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A review by kjanie
The Clinch by Nicole Disney
5.0
RE-READ: October 2023
4.5/5 stars
Wow! This was amazing! I had so much to do today, but you bet I put it all aside to binge this book. It’s not that I had low expectations for this book, but it was a new author for me and I know absolutely nothing about MMA before jumping in. Now, I am hooked on these characters and want to read everything that Nicole Disney has put out. I’d also like to note how rare it is that I give romance five stars at this point because I read so many. But this book was fresh, exciting and just downright fantastic, and deserves all of the possible stars. The chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn was off the charts in this book. The physical aspects of MMA really just heightened their sexual tension and was a great avenue for developing their intimacy.
Despite this book a very fast-paced and relatively short book, I feel like I know these characters to their core. It’s hard to explain, but somehow the essence of these characters flowed from every page. Yes they were well-developed, but it was something more. I felt as if I really knew the characters, which made it so easy to root for them from the very beginning. Eden and Brooklyn were so different but they just complemented each other perfectly. While their initial rivalry and fight was flirty, exhilarating and fun, the real magic of this book comes after. The beginning was perfect in that it elevated my heart rate and made me obsessed, so by the time the characters truly met I was already completely hooked!
It is the chemistry that stood out for me. So much sexual tension!! Even when they were just talking or training in the gym, you bet I already had butterflies in my stomach. I know I’m going on and on a bit, but the heat between these characters was just phenomenal. Not only was the chemistry great, but as the book went on, their relationship was full of so many other great aspects. They were so supportive of each other, loyal and truly a powerhouse team of boss-ass athletes.
While I’m not going to pretend that the romance wasn’t my favourite part of the book, to my surprise I also really enjoyed the sporting aspect of it. I’m not a sports lover and especially something as confronting about MMA, but this book really opened my eyes to the sport. I was honestly so intrigued and interested in learning about the sport, the training and all the thought that goes behind it. As someone that has a very low pain tolerance, I have a whole new respect for mixed martial artists. Since it is the first time I’ve read a book that was so focused on MMA, it meant that it was all so exciting and fun.
When I first started reading, I used to record the pages of my favourite scenes to re-read when I wanted a pick-me-up or just wanted to remember a fantastic scene. Even though I haven’t done that in a while, I certainly did here. As soon as I finished, I went back and read some of my favourite moments. From the final fight, to gym moments or them just waking up together...I loved it all. This is the kind of memorable couple that will stick with me for ages. It was a story that worked for me in every possible way. I am already looking forward to a re-read!
4.5/5 stars
Wow! This was amazing! I had so much to do today, but you bet I put it all aside to binge this book. It’s not that I had low expectations for this book, but it was a new author for me and I know absolutely nothing about MMA before jumping in. Now, I am hooked on these characters and want to read everything that Nicole Disney has put out. I’d also like to note how rare it is that I give romance five stars at this point because I read so many. But this book was fresh, exciting and just downright fantastic, and deserves all of the possible stars. The chemistry between Eden and Brooklyn was off the charts in this book. The physical aspects of MMA really just heightened their sexual tension and was a great avenue for developing their intimacy.
Despite this book a very fast-paced and relatively short book, I feel like I know these characters to their core. It’s hard to explain, but somehow the essence of these characters flowed from every page. Yes they were well-developed, but it was something more. I felt as if I really knew the characters, which made it so easy to root for them from the very beginning. Eden and Brooklyn were so different but they just complemented each other perfectly. While their initial rivalry and fight was flirty, exhilarating and fun, the real magic of this book comes after. The beginning was perfect in that it elevated my heart rate and made me obsessed, so by the time the characters truly met I was already completely hooked!
It is the chemistry that stood out for me. So much sexual tension!! Even when they were just talking or training in the gym, you bet I already had butterflies in my stomach. I know I’m going on and on a bit, but the heat between these characters was just phenomenal. Not only was the chemistry great, but as the book went on, their relationship was full of so many other great aspects. They were so supportive of each other, loyal and truly a powerhouse team of boss-ass athletes.
While I’m not going to pretend that the romance wasn’t my favourite part of the book, to my surprise I also really enjoyed the sporting aspect of it. I’m not a sports lover and especially something as confronting about MMA, but this book really opened my eyes to the sport. I was honestly so intrigued and interested in learning about the sport, the training and all the thought that goes behind it. As someone that has a very low pain tolerance, I have a whole new respect for mixed martial artists. Since it is the first time I’ve read a book that was so focused on MMA, it meant that it was all so exciting and fun.
When I first started reading, I used to record the pages of my favourite scenes to re-read when I wanted a pick-me-up or just wanted to remember a fantastic scene. Even though I haven’t done that in a while, I certainly did here. As soon as I finished, I went back and read some of my favourite moments. From the final fight, to gym moments or them just waking up together...I loved it all. This is the kind of memorable couple that will stick with me for ages. It was a story that worked for me in every possible way. I am already looking forward to a re-read!