Being a fighter is in my blood. My grandfather was a fighter, my father was a fighter, and I’m a fighter. I live for the rush of adrenaline and sensation of victory. When I fight, I give it my all. I step into the octagon and I fight until there’s nothing left to fight for. He’s been my best friend for most of my life. I’ve fought with him, fought against him, and for the longest time I fought … I fought for him, for us. Until he pushed me away, leaving me no choice but to tap-out.
***
Fighting is what saved me. It shed the old me and I became a newer shinier version of myself. Until it took away everything I loved. I gave up and tapped out.
Then one day, she came back into my life and reminded me that some things in life are worth fighting for. Now I’m fighting for us, day by day, proving to her that our happily ever after is worth fighting for.
This book is a stand-alone MMA romance.
more
So good! Bella has been a favorite of mine from book one. I knew she would be a strong, give no crap woman as she grew up. Her strength and determination are amazing!
Macro is strong as well. He went downhill for a brief time but it took a lot of strength and courage to step up and admit to his actions.
Their story was perfect!
FINALLY!!! BELLA’S STORY!!
I feel like I have been waiting forever for her story. I know I have been waiting since the beginning of this series, which seems like forever ago. Which really isn’t, but in the book world, we all know it is, lol.
So I waited forever, finally got the chance to sign up for it through the blog, and BAM it hit my kindle. As soon as I saw it, I was already in love. First off, that cover is amazing. Some might think it’s too simple, but unless you read all the other books, and get to know Bella, you wouldn’t understand. That cover is just so her. It’s perfect and I absolutely love it. And I knew looking at the cover, I would not be disappointed in what was inside. I didn’t think I would be disappointed, because let’s face it, it’s Nikki Ash. I honestly don’t think she can disappoint. But anyways, I knew it would be amazing. And boy was I right.
Before I jump into what the story was about, I want to say, that if you haven’t read the rest of the Fighting Series, please do. This book is one of the children from the first four books in this series. While I was falling in love with all the adults in the story, along with the way they loved and bonded with each other, I was falling in love with all of their kids as well. Their kids are pretty awesome, and this is the first book for one of the kids. I promise, it’s worth it. The whole series is amazeballs.
Bella has had a life that most kids could only dream of. With a father who is a pro UFC fighter, turned gym owner and trainer, she can live her life the way she wants, to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a fighter. Her dream has always been to become the UFC women’s champion. Growing up in the gym, around more fighters, and spending her whole life training, Bella is sure on her way. Until one mistake, leaves her unknown of her future. Not only as a young women, but as a fighter. Bella’s plans and dreams get side tracked when she finds out she is pregnant. She has been in love with the same guy since she was a child. But when he doesn’t feel the same way, and isn’t in the place she needs him to be, she makes decisions that can and will change her, her child, and everyone around her, forever.
Tristian is the best friend who will do everything and anything for the people he loves. Including Bella. When he finds out she is pregnant, he immediately jumps up and takes responsibility, making a decision to put others before himself.
Marco has had a rocky life. Even though he was adopted into an amazing family of people who love him very much, he still feels like he is not good enough. His blood is tainted. He will never be good enough, even though he is the men’s UFC champion. Especially for the one girl he has always loved but can never have. Nothing he does will ever change that. So he does the only thing he can do, run. Running will save them both. Until running no longer works. When his world is turned upside down, and everything he has worked so hard for goes crashing around his feet, he becomes the one person he said he would never be like, his birth mother. The people who love him try to get him the help he needs, but he shuts everyone out until once again, life slaps him in the face. Except this time, it wakes him up and makes him realize he has so much more to live for. Getting him self clean and getting his life back on track is now what he has to fight for.
Seeing history almost repeat itself, like it did with Liz & Cooper, Bella’s parents, was kinda crazy. I was worried for a minute. Lol. But seeing how Bella grew and became the woman and mother she did, was awesome. She is one of my absolute favorite female characters. She is beyond fabulous. In her very own, kick-butt and take names way.
I never thought Marco would go down this path and his story would be like this. Like wow, just wow. I kinda hated him, which is something I was not expecting to. I hated the person he became and how he treated the people who love him the most. The people who welcomed him into their lives with open arms, since the beginning. It was horrible. But hey, what they say seems to be true. You have to lose everything before you can see what you really had all along. What he has was love, support, help, strength, and he ran from it, instead of to it. But by the end, I was back to loving him something fierce. Then I fell in love with his strength and determination.
