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Sucker for Payne
A reckless decision after a drunken night leaves Conner Payne with no money, a criminal record, and a lifetime’s worth of regret. Searching for a way to get his life back on track, he is surprised to find solace inside a steel cage at the local gym. Even more shocking, is the emotional connection he builds with a feisty reporter, who might just know a thing or two about starting life over.
After a stint in rehab, and several years of therapy, Willow Stevens finally lands her dream job as a women’s rights columnist, and gains the stability she’s always craved. When asked by her boss to cover a fight at a local gym, she has no idea what to expect. But nothing could have prepared her for the gravitational pull she experiences when she first sets eyes on Conner Payne, or the love she develops for the turbulent world of professional fighting.
Both Conner and Willow want to create a future independent from their pasts, but with old fears and new insecurities, the odds are stacked against them.
Two battered souls. One ultimate goal—to love unconditionally.
After a stint in rehab, and several years of therapy, Willow Stevens finally lands her dream job as a women’s rights columnist, and gains the stability she’s always craved. When asked by her boss to cover a fight at a local gym, she has no idea what to expect. But nothing could have prepared her for the gravitational pull she experiences when she first sets eyes on Conner Payne, or the love she develops for the turbulent world of professional fighting.
Both Conner and Willow want to create a future independent from their pasts, but with old fears and new insecurities, the odds are stacked against them.
Two battered souls. One ultimate goal—to love unconditionally.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2018
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Thomas
23 books131 followersCarrie Thomas is the author of young adult and new adult romances. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her traveling or going to concerts with friends. Museums, theater, and music are at the top of her list when traveling to a new place. Writing romance is her favorite genre to write because everyone can relate to it. She lives in the South with her husband, two sons, and a dog named Oscar De La Hoya Meyer Weiner. She’s a firm believer that book lovers should stick together.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 5, 2018
I was a sucker for this story, and you will be too.
Terrible attempt at humour aside, this was a wonderful read. From the very start, I was sucked into Sucker for Payne and found it to be a very difficult book to put down. I was turning page after page, desperate to see how everything came together, and I loved the way things played out.
Stories with broken characters are my favourite. I love characters with flaws, those who have been through rough patches. It allows for deep emotional connections, and when done well the books mirror reality in a heart-breaking manner. Thus, you can imagine, I was drawn towards Sucker for Payne.
Both the characters in this story are wonderfully flawed, both have a dark past. What we’re given is a romance of how two broken pieces can go so well together, how broken parts can be fixed. Things will not be the way they were before, but you can continue to move forward. What this story does is show how, without any sugar-coating. It shows the pain and the darkness, how there will be hardship, and how love can still exist to help you through.
It really was a wonderful read, and it will appeal to so many people. Enjoy sports romance? Check. Enjoy haunted characters? Check. Enjoy characters with great chemistry? Check. Enjoy stories that show how one choice can have a drastic impact upon life? Check. It’s a story with layers, one that will suck you in on so many dimensions. You’ll love the characters, you’ll love the way the romance grows, you’ll love the depth to the storyline, and you’ll find yourself lost to the wonderful story.
The only thing I had a bit of an issue with was in relationship to time. I felt as though the transitions were not as smooth as they could have been, and there were a couple of times where it wasn’t as clear as it could have been how much time had passed. It was a small thing, though, in an otherwise wonderful book.
Without a doubt, Sucker for Payne has guaranteed I will be picking up more Carrie Thomas books in the future.
Terrible attempt at humour aside, this was a wonderful read. From the very start, I was sucked into Sucker for Payne and found it to be a very difficult book to put down. I was turning page after page, desperate to see how everything came together, and I loved the way things played out.
Stories with broken characters are my favourite. I love characters with flaws, those who have been through rough patches. It allows for deep emotional connections, and when done well the books mirror reality in a heart-breaking manner. Thus, you can imagine, I was drawn towards Sucker for Payne.
Both the characters in this story are wonderfully flawed, both have a dark past. What we’re given is a romance of how two broken pieces can go so well together, how broken parts can be fixed. Things will not be the way they were before, but you can continue to move forward. What this story does is show how, without any sugar-coating. It shows the pain and the darkness, how there will be hardship, and how love can still exist to help you through.
It really was a wonderful read, and it will appeal to so many people. Enjoy sports romance? Check. Enjoy haunted characters? Check. Enjoy characters with great chemistry? Check. Enjoy stories that show how one choice can have a drastic impact upon life? Check. It’s a story with layers, one that will suck you in on so many dimensions. You’ll love the characters, you’ll love the way the romance grows, you’ll love the depth to the storyline, and you’ll find yourself lost to the wonderful story.
