I have read and loved all previous books in this series! You could read this one as a standalone, but I suggest reading them in order. Just my opinion though.
This love story is about second chances between Shayla and Zack. As children/teenagers/young adults, these two were always close until Zack walked away (EEK!). Now he is back and sees his old friend/love in a MMA gym. He is shocked and wants to learn more about what has led her to be here since she was always a ballerina. (Talk about a 180!) The ups and downs of these two characters relationship will have you on the edge of your metaphorical seat at times.
This is a great read, but not my favorite in the series. I do, however, highly recommend this one.

Sarah Castille not only writes the hottest MMA fighters, she also makes forgiveness super sexy. Even as a huge fan of the Redemption series, I found Zack and Shayla's story a huge surprise with deep emotions, painful flashbacks, and sharp twists. The usual Redemption alpha mighty male-ness, fight scenes, and sexy times are there but so are surprisingly mature feelings and growth.

I absolutely loved this novel, it actually reminds me of how long its been since my ex has seen me in person although we do chat from time to time. Wonderful relatable book. Thank you for affording me the opportunity to review it.. what a fantastic read it has been,

Awesome read. Didn't want to put it down. Great intrigue and flowed nicely. Love her books and characters messed perfectly.

I’ve been a fan of this series since I brought the first book in the series and each one gets better the the last and this one I love with the mc’s have a past since she was 8 years old Shayla, first meeting the boy from across the train tracks in a trailer park with a drug addicted mother and a drunk for a father, 10 or 12 year old Zack. This is on the edge of your seat action, drama, romance, alpha MMA men and a reunited childhood lovers come together after 7 years apart after Zack walking away from his love without a backwards glance or a good bye. Her life spilled and had a promising light but that light got black and her beating almost killed her. His life was the best but he had his regrets of the only woman who owned his head, body and soul. Their trials, fights, broken souls and their fears make them fight each day and with each other for their pasts and the closures she needed to move on, but broken costing her her future in MMA Shayla was a ballerina since age 2 and her accident took her love away, but she fraught to heal, and to fight for her life only to have Zack strode into her gym and change it all, maybe for the better or not. But she will get the closure she needs.

This one might be my favorite of the series. I love that the characters had history. I love that they build this awesome community in an MMA gym. Shayla is badass.

I’m so, so lucky to get approved for ARC’s on NetGalley. Thank you!

ARC received for review

It's Shayla/Shilla the Killa's turn for love and it's a blast from her past. Since Zack left her she been down a rough patch, but come through better and stronger. There was a lot of back and forth with the two of them just annoyed me. Lots of "help" from the rest of the Redemption gang. I can't wait to see who's story is up next.

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It's a good story with strong characters and an active storyline. I enjoyed most it. There were some parts that seemed drawn out but other than that it has great writing, complex characters and lots of love.

Fight promoter Zack Grayson is on the prowl for a rising star. As the top recruiter of a prestigious MMA promotion company, he wants to take someone where he was never able to go: the top of the professional league. He didn’t expect that someone to be the woman he loved…and left.Top-ranked MMA amateur fighter Shayla “Shilla the Killa” Tyler built walls around her heart when Zack left her seven years ago—and again when her husband turned violent. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Sarah Castille is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.

Sarah Castille not only write the hottest MMA fighters, she also makes forgiveness super sexy. Even as a huge fan of the Redemption series, I found Zack and Shayla's story a huge surprise with deep emotions, painful flashbacks, and sharp twists. The usual Redemption alpha mighty male-ness, fight scenes, and sexy times are there but so are surprisingly mature feelings and growth.

To be honest, I wasn't a fan of Shayla aka "Shilla the Killa" and couldn't imagine this tough MMA fighter as a credible romance heroine - big mistake. Unlike the other Redemption couples whose stories began with just sexual chemistry, Zack and Shayla were childhood sweethearts whose incredible love both broke and sustained them through the years. Their love and heat for each other was never in question, only their struggle to find forgiveness and acceptance of past hurts.
The feelings are still there - the chemistry, the connection. But can you love someone who has cut you so deep, you can never heal, who has broken you beyond repair?

I originally wrote off Shayla as a side character whose main role seemed to be making the Redemption ladies jealous. I was completely not prepared for Shayla's painful past and hidden strength. Her incredible fight to come back from her past was awe-inspiring. I loved that Zack was just as awed by MMA fighter Shayla as he was by ballet dancer Shayla.
He would do anything for Shayla. She was his Vega [star]; and he wanted to come home.
Both Zack and Shayla have to face that they made mistakes and have to deal with the fallout. How they meet this challenge shows their strength, not just physical strength, but emotional:
Zack had always protected me, but sometimes you need to get hurt so you learn to see the danger ahead of you. You need to fall so you learn how to get up again.
I really enjoyed visiting the ol' Redemption gang; the little glimpses of Torment, Predator, Rampage (aka Sadist), etc. were like the best epilogue ever. I can only hope that Sarah Castille finds more Redemption heroes: I will read them all.

