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First to Fight #1
Below the Belt
There's more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
17 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette Murray
19 books406 followersFacebook.com/JeanetteMurrayBooks
@KJMurrayBooks
Jeanette lives just outside St. Louis with her husband, daughter and their lovable-but-stupid Goldendoodle. When she's not writing her next romance, she's found hanging out with the new friends she's made here, catching up with old friends from past duty stations on Facebook, or surfing Pinterest pretending she can cook. Catch up with her on Facebook or Twitter for contests, sneak peeks of what she's working on, and updates about her life in general.
@KJMurrayBooks
Jeanette lives just outside St. Louis with her husband, daughter and their lovable-but-stupid Goldendoodle. When she's not writing her next romance, she's found hanging out with the new friends she's made here, catching up with old friends from past duty stations on Facebook, or surfing Pinterest pretending she can cook. Catch up with her on Facebook or Twitter for contests, sneak peeks of what she's working on, and updates about her life in general.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 7, 2016
4 "they'd both won" stars
First Lieutenant Bradley/Brad Costa is a marine with a long dreamed dream of entering the Marine Corps boxing team. And when he finally got the chance of entering the tryouts, he never counted on meeting her.
Marianne Cook an athletic trainer aiding the team, sassy, determined and direct blonde would be the one who’ll rock Brad’s aloof stand and posture, especially when Brad’s entrance to the team is endangered by the injury, he’s desperately trying to cover up.
…the idea of voluntarily walking away from his first – and most likely his only – shot at the boxing team…that hurt deeper than any grinding knee pain
So he sees Marianne as a potential threat that could cost him throwing off the team, he tries to use the distraction of sideline conversation to put it off her radar, but their interaction is filled with sparks they can’t deny.
Nothing about them, about their spark was normal…
Never realized that there would be a single person on the planet that would call to him without saying a word
But as the tryouts pass, he’s deep into his lie and cover up, Marianne sees it but lets her guard down making her own complicated feelings blur her judgment…setting them both on a rocky road of regaining the trust after everything escalates endangering both of their professional futures.
This was the first book I have read by this author.
Sport romance is a one-click buy for me and this seemed interesting enough for me to jump in. Pacing was a bit slower which affected a bit my full attention but all in all it was an enjoyable read and a solid “slow burn” romance humorous sport drama with likable main and secondary characters.
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October 20, 2015
this was an ok read. nothing really wrong with it. was just a slow romance and long. the h was funny I liked her. H was a little on the grumpy loner side but he starts to get better. The whole knee thing got on my nerves after a while just tell her Already Iol. I loved all the guys and her mom! I will be reading the next in series. safety gang safe!
November 28, 2015
Read it. Loved it. Can I have the next, please?! OMG Below the Belt (I so will NOT turn this dirty) was so so good. Sexy shirtless Marines. Really. Need I say ANYTHING else?!
Full review to come...
Full review to come...
July 24, 2018
Found a new author who floats my boat. Her H/h were both likeable and acted/talked their age. Like adults. Loved that in H/h.
Gonna start a JM books marathon now.
Gonna start a JM books marathon now.
June 17, 2019
This one was very average and forgettable. Not much conflict, h/H actually talk but I found this dull. Maybe it was just my mood.
August 4, 2015
4.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/04...
Jeanette Murray kicks off her First to Fight series with the wonderfully entertaining Below the Belt . I had a blast reading Brad and Marianne’s story; it’s fun, sexy, and the characters are so likeable you won’t want to put the book down.
I loved that Brad was a serious athlete, one who’s aware of both his strengths and weaknesses. His reasons for wanting to be on the team are very personal and cause him to be a bit stubborn when he’s injured. He has to work extra hard to make up for the fact that he’s older than the rest of his potential teammates and to work around the major issue of the knee injury he gets right at the beginning of training camp. His fear of being cut from the team causes him to try and hide his injury from Marianne, which of course leads to major complications once he starts to fall for her. Marianne is a smart, caring trainer ready to excel at her job. She knows Brad is injured and is as determined to get him to let her help him as he is determined to hide the extent of his injury. When attraction and then love enter the mix, things get dicey for both of them, but Ms. Murray definitely gave this plotline a satisfying resolution.
Brad and Marianne are a dynamite couple. Their flirtation is pure fun to read and when the sexual tension heats up Below the Belt gets even better. As I mentioned before, their professional lives are inextricably intertwined with their burgeoning relationship, but I love that they handled the potentially taboo topic of an athlete and trainer dating like adults. There’s no faux drama or sneaking around and that made me root for these two all the more. Their romance was both sweet and hot, and I had the biggest grin on my face when Brad and Marianne got their happily ever after.
I can’t talk about Below the Belt without discussing Brad’s fellow Marines. Brad’s the strong, silent type, but he’s about to learn that no man can be an island on the Marine Corps boxing team. I laughed as he was practically dragged out his isolation by his hilarious roommate, Gregory Higgs, not to mention the younger Marines who looked up to him. The relationships among the Marines as they begin to form a team makes is as important as the romance in Below the Belt . Ms. Murray makes these men so appealing you wish they were real just so you could meet them (and no, not just because they’re all incredibly hot). I can’t wait to see how the team develops over the course of the series.
Below the Belt has charm and heat to spare, but when you add in the intelligent characters and Ms. Murray’s attention to detail when it comes to training, the Marine Corps, and the work an athletic trainer does, there’s no doubt that this book is not to be missed. I love a good sports romance, so please, Ms. Murray, keep these Marine athletes coming!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Jeanette Murray kicks off her First to Fight series with the wonderfully entertaining Below the Belt . I had a blast reading Brad and Marianne’s story; it’s fun, sexy, and the characters are so likeable you won’t want to put the book down.
I loved that Brad was a serious athlete, one who’s aware of both his strengths and weaknesses. His reasons for wanting to be on the team are very personal and cause him to be a bit stubborn when he’s injured. He has to work extra hard to make up for the fact that he’s older than the rest of his potential teammates and to work around the major issue of the knee injury he gets right at the beginning of training camp. His fear of being cut from the team causes him to try and hide his injury from Marianne, which of course leads to major complications once he starts to fall for her. Marianne is a smart, caring trainer ready to excel at her job. She knows Brad is injured and is as determined to get him to let her help him as he is determined to hide the extent of his injury. When attraction and then love enter the mix, things get dicey for both of them, but Ms. Murray definitely gave this plotline a satisfying resolution.
Brad and Marianne are a dynamite couple. Their flirtation is pure fun to read and when the sexual tension heats up Below the Belt gets even better. As I mentioned before, their professional lives are inextricably intertwined with their burgeoning relationship, but I love that they handled the potentially taboo topic of an athlete and trainer dating like adults. There’s no faux drama or sneaking around and that made me root for these two all the more. Their romance was both sweet and hot, and I had the biggest grin on my face when Brad and Marianne got their happily ever after.
I can’t talk about Below the Belt without discussing Brad’s fellow Marines. Brad’s the strong, silent type, but he’s about to learn that no man can be an island on the Marine Corps boxing team. I laughed as he was practically dragged out his isolation by his hilarious roommate, Gregory Higgs, not to mention the younger Marines who looked up to him. The relationships among the Marines as they begin to form a team makes is as important as the romance in Below the Belt . Ms. Murray makes these men so appealing you wish they were real just so you could meet them (and no, not just because they’re all incredibly hot). I can’t wait to see how the team develops over the course of the series.
