An arc was received in exchange for an honest review

This is a truly romantic story with a sexy MMA fighter to boost.

It is beautifully written, as we come to expect from this author.

A fantastic climax for the end of the book. ( )

An arc was received in exchange for an honest review

This is a truly romantic story with a sexy MMA fighter to boost.

It is beautifully written, as we come to expect from this author.

A fantastic climax for the end of the book. ( )

Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland
(Book #3: MMA Fighter Series)
Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Jax Knight just can’t escape the wretched that is his father, Preston Knight. Angry and tired of dodging the press, Jax has decided that the only way to get on with his life is to leave DC for a while and escape into the anonymity that is New York City. Quite aside from being Preston Knight’s son, Jax has his own life: he is a very successful businessman, he trains almost relentlessly for an MMA “career” and, he doesn’t lack for companionship should he choose to engage in such activities. Jax likes his life and his privacy but with the scandal that is his father and his father’s reprehensible behavior, Jax just can’t find what he needs in DC.

On the outside, Lily St. Claire has the perfect life: she is part owner of a successful chain of MMA training centers, Ralley’s Gyms; she is happily single; has a delightful best friend and; takes art classes when she’s not working at the gym. That’s the outside. What the world doesn’t see is Lily’s ongoing and intense sadness over the loss of her beloved father and her intense desire to be totally free of her controlling ex, Caden. While most girls have the luxury of walking out the door and being done with their ex, Lily’s ex is related to her business partner and an MMA fighter who trains in the gym Lily works in. As if to rub salt in the wound, Caden calls Lily incessantly, questions her every move and action and, can’t take the hint that they are well and truly over. Lily is generally too nice for her own good but even she knows the situation with Caden has got to change.

On the recommendation of his DC trainer, Jax checks out a Ralley’s Gym almost as soon as he gets to New York. The new gym is good, the trainer will work out fine and, the beautiful young lady at the front desk is not just beautiful but talented and intriguing as well. There are just a few problems: she has a detestable ex who won’t leave her alone and she keeps trying to convince Jax that she doesn’t date. Huh? Really? Then maybe she will just help out a guy new to the city and looking to escape the media. For Lily, Jax’s presence in her life is as unsettling as it is exciting. Jax is strong, sexy and, determined to get close to her and that determination only becomes stronger after just a few hours of hanging out with Lily and seeing how Caden behaves around her. Jax figures out quickly that Caden is bad news and not just for Lily personally but for her business as well. On many levels, Jax presence is comforting and exciting and sensual but, Lily knows his time in DC is limited and getting involved is dangerous.

The dance between Jax and Lily is all kinds of fun to watch. Where Jax is aggressive in a gentlemanly kind of way, Lily is hesitant yet curious. They are both all kinds of interested in each other and their banter is laced with both humor and innuendo. Getting Lily to trust him is of the utmost importance but Jax is keeping things from Lily that will most certainly cause her to tuck her tail and run. Adding to the pressure of the secrets is Caden who is a constant nuisance and an escalating threat to Lily and her safety. Needless to say, Jax just won’t stand for Caden and his behavior and as things heat up on every level, so does the animosity between the two men. Clearly, the animosity can only be solved in the cage and man, oh man, is that one raging fight 

The Bottom Line: Once again, Vi Keeland delivers a solid and entertaining read that has something for everyone. There is a steamy romance with more than a little cat and mouse, there is some excellent dick swinging between the boys, there are visits from past (favorite!) characters and, there is an excellent ending that ties up the entire series. Keeland is seemingly keeping this series short and sweet and as a result, the characters – both old and new – stay fresh and exciting. Both the short- and long-term plots are interesting and sexy with just the right amount of action. There is a fine selection of good and bad characters, all of which are fully developed and worth investing in. One of Keeland’s strengths is her dialogue whether it be quick and witty banter, arguments or, a dirty-talking sexy man. From beginning to end I was totally involved in this read and on the whole find it to be an excellent conclusion to what has become one of my favorite series. ( )

I can not wait for Jax's Story