What would you do if you came face-to-face with your celebrity crush?Rocky Steele is surrounded by professional athletes.It’s her job. As a physical therapist in a world renowned gym, she works with the best of the best, from hockey players to MMA fighters. Celebrity status does not impress her. Nor do big, strong men in peak physical condition. Nope. When it comes to her job, she’s one hundred … hundred percent professional.Enter Gage James. Her celebrity crush. And the newest fighter to train in her gym. Where it will be her job to put her hands on every inch of the six foot seven two hundred and sixty pounds of utter Alpha male perfection. She’s got this….Maybe. Gage ‘The Kraken’ James is the reigning MMA Heavyweight Champion.When he walks into The Steele Maker for the first time, it’s like he’s hit with a one-two punch to the chest in the form of a certain raven haired firecracker. His coach’s daughter. His physical therapist. His every waking thought.He’s in for the fight of his life. The stakes are higher… outside the octagon.Time to release The Kraken.GAME ON. TAP OUT is the second book in the BTU Alumni Series and can be read as a stand-alone. All your favourites return as a new cast of characters joins in on the fun. Prepare for major #squadgoals as you get your first peek inside The Coven. This book features a hella sexy UFC champ, feisty besties, the most awesome coffee house ever, and a heroine who can fight her own battles thank you very much. Time to touch gloves, HEA guaranteed.
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the story was very well written and the characters were super well developed. the author made a very rich world that had a lot of distinct personalities in this full cast book. I mean there were a lot of characters as a lot of interactions happened with a group of friends. and the author gave each character an unique voice where just by the dialogue I knew who was speaking. so that made the narrator’s performance that much better because they were able to pick up the nuances of these different characters. I think that right there in its self is proof to a great author narrator combo. as for the couple I like them together. they were very cute and I didn’t have any like reservations about them getting together. I really did want them to get together.
the only thing I did not like is this author wanted to do a slow burn, but because these characters were around each other all the time and they lived in the same building, there’s really no reason why intimacy shouldn’t have happened between them a lot sooner.
it seemed a little too obvious as a reader that the author was gone for a slow-burn but they made stupid Interrupters or stupid things that kept it at bay. it was just a little too thin. it would have been more believable if they didn’t live in the same building. or even though they lived in the same building the character should have had more Hang-Ups on hooking up.
the H new sleeping with her could complicate things but he didn’t really seem to care because he pursued her openly and didn’t try to be discreet in the least bit. but the h had a big hang up on not getting involved with Fighters but then she decided she’s going to do a one time with him. which is great but then the author made all these weird dances between them that should have resulted in somebody getting laid.
don’t get me wrong I love a good slow burn but this was not done well in that particular area. that’s my only negative about this book but I still recommend it.
Gage “The Kraken” James is the heavy weight champ and when it came time for him to be closer to his cousin and family he switches to a new coach and team to train with. The Steele Maker team consists of new and up and coming fighters, friends, champion winning coaches, and most of all the Steele family and “The Coven”. I loved that this group of fighters, hockey players, best friends are all a tight knit group that are severally loyal, protective, and busy bodies that have the nest of intentions at heart. Rocky is part of a group of friends that was deemed “The Coven” because the guys think they have magical powers that could help them take over the world. Rocky is fierce, loving, hardworking, and out to prove she can hang with the best of them. Once Gage meets Rocky his world is flipped on its axis because he has an immediate attraction to her, but its not just looks but her intellect and her astounding knowledge of fighting. Rocky tries to fight her lifetime crush on Gage by trying to stay professional but Gage has her in his sights and this alpha make is not giving up on this fight. These two together are just inevitable and stand by each other no matter what, and with their group of friends having their support and love they don’t let anything come between them and Gage finds his tribe. I loved all the alpha male hotness, the group of friends, and the loyalty everyone had for each other.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good fighter romance and this is the first from Alley for me, and I will say that if you love slow burners, then Tap Out is for you! I like slow burn but it’s not my favorite trope.