Below the Belt has charm and heat to spare, but when you add in the intelligent characters and Ms. Murray’s attention to detail when it comes to training, the Marine Corps, and the work an athletic trainer does, there’s no doubt that this book is not to be missed. I love a good sports romance, so please, Ms. Murray, keep these Marine athletes coming!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 7, 2015
Okay, the cover got my attention but the premise had me picking it up to read. I really like sports mixed up with romance. Then add a trainer and an athlete together? Gotta love that.
This is my second book by this author and I was expected to like it and I did. The characters make it. Brad is a go it alone kinda guy and he's driven. A little injury isn't going to stop him from his dreams. But when the coach changes things up a bit, he's forced to look at the situation from more than just his own perspective and there's a hot trainer to take into account as well.
Marianne takes her job seriously and getting involved with one of her athletes is so not part of her plan. Bad Marianne. But who can resist the sexy Marine even if he's hiding his knee injury from her. She just needs to try a different approach to get him to fess up. Yeah, about that...
The story is adorable actually. He's trying to hide his injury and she's trying to find it. Makes for some fun times. I love her mom's flirting and condom finding ways. I, also, love the other secondary characters especially Higgs. I was very excited to see he's getting his own book next.
There is this one sub-plot line that doesn't wrap up in this one. I'm assuming as I read the blurb for book two that it's going to carry on with book two. I hope so anyway.
If you enjoy the sport in romance kinda story and some good clean kinda sexy scenes, then this one is certainly a good one.
This is my second book by this author and I was expected to like it and I did. The characters make it. Brad is a go it alone kinda guy and he's driven. A little injury isn't going to stop him from his dreams. But when the coach changes things up a bit, he's forced to look at the situation from more than just his own perspective and there's a hot trainer to take into account as well.
Marianne takes her job seriously and getting involved with one of her athletes is so not part of her plan. Bad Marianne. But who can resist the sexy Marine even if he's hiding his knee injury from her. She just needs to try a different approach to get him to fess up. Yeah, about that...
The story is adorable actually. He's trying to hide his injury and she's trying to find it. Makes for some fun times. I love her mom's flirting and condom finding ways. I, also, love the other secondary characters especially Higgs. I was very excited to see he's getting his own book next.
There is this one sub-plot line that doesn't wrap up in this one. I'm assuming as I read the blurb for book two that it's going to carry on with book two. I hope so anyway.
If you enjoy the sport in romance kinda story and some good clean kinda sexy scenes, then this one is certainly a good one.
April 9, 2015
A squad of Marines trying out for a boxing team? Who cares about a story! Haha! Just teasing! I do have a review here for real. I enjoyed the author's previous trio of romances set on a Marine base and was tickled to death that she tackled the double punch of a sports and military romance. The tone is sassy and light, but has sustenance and a strong romance. I loved to see a determined Marine who has a compelling reason why he needs to make the boxing team, get sidetracked by a feisty athletic trainer and the athletic trainer who has big ambitions and doesn't want anything to block her chance including a headstrong male hiding an injury. A boxing gym as love's battlefield? Why not!
The story opens with Lt. Brad Costa arriving on base to join the tryouts for the Marine boxing team. He's older than his counterparts and this is probably his last chance. His dad died before achieving his dream so Brad wants to do it for him. He focuses on the goal not letting a wise-cracking teammate or the antics of the younger guys draw him in. Not even an injury must get in his way. The hot, sassy trainer mustn't know or there's a chance she'll sideline him before he can make the team. At first, his motives are merely to distract her from his injury, but then time with Marianne becomes so much more. His secret is looming over any chance of a relationship, but his need to make the team makes coming clean with the truth a problem.
Marianne Cook, athletic trainer, is back home with two things on her mind. She will make a success of getting the Marine team through their camp and tryouts as injury free and fit as possible and she will avoid any entanglements with Marines knowing the disaster that can bring after growing up in the shadow of the base. Unfortunately her hormones have other ideas. She can 'Bad Marianne!' herself all she wants, but when Brad Costa is in sight she finds him irresistible. As a result of her scrutiny, she notices him favoring his knee. Not wanting to jump the gun, she takes a wait and see. He won't talk to her about it and even when she agrees to try out dating, he stays closed mouth about his injury. Against her better judgment, she holds back, but in the end- dating or not- if he is injured, she will make that call.
It was an interesting backdrop for a story and I loved it. Sports medicine and training for a sport provide a good base, but add in a romance along with a bit of suspense from the mysterious sabotage going on, and I was hooked. The well-developed characters are flirty and playful. Brad tries to be the loner, curmudgeonly type, but Marianne and the other Marines won't let him.
"Where are you from?" Her heels thudded gently against the wooden leg of the table.
"Illinois."
She waited a moment. "Me? I grew up in Jacksonville. Moved away for college and my first training gig, then came back for this job specifically. Thanks for asking, chatterbox."
His lips twitched before he could catch them.
"Jeez, you really ask a lot of questions. I'm an only child and that was my mom sitting with me the other night at the bar, though you likely already figured that out. Got any siblings over there in Illinois?"
He raised a brow.
"If you don't shut up, I'll never get a word in edgewise," she said with mock seriousness.
He turned to look at the wall for a while before she caught the smile.
She grinned, totally onto him. "You can't resist forever. Eventually you'll crack under the pressure..." p. 44 Marianne from Below the Belt
I loved the story that was much more than an isolated romance. Brad learns to be a part of a team and the interaction within the group of guys was great.
"And the group didn't go out tonight anywhere. I know, since I would have been invited before you," Higgs continued..."So I'm left to conclude that you had a date."
That one word had all his hackles rising. No, not a date. Not dating the trainer. "Wasn't a date."
"Ah, he speaks." As if that were an invitation, Higgs sat at the edge of his bed, within kicking distance. Brave SOB.
"And as you didn't feel the need to denounce the other options"-
"You did for me," he pointed out.
"-I am left to conclude"-
"Again"
"That it was a date, and that you are embarrassed by her. Which makes this all the more interesting." Flopping back, he laced his hands behind his head. His elbow bumped Brad's. "So tell me more."
"Hold on, I forgot to put on my nightgown and grab my curlers. Do you want to do my hair or should I do yours first?" Brad asked with as much of a sneer as he could work up.
"You got curlers? Go for it. No judgment." Higgs shrugged. "She a stripper? Married? Ugly as sin?"
"What? No!" Brad sat up and shoved his roommate. The man didn't budge.
"So there is a woman. Damn! You're bad at this." Rolling to his feet, Higgs chuckled as Brad threw his second pillow- this time with perfect aim- at his back.
p. 67 Brad and Higgs from Below the Belt
Marianne's time with her friend and her mom were a blast too. But that romance was an incredibly fun time. Marianne is such a sass and she loves to have fun when its sexy times. And these two were sexy together. Even as I waited for the other shoe to fall with Brad's lying about his injury to Marianne, I had a really good time reading along. There is the feel that this book is setting up the series, but that was just a very small part which left me eager for more.
Wrapping it up, this one was engaging and fun, asking the reader to laugh along and wink with it. There was an exciting, sexy couple and a good plot to draw one in and keep them reading. The story involves Marines, but I would rate it more as a sports romance because of the focus. Contemporary lovers who like hot and spicy fun romances should give this one a try.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Lt. Brad Costa arriving on base to join the tryouts for the Marine boxing team. He's older than his counterparts and this is probably his last chance. His dad died before achieving his dream so Brad wants to do it for him. He focuses on the goal not letting a wise-cracking teammate or the antics of the younger guys draw him in. Not even an injury must get in his way. The hot, sassy trainer mustn't know or there's a chance she'll sideline him before he can make the team. At first, his motives are merely to distract her from his injury, but then time with Marianne becomes so much more. His secret is looming over any chance of a relationship, but his need to make the team makes coming clean with the truth a problem.
