Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Modern Gladiator
SERIES: Modern Gladiator #1
AUTHOR: S.A. Stovall
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 250 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2019
BLURB:
A prim and proper aspiring doctor and a destitute martial artist—both with hurts to comfort. Each with just the cure the other needs.
Corbin Friel hates mindless sports, especially fighting and boxing. As a medical student, he wants to help others, not watch them beat each other senseless. But his sister, Lala, can’t get enough of rough-and-tumble sporting events, and she drags her brother along whenever she can.
Keon Lynch doesn’t have much going for him. He’s broke, he lives alone in a new state, and he’s estranged from his family. But at least he has his dream—becoming a professional UFC fighter. Keon trains every day, and if he can just score a few more wins, he’ll get his ticket into the ranks of professional competitors.
But an unexplained pain jeopardizes Keon’s dream. During a backstage meet-and-greet, Corbin recognizes the telltale signs of a bone infection, which could cost Keon his leg. Unable to ignore Keon’s situation, Corbin begrudgingly decides to help. And while he gets to know Keon, finding him more desirable with each interaction, Corbin’s ex-boyfriend isn’t pleased with the development….
And he’s determined to keep Corbin for himself, no matter what.
REVIEW:
I am so much like Corbin in this book lol. I have never really understood that boxing matches and MMA matches. Please do not misunderstand me. I’m not knocking it all or judging. If it makes people happy, go for it. Sometimes it just seems a little blood thirsty to me is all I meant. I can understand it to a point. Discipline, letting go of aggression, things like that. Anyway, lol. I also, like Corbin, would support someone anyway for following their dreams. And this is a good book. The work in finding you dreams, the passion, and the better it makes it when you have that support.
When Corbin’s sister drags him to an MMA match, he wasn’t terribly thrilled. He tries to do everything he can for his sister because of her medical history, but sometimes the things she likes, to him, are a bit much. And this is one of them. It doesn’t help when he makes a fool of himself hollering out not nice things to Keon, who is the opponent in this match. Keon wasn’t thrilled to hear it and after meeting the stuffed shirt Corbin, he doesn’t like him either. But a medical problem of Keon’s comes to Corbin’s attention and he does all he can to help. Which is his mission in life. The more he is around Keon, the more his opinion changes, not necessarily about the sport, but Keon’s dream and passion. But eventually, Corbin’s ex finds out he’s with Keon and he’s not happy. He’s making trouble and it’s going to be up to Corbin to bow under the pressure or talk to Keon and risk his relationship.
Both of these boys have dreams. They may be worlds apart but they both have passions for what they are pursuing. Corbin, being raised by doctors, is well versed in the subject already. But seeing what his sister has been through in her life, has fueled his passion to help people be better. It’s an admirable trait. Even if he may be a little stuffy sometimes. He’s got a heart of gold under those brains, though. Even in situations knowing he could get killed, he defends others. He hates bullies. He’s a little guy too. But it just makes him more special.
Keon doesn’t like bullies either. Especially after living with one. One that costed him a relationship with his sister. And with his attitude in the ring at times, he comes off as a brute. But he’s worked hard for where he’s at and he doesn’t care much of the opinions of others. Except Corbin’s. Somehow this little man has worked his way under Keon’s skin and won’t let go. The more he gets to know Corbin, the more he don’t want him too either. He sees under that stiffness and pressed clothes to the man in and he loves what he sees. Corbin has given him a new lease in life with support and trust. Friendship and love. Even that glare of his lol.
It’s so odd thinking these two could be good together but they seem just perfect. Opposites do attract, they say and these two are about opposites in every way. And it makes for a fun story.
RATING: 
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