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PLEASE NOTE: This book has been unpublished and is no longer available for purchase.

When a black heart meets a broken heart, fists will fly.

Gabriella Mitchell
A girl devoid of hope.
With all her energy spent trying to keep a roof above her brother and sister's head, Gabbi doesn't get time to play much anymore. Her parent's divorce has forced her to grow up too fast, leaving her to assume responsibilities well beyond those of a normal seventeen-year-old.

"Hooligan" Harvie
Burnt-out MMA fighter who's lost it all.
He had the fairy-tale life—the perfect woman and a son he adored. Until the day it was ripped away from him in the most violent of ways.
Hooligan is content to live with his rage ... until an angry girl breaches a chink in the armour that protects his black heart.

She's broken-hearted. His heart is dead and decayed inside his chest.
She’s lost the ability to trust while he doesn't think life has anything left to offer. When neither believes in fairy tales, can the vicious world of MMA show them that they're wrong?

That even the most f#cked-up deserve a happily-ever-after?

Brawl is the first book in the Black Hearts MMA series by Kylie Hillman. This coming-of-age tale is about more than MMA. There's themes of hate, hope, and healing - featuring a barely legal girl, who's wise beyond her years, and a much older man, who might have found love in the last place he thought possible.

Pick up your copy of this second-chance romance today!

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2016

415 people are currently reading
698 people want to read

About the author

Kylie Hillman

51 books896 followers
*DUE TO ONGOING HEALTH ISSUES, KYLIE IS TAKING INDEFINITE LEAVE FROM PUBLISHING*

Kylie Hillman is an Australian author who writes bloodstained love stories and erotic, psychological thrillers (as K. Hillman). She intertwines grit, sarcasm, and romance in her tall tales.

Wife to a Harley riding, quintessential Aussie bloke and mum to two teens, Kylie splits her non-writing time between reading, sharing memes, avoiding black jelly beans, and lamenting her inability to drink a cup of tea before it goes cold.

Kylie is represented by Sarah Hershman of Hershman Rights Management.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
October 18, 2019
💝FREE on iBooks today (10/1/18)!💝

Blurb:
When a black heart meets a broken heart, fists will fly.

Gabriella Mitchell
A girl devoid of hope.
With all her energy spent trying to keep a roof above her brother and sister's head, Gabbi doesn't get time to play much anymore. Her parent's divorce has forced her to grow up too fast, leaving her to assume responsibilities well beyond those of a normal seventeen-year-old.

"Hooligan" Harvie
Burnt-out MMA fighter who's lost it all.
He had the fairy-tale life—the perfect woman and a son he adored. Until the day it was ripped away from him in the most violent of ways.
Hooligan is content to live with his rage ... until an angry girl breaches a chink in the armour that protects his black heart.

She's broken-hearted. His heart is dead and decayed inside his chest.
She’s lost the ability to trust while he doesn't think life has anything left to offer. When neither believes in fairy tales, can the vicious world of MMA show them that they're wrong?

That even the most f#cked-up deserve a happily-ever-after?
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,020 reviews432 followers
May 12, 2016
This is truly a brilliant read. I went to bed last night to reads chapter before I went to sleep and ended up reading the whole book.

I didn't read the synopsis before I read this book. I just knew I would read it as this author wrote it. Gladly I didn't read the synopsis as I felt burnt out with MMA reads. After reading this I'll be looking to read more MMA:)

Gabbi is a strong eighteen year old who is struggling to bring up her sister and brother.
The first time she goes to an MMA fight she meets the popular Hooligan who gets under her skin. Hooligan is struggling to move on from his past. He doesn't want anything to do with Gabbi but his heart says something else.

This story was faultless. I really liked Gabbi and Hooligan. The secondary characters added so much more to the story as well.

I just want to delete this book from my memory so I can read it again for all those first time feels.

