My name is Lucas “The Ghost” Esparza. I’m the best MMA fighter in the world that you’ve never heard of, but if I have my way, I’ll be a household name soon enough. My life’s been nothing but hard training, crazy partying, and fast women, and that’s just how I liked it. No man had ever gotten the better of me inside the cage, and no woman had ever been able to slow down my lifestyle outside of it. outside of it.
And then it all came crashing down.
When I tasted defeat for the first time in the biggest fight of my life, I was a broken man—my pride destroyed and my dreams of greatness deferred.
That’s when Mila walked into my gym.
When my trainer told me I had to giver her self defense lessons because she was a ‘special case’, I had no idea what he meant. All I knew was that she had a body to die for, and a face that made me forget my own name. I’d been with my share of women, but she was easily the sexiest I’d ever laid eyes on.
There was only one problem—we hated each other with a passion!
I thought she was whiny with a bad attitude. She thought I was full of myself. But then something happened that changed everything between us. She gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams once again—to be a champion, to make it into the UFC, and to be the savage gentleman that I was born to be.
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I really enjoyed reading about Mila and Lucas. Lucas is an MMA fighter who is working to make a come back and trying to make his break into the UFC circuit after a heartbreaking fight. Mila is suffering from a terrible experience and turned to Lucas’s gym to train in self defense. They had a rocky first meeting, but after that seem to hit it off and fall into a comfortable romance that I enjoyed reading about and watching it unfold. The only thing I did not like about the book is the ending. I wanted more! I am only assuming we will read more about them and some of the other characters in the book in new books in this series. I am definitely looking forward to them!
The Savage Gentleman.
What can I say about this book that will make you realize how badly you need it?
Romance? Check
Amazing Story line? Check
Well developed and relatable characters? Check
Steamy, amazingly written sex scenes? Double Check
You know, for the most part, I never really thought men could write romance novels. At least not in the way that a woman can. Every time I read one written by a man, it just wasn’t relatable. Then comes Mr. Harlan and he completely throws that bias out the darn window! His stories are a combination of steamy and sweet. There’s plenty of action and the story just draws you in from the very first page. The Savage Gentleman is no different.
I was hooked. From the first page. Just like I always am with Mr. Harlan’s books. I was completely submersed in this MMA world, which I knew absolutely nothing about, to the point where I could pretty much SMELL the gym Lucas trained in. That’s how well this story was written, you feel like you are experiencing it first hand instead of just reading about it.
This is a story of two broken people who, when they originally meet, pretty much hate each other. But that’s only because they are guarded and hesitant. At least in my opinion. The more time they spend together, the more they realize just how much they actually have in common with one another and their love blossoms into one of the most amazing romance novels I have read this year! If not ever! There are not many books that I would read more than once, because one I experience it the first time, that’s usually enough for me. Not with this book. I just KNOW that I will be reading it again. And again. And again! Because, Mr. Harlan is just that good!
Five out of five well deserved stars!
I really enjoyed reading Lucas and Mila’s story. Lucas is an MMA fighter making a comeback. Mila is trying to come back from a horrible experience. Lucas helps her find her strength, and she helps him wage his battles. The fight scenes are like you are sitting ringside. Non-stop action and the imagery puts you at the event. Another amazing story from Christopher Harlan. No cliff hangers and an HEA. Do yourself a favor and grab this one up!
‘The Savage Gentlemen’ is my first book by author Christopher Harlan and I was pleasantly surprised. This book is an interesting MMA Sports Romance. Lucas is striving to become number one and has to overcome a shattering loss and continue on. Mila is recovering from a shocking incident involving her ex boyfriend which has left her physically and emotionally shattered. They meet when she reluctantly signs up for a self defense course and their chemistry is off the charts. Their road to happily ever after is sweet and you just know they’re going to end up together. (I read an ARC copy and voluntarily left an honest review).
Christopher Harlan takes a jab at MMA and I am here for it! I love a good fighter story and he certainly delivered one.
Lucas is just one the cusp of his fighting career goals however is struggling with some confidence after a fight. In walks Mila a women that is searching for her footing in gaining her own confidence back after a trauma. The two fell have oil and vinegar personalities yet also was exactly what the other needed.
The banter was strong. They chemistry was palpable. The storyline was strong. I also enjoyed the side characters such as Matt Lucas’s coach as well as Matt The Second a young man that Lucus has taken him under his wing. Damien a fighter brought in to aide in Lucas’s training has certainly peaked my interest. I am hoping that we may see more rounds in the mat from Christopher and his fighters.