Marianne Cook, athletic trainer, is back home with two things on her mind. She will make a success of getting the Marine team through their camp and tryouts as injury free and fit as possible and she will avoid any entanglements with Marines knowing the disaster that can bring after growing up in the shadow of the base. Unfortunately her hormones have other ideas. She can 'Bad Marianne!' herself all she wants, but when Brad Costa is in sight she finds him irresistible. As a result of her scrutiny, she notices him favoring his knee. Not wanting to jump the gun, she takes a wait and see. He won't talk to her about it and even when she agrees to try out dating, he stays closed mouth about his injury. Against her better judgment, she holds back, but in the end- dating or not- if he is injured, she will make that call.
It was an interesting backdrop for a story and I loved it. Sports medicine and training for a sport provide a good base, but add in a romance along with a bit of suspense from the mysterious sabotage going on, and I was hooked. The well-developed characters are flirty and playful. Brad tries to be the loner, curmudgeonly type, but Marianne and the other Marines won't let him.
"Where are you from?" Her heels thudded gently against the wooden leg of the table.
"Illinois."
She waited a moment. "Me? I grew up in Jacksonville. Moved away for college and my first training gig, then came back for this job specifically. Thanks for asking, chatterbox."
His lips twitched before he could catch them.
"Jeez, you really ask a lot of questions. I'm an only child and that was my mom sitting with me the other night at the bar, though you likely already figured that out. Got any siblings over there in Illinois?"
He raised a brow.
"If you don't shut up, I'll never get a word in edgewise," she said with mock seriousness.
He turned to look at the wall for a while before she caught the smile.
She grinned, totally onto him. "You can't resist forever. Eventually you'll crack under the pressure..." p. 44 Marianne from Below the Belt
I loved the story that was much more than an isolated romance. Brad learns to be a part of a team and the interaction within the group of guys was great.
"And the group didn't go out tonight anywhere. I know, since I would have been invited before you," Higgs continued..."So I'm left to conclude that you had a date."
That one word had all his hackles rising. No, not a date. Not dating the trainer. "Wasn't a date."
"Ah, he speaks." As if that were an invitation, Higgs sat at the edge of his bed, within kicking distance. Brave SOB.
"And as you didn't feel the need to denounce the other options"-
"You did for me," he pointed out.
"-I am left to conclude"-
"Again"
"That it was a date, and that you are embarrassed by her. Which makes this all the more interesting." Flopping back, he laced his hands behind his head. His elbow bumped Brad's. "So tell me more."
"Hold on, I forgot to put on my nightgown and grab my curlers. Do you want to do my hair or should I do yours first?" Brad asked with as much of a sneer as he could work up.
"You got curlers? Go for it. No judgment." Higgs shrugged. "She a stripper? Married? Ugly as sin?"
"What? No!" Brad sat up and shoved his roommate. The man didn't budge.
"So there is a woman. Damn! You're bad at this." Rolling to his feet, Higgs chuckled as Brad threw his second pillow- this time with perfect aim- at his back.
p. 67 Brad and Higgs from Below the Belt
Marianne's time with her friend and her mom were a blast too. But that romance was an incredibly fun time. Marianne is such a sass and she loves to have fun when its sexy times. And these two were sexy together. Even as I waited for the other shoe to fall with Brad's lying about his injury to Marianne, I had a really good time reading along. There is the feel that this book is setting up the series, but that was just a very small part which left me eager for more.
Wrapping it up, this one was engaging and fun, asking the reader to laugh along and wink with it. There was an exciting, sexy couple and a good plot to draw one in and keep them reading. The story involves Marines, but I would rate it more as a sports romance because of the focus. Contemporary lovers who like hot and spicy fun romances should give this one a try.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
3 Pamphlet loving stars!
I had downloaded Against the Ropes to review because I quite like the writing of Jeanette Murray but I didn't realize at the time it was part 2 of a series. Which made me have to read this book first, so I could get a grip on the story. These books need to be read as a series NOT as a standalones.
That being said once I started Below the Belt it took me forever to get hooked. I kept putting the book down and starting a new book instead, but I really wanted to get to Graham's story in Fight to the Finish, so I had to get through these two books first.
This series starts with a group of Marine's coming together to have the chance at the All Military Games boxing team. At first each is for their own, but as the stories progress all the Marines come together as a team and as friends. The three oldest on the team are Brad Costa, Greg Higgs & Graham Sweeney. These three become fast friends and each story is about each of these men and their woman.
Brad Costa has a reason for wanting to make this team, which makes him almost desperate for it. Marianne Cook is the head trainer for this team and wants to do it right. So when she immediately meets Brad and is drawn to him, it makes things a bit challenging for her.
Right at the beginning of tryouts Brad hurts his knee but keeps it a secret from everyone, even his new trainer and bed pal Marianne. While everyone is training there is some vandalism happening towards the team making everyone on edge. The stress of tryouts and the vandalism isn't enough for Brad because secrets always have a way of coming out.
Once the truth comes out, it's always how the situation can be fixed in the end, and Brad had his work cut out for him.
"If you can't take the information I just gave you and out two with two together, then the both of you aren't ready to date a turnip."
Once I finally got into the story, I found it cute. I liked Marianne's sense of humor and sarcasm. However, even though for the most part I did like Brad, his Jesus H's got to be too redundant throughout the story. Their chemistry was good, but the banter between Brad, Greg and Graham as well as Marianne, Reagan and Kara is what keeps you wanting to find out more from this series. If it wasn't for that I don't know if I would have finished this book. Another thing that was hard on the eyes at times was Marine and Marianne because they were so close in spelling it played the occasional trick on my eye making me have to often re-read a part or sentence.
March 23, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Smoking hot romance between a trainer and a Marine Boxer!
Opening Sentence: “First Lieutenant Bradley Costa tossed his pack on the bed and sank to the mattress beside it.”
The Review:
Brad is trying out for the Marine Boxing Team, he first meets Marianne when he saves her from being hit on by a young Marine. It turns out that Marianne is the athletic trainer for the Team, and when she notices that he is favoring a leg, Brad attempts to distract her by asking her out on a date. As their attraction heats up, and Brad continues to hide his injury will their love survive the truth?
It seems like I left a lot out but this is such a quick and easy read that I could easily give away the whole book in a paragraph! Let me first say this, I don’t usually like military romances, as an Army brat, Marine and then Army wife, I find that I often notice the things wrong about books written with military characters in them. That being said, I really didn’t catch to many here, plus side, I really didn’t know how the Team situations work, so I couldn’t judge anything except the book. I enjoyed it a lot! I used to love romance a lot, but have since moved away from the genre in the last few years, but I still really enjoy a good one.
This is a good one, just the right mix of steaminess, and plot! The main characters are flawed but likable and smoking hot! I mean seriously, all joking aside, who doesn’t want to read a book about a smoking hot Marine!! I also enjoyed that instead of a deployment or some other combat related story that can often get heavy and deep, this was completely light-hearted, which I think is what made it such an enjoyable read. Sometimes we don’t want drama, combat, kidnappings and death. Sometimes we just need a little bit of drama, laughs and whole lot of fun!
Notable Scenes:
“There was no way in hell he was telling the sexy athletic trainer he was hurting.”
“That sort of intensity was intriguing to her, as well as impressive.”
“Like cool lemonade with a hint of the key lime tartness from their shared dessert.”