The only thing I had a bit of an issue with was in relationship to time. I felt as though the transitions were not as smooth as they could have been, and there were a couple of times where it wasn’t as clear as it could have been how much time had passed. It was a small thing, though, in an otherwise wonderful book.
Without a doubt, Sucker for Payne has guaranteed I will be picking up more Carrie Thomas books in the future.
February 5, 2018
Sucker for Payne is the story of a fighter. Handsome but broken. His past is hunting him, it's stuck on his mind, on his skin owning his heart and his life. His past is his own cage, he is locked in and he seems to have no escape, no power to fight it. There is no life, no joy, no happiness, no love, no hope for a guy like him. He is a broken champion with a steel and ice mask on. And nobody seems to be able to break it. Until Willow Stevens. She is the one who get the right key to his heart. And she is determined to use it. Because she knows exactly what Payne has been through. Put two broken hearts together and they will fit perfectly.
To fight his own demons, his past or his addiction he needs A REASON to make it worth no matter how many times Conner falls on his knees, he still stand up because of it. Because it gives him the strength to fight for himself, for what he want and to earn his life and glory. It won't be easy, but that's when Willow will be there for him, will hold his hand, dry his tears, cancel his insecurities and heal his bruises. She will change Payne's life. Because when you've been there, in the darkness, you don't judge, you understand and you support the other, standing by his side, fighting for him and for his love, until your love becomes stronger than his past.
To fight his own demons, his past or his addiction he needs A REASON to make it worth no matter how many times Conner falls on his knees, he still stand up because of it. Because it gives him the strength to fight for himself, for what he want and to earn his life and glory. It won't be easy, but that's when Willow will be there for him, will hold his hand, dry his tears, cancel his insecurities and heal his bruises. She will change Payne's life. Because when you've been there, in the darkness, you don't judge, you understand and you support the other, standing by his side, fighting for him and for his love, until your love becomes stronger than his past.
February 5, 2018
Sucker for Payne is a really good, emotional, sexy and at times funny read, but more importantly it shows that relationships are not perfect and that if you love each other enough you can work through just about anything.
Conner and Willow both have demons from their past involving drugs or alcohol. Willow has come to terms with hers and knows how to hold them off daily. Conner is still trying to come to terms with his and has moments of weakness; Willow recognizes something in him that calls to her. These two are made for each other but must find out how to make their relationship work and be healthy for both of them. Their journey will break your heart but in the end you will be smiling because these two broken souls come together to form one beautiful pair of soulmates.
Note: From personal experience I know about addiction, AA, NA and the foundation to 12 step programs and how to continue to be successful on the road to recovery. One big issue I had with Sucker for Payne is that Willow is a recovering addict yet she still drinks wine, this is something that is frowned upon for a recovering addict because you never know when one sip can trigger your addiction. Now I do know some addicts who do still drink and never return to their drug addiction, but it is few and far between. I'm not counting this against the book, I just wish the author would have done a little more research about the subject.
February 5, 2018
Sucker for Payne by Carrie Thomas.
We’ve been on told that one night can change your life. Majority of people, don’t take that to heart, but Conner Payne is proof. Proof that it can happen. One night changed his life, leaving him with a criminal record and a bunch of regret. As he searches for his new found meaning of life, he finds comfort inside a steel cage. However, he never thought his search would lead him to a feisty reporter named Willow Stevens. Willow Steven’s has had her fair share of reforming her life. After several years in therapy, she’s finally landed her dream job and the stability she’s craved. When asked to cover an article about cage fighting, she had no idea what to expect… But that didn’t stop her from falling in love with professional fighting and Conner Payne.
Oh. My. God. This book. Gold! I haven’t read a great cage fighting book in a long time and Carrie Thomas totally crushed it! Not only that, but Conner and Willow pull at your heartstrings. My god, I still feel the emotional toll even after two days of reading Sucker for Payne . Like most stories, the characters have their ups and downs, but the way the author has them handle it, was impressive. And Connor, *sigh* that man...damaged or not, he’s a knock out character. Everything he says made me ponder and really think about what he said. Or squealing like a school girl. (lol)
Overall Sucker for Payne was amazing. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to more of Carrie Thomas’s work.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for an Honest Review**
We’ve been on told that one night can change your life. Majority of people, don’t take that to heart, but Conner Payne is proof. Proof that it can happen. One night changed his life, leaving him with a criminal record and a bunch of regret. As he searches for his new found meaning of life, he finds comfort inside a steel cage. However, he never thought his search would lead him to a feisty reporter named Willow Stevens. Willow Steven’s has had her fair share of reforming her life. After several years in therapy, she’s finally landed her dream job and the stability she’s craved. When asked to cover an article about cage fighting, she had no idea what to expect… But that didn’t stop her from falling in love with professional fighting and Conner Payne.
