4.5 Stars...And I'd give up forever to touch you...
Cause I know that you feel me somehow...
You're the closest to heaven that I've ever been and I don't want to go home right now...
That is one of the most romantic and memorable songs of all time, and I love that it was a big part of this book. I'm going to start off by saying the few minor things I didn't like about the book, just to get them out of the way, so I can praise all the wonderful things I loved.
It was long-winded and descriptive over-kill, at times. I would start losing interest in the part I was reading when it would finally GET TO THE POINT. I like descriptions, but I have limits. But the characters and the story was SO GOOD, I was able to get past all that.
And there was a point when Brooke infuriated me so bad that I was sure I was giving this book a 3.5-4 star rating. Until the ending happened and TOTALLY REDEEMED every single negative thought I had. Oh, that beautiful wonderful ending. And how I loved the epilogue from Remy's POV. That was perfection.
Remington Riptide Tate is such a beautiful, powerful, possessive man - with a heart of GOLD that makes you melt into a puddle on the ground. An underground fighter with a legion of fans, he's damaged and dealing with his own inner demons. Never has he fallen for someone so strongly or wanted someone so badly as he does Brooke Dumas.
Brooke had spent many years with the dreams of being an Olympic runner, when a horrible double-injury shattered her chances. Now a physical therapist, she focuses her time helping and healing other athletes. One night her best friend drags her to an underground fight, where she sees first hand the delicious and incredible Remy. And after an intense first encounter together - Remy will seek her out to hire her as one of his staff - traveling around the country with him.
They have an instant attraction that they try to fight - her because she's trying to be professional, and him because he doesn't think he's good enough for her and afraid once she knows about his past and his issues, she will run. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny what they feel. It's a slow (and often FRUSTRATING) build up to their relationship. You can feel the sexual tension while these two dance around each other. But the reasons for Remy's hesitance is so understandable - my heart BROKE for this man. He was so beautiful on the inside.
"He compels me like nothing in my life ever has"
And once they finally give in to their feelings - serious s*** will hit the fan, testing their trust and love.
"I'm every woman's adventure, damn you, and I don't want to be yours. I want to be your fucking REAL. You're all I think about, dream about. I get high and low and it's all about you now, it's not even about me anymore."
"He wanted my touch as if it grounded him, and my mouth was the only warmth in his cold, the only light in his dark."
They have this incredible, beautiful love where every moment together felt cherished and amazing - understanding each other better than anyone else ever could. And the 'family' of people Remy had on his team were a wonderful bonus to the story - you couldn't help but love them all and their part in his life.
This book was gut-wrenching and emotional. I felt highs and lows through the entire time I read it and when a book can do that - it deserves a lot of praise. It was so much more than a book about romance and sex - there are more serious issues that are addressed that make this book so REAL and wonderful. I look forward to reading more about Remy and Brooke in the next book of the series!