“They were all struggling through a downward dog-at least two of the Marine infants had snickered at the name-and now most were moaning at the fact that they couldn’t do the poses even halfway.”
“Not when he knew it would it be like looking at his own future.”
“She was gone, and there was no way in hell she wanted him chasing after her.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Below the Belt. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Smoking hot romance between a trainer and a Marine Boxer!
Opening Sentence: “First Lieutenant Bradley Costa tossed his pack on the bed and sank to the mattress beside it.”
The Review:
Brad is trying out for the Marine Boxing Team, he first meets Marianne when he saves her from being hit on by a young Marine. It turns out that Marianne is the athletic trainer for the Team, and when she notices that he is favoring a leg, Brad attempts to distract her by asking her out on a date. As their attraction heats up, and Brad continues to hide his injury will their love survive the truth?
It seems like I left a lot out but this is such a quick and easy read that I could easily give away the whole book in a paragraph! Let me first say this, I don’t usually like military romances, as an Army brat, Marine and then Army wife, I find that I often notice the things wrong about books written with military characters in them. That being said, I really didn’t catch to many here, plus side, I really didn’t know how the Team situations work, so I couldn’t judge anything except the book. I enjoyed it a lot! I used to love romance a lot, but have since moved away from the genre in the last few years, but I still really enjoy a good one.
This is a good one, just the right mix of steaminess, and plot! The main characters are flawed but likable and smoking hot! I mean seriously, all joking aside, who doesn’t want to read a book about a smoking hot Marine!! I also enjoyed that instead of a deployment or some other combat related story that can often get heavy and deep, this was completely light-hearted, which I think is what made it such an enjoyable read. Sometimes we don’t want drama, combat, kidnappings and death. Sometimes we just need a little bit of drama, laughs and whole lot of fun!
Notable Scenes:
“There was no way in hell he was telling the sexy athletic trainer he was hurting.”
“That sort of intensity was intriguing to her, as well as impressive.”
“Like cool lemonade with a hint of the key lime tartness from their shared dessert.”
“They were all struggling through a downward dog-at least two of the Marine infants had snickered at the name-and now most were moaning at the fact that they couldn’t do the poses even halfway.”
“Not when he knew it would it be like looking at his own future.”
“She was gone, and there was no way in hell she wanted him chasing after her.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Below the Belt. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 24, 2015
Below the Belt was a delight to read, an absolute feel-good romance. This is the kind of story I look for in a contemporary romance!
Just when First Lieutenant Brad Costa Marine Corps finally gets his chance at the Marine Corps boxing team, an injury threatens to side-line him. He isn't going to let a busted knee divert him from his dreams though. Brad just has to keep it hidden from the sharp-eyed new athletic trainer until he makes the team, then he can get the injury taken care of. But Marianne Cook is no fool. She's darn good at her job and hopes to make this a stepping stone to training professional athletes one day. She know's something is up with Marine Costa, but he's remaining tight-lipped about it. Her frustration with his duplicity doesn't hinder the sparks flying between them from the get-go though. Soon Marianne is getting an up-close and personal look at every inch of Costa's body, but when he still refuses to come clean not only is her heart put on the line - but her career as well.
This was such a sweet romance! The story-line of Below the Belt is all about finding love when you least expect it. Both Marianne and Brad are career oriented at the beginning of the book but as their attraction towards one another sizzles, feelings begin to bloom, and the heart becomes involved, those former drives are moved to the back burner inch by inch. I loved how Marianne and Brad had such a full relationship outside of the bedroom. It made their romance well-rounded and believable. Don't get me wrong, there is some strong sexual chemistry between the two, but there is so much more as well!
Fun secondary characters help move the plot forward at a good clip, adding humor and support to the main characters. I enjoyed the world of the Marine Corps boxing team as well, it was interesting and I look forward to delving into it more in future installments, as well as seeing more from each of these characters! There was a smidgen of suspense woven into the plot that I'm not sure was really needed except to introduce a secondary character, maybe this will play out more in future books. All in all, Below the Belt was a enjoyable and entertaining read that I would recommend to contemporary romance fans who like a good dose of sexy military men in their stories. ☺
Just when First Lieutenant Brad Costa Marine Corps finally gets his chance at the Marine Corps boxing team, an injury threatens to side-line him. He isn't going to let a busted knee divert him from his dreams though. Brad just has to keep it hidden from the sharp-eyed new athletic trainer until he makes the team, then he can get the injury taken care of. But Marianne Cook is no fool. She's darn good at her job and hopes to make this a stepping stone to training professional athletes one day. She know's something is up with Marine Costa, but he's remaining tight-lipped about it. Her frustration with his duplicity doesn't hinder the sparks flying between them from the get-go though. Soon Marianne is getting an up-close and personal look at every inch of Costa's body, but when he still refuses to come clean not only is her heart put on the line - but her career as well.
This was such a sweet romance! The story-line of Below the Belt is all about finding love when you least expect it. Both Marianne and Brad are career oriented at the beginning of the book but as their attraction towards one another sizzles, feelings begin to bloom, and the heart becomes involved, those former drives are moved to the back burner inch by inch. I loved how Marianne and Brad had such a full relationship outside of the bedroom. It made their romance well-rounded and believable. Don't get me wrong, there is some strong sexual chemistry between the two, but there is so much more as well!
Fun secondary characters help move the plot forward at a good clip, adding humor and support to the main characters. I enjoyed the world of the Marine Corps boxing team as well, it was interesting and I look forward to delving into it more in future installments, as well as seeing more from each of these characters! There was a smidgen of suspense woven into the plot that I'm not sure was really needed except to introduce a secondary character, maybe this will play out more in future books. All in all, Below the Belt was a enjoyable and entertaining read that I would recommend to contemporary romance fans who like a good dose of sexy military men in their stories. ☺
September 11, 2015
Below the Belt was a fun, light, angst-free read that was completely unexpected. I went into it with one thought in mind... A boxing Marine? Yes, please! But this book turned out to be so much more and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Marianne is an athletic trainer who dreams of making it to the big leagues and the Marine Corps boxing team is just another step to achieve her end goal... What she doesn't count on is falling for one of the boxers that's trying to make it onto the team.
Brad has wanted to be on the Marine Corps boxing team for years and he finally has his shot, unfortunately an injured knee on his first day of training might just keep him from reaching that goal. When Marianne starts questioning him about his knee he's quick to ask her out to dinner to stop the interrogation... Dinner leads to a steamy kiss and that's where the relationship that neither was looking for begins.
I wasn't expecting this book to be so fun, but between Marianne's sarcasm and the banter between not only Marianne and Brad but also between Marianne and her parents (LOVE her mom!) and Brad and his teammates, I found myself cracking up on more than one occasion. Of course the fact that the characters are all so likable definitely helps.
There was even a little suspense added to spice things up a bit, and while it wasn't exactly solved by the end of the book, I'm thinking it'll play a bigger role in the next book which I'm definitely looking forward to. My only complaint would be the lack of an epilogue, but again, I'm sure we'll see more of Brad and Marianne in Against the Ropes so I'm not too disappointed.
If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read with sexy marines, a witty heroine, and great camaraderie, you should definitely check out Below the Belt.
*Book kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Marianne is an athletic trainer who dreams of making it to the big leagues and the Marine Corps boxing team is just another step to achieve her end goal... What she doesn't count on is falling for one of the boxers that's trying to make it onto the team.
Brad has wanted to be on the Marine Corps boxing team for years and he finally has his shot, unfortunately an injured knee on his first day of training might just keep him from reaching that goal. When Marianne starts questioning him about his knee he's quick to ask her out to dinner to stop the interrogation... Dinner leads to a steamy kiss and that's where the relationship that neither was looking for begins.
