DNF @ 49%, so I won't be rating this one.

This is lacking the emotion I'd hoped for, and the secondary story is a little too jarring for me.

Loved this book by Cherrie Lynn! I can't wait to see what happens next in this serious!

Savannah should hate Mike. After all he killed her brother, right? But life and love is never that simple. Cherrie Lynn knocks this one out of the ring with a one, two punch! Great characters!

Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn
Adult Contemporary, first in a standalone series.
It’s been a few years since I picked up a Cherrie Lynn book, but I loved her Ross Siblings Series, so I was thrilled she was starting another brother series and couldn’t grab Raw Deal fast enough.

Raw Deal begins at Tommy’s funeral. He was an MMA fighter who was accidentally killed in a fight with Mike Larson. He left behind a grieving sister and wife. Mike is feeling guilty; he didn’t mean to kill, it was a freak accident that hit him just right, a risk they take as fighters. Mike never thought he hit him hard enough to kill, but a man is dead. He feels so guilty he goes to New Orleans to watch the funeral from afar. But when he sees Tommy’s widow and sister walk away to sit alone, he approaches to offer his condolences. While Rowan, Tommy’s wife, takes off, Savannah, his sister, stays to hear him out.

They meet to talk further, and Savannah finds it hard to hate the man the way her sister in law and family does. You can tell he’s a good man who is completely torn up about the part he played in her brother’s death. In fact. There is some kind of magnetic connection between them that was hard to deny.

They develop a long distance friendship.
We have to take solace wherever we can find it, he'd said, and somehow, by some divine intervention or alignment of the stars or whatever the hell else determined their destinies...he was her solace.

But she can’t let her family know.
She didn't know him, and no one would understand. But instead of letting go, she only squeezed his hand harder. The only anchor she had in this maelstrom of emotion was the hand that might very well have ended Tommy's life.

The chemistry between the couple was HOT, and so was the sex. He was a total badass alpha with a sweet spot.
When we’re skin to skin, she thought, he’ll incinerate me. God help her, she wanted to burn. Burn until there was nothing left of her heart and mind but ashes, no room to think, no time to second-guess.

Mike hasn’t been able to fight since he killed Tommy. But it’s all he knows. He’s not sure he can get back in the ring again, and Savannah isn’t sure she can handle it if he does, so there is a ton of angst.

Her parents would be devastated to see her with the man who killed their son, but there is no denying Mike is a good guy.
He was supposed to be the monster, or at least her family thought so. He wasn’t supposed to be the knight, but everything about the urgency in his message said that he would slay any beast she asked him to.

I love the storyline for this book. It is certainly unique. I loved the beginning and I loved the end, but somewhere in the middle I kind of lost interest. It took me like 5 days to read it, and I read the book I picked up next in one sitting, so I don’t think it was a mood thing. But I can’t put my finger on why it didn’t keep my interest for a little while. I do think that the fact that it is 3rd person and not first contributed to that though.

I love that the next two brothers are a Rock Star and a poker player. You rarely get a single rock star book, you usually get a series about a band, so I love how Cherrie shakes things up in her series. But I do think that if the next series is about Tommy’s widow hooking up with the rock star whose brother killed her husband, it might really be pushing the forbidden, no? Hell, I need to read that.
Likes:

•Unique forbidden romance.
•Mike is an amazing all-around guy.
•Very hot sex.
•The Formatting (texts in a different font)
•The setup for the next two books.

Dislikes:

•The book really slowed down and lost it’s way for me in the middle but came back strong.
•3rd person.

The Down & Dirty:
I’m so glad to see Cherrie Lynn with a new series of brothers who are all totally different. I loved the very unique forbidden romance storyline. I am a first person girl, and the third person storytelling kept me from fully falling in love with this story, and may have contributed to the slow-down in the middle. But I still really thought it was a great storyline by a wonderful storyteller. I look forward to reading the next two in the series.

