Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn (Larson Brothers #1)
Releases: January 24, 2017
Contemporary Romance
Swerve
Reviewed by Mandi
Years ago I read some of Cherrie Lynn’s Ross Siblings books and I really enjoyed them so when I saw she has a new series coming out I was eager to try it. This book worked pretty well for me. I love the set-up – Savannah’s brother is a well-known MMA Cage fighter who dies by an accidental punch to the head by his opponent. Savannah and her entire family are devastated. Mike Larson, the fighter who accidentally killed him, is guilt-ridden and upset it happened. But it was truly an accident.
Mike feels like he needs to reach out to the family and to say something, anything, to let them know how sorry he is. He knows the funeral isn’t the best venue for this, but he finds himself there anyway, watching the service from afar. After a while, he sees two women break off from the service, and he decides to approach them.
Savannah takes her sister in-law, who just lost her husband, aside at the funeral to give her some air. Savannah is shocked to see Mike approach them. He says kind words and she feels a connection to him, even though she doesn’t know how to handle her emotions when faced with the man who threw the punch that killed her brother. He gives her his phone number and tells her to he would love to get together and talk. After some internal conflict, she agrees and they have coffee. Even though she tries to ignore it, they have an energized chemistry, and she finds herself in his company more and more.
For the drama that surrounds the circumstances of Savannah and Mike meeting, their relationship and courtship is relatively drama-free. Savannah isn’t completely upfront with her family about the fact she is seeing Mike and spending the night with Mike, but that is a secret that needs to be kept for a while as her family is grieving. It’s a mature relationship – Mike takes full responsibility for his actions. He understands Savannah’s grief and never pushes her or rushes her. He has a sexy, alpha vibe – but he is also super sweet and kind. I liked the combination.
Mike hasn’t had the easiest childhood, and he is able to talk through it with Savannah. He has a famous brother in a rock band, and a brother who is a poker professional. Looking forward to getting to know both better.
I did think the story slows down a bit in the middle. I like the author takes her time in letting Mike and Savannah get to know one another, but it lagged a little bit for me. But things happen towards the end and it really picks up. This book is also super sexy – Cherrie Lynn does a smex scene very well.
Overall, I enjoyed these two.
Grade: B
Leave a Reply