Review: Win by Submission by Melynda Price (Against the Cage #1)


Note: This ARC was provided by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

He was at the top of his game when an illegal kick to his back caused CFA light heavyweight champion Cole "The Beast" Easton to become paralyzed from the waist down. Cole's never backed down from a challenge before but six months down the line, his fractured spine and minimally movable and crutch-assisted legs were causing him to become frustrated with himself and the world around him. When his manager recommends he see a physical therapist in the person of Katrina "Katie" Miller, his manager's niece, and the backing of her stellar credentials, Cole realizes this could be his best shot at literally and figuratively getting back on his feet and back in the cage to face the man who caused him to be in this position.

Katie Miller has been on the run for two years, needing to get as far away from her abusive ex-boyfriend as she can. When she's called back home to provide physical therapy for her father after he suffers a stroke, she knows she has no choice but to return, even if it means being close enough for her ex-boyfriend to find her. As a favor to her uncle who helped her in her time of need, Katie agrees to take on his client as her newest patient. It takes time for Cole and Katie to become comfortable with each other but the more they're together, the less they can ignore the attraction brewing between them. When Cole discovers Katie's secret, he's in for the one fight where losing may mean the difference between life and death.

Win by Submission is the first novel in the Melynda Price-penned Against the Cage series, which focuses on mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters and their love interests. I was waiting to read this until it was closer to the release date, which was posted as 28 April 2015 on NetGalley, only to realize that the ebook was released on 24 March 2015. Had I known, I would have read the book prior to the ebook's publication. It appears that the date on NetGalley was for the paperback's release. Oh well. Better late than never, right? This was worth the wait, thanks to strong characters, who made no apologies for their less than positive traits, and an intense story about fighting for yourself and the people who mean the most to you. 

The writing was fluid and I found myself becoming invested in both Cole and Katie, hoping that they would both be able to get over their personal issues and hang-ups and find redemption and happiness with one another. There were moments that I wished Katie had been more proactive in dealing with her ex-boyfriend but I totally understand how the fear and trauma of everything she went through was ever present and that self-preservation won out over seeking justice. I loved how the story started out as Cole needing Katie, then it became Katie needing Cole, and finally both of them needing each other. Win by Submission was a great start to what's shaping up to be a thrilling series. I'm giving this 4.5 stars! ♥

Date Read: 28 April 2015

Learn more about Melynda Price here.

Purchase Win by Submission on Amazon.

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