I wasn't expecting this book to be so fun, but between Marianne's sarcasm and the banter between not only Marianne and Brad but also between Marianne and her parents (LOVE her mom!) and Brad and his teammates, I found myself cracking up on more than one occasion. Of course the fact that the characters are all so likable definitely helps.
There was even a little suspense added to spice things up a bit, and while it wasn't exactly solved by the end of the book, I'm thinking it'll play a bigger role in the next book which I'm definitely looking forward to. My only complaint would be the lack of an epilogue, but again, I'm sure we'll see more of Brad and Marianne in Against the Ropes so I'm not too disappointed.
If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read with sexy marines, a witty heroine, and great camaraderie, you should definitely check out Below the Belt.
*Book kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Below the Belt (First to Fight #1) by Jeanette Murray
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize
My Review:
I have mixed feelings for Below the Belt, I thought the environment and the plot the author chose was decent but the characters felt a little numb to me. Despite the void in the emotional scope I felt that Jeanette wrote a good story with enough detail to keep me interested and I liked the characters enough that I wished that I'd gotten more from them. Never the less it was still a good read over all.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize
My Review:
I have mixed feelings for Below the Belt, I thought the environment and the plot the author chose was decent but the characters felt a little numb to me. Despite the void in the emotional scope I felt that Jeanette wrote a good story with enough detail to keep me interested and I liked the characters enough that I wished that I'd gotten more from them. Never the less it was still a good read over all.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
December 21, 2015
Below the Belt by Jeanette Murray is the first book in her First To Fight series. It is based on a marine boxing team and their coaches and athletic trainers that are part of that team.
Being on the Marine Corps boxing team is all Brad Costa can ever remember wanting. He wants to honor his fathers memory and this is how he plans to do it. When an injury happens on the second day of tryouts/training he decides to keep it to himself and struggle through rather than show weakness and get booted off the team. This means keeping it hidden from not only his potential teammates and fellow trainees and the coaches, but also from the gorgeous athletic trainer with eagle eyes.
Marianne Cook wants a healthy team - the macho factor of the Marine Corps boxing team makes this nearly impossible to get them to open up about injuries and pain. She detects something going on with Brad's knee but he keeps deflecting. In fact, he deflects so much they end up having dinner together. What he didn't expect was to fall for her and what she didn't expect was to put her career at risk because feelings got in the way.
Loved this story - it was well-paced, steamy, and painted a great picture of the boxing world on base and all that goes into it before any matches even begin.
Being on the Marine Corps boxing team is all Brad Costa can ever remember wanting. He wants to honor his fathers memory and this is how he plans to do it. When an injury happens on the second day of tryouts/training he decides to keep it to himself and struggle through rather than show weakness and get booted off the team. This means keeping it hidden from not only his potential teammates and fellow trainees and the coaches, but also from the gorgeous athletic trainer with eagle eyes.
Marianne Cook wants a healthy team - the macho factor of the Marine Corps boxing team makes this nearly impossible to get them to open up about injuries and pain. She detects something going on with Brad's knee but he keeps deflecting. In fact, he deflects so much they end up having dinner together. What he didn't expect was to fall for her and what she didn't expect was to put her career at risk because feelings got in the way.
Loved this story - it was well-paced, steamy, and painted a great picture of the boxing world on base and all that goes into it before any matches even begin.
July 8, 2017
I picked this up on a whim. Stories that feature women in prominent positions in man dominated sports fascinates me.
As the story began, I was thinking with all the young guys trying out for the boxing team, there would be catcalling, ogling and all that nonsense young hot blooded men usually exhibit. But surprising all were respectful of Marrianne our heroine. I find a story set in the military interesting as I do not read many military romances. Getting an introduction into Marianne's job was fun. I like her dedication to her job and seeing how things go in her job was eye opening. I love the growth of the team as the story went on. Especially Brad from the start to how he was towards the end with his Bad News Bears.
It was refreshing to have a female take charge of her pleasure like Marianne did in the first sex scene. It actually made me admire her boldness and balls. Also props to Brad for letting her do her thing and not being demanding. Usually women just let the man pleasure them. Seeing her know what she wanted was nice. I have to say some parts of the writing was not my favourite but I found myself enjoying other parts. The romance was sweet but the way Marianne freaked out when Brad was trying to talk to her was a no-no. It irritated me. I think this is a decent book and it is worth a read.
As the story began, I was thinking with all the young guys trying out for the boxing team, there would be catcalling, ogling and all that nonsense young hot blooded men usually exhibit. But surprising all were respectful of Marrianne our heroine. I find a story set in the military interesting as I do not read many military romances. Getting an introduction into Marianne's job was fun. I like her dedication to her job and seeing how things go in her job was eye opening. I love the growth of the team as the story went on. Especially Brad from the start to how he was towards the end with his Bad News Bears.
It was refreshing to have a female take charge of her pleasure like Marianne did in the first sex scene. It actually made me admire her boldness and balls. Also props to Brad for letting her do her thing and not being demanding. Usually women just let the man pleasure them. Seeing her know what she wanted was nice. I have to say some parts of the writing was not my favourite but I found myself enjoying other parts. The romance was sweet but the way Marianne freaked out when Brad was trying to talk to her was a no-no. It irritated me. I think this is a decent book and it is worth a read.
March 4, 2015
3.5 Cocktails
I love a feel good story and Below the Belt certainly is that! We meet Brad, a Marine training to try out for the Marine Boxing team and the team’s trainer, Marianne. Both Brad and Marianne are focused on the goals that have brought them together and aren’t looking for relationships.
Their story is a sweet one, both characters connect with each other from the first meeting and it doesn’t take long before they have a first date and a steamy kiss. One of my favorite things about watching Brad and Marianne together is that they talk and spend time together outside the bedroom, so even though their relationship moves quickly, it seems to be based on the things that are real vs just sexual chemistry.
Below the Belt also has a strong supporting cast of characters that really add to the story and help move everything along. The book moves on a pretty even keel and is a fun read with interesting characters and great dialogue. I’m definitely looking forward the seeing what happens next in the series and am hoping that Brad and Marianne will make an appearance in future books.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
I love a feel good story and Below the Belt certainly is that! We meet Brad, a Marine training to try out for the Marine Boxing team and the team’s trainer, Marianne. Both Brad and Marianne are focused on the goals that have brought them together and aren’t looking for relationships.
Their story is a sweet one, both characters connect with each other from the first meeting and it doesn’t take long before they have a first date and a steamy kiss. One of my favorite things about watching Brad and Marianne together is that they talk and spend time together outside the bedroom, so even though their relationship moves quickly, it seems to be based on the things that are real vs just sexual chemistry.
Below the Belt also has a strong supporting cast of characters that really add to the story and help move everything along. The book moves on a pretty even keel and is a fun read with interesting characters and great dialogue. I’m definitely looking forward the seeing what happens next in the series and am hoping that Brad and Marianne will make an appearance in future books.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
April 14, 2016
I had read this one before when I first discovered Jeanette Murray and devoured all of her titles then in my library's holdings. I wanted to dive back into the series, but a brief excerpt in the back of one of the Bobcats books proved I'd lost the details and needed a refresher.
I think this book is a solid 3*, but I'm hoping for a little more in the rest of the series as I know she's capable of much stronger writing (as evidenced by the Bobcats series). The characters' motivations make sense and the plot isn't driven by silly misunderstandings, but there was just a little something missing when I hold this up agains her other work.
