Strong Hold is the fifth in the Redemption series, and I had a fun time with this story. I have really enjoyed this series, although I will warn you that the sex scenes are pretty HOT and spicy. They do have some BDSM elements, but I would consider them light and not full on BDSM. So most readers would enjoy the scenes. This was a story that I found very bittersweet at times. It had some strong emotional and drama elements that really suck you into the story and into the relationship and its complexity.

Our story starts off when Zack, is a MMA promoter and ex fighter. Zack is still feeling what he lost that one night during a fight when his opponent died in the ring and Zack has blamed himself ever since and that night has haunted him including losing the one woman he never stopped loving. Shayla or also known as “Shilla the Killer”, knew Zack and they were high school sweethearts but right when she was ready to follow him to California for his dreams he broke up with her brutally and she has never fogotten. Shayla was once a dancer, and was married until she showed up on Redemption door brutalized by her husband and her knee so damaged that she could no longer pursue her dream of being a professional dancer. She now is fierce and a fighter and used the techniques she has used to beat her fear of her ex and heal from the past until her past comes riding back in when Zack enters her life again. But both Zack and Shayla will need to resolve past issues and face them in the ring….but will they rise on the top or be defeated?

I really enjoyed seeing this story evolve, and yeah any of my friends and followers on here know how much I LOVE the Second Chance Trope and this one rocked for sure. It was interesting to see Shayla’s story since I have really enjoyed her sassy character throughout the series and boy the depth of her character is the bomb. I loved seeing her past and that there is so much more to her than meets the eye. I found it interesting the way the relationship reconnects, and its not an easy one.

We learn that Zack only broke up with her so she wouldn’t give up on dreams of being a dancer, but we also see that Shayla isn’t just pissed about that but also that he wouldn’t talk to her. Shayla was aware of what she wanted even years ago when they were together and that he didn’t have the right to make life altering decisions that caused her so much pain. I found that these two deserve one another. They are both fighters, and want to go the professional route. But they also have some issues they need to face and I enjoyed seeing them push each other into realizing the truths that they hide from each other.

The love story is so beautifully written, seeing these two characters suffer all that they have and to find each other again and become stronger together was breathtaking and worth the read in every way!! IRRESISTIBLY SEXY

A story about second chance at love. Shayla is now an MMA fighter, but years ago she was a ballerina. She even at one time dated Zach Grayson, who has now walked into the gym she trains in and he has since stop fighting after winning four titles. He also walked out on her the night she turned eighteen without any word why. Now years later she still does not want to see him. Zach on the other hand cannot believe that he is looking at the women who does not look anything like he remembers years ago. The last time without her knowledge was going to New York where she was dancing, but then also finding out that she was married. He was wondering what she was doing in Oakland and not in New York and why was she not dancing but fighting. The reason behind this is horrific and heart breaking for anyone who has seen or been around dancing. Now can they or I should say Shayla allow Zach back into her life once again after he walked out on her years ago. Read this wonderful story that has other story lines as well inside. The characters are good along with the story.

I really liked this book. I was never the biggest fan of Shayla's, but she is in a completely different place in this book. It shows a bit of her background and loved her and Zach together. I would recommend this book.

This is the fifth book in the redemption series. I did not read the first four and was able to easily follow this book. But if you are wanting to read any of these book, I would start at the beginning. All the characters from the previous books are in Strong Hold. I would have loved to know their background. I am going to start at the beginning of this series next. This book had many emotions from beginning to end. Shayla and Zack have been in love for ten years. They met when Shayla was 8 and Zack 13. Even though they were young, they knew there was something special between the two. But Zack did something unforgivable to Shayla when she was 18 that left her hurt and closed off. But seven years later, they meet again. And what an up and down ride it was. I liked how these two became reacquainted with each other. How both of them learned from their past and overcame their fears. Very entertaining book

I have read this whole series this far and this story was no different than the others. I devoured it. I love MMA stories and this author can take you right to the front row of the action. But how she can weave a love story in is just beautiful. Zach and Shayla had chemistry like no other and I couldn't wait for the 2 of them to be on the same page together and interact.

