REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Undisputed

AUTHORS: Aimee Nicole Walker and Nicholas Bella

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 259 Pages

RELEASE DATE: December 21, 2016

BLURB: 

There was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down.

I didn’t do relationships because I had to keep that part of myself hidden, but I couldn’t seem to get Aiden out of my mind. Maybe if I could just have my way with him one time, I’d be able to get him out of my system. But if I couldn’t, would I be able to sacrifice everything I worked so hard for to have Aiden? Was the reward worth the risk or could I live my life without Aiden?

***

I was thrilled when I landed an interview with MMA’s sexiest fighter, Anamacio De Niro. I had heard that he was a very private man, but nothing prepared me for his level of stubbornness. That didn’t stop me from soaking up every second that I was in the same room with my secret crush. I never expected to hear from him when our interview ended, so imagine my surprise when he contacted me out of the blue and asked to meet again.

I quickly learned why Macio was so private when he revealed the secret he hid from the world. As excited as I was that he returned my attraction, I had promised myself that I’d never fall for another closeted guy. My vow shattered the second his lips touched mine and I let my guard down for one night of earth-scorching sex, knowing it was all I would ever have with him. Or was it? Did it have to be all or nothing or could we find a way to be together without either of us getting hurt?

Macio is a champion MMA fighter with a sole focus on winning.  He is also deeply closeted for the betterment of his career, relying solely upon discreet escorts to sate his needs.  He is cocky and stand-offish where the media is concerned, until he agrees to an exclusive interview with Aiden, a well-known journalist for one of the best magazines in the industry.  Macio is still somewhat closed off with Aiden at their first meeting, but there are definitely sparks flying.  Unable to get Aiden out of his head, especially once he learns Aiden is out and proud, Macio sets up another interview, and their trust in one another grows quickly from there.

The biggest issue these two face is Macio’s closeted status.  Aiden has already dealt with a previous broken relationship when he refused to be put back in the closet, but he decides Macio is worth it and takes up residence in Closet Estates once again.  This situation seems understandable and believable given Macio’s profession, and it is easy to see why Aiden chose to play along while their relationship grew.  But, Macio is convinced by others on his team to do things to keep up straight appearances, including the use of a beard.  Macio makes some pretty bad choices where Aiden is concerned, though he wasn’t trying to be malicious or purposely hurt him.

I’m usually pretty good at just enjoying a story for what it is, but there were a few blatant issues here that I have no doubt will rub readers the wrong way.  I actually thought Kathleen, the Beard, had a tinge of multiple personality disorder.  She went from one extreme to the other and back again in a fairly short amount of time.  Aiden comes across as a domesticated doormat at times, taking whatever he can get from Macio.  These feelings were present, along with a few other niggles, but it was also easy to see that these guys just totally fell hard for each other and while trying to do what was best for Macio, lost sight of the repercussions of their actions.

All in all, this was a fast-paced, often exciting story that had plenty of MMA action, but not so much as to be too much.  Once these guys were together, they were pretty focused on each other, as opposed to any outsiders, and they realized what was important in time for a nice happy ending.  While I wasn’t totally wowed by this story, there were plenty of aspects to enjoy that kept me turning pages to the end.  I hope these authors join together again and look forward to seeing what they come up with next.