I think this book is a solid 3*, but I'm hoping for a little more in the rest of the series as I know she's capable of much stronger writing (as evidenced by the Bobcats series). The characters' motivations make sense and the plot isn't driven by silly misunderstandings, but there was just a little something missing when I hold this up agains her other work.
July 16, 2016
Decent, quick read. Normally, I don't care for romances with military personnel in them. (Too many opportunities for inaccuracies, which, given my childhood, I'm pretty conscious of.) This is primarily a boxing novel, however, with a romance between an aspiring boxer and an athletic trainer. I liked how Marianne was always professional, and took her job very seriously. I didn't like how the mystery (which is kinda flimsy, honestly) didn't get wrapped up, and is moving on to the next book in the series.
December 19, 2015
I liked how each character stood on his or her own
I did think our hero was something of an asshat for much of it - and he does do a nice grovel - not QUITE enough but pretty good - and while I usually CANNOT STAND unethical relationships ... while thing one skated the line it was ok - I think maybe I didn't love it more because of his dishonesty?
Although he does man up
C+ or B- depending
I did think our hero was something of an asshat for much of it - and he does do a nice grovel - not QUITE enough but pretty good - and while I usually CANNOT STAND unethical relationships ... while thing one skated the line it was ok - I think maybe I didn't love it more because of his dishonesty?
Although he does man up
C+ or B- depending
February 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the Brad and Marianne ( bad Marianne!)Higgs and Sweeney. I laughed quite a bit, fussed quite a bit,yelled some. It was slow going at first but picked up and kept me engaged.
Once again,there's a lot less angst when there's clear communication. This did not happen until the end and was brought on by another character.
The hero was moody and distant and the heroine was sarcastic and snarky. However, I bought their romance. There were some aww moments.
I want to read Higgs' romance. I liked his character very much.
I enjoy Jeanette Murray's writing. It is humorous and warm. The writing about family and friends.
This is a good read if on vacation, not very long. Also sex scenes did not overtake the story. Some authors don't know how to balance sex and the story and the story suffers. Romance takes a backseat. I would've like to have seen a bit more romance. However, there was one intimate scene between Brad and Marianne that solidified their romance for me.
Once again,there's a lot less angst when there's clear communication. This did not happen until the end and was brought on by another character.
The hero was moody and distant and the heroine was sarcastic and snarky. However, I bought their romance. There were some aww moments.
I want to read Higgs' romance. I liked his character very much.
I enjoy Jeanette Murray's writing. It is humorous and warm. The writing about family and friends.
This is a good read if on vacation, not very long. Also sex scenes did not overtake the story. Some authors don't know how to balance sex and the story and the story suffers. Romance takes a backseat. I would've like to have seen a bit more romance. However, there was one intimate scene between Brad and Marianne that solidified their romance for me.
August 5, 2025
It's a light beach read which is what I was hoping for when I read it. If I think to hard about it, there are some ethical questions like a trainer who knows one of the candidates is injured but says nothing waiting for him to come to her or should a trainer have a romantic relationship with one of the athletes. It didn't stop me from enjoying the book, but it could affect other readers.
April 20, 2021
So funny.
library
July 30, 20210
January 5, 2022
It was a wonderful book.
April 7, 2015
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015
There's more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…
~~
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--BELOW THE BELT is the first installment in Jeanette Murray’s new contemporary, adult First to Fight military, romance series focusing on a group of Marine Corps boxers and the women they love. This is First Lieutenant Brad Costa and athletic trainer Marianne Cook’s storyline.
Marianne Cook has been hired as the physical therapist and trainer for the Marine’s new boxing team, and there is an instant chemistry between herself and First Lieutenant Brad Costa. At twenty nine years old Brad is the ‘elder statesman’ amongst the current team of Marines and with it comes some existing injuries that he is a little reluctant to share. As Brad continues to hide the extent of his pain and suffering, Marianne is all too aware that Brad hasn’t been truthful with his coach or his trainer.
The storyline follows two paths: the training, the comaraderie, and building friendships between a group of men thrown together with a common goal-to make the Marine Corps boxing team. Brad has been selected as one of three team leaders, and in this his skills and previous experience bring together the motley crew under his care. Brad and Marianne’s attraction to one another is immediate; Marianne has never before been involved with one of the men; Brad is a dedicated Marine who doesn’t do long term relationships. When our couple hit a rough patch, the Marines get together to push their friends in the right direction. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and romantic.
There is a secondary storyline building throughout the novel, one that focuses on a series of harassing threats and destruction of property aimed at the Marine Corps boxers. Reagan Robilard is brought in as the athletic liaison and PR consultant, and it is her job to help with the investigation into the threats and damage. Reagan’s story is next –AGAINST THE ROPES- where the search for the culprit(s) continues.
The colorful and charismatic supporting characters include the coaches, the boxers, family, friends and potential lovers. We are introduced to several Marines whose aim it is to qualify for the team. The developing friendships are amusing, refreshing and supportive. Some will not make the team, while others struggle on a daily basis. Marianne and Brad’s families play a supporting and sometimes humorous role throughout the story-Marianne’s mother is a Marine groupie who loves the attention and flirting with the men. The world building follows the Marine Corps boxing team through their training, determination and after hours play.
BELOW THE BELT is a delightful read with a fascinating and engaging cast of characters. Although BELOW THE BELT focuses on the Marine Corp boxing team we do not see any military action-it is all about the athletes and the competition. Jeanette Murray’s BELOW THE BELT was a delight to read.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015
There's more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…
Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.
First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.
As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…
~~
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--BELOW THE BELT is the first installment in Jeanette Murray’s new contemporary, adult First to Fight military, romance series focusing on a group of Marine Corps boxers and the women they love. This is First Lieutenant Brad Costa and athletic trainer Marianne Cook’s storyline.
Marianne Cook has been hired as the physical therapist and trainer for the Marine’s new boxing team, and there is an instant chemistry between herself and First Lieutenant Brad Costa. At twenty nine years old Brad is the ‘elder statesman’ amongst the current team of Marines and with it comes some existing injuries that he is a little reluctant to share. As Brad continues to hide the extent of his pain and suffering, Marianne is all too aware that Brad hasn’t been truthful with his coach or his trainer.
The storyline follows two paths: the training, the comaraderie, and building friendships between a group of men thrown together with a common goal-to make the Marine Corps boxing team. Brad has been selected as one of three team leaders, and in this his skills and previous experience bring together the motley crew under his care. Brad and Marianne’s attraction to one another is immediate; Marianne has never before been involved with one of the men; Brad is a dedicated Marine who doesn’t do long term relationships. When our couple hit a rough patch, the Marines get together to push their friends in the right direction. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and romantic.
There is a secondary storyline building throughout the novel, one that focuses on a series of harassing threats and destruction of property aimed at the Marine Corps boxers. Reagan Robilard is brought in as the athletic liaison and PR consultant, and it is her job to help with the investigation into the threats and damage. Reagan’s story is next –AGAINST THE ROPES- where the search for the culprit(s) continues.
The colorful and charismatic supporting characters include the coaches, the boxers, family, friends and potential lovers. We are introduced to several Marines whose aim it is to qualify for the team. The developing friendships are amusing, refreshing and supportive. Some will not make the team, while others struggle on a daily basis. Marianne and Brad’s families play a supporting and sometimes humorous role throughout the story-Marianne’s mother is a Marine groupie who loves the attention and flirting with the men. The world building follows the Marine Corps boxing team through their training, determination and after hours play.