Tristian blows my mind. The way he takes care of the people he loves is awe-inspiring. When it comes to the people he holds close to his heart, he jumps in head first with no questions asked. He’s loyal beyond a fault. He is just awesome, and I can not wait for his book. I will now have to sit and wait “FOREVER”, just like I did for this one.
I can’t even express how much I loved this book, how much I have loved this whole series and this whole crew of characters. Definitely one of my favorite series and favorite authors. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Nikki Ash hit her mark with this amazing start to the next generation of the Fighting series with Bella’s book, Tapping Out, which is book one of her new Fighting Love series. I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved Tapping Out! This book brought out all the feels on steroids. I swear Nikki killed me with one phrase, and four words in this story. Ugh! This book has it all, addictive intrigue, unpredictable, and some very steamy scenes.
We first meet Bella in Fighting for a Second Chance. She is Liz and Cooper’s daughter, with big dreams on being top MMA fighter just like her dad. So since book 1, I have been intrigued to what Bella’s story was going to be like when she grew up. Nikki definitely didn’t disappoint and made me fall in love with not only Bella, but also the other kids from the Fighting series who are all grown up now. And boy have they grown!
I can’t rave enough about this book and definitely recommend. Tapping Out is completely a standalone book with its own HEA. Very well written in dual POV. If you’ve read Nikki’s books then this is definitely a must read! If this is your first book from her’s, I really recommend going through the Fighting series from the beginning.
I really love Nikki Ash’s books and while devouring her fighting series I was hoping for a next Gen series especially after reading fighting for your love because the epilogue had me going ga ga . Tapping out can be read as a standalone but if you want to see how the parents of both hero and heroine found love you should defiantly one click Fighting for a second chance (BELLA’S PARENTS ) and Fighting for your touch ( MARCO’S PARENTS ) some spoilers are mentioned in this one that do occur in those two reads . Can I just say how awesome I think Bella is for wanting to be in the MMA side note the cover fits her perfectly , like this heroine she did frustrate me with some of the decisions she made mostly in the first couple of chapters but over all she’s amazing . Now Marco took a while for me to warm up to I mostly disliked him for half of the book with how he handled things but he won me over in the end . Some scenes did seem a bit rushed but over all this was a good read that had me hooked till the very end , some characters you will love while being happy to see how they are doing and others you will hate while wanting bad things to happen to them ( I have a bad feeling on the next book in the series because a certain one of those hated characters might make an appearance but I’m also excited to read it ) . I’ve read almost all of Nikki Ash’s stories and this wont be my last I can’t wait to see whats to come , if you haven’t had a chance to read one of her books you really should go one click happy .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine= 9 secondary characters= 9 Chemistry=9 steam= 9
romance= 7 humor= 3 darkness level= 4 action= 3 mystery= 3
enjoyment= 9 angst= 4 story line= 9 Story ending= 10
character development= 10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 5
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
4 “Earn Your Trust” Stars
After binge reading the Fighting Series and meeting Bella and Marco as kids, I was so enthusiastic about Tapping Out. In Fighting ‘round the Christmas Tree novella, there was something boiling between them that I couldn’t wait to explore. Nikki Ash fashioned here an intense romance full of ups and downs that made me rage and cry, but also swoon and laugh. This novel shows that nobody is perfect and every decisions has a consequence, bad or good.
Bella is still the same dedicated girl we met as a child. She lives and breathes fighting and still aspires to be a MMA champion. Her friendship with Marco hides deeper feelings now that she’s older, but the man is struggling and their story isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Trust will need to be earned for them get their happily ever after. There’s so much heartbreak between these two!
To be completely honest, this book didn’t captivate me as much as the books in the Fighting Series. I just felt the connection between Bella and Marco lacked a little sparks in my opinion. Maybe it’s due to the fact their feelings started years before and those scenes are only briefly described so I wasn’t a witness to the build up of their feelings for each other. Marco makes so many bad choices and I was truly disappointed in him. I enjoy flawed characters with redeemable qualities, but for me his actions weren’t representative of the boy we meet in Fighting for your Touch. I was glad though to see him fight for the girl of his dreams and his daughter. They’re the main reason he tried to better himself and right his mistakes.