Knowing this title is part of an ongoing series by this author, I would say that it would best be read in order with the others. There are references to other characters and it would be nice to understand the world that these characters live in better. That being said I had not read the others in this series and enjoyed the story for the story's sake. I liked the relationship between Shayla and Zach. I liked the back story and the overall development of the story. I will have to check out more titles by Sarah Castille!

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has abuse, second chances, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Against the Ropes (Redemption, #1)
In Your Corner (Redemption, #2)
Full Contact (Redemption, #3)
Fighting Attraction (Redemption, #4)

This is Shayla and Zach’s story. When Zach left her seven years ago Shayla built steel walls around her heart. Then she reinforced those walls when her husband turned his violence on her. He wants to help her get to the top in her sport but she just wants to stay in the shadows and keep her heart safe. He is determined to break down her walls. She just wants to keep herself from being broken. Can she trust Zach this time? Or will he let her down just like everyone else?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Before I can get started about the plot of this book, I have to share my pet peeve with the writing. Chapters jump between characters which normally I don't mind as long as it's noted from who's POV the story is being told from. Here's where it gets weird. When it's from Shayla's POV, it's told in first person. But when the chapter is from Zach's POV, it's in third person. It's annoying to go from reading I did this, I did that to he did this, he did that when the chapter is supposed to be from their point of view. Because of that, I felt less connected with him than her.

Overall, not a bad story. Abused woman seeks refuge at gym, wanting to learn how to protect herself after leaving the SOB who nearly killed her. Turns to MMA as a result of her learning and enjoys it. Former love of her life returns, not expecting to find her in a ring but is determined to make up for the shitty way he let her go seven years ago.

I forgot, I have another pet peeve - the ending. The ending itself isn't the issue; but if you're going to have a character in that situation the last place she should be is in a ring getting hit. It would be one thing if she was just doing light exercises, stretching or something but to have someone hitting her???? Nope.

DNF at 48%

I'm not a fan of MMA and I haven't been to an MMA gym but it really bothers me that it's against the rules to call the people at the gym by their MMA fighter names. This really bothered me so much I can't stop thinking about it everytime it comes up (and it comes up a lot). I'm not really sure if this is really what MMA gyms do, but it just bothers the heck outta me.

I actually love the romance and the premise here and I really, REALLY want to finish it, but I just can't get past the fighter names rule.

I didn't read the others in the Redemption series, so it was a challenge at first keeping the many names in Strong Hold straight. However, once I could, I enjoyed the standalone story that I feel could easily double as a movie.

Watching Shayla & Zack mature while giving their relationship a second chance was interesting, and funny, too, at times. Zack's caveman antics endeared him to me, but I was glad that Shayla never let him totally swamp her. I enjoyed the way the author described the training and fight scenes. It was thrilling! The steamy scenes were also well-described. Sarah Castille definitely knows what she's doing there.

My one issue with the book was the fact that Shayla & Zack's POVs were told in two different "persons" and tenses. I found it a bit annoying.

I enjoyed all the other aspects, though, and fans of MMA romance will truly enjoy it.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

Another great book in the Redemption series that features a second chance romance and two people who need to face their own fears before they can find their way back to one another.

I’m a big fan of sports romance and I just love the everything about the Redemption gym – from the gritty and realness that comes through in the writing to the diverse group of characters that are featured, especially as they find themselves becoming more family than just friends. I really loved Shayla and was excited to get to learn her story. She’s had a tough time of things, starting with the way things ended with Zack to the wreck that was her marriage. She’s turned to MMA fighting to learn how to protect herself and she has found a new passion in her fighting. When Zack unexpectedly walks back into her life it’s clear these two have some unfinished business, but until they both face the fears of their past there is little chance that these two could find a future.

