Carly's Book Reviews: Undaunted by Charity Parkerson: Blog Tour + Review & Playlist!

Undaunted
(No Rival, Book 2)

by Charity Parkerson

Genres: Sports, Erotica, Romance

Synopsis

What happens in the fight club
stays in the fight club.

Brothers, Rhys and Knox, have been in love with the same woman for years. While Rhys has been open about his feelings toward Mandy, he’s kept her firmly locked in the friend zone. That is, until a night filled with too much alcohol explodes into passion.

Unfortunately, while Rhys doesn't remember a minute of it, Mandy remembers every detail all too well. As secrets and betrayals begin to unravel their friendship, Knox seizes his chance to—finally—claim Mandy as his own.

With two sexy fighters squaring off to win her heart, Mandy must decide which to choose—the charming reprobate who’s been the center of her desire, yet always wrecks her life, or the merciless bad boy who wants to give her the world.

Inside Scoop: This sexy tale includes male/male encounters that may have you wishing for two sexy fighters of your own.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Excerpt

“Just tell us what you need and we’re your men.”

Ryan’s teasing, upbeat personality kept her smiling and she immediately felt at ease. “Get naked and act natural,” she said, somehow managing to keep a straight face.

Max groaned. “Great. Now there’s two of them. Don’t give him permission, Mandy. We’ll never get his clothes back on.”

"Fine,” she huffed, breaking out her best pout. “You will have to take your shirts off, though.” Max flashed a flirtatious glance her way that left her blushing as he stripped his shirt off. Oddly, she knew he didn’t mean it. Some people were overtly more sexual than others were. It was more of a vibe he owned. It was as if he couldn’t help himself. Of course, the knowledge did nothing to stop her face from burning every time he turned it in her direction. The third time blood flooded her cheeks, she felt Knox’s heat pressing into her back. Her heart slammed against her chest at the contact. He was everywhere. Overwhelming. Unmovable.

“He’s not for you.” His breath fanned across her neck as the whispered warning rang in her ears. The bite in his tone rolled over her skin. As he strode away, she watched the smooth movement of his body. Untamed. The word floated through her mind and she couldn’t let it go. He was a predator. Each time he was near, a shot of adrenaline pumped through her veins when she survived the encounter. One day, she wouldn’t.

After a few posed shots, Mandy focused on the action. “I’d love to get as many pictures as I can, if you want to take turns sparring. I’m not picky. However the three of you choose to pair up is fine with me.”

Knox gave her a sharp nod, and Ryan came over to stand at her side on the edge of the mat. Squaring off, Max and Knox circled one another. Staring down at the digital screen, Mandy zoomed in on Knox and her chest tightened even as she continued snapping pictures.

“Better Max than me,” Ryan said startling her with his tight tone.

Keeping her focus on her task, Mandy tried to keep the curiosity from showing in her voice. “Scared of getting your ass handed to you, huh?” she teased.

“An ass-kicking I can handle. I have no desire to die. Underground fighters train to compete with only one rule in mind. To the death. I mean, judging by Knox’s lifestyle, the money is good, but it takes a certain mentality to go into every match to kill or be killed.”

Mandy could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Her gaze slid over his body with a new eye as she searched for any truth to Ryan’s claim. The light glimmered off the silver rings in his nipples. Sleek muscles flexed and rolled as he poised for any opening. There wasn’t a hint of emotion on his face when he found one and took Max down to the mat. All the deep scars and bruises covering his body made themselves known in light of the new insight. Appearing content with a simple submission, Knox helped an unscathed Max to his feet.

“Oh, good. He didn’t kill him. I am a bit attached to him, after all.”

Knox looked in their direction at Ryan’s words. Raw sensuality dripped from his pores. His eyes darkened with lust. Electricity charged the air between them. Excitement pounded through Mandy. Her nipples ached and a tingle began at the base of her spine.

Ryan cleared his throat. “Whoa,” he muttered under his breath. “He’s going to do such naughty things to you and I want details,” he sang as he walked away heading in Max’s direction.

Book Soundtrack

My Review

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mandy has been in love with Rhys for as long as she can remember, but their relationship is that of friends, rather than lovers, and he is slowly destroying her life as he breaks her heart.

Rhys knows that he loves Mandy, and is biding his time until the moment is right to make her his own. Content with this knowledge, he thrives on their friendship, and continues to live his life. Focused on his boxing career, complicated family dynamics, and the occasional hook up, Rhys doesn't realise that time is passing him by, until one night changes everything he thought he knew.

Second in the No Rival series, Undaunted is a complete novella length story that can be read as stand alone, but the experience is enhanced if the series is read in order. The complexities of the relationship that exists between Rhys, Knox, and Mandy has the potential for intense emotional drama. Because of this, I was surprised by how easy it was for me to settle into the storyline, and was a little disappointed with the untapped opportunities for development I saw within the brother's relationship.

Mandy's character is the heart and soul of this story; she is strong, spirited and sexy. Her passionate nature makes this story pop! I was also pleased to see characters from Unsurpassed were included, and loved the scenes that followed up on the storyline from book one.

Undaunted is well written and edited, with passionate sexual encounters, emotional characters, and a fast paced and engaging writing style. I would recommend this series to fans of alpha/fighter themed erotic romances who are looking for a story with adventure and drama, but don't want to be overwhelmed by angst. I'm looking forward to reading Unequaled, the third book in this series, soon!

View all my reviews

Author Profile

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner

2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance

Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath
Website/Blog