A faultless read that I absolutely loved.
Profile Image for Laura Reinhart .
427 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book, I loved the characters and their chemistry. Gabby was badass and such a strong independent woman. I could not put this book down.
Profile Image for Tinabooklover.
660 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2016
Another great read! I wasn't so sure about this book at first, the h was only 17...but this author has a way with making it all come together!
Hooligan is a man with tons of fight in him. He has lost in his life and hasn't lived since. When he meets Gabbie he doesn't know what hits him. Gabbie is a 17 year old girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. What does Gabbie do to deal with having the responsibility of her little brother and sister to deal with? She fights and fucks. When she meets Hooligan at one of his fights, the chemistry they have is unforgettable. He can't get her off his mind and she can't stop thinking about him. When Gabbie asks Hooligan to train her to fight, he is reluctant...how will he be able to keep himself away from wanting her if he has to spend time with her every day? After losing a deal, Hooligan has no choice but to train Gabbie.
This book is sad, funny, hot, sexy and romantic. You cry for Hooligan and Gabbie because of things that happen to them in life. You cheer for them to find away together. Two lifeless souls who need each other, that's what this book is.
Profile Image for Laura Lee.
957 reviews174 followers
May 22, 2016
Kylie, you have done it again! What a fantastic, page turning story you have written.

Have you ever felt like you have been dealt the crappy hand? Gabbi, has got to be the winner of the most horrible hand possible. At the young age of 17, she is handling the divorce of her parents, mother who has gone off the deep end not knowing how to swim and 2 younger siblings. Her father who is now remarried and raising a 'new' family has nothing to do with the 3 children from his first marriage. That is a lot for a 17 yr old to handle.
Then comes Hooligan in the picture...can Gabbi's world maybe be set straight on it's axis now? Can two fighters survive in a cage together without killing one or the other?

While the story is a fast paced one, it is not lacking in details, emotions and action!!
Profile Image for Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books).
1,080 reviews28 followers
May 14, 2016
"When I want something, I brawl for it. Fighting implies there's depths that I won't stoop to in order to get what I want. So if say I'm ready to brawl for you, that should tell you that there'll be no limits to what I do. To what I'm capable of."

This is my story by this author and I wasn't sure what to expect but I love a bit of tortured alphas beating out their misery in a ring so thought why the devil not! I was intrigued as its a twist with the fighter to be being a 17 year old "little girl" who is jaded by the world already. Gabbi is left battered and bruised by uncaring selfish parents that are too wrapped up in their drama to see the collateral damage they have left in their wake. Having to grow up too fast and act like a surrogate parent to her younger siblings has changed her and made her skeptical, hardened to letting anyone in as everyone she has ever trusted has let her down.

Hooligan is lost in his grief. His past refuses to let him move on as he hasn't yet learned to live with the guilt. Unbeatable in the ring he is impressive in and out of it. Circumstances brings a spitfire into his gym and against his better judgement he makes a promise that changes everything for him and for her. Struggling with his need to possess her and protect her from him the internal battle with his ghosts and his future is emotional and heart wrenching. Can they both survive the fight?

Brawl is a superbly written MMA stand alone that warmed the dark recesses of my heart. A story of rebirth and acceptance. Of finding oneself and learning who to trust. It's positive and uplifting, challenging perceptions and showing that sometimes it is worth the fight. A story of perseverance and hope. I really enjoyed the writing style, story twists and characters.

A four and a half star take a punch read.

~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
Profile Image for Reflections of a Book Geek.
722 reviews24 followers
May 12, 2016
This is the first book by Kylie Hillman I have read but I have to say I will definitely be having a look at her other books.

This book started a little slow for my liking and I had mixed up who the hero was going to be, I thought Nate was the H but I’m glad he wasn’t.

Gabby has had a hard life and has built walls around her heart to protect herself, she doesn’t form relationships with anyone and her only real friend is Amy. My heart hurt for her at times because she had to grow up so fast and lost her childhood through no fault of her own. Gabbi tried to act like nothing bothered her but when we get down to it she isn’t the tough ass she thinks she is.

Hooligan was a jerk for parts of this book, I hated how he was so callous with Gabbi at times through this story. He hurt her intentionally and I was so mad at him for that. We get to hear his struggles and I realised he was trying to protect himself too. He had lost so much in his life and it was hard reading about both characters pain.

The story was a little unconventional with the age difference and to be fair I tend to stay away from those types of stories for some reason. But there was just something about this story that drew me in and kept me hanging on every word.

I really enjoyed this book, there was plenty happening and the characters were likeable. There were times I got frustrated but overall I loved it.
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
May 12, 2016
4 Marshmallow stars

A HOT FAST MMA PACED READ

Gabbi is a fiery character which I liked. 17 and responsible for her sister and younger brother working in a gym she is a fighter to the core.

Hooligan is a lot older than Gabby, an MMA fighter who has previously been married and his backstory is touching.