Like all the stories in this series, the supporting cast of characters adds so much to the book, and I especially loved getting to know the people that Shayla worked with as well. Even though this wasn’t my favorite in the series –I do love second chance romances but I did think Zack was a bit of jerk when he walked out on Shayla –this was a solid read just like all the others. And I love when the women are just as fierce and strong as all of those alpha males they have to deal with!

This is one series that is definitely worth reading!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Sports second chance romance
Triggers: Abusive relationship, attempted murder

This is the second book in this series that I've read, but the fifth in the series. I believe this can be read as a standalone as well.

Shayla and Zack were in love when they were young. When Zack realizes that he may be holding Shayla back from her own dreams, he makes a unilateral decision to end their relationship. Well, let's just say that they each realized their own dreams, but those dreams came with a cost greater than what both believed they'd pay.

Years later, when Shayla is at her training facility, Zack happens to walk in... both are surprised and neither has forgotten what happened years ago. Zack has his usual protective, somewhat overbearing tendencies and Shayla wants nothing to do with Zack.

Dancing around each other, they find that their chemistry still burns hot. Past hurts have to be rectified, new paths are forged. This is a story about redemption, forgiveness and above all, love. It was a sweet story.

I think that it was a little long-winded in some areas. I also wish that we had more of the sport intermixed. I am hoping that there will be more books as I found them to be very entertaining.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
As is the trend with this series, Strong Hold is hot hot hot! I really liked it, it’s fast-paced and I love that it’s about a female MMA fighter, which was a unique perspective and made the book all that more interesting to me.

Shayla found the love of her life when she was just a child and that love continued to grow until their late teens when Zack made the decision to leave Shayla to get his career started as an MMA fighter. Shayla goes her own way pursuing her dreams as a dancer – until life knocks her down. Now, years later, Zack finds Shayla at Redemption, where she is working to get her career as an MMA fighter off the ground. Zack is a recruiter for an MMA company and when he realizes Shayla’s potential offers to train her – but really, he has other things in mind like winning her back.

I really loved that both the main characters are fighting their own angst for the same goal, it made for a unique and intriguing read. This book is definitely a 10 in the steam category – Zack is 100% alpha male and though Shayla is fiercely independent outside the bedroom, she’s only too happy to let Zack take over inside. I breezed through this book – unable to put it down. I can’t wait for more from the Redemption group!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series, and whilst you could read it as a standalone and enjoy it, it would be much richer if you read them in order. The digs between fighters, the hierarchy, and the camaraderie would make a lot more sense.

Here we get Shayla's story, as she reconnects unexpectedly with her first love, Zack. He left her when she was 18 and seven years later there is a lot for both of them to deal with following their split. I liked that the issues were very different, but both affected their emotional life, and their ability to fight.

I enjoy the MMA world of strong alpha men and women, even though I cringe at the actual fighting! And there is some lovely banter between them, as well as some harsh lessons to learn.

As Zack uncovers what has happened to Shayla, he has to learn to control his temper and to keep pushing if he wants her back. There is no doubt that they have sexual chemistry, but trust is another story entirely.

Another really good installment in the series, thank you Sarah Castille.

This book is about fight promoter Zack Grayson and Shayla Tanner. He is on the prowl for a rising star in Redemption, where he finds Shayla after 7 years, 10 months and 27 days, when he left her so she could follow her dream of becoming a dancer in New York. She is/was THE ONE but, after he learns (a year after he left her) that she is married, he kinds of put the flame away. But finding her unexpectedly makes him reevaluate his feelings and his life.

Shayla is a top-ranked MMA amateur fighter, and she has built some really high and strong walls around her heart because the men of her life keep leaving her: first her dad dying, then Zack left her after their first night together (in the biblical sense), and her husband turned violent and almost killed her... she can’t risk the exposure of the limelight, and she definitely can't risk another heartbreak... but now seeing Zack and rediscovering her uncanny attraction she just can’t be far from him.

