Member Reviews
No Contest by Tara Wyatt, Harper St. George is a good fit for readers looking for a steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance with a focus on personal growth and the allure of forbidden love.
I thoroughly enjoyed Leondro and Ashlynn's book. It was nice to see a different side of Leondro, one that wasn't quite so cocky. Ashlynn certainly had her work cut out for her as far as rehabilitating his reputation.
Their chemistry was absolutely smokin' hot and I really liked them together.
What’s it About? After his antics cause more problems than good publicity, MMA fighter and newly crowned champion of the WFC Leandro Oliveira is threatened with losing his contract if he doesn't clean up his act. That means no more booze, no more women, and definitely no more sex tapes. To make sure he behaves, his employer hires publicist Ashlyn Fields to manage him. Certain he can seduce her into doing his bidding, Leandro is surprised when Ashlyn doesn't fall at his feet. For her part, Ashlyn finds it difficult to work around her attraction to him but she knows that her job is on the line so she tries her best until the intense chemistry is too much to resist.
Overall reaction to the story? I've said it before and I'll say it again, these two authors make a great team! No Contest brought some major sizzle to the series with a Lothario-esque hero and the no nonsense woman he falls for, all while making sure there's plenty of MMA action to go around. I had fun with this one and wouldn't mind seeing more books in the series. The lust at first sight between Leandro and Ashlyn was a different vibe than the previous two books but it worked for these two! This one is definitely the sexiest of the series but it doesn't skimp on the romance.
Describe the hero in five words: Oblivious. Charming. Selfish. Cocky. Sensitive.
Did you like him? Not at first.
Why? Leandro was a cocky S.O.B and I didn't care for the way he disregarded Ashlyn's tenuous position with the MMA gym. I was set to hate this rich playboy until he showed another side to himself shortly after I started reading. Leandro was actuallly quite sensitive and more than capable of caring for someone other than himself so long as they were in his very small inner circle. I started to see not a rich, brat or a man but a vulnerable one who just wanted someone to love him for himself and in some way to validate him as a person. I really loved that a womanizer like Leandro had such an insecurity about him
Describe the heroine in five words: Determined. Stubborn. Cheeky. Intelligent. Patient.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Aside from being capable of working in a male dominated environment, Ashlyn proved that she wasn't going to let herself be intimidated by Leandro's sex appeal or his wealth when it came to her job. She was so patient with Leandro and his constant avoidance of his responsibilities. I don't think I could have been that patient, I probably would have kicked him somewhere sensitive. But Ashlyn is a professional. I actually liked that she was patient and kind when she needed to be but strong and fiesty when Leandro pushed too far.
Let’s talk about the romance: Oh boy, these two were hot for each other from the get go but Ashlyn wasn't going to give in that easily which really amped the sexual tension between them. Their relationship started off as just a sexual one but I enjoyed how they went from just sex to something more lasting and fragile. Their baby steps into a relationship wasn't easy since they both had trust issues and the added complication of it being against policy for Ashlyn to get involved with one of the fighters where she works. Part of the appeal of their relationship was how they just flabbergasted one another. They honestly didn't know what to do with one another for awhile.
How about that supporting cast? Not gonna lie, I loved seeing the previous characters again and playing catch up. There are quite a few fighters that I would love to get to know but all in all the story revolves around Leandro and Ashlyn.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. It's always a joy to watch a playboy like Leandro fall hard for a woman he was so sure he could control.
The third book has so many things going for it. One Leonardo is still upset by the way he won the champion ship belt. He is upset that Maddox did not fight him and so he feels that the belt is not really won by fighting, but that it was given by him. Having money he is starting to see the people around him and why they are around, for what they want. Ashylynn Fields is a freelance publicist and is hoping for a full time job with the owner of the fight league. When she and Leonardo met there are sparks but she holds them off because of everything that she has seen on the tabloids about him. What happens though is Leonardo cannot let her go, and when she gets fired he finally not only grows up but sees his friends for what they really are, but is it too late because she does not want him. The end of the book has a few surprises and really keeps you going from setting to the next. A very good book, with good characters.
Leandro is the new crowned champ of the WFC light heavyweight division, billionaire and a playboy. When his bad boy ways threaten the WFC sponsors Leandro has no choice but to change his ways. Ashlynn is the publicist brought in to fix his image, however Leandro has other plans for her, he intends to seduce her. Will he get more than he bargained for? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and lots of emotion. Leandro and Ashlynn have great chemistry and are entertaining characters. I really liked it this read.