Two explosive tempers meeting their match for once.

When Gabby and Hooligan first have a glimpse of each other, sparks fly it becomes a love hate relationship in the beginning.

Gabby has so much responsibility and her shoulders and life really does need to give her a break and Hooligan like a hot tempered knight comes to her rescue at the right time in her life.

"Fucked up people deserve the best endings. Gives them a reason to survive all the shit life throws at them"

Sometimes fairy tales sneak up on you when you're least expecting it, teaching you that your past doesn't shape your future.

Loved gabby and Hooligans story, told in dual pov's. Brawl was fast paced, well balanced with the drama,humour and hotness in all the right places and I would definitely read more from this author.

Arc gratefully recieved for honest review: BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends.com
BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends & L.AB.B Facebook & Goodreads group
Profile Image for She's a Lip Biter.
1,336 reviews30 followers
May 11, 2016
4.5 Stars

OMFG!!! I Loved This Book, I Loved The Story, The Characters And I Also Loved The Way The Book Was Written. It Was An Unusual Plot For Me As I Haven't Read Many Age Gap Books But Once You Overlook That Its A Great Piece Of Writing.

I Love A Strong, Sassy, Takes No Shit Women In A Book And Gabbi Was Just That, With Her No-Nonsense Approach To All That Goes On In Her World. Gabbi Refused To Let Anyone In Especially Men After The Disappointment Of Her Father. She Is Knocked Off Of Kilter When Her Eyes Lock With Hooligan's.

Hooligan Is An MMA Fighter That Has A Black Cold Heart And He Doesn't Let Anything Or Anyone In Except His Nephew. He Has Lost His Whole Reason For Caring After His Wife And Child Are Murdered. That Is Until His Eyes Lock With Gabbi's

Read This Amazing Book About 2 Fighters That Engage In An All Out BRAWL To Find Themselves Again And Each Other. This Book Is About Coming Of Age Too Young Of Loss And Of Gut Wrenching Heartbreak That You Never Think You Can Recover From But Its Mostly A Beautiful Love Story That Is Between A Man And Women That Fighter For Each Other Against All The Odds.

Reviewed by Donna
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
May 12, 2016
OMG Brawl is a heartbreaking, and a HIGHLY emotional read that I devoured in one sitting, as I LOVED every gut wrenching moment! Gabriella Mitchell is a fighter. At 17 years old, she is taking care of her two younger siblings while working, and finishing high school. With a father who left them for a new family, and a mother who is only interested in partying and gambling, there isn't anyone else to pay the bills, or make sure the kids are safe and in school. When she stumbles into her first Underground MMA fight, she feels an instant connection to Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie. She decides she wants to fight professionally to support her family, and she wants him to train her. But he doesn't think girls should fight, and he definitely doesn't want her around because of the strong pull he feels towards her. She gets him to make a deal with her, and she wins so he has to train her, but he's battling huge demons that won't let him be happy, so he's trying to stay away from her. Will Hooligan and Gabriella quiet their demons long enough to get a happy ending?

WOW WOW WOW! I have come to love this author's writing, but I did not see this one coming, as it blew me away! The character development is fantastic, with an amazing cast of secondaries that I, do believe, need their own stories (hint hint). An emotionally charged, original, and well written storyline flows effortlessly. Even though Gabriella is young, the flammable chemistry simmers until finally EXPLODING into HOT HOT HOT sexy scene goodness, after she turns 18. Kylie Hillman's brilliant writing style pulled out all of my girly girl emotions, and I found my eyes leaking more than once during the story. Brawl is an intense and amazing story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Marika.
4,861 reviews101 followers
May 13, 2016
Such a beautiful story!
I love Gabby. She's fierce and loyal, strong and stubborn and she's definitely not afraid to tell it like it is.
She has to be strong for her brother and sister, and she have to be strong to protect herself.
Hooligan..well at the beginning I wasn’t much of a fan , but reading his Pov as well as Gabby made me change my mind so fast lol, especially knowing his story.
I love the angst, the push and pull, the desire and the sparring, both in the ring and verbally, and I love watching their relationship change.
Oh I got plenty mad, believe me, especially at some characters, but absolutely nothing could stop me from smiling so big at Hooligan's sweetness and how fierce he is.
This story tho is so much more than a love story. It's a journey of self discovery and life lessons. I can't spoil but dang, I am dying to talk to someone about it. I am amazed of all the feelings.
Another great book from this author!
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,182 reviews20 followers
May 13, 2016
Another winner for Kylie Hillman! What a phenomenal read!! Gritty, intense and fast paced, it was refreshing to read about about female character who was so vulnerable, yet so badass she did what she had to do to save her family and save herself in the process. Loved her character and despite her young age, she has lived a life 27 year olds can't handle. She enters the world of mma, to let off steam, to survive. And to help her achieve her dream, hot alpha and very broody Hooligan turns into her knight in shining armor without wanting too, but needing to. Their banter, and their sexual tension is absolutely delicious!❤️
The result is a story of strength, hope, love and badass girl power.
Author 51 books896 followers
Read
August 4, 2017
"Couldn't put it down!"
"Finally! A strong female lead!"
"Exciting powerhouse read!"