I really liked the story, well to be honest I have mixed feelings about it. I did like it, a lot, but I felt like it was a little rushed, and maybe it’s because it’s the first book I read about this saga, but I didn’t quite see the difference between the characters personalities. At some point it felt like they were all the same just with different name, well except for Dr Death, he was the only one who had a distinctive personality and I would love to read more about him. Now about the parts that I did love, even thou it felt rushed, it gave me all the feels! There were some scenes that really had my heart beating faster and wishing and everything! I think the rush thing is maybe her writing style (this is my first book from Sarah) so I do recommend it!

Strong Hold by a new to me author Sarah Castille. A spicy story in the Redemption series which I haven't read any books in. I still liked the story it had great characters and dialogue.

Another great book in the Redemption series by Sarah Castille! I have read all the books in this series and was so excited to read Shayla's story. It was a page turner and I really enjoyed it. The redemption series is a favorite, this one didn't disappoint!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I had not read any of the previous books but this can be read as a stand alone but prior books would add to the story as there were mention of several couples and a little bit about them. The only thing that I had a bit of trouble with is most are referred to with their fight name and it was hard to remember who they were except for Torment!

Wow, I could certainly understand Shayla's reluctance to stay away from Zack and not want to get hurt all over again! What I didn't get was that Zack thought he could break things off with her but then not understand that she could get married! Or be upset that she would not even realize that he was coming back for her - what!!

Her story was so hard to read but she was so strong and overcame the pain from not only physical injuries but emotional pain. Watching Shayla work out her past and overcome the anger with Zack and the loss of her dream to present day and how she was in a much better place and so confident in who she was - it was great to see her progress.

Only thing that I didn't like was the kind of overlooking that Zack had been a manwhore but they all didn't matter as they were not Shayla - didn't like it! I would also have liked to know what Damien's plan was when Zack went to visit him, did he have a reason to taunt Zack into a fight?? And when Zack and Torment fought - we didn't really see who won...lol!

Holy hotness. I can't even with the kind of heat coming from this book.

Shayla "Shilla the Killa" Tanner has had a rough life. Being left in a dirty motel room at the dead of night like a used up rag was not something she could forgive. In fact as the years went by her resentment only fed the anger and hurt. Life became easier for a short while again until it didn't. Broken inside and out she found Redemption and that's when a graceful ballerina turned into a badass MMA queen.

Zack Grayson spent 7 years never forgotting his decision to leave. Despite it coming from good intentions the choice wasn't the right one and living without her was hell for him. His career thrived and he lived off his massive success for a long time until one fight brought not one but two lives to an end. That day killed his career.. it haunted his nights and plaqued his days. Despite being the best he couldn't continue that path because of what his legacy had become.

Together they were fire from the start. The chemistry palpable and the connection instantaneous. You felt every emotion from them like it was you going through it. They're story isn't easy all sweet and fluff. No it's raw gritty and heart breaking. It's a story of healing, two broken people always ment to be one whole. They had the odds stacked against them and had to work on themselves individually aswell as together. A tremendous about of character growth that was at times hard to read but so freaking believable. A storyline that will break you down then build you back up. Side characters that you'll love to hate, laugh your ass off at and definitely want more off. You'll go through a rollercoaster of emotions and by the end be left rung dry and emotionally exhausted.
It's a fucking brilliant story seamlessly written and hits the nail on the head emotionally. I can't wait for what's next.

I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 stars--STRONG HOLD is the fifth instalment in Sarah Castille’s contemporary, adult REDEMPTION erotic, MMA, romance series focusing on the men and women of the MMA Club Redemption. This is thirty-year old MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and twenty-five year old, former ballerina turned MMA fighter Shayla Tanner’s story line. STRONG HOLD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person point of view (Shayla), and third person perspective (Zack) STRONG HOLD follows the second chance romance between MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and former ballerina turned MMA fighter Shayla Tanner. Zack and Shayla were childhood best friends, and high school sweethearts but on the night Shayla gave Zack her most prized possession, Zack walked away without a second glance. Fast forward to present day, wherein Shayla will come face to face with the man that broke her heart, and destroyed her soul. Enter MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and the man with whom Shayla was still in love. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Zack and Shayla, as Zack takes control of Shayla’s training, in an effort to get closer to the woman he loves.

