Left Jab & Reignited Flame

Happy Tuesday, fellow readers! It's 11/11 and veterans day. Thank you to those who have served. I should have military goodies and I apologize that I don't exactly, but I do have have a double treat. This week we have a boxing romance called "Left Jab" by Ashley Zakrzewski which is the sequel to "Knockout" and that one involved a veteran who does appear in book two also. The second recommendation this week, is a vampire omegaverse novella that is releasing on the 13th called "Reignited Flame" by Katherine St Vincent. I hope that you enjoy them both.

First, we'll start with "Left Jab" and of course the trigger warnings.

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Trigger Warnings:

Boxing injuries

Mentions of foster care

Mild adult language

Sexual content

I adore a love at first sight style story, so this one had me hooked. I love that despite being burned by dating in general the main characters are willing to take that leap to have happiness.

The characters are dynamic. AJ makes multiple appearances from book one as well as Coach Ray and Alyssa is mentioned as well as Rick. However, these recurring characters take a backseat to Jazz and Kristen to let their story shine. Jazz is a hunky boxer looking to finally get his big break like his best friend AJ did. He's a workaholic with a passion for boxing and a need to escape a tough past. Kristen is an ad campaign manager who is married to her work, and though she wants to take a chance on love, she has to work through her worries and doubts. Their stories make them very interesting and a lot alike.

This story kinda puts the work and boxing more into the background to focus more on the relationship, which I think is great. I love that the boxing isn't an afterthought, but that it also didn't outshine the romance. It made the novella flow well with the quick pacing.

Here is my official review.

I can be a sucker for a love at first site style story, so I adore Jazz and Kristen's story. "Left Jab" picks up at the end of "Knock Out" with familiar characters while highlighting Jazz and introducing Kristen. Two workaholics who have been burned many times in love take a chance on happiness. There is boxing, a little drama, some spice, and a lot of great romance. Overall, it's a fabulous second book in the series.

If you are ready to meet Jazz and Kristen, you can get "Left Jab" here: https://a.co/d/2anXIZK

Now, on to our second selection, "Reignited Flame."

First, the trigger warnings.

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Trigger Warnings:

Being drugged

Sexual assault/rape

Death/grief

Guilt/shame

I have to admit to being a bit torn on this one, and that is why it has a four star instead of five. While, I understand that hardships add to a story, sometimes they can overshadow or be too prevalent and even unneeded, which I think is what happened here. Don't get me wrong, the book is still very good and worth the read, but just mind the trigger warnings. Maybe, I'm wrong? You'll have to read it and let me know what you think.

Now that is out of the way, on to the good stuff. Friends to lovers can be such a fun trope, and I especially appreciated it here in this novella where the two main characters had been in a kind of forbidden romance that they never acted on since they were teens. It makes for a great background to what would otherwise be a quick romance.

I love vampires and was excited to be back in Lord Stryker's world. I especially love how he protects new omegas in his house with a silver necklace so they get to choose when a mate can claim them. It lends to that "We are family" vibe that Lord Stryker is all about.

Katherine introduces readers to Nina in this book. Nina is a shy sous chef who is as sweet and spicy as her culinary creations. She has a tragic past that haunts her and links her to Javi. Javi is her ride or die but a tragedy led him away from her. It's a perfect bit of drama to make their relationship more complex and interesting. I love their deep connection but how she still doesn't let him off the hook too easily.

Here is my official review:

I was so excited to be invited back into Lord Stryker's palace in "Reignited Flame." Javi and Nina's story is tumultuous one filled with loss and hardships and trust issues. Atleast the first half is a bit hard to get through with a focus on the darker themes especially the aftermath of the date r*pe scenario. Honestly, I felt like the book didn't even need that. The shared loss of a loved one and a long absence that caused trust issues seemed enough to overcome. The love between Javi and Nina is pure and sweet with a little bit of kink. There is only a milder scene or two of spice, but it is just enough to keep it interesting. Overall, it is a good vampire omegaverse novella.

If you are ready to check in with Nina and Javi, you can get "Reignited Flame" here: https://a.co/d/0Jl40FY

That does it for me for this week, dear readers. Please join me again next week for another wonderful book recommendation. Until then, curl up with a good book.