This is part of the Mastered Series. Although Deacon and Molly's story is technically could be read stand alone. I don't recommend it. You meet our heroine, Molly, in the preceding books. You get to observe her growth from mild mannered to strong women over the arc as a minor character. Although the author gives you glimpses through flashback conversation in this book, I think that I would not have connected with the character as much if I didn't already know her. And this story is how a relationship develops as in learning to open up.

"There. That right there. Jesus. When you blush it's like waving a red flag in front me."

Deacon is all alpha male in MMA fighter body. Hot,sexy and needs extra workouts using fun, steamy times with Molly. Deacon blew with Molly when he had a chance. Now, that he has another chance to have her, he's not giving up. Not to say he doesn't blow it a few times along the way. And Molly now has self confidence to make him work for it. This book focused on developing a relationship and earning trust. I enjoyed both characters as I didn't feel either was a doormat.

If I rate this book across the entire series, it would be a 3.75. Not my favorite of story as Ronin and Amery are still ranked number one. As a standalone it's between 3.5 to 3.75 only as I'm not sure I would have developed the connection with the story. ( )

Deacon isn't always likeable but once he gives in and commits to Molly he does it whole heartedly making mistakes along the way. Both of them had difficult childhoods. Molly is very sweet and is way too understanding, but it makes a sweet story.
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I enjoyed the story overall, but felt it was too long. I think that some of the (hot) sex scenes could have been removed for more of the actual plot.

I listen to the audio-book version and didn't like either narrator. ( )