This is the first book I read in this series and was pleasantly surprised. It was easy to follow and I didn't feel like I was missing anything from not reading the other books in the series.
This book has Leandreo who is a spoiled MMA fighter and does what he wants when he wants. Now its' time to clean up his act before his next big fight. Ashlyn is just the person to do this.
The chemistry is hot and Leandro's whole life is about to turn around. I loved every minute of this book
** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Leandro is a MMA fighter that needs good publicity after a series of wild behavior moments. Ashylynn is hired to clean up his image. These two are instant chemistry with a battle going down. A good read, third in the series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free arc from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This book is well written and flowed nicely. The chemistry between the two main characters was steamy hot. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I finished. I have read all three books in the series and they are all worth reading. You will not be disappointed. This book can be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend this book.
Absolutely love this series! Leandro is still testing the waters and as always the repercussions are something he flicks away like a pesky fly. His only thought is to enjoy life. That all changes when he meets his Public Relations consultant Ashlynn. She is determined to get Leandro to walk the straight and narrow path to further her career. It is only with Ashlyn he finally begins to change and no longer acts like he has achieved the level of respect he has always wanted.
This is the third book in the series and like the others, it is full of sexual tension between the two main characters. Leandro and Ashlynn were a great couple that fit together perfectly. The book could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading it in order.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
The third book in the Blood and Glory series reveals that sometimes, the power of temptation is stronger than the pull of a championship belt. This is a sexy read full of intensity, unexpected romance and its fair share of intrigue. Perfect for fans of Katy Evans!
Publisher's Summary:
Leandro Oliveira—hunky MMA fighter, playboy billionaire, and newly crowned champ of the World Fighting Championship’s light heavyweight division—is used to getting his way. But when his party lifestyle threatens to cost the WFC sponsors, he has to clean up his act or he’ll be stripped of his contract. Forced to give up late nights of booze and women, Leandro resents having to change his behavior—until he lays eyes on the sexy publicist hired to manage his image. He plans to seduce her to regain control of the situation, but falling for her wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal.
Freelance publicist Ashylynn Fields has never taken on a client she wasn’t certain she could handle. But her latest project might just be the guy who kills her perfect record. Between his sex tape, his exploits at strip clubs, and his nights spent street racing expensive sports cars—not to mention his smoldering good looks and near constant flirting—Leandro might prove to be impossible. But with a full-time position with the WFC on the line, Ashlynn is more determined than ever to ignore his good looks and charm, and get this bad boy on the straight and narrow.
No Contest was a quick, steamy read and my first exposure to the series. However, I have definite plans to seek out the other titles. Author Tara Wyatt follows a successful formula to build suspense. Not only is there electric sexual tension between protagonists, but there is just enough extra plot outside of their growing attraction to add to the overall narrative. On downside, for me, was that many of the added characterizations of secondary players was all to stereotypical/predictable. I guessed what would happen very early on but I didn't really have too many complaints since this is what I look for in this type of romance.
Overall, very enjoyable.
Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars
No Contest is book 3 in the Blood & Glory series but can be easily read as a stand alone. The writers have given their readers a hit sexy relationship between a rich playboy MMA star & the publicist hired to clean up his image. Leandro doesn't think it needs cleaned up. A sex tape, illegal racing, drunken parties & nothing needs cleaned up? He even thinks of the publicist as another woman to seduce to gain control of the situation.
Ashlynn's new freelance job is trying to clean up the image & reputation of an MMA fighter. She wasn't expecting the sparks that were flying from the first moment they met. He wasn't expecting someone that would refuse his advances. Ashlynn knows that everything is on the line for her & is determined not to screw it up. Will she give in to the desire or will she stand firm in her principles? Will Leandro ever realize that money doesn't get you everything?
These authors manage to write so seamlessly that the reader can not tell when they switch or who is writing which part. Their characters are fully developed. The men are strong, sexy Alpha males & the women are equally as strong & bring their men to their knees. The sex scenes are hot & intense but also tastefully done. The plot is interesting with twists that aren't expected & keeps the reader interested & involved. I enjoyed this book but it is not for those that like it tame & behind closed doors or get turned off by cussing.
The Blood and Glory series continues to blow me away. I can't get enough!
After reading Take Down (Book two) I was beyond excited to find out Leandro Oliveira was getting his story next! Leandro is an egotistical and entitled MMA fighter. After his big fight with Champion Gabriel 'The Sandman' Maddox I wasn't shocked at all to find the extreme chip on Leandro's shoulder in No Contest. Even at the top of his game, Leandro feels cheated and not worthy of his accomplishments. Which to be honest, is completely understandable.
