In Your Corner (Redemption Series #2)

OVERDRAWN

This is the second book in the series. More expensive than the first but less interesting. The author does nothing but rehash the same issues with Jake and Amanda over and over. It gets old midway through. My patience was exhausted with the entire " I messed up. " and "I need you so much... Now, go away." type scenario. The author plays it on a loop. Disappointing due to the potential set up by the previous novel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Will not read again

## Not great. The hero's yo-yo routine was exasperating! I want you, we shouldn't be together, I love you, we can't be together, I want you again, break up, back together, no, yes, no....ugh. And he keeps saying he's so committed to her, yet shows up twice with another woman with his arms around her. God, it was beyond frustrating. It should've been 100 pages shorter. And the heroine was awful as well. Skip this one.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

This is a direct sequel to Against the Ropes, a book I liked ver

This is a direct sequel to Against the Ropes, a book I liked very much. The hero and heroine of this story were introduced there (along with a number of other supporting characters) and had the breakup which is at the root of this story. In other words, it CAN be read as a standalone (the author does a good job of providing the backstory) but I recommend starting with the first book.

I liked Jake. A lot. I mean, he’s hot, he’s alpha and is not totally blind to reason – so what’s not to like? Amanda on the other hand is more driven than the entire crew of the Indianapolis 500. Add to that the fact I REALLY disliked her promiscuity in the first book and you can see it took me a while to warm up to her. In fact I kept checking out other characters hoping there was someone better waiting in the wings for Jake… That said, I finally got it that she was just a girl looking for love in all the wrong places and calling it by all the wrong names. So looking at Jake just plain scared her – and she messed it up because she couldn’t accept what she knew he was offering.

This book starts two years after their breakup in book one. They run into each other professionally – his company needs legal assistance and she is the lawyer assigned to the case. Awkward? Oh yeah. She still has issues but has come to realize how much she lost and he is afraid she’s still the same person who threw him away. But the old chemistry is still sizzling, and sparking, and just about combusting… They bounce apart and together like they were on bungee cords.

Being a Redemption book, there are lots of great action scenes at the gym but the primary plot is the romance between Jake and Amanda and their confrontations with their various issues (commitment, self-worth, living – and frequently NOT living – up to the expectations of others to name but a few.) The underlying question, especially for Amanda, seems to be ‘Do you let your past define you or do you take charge of your own life?’

One of the author’s strengths is in her strong supporting characters – each has a definition and voice that add to the story and the setting. Each of them is clearly an individual, someone you’d recognize if you met them. I hope some of them will get their own stories in the future.

It’s an excellent read.

Redemption series
Against the Ropes (Redemption, #1)
In Your Corner (Redemption, #2)
Full Contact (Redemption, #3) upcoming

Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Jake and Amanda

I really liked the first book but the second book ........perfect!!!!!

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

I really enjoy a great romances with a yummy tattooed MMA fighte

I really enjoy a great romances with a yummy tattooed MMA fighter for a hero & a powerful female lawyer who can kick a$$ & take no names. I have an inner Cover HO & she did her HAPPY DANCE for this cover. So in other words, I shop with my eyes & this yummy tattooed Jake seduces my eyes! Amanda & Jake have a sexually pull between them & a role reversal with Jake wanting more & Amanda wanting NO STRINGS! This book is written in 1st person & I understand that authors must write the story that the characters demand it to be written in. First person writing is the one writing style that I personal struggle with because I completely SUBMERGE myself into my book COSMOS & watch the romance play out. The many "I" & "ME" I am unable to watch them play out their romance because I can not be an observer. I love Ms. Castille playful dialogue, unique characters & steamy scenes, but I was not able to finish this book due to the writing style. I am not going to score this book because the writing style is not my cuppa tea & I feel it's not fair to the Ms. Castille. I would read any book Ms. Castille writes that are not in first person & I would recommend this book to any reader who loves a yummy MMA fighter with a gooey heart for love!

NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

I don't think I can fully explain how excited I was to read this

I don't think I can fully explain how excited I was to read this book. I read and reviewed the first book in this series almost a year ago, and from the first few pages I way dying for Amanda and Jake's story. Little did I know it was going to be a long and torturous story. I was expecting a flashback prelude of a story, but no. Sarah Castille had to go break my heart in Against the Ropes and break them up. Flash forward to In Your Corner. These two have had their share of heartbreak. In part to their own destruction, and in part because of the life that has shaped them. Amanda is clearly a hot mess when it comes to her personal life, and Jake... well I'm not sure he knows what he wants, at first.

