After a night that still gives her nightmares, Haley has sworn never to kickbox again and to do her best to stay far away from her ex and fellow fighter, Matt. When confrontation becomes inevitable, mysterious and flirty West Young accepts a challenge in the ring. Now, Haley must help train West to fight if he's going to stand a chance, and while they work, sparks they can't deny fly while secrets they try to keep hidden refuse to go away.

When it comes to Katie McGarry books, I go through an inescapable process. When I first hear the news about a new book from her, I am ecstatic for more of her writing magic. Then, after some time has passed, I start to get nervous and scared for the next book, because I know nothing can top the previous, outstanding work she published. I arrive at reading the new book in a state of semi-sad content, but once again, when I hit the last page of the new book, I have a new favorite and the process repeats itself. The lesson is that Katie McGarry is hands down one of the most talented writers I have read, and her latest book, TAKE ME ON, has once again taken my heart.

Haley is a fighter whose own power scares her. She is tough and strong, but hurting from a deeply buried secret and a family in rough financial times. West is rich boy with a temper who struggles to find his stance as a man. Immediately, their alternating narration pulls you into their story and makes you want to know more about them. Here are characters with enough depth to fill every ocean and hearts that will break your own over and over. Together, the two of them create a romance that leaves no emotion or corner of your heart neglected.

In addition to the incredible characters, I love the details in this story about fighting/boxing. They're so subtle, but they create the perfect atmosphere for the story. The fighting in the gym contrasts so well with the internal fighting going on in the characters and just makes the entire book shine. I also adore a secondary character, John, who owns and trains at the gym where most of the fighting takes place.

For fans of Katie McGarry and/or contemporary romance, TAKE ME ON will jab, right hook, and kick you right in your emotional gut and leave you with an immensely wonderful reading experience you won't soon forget. For now, TAKE ME ON holds the spot as my favorite read of the year so far.

Book Summary

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her—fighting for her—is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.