Rating: 4 stars, 4.25 heat



Purchase Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn
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This is a unique plot line in which Savannah falls for the Mike the guy her brother was fighting with MMA cage when he was injured so bad he died. Mike feels utterly horrible and wants to make it up the the family any way he can. Savannah starts to see the real Mike, not the image of his MMA fighter. Can her family forgive his part in her brother's death to accept them as a couple? Can Savannah get pass what Mike does for a living to be with the man she loves?

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I have read this author's work and enjoyed it before, which was the main reason that I made the request for this book. I loved the whole premise of the story, especially because it was unique to other "forbidden love" type stories I've read before.

The characters in the book were very likable. I fell in love with Mike at his very first appearance in the story and only became more fond of him as the story progressed. Savannah was strong and independent, and I found myself relating to her way of dealing with things by wanting to do the right thing for herself without hurting anyone else. Even the secondary characters were enjoyable to read, especially Zane and Rowan. Throughout the book, I found myself crying, laughing, and falling completely in love.

As mentioned, I have read books by Cherrie Lynn before and enjoyed them, but this may be my new favorite. I was very excited to see that the other Larson brothers will be getting books. One more reason to wish for spring to get here!

This author NEVER disappoints. Oh my the tears I had streaming down my face with this book was just...WOW! An amazing story line and written with such passion and emotion. One if the best I've read by Cherie Lynn and certainly will not be my last.

no rating DNF
I am so bummed about not finishing this book. I have read Ms. Lynn's prior books in the Ross Siblings series and was so looking forward to reading this new series. Unfortunately, the book was very very slow moving and I just couldn't get into it. I am a mood reader so it's likely my fault vs. the book as I have seen this one get some good reviews. Maybe I will try another time :(

Mike Larson is MMA fighter who had a crappy childhood. The ring is where he belongs, being a fighter is who he is. He is making a name for himself in this world, but the outcome of one fight leaves him questioning it all. His last opponent died due to injuries that he sustained during their fight. He blames himself even though he knows it was an accident. At this point he is not sure if he even wants to go on with his career. But before he can even make that decision he needs to see Tommy's family. He just needs one chance to tell them how sorry he is.

Savannah just lost her brother Tommy because he was doing something that he loved, fighting in a ring. While she is devastated by his lost she knows that her sister-in-law and mother are taking it just as hard. Savannah is there for the both of them but at times because she is being to strong for them she is neglecting her won feelings. At the funeral for her brother she comes face to face with the man who accidentally killed her brother. She knows that she has no business talking to him or even agreeing to meet up with him but she wants to hear what he has to say. So she agree to meet him.

There is this connection between Mike and Savannah that they both feel from the moment that they meet. But falling for Mike Larsen is so wrong and the consequences of being with him is not something that she wants to think of. But at the same time she feels comfort when she is with him. In a way they both need each other no mater how wrong it is. But will it all be worth the risk of [possible losing your family because you fell for the wrong man.

I really liked the premise of this book and I enjoyed Savannah and Mike. I thought that they had very good chemistry and truly belonged together. I also loved the side characters and am hoping to get Zane's book next. While I did enjoy the characters for me this story fell a little flat. At times it was too slow for me and found myself skimming the pages. Overall an enjoyable read but was just missing a little something.

Raw Deal is an awesome read! It's an emotional read that pulled me in right from the beginning. Savannah's brother, Tommy, dies during and MMA fight against Mike. She is grieve filled and Mike is harboring guilt. Mike shows up at Tommy's funeral. I would say that it was a poor choice on Mike's part but Savannah actually talks to him. Savannah is the only one on Tommy's side that will talk to Mike. Even in her time of grieve Savannah has a great head on her shoulders. I really loved her. There's a connection between her and Mike. They find a friendship in each other. They are both battling issues. It has a unique and different story. I really enjoyed reading it and I will definitely read more in this series.