Leandro's latest strip club stunt lands him in hot water and the only way out is to go along with Craig Darcy's plan. Ashlynn Fields is a freelance publicist with the biggest job of her career being offered on the table. That job is to make Leandro Oliveira look good.
Ashlynn thinks what everyone thinks of Leandro. He's nothing but a rich boy who has the world handed to him on a silver platter. But she couldn't be more wrong. In this novel we get the real Leandro and not the image that he wants everyone to see.
I loved getting a deeper look into Leandro's character and the type of person he truly is. This man has struggled through life, maybe not financially but emotionally. His mother is a wolf who only thinks about herself and his father wasn't the exact role model you would want your son to look up to. With Ashlynn's help, Leandro turns from the man he despises and into the man that he can admire and truly wants to be. The man who can make his grandfather proud.
Ashlynn and Leandro are the hottest couple (in my opinion) of this series! Their forbidden romance was a page turner and had me on the edge of my seat needing more! No Contest is without a doubt my favorite book in the Blood and Glory series!
But what isn't to love when you have a brazilian alpha male who finds himself falling in love for the very first time!
This novel is not only hot as hell but also very emotional. It's a whirlwind to watch two people who have been emotionally closed off, from the start, learn to open their hearts and let unconditional love and trust in. <3
As for the blurb.....I was a little skeptical when I read the opening sentence because of my love for Katy Evans and her real series....BUT.....I have to admit, the first sentence of the blurb is true! If you are a lover of Katy Evans and the Real series...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read No Contest!
Leandro Oliveira is a playboy with an $800 million trust fund. He lives life in the fast and easy lane, drinking, going to strip clubs, sleeping with strippers and anyone else he wants to. He is a narcissist and hedonist with a huge sense of entitlement. He is the new light heavy weight MMA Champion for the World Fighting Championship (WFC). His attitude and lifestyle have created a social media frenzy and he is in trouble with his sponsors, the WFC and their sponsors. The president of the WFC brings in Ashlynn Fields, PR consultant, to clean up his act.
Ashlynn and her sister were raised by their mom who has pushed independence and men are not worth the trouble. She is determined to make her way and not allow any man to manipulate or control her. She has been contracting PR jobs, hoping to snag a full time job with the WFC. A full time position has been promised to her if she can clean up and turn around Leandro’s image. She is excited but nervous to take on Leandro.
When these two meet, Leandro is determined to seduce and control her as he continues to do as he pleases. Ashlynn is attracted, but no way is she taking a chance on losing out on a full time job, especially with someone like him. She financially supports her mom and sister and can’t afford to mess things up.
The more time they spend together, the more sparks fly. Leandro pursues and Ashlynn runs. The story is told in dual POV. Ashlynn’s push pull drove me crazy pretty quickly. I enjoyed watching Leandro evolve from a Neanderthal to a decent, respectable human being.
Multiple references to “the monster” in his pants had me rolling my eyes. Lots of descriptive print and discussion given to the length and girth of his penis. Yep, got it, he has a huge penis.
I don’t mind when characters speak English as a second language. However, if you are going to use words from their primary language, I want them to be repeated in English or given a glossary to refer to. My reading was interrupted multiple times to use kindle translator.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
No Contest is book three in Harper St. George and Tara Wyatt’s Bloody and Glory series. I read it as a standalone just fine, however.
Leandro Oliveira is an up-and-coming MMA fighter who is in need of massive PR help. In comes publicist, Ashylynn Fields, who wants to make a name for herself as the personal PR contact for the WFC. But when she starts falling for her client, things get complicated fast.
The book started with a bang. Leandro is a Brazilian fighter taking the US by storm. He’s really driven to prove himself, but he likes to have a good time, too. I really liked his character. He’s got charm and drive, and he had his swoony moments. (Yum!)
I also enjoyed Ashylynn. She’s not about to put her career on the line for any man, but in struts Leandro and she’s wondering if it all might be worth it. I have to say, however, that the last half dragged for me. There wasn’t enough keeping these two apart, and what was didn't seem to matter or felt forced. I just didn't feel that tension to keep me invested. There are also a few parts of the plot I thought became filler.
I always look for some good brotherhood moments in books like these, and I didn't find that here. I actually didn't enjoy much of the secondary cast.
