REVIEW: Down for the Count by Christine Bell

Title: Down for the Count (Dare Me #1)
Author: Christine Bell
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook, 128 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Truth or dare…

When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she's saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?

…or TKO?

Galen had been counting on Lacey's wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

Down for the Count had the perfect combination of sexy, steamy, fun and sweet romance. Not only will this book have you grinning from ear to ear, but it will also have you laughing out loud during the most awkwardest moments ever! I loved this! A short read, but a sizzling one nonetheless. 

Lacey gets the biggest wake up call and set back of her life when her not-even-24-hour-wedded-husband decided to hit the sack with her best friend-bride’s mate in a closet during their wedding reception. Does Lacey break down and cry? No way in hell. She ends everything right then and there. All her life, Lacey has listened to the demands of her mother, always doing what is best for their law firm, what’s best not for her, but for her mother because that’s what mother wants. At first it seemed like Lacey was a push over when it come to her family, and quite frankly she was. However, I found Lacey to be smart, sweet, and possibly a quiet freak in the sheets. Once she got away from her mother, Lacey started to open up and do things for fun. She was her still sensible self with added flare. I liked Lacey’s innocence and her endearing personality. 



My favorite character, by far, was Galen. That man was downright sensational. He was sweet and caring towards Lacey. He basically helped her out of her shell and showed her a real good time. He was a great friend and even greater lover. He was a good influence over Lacey, no matter what hesitation she felt. He allowed her to have fun and finally break out of the confinement her mother had kept her in. Strong, determined, and charming, Galen was one of the best things about this novel. 

Christine Bell’s writing was amazing. She starts off Down for the Count with a bang! The first page was all I needed to keep me going. Her writing was simplistic, yet addictive. She writes with such ease, the flow of the whole story was just lovely. She developed Lacey and Galen’s characters tremendously and gives them the room to grow throughout the book. The scenes between them are endearing, hilarious and spicy. I loved every moment of this book and so much more. There really is no question or wonder on why I ended up reading this book in one sitting!

Overall, Down for the Count was a well written novel that stayed with me for a very long time. This book will surely keep readers up at night, itching to get to the end. 

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Favorite Quotes:

"Dear Satan. I don't know why you're testing me, but I don't like it. No love, Galen." Location 221.

"He was.. everything. Gorgeous and funny and smart and strong." Location 587.

"I don't think it, squirt. I know it. It's like water's wet, the sky is blue, Lacey looks fine as hell in her bikini.' He shrugged. 'Facts are facts.'" Location 810.

"Sure, he wanted to make her feel better, but at this rate, he was going to have a Guinness Book- worthy case of blue balls. Location 816.

"'You coming?' she called over her shoulder. Not yet, but that could be arranged in short order. Damn, he was a perv. He really needed to something about that." Location 827.

"'And this one? This is because I want you so bad, it's makes me question my sanity.'" Location 1258. 

"'If you were with me, I'd love you so hard, you wouldn't need two princes. I'd be your king and you'd be my queen.'" Location 2137.

"'I don't care if they see. I don't care who knows. I love you.'" Location 2856. 

And I may have gone a little overboard, but you get the picture ;)