Check out more about Jessica Florence’s latest release The Final KO, read Tina’s Thoughts as well as an excerpt from the story! Don’t miss this!
The Final KOJessica Florence
Genre: Adult Romance
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The Final KO is a different approach to the MMA fighter romance. Jessica Florence blimped on my book radar when I read Guiding Lights, a story that blew me away and found a nice spot on my top reads of 2015. So when this book showed up I was excited to give it a try. I am a bit leery of MMA just because they all seem to be the same to an extent and the characteristics of the characters in these books always seem to bounce around in my head the same way. When I started reading The Final KO, I was pleasantly surprised at the story I encountered. There is still an alpha male and an adrenaline laced atmosphere. There is still dirty talk and rough passion. But there was something more. The two main characters in this book are a bit more well rounded and different for the genre. Arson is the epitome of male specimen in the fighting arena, but we are introduced to another side of him immediately. I think that was a major part of endearing me to who he was. He is still an alpha male, but inside there is a man who longs to love and be loved in return, one who pursues and is patient for what he longs to be a part of. That sets him apart from the vast population of male fighters in the MMA romance genre.
Rayne is a female MMA fighter. That was a bit of a fun twist for the book (one I had not read before). I will admit that in real life these female fighters scare the daylights out of me just as much as I respect them for what they can do. They are fierce and terrifying in the cage. But seeing a well-rounded female fighter was a fantastic story line. I loved how Rayne was in it for the passion of the sport and not for the recognition or violence. She loved what she did and it shows in her training and lifestyle. Her personality and life goals are admirable and I enjoyed watching her fall in love. She seems to be a contradiction at times but everything about her makes her character endearing.
The training, the fighting, and the passion of this story is all out there. Nothing is held back. For me, this story was a quick read. If you love MMA fighter romantic stories, this one should be on your list. It is hot, passionate, and high energy. Jessica throws in a few plot twists that are surprising but she makes them work. I love her writing style and seeing that style bring about a story like this was fun to watch unfold.
“Rough night?” A smooth voice startled me from my peaceful moment. I turned toward the voice and my mouth dropped.
Arson Kade was standing there leaning against the stone pillar, not even five feet from me. My eyes roamed over him. Seeing him in the ring was nothing compared to seeing him in person. His tux fit perfectly over his well-defined body. He was tall, and looked strong. So strong. His black hair was styled all over the place, giving him that bad boy vibe he was known for, and his green eyes were piercingly bright. Whereas mine were like emeralds, his were almost lime green. It was mesmerizing. His jaw line was sharp and his full lips were set in a smirk. Just like that, I felt blush creep onto my cheeks from staring at him.
“Sorry, um you could say that again?” I decided I needed to look away from him so I turned my head back up toward the stars.
“It’s quite beautiful here. Ever been to this place before?” I heard him move to the bench across from me.
“Yes, this is my hometown actually.” I smiled. I’d enjoyed growing up in Florida, and it also meant on Mondays I got into the museum for free because I was a resident. My eyes drifted back down to him and I didn’t want to be rude, so I let my head follow my eyes. He was looking at me with that same smirk.
“I’ve never been. I’ve wanted to come to this area for a year now but could never find the right opportunity.” His eyes fixed on mine. The scene was feeling quite intense and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out the question that was floating in my head.
“What are you doing here? Were you here already and I interrupted you?” Now that the words were out, I found myself dying to know the answer. I had never met this man, and I had no idea why he would be there talking to me.
“I wanted to meet you.” He continued to watch me, waiting to see my reaction. He wanted to meet me; that wasn’t so bad.
“Oh,” I said quietly. I could feel his heated gaze and noticed his eyes had moved from mine down my dress and back up. A little light bulb went off in my head, and once again, no-filter mouth opened.
“I’m not that type of girl you know.” I watched as the smirk turned into a beautiful smile, one I had never seen before. God it made me feel little tingles inside.
“I know.” Holy cryptic answer. Feeling a bit out of my league, I stood and smoothed my dress.
“Well it was nice meeting you. I better get back.” I smiled and started to walk away from the strange encounter with Mr. Cryptic.
