Sandy M’s review of Caged (Mastered, Book 4) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by NAL 14 Jul 15
I have to admit while reading the first few books in this series, I was so taken with Ronin and Amery that I didn’t process as much about the secondary characters who are now getting their own stories. Ronin’s rope tying and his Japanese ancestry is what fascinated me most, so I wasn’t sure how I would react to the books that would eventually turn to the rough, hard-edged MMA fighting than the beauty of an ages-old way of life. Of course, I also have to admit my doubts should have never come into play, because it is Lorelei James we’re talking about here.
At first glance, Deacon McConnell isn’t hero material, his ragged edges making him hard and unyielding. Then to pair him with Molly Calloway, the woman who was physically attacked and is now learning to defend herself, you wouldn’t expect the twists and turns you get as they navigate their way to love. Despite the rough waters surrounding them, they weather many storms, some of which they even stir up themselves.
Because the characters in Lorelei James books are so closely wound together, you should read the earlier books in this series. It’s not 100% necessary, but your enjoyment of the story – and the series as a whole – will amp up considerably if you do. Deacon and Molly have been at each other for a while now. He really pushed her in the kickboxing class he taught. It was for her own good, of course, and she was none to thrilled with him about it – at first. Attraction takes hold on both sides, though each is not aware of the other’s feelings. But when they discover their mutual lust for each other, it’s only smoke and ashes left of the pages when they finally come together.
Thus we find out that Deacon truly does have a softer side to him. After the tragedy of his past – which he hangs on to something fierce, refusing to reveal his secrets even with Molly – you can see why he took the path that led him to where he is today. His family life is nearly non-existent, only his father supporting him at each fight that comes along. His mother is a piece of work, not even her grief and turmoil over the years is enough to excuse her behavior. My only issue with this sexy and tattooed man is he keeps his secrets a bit close to the vest too long. He’s realized his love for Molly, but that doesn’t budge his stubbornness until it’s nearly too late.
Molly herself has a hard time sharing too, having her own family problems, as well as body issues, never believing a man like Deacon could be interested in her, but once she’s opened herself up and realizes they have more than just a fling going on, she wants Deacon to let her in. That’s definitely just like pulling teeth, even after he finally decides to open the door to her just a crack. It’s Deacon’s feelings for her and his inability to keep his hands to himself, along with the kickboxing, that builds Molly’s confidence to levels where her backbone is stronger than ever. So even Deacon doesn’t stand a chance when their relationship grows and blossoms beyond only lust.
I’m not a fan of any type of fighting, but Ms. James does make the topic interesting enough with the politics of the sport, both inside and out of the dojo, and along with action in the ring itself that I went along on that journey with no problem at all. Pulling readers into a subject they know nothing about, while insuring they’ll enjoy every minute of it, is only one of Ms. James’ talents. Another is wringing emotion out of a character, as well as the reader, without any warning. That’s definitely the case with Deacon in this book, leading you to a deeper understanding of the man he’s become and will now grow into with Molly in his corner.
Another impossible-to-put-down read from Lorelei James.
Grade: A-
Summary:
…only one woman can set a hardened fighter free from his past….
In order to survive a life of tragedy, Deacon McConnell embraced his roughest edges and learned to fight on the streets. Then a life-changing jujitsu seminar led by Sensei Ronin Black led Deacon to become a professional fighter. With his muscular physique and his body covered in tattoos and scars, the MMA fighter defines mean, both on and off the mat.
But everything changes when innocent Molly Calloway signs up for his kickboxing class. Molly is Deacon’s opposite in every way: She’s kind, sweet, thoughtful, and educated. After a heated argument between them turns into a passionate encounter, Deacon realizes Molly is eager to experience more, and she looks to him to take her to the darker edge of lust….
The last thing either of them expects is how deeply their lives will be thrown upside down by the passion they find together
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
