204 books
—
1,871 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “False Start (Beautifully Brutal, #1)” as Want to Read:
False Start
(Beautifully Brutal #1)
by
There’s nothing I can’t do on skates…
One night home and I’m obsessed.
She’s the most compelling woman I’ve ever seen, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
I watch her fight, battling head to head for everything she believes in.
And when the odds turn against her, I’m the unlikely key to her salvation.
Getting too close could cost me everything.
But there’s no chance in hell I’ll s ...more
One night home and I’m obsessed.
She’s the most compelling woman I’ve ever seen, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
I watch her fight, battling head to head for everything she believes in.
And when the odds turn against her, I’m the unlikely key to her salvation.
Getting too close could cost me everything.
But there’s no chance in hell I’ll s ...more
Get A Copy
Kindle Edition
Published
February 16th 2021
by Hagen Novels, LLC
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
False Start,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about False Start
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of False Start (Beautifully Brutal, #1)
Man. That was a crazy and wild ride I wasn’t expecting. If you would have asked me if I needed a roller derby sports romance book I would have probably shrugged. Now if you ask me, give them all to me. I fell so hard and quick for all of these characters, I want more.
Maisy lives in a small town and she’s part of a roller derby team which is stocked piled with a bunch of sassy and funny women. Cain is back in town to watch after his pregnant sister even though he left town after a scandal. The tw ...more
Maisy lives in a small town and she’s part of a roller derby team which is stocked piled with a bunch of sassy and funny women. Cain is back in town to watch after his pregnant sister even though he left town after a scandal. The tw ...more
I was super excited about a new Roller Derby series!!! This book was everything I was expecting one crazy, chaotic ride for sure. I really liked Maisy and Cain both but boy was they oil and water together. Cain is only back in town because his sister is having a baby but boy does Maisy draw him in. This is definitely a slow burn but the chemistry is there and they do so much good together for the local kids group. I definitely can not wait for book 2!!!
For those who like:
» Roller derby romance!
» Tattooed badass babe named Maisy Mayhem
» Broody, sexy, mysterious men
» ROLLER DERBY!
» Seriously hot and scorching steam
» Found families
» Sports romance in a small town
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review:
When I saw the sign up for this book, the first thought that went through my head was “Oh my god, I need to see Whip It again!” That ...more
» Roller derby romance!
» Tattooed badass babe named Maisy Mayhem
» Broody, sexy, mysterious men
» ROLLER DERBY!
» Seriously hot and scorching steam
» Found families
» Sports romance in a small town
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review:
“Because in life, and especially in roller derby, when they knock you down, you get back up. You always get back up.”
When I saw the sign up for this book, the first thought that went through my head was “Oh my god, I need to see Whip It again!” That ...more
The quintessential jerk you know you shouldn't want but do.
by and1515
Some would think we were all masochist glutton for never-ending punishment maybe there is some truth in that.
But I'm not about to let someone like her steal my thunder I have just as much right to be here as everyone else and
frankly I'm not giving in to her scared tactics nor am I surrendering one inch.
After tonight's robust activities one can always find relief from the neighboring waterhole and I'm looking
forward to drinking ...more
by and1515
Some would think we were all masochist glutton for never-ending punishment maybe there is some truth in that.
But I'm not about to let someone like her steal my thunder I have just as much right to be here as everyone else and
frankly I'm not giving in to her scared tactics nor am I surrendering one inch.
After tonight's robust activities one can always find relief from the neighboring waterhole and I'm looking
forward to drinking ...more
** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. **
A new series about roller derby, with a badass tattooed heroine and a broody and tortured hero? Sign.Me.In!!
Get ready for the slow burn, steamy banter and all feels in between.
Maisy “Mayhem” Flynn and Cain “Priest” Bishop, two wounded souls, one more tortured, lust at first sight, a banter going from hate/lust to super steamy in a minute. A chemistry that no one could ignore. The fire they made, le freaking sigh!
Even with all those thing ...more
A new series about roller derby, with a badass tattooed heroine and a broody and tortured hero? Sign.Me.In!!