Seeing Cooper (hero from Fighting for a Second Chance) so protective of his not so little anymore daughter was nice. He certainly doesn’t make it easy for Marco to win her back. He only has the best intentions, but at times he’s certainly over-the-top. It definitely brought some entertaining moments. I also felt bad for Tristan so much with the way Bella kind of betrayed him. I just wish for him to find his own fairy tale romance! I’m certainly excited for his story, Clinched, which is a single dad romance.
In resume, Tapping Out, was a very enjoyable start to the Fighting Love Series. All my favorite characters from the Fighting Series made this read even more complete. Bella and Marco’s love story wasn’t the easiest, but to see them fight for their love was inspiring!
This was my introduction book into the writing of Nikki Ash. And I am now a huge fan. I love MMA fighter books and had yet to read about a female fighter. So color me stoked to be able to find one. Nikki Ash writes a strong female heroine in Bella. Someone who knows what hard work is and will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Marco is Bella’s best friend and the man she falls in love with. The one man who, it seems, can get past her walls every time. The only man who can completely destroy her or make her shine.
Marco is scared of the feelings he has for Bella. He loves her but worries how those feelings will effect his relationship with the only family he has, hers. He runs every time he gets close to getting letting those emotions take control.
Nikki has written characters that grab at your attention and won’t let it go. Highly recommend this MMA book to anyone who wants a great plot, ass kicking characters, and an amazing read.
I enjoyed this book. I like MMA books. I have not read the other books in the series before. This book does reference the parents and what some of them went through.
Bella has been in love with Marco since childhood. They have a great friendship that has grown and changed through the years. Seeing how the two interact as the years go shows the background for their relationship.
Marco has loved Bella since they were young but he knows she can do better than him.
When tragedy strikes the two go through so much. Good and bad.
Can they fight their way back to each other?
#KURead
Marco and Bella’s Love is complicated from the start. He keeps leaving her again and again at the times she needs him the most. You can always feel their connection, but it’s not that easy. The more you read, the harder it is for them. It it’s so well written though. And the extras at the end just give us so much more insight. It’s awesome
This is a gripping story . I love how strong Bella is . She is a badass and if I were her I might have hit Marco a lot of times. This story will grip you and amaze you .
I read this book shortly after it came out, but wasn’t actively reviewing books at that time. I got into reviewing a couple moths ago, after I realized that I was reading books based on other people’s reviews…so it’s only right that I review to help other readers! Going through a re-read on this, I was touched yet again by these characters, their struggles and breakthroughs. Bella and Marco have a beautiful,tragic and humbling relationship. I have experienced this type of relationship and sadly mine did not have the same outcome as theirs but their journey taught me that while u may not be able to completely get rid of the demons, you can certainly subdue them, overcome them and keep them at bay. When u have something really worth fighting for your are stronger than you know.
I absolutely loved Tapping out
It was an emotionally charged book that involved friendships an unrequited loved that lasted lifespan
Plenty of action romance and a love triangle where one person walks away with a broken heart …
I honestly can’t wait for the next book in this awesome series !
This is my first book from Nikki Ash and I know it won’t be my last the way she has written Tapping out makes it feel like ur there ur involved ur experiencing what these beautifully written characters are going through!!!!
A must read !
We have met the parents. Got to know and love them. We watched them have kids. Now we get to know the kids and holy hell we start with Bella and Marco. As kids she loved, adored, worshiped and followed Marco around and even sparred with him. He always took care of her and they were best friends. The first thing we get is a reason to flash back to find out why Bella’s taking so long in the bath while Tristan impatiently waits and then the flash backs.
This is an amazing read that is so gut wrenching and so dang emotional. Standing by as lives are just torn up and put back together. This author, man she doesn’t do it gently nope she just rips you up. Expect this story of them as adults to be like the kids were because they will need every bit of that fight and stubborn determination to make it thru.
I am so in love with this Fighters Series. Nikki Ash did my girl Bella justice with her story. It was Everything!!! Getting to see Bella’s transition from a kid to an adult was beautiful. She went through so much. Oh and beautiful broken sexy Marco. My heart broke for him but I also wanted to hit him and knock some sense it to him too. I was just glad he was able to overcome and be the man our girl Bella needed. From the beginning of them being kids, you could always tell they had a very special relationship. It got a bit emotional at times but I was so happy that they eventually got it together and got their HEA. Loved catching up with everyone else too. You have to read this book. It was a sweet, emotional ride.