This coming-of-age tale is about more than MMA. There's themes of hate, hope, and healing - featuring a barely legal girl, who's wise beyond her years, and a much older man, who might have found love in the last place he thought possible.

DOWNLOAD BRAWL TODAY!

🥊 Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mRaSQO
🥊 iBooks: http://apple.co/2cPeLFg
🥊 Kobo: http://bit.ly/2dOJz6d
🥊 Google Play: http://bit.ly/GPBrawl
🥊 Nook: http://bit.ly/2dOIKu4
Profile Image for Unrulyreadr Reviews.
1,092 reviews21 followers
May 12, 2016
Emotional, heartbreaking, pull you into the story writing. That is just some of the worlds that come to mind when trying to write this review. This book had me so high on my emotions that I had to take a few days to write the review. Not only are the main character's strong and amazing, the secondary characters are on the same level. I can't wait to read about them.......If you are looking for an emotional, make your eyes leak, pull at your heartstrings story then Brawl by Kylie Hillman is the book.

Review by Justabooklovinjunkie
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,003 reviews63 followers
May 26, 2016

Love this book!!! This is the first book I've read it by Kylie Hillman, and I will definitely be reading more of her books. The only part in the book that bothered me was The age difference between Gabbi and Hooligan, but that can be overlooked. Overall great book!!!
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
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Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,034 reviews31 followers
May 10, 2016
GREAT GREAT BOOK! What a wonderful read! I loved it! Hooligan comes across so hard and dark. he's anything but that. Cammi seems so rough & sleeps around.... She's anything but that!
I loved how they build up to sex & there's not sex all through the book. Even if it is spoken of a lot!
This is an all around great book!
Profile Image for  ♡♡~Cyborg-Scifi-Lover~♡♡.
580 reviews
May 23, 2016
Ready.... Set... & FIGHT!

I really love it that there is a strong female lead in it!
Its a wonderful storyline along with amazing characters.
It didn't disappoint.
I would recomment too anyone who loves to read about a female fighter.
Profile Image for Janneke Wolbers.
475 reviews1 follower
Read
May 15, 2016
I started this book late in the evening telling myself i could read one or two chapters... I was wrong.. it sucked me in... and what a twist... well if you wanna know about that.. read it
Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,176 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2016
I loved Brawl.
The way that Kylie Hillman describes the world of underground MMA is so indepth that you feel like you are there and its happening all around you.
Profile Image for Joanna  helms.
132 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2016
great read.. I loved it.. if u haven't read it yet, u are missing out.. grab it, read it and enjoy
Profile Image for Camille.
44 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2018
I've read Kylie Hillman's work before and gave the entire Black Shamrock MC series 5 stars, if I recall. So, my expectations for this book were high. I'm a bit puzzled as to just what didn't work for me, but I've decided it was Gabbi, the h. She was young, under-age, for most of the book and I felt like it was reflected in her angry attitude. I understand that her life stank in some very real ways, but her "leave me alone or I'll beat you" attitude just didn't set right with me. I had a hard time caring about her. And, the scene where she and Hooligan first cast eyes on one another and felt an instant connection...yeah, I have a hard time swallowing that. Maybe there's an instant attraction after meeting someone, but to just meet eyes with someone? In my experience, that's the first red flag of an unhealthy relationship. Maybe that's just me.