“Don’t apologize. Yeah, I have a huge fight and all that comes with it. I know it’s my dream. And I’m going to get that done, don’t you worry. But I also have you – if I have you, that is. I mean, I’m not sure what to call what we are to each other, but…”
“You have me. I don’t need a title. I just need you.”
Mr. Harlan, you have done it again!! I am continuously amazed at your unending talent! I don’t think there is a genre you couldn’t write!
Lucas “The Ghost” Esparza had one dream. Make it to the UFC. He was on track to make it happen, when one hit changed everything. With this setback, he’ll have to work twice as hard if he wants to see his dream happen. All in good time. While training at New York Fight Club, he’s also instructing MMA – anyone from aspiring MMA fighters, to bullied kids who need to build some confidence and learn to defend themselves. He’s seen it all. But, he’s never seen anyone like HER. Mila. All he know about her is that she was in a bad situation. She’s the toughest woman he’s ever seen – and the sexiest. Getting involved now, when he’s trying to make a comeback would be the worst thing he could do right now. The only thing worse? – letting her walk away.
Mila is lucky to be alive. Physically she’s healed, but mentally? Not so much. At the suggestion of her friends, she agrees to take mixed martial arts lessons. How is she supposed to handle that when any touch is a trigger? I guess you just have to have the right instructor. And oh, how right he is – handsome, chiseled, protective, and he makes her feel … well, just feel..again. He’s an amazing teacher too, helping her master some pretty cool self-defense moves – ones she hopes she’ll never have to use. Just when she’s ready to stop looking over her shoulder, threats from her past bring all of her fears and anxieties back to the surface. She lost the first round to her ex’s fists. Will it be fear or strength that wins this round?
I loved this story!! These two had great chemistry from the start! I loved how Lucas, while obviously physically strong also had a vulnerable side. Mila is amazing! She’s so strong having survived what she went through, and not letting her past dictate her present. I will say, there are triggers in this book – violence, stalking, domestic abuse. If you’re sensitive to those, read with caution, or take a pass.
I don’t know if this book is the start of a new series, or if it will remain a stand alone. What I do know, is that you need to read it!!
Christopher Harlan dives into the MMA pool with this great story that takes us through some difficult subject matter, domestic abuse and bullying but also brings us through all that with redemption and growth of the characters. I will admit to having a difficult time with Mila’s character. Not that she was bad, no way…she was dealt a painful hand but I found her sudden ability to let that go with Lucas nearly right away just a little “off” but Christopher does a great job of delving into the mind of a fighter and into the chemistry of two people who would normally never find each other in the same orbit. He brings some levity and definitely some steam. I look forward to more stories in this world.
Another amazing book from Christopher Harlan. I loved Lucas and Mila. They both had their own hard pasts and were amazing together. And you totally can’t go wrong with an MMA guy!! I definitely recommend this one. All of Christopher Harlan’s books are great!! Can’t wait to see what the next book will be!
To say this book is awesome just doesn’t do it justice. The words that describe how great this book is haven’t been invented yet. To say that Mila is a strong woman is just the tip of her story and Lucas is just the man for her. These two have such strength to them and it’s more than just the physical. Christopher Harlan’s books get better and better and I’m so thankful for each one of his stories. I continue to highly recommend him far and wide and can not wait till the next book comes out!
When Mila’s attacked and left for dead by her boyfriend, her whole world is changed. She had months of surgeries and recovery time, but she’s been left with PTSD, anxiety, and a regular counselor appointment.
When her best friend surprises her with a self defense lesson, she doesn’t know whether to jump for joy or kill her. The only thing that helps, is that she’s going to be taught by a woman. She still has major issues being touched, but the fact that her instructor’s a woman is a major step in the right direction. Mila wants to get back to her old life now that her now-ex is in prison for his crime.
Except, that her instructor’s not a woman. In fact, her instructor is none other that Lucas “The Ghost” Esparza, an up and coming MMA fighter. He also teaches classes at the gym he trains at and has been asked by the gym owner to take on Mila as a special case. He has no clue what she’s been through, only that she’s being brought in by a friend of his boss/trainer.
The sparks fly, but not in a good way. These two clash and it ends up being a great big ball of ugly. Things are not left in a good way between the two, but they work their issues out, and come together with a passion that burn as bright as those lights over a cage during a match.