This was a different feel than other Cherrie Lynn books I’ve read. It started off with a darker, more melancholy vibe. But, then again anything that opens with a funeral is probably leaning more to the tragic side. Mike Larson is an MMA fighter who has just suffered through one of the worst things that could happen to a professional fighter; he killed someone with a punch to the head. Mike is filled with grief and guilt and other feelings he is having a difficult time deal with. These feelings become even harder to process when he meets the beautiful Savannah, who just so happens to be Tommy’s sister (the fighter that Mike killed in the ring).

Savannah knows there is something special and gentle about Mike when she meets him for the first time. She can feel the anguish and guilt coming off him during their quick coffee break, and where part of her wants to hate Mike and blame him for everything, she knows it’s not fair. And after meeting Mike, she knows how truly sorry he is. And she can’t deny the attraction she has for him. What starts as a way to get Her Sister in law out of her sorrow and suffering, Savannah allows Mike to help plan a fun evening at a rock concert, all expenses paid. And this begins the slippery ride of Mike and Savannah.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author set up future books in this series and I cannot wait for Zane and Rowan’s story. I think it’s going to be super epic! I recommend this book to anyone who loves watching big, sexy men get all blood and sweaty!

Mike and Savannah had the type of forbidden romance that brings on some exquisite angst. The FEELS, guys! This is what I'm always searching for in my hunt for a good romance. I want to be swept away and overwhelmed with the raw emotion and need that these characters have. And let me tell you, they had it in spades. I love how untraditional this story was. The plot was a brave one to tackle, and Ms. Lynn pulled it off with flying colors. There are so many ways you could get a story like this wrong, but I'm happy to report that I was one very satisfied customer. This couple brought together by a horrible tragedy, found something infinitely precious at the most unlikely time. Their ability to see past their circumstances into the heart of each other was breathtaking.

How do you look in the eyes of the man who took your brother from you without hate? Savannah does exactly that.

In the brutal world of MMA, you know a blood bath is likely, but you never think your loved ones will leave you so suddenly. This has now become Savannah's reality. On the day of her brother Tommy's funeral, Mike Larson was the last person she was expecting to see. What was even more surprising was the fact that his savage public persona didn't match up with this humble man in front of her. Wracked with guilt and looking for absolution, he would give anything to make things better for her family. Predictably, she is torn right from the start, wondering if she should even give him the time of day. But there was a genuine ring to his words and actions-and no hope of forgetting him.

Mike was a man who lives and breathes to protect his brothers, and fighting was his way out of the poor childhood handed to them. Poverty and a druggie mother brought dangerous people in their lives and he became their only protection. Fighting was his ultimate salvation, but now it brought nothing but pain. All he could see was the face of the man whose life he unintentionally took. People fear him now more than ever, but the one woman who showed him compassion and generosity left him in the most turmoil.

Make no mistake. You will fall for Mike's protectiveness and sweet side, but he is not a soft man. He's dominant to the core and still more than a little uncivilized. Just a warning: do not read this thing in public because when the sexual tension between these two combust, you will too. For obvious reasons, they fought the hard fight to resist their developing attraction. The public, her family would never condone it or forgive her. They both struggled with the morality of it all, but in the end it could only be suppressed for so long.

I loved the complexity of their relationship. The idea of finding love from the source of such pain was truly a beautiful story to watch unfold. These characters handled all conflict with maturity and grace-it was so utterly refreshing. The hurdles they had to overcome were insurmountable, but I had every faith they had what it took to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Passion, tenderness, and devotional love. That is what you will find in Raw Deal. Get in on this new series from the start. There are more Larson brothers to come and I'm already eager to see where this author leads them. Sign me up right now, I'm ready.

My 4 star review is now posted on Goodreads and linked below, It will be posted on blog and social media upon release tour and links will be updated below at that time. UPDATED 1/25/17

4 stars

Mike Larson is regretful and struggling after killing a man during a MMA fight. He has lost his passion and is riddled with guilt. Against the better judgment of his brothers and team, he feels the need to at least express his condolences to the man's family. Little did he know how that would change his life.

Savannah Dugas is trying to hold it together for her widowed sister-in-law and her parents after her brother was killed. She is usually the strong, dependable one that holds everyone up. Her family all blames Mike, but she just cannot ignore the pain and guilt in Mike's eyes when he seeks her out at the funeral.