Get ready for the slow burn, steamy banter and all feels in between.
Maisy “Mayhem” Flynn and Cain “Priest” Bishop, two wounded souls, one more tortured, lust at first sight, a banter going from hate/lust to super steamy in a minute. A chemistry that no one could ignore. The fire they made, le freaking sigh!
Even with all those thing ...more
False Start is the first book in the Beautifully Brutal series. Maisy lives and breathes roller derby, loving the life she’s built around her sisterhood, but when the something else close to her is in danger, she turns to the notorious coach, Cain. Their chemistry sizzles on and off the track, but they both have reasons for pushing the other away. Will love for each other and for the sport be enough to banish their demons?
Oh my goodness, this book has everything! It starts off a bit as a slow b ...more
Oh my goodness, this book has everything! It starts off a bit as a slow b ...more
Oh this was sooooo good! I haven’t thought about anything roller derby since I was a kid and this book caught my attention! I couldn’t get enough of Maisy and I definitely couldn’t get enough of Cain (who thanks to Casey Hagen has me stuck on thinking about pendulums and that one straight Tetris piece!)
Maisy “Mayhem” Flynn and Cain “Priest” Bishop were seriously so perfect for each other it’s ridiculous. They started out with so much animosity thanks to small town talk but their love and need o ...more
Maisy “Mayhem” Flynn and Cain “Priest” Bishop were seriously so perfect for each other it’s ridiculous. They started out with so much animosity thanks to small town talk but their love and need o ...more
The ARC of this book was provided by Hidden Gems in exchange for this review. In reading the synopsis, I thought it was an interesting backdrop and I world I know little about, roller derby. It is the story of Maisy “Mayhem” Flynn, a roller derby star on an amateur team in Maine. In their local hangout one night, she meets Cain “Priest” Bishop, the former coach of a local team who has a tragic backstory that has kept him from the town and the sport. His reluctant return is to be there for his pr
...more
A great start to what promises to be a great series. I found Casey Hagen recently when I read a book she wrote in the 'Cocky Hero world', and I have been hooked ever since. Primary because this author has a unique style to her writing, one which I adore. Ms. Hagen'ss books are edgy, they think outside the box, they keep you entertained, and they are as hot as hell. What more could you want in a good book.
'False Start' is a story that for me is totally outside the normal romance genre box, to be ...more
'False Start' is a story that for me is totally outside the normal romance genre box, to be ...more
Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)
The first of the series, and we get Cain and Maisy. Maisy has never left their town and has struggled since her mother's death. Cain ran away and is only back in town to help his sister out, but as soon as that obligation is done his plans are to run back to Philly (or Boston plot hole there). He sure didn't expect to be attracted to Maisy and he surely didn't ever think he would be coaching derby again. Maisy has had a messy past, and has struggled ever since, Cain ...more
(3.5 stars)
The first of the series, and we get Cain and Maisy. Maisy has never left their town and has struggled since her mother's death. Cain ran away and is only back in town to help his sister out, but as soon as that obligation is done his plans are to run back to Philly (or Boston plot hole there). He sure didn't expect to be attracted to Maisy and he surely didn't ever think he would be coaching derby again. Maisy has had a messy past, and has struggled ever since, Cain ...more
This story begins the author’s new series about a group of roller derby women.
Not a fan of the sport, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it . Should have remembered that no matter what , this author always delivers a great story. This one was no exception.
This story centers around Maisy Flynn and Cain Bishop.
Maisy has had a troubled past, and the roller derby has become her haven. A place where she has created a family of sorts, made up of strong women. Women which I am sure will get their sto ...more
Not a fan of the sport, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it . Should have remembered that no matter what , this author always delivers a great story. This one was no exception.
This story centers around Maisy Flynn and Cain Bishop.
