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kerithesmutslut's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to the audiobook. The hero annoyed me in this book. Also the hero was taking pills left and right at the beginning, and all of a sudden he fell in love and just stopped taking pills, which is a complete inaccurate way to handle an addiction to pain pills.
The hero in this story went through no withdrawals, and even if he wasn’t mentally addicted, with the amount of pills he was described to be taking he would have gone through a shit ton of physical withdrawals.
There is nothing more that I hate in a book- when a character is going through something like that please do an actual portrayal of that issue. No amount of love is going to stop your body from going through withdrawals.
The hero in this story went through no withdrawals, and even if he wasn’t mentally addicted, with the amount of pills he was described to be taking he would have gone through a shit ton of physical withdrawals.
There is nothing more that I hate in a book- when a character is going through something like that please do an actual portrayal of that issue. No amount of love is going to stop your body from going through withdrawals.
adventuresinfictionland's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jeslowe115's review
4.0
I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just an ok book. It started off really slow for me. I fell asleep many times trying to read it. But once I hit about 45% it really picked up and got a lot more interesting.
The relationship between Rory and Clare was intense and sweet. I liked how the author showed that people can change for the better. It like the way it turned out in the end. I wish there would have been a bit more MMA action in the book.
This book was just an ok book. It started off really slow for me. I fell asleep many times trying to read it. But once I hit about 45% it really picked up and got a lot more interesting.
The relationship between Rory and Clare was intense and sweet. I liked how the author showed that people can change for the better. It like the way it turned out in the end. I wish there would have been a bit more MMA action in the book.
kate_and_books's review
4.0
So the release date for this book is the end of September. I didn't think I'd get a chance so color me fucking happy that I did. 3.5 Mhuirín Stars.
Fact is that I can't deal with white collar romances about millionaires/billionaires they drive me bat shit crazy. So books like this are my one of my favorite, tortured soul, down to earth modest and lives where he grew up. Heroine is also down to earth as well.
Rory Kavanagh is smoking hot and the oldest of five brothers. Quinn, Jimmy, Kane and Kieran. His father is a former boxer and former Irish Mafia. We meet the whole Family so we'll know what will be in store for the future. But they are not the good Irish Catholic Family they make out to be. ;-)
Rory was a MMA fighter. He was too cocky when it came to his last fight and now pays the price with his leg being injured which has left him incapable to function properly. He probably could if he didn't have substance abuse poblems.
Clare is on the run and we see slight glimpses of what it could be. She works at O'Leary's Pub where she meets Rory, a drunk Rory. They have a spark and with time it turns to something more.
There was a slow build to the relationship. I loved the relationship that Rory had with his dog Ace. I loved that Rory would wait for Clare after her shift and walk her home this continued til about 40 % of the book with encounters at the gym as well which were full of banter.
"If you wanted to say me again, all you had to do was ask for my number the other night." - Rory -
I figured by stalking you and plowing right into your chest would be a more memorable experience." -Clare-
Rory knew that Clare was feisty not easy had pride and spirit. Clare knew that Rory had a softer side and a heart of gold.
Clare knew that he had an alcohol problem but isn't okay with the other substance abuse because of her ex. I couldn’t really fathom what was up with her as her background is so vague. What a double standard. I get that she didn’t want to go down the same road again but communication woman is important. But in the end It is all about making a change and that actually it should be done for onesself and not for anyone else. I didn’t really get that vibe off Rory.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
norwayellesea's review
4.0
This is the first book I've read by author Sarah Robinson and fitting that this is the first book in her new series Kavanagh Legends. Set in the Bronx neighbourhood of Woodlawn, the action centres around the infamous Kavanagh family gym.
Likened to a knight in shining armour because of his medieval long haired looks, Rory Kavanagh's life has lost purpose and meaning. In constant pain due to injuries sustained in his last professional MMA fight, he's masking his problems with alcohol and drugs...or so he thinks.
Clare Ivers is attempting to re-build her life thousands of miles away in Woodlawn. She's evasive about her past, cautious not to draw attention to herself. It isn't long before see meets the famous Rory Kavanagh – a tough, bitter man. However, Clare isn't intimidated by his demeanour, on the contrary she's drawn to him, which is something she didn't want to happen.