These two really should not even be in contact, but there is something that draws them together. They are intrigued, attracted, and forming a connection that should not even be happening. When they are alone, it all feels so right. They have such strong chemistry and get along so well. But when facing the outside world, there are significant challenges.

Mike is strong and rough on the outside, but has such a generous, caring heart. He has basically been fighting his whole life and bad things tend to follow him. He is so protective over Savannah and will do anything he can for her. I just adored this gentle giant. Savannah is sweet, loving, conflicted, and stuck in a hard place with her family. Their newfound bond is a totally unexpected complication, comfort, and chance at happiness. But they are both afraid of getting too attached and then suffering more loss. It is hard to determine what is right and wrong in the scheme of their lives, but together they feel right.

If she wants him, she will have to fight for him and possibly hurt those she loves. But she can't stand the sport that took her brother away and can only hope that Mike decides to retire. But Mike has always been a fighter and that involves a difficult choice. They both know life is short and precious. No matter what the decision, it would require sacrifice and has the potential to hurt the other one.

Can they find a way to be together or is it too hard to live in each other's worlds?

This had an interesting and unique premise with a forbidden love story. It was funny, steamy, emotional, and dramatic. The characters had depth and back stories that helped us understand their motivations. I really liked Mike and his brothers the rock star, Zane, and the gambler, Damien. Savannah was easy to like too even though she did struggle. Her sister-in-law Rowan also was dealing with a lot and I enjoyed her side story. I am looking forward to more in this series with these characters.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn was such an emotional read. I love MMA heroes, but this was more than just a MMA fighter to love. What do you do if the man occupying time in your head and heart is the same man that was in the cage fight that caused your brother’s death?

Savanah Dugas’ brother is dead. Her family is devastated. Her sister-in-law is barely surviving. And Savannah misses her brother something fierce. Everyone in her family blames Mike “Red Reaper” Larson for his death, though he was officially cleared of any wrong doing. The last thing she expected was seeing him at her brother’s funeral.

Mike is beside himself. Every time he enters the cage, it is with the intention to winning, but never intends to do life-altering damage. When a man he is fighting dies, he wants to do something for the family, but does not know what he can do. Apologizing and offering whatever he can to the sister and wife leaves him no better off than he was, until the sister reaches out.

Savannah loved her brother, but also understood the risks every time he entered a cage. She sees the broken man who is devastated with guilt over what happened. So, they begin to heal each other through a forbidden journey where the cost may be too high.

I loved Mike. He was a strong and passionate man that learned early on he could only count on himself to take care of his brothers. For him that meant using his fists to succeed. It allowed him success and to care for those that mattered most to him. But underneath the hardened exterior is a man that is caring, gentle and loyal.

After Tommy’s death, Savannah finds herself holding her family together, but especially her sister-in-law. But while her family sees a killer when they see Mike, she sees a man that is also grieving and looking for redemption. I loved her determination to give him a chance and see him for who he is, not wat he is portrayed. She was kindhearted and strong in her way as well.

As they talk to each other a few times, Mike offers to do something for her sister-in-law to help in her grief. Mike and Savannah spend time together and get to know each other. Their connection and attraction is strong. Can they fight it? Should they fight it? What about her family? Could she do this to her family? Would they ever accept Mike in her life? And above all, could she be with Mike when she could lose him as well?

This was such an emotional ride. A forbidden love story of two people who could not be more right for each other, but who had so many obstacles in their way. I found this story to be sweet and touching, heartbreaking at times and so hot and steamy. Which at the end leads to an amazing, hard to put down book. This was my first book from this author and I loved it. I cannot wait to read more in this series!

I give Raw Deal by Cherrie Lynn 4.5 stars.

Following the death of Savannah’s brother in the MMA ring, her family is torn apart with grief, and the man who threw the final blow is wracked with guilt. Savannah struggles to be strong for her parents and sister-in-law.

