⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I've been unusually remiss in neglecting to write a review of The Cinch by Nicole Disney, which is one of my all time favourite books. It's set against the background of the brutal MMA world, but the romance is just so wonderful in that. Really my bad in not writing the review for that one earlier.
The cover of Tapout indicated the same world so it was an immediate got-to-read for me. And it doesn't disappoint. It delivers a powerful one-two punch of raw, visceral energy and tender emotional depth. Writing the romance, the realness of the MCs, their chemistry and connection is Disney's superpower.
It starts with a dramatic fight sequence in which Laila Moretti is massacred in her UFC attempt. And she as good as gives up. She's pretty much at the rock bottom, when her friend, Vic, drags her to an illegal, underground fight at the Yard. There she meets Harlow, the organiser of the event.
The undeniable, electric attraction between them is portrayed with a potent blend of tension and tenderness, making every interaction crackle with possibility.
Laila’s struggle is about physical recovery and the psychological battle of rebuilding a shattered identity. Harlow is a force of nature—all sharp edges and ruthless ambition, yet the braver of the two in sharing her vulnerabilities... the reason why she does what she does, despite the risks.
The world of underground fighting is gritty and edged with danger. While the detailed fights may not be everyone's cup of tea (they are written is rather explicit detail, given Disney's own background in the field), they are pretty much the driver of the psychological shift in Laila. (An aside: I couldn't quite 'see' either the mechanics of the fights or the actual physical movement. But I guess that's on me, not the author.)
Between the two, Harlow's humanness, humaneness, depth and care constantly more visible. She is the one staking much more into the relationship. Laila's emotions and actions are pretty immature and self-centered. It somehow works, because of the charactisations: Harlow's love language is taking care of others while sacrificing herself. Laila's love language is being belligerent and expecting open arms, all the same.
Tapout excels in interpersonal relationships, not just between the MCs, but with every other secondary and minor character. That's what makes it a compelling read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