So what started out as a 4 star book simply became a 3 due to the last half. However, if you’re looking for a good fighter romance with some sizzling sex then I’d definitely put this on your TBR. There’s plenty to recommend it, and I’m interested enough to check out the others in this series.
3 stars.
This story has some really creative aspects to it and the characters are really complex. Leo, the bad boy, mma fighter, PR nightmare client just met his toughest opponent and it doesn't happen in the octagon. Ashlyn is smart, clever and can bring a tough man to his knees. The entire story you start to root for these two to connect and start up a relationship because you know she will balance out all his wild ways and he will add some fun to her structured life. These characters came to life on the pages of this book, it was so early to relate to different situations and to the characters. So many good parts to this story! The ending was great and it was just perfect for these two. Overall a really good read!
Leandro is an MMA fighter and a playboy Billionaire. He doesn't care about anything but himself and is ready to be kicked out of the WFC due to sponsors not wanting to support his poor behaviors. Ashlyn is under contract with the WFC to clean up Leandro's image. If she's successful, she gets a fulltime job at WFC, something she'd love. But Leandro isn't easy to control unless it's her..under him. It's against WFC policy to get involved with another employee so hiding it is hard when the looks they give each other is off-the-charts hot. Keeping Leandro in line is just about to break Ashlyn and it's getting better..till it's not. Great read!
I am a big fan of Tara Wyatt and Harper St. George's Blood and Glory series and honestly could not wait to get Leandro Oliveira's book. I was intrigued by him from book two and wanted to see what was beyond the badboy millionaire/playboy's pretty face. And boy did we get a great story. I though his chemistry with Ashylynn was hot and sexy and could not get enough.
I absolutely love fighter stories. There is something about the broody and tough as nails fighter that is fantastic and gets me everytime. Likewise I love the strong and sassy heroine who brings him to his knees. This is exactly what Leandro and Ashylynn to a tee! I thought their chemistry was sexy and their banter fiery.
I really loved that this story was realistic in that for Leandro this was a lust at first sight situation and a means for him to control his new PR Rep he was forced to follow. But at some point his reasons for pursuing Ashylynn changed. She got under his skin and he no longer saw her as an adversary but rather as a strong minded woman who touched his heart. But would Ashylynn, who has always been mistrustful and wary of smooth talking men allow herself to open up to Leandro and this burgeoning attraction between them?
While I enjoyed this story, it wasn't my favorite book in the series. At first I liked Leandro's badboy persona but felt that as the story progressed he developed strong feelings for Ashylynn VERY rapidly. It was almost whiplash inducing. This being said, I did enjoy their attraction and the push/pull nature of their chemistry. I hope we get more from these authors in the future. I would like to thank Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
I really enjoyed this!! The story felt real and I enjoyed how easy it was to connect with the characters. Leo had some issues to overcome and so did the heroine, and I liked how we got to see them do that and become better people because of it!! There was no shortage of drama (maybe a little too much...) but in the end, I was super happy with how the story turned out. Great read!!
Leandra Oliveira is a PR nightmare, completely unruly, parties every night, and likes to spend his evenings rolling around in the sheets with random women... and it's finally caught up to him! His boss has had enough, and with sponsors threatening to pull their support, there needs to be a change made, and it seems publicist Ashylynn Fields is the perfect woman for the job! But she definitely has her work cut out for her when her new trouble-making client takes a shine to her, she has no interest in be part of his mess... but he always gets what he wants!
The moment Ashylynn Fields comes into Leandra's world and starts handing out orders he can't help but smile, she is down right gorgeous, and he knows that if he turns on the playboy charm he can change her mind and diminish the control over his life that she has been given. But he is met with a resistance that he didn't anticipate, and begins to realize he may have just met his match... and she deals him a hand he never saw coming!
No Contest is naughty little literary tale that packs a serious emotional punch... readers are going to love this one!! This is my third visit to the series, and this is the one fighter that I have been dying to get better acquainted with... and all I've got is WOW what a man!! I had a feeling he was going to be a handful, and boy was he ever, at times I wondered if Ashylynn would be able to handle him and all his antics, but then she started to surprise me and give him hell, and I had to cheer her on!! This was a fun one to devour, it had it all; the emotional depth that spawns the feels, the toe curling romance that makes you blush, and the feisty banter that continually stokes the fire and keeps things nice and steamy... it's freaking amazing!! If you haven't had a chance to meet the men of the Blood and Glory series I highly recommend you remedy that ASAP, their sexy stories will have you swooning from start to finish!!