Peel away the mask and underneath is a compassionate, caring man in need for a new direction in life. I love how the author clearly defines Rory's transformation from destructive looser to a man of purpose. How his Mhuirnín-sweetheart Clare inspires him to re-evaluate his life and take steps to wean himself off the substances that are making his physical injuries worse rather than better. Clare may be petite in stature but certainly not fragile and has no problem holding her own in O'Leary's pub and dealing with Rory's intense personality. Despite their differences, they share a mutual love, which cements the foundations of their relationship.
I just know that future stories in this series will be equally as good as this fast paced first book. We are introduced to the other members of this colourful Irish American family, who maintain a clan like existence with a notoriety embedded in local folklore, which only accentuates their colourful personalities. I can't wait for Kane's story.
4 Stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept Publishing via NetGalley***
Likened to a knight in shining armour because of his medieval long haired looks, Rory Kavanagh's life has lost purpose and meaning. In constant pain due to injuries sustained in his last professional MMA fight, he's masking his problems with alcohol and drugs...or so he thinks.
Clare Ivers is attempting to re-build her life thousands of miles away in Woodlawn. She's evasive about her past, cautious not to draw attention to herself. It isn't long before see meets the famous Rory Kavanagh – a tough, bitter man. However, Clare isn't intimidated by his demeanour, on the contrary she's drawn to him, which is something she didn't want to happen.
Peel away the mask and underneath is a compassionate, caring man in need for a new direction in life. I love how the author clearly defines Rory's transformation from destructive looser to a man of purpose. How his Mhuirnín-sweetheart Clare inspires him to re-evaluate his life and take steps to wean himself off the substances that are making his physical injuries worse rather than better. Clare may be petite in stature but certainly not fragile and has no problem holding her own in O'Leary's pub and dealing with Rory's intense personality. Despite their differences, they share a mutual love, which cements the foundations of their relationship.
I just know that future stories in this series will be equally as good as this fast paced first book. We are introduced to the other members of this colourful Irish American family, who maintain a clan like existence with a notoriety embedded in local folklore, which only accentuates their colourful personalities. I can't wait for Kane's story.
4 Stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept Publishing via NetGalley***
jgilge's review
2.0
**Copy provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
After all the hype this one got I just kinda felt
I loved the dual point-of-view and each of the characters were pretty great, including the side characters. I loved that Clare developed such a good bond with Casey and even Rory's dad and brothers. This book was pretty family centered, which was nice.
Overall it was decent, but just not for me. Other people seem to like it, so if you enjoy sports romance then go for it, it might be different for you.
Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves
After all the hype this one got I just kinda felt
I loved the dual point-of-view and each of the characters were pretty great, including the side characters. I loved that Clare developed such a good bond with Casey and even Rory's dad and brothers. This book was pretty family centered, which was nice.
Overall it was decent, but just not for me. Other people seem to like it, so if you enjoy sports romance then go for it, it might be different for you.
Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves
stumpfed's review
5.0
Great MMA book and a very well written book that can hopefully launch a Kavanaugh series! Two lost souls finding each other in a very unique way that I prefer over some of the formula fiction any day. I admired both characters and was fighting for them the whole way through. I fell in love with this family immediately. The whole range of feels here too; solid read. Highly recommend!
erinnicole28's review
3.0
3.5 STARS**
Cover: 5*
Hero: 4*
Heroine: 4(ish)*
Story: 3*
I thought this book laid out a great background story for the Kavanagh's and their future books. This specific couple's story lacked something though. The hero was great and broken (of course), but I honestly couldn't make up my mind about the heroine. The heroine's past, which of course she is running from, was more of an afterthought instead of a integral part of the book. However, I love the Kavanagh's as a whole. I'm a big sucker for a great family series! I look forward to the next book. I do hope the subsequent Kavanagh books have more depth and a thorough story line.
Cover: 5*
Hero: 4*
Heroine: 4(ish)*
Story: 3*
I thought this book laid out a great background story for the Kavanagh's and their future books. This specific couple's story lacked something though. The hero was great and broken (of course), but I honestly couldn't make up my mind about the heroine. The heroine's past, which of course she is running from, was more of an afterthought instead of a integral part of the book. However, I love the Kavanagh's as a whole. I'm a big sucker for a great family series! I look forward to the next book. I do hope the subsequent Kavanagh books have more depth and a thorough story line.