Zack had no idea that Shayla Tanner, his Shayla Tanner, was on the amateur circuit of the MMA. Heading into Redemption to recruit possible new talent, Zack will have to face the wrath of the woman from whom he walked away but a woman who has lost and suffered more than Jake could ever have imagined. Shayla struggled in the years following Zack’s ill-timed escape but none more so than into the arms of an abusive man who all but destroyed what was left of our heroine’s life.

The relationship between Zack and Shayla is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between former best friends, and sweethearts but a romance that suffers with too many memories from the past. Zack is determined to prove himself worthy of Shayla’s trust and respect even if it means protecting her from herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but, once again, I take issue with a certain four-letter word that I find unnecessary in a romance story line. Used only once, I felt it was more for shock value than descriptive narration.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles, some byway of mention or cameo appearance: Blade Saw, Renegade, Rampage, Torment, Homicide Hank, Fuzzy and Doctor Death (all of the nick names must be used in the arena and at the gym), as well as the only other female fighter at Redemption Sandy, and Shayla’s nemesis in the ring Carla Gordon.

STRONG HOLD is a dramatic, intense and captivating story. The premise is energetic and impassioned; the characters are dynamic and vigorous; the romance is provocative and fated. Sarah Castille writes tantalizing romances, strong heroes, and sassy heroines.

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Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.

Love this series...the blurb...the cover...amazing.

Zach has love Shayla forever...letting her go so she could find her dreams as a ballerina just seemed like the right thing to do. Unfortunately she married an abusive jerk...and lost her dreams of being a dancer.
Now she's Shilla the Killa in MMA for women. Zack. Having lost his own MMA dream due to his opponent dying is now a recruiter.

I thought this was a fun read only because the author does such a switch up. Shilla doesn't comes off though as one of those manly women who try to fight in MMA. She's still a ballerina at heart. I loved the sexy chemistry between the two, and this whole series is just fun. Four stars of entertainment!

In this corner, we have Shilla the Killa. In that corner, we have Slayer. May the best fighter win!

I'm not normally much of a sports kind of person. I say that I cheer for the local teams, but I really don't pay all that much attention to when anyone is playing. I've lusted mightily after MMA fighters, but I've never watched a fight or anything. But, dayum, all those muscles just do something for a person, you know? But, when I ran across this one, I decided that it sounded good and decided that I needed to read it.

Shayla and Zach had been best friends when they were young and then boyfriend and girlfriend as they got older. She was a ballerina, with plans to go to a ballet company in San Diego, while Zach, an amateur MMA fighter was planning on going there to try to turn pro. But, when he finds out that she's turning down a better opportunity, he decides to leave her. On her 18th birthday. After their first time.

Seven years later, he holds 4 belts and is a recruiter. He walks into a MMA gym and finds his beautiful ballerina in the ring, fighting. Shayla has been broken and reforged into something stronger, and MMA helped her get there.

I enjoyed the story. I like the way that things flashed back to Shay's past to give us more information as to what had happened in her past and what made her the way that she now was. I liked it better than having everything explained. Experiencing it with her made it seem more real and let me connect with her better than I might otherwise have. Zach sometimes annoyed me, sometimes didn't. I get the overprotective thing, especially when it comes to head injuries, but he really does just paint Shayla into a corner sometimes. And then when he doesn't, it's not a good thing. I don't think that he should force her into a particular choice, but it just wasn't as consistent as it could've been.

It worked as a story, and I was quite happy with the way the story went.