This is a push and pull battle of the sexes. Amanda has hit a personal rock bottom, and Jake is in a life that he wasn't meant to lead. They meet up again right before everything goes to hell in a hand basket. But now that Jake's back in her life, he won't let her flounder so easily. There's a lot of hurt to reconcile, and a lot of feelings that neither one of them want to divulge. In the end, they build off a friendship. Even when they're spitting mad, they're still there. Along the way they help each other find their true selves. Jake helps Amanda create a business and a future that she was always meant for, and Amanda helps Jake find his roots and gives him the confidence to go out fists swinging... literally. While, they make great friends, can Amanda move past her insecurities to trust that Jake will always be there? And can Jake fight long enough for Amanda's trust, or will he give up?

I loved this book. It's steamy, and alluring. And even though I didn't know it, it was exactly what I wanted from Amanda and Jake. They dealt with their past, dealt with their present. Kicked a** individually and as a couple. All around a very amazing read. I really and truly hope there is more coming from this series. I love me some MMA fighters and this cast of characters are a complete riot!

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

So, I got a little tired of the whole break-up-get-back-together

So, I got a little tired of the whole break-up-get-back-together-break-up-etc. But I will say that this was a pretty damn good book. I love these MMA books that have strong alpha men and even stronger women who seems to be able to tame them just a little. I had been looking forward to reading this one since the very second I finished the first book. These guys....they just take your breath away at times. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series. Wonder who it will be?

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Castille and I

This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Castille and I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes reading steamy romances because it is burning hot from start to finish! 

Amanda walked away from Jake two years ago when things started getting serious, but she has never really gotten over him. When he walks into the law firm she works for needing representation she requests his case be given to another associate. But other circumstances have thrown them together. The chemistry is as strong as ever, and it will be very hard to keep things professional between them. When two headstrong people who still have extremely passionate feelings for one another spend a lot of time together anything can happen. Amanda has always taken care of herself and never let anyone get too close, but what if Jake starts getting serious again? Can Amanda finally open her heart to the one man who truly loves her for who she is? 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

.

.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Jake and Amanda smoke up the pages of this book. Both know what

Jake and Amanda smoke up the pages of this book. Both know what they feel, both are afraid to reach for that elusive relationship. Jake gives it his all; finally. Only the find a wall so big he almost can't climb over it. Amanda wants to be loved, but she can't decide if it's worth the risk. In You Corner is fast paced, laugh out loud funny and heart touching. I love Sarah Castille and her Redemption series.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

OMG, Great Book!

Contemporary Erotic Romance
FIVE Stars
Release Date: 07/01/14

ABOUT THE BOOK:
"You have to go. I won't be able to control myself. I've wanted you so bad for so long and after I've been in the cage...I can't think straight." He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.

Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.

"Mine." His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.

He rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.


MY REVIEW:
I had never heard of Ms. Castille prior to this ARC being discovered on Netgalley, but I have to say, I have yet another author to stalk. Sourcebooks really hit it out of the park with this one.

This story has the makings for a romance you won’t be able to put down. You have history between the two characters, heartbreak, brooding men, strong-willed women, hot and crazy attraction, and omg drama galore. Add in the MMA fighting and things just get even better. I kept turning the pages on this one, gobbling up the words, and stayed up until the wee hours of the night just to get more.

You’ll love this book, you’ll want more, and you’ll be unable to contain yourself with it. This book definitely hits it out of the park. I’m not so much a fan of book one as I am of book two, but the great thing about these books is the characters will make appearances in both.

Happy Reading!

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly 4 out of 5

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

4 out of 5 Licks

I think by now most of y'all know I'm a series whore. Even if the books don't need to be read in order (which in the case for this series) it doesn't matter I want them all. I know MMA fighters are sexy, as long as you ignore the cauliflower ears, but I didn't know that being in a ring could be so freaking hot! Jake is trying to take things slowly with Amanda. He wants her to fully commit and he's willing to wait to make it happen. So when the tension between them finally explodes it turns the ring into an inferno! There were several times I found the book a bit teenage angsty for my taste but overall I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to more in this series and more from Ms. Castille!

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

With the second installment in the Redemption Series, Sarah Cast

With the second installment in the Redemption Series, Sarah Castille doesn't disappoint.  While I highly recommend you read the first book in this series, it is not absolutely necessary.  You should be able to follow the story and put together the pieces without reading the first book in the series.  While it does bring back characters and settings seen in the first book, it is a stand-alone with a definite conclusion.  NO CLIFFHANGERS!!!

This installment focuses on the relationship between Jake and Amanda.  Jake is a MMA fighter that is torn between family obligations and his true desires.  Amanda is a strong-willed lawyer that has a very hard time with true intimacy.  