I also didn't care for the sexual harassment that Gabbi experienced at the gym, yet no one did anything about. Sure, she kicked their fannies, but no adult on the premise did anything to stop the treatment. I didn't mind the age difference at all. I just think that people treated Gabbi as if she was more mature than she, in fact, was, simply because she'd fight anyone who disagreed with her. Early on in the book, Amy, a friend in her late 20's, sets Gabbi up (at a club Gabbi shouldn't even legally be in) with some older rough, tough males and then abandons her. Not a big fan of that scenario either.

It's not a series I'll continue with. Oh, one more thing...the cover was recently redone and I think the selection was a huge mistake. The man on the cover I read looks like he's in his 40's, not 30's, and had a haaaard life besides. I don't mean to be shallow, but there's certainly nothing attractive about the cover. Hillman might want to re-think that.
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,690 followers
not-appealing
October 21, 2018
A barely legal girl of 17 years old with a much older man (thirty something years old...).
Nope, not my cuppa.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,835 reviews44 followers
May 11, 2016

Title:Brawl
Author:Kylie Hillman
Reviewer:M. Austin
Release Date:5-12-16
Genre(s):MMA Standalone
Page Count:300
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 5stars out of 5
Blurb:

Gabriella Mitchell is a fighter.

She fights to keep her family together after her parent's divorce.
She fights to keep her siblings safe and in school.
She fights because it's the only thing keeping her sane.

Stumbling across an underground MMA fight ring in Sydney, her blood roars as she watches the ruthless Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie with floor of the octagon with his latest opponent.

Gabriella decides she wants to fight professionally; to support her siblings with her fists...and she wants Hooligan to teach her.

Hooligan doesn't think girls should fight. Especially young, pretty ones he'd love to have warming his bed for a night or two...if only he could silence his conscience long enough.

Every couple needs to fight for their love at some stage, however, with two stubborn hearts at stake, a happy ending for these two will require an all-out BRAWL.


Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description

Brawl by Kylie Hillman was a great 5 star read.
Gabbi is getting ready to graduate high school, prepare for art school and is trying to take care of her sister and brother. Their mom is a deadbeat and dad is off starting a new life, who once in awhile drops money or a gift to make himself feel better.

“Your father’s the most selfish parent in the world, Gabriella, to leave me with his ungrateful offspring so he can go and live his fancy new life with his whore.”

Gabbi meets Nate in the grocery store and later finds out that he will be working with her at the gym. Since she doesn’t mix work and pleasure she instantly shuts down Nate. Although Nate definitely didn’t play nice, the scene and dirty talk in the club was freakin hot. Gabbi ends up going to an MMA fight in the basement of the bar with Nate and his friends where she see’s Hooligan for the first time and there is an instant connection between the two. However, Hooligan instantly dismisses Gabbi which upsets her. After the fight all hell breaks loose and Gabbi gets another face-to-face encounter with Hooligan, that leaves Gabbi confused about the feelings she is having. Hooligan has a heartbreaking past that causes him to be an a$$ to Gabbi and push her away.

The people who know me don’t say that my heart’s black and frozen for no reason. The angry man who’s spent his time beating anyone who faces him in the ring to a pulp is unrecognizable as the family man I was in my previous life.

Things take a huge turn when Gabbi talks Hooligan into training her to fight. What is he going to do with her being so close all the time? Will he be able to resist her? The story gets so much better and I loved it. Gabbi’s sassiness and strength were great.

The fear isn’t that Hooligan is dangerous or that he might hurt me physically. I’m afraid that he might actually do what he’s promised….brawl for my love.

I really enjoyed Brawl, Kylie really pulls you in with her writing. The secondary characters were great, they added a great element to the story. I can’t help but wonder if we'll see more from Kylie in regards to this group of friends and family. If you want a great love story of two lost souls becoming whole again, you will love Brawl. Thank you Kylie Hillman for another great read.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
May 20, 2016
Title: Brawl
Author: Kylie Hillman
Release Date: May 12, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 300
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Gabriella Mitchell is a fighter.

She fights to keep her family together after her parent's divorce.
She fights to keep her siblings safe and in school.
She fights because it's the only thing keeping her sane.

Stumbling across an underground MMA fight ring in Sydney, her blood roars as she watches the ruthless Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie with floor of the octagon with his latest opponent.

Gabriella decides she wants to fight professionally; to support her siblings with her fists...and she wants Hooligan to teach her.

Hooligan doesn't think girls should fight. Especially young, pretty ones he'd love to have warming his bed for a night or two...if only he could silence his conscience long enough.