4.5 stars

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC generously provided by NetGalley.

I LOVED learning Shayla's story and what she went through to land at Redemption. I had thought she was an interesting character in prior books, but had no idea just how compelling her history would be. When Zack walked into Redemption, I was prepared to hate him, but the author made me care about him and his story as well. I felt invested in their story and found myself turning pages just as quickly as possible.

When you pick up a book by this author, you are assured of compelling characters with depth and sexy romance. For fans of the genre, this is a must read. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The series is so good, though, you really owe it to yourself to read them all. The author is on my must read authors' list.

Absolutely loved Shayla and Zack's story. These two were each other's destinies as they had the deep bond growing up that cemented their souls! Each have struggled and have relied on each tremendously as young kids/young adults. One special night that Shayla has waited on forever ends with heartbreak and devastation. Shayla takes a different path in life that shatters her hopes and dreams, but that path has made her into the strong willed and strong bodied woman Zach sees when he walks into Redemption.

Zach had a quick rise of success in the MMA. Destroying opponents and earning championship belts, Zach thinks he has it all until a disastrous fight changes his life. Shocked to see his little ballerina in a MMA gym Zach decides he needs to stay and learn more about Shayla's life and try to get her to let him back in and be a part of it.

The hurt of Shayla when Zach leaves her is felt in the words of this book. But we also feel Zach's desire to be more and give more to Shayla- the only problem is he destroyed her in the way he goes about accomplishing those desires. These two are so wound up being near each other you know it won't be long until they are together. The problem is- that never settles the wounds that are unseen.

Shayla and Zach are meant for one another. This story brings the heat and passion of the ring to the couple that are inevitably going to get together. The getting there is an awesome story in friendship, love and passion.

Strong Hold is the 5th instalment of the Redemption erotica romance series by Sarah Castille and focuses on Shaylla and Zack's story.

Ballet dancer turned amateur MMA fighter Shayla "Shilla the Killa" Tyler thought she was over her broken heart when Zack left her seven years ago; however, he's back and he's now at her club recruiting fighters for MEFC, a prestigious MMA promotion company and he has his sights set on locking Shayla down, both in the ring and in the bedroom.

Sarah Castille does not disappoint, but I have to say, this story was not up-to-par with her others. Even though it's part of a series, you can read this book as a stand-alone as each novel focuses on a different set of characters within the same fight club, but of course it's always fun to read them all. I rate this novel 3.5 out of 5 on the hot scale. Check my blog to read the review for 4th book, Fighting Attraction. (If you enjoy reading Castille novels, I highly recommend reading the Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series, my favourite Sarah Castille series).

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: May 26, 2018. Novel Publish Date: July 3, 2018.

I really love MMA romance novels. This is the first that I've read where the lady is also a MMA fighter. So much better.

In Strong Hold, we meet Zach and Shayla. Zack is a former MMA championship fighter who retired after his opponent died following their fight. Shayla is an amateur MMA fighter and former ballerina. She and Zach had a long-term relationship when they were younger, but Zach ended it when Shayla had an opportunity to dance with a prestigious ballet company. They meet again several years later, both carrying a lot of emotional baggage. The author provided strong character development, which led this reader to root for the tormented main characters in a nicely structured story.

Sarah can write one hell of an alpha male and at the same time a kick ass heroine who is just as intriguing as the hero. I loved her mob series and have been a fan since she penned her first fighter romance “ Against the Ropes” . She’s a great author and “Strong Hold” exceeded all expectations.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series and have since book 1 and this one did not disappoint. Strong characters who are likable and relate able. A storyline that makes you want to keep reading when you know you have to get some sleep. I love that the characters from past novels are reoccurring throughout the book.

I love big strong tough heros and now I love big strong tough heroines. I love the weaknesses and the strength of both protagonists. A great read!

5 stars!

I love revisiting old friends and making new ones in this series of books. A fun, sexy, and intense second chance romance, this is a great addition to the series.

Shayla’s life hasn’t been easy but she continues to be a fighter. Making the most of her life she continues to train hard but the ghosts of the past still haunt her. From her ex husband and to the man she has only loved fear has slowly consumed her in the ring. Only one man can help her achieve her dreams, too bad he is also the one that shattered her heart. Love how this series flows and the the characters from previous books still are mentioned. Another great story from Sarah Castille!