But this one will keep you on the edge of your seat, panties and any other item of clothing you have on, or don’t…
When I say this is a fighter romance, I mean Alley takes it to another level. Gage is a man of means. Meaning if he wants something, there is NOTHING that will stop him from getting it, by any means necessary. And he wants our heroine.
Rocky is not one of those women who you take one look at and just know she screams weak. She’s the total opposite. Everything about her says that she is a woman who can put a man on his knees, with a look or with words. She works in a gym and is used to men like Gage.
But I think I’d have to say that he is in a league of his own. She just didn’t know she had met her match…yet.
Kudos to Alley for creating not just two great characters but a world full of them. You get to see a large group of friends and family that will pull you into this story just as much as the main characters do. They come from all different aspects of life, so don’t expect just fighter romances from her. It’s amazing to see how she kept up with so many dynamic character arc’s but then that is what a good author does.
Most of you who follow my reviews know that I love sexy steamy banter between characters and this one has so much in it! The sexual buildup was more than worth the explosion when it came. Now, it is not just the sex that will draw you in but the couples overall vibe. Their interactions, their wants and needs and what makes them tick.
I recommend this book because if you’re like me and want a book with two leads that are so great together as they are apart. I will reread this book because it is just that good!
Holy Shitake Mushrooms Batman!
THIS BOOK is the perfect mix of humour, hot and mega swooooooooon and the bonus epilogue? Panties obliterated…
A more than 5* read.
Grab it, that is all.
Tap Out is the second book in this stand alone series of contemporary sports romance. If you had read Power Play, you will see some of the girls of The Coven playing a good amount of role in the story of Rocky and Gage. As I’ve said, this still can be read as a stand alone but if you wanted to meet these crazy, sassy ladies, then read the first book.
Gage James is the famous UFC fighter who had moved to Jersey when his coach retired and helped him to find a new “home” to train. It was his luck too that it was near his cousin’s. With the pressure of holding on to his title, the sudden move and his beef with his recent opponent, the last thing he wants is to complicate his life more by associating with the coach’s daughter. Rocky or Raquel has had a long time crush on Gage James. So when she found out that he is her father’s new trainee at their gym and she will work with him closely as physical therapist, she feels like she is in cloud nine. Totally fangirling, she couldn’t help herself. It doesn’t help that they both felt the instant attraction and boy, was it sizzling!
I loved the world building of this story and I’ve learned some really good things about MMA. I’m not familiar with this sport so it really helps to understand it. What I also loved about this book is the loyalty, friendship and support that the main and secondary characters showed to each other. You will feel like a part of their family as you read how their interacts and banters. Also, the heat and steam of Rocky and Gage is so hawt so be prepared for that. Whew! Overall, loved this and again, recommends it to those who loves sports romance.
Tap Out is book 2 in the BTU Alumni series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I feel it’s a better reading experience if you read these books in order.
Rocky is BA, she’s grown up in her family’s gym surrounded by fighters as well as being related to some of the best. She’s sassy and loves with her whole being, it’s a fierce love that each of the members of her friend group have instilled in them. She has everything she could possibly need; she’s not looking for love, especially not with a fighter, and yet….
Gage has just moved across the country to be closer to his cousin, starting at a new gym and with a new coach, a UFC Heavyweight Champ, he’d been training with the same coach up until this move. Gage was a bit of a loner and had never been a part of anything quite like the dynamics at The Steele Maker, they weren’t just members of the same gym, they were family.
Gage was the perfect combination of swoony and possessive alpha, and I loved that once he made a decision he never once wavered. He was exactly who Rocky needed, even if he was the last person, she thought she wanted.
Gage and Rocky have sparked the moments they meet, a short time with one another and they commandeer one another’s thoughts. When they see one another again that intensity grows in every touch, every glance, their eyes seem to home in on the other as soon as they are in the same room. More than the physical, they seem to have the ability to read one another’s emotions, and as neither of them really want to broadcast some of the thoughts that weigh on them.