Every couple needs to fight for their love at some stage, however, with two stubborn hearts at stake, a happy ending for these two will require an all-out BRAWL.


Review:
“Moments later, I feel her arms slide around my waist, her fingers linking at the small of my back. I push her against me and she takes a step closer, her breast pillowing against me, her cheek resting on the left pectoral. I can’t begin to describe how good she feels in my arms.”

5 brawl stars!!! I freaking loved this book!! I can’t even begin to describe how much!

Never in my life have I had such a girl crush on a female character until I met Gabriella. She is my ultimate female lead character!! She’s badss and well yeah….And don’t get me started on how much I loved Gabriella and Hayden together!! They were perfect, drop dead, perfect for each other!! The story itself is entertaining and will draw you in as soon as you start reading!!!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
May 12, 2016
There are situations where men and women are equal in my eyes and when Gabbi decided that she was going to do what she did best and provide for her family, albeit using her fists then that was her decision to make. The resistance that Hooligan initially had towards that said more about him than it did her but I am not one to hold a grudge and by the end I was content in the fact that he had turned my opinion of him around, good man!
The author really went to town with this pair, they are certain to rub you up the wrong way, really they are a prickly pair but where is the fun in smooth sailing?
The story had elements that most definitely tugged at my heartstrings and others that snapped them wickedly in two with a devious glint from the page it did so!
Gabbi grew up quickly when her folks called time on their marriage but it taught her early on that if you want something you have to fight for it, little did those around her realise that she would take that scenario so literally. Assuming a parental roll from a young age drills a level responsibility into you that I don’t think she was really ready for and she almost let it devour her, it was only her strong will that kept her spark alive.
Hooligan on the other half is doing what he definitely does best but it is a measured response to the hurt and pain that if he didn’t fight would eat him alive from the inside out. His heart is full to the brim with not just hurt and anger but also guilt and his coping mechanism is in the octagon!
Training Gabbi was never on his agenda, there are plenty of other things he can think of that he would rather be doing with the feisty Ms Mitchell but if she is prepared to meet him toe to toe then the scrap between them was only ever going to be electrifying.
A fabulously well written and engaging story that crosses all sorts of fields, two really strong characters that are full of mistakes, twists, turns and complications but who are most of all full of heart. They do what they need to do to survive and that dear ready should never be in any doubt.
A strong contemporary romance that married well with the strong MMA feel and I was delighted that Gabbi was getting in on the action.
With a host of secondary characters to accompany them on their journey through the book, it is safe to say that there was never a dull moment. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
May 13, 2016
description

Fighter Gabriella Mitchell is doing everything a 17 year old girl has to do to keep her family together. Dealing with the aftermath of her parent's divorce, she fights to keep her siblings safe. When she sees merciless fighter Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie, she knows he is the trainer to take her professional.

Hooligan Harvie has a tragic past that makes him a firm believer that girls have no business in the MMA. But when he sees just how talented and devoted Gabriella is in the ring, against his better judgment he agrees to train her. When the attraction becomes too much for two stubborn individuals to ignore, who will come out the winner and who will try to tap out?

This is the first book I have read of Kylie Hillman and I was so impressed. She made Gabby such a complex character. She has such a tough shell but vulnerable inside. Life lessons has shown her not to depend on anyone and not to let your heart get involved. When needed she steps up to take care of her siblings, taking over the role of parent. It was hard to believe Gabby was 17, because she lived a life that was not a typical teenager needing to be tougher and harder to survive. Yet you would see these pockets of exposed vulnerability that reminded you just how young she was.

To be honest it was hard for me to warm up to Hooligan, his first impression of Gabby was so insulting and it didn't get better after he actually met her. He was so hot/cold when it came to his feelings for this young woman. Then I found out more of Hooligan's devastating past and no wonder he didn't want to train a female. I think his reasons not wanting to train Gabby were because of his past and because of his attraction to a girl who was so young. I will say usually the age of Gabby would have made me hesitate to read but I am glad I was able to get past that because I really enjoyed this read. Even with the age difference you could feel the connection Hooligan and Gabby shared. And Hooligan redeemed himself for how he handled their sexual relationship.

