Review: On the Ropes by Christa Cervone

On the Ropes is the first book in the Down for the Count series by Christa Cervone. This is the first book I have read by her, but I love me some sexy fighters. I was sucked right into the story and really felt for all that Gabriel was going to have to face. While I loved his character, I didn't immediately feel the same about Salem. This book was good, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Gabriel "The Saint" Vega and his brother Jason were separated as children and forced into different foster homes after their father murdered their mother. Gabriel was taken under the wing of a man named Frankie that helped him to channel his aggression and make something of himself as a boxer. Now years later Gabriel is preparing for his first big fight while also helping Frankie with helping other at risk youth like he was. When a rich man named Blaine approaches Frankie and Saint about sponsoring him, things finally begin to look as though they are about to pay off. Except then Saint meets Blaine's girlfriend Salem and even though he knows its wrong, he can't help but want her for his own. 

Like I said before, I loved Saint. He was a good guy, and he was a lot of fun. He liked to go out and have a good time and keep things casual with women, but he was also really dedicated to being the best fighter he could be. He kept his training in mind, and knew that he had to act differently at times. He also knew that something about Salem was different, and he wanted her to know that he didn't view her like all the other women he had been with. He was interested in more with her, and I liked that he showed her that. Salem was extremely hard for me to like, and if I'm honest I pretty much hated her until about 55% of the way through this book. She came off as a spoiled snob, and there were no redeeming qualities about her at all. But then suddenly we get to see beneath her shell a bit, and she isn't just her attitude. I was glad that we finally got to see more of her vulnerability, because for the longest time I really couldn't figure out why Saint or Blaine would want anything to do with her. 

Besides Salem herself, I also had a bit of a problem with the way things were handled between Saint and Salem. If you are against cheating, I would suggest that you probably don't read this book. Not only does Blaine constantly cheat on Salem throughout this story, but Salem never breaks up with Blaine either. So everything that Saint and Salem are beginning to build and feel happens while she is with someone else. I don't think much of the relationship between Blaine and Salem and clearly he has no respect for her, but her cheating on him as well doesn't make it right. I kept waiting for her to finally wake up and end things so her and Saint could have a shot. While this book doesn't end on a huge cliffhanger, things are still up in the air and their story continues in the next book Going the Distance. I am curious to see what happens next, and I really hope that things are a bit different going forward. I think if you like sexy fighters and can handle some infidelity, that you might give this one a shot.

**Review Copy Provided by Author**

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Review: Going the Distance by Christa Cervone

Going the Distance continues the Down for the Count series by Christa Cervone and picks up where On the Ropes left off. Make sure that you start with On the Ropes before reading this book, as Salem and Gabe's story starts there. I read this book right after I finished the first book, and I would really recommend reading these back to back if possible. There is a lot that happens in the first book that affects this book, and I think they are best read together. That being said, I had some issues with the first book and that was also the case here. Overall I liked the story, but it wasn't without some mixed feelings at times. 

Gabriel "The Saint" Vega had a tough childhood and had finally reached what he had been working for. With his career taking off, he was thrown for a loop when he met Salem. Salem was his new sponsor's girlfriend, and although he tried to stay away he found himself unable to avoid her. But Salem and Gabe's relationship was over before it ever really began with everything standing in their way. Now he is focused on fighting and saving his brother as Jase attempts to stay clean. But when Gabe and Salem run into each other, they realize that the time and distance haven't changed their feelings for one another. Will they fight for one another, or will there be too many things standing in their way? 

I hated Salem when we first met her in the first book, but about half way through she won me over. I figured at that point it was smooth sailing as far as her being a likable character. Apparently I figured wrong, because I spent pretty much the first half of this book hating her as well. I couldn't believe that we were back in the same situation, and honestly I was fed up. I didn't understand her reasoning for not breaking up with her cheating sleazebag of a boyfriend Blaine, and I didn't like what she was doing to Gabriel. Gabe had more than enough to deal with, and his feelings for Salem were true and unwavering. I hated watching him stick around because he loved her, all the while having to watch her repeatedly with Blaine. Gabe on the other hand I couldn't have loved more! He was sweet and caring, and even more of a good guy than he was before. He was great with his brother and he was determined to be there for Salem no matter what she put him through. I really felt like he deserved better, but I couldn't help but admire his devotion to Salem. 

Overall, I thought that this was a good story even though I did have issues with it over the course of both books. Salem was one of my biggest problems, and her inability to end a toxic relationship that was long overdue. I also recommend that if you are not a fan of cheating that you probably don't read this series. There was cheating in both books, and I really felt like it was unnecessary. I didn't like it, and that was part of why I felt like Gabe deserved better than what he was getting. I will say that I liked how this book ended though, and I especially enjoyed the epilogue. It was great to see them years later, and I really loved everything that happened with Frankie and Gabe. He had always been a father to Gabe, and the way things went for those two was especially sweet. I think if you like sexy fighter stories that this is one that you might want to give a shot. It was enjoyable besides the few criticisms I had, and Gabe alone is worth the read.

**Review Copy Provided by Author**

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Feature: Going The Distance by Christa Cervone

Boxing saved Gabriel’s life…

From surviving a hellish childhood, to reuniting with his lost brother, only to struggle with helping him battle his drug addiction—a whirlpool of addiction that threatens to drag his brother under.

Life’s been a roller coaster for Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega…

Just when his career hits the fast track, he finally finds love with Salem, at least for a short time. But social differences, obligations, and misguided good intentions tore Gabriel and Salem apart before they could ever really get started.

Is Salem capable of breaking away from the ropes that bind her to doing what’s expected rather than what and whom she desires? Can Gabriel convince Salem that their feelings are worth fighting for?

Does their relationship have what it takes to go the distance?

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