Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn Pages: 259
Series: Larson Brothers #1
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also by this author: Deadlock
Goodreads
Savannah's brother was killed in a cage fight with Mike "Red Reaper" Larson after a savage punch to the head.
When Mike shows up at the funeral, he’s nothing like Savannah expected. Gone is the fierce, brutal beast she’s seen in the cage. In his place is a beautiful man torn with guilt, seeking forgiveness, and willing to do anything to ease her pain.
Her family doesn’t approve, but her heart doesn’t stand a chance. Irresistibly drawn together, neither of them can deny the intoxicating desire unleashed between them, turning their pain into the most exquisite pleasure.
But every time Mike steps into the cage, Savannah knows she could lose him too. She can’t go through that again, but how can she let go of the one man who sets her body and soul on fire?
Raw Deal is a Romeo and Juliet story…if Romeo was a cage fighter who killed Juliet’s brother. Although, Romeo did kill her cousin… I digress! The story starts with the funeral of Savannah’s brother Tommy, who died during an MMA match with Mike Larson. The death was a tragic accident and the reader experiences the grief from all involved-Tommy’s parents, his widow, his sister, and Mike. The tragedy is truly one of those events you can’t imagine happening. It was such a freak accident, yet is a known risk of fighters. Mike is consumed with guilt and reaches out to Tommy’s family. This action begins a bond between Mike and Savannah.
I thought Lynn did a good job expressing the struggles of all involved. Its easy to understand Mike’s guilt and uncertainty. I could empathize with Savannah’s desire to be with Mike because she cared for him and saw a good guy even when her family didn’t. Rowan’s sadness was justifiable and I thought that her struggle with Savannah and Mike’s growing attraction was real. Raw Deal is an angsty story that will squeeze your heart HARD! You will root for Mike and Savannah, yet understand every reason they shouldn’t be together. I think I could understand every single emotion a character had in this book. The fear Savannah had for Mike’s career, the sorrow Rowan had about Savannah and Mike, Mike’s crushing guilt…you really can feel it all and completely agree with each person’s emotions. It tears the reader into so many directions you will need a GPS to get back!
I can’t wait to get Zane and Damien’s stories!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: star crossed lovers
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
On Broken Wings by Chanel Cleeton, One Step Closer by Kahlyn Aymes, Fight for Me by Jessica Linden…then you will probably like Raw Deal!
Raw Deal
If I was in the mood for an angsty story I would definitely look a little harder at this story, and besides those back muscles are hypnotizing me.