The ending felt a little rushed but I thought the epilogue was perfect! I can't wait to read more from Kylie Hillman.
564 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2016
This is the second book that I've read by Kylie Hillman and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story .Kylie Hillman has given us a story that will just suck you in from start to finish and then will leave us wanting more from this author. The secondary character were just amazing and the main characters were touching and loving and between them all they made this story flow smoothly.This story is about two last souls that become whole again. This is about Gabriella Mitchell who's a fighter and Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie who's also a fighter and this is their story. Gabbi is just about to graduate from High School ,and is preparing for art school but it's rough for her because she's look after her brother and sister.She doing this because she mother is a deadbeat, and her father is starts a new life ,but ever once in awhile he'll drop off gifts or money to make himself feel good. But it take more then that to be a father ,it takes love,caring at being there all the time .But then one day while shopping she meets Nate by chance ,and he learns he will be working with her at the gym. But can this man ever talk dirty talk ,well he's in the club, but it was really hot too.But then one night Gabbi so to an MMA fight in the basement of the club ,and watched Nate and some friends fight , But well she was watching Nate fighter there's instant connection between them both.So she decides she wants to be a fighter to help support her family,but she wants Nate to train her ,But to her surprise Nate being the tough guy doesn't think woman should be fighters. But for one thing he doesn't want her around because of the feelings he has for her. But she made a deal with him and to his surprises she won the bit ,So he had to train her for her to enter the ring and fight. But deep down Nate is still fighting demon's that just makes happiness out of reach for him, Can this magical pair ever get together ? I could go on and tell you more about this amazing story ,but that would just spoil it for you .I highly recommend that you read this amazing story ,cause you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Philena.
15 reviews
May 18, 2016
Who would've known that deep beneath this MC author's dark writing exterior you would find a woman so equipped to write such a powerful and beautiful love story about two people battling life's everyday demons. It's emotionally driven and has surpassed anything that I had expected from this author. Once again, Kylie has thrown me for a loop with what she's capable of accomplishing.

Gabriella Mitchell never imagined that one change in her typical, ordinary life would push her into adulthood prematurely. Carrying the load that no seventeen year old should bear, she's been left with only one option, to FIGHT for all that she cares for and believes in.
Stumbling across an underground MMA was never in her plans, and getting him to train her wasn't going to come easy.

Hayden "Hooligan" Harvie was an undefeated MMA fighter. Not only did he fight physically, he fought with his intense emotions and memories from his past, that would surely take him down.
For Harvey, training women wasn't an option, and Gabriella was going to need to look elsewhere.

Can Gabriella help Hooligan defeat the only fight he's ever allowed himself to submit to? Can Hooligan tear down Gabriella's unbreakable walls and help her defeat her shattered heart? Trust me, you'll want to read this book to find out the answers.

My only regret is that this is a standalone and this writer has left me weeping as my heart aches for more.
Gather your tissues, ladies, as I'm sure you're going to want to fight alongside these characters. It's sure to pack a punch into every vessel of your heart.

Note to author Kylie Hillman:
You're writing has such an impact on my emotions. I look forward to reading all of your future work as you've proven to be one of my favorite authors. The fact that you conquer each new endeavor with commendable writing is mind blowing and has proven that nothing can stand in your way of success with this exciting new journey for you. Just saying, your books rock!
Profile Image for Jennifer Lessard.
475 reviews23 followers
May 16, 2016
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE sucker for MMA Fighter Romances! The only other genre I like as much, if not more are MC Romances! This is my first book by Kylie Hillman but I can certainly promise that it will not be my last! I have to say first off that the story line is amazing! The whole time I was reading this book, not once did any of it feel forced or fake. It was completely realistic and believable! Also it was never choppy or or stilted, it just flowed so nicely and not once did it stall out. It held my attention all the way through to the end. One thing I feel I need to remind people is that this story is based in Sydney, Australia and is written by an Australian author, so keep in mind they have phrases that are native to Australia so they may sound different to us and also there is a slight variation in some of the spelling of some words. They are not typos, that's how they spell and speak there. If the story was about American main characters, then it would be a different story, but that's not the case. I also want to commend Ms. Hillman on the job she did with character development. I felt like I could connect with every character in this story! She did a wonderful job building up this story and had me completely hooked from the very start! I did not want to put my kindle down last night to sleep even though it hit me in the face three or four times because I kept falling asleep. I will definitely be reading Ms. Hillman's MC Series once I finish the other ARC's I am committed to. I have already purchased them!
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