Prepared To Fight
by EJ Shortall
Live each day as if it were your last. Worry only about yourself. Work hard and never, ever fall in love. That’s Olivia Buchanan’s motto and she stands by it every day.
Feisty, headstrong and confident, recent graduate Liv is fighting to succeed in the male dominated field she has chosen as her career. As an architect for her best friend's father's respected London based company, her chance to shine and become recognised comes when she lands the prestigious account for GO Sports and Leisure.
Armed with her plans and determination, Liv is ready to deliver the presentation of her life. That is, until he walks in. The mysterious personal trainer from the gym. The only man to have ever made her heart flutter. But he isn't all he seems.
When MMA fighter, Nathan Oakes offers Liv a business proposition to join him in Southern France, she’s left questioning his motives and wonders if she should refuse. She’s also equally intrigued by the prospect of what the trip could do for her career.
Liv has no time for a relationship. Nate doesn’t want one. When forced to live side by side, feelings are stretched and emotions are battled. Can they keep their professional and personal lives separate, preventing them from falling into something they both need to avoid?
Review by pearls
Neither wants a relationship as both are focused upon their careers, but they can't fight their attraction. He hires Olivia to design a new training center while he is preparing for the fight of his career. The journey takes them from London to Monaco to the South France. But he is also fighting his feelings, as opening up for her unleashes his tight control over his past. They both have to decide if they can handle the pressure of a relationship and their career. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded, allowing the characters time to fall in love. Their pasts are fully flushed out, and the consequences of their present are dealt with. Nathan is super hot and Olivia is a strong female character. Outside forces from both sides threaten the burgeoning relationship. Everything was well balanced for a well told story.
“I thought you were going to show me some fancy flying kicks or something,” I said petulantly, watching him closely with my hands raised in the same defensive pose he carried. I began moving with him as he slowly started to circle me.
“Not my thing.”
“No? What is your thing then?” My arm instinctively moved away when his twitched.
“My first discipline is Ju-jitsu. I’m more dangerous on the ground grappling and holding.”
“Ha, so you do enjoy a good fumble and roll around on the floor then.”
He shot me a look of heat before he quickly refocused. “There is only one time I enjoy rolling around, and it isn’t in a fighting arena.” I jumped back when he lunged forward. His eyes got a mischievous glint to them, and he stepped back, dropping his arms.
“What are you doing?” I asked with a frown, disappointed. Surely we weren’t done already? I hadn’t even managed to sneak in a slap of my own.
I dropped my arms to my side, waiting for his next move. Suddenly his left hand flashed in my peripheral vision and my arm instinctively came up to block it. At the same time he swept his leg out, catching my calf and knocking me off balance. With a screech and a thud, I landed on my back on the thick, deep red rug. “Ooof!” Air jolted from my lungs, leaving me winded and fighting hard for a deep breath.
“Shit! Fuck! Liv, I’m sorry.” Nate was on his knees straddling my prone form before I could blink. His eyes were wide and fearful staring down into mine. “Are you okay?”
All I could do was nod and swallow hard when he looked at me with such regret. My eyes closed at the feel of his hands smoothing my hair back and then trailing a hot path down my cheek. It was such a gentle, almost reverent touch.
“God, do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked tenderly, his body lowering towards mine. I sucked in a deep breath, my heart pounding a frantic beat in my chest. He was so close, our lips only inches apart. His words and his slow, precise movements had my head spinning, but in this moment I knew I wanted him to kiss me. I was desperate for it.
EJ Shortall was born and raised in a suburb of London, England where she currently still resides.
Having worked in education for the better part of 12 years, EJ decided a change was needed. Following a moment of inspiration, she decided to put pen to paper not expecting anything to come from the few words she had. Soon those few words turned into her first novel, Silver Lining. Not content with just writing the one, she continued with book two and then three, and has many, many more ideas just waiting to be written.
She has always enjoyed reading, but found it was mostly just a holiday extravagance. Then she discovered a certain worldwide best seller, and her passion was reignited. Reading quickly became an obsession and she couldn’t devour books fast enough. The books on her shelves and reading devices range from sweet, Young Adult romances, to smouldering erotic encounters. If pushed for an answer she would say that sexy rock star romances are her favourite.
Aside from reading and writing, EJ also enjoys amateur photography, playing around with graphics and cake decorating.
“I am on one amazing roller coaster ride at the moment. I have met so many new and wonderful people, discovered new music gems to integrate into my stories, and learned so many new skills. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.”
If you would like to join E.J. on her journey, please follow or contact her. She would love to hear from you!
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