This book also highlights the societal double standard when it comes to a sexually active woman.   Amanda has been around the block and makes no qualms about her experience. HALLE-FREAKIN-LUJAH!  Too many times in the romance/erotica genre we are force fed the virginal heroine that needs to be saved and educated by the strong, well-experienced alpha male.  This is not the case. Amanda has needs and doesn't feel ashamed by those needs. She knows what she likes and isn't afraid to ask for it. 

The story line progresses well. Although Jake and Amanda's one step forward two steps back relationship, does cause the story to feel a bit bogged down at times. That being said, I feel the progression and regression of these two is needed to allow for character growth. Amanda has to learn to deal with her fears of intimacy and Jake has to learn how to be patient with her; and this takes time. There are no immediate fixes for these two. Each one has to work through their own issues. 

I really enjoyed Sarah Castille's latest and would highly recommend it. You get a definite conclusion and the HEA you hunger for. Happy reading!

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

4.5 Stars Wow¿this was such a great read! This book had everyth

4.5 Stars

Wow…this was such a great read! This book had everything I love in it – a sports theme, a strong heroine who can take care of herself, some awesomely hot, steamy times between the two leading characters, great friendships, and an engaging story that had me wanting to be part of the Redemption crew…and I hate to work out, so that is really saying something!

So this is a second-chance romance for Amanda and Jake. They broke up two years ago, mainly because Amanda has some issues, and they are reunited when Amanda, a lawyer, goes to meet her newly assigned client, and discovers it is Jake. Needless to say there are a LOT of unresolved issues, which then has Amanda seeking her boss to let him know she can’t handle Jake’s case. This sets off a whole series of events which ultimately lead Amanda back into Jake’s life, and has Amanda questioning her ability to give more and Jake’s ability to accept less.

I totally loved Amanda. She was one of those heroines who was so strong in so many ways, but so broken. She is determined, successful, driven…but unfortunately most of those qualities came from always feeling like she could never live up to her father’s expectations, and having a mother who never stood up for her. She has some serious trust issues because of her upbringing, and never feels she can count on anyone other than herself, which has her always running when things get serious in a relationship since she can’t ever allow herself to rely on anyone. She prefers the no-strings, friends with benefits, or casual hook-up so her emotions never need to run deep. What I loved though was that she recognized what she had done to Jake when she ended the relationship – she owned it, owned her issues, owned her inability to give him what he needed, and owned the fact that she couldn't hurt him again that way…and that she also needed to protect herself from being hurt again as well.

"I can’t be the fun, crazy girl he remembers. That girl would probably be having sex right now on the living room floor. She would be adding another page to Farnsworth’s blue file. She would know he was only teasing and in the morning, she would be alone."

Jake was just…*sigh*…all that. Hot as hell, sexy as all get-out, whatever you want to call him, he was sex personified – and get him all revved up after a fight and hang on to that MMA Cage, Jake is coming for you. Jake has his own set of issues he’s dealing with, he’s always been the problem child in his family, but since the death of his brother he’s had to give up his fighting career and fill the role his brother did by running his father’s company. Of course when Amanda enters the picture again, she represents one more thing he’s had to give up, but this time he wants all of her and doesn't want to settle for anything less.

“I want you to want me until you ache,” he rasps. “I want you to need me with every breath in your body. I want to turn around and know I will always see you in my corner. I want you to want me the way I want you. Body, heart, and soul.”

As many issues as Amanda and Jake had, you just knew they were right for each other and would be able to give each other what they needed to be whole…once they both recognized and resolved all the issues that stood in their way. Even when it looked like one of them was past the breaking point, as soon as there was a crisis or need, the other would be there, in the other’s corner. It was tough watching Amanda deal with what she considers Jake’s rejection, but when he finally lays it on the line for her and lets her know what is going on in his head, I just fell for him even more.

And don’t even get me started on just how hot these two were together. The tension between the two was off the charts, especially since Jake wants more than just the physical part of the relationship with Amanda. I just loved watching the two of them get each other all hot and bothered, and what a total turn-on it was to see Jake go all caveman possessive over Amanda – granted, he did go a bit too far at one point, but in general, there is nothing wrong with a man staking his claim. And after Jake finally can’t take it anymore and gives in to his physical needs – wow, let’s just say “cage match” doesn't even begin to describe just how hot things got after his fight. And I won’t even begin to go into the closet scene! And that piercing…let’s just say….wow!

But I mostly just liked the fact that no matter what, Jake and Amanda were there for each other. Sometimes it wasn't pretty the way it came about, but in the end, they could really count on the other to be in their corner. From Amanda quietly attending Jake’s fights, to Jake giving her a show of support as she faces off against her former employer, you could really tell these two were just meant to be together and how deep their feelings ran.

