wasn't..
Oh and you get not one, and I mean not ONE pay off here for the emotional and physical frustration/angst that this book puts you through..NOT ONE😤😤
Then you wind up on a jacked up Island of where Tria, our heroine is from, and you are stuck here with her backward mainland folks and their VERY sick and backward beliefs on what sacred rituals of procreation entails, and why.. And then you're left with a very anticlimactic cliffhanger for your wasted time and trouble...
Guess I would have preferred more history snippets here with our H, Liam.. Especially since this entire story is in his POV.. But instead you get very few snippets of his history. And a very long, PG rated theme where he and Tria are concerned.
There's a slow burn🔥 and then there's this.. moving at the rate of a Sloth at the special Olympics..
So nope.. I have no love for this one. There was nothing here at all that would make me want to return for books 2 and 3 of this Trilogy..
It just leaves me with a very unsavory taste of milking the cash cow for everything it's worth for a story that should have peaked and ended by chap 18. #JS
Yeah.. NO. As you can see I wouldn't recommend this one..
August 4, 2019
I love how the entire book is from the guys POV. I’ve never read a romance book that is only from the guys POV and it was pretty refreshing!!
January 8, 2016
I love stories with fighters - MMA, underground, boxers - and this one was about a cage fighter which is probably a first for me. I love the hero's strength, the protective nature, the physique (of course! Who wouldn't drool over a ripped body and firm abs!) and the whole alpha male thing going on.
Liam was no exception. He was a confident, somewhat broody type of guy who knew what he was capable of. He was undefeated in cage fighting and his prowess was shown the first time he met Tria. He saved her from some guys looking to cause her trouble. That had been the start of a beautiful friendship between the two.
Small glimpses and clues about Liam's past and family were shown throughout the book, not all but just enough to keep you interested. He was living almost in poverty, so was Tria, who escaped her foster family to pursue her dreams. Much as I enjoy the luxuries enjoyed by couples I read in other stories, there was something appealing and sweet about two people who barely had anything but managed to make each other happy. The simplicity and effort given to make life as comfortable as possible for one another were priceless.
Liam may enjoy and even thrive on the violent nature of his job, but he was sweet and thoughtful too. His thoughts about Tria's purse and the many ways he named it had me laughing out loud!
Tria was an intelligent girl who run away from a bizarre community where she grew up to make something of herself. She was shy, but there was a fire in her too that I enjoyed a lot.
This was a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to continue the story of these two very interesting and likable characters.
July 18, 2016
Part of me is still baffled by what I just read, but luckily there is a book 2 and I will hopefully get some answers from it.
I'm extremely intrigued by Liam's story. What he's been through, the choices he made and continues to make, how long he expects to live the life he does, etc.
As of right now, I'm uncertain as to what kind of future Liam and Tria have. Although she's in college, they both don't seem to have an idea of their own individual futures, much less one they would share.
Shay Savage is famous for throwing her readers for a loop and I'm a bit apprehensive to see what this series has in store for these characters.
Fingers crossed
XO
I'm extremely intrigued by Liam's story. What he's been through, the choices he made and continues to make, how long he expects to live the life he does, etc.
As of right now, I'm uncertain as to what kind of future Liam and Tria have. Although she's in college, they both don't seem to have an idea of their own individual futures, much less one they would share.
Shay Savage is famous for throwing her readers for a loop and I'm a bit apprehensive to see what this series has in store for these characters.
Fingers crossed
XO
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