BELOW THE BELT is a delightful read with a fascinating and engaging cast of characters. Although BELOW THE BELT focuses on the Marine Corp boxing team we do not see any military action-it is all about the athletes and the competition. Jeanette Murray’s BELOW THE BELT was a delight to read.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 6, 2015
3.5/5 stars
I first picked this one up because it reminded me of Katy Evan's Real, what with Brad being a boxer and Marianne being an athletic trainer. That's pretty much where the similarities end though. Brad is not only a boxer, but he is actually a Marine and is training to win a spot on their boxing team. Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps, Brad has worked hard to get a tryout and he is determined to become a part of the team. I really enjoyed seeing Brad go from isolating himself and wanting to be left alone to him actually engaging with his comrades and helping them out. After being put in charge of a small group of his peers, he eventually starts to see the value of helping his teammates out and just how much of an impact he has on them.
Marianne is the new athletic trainer and she is determined to do a good job. Her career is everything to her and it is her job to make sure these men don't overexert themselves and end up doing lasting damage to their bodies because they're too stubborn to quit. I really liked Marianne. She was such a great character, even though she drove me crazy because she kept saying 'Bad Marianne' in her head. A couple times was enough. Regardless, she's a strong woman who isn't afraid to handle these big, strong Marines.
Brad and Marianne first cross paths before they're formally introduced, and neither one can deny the attractiveness of the other. However, after their introduction Brad becomes a bit more closed off and guarded, as he knows she has the potential to ruin his dreams of boxing, should something happen. Of course, Brad ends up hurting his knee that very first day, but is too proud and stubborn to seek help. This ends up being the one looming thing between him and Marianne as things progress, because he is unwilling to tell her the truth for fear of her telling the coach. What starts off as a dinner date to distract her from asking him about his knee, eventually turns into more as the two realize they have some serious chemistry together.
I liked Brad and Marianne, though I hated that he was keeping his injury from her, especially when it's her job to be aware of these things. She has an inkling, but he keeps brushing her off, telling her it's nothing. Of course, this will cause problems later on! They have some really sexy scenes together and I enjoyed seeing them become more comfortable in their relationship with one another. I personally didn't feel that connection between them. I think it's more of Brad than anything- he was so gruff to start and his character just didn't show that much depth in the beginning.
I really enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters though. It's always humorous to watch guys interact with one another with their teasing and banter. Brad came a long way from the beginning of the book to the end and I liked seeing that camaraderie between him and his teammates.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It was a bit slow in the beginning and took awhile to get things going, but it did pick up. There is one element of the story that doesn't get resolved though, but because this is a series, I saw from the sneak peek of the next book that that storyline will be continued. Again, this wasn't a bad read, but I don't know how memorable it will be for me.
*Received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
I first picked this one up because it reminded me of Katy Evan's Real, what with Brad being a boxer and Marianne being an athletic trainer. That's pretty much where the similarities end though. Brad is not only a boxer, but he is actually a Marine and is training to win a spot on their boxing team. Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps, Brad has worked hard to get a tryout and he is determined to become a part of the team. I really enjoyed seeing Brad go from isolating himself and wanting to be left alone to him actually engaging with his comrades and helping them out. After being put in charge of a small group of his peers, he eventually starts to see the value of helping his teammates out and just how much of an impact he has on them.
Marianne is the new athletic trainer and she is determined to do a good job. Her career is everything to her and it is her job to make sure these men don't overexert themselves and end up doing lasting damage to their bodies because they're too stubborn to quit. I really liked Marianne. She was such a great character, even though she drove me crazy because she kept saying 'Bad Marianne' in her head. A couple times was enough. Regardless, she's a strong woman who isn't afraid to handle these big, strong Marines.
Brad and Marianne first cross paths before they're formally introduced, and neither one can deny the attractiveness of the other. However, after their introduction Brad becomes a bit more closed off and guarded, as he knows she has the potential to ruin his dreams of boxing, should something happen. Of course, Brad ends up hurting his knee that very first day, but is too proud and stubborn to seek help. This ends up being the one looming thing between him and Marianne as things progress, because he is unwilling to tell her the truth for fear of her telling the coach. What starts off as a dinner date to distract her from asking him about his knee, eventually turns into more as the two realize they have some serious chemistry together.
I liked Brad and Marianne, though I hated that he was keeping his injury from her, especially when it's her job to be aware of these things. She has an inkling, but he keeps brushing her off, telling her it's nothing. Of course, this will cause problems later on! They have some really sexy scenes together and I enjoyed seeing them become more comfortable in their relationship with one another. I personally didn't feel that connection between them. I think it's more of Brad than anything- he was so gruff to start and his character just didn't show that much depth in the beginning.
I really enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters though. It's always humorous to watch guys interact with one another with their teasing and banter. Brad came a long way from the beginning of the book to the end and I liked seeing that camaraderie between him and his teammates.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It was a bit slow in the beginning and took awhile to get things going, but it did pick up. There is one element of the story that doesn't get resolved though, but because this is a series, I saw from the sneak peek of the next book that that storyline will be continued. Again, this wasn't a bad read, but I don't know how memorable it will be for me.
*Received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
March 29, 2015
Brad Costa is finally about to fulfill one of his dreams as he has just arrived at Marine Corps Boxing Camp. But the competition to make the team is fierce and as one of oldest, he has to be untouchable. And he is not there to make friends.
Trainer Marianne Cook is at home with sweaty men in a training room and does not expect to be intrigued by any of them. She has her own goals and this is a stepping stone in her career.
Neither of them had a relationship on their radar. Brad is trying not to let the observant trainer in on the fact that he is nursing a new knee injury. But trying to distract her only makes them realize they actually like each other. They should not let anything happen due to their working relationship, but they cannot seem to resist the temptation.
He'd never felt this pull before with a woman. Never realized that there would be a single person on the planet that would call to him without saying a word.
"The ka-boom factor...You're the gas, she's the flame. You get anywhere near each other and...Ka-boom."
And getting involved could definitely cause some issues--he's trying to keep a secret and the sneaking around in an undisclosed relationship could affect both of their places in the camp. Neither want to jeopardize their spots or each other, so it is all a tangled up mess.
I really began to like Brad as we got to see under his tough, guarded outer shell. Underneath it all he was passionate, caring, and had a good heart. She made him take things less seriously. She was smart, funny, and nurturing. Together they had an easy going, flirty rapport and hot chemistry. They were really good together both outside and inside the bedroom. I liked that they were more mature and actually had real conversations. But his hiding and lying to her takes a toll on him. And she knows he is hiding something but is afraid to push him to far.
He'd started the journey toward the team risking only his chance to box. Now he was risking his heart too.
I liked the building camaraderie of the team especially Higgs and Sweeney. As the older guys, they inadvertently became role models and leaders for the wilder younger ones. The team antics and dynamics had me laughing at times. Her friend Kara was a fun and sassy sidekick, And the new PR girl Reagan was both tenacious and timid at the same time. Some of the story lines are still ongoing and I am looking forward to Higgs's story in Against the Ropes.
This was a sweet, funny, and not too angsty. There was a bit of a mystery/suspense story under the surface as well. It was an engaging read with likable characters and enough issues to make it interesting. It showed that sometimes team, friendships, and even love required dedication and sometimes sacrifices.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trainer Marianne Cook is at home with sweaty men in a training room and does not expect to be intrigued by any of them. She has her own goals and this is a stepping stone in her career.
Neither of them had a relationship on their radar. Brad is trying not to let the observant trainer in on the fact that he is nursing a new knee injury. But trying to distract her only makes them realize they actually like each other. They should not let anything happen due to their working relationship, but they cannot seem to resist the temptation.