The other great thing about this book was the fabulous cast of supporting characters. From all the guys and girls at the gym who really were a family to both Jake and Amanda, to Ray and Penny, who jumped ship from Amanda’s old firm to work with her when she strikes out on her own. Those relationships were as essential to this book as the one between Jake & Amanda. The characters were colorful and real, and boy, they just made me want to be part of the gang. I know there must be quite a few stories to tell from this group!

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but except for the very occasional reference to previous events, which were then usually elaborated upon if they needed to be to support the current story, I don’t think I was missing anything except the pleasure of having read the first book. This was a great read and I look forward to checking out more from Sarah Castille!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

I thought this was a pretty fantastic story! It started out with

I thought this was a pretty fantastic story! It started out with a bit of tension and drama and I was immediately invested.

Jake and Amanda have a passionate and intense relationship. They have a major pull to one another, almost a longing, but a lot of built up animosity too. Jake is demanding but caring and I liked Amanda's dry humor and spunk. Jake holding back while waiting for Amanda to get a clue about certain things had me on edge. I really liked them both but occasionally got frustrated because of their lack of communication. They have major heat together and their sexy times were pretty combustible (and a bit adventurous). I liked learning about their past history but I really wish it would have been more detailed.

I liked the other fighters immensely and enjoyed Ray and Penny a lot. I was imagining hook ups in my head between a few people since things were hinted at but it never really went anywhere. Maybe for another book? I hope so. All the characters are really intriguing. There were a few side stories involved that were integrated into the story well - the lawsuits, Amanda’s parents, Dr. Drake – and they provided a nice amount of drama but they weren't incredibly detailed and wrapped up easily. 

Overall the story moved along nicely but Jake and Amanda's back and forth got a little old. I was definitely ready for their relationship to get there. I was thrilled when it finally happened.

There is a good balance between the drama, lighter moments, and the sexy times. I really liked the ending and Jake is as sweet as he is demanding and gave me a nice awww moment. Overall I thought this was a great story filled with emotion, intensity and hotness. A definite page turner! 

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Super smexy alpha male romance... yes, please.  This was a super

Super smexy alpha male romance... yes, please.  This was a super fun read and while I wish I read book one first because I felt like I was "missing" some things, this was fine as a stand alone.  I have been digging the MMA books lately, so this was a perfect fit for me.  While I did not love Amanda and we would never be friends, it was nice to have a lawyer (brains) as the female love interest and if I am to be honest I must like her a bit because I was cheering her on all the way.  That is a testament to Sarah's writing.  When you want a character you do not even like to have their Hea.  I will be reading more by Sarah, starting with the first book in this series.

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

"You have to go. I won't be able to control myself. I've wa

"You have to go. I won't be able to control myself. I've wanted you so bad for so long and after I've been in the cage...I can't think straight." He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.




Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.




"Mine." His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.




He rules in the ring




Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.




A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...




But can he rule her heart?




Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.




Review:




I am a big fan of Ms. Castille's books and this second book in the series is as good as the first book, if not better.




I was a little hesitant at first about reading about Amanda, I loved Jake but Amanda was not really a likable character in the first book.  I am glad I picked it up though because we get to see the person behind the front and not just Amanda but Jake too.




Both Amanda and Jake have been trying to please other people instead of being who they are or who they want to be.  Almost from the first page the author makes us understand and sympathize with Amanda.  Though there are moments when I really just want to slap both Amanda and Jake and say "Snap Out Of It".  But that goes back to how well it is written and how much the author makes you care for these two.




Now, this book two in the series and though you do not need to read them in order, I would recommend it to get the full enjoyment.  I really enjoy all the secondary characters and hope to see stories for Shilla, Ray and Penny.




This is a well-written story that at times made me excited, sad and happy.




These two have so many obstacles to overcome that when they do, you will be in their corner too.




4.5Stars

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

*Advance copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review

*Advance copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review*

When I finished read Against the ropes I was in love with Max! He was so protective, and Makayla- sweet and inocent.
But then it happened Amanda's and Jake's story. And what can I say.....They rock my world baby! So intense, so hot!
Sure, I need to say that sometimes Amanda just sucks! She so feminist, she whant to do everything by herself, to ask for
help for her is something unearthly. And Jake, he give her so much time to think about her life alone!
If i was him i would kick her sorry ass! Like always Sarah Castille wrote an amazing love story full of heartbreaks,
tears, humor, passion, love.


"So, I'm your first?
You're my everything."

Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.