My heart was completely invested in these characters, while the scenarios may differ the inner thoughts they had, some of their greatest fears were similar to many of us and in those moments, I felt a connection to them. My heart needed their happily ever after, and oh what an amazing one it was.
A captivating blend of soul searing chemistry, a swoony alpha hero, a sassy BA heroine, witty banter, a whirlwind of feels, steam, and a group of tightly knit friends teeming with unconditional love and support that any of us would be lucky to be a part of.
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‘Tap Out’ was my first book from the BTU Series and from Alley Ciz, and I need to go back now and read book 1. It read well as a standalone but I absolutely love all these characters that I want/need more. It’s a sports romance but doesn’t feel too heavy on the sport, although its main setting is a gym.
This book was well written, there’s lots of steamy bits but what I liked the most was the way all the characters gelled. From the first page I was hooked and the story just got better and better as it went along.
With so many characters I’m guessing this series could go forever, looking forward to more.
Rocky and Gage are hands down my favorite couple in the BTU Alumni series. Rocky has been surrounded by the professional fighting world her whole life, and true to form, her celebrity crush is Gage ‘The Kraken’ James, the reigning MMA Heavyweight Champion.
After a chance encounter with a very impressive woman named Rocky, Gage can’t stop thinking about her. The next day he discovers that Rocky is the daughter of his new coach. At least Gage doesn’t have to go far to find Rocky and start working on making her his.
This book is amazing and so entertaining. Not only do you get a great dose of romance, but the characters are absolutely hilarious. Nothing compares to the coven in friendship goals! You definitely need to read this book!
I started reading this book months ago & just wasn’t in the right headspace for it. I couldn’t get into it at all. So I waited & but once I started it again yesterday I couldn’t put it down! So freaking good!!! I think I love Gage & Rocky more than Jordan & Jake.
The thing I absolutely love about Alley’s writing is she makes the bombest, most awesome, laidback, funny as hell group of friends. Yes I love the couples themselves story but my favourite part is the family of friends that is always a dominant part of each couples story.
I admit I was really nervous for the end of this book, haha no idea why but I was. The ending was perfect. I’m so excited to read the next book in this series because I love this group of friends & can’t wait to see what happens & who gets taken down next!
This was such a great read!! I’m glad I gave this author a second chance. Gage was attracted to Rocky the minute he met her. What he didn’t know was that he was her celebrity crush. Then the following day he finds out that she’s the physical therapist for the gym that he trains. And then the adventure begins. He sees it as a sign bug when she says she doesn’t date fighters he didn’t back didn’t. He upped his game and made it his business to make her change her mind. The funny thing about this story was that they’re group was so big it’s like they never had any privacy not even at home because they were all neighbors. Rocky had a very close relationship with her family also especially her brother. They also always had each other’s backs in this group and they accepted Gage. It was an amazing read and Gage gets what he wants and Rocky didn’t fight him either. Loved it!!
5 stars for Tap Out by Alley Ciz. This is book two in the BTU Alumni Series. Rocky is a complete bada**. (Just saying ) Rocky and Gage are instantly drawn to each other. Gage is an MMA god and Rocky’s celebrity crush. The Chemistry between these two draws you in. Ok so I love Rocky and Gage’s story but what makes this book so great is the Covenettes. They had me laughing so hard. I had tears rolling down my face. My husband thought something me was wrong with me lol. This story isn’t without its drama though so be ready. O can’t wait to read more about these characters.
As a physical therapist Rocky Steele is surrounded by athletes, and usually it isn’t a big deal. That is until her walking, talking, hunk of a cage fighting crush comes waltzing through the door. The moment her eyes land on Gage James she knows she is in trouble, the man is a work of art and she knows it’s going to be tough keeping her attraction to him under-wraps.