He'd never felt this pull before with a woman. Never realized that there would be a single person on the planet that would call to him without saying a word.
"The ka-boom factor...You're the gas, she's the flame. You get anywhere near each other and...Ka-boom."
And getting involved could definitely cause some issues--he's trying to keep a secret and the sneaking around in an undisclosed relationship could affect both of their places in the camp. Neither want to jeopardize their spots or each other, so it is all a tangled up mess.
I really began to like Brad as we got to see under his tough, guarded outer shell. Underneath it all he was passionate, caring, and had a good heart. She made him take things less seriously. She was smart, funny, and nurturing. Together they had an easy going, flirty rapport and hot chemistry. They were really good together both outside and inside the bedroom. I liked that they were more mature and actually had real conversations. But his hiding and lying to her takes a toll on him. And she knows he is hiding something but is afraid to push him to far.
He'd started the journey toward the team risking only his chance to box. Now he was risking his heart too.
I liked the building camaraderie of the team especially Higgs and Sweeney. As the older guys, they inadvertently became role models and leaders for the wilder younger ones. The team antics and dynamics had me laughing at times. Her friend Kara was a fun and sassy sidekick, And the new PR girl Reagan was both tenacious and timid at the same time. Some of the story lines are still ongoing and I am looking forward to Higgs's story in Against the Ropes.
This was a sweet, funny, and not too angsty. There was a bit of a mystery/suspense story under the surface as well. It was an engaging read with likable characters and enough issues to make it interesting. It showed that sometimes team, friendships, and even love required dedication and sometimes sacrifices.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2015
My Thoughts:
Below the Belt is the first book that I've read by Jeanette Murray. I was drawn in by the sexy book cover, and the book summary. I love reading about Marines. There is something so sexy about a man in uniform, and I think Marines are some of the sexiest men.
Below the Belt is a sweet, light-hearted and humorous romance about athletic trainer, Marianne Cook, and sexy Marine Boxer, Brad Costa. Marianne is soley focused on her career goals, and has no time for romance or much of a social life. She has a passion and love for her career, and has high hopes of becoming an athletic trainer in the NBA one day. She considers her job working with the Marine Corps Boxing Team to be temporary, and will be moving on soon.
Brad is 29 years old and has finally made the tryouts for the Marine Corps Boxing Team. It has been his dream for so long, and now that he's finally been given the opportunity, he will not let anything stand in his way. Brad is one of the oldest marines in the training camp, and finds himself challenged by a painful bodily injury. However, he needs to suck it up, and hide it, or risk being cut from the team. While both Marianne and Brad are soley focused on their career goals, they haven't factored in a major game changer; meeting one another and falling in love...
Below the Belt had a lot of humor infused within it's pages. Marianne made me laugh a lot, as did Tressler, one of the marine boxer trainees. It was a fun, light-hearted, feel good type read. The pacing was slow but steady, and the character's were well-developed. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the bonding that took place between the marine trainees. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and felt like they were my friends. The romance between Marianne and Brad was slow-building. The love scenes weren't very detailed, in my opinion, and the story focused more on their emotional connection. I would have liked to be more swept away in the romance. It was very sweet, but I would have enjoyed more passion and intensity in the romance.
My Rating:
I give, Below the Belt, by Jeanette Murray, 3.5 Sweet Romance, Male Bonding, Sexy Marine Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Below the Belt is the first book that I've read by Jeanette Murray. I was drawn in by the sexy book cover, and the book summary. I love reading about Marines. There is something so sexy about a man in uniform, and I think Marines are some of the sexiest men.
Below the Belt is a sweet, light-hearted and humorous romance about athletic trainer, Marianne Cook, and sexy Marine Boxer, Brad Costa. Marianne is soley focused on her career goals, and has no time for romance or much of a social life. She has a passion and love for her career, and has high hopes of becoming an athletic trainer in the NBA one day. She considers her job working with the Marine Corps Boxing Team to be temporary, and will be moving on soon.
Brad is 29 years old and has finally made the tryouts for the Marine Corps Boxing Team. It has been his dream for so long, and now that he's finally been given the opportunity, he will not let anything stand in his way. Brad is one of the oldest marines in the training camp, and finds himself challenged by a painful bodily injury. However, he needs to suck it up, and hide it, or risk being cut from the team. While both Marianne and Brad are soley focused on their career goals, they haven't factored in a major game changer; meeting one another and falling in love...
Below the Belt had a lot of humor infused within it's pages. Marianne made me laugh a lot, as did Tressler, one of the marine boxer trainees. It was a fun, light-hearted, feel good type read. The pacing was slow but steady, and the character's were well-developed. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the bonding that took place between the marine trainees. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and felt like they were my friends. The romance between Marianne and Brad was slow-building. The love scenes weren't very detailed, in my opinion, and the story focused more on their emotional connection. I would have liked to be more swept away in the romance. It was very sweet, but I would have enjoyed more passion and intensity in the romance.
My Rating:
I give, Below the Belt, by Jeanette Murray, 3.5 Sweet Romance, Male Bonding, Sexy Marine Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
April 16, 2015
A sweet story of a Marine who learns what he needs in life, and of an athletic trainer who finds what she really wants. In the end, they both realize what’s important.
Marianne is a new trainer to the Marine Corps Boxing team and she’s determined to do everything she can go make sure these Marines are taken care of. She wants to prove herself by helping them. And really she’s a take-no-nonsense type of woman because she has to be–Marine men aren’t the type to believe in things an athletic trainer will say or simply because she’s a woman. She finds a way to help while also teaching. After awhile the men trust her. But the one she wants to, the one who is hurting, isn’t willing to admit his pain.
Brad Costa is fulfilling a dream. He’s wanted to win a spot on the Marine Boxing team ever since he was little. He’s fighting hard for it, bleeding for it, and will not let anything stand in his way. He won’t admit defeat, even when his body screams at him to do so. Even when the beautiful trainer starts asking questions, he’s determined to hide it. But his deferral tactics backfire tremendously because the man who tends to go solo has snagged the trainer and it gets harder and harder to admit the truth.
Brad and Marianne were two incredibly strong individuals who were very prideful and stubborn. But they were able to curve around that part of themselves to start their relationship. They distracted each other from pressing issues, and ended up exactly where they needed to be. It was a beautiful love story of one man who had enough strength to succumb to his woman in every way, and one woman who found her happily ever after.
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Marianne is a new trainer to the Marine Corps Boxing team and she’s determined to do everything she can go make sure these Marines are taken care of. She wants to prove herself by helping them. And really she’s a take-no-nonsense type of woman because she has to be–Marine men aren’t the type to believe in things an athletic trainer will say or simply because she’s a woman. She finds a way to help while also teaching. After awhile the men trust her. But the one she wants to, the one who is hurting, isn’t willing to admit his pain.
Brad Costa is fulfilling a dream. He’s wanted to win a spot on the Marine Boxing team ever since he was little. He’s fighting hard for it, bleeding for it, and will not let anything stand in his way. He won’t admit defeat, even when his body screams at him to do so. Even when the beautiful trainer starts asking questions, he’s determined to hide it. But his deferral tactics backfire tremendously because the man who tends to go solo has snagged the trainer and it gets harder and harder to admit the truth.
Brad and Marianne were two incredibly strong individuals who were very prideful and stubborn. But they were able to curve around that part of themselves to start their relationship. They distracted each other from pressing issues, and ended up exactly where they needed to be. It was a beautiful love story of one man who had enough strength to succumb to his woman in every way, and one woman who found her happily ever after.
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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