Mike Larson is a lifelong fighter. As the protector of his brothers, he learned to fight early. But he never intended to kill with his fists, and the guilt he carries weighs heavily on him. He wants forgiveness but doesn’t feel like he can ask. The need to at least see the family draws him to the funeral where he runs into the man’s sister and widow.

Savannah and Mike shouldn’t have be attracted to each other after the circumstances of their meeting. Savannah is so focused on being strong for her family and Mike just wants to give peace in whatever way he can. Savannah sees something in the man her family thinks she should hate, and despite their protests, Mike and Savannah develop a bond.

I really enjoyed watching the bond between them form. From the forbidden friendship they struck up to the slowly developing passion that grew from the friendship they found, these two were sweet for each other and provided something they other needed in a very stressful, emotional time. Savannah had never really liked fighting, even when it was her brother in the ring, but now that she and Mike are exploring things, her stress levels about fighting are even higher.

There were times when I was baffled by the selfishness and childishness of the people in Savannah’s life who were closest to her. Yes, the family is grieving, but the weight they place on Savannah’s shoulders without considering the entirety of the burden surprised me at times. Particularly troubling to me was her sister-in-law’s tendency to threaten (and carry through) to call Savannah’s mother when she didn’t agree with Savannah’s decisions as if they were children tattling on each other.

But I loved the way this story found resolution. Each of the characters is challenged to face their fears, face the hangups, and face each other in a way that left them stronger and, in the case of Mike and Savannah, in a better place in their relationship. By the end I was tied to these characters and am looking forward to continuing to get to know the Larson brothers in their own stories.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Savannah and Mike steam up the sheets in the bedroom. Yet, it is not all about sex. They share an actual emotional connection to each other. Although, I had never met Savannah's brother, Tommy, I could tell that she really was close and cared for him a lot. So, I was glad that Mike came into Savannah's life to help ease away her pain.

Mike may be tough in the ring but he is all heart outside of the ring. The grieve he felt having been the one to take Savannah's brother away was evident in his pain. Getting introduced to Mike's brother, Zane; Mike is the mild one. This is a good start to this series. I can't wait to read the next book and get to know more about the Larson Brothers.

Full review posted at: https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2017/01/24/review-raw-deal-by-cherrie-lynn/

Michael Larson is a MMA fighter whose making a big name for himself in the sport. But getting in that cage comes with a lot of responsibilities, some of which are life changing. He learns this the hard way when a fight leads to the death of his opponent.

Savannah was always scared when her brother got into the ring and ended up bloody. But she never expected there would be a time that his fight would end in his death. Struggling to deal with losing her brother, while trying to hold it together for her parents and sister-in-law, she quickly finds herself in need of a friend. Enter Mike, whose racked with guilt and looking for a way to make amends with the family of the man whose death he feels responsible for. The two are the most unlikely of friends but together they start to heal and they can't deny the feelings that develop between them.



I really enjoyed getting to know more about these two broken characters who were both trying their hardest to heal. Their story was certainly not an easy one since they both had a lot of healing to do, but it was an engaging one.

I did have some issues feeling the connection between Mike and Savannah at times, but by the end I could see that they were the perfect couple. Savannah's family had a hard time accepting that she would want to be with Mike and it added a good amount of angst and intrigue. I liked that it wasn't an easy relationship between them because we got to see them work through their issues.

Overall, this is definitely a story I would recommend if you were looking for a sweet, yet heartbreaking, story of love and acceptance. The author also did a really good job of leaving you wanting more of secondary characters so I can't wait for more from this series and I can already tell the next is going to be a good one.

These two meet in dire circumstances, while at a funeral. There is a complete connection between these two, and despite the odds, her family, and his career, they need to be together. There are a few bumps in their road, that have to be dealt with before they can get their HEA, but they do get it. The sex scenes were quite hot. There were a few minutes that the characters were making me mad and I wanted to throw my kindle, but by the end they had reversed those feelings. I cannot wait to read his brothers' stories. A good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.