Little does she realize she has caught his eye too…
Between the pages of Tap Out readers will meet a tough as nails physical therapist and the man who has stolen her heart with one forbidden look. These two were fire on the pages, the heat simmering between them was easily felt, and the forbidden aspect to their relationship just made things that much hotter. We always want what we shouldn’t have, and Gage wants Rocky, even though she’s the coach’s forbidden daughter.
These two danced around one another, the banter flowing easily, and the sparks a plenty. It was a steamy little battle that had me smiling and swooning the whole way through! If you like steamy sports romances then I highly suggest you get your hands on this one, it promises to leave you thoroughly satisfied!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
I can’t decide if I want to be Rocky or be best friends with Rocky. She’s strong-willed, smart, gorgeous, and who wouldn’t want a boyfriend like Gage?
I’m going to be honest when I say that I don’t really know anything about MMA, and this is the first book I’ve read about UFC. That being said, Alley did such a great job of painting a picture with words, most times I felt like I could really see what was happening (when if I’ve never actually seen it happen before).
The main characters were well-developed & well-rounded. You could feel their instant attraction, and it only grew through the book as they fell in love.
One major reason i took off a star was that I felt like there were way too many background characters, and I had a hard time keeping them all straight. I know that it may have been easier having read other books by the author, but i also think that a few of the side characters could have been cut and i never would have noticed.
Over all an enjoyable read
Alley Ciz created a world of BTU alumni that gave us the girls you wanted to be besties with and men you wanted to crush on. When we first walked into this world, the gang was just in college now they are all grown up and thriving in life.
I loved Jake and Jordan but OMg Rocky and Gage are their own.
Rocky and Gage are passionate, not just about each other but about their love of MMA. Not only is Rocky gorgeous and fit but so smart earning her the real t handle alphabet soup for her many degrees. Who wouldn’t want to fall for their celebrity crush- enter Gage. Gage is so hot that who wouldn’t want to “bang him like a screen door in a hurricane.”
The chemistry between them is off the charts, be prepared to have to hose yourself down. get ready to lose yourself in the well researched world of mma fighting. A job well done on helping someone with no experience in that subject understand the hard work and dedication it takes to be a champion.
And don’t worry you still get plenty of time with your favorite covenettes and swoony men. #seriousfriendshipgoals
Can I please give this book more than 5 stars?!! This was my first Alley Ciz book I ever read. I stumbled upon it and couldn’t put it down. Then I realized there was a book 1 in the series and went back to read BTU 1 and then re-read Tap Out!
Rocky & Gage’s chemistry is hot-hot-hot! He is her celebrity crush. Funny thing about celebrity crushes is that it is rare you meet them. But surprisingly when Gage walks into the training gym that Rocky’s family owns and she works at, she realizes she is about to not only meet but work with her celebrity crush, very closely!
Alley’s writing in this story is phenomenal. She engaged me from the first page. This book is amazing, the chemistry between the two characters flies off the pages and makes you want more. The friendships in this book are hilarious. Make sure to check this book out! It is an excellent sports romance read
Tap Out is the second novel in the BTU Alumni series which can be read as a standalone or as the second novel in the BTU Alumni series and is told from the third-person point of view.
Gage James is the reigning Heavyweight Champion of the UFC and has decided it is time to relocate and set down roots after his coach decides to retire. Upon moving to the east coast and starting at The Steele Maker he does not expect to be thrown off his game when he catches sight of his new physical therapist. Raquel “Rocky” Steele is surrounded by professional athletes all the time and it has no effect on her but when her celebrity crush walks into The Steele Maker she is in for the fight of her life since she has sworn off dating fighters.
Tap Out was amazing. I laughed so much during this novel and loved the way Alley brought together the hockey crew and the MMA crew showing that people from all areas of life and sport can be friends. I am looking forward to the next BTU Alumni book as I just can not get enough of them.