Maisy has had a troubled past, and the roller derby has become her haven. A place where she has created a family of sorts, made up of strong women. Women which I am sure will get their sto ...more
This book was so much more than a story about roller derby (which was super interesting). THIS STORY WAS WONDERFUL! So much raw emotion between Cain and Maisy. Maisy Flynn has had a rough life, never sure where she belonged, but her roller derby team is her family and her volunteer work at Crossroads brings her such satisfaction. Cain “aka Priest” Bishop is a police officer and former racer and coach. He is a troubled soul that has never made peace with his past and the loss of his twin. Maisy f
...more
Two lost souls desperately searching for their place to belong. One has a home but has never really felt like it was deserved. The other understands their worth, but has never known a home so can’t recognize the feeling. The push-me/pull-you dynamic between Maisy and Cain left me with all the feels; from howling with laughter to blinking back the tears and everything in between. It starts with a bit of a slower build-up to get this pair over their initial animosity, or at least Maisy’s initial a
...more
i was given an arc copy for a review
so having recently read and loved another book by a different author i was quite stunned to realise this had the same characters in it, honestly thought i was goi g mad and it was just a massive coincidence but after a little googling i realised i was right and they were kinda interlinked but not
the characters were in another book but only as background characters so it was nice to be able to read about them and there lives
Maisie Mayham and Cain ‘Priest’ are ...more
so having recently read and loved another book by a different author i was quite stunned to realise this had the same characters in it, honestly thought i was goi g mad and it was just a massive coincidence but after a little googling i realised i was right and they were kinda interlinked but not
the characters were in another book but only as background characters so it was nice to be able to read about them and there lives
Maisie Mayham and Cain ‘Priest’ are ...more
Maisy has overcome a painful past and found a respite in the roller derby team she joined and the close relationships she shares with the other members. When the children’s home that she has an affinity with is in jeopardy she is determined to help save it and that means convincing Cain to be their coach.
Cain has a difficult past of his own which not only had him withdrawing from coaching but leaving town as well. He is back on a temporary basis to be there for his family who despite his concern ...more
Cain has a difficult past of his own which not only had him withdrawing from coaching but leaving town as well. He is back on a temporary basis to be there for his family who despite his concern ...more
This was an interesting book.
I’d never read one about roller derby, but like everyone, went through a phase when whip it came out!
I loved the cast of characters here, Lana especially. There’s a ton of sass in this book.
Maisy is ballsy and strong.
Cain was a bit of a wet blanket for me, but tortured heroes can be like that.
Where I did think things fell down is that it’s never explained why derby was so big in this particular town.
The team and their names were never explained, and derby names and r ...more
I’d never read one about roller derby, but like everyone, went through a phase when whip it came out!
I loved the cast of characters here, Lana especially. There’s a ton of sass in this book.
Maisy is ballsy and strong.
Cain was a bit of a wet blanket for me, but tortured heroes can be like that.
Where I did think things fell down is that it’s never explained why derby was so big in this particular town.
The team and their names were never explained, and derby names and r ...more
This is the first in a new series and what a journey Cain and Maisy’s story is! Cain is a notorious coach for roller derby’s, and he has his sights set on Maisy. Maisy is a fighter, and she has no fear about defending herself and butting heads when needs be, but Cain is the only one she wholeheartedly trusts. This is a well written story which is entertaining, and thrilling, and has redemption, intrigue, emotions, enemies / student, and love. I was totally hooked and intrigued throughout this ri
...more
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I was aware of the sport of roller derby but didn't know much. In this book I learned some about it and the hard work the players put into it. There is a full round of emotions in this book as the characters of Maisy and Cain come to terms with their pasts and grow and finally heal. With Lana coming out with the truth in the local bar Banked Track which is a key part in the story in front of everyone including her parents clearing Ca
...more
This was my first book I’ve read by author Casey Hagen and I did enjoy it. I’ve never read a roller derby story before and it did take me awhile to get into it in the beginning. I really enjoyed the relationship between Cain and Maisy and the sexual tension, witty dialogue & bantering had me turning the page for more. I loved that Maisy was a strong heroine and fought for what she believed in. Cain had to overcome some bad things that happened in his past and you couldn’t help but feel for him.