Can’t wait for more of this series. I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
Another hit from Nikki Ash in the first book in The Fighting Love series. This is a spin off/second generation series of The Fighting Series and I have been waiting impatiently for it.
Bella and Marcus have been friends despite a six year age gap all their lives. After a few accidental kisses Marcus panics and moves out of state/runs and leave Bella heartbroken behind…
Not only is this a great story, but it’s a wonderful visit with old friends. This is exactly why I love second generation stories. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
This is one out of two books that I’ve been patiently waiting on (Tristan’s book as well) since reading Nikki’s Fighting Club Series!! Sometimes when moving from the parents stories to the kids stories you worry it may get a little lost or not as good but that is sooooo not the case with Tapping Out!! Bella definitely held her own in her story and I loved every minute of seeing how awesome of a woman she grew into and Marco well I think we will always route for Marco and more so now because of this book!! Overall it was another hit out of the park and can’t wait to read Tristan’s story!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC and i would definitely recommend this book for those who’ve read ur fighting club series and even if you haven’t it’s still an awesome read!!!
this book is a first read for this author for me.
what an amazing read, I started this book and less then 24hours later had finished, I just couldn’t put Marco and Bella down.
I loved how all the side characters from Ms Ashs previous books were so strong in this story, I now have to read the other books for those characters.
I love a book about MMA fighters and it’s even better when it’s a string female!
Bella and Marco were such believable characters.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
Loved this book!!
Loved the complex characters and how they faced their demons. A true love story in that it’s not perfect, and there are struggles but together they face them. Bella and Marco are a wonderful couple full of faults and determination to find their way and make it right. Can’t wait to see what Nikki Ash has in store next!!
I have been waiting so long for Bella’s story. If you have not read the fighting story I highly recommend it, though this is a stand alone it is interconnected.
**~*~*~**May Have Alerts**~*~*~**
I can say that from the very start it is pretty much heart breaking, Bella has all these feelings and things going on and you just get so pulled in and wish you could make Marco see things from her side. Even though I’m sure there is just as much going on from his side, being a teen girl at one time makes it all that much more real.
Reading things from Marcos POV he just ugh seems douchy like he likes her but just not enough.
Then the twist!
So I really like the flash back in time building up to present time it brings something more to the book and to the characters in my opinion. Its also in a way kind of heartbreaking to see it all timed out.
Fate, is such a hard thing how it works and moves and changes peoples lives. You think you know where and how your life is going to go and bam one mistake one simple thing changes everything and so much happens.
Marcos whole world spins out of control for the bad and he pushes everyone out, Bellas whole world changes in a way and she embraces it and tries to help Marco, but he wants nothing to do with that and she moves on with what she has to. Tristan moves forward to help Bella and be there for her help her and not ask questions really.
All of which is honestly just heart wrenching. This story honestly takes your emotions and puts them through a wringer of epic proportions. There are so many ups and downs and tears that are shed its insane.
Its like the moms just knew, but the dads were obviously oblivious to anything and everything! And just Tristian. 🙁
I do believe Marco finally and fully redeems himself, and makes everything come full circle, but it really took so long. I was so happy To see Bella get back into the ring, that was honestly something I was looking forward to more then anything.
Also I love that Tristin, Bella, and Marco all have a friendship at the end.
My favorite part are the letters from rehab, they are epic.
I spent 90% of this book crying and 10% of this book thinking yep everything’s gonna be alright!
Gosh I feel like I have been waiting forever for this book and Nikki Ash did not disappoint! This book was a roller coaster ride of regret and forgiveness. I laughed, I cried, I cringed and finally I swooned. I have loved Bella since the very book book in this series and to read that she is the same driven, loving and compassionate girl we have fallen in love with; was amazing. Oh then there is Marco… I was so shocked with how his story played out. I was devastated reading about his struggles. I couldn’t be happier with how this book played out.
This book can be read as a standalone but do yourself a favor and enjoy this entire series! Now I’m dying to read Tristan’s book!
this book is so great! i know im gonna love this since i read the blurb. I love Bella and Marco so much, they both so strong and inspiring. this book is a must read!