I devoured this book, all in one sitting. I couldn’t be bothered, I demanded to be left alone at the beginning when I got hooked and just whipped right through it. The characters, the story, the writing, are all great. Everything I’ve come to expect from a novel by Mr. Harlan. That’s why he’s one of the authors I don’t need to think twice about, I automatically one-click each and every story he publishes. If you love romantic suspense, you’ll definitely love The Savage Gentleman.
** I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review
The Savage Gentleman by Christopher Harlan is the story of Mila and Lucas.
Lucas is a MMA fighter who was headed for the UFC circuit but a incident happens that took that away. Now he is working at his old gym working his way back to his UFC circuit dream. At the gym he works to train people and sometimes gives defense lessons. This is how he ends up meeting Mila. Mila is recovering emotionally and still suffers from PTSD after being brutally beating almost to death by her ex boyfriend. No she lives almost a hermit life due to that incident. Mila friend Holly suggested self defense / Martial Arts training which leads her to have Lucas as her trainer. Of course sparks and words fly between the two and they start to connect when they both start to open up about what they are both dealing with.
Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author.
I loved the characters, I loved how they interacted. This story made me want to watch MMA!
So, I’m just gonna say that Christopher Harlan has yet again given us a story with so much heart and passion, tension and heartbreak. I loved every second of Lucas and Mila. They may have taken a longer route to the end but it sure as h€ll was an amazing journey. I felt for each of them, they made it easy to find that relatable price and hold on. I absolutely loved this and I really hope to see more of what life brings for Mila and Lucas!!
I do enjoy a sports romance and, being very unsporty myself, like to learn more about a specific sport and the skills involved. Lucas is an amitious, at times, cocky and stubborn MMA fighter, Mila, a woman putting herself back together after a traumatising event. Together, they make a great team. Both have insight and patience and are natural teachers.
Overall this is a good read. Lucas is intense and caring, though he can be a bit of an idiot at times, and Mila is just a lovely woman. I did feel that some significant aspects of the book were wrapped up a bit too quickly, particularly the end, and this did stand out for me as a niggle. However, I did enjoy this read.
Emotional tornado is too two words I would use to discribe this book. Lucas is a confident almost egotistical mma fighter where as Mila is this brave and yet broken fighter in her own way. Their chemistry is insane and I love how Lucas is beyond protective of her and is willing to fight for her. I love being able to see both characters work through their turmoil and evolve through the book. I absolutely loved this book.
I loved this book! Great characters. Mila and Lucas are great characters that will make you fall in love with their storyline, I loved how the author gave you details on the MMA community for those of us that have never watched a fight. Mila and Lucas made each other stronger with their love and support or each other, A great story for the romantic snd for anyone that understands how with tragedy you can come back swinging. Well done!
5 Stars
This book has it all! Lucas is a no nonsense fighter with a dream to achieve and nothing will stop him from getting there. So, when he has to work with Mika, a woman who needs one on one self defense classes, to say he is not thrilled is putting it lightly. What follows is an intense, heart pounding, sexy story of healing, learning and becoming your best self. The connection between these characters is phenomenal and you will not be sorry you picked up The Savage Gentleman!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
The Savage Gentleman was a very good book. I was hooked from the start. Lucas “The Ghost” Esparza was at the top of his game until he suffered a heartbreaking blow during a fight. His dream was to make it into the UFC. He is back working at a gym when he meets Mila who needs some self defense training. They start off rocky but that changes throughout the story. They are both really good for each other. Christopher Harlan wrote a great story.
I’m usually not one for fighting books as I tend to lose interest har way through but the author kept my attention al the way through. I loved the dynamic between Mila and Lucas , the way she came into his life when he didn’t want or ask for it. The secondary characters on both sides worked just as well and you get just as invested in them as you do Mila and Lucas. Their whole journey captivated me and I couldn’t get enough of them.
Loved….loved……LOVED this book! Christopher Harlan’s writing keeps getting better and better. Mila faces the most difficult tragedy in her life. A near death experience from someone she loved. A year later and the effects of that tragedy are still in full force. Her dear friend decides she needs to regain some confidence that she lost and takes her to a self defense class. The savage gentleman appears and changes everything. Lucas is a tough and rough MMA fighter trying to catch his big break. He, like Mila, faces the worst event in his life by losing a match that would give him his big break. The meeting was the beginning to both of them healing. Mila goes through ups and downs working through her anxiety and PTSD with Lucas by her side. Lucas doesn’t mind taking the brunt and of all this and still works through his own struggles. Together they face what has been holding them back and find a real love that can’t be broken from their fears!