...more
False Start
By Casey Haven
This was the first Roller Derby book i have read so i wasnt sure what to expect.
Maisey & Cain story. Maisey is bold sassy and knows what she wants and Cain is the typical Broody with demons in his past.
Blurb
There’s nothing he can’t do on skates…
✔ Bold, Determined Player
✔ Swoon-worthy Coach
✔ Enemies to Lovers
✔ Small Town
✔ Angst
✔ Scarred Hearts
One night home and I’m obsessed.
She’s the most compelling woman I’ve ever seen, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
I watch her fight, ...more
By Casey Haven
This was the first Roller Derby book i have read so i wasnt sure what to expect.
Maisey & Cain story. Maisey is bold sassy and knows what she wants and Cain is the typical Broody with demons in his past.
Blurb
There’s nothing he can’t do on skates…
✔ Bold, Determined Player
✔ Swoon-worthy Coach
✔ Enemies to Lovers
✔ Small Town
✔ Angst
✔ Scarred Hearts
One night home and I’m obsessed.
She’s the most compelling woman I’ve ever seen, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
I watch her fight, ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I really enjoyed this book! It sucked me in right from the beginning. The characters were well developed, I fell in love with and felt connected to them from the beginning. Roller Derby is always something I have been a little interested. This book shared the excitement of watching a sport live which I believe can be very hard to do! I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series being released this year!
*Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book I am voluntari ...more
*Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book I am voluntari ...more
I did not know much about roller derby, but was very intrigued by what I read in this story. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put the book down. Great characters (who both have been haunted by their pasts), wonderful story full of drama, entertainment, twists and turns, enemies/friends, passion, learning, and lots of emotions dealing with things from the past. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Bookspro
...more
False start was a nice change from the typical sports romance. Maisey has had a hard life and finally found a home and sisterhood with her roller derby team. Cain hasn’t had an easy life either. And after an accident that happened while he was coaching his roller derby team he has run from his home. He has returned to be with his pregnant sister until her baby is born. But he can’t stay away from the roller derby team and Maisey. There was plenty of humor, and also heartbreak. But it did end wit
...more
The first book in the Beautifully Brutal series brings a slow burn romance between Maisy and Cain. The author does a fantastic job building the story and brings a cast of supporting characters to help move it along. She brings their love of the sport to life with her detailed and descriptive writing ,adds in a ton of humor as well as the emotions and delivers an entertaining read. Loved and am looking forward to more in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this ...more
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this ...more
Really enjoyed the first book in this series. You're immediately drawn into the story with a professional roller skating competition. Ms. Hagen made it feel so real, I felt like I was in the stands watching these two teams face off. She really did her research into professional roller-skating. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
...more
Love, love, love! I can’t say it enough. I love these characters and the slow, torturous burn between Maisy and Cain. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok so this was my first roller derby read, not sure what I expected but I found it to be completely enjoyable.
False Start is book #1 in the series Beautifully Brutal. It delves into the world of roller derby, it was slow burning, steamy, and emotional. Cain and Maisy, were drawn towards eachother from the moment they met. Their both dealing with their own demons. I liked the push and pull between them.
The secondary characters were great too, they added some comical moments. This is the first story, I have read from this author, and I will definitely be reading more of her stories. I'm looking forward to ...more
The secondary characters were great too, they added some comical moments. This is the first story, I have read from this author, and I will definitely be reading more of her stories. I'm looking forward to ...more
This book was amazing and I couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Sweet Treats Book Blog ...more
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Sweet Treats Book Blog ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
USA Today Bestselling author Casey Hagen pens her stories from the salty air of Kennebunk, Maine. She's the author of over 30 books that would make your mama raise her eyebrows if she caught you reading them!
All things Casey here: geni.us/StalkCasey
FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Fierce Protectors:
Tallulah Cove:
...more
All things Casey here: geni.us/StalkCasey
FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Fierce Protectors:
Tallulah Cove:
...more
Other books in the series
Beautifully Brutal
(6 books)
News & Interviews
Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day.
To create our...
2 likes · 1 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