Tap Out was the second book in Alley’s BTU Alumni Series and I loved it!! It was a sweet, fun, and super sexy, celebrity crush romance!! There were a lot of characters and it did take me a minute to figure everyone out, but it was nice to read about the entire gang again!!
Rocky grew up around athletes; making a career as a physical therapist. She should be used to putting her hands on and fixing large, brooding men. But when her celebrity crush started training at her gym, could she keep it professional?
Gage moved across the country to be closer to family. Starting with a new trainer posed enough problems but add in having the hots for your new trainer’s daughter…could only spell disaster!
This series has been so fun! I love the group dynamic and how close everyone was. I wish I had a tribe like that!! I loved the quirky nicknames and group texts! I also
loved the shout out to Maria Luis Can’t wait to see what Alley has in store for the rest of the gang!!
This is the second book that I’ve read by this author and the second
In the BTU Alumni series #2.
BTU Alumni series. #1 power play.
BTU Alumni series. #2 Tap Out.
This book is another great sports romance with love and friendship and family all in one. This book has some heat too phew.
Rocky is a beautiful, powerful, confident woman with an I don’t take no crap attitude, she’s a complete kick ass woman. She’s surround by celebrity professional athlete’s everyday in her job, She’s a physical therapist. There celebrity status doesn’t bother her one bit.
Gage is a MMA Heavyweight champion who’s just moved to Jersey when his coach retired. Gage is strong, sexy, a pure alpha male and knows how to fight, he’s dealing with the pressure of keeping his title, he’s not even thinking about love or relationships until he meets her. Then he has no choice. Gage is also Rockys crush. When he starts training at The Steele Maker and when he walks in he’s hit with a lighting bolt when he sees her. They both have attraction between each other and they have alot of sexual tension and good chemistry between the two. Can Rocky stay 100% professional like she normally does, or will Gage steal her heart?
This book also features characters from the first book and it’s always good to see where they are now. This book has humour, banter, love, hot and steamy scenes and it’s great from the off. Rocky and Gage’s story is awesome my only thing is I do wish the story focused a tad more on these two as a couple as they had such a great chemistry. There are alot of characters in this book and the text dialogue was hilarious. Though it did sometimes get a tad confusing remembering everyone’s code name and some scenes did repeat themselves quite abit.
This author writes with such confidence and she writes her characters absolutely fabulous and she really does do her research with this sports romance, she’s totally on point and gets it right completely.
I can’t wait to read the third in the series.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
This book is out now.
I am loving this series. Everything about Rocky and Gage is epic. They’re the perfect duo. Rocky a physical therapist -we heard of her in book one-on-one and Gage a MMA fighter.
When Gage moves across the country to be closer to his cousin he’s looking for a new gym and trainer. His night there he watched a girl take down a guy in the bar with one of his signature moves and is instantly taken with her. Little does he know what’s to come.
Rocky don’t play. When she’s out with her friend a guy hits on her but doesn’t take the hint so she sets him straight. When you come from a family of fighters, you learn a few things. But after that the guy that comes up to her to command her on her move is none other than her celebrity crush. Gage The Krakken James.
Their chemistry is off the charts smoking hot from the start, but when he finds out that Rocky is his new trainer’s daughter, he’s not going to let something like that stand in his way. Even when Rocky says she doesn’t date fighters he’s not deterred. He knows what he wants and what he wants is her. Rocky tries for a while. But she’s pulled to him like never before.
There’s a lot that stands in the way of them being together, but when you’re as stubborn as Gage is…. Well, he IS undefeated. All that aside, what they have is real and something neither could foresee. Love, loved this and highly recommend.
It’s a Knock Out!
This has got to be one of the funniest Romantic Comedies I’ve read recently. Author Alley Ciz may not have many books under her belt, but this story is a pure knock out! Great story telling, laugh out loud funny. The characters remind me of a few of my own friends. The Coven and the boys with their witty banter is hilarious. Plenty of love, laughter, and HEA.