Oh. My. God. This book. Gold! I haven’t read a great cage fighting book in a long time and Carrie Thomas totally crushed it! Not only that, but Conner and Willow pull at your heartstrings. My god, I still feel the emotional toll even after two days of reading Sucker for Payne . Like most stories, the characters have their ups and downs, but the way the author has them handle it, was impressive. And Connor, *sigh* that man...damaged or not, he’s a knock out character. Everything he says made me ponder and really think about what he said. Or squealing like a school girl. (lol)
Overall Sucker for Payne was amazing. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to more of Carrie Thomas’s work.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for an Honest Review**
February 9, 2018
Sucker for Payne has all the feels!!! Five Star Read!!
Connor and Willow's story is such an emotional journey; addiction, healing, learning to live with the choices we make and finding that special someone who will love you for exactly who you are despite those choices. Connor and Willow's pasts are not pretty so be prepared. I loved the pacing of the story, the growth of the relationship between the two main characters and their depth. The chemistry between the two was super hot! This book will definitely tug at your heartstrings and leave you wanting more. I hated for it to end, but the ending was perfect! I would love it if a few of the secondary characters eventually got their own story as well. One can hope. Five Amazing Stars for this heartfelt, sexy read!!!
Connor and Willow's story is such an emotional journey; addiction, healing, learning to live with the choices we make and finding that special someone who will love you for exactly who you are despite those choices. Connor and Willow's pasts are not pretty so be prepared. I loved the pacing of the story, the growth of the relationship between the two main characters and their depth. The chemistry between the two was super hot! This book will definitely tug at your heartstrings and leave you wanting more. I hated for it to end, but the ending was perfect! I would love it if a few of the secondary characters eventually got their own story as well. One can hope. Five Amazing Stars for this heartfelt, sexy read!!!
February 12, 2018
This was one of those books that sucked me in from the very beginning! Just the way I like it! I couldn't read it fast enough and it had my emotions going full speed! These broken characters coming together was nothing short of magical! This was my first Carrie Thomas book and I know it definitely will not be my last. Her writing style is unique and I just fell in love with it!
February 12, 2018
This Book Sucked me In from the beginning till the last page of the story, Sucker for Payne was a Emotional Roller coaster ride. Carrie Thomas has done a brilliant job with the characters and the plot of the story.
I Highly Recommend all Readers to read this book right now.
I Highly Recommend all Readers to read this book right now.
February 7, 2018
She killed it again!!
I have loved all of Carries books but this one took the cake. The emotions are so raw and the writing is top notch! I was enthralled before I was done with Chapter 1!
I have loved all of Carries books but this one took the cake. The emotions are so raw and the writing is top notch! I was enthralled before I was done with Chapter 1!
February 20, 2019
I really really loved this book. I really liked these characters. Where they have been, what they have done, what made them well them. I loved it even though it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Following these characters and what they have gone through gave me feels! I cried, was sad, happy, and frustrated. There are parts of the book that speak to me. The real issues that are faced. Its all woven into this story.
By the time I hit The End I didn't want it to end. Carrie I would love to get more of these other characters in the book hint, hint..
All in all a good Fighter romance. The characters have their ups and downs and by the end I was pleased with the way the book turned out.
favorite quote
"I want you to know how much I love you; so much so, that when you go to bed without me at night, I can't sleep because not only is my body aching for you, my soul is too. That's how I feel about you. I physically feel numb when I'm not with you. Like my body doesn't work right, unless you're beside me. Like my heart isn't pumping correctly unless it's in sync with yours."
By the time I hit The End I didn't want it to end. Carrie I would love to get more of these other characters in the book hint, hint..
All in all a good Fighter romance. The characters have their ups and downs and by the end I was pleased with the way the book turned out.
favorite quote
"I want you to know how much I love you; so much so, that when you go to bed without me at night, I can't sleep because not only is my body aching for you, my soul is too. That's how I feel about you. I physically feel numb when I'm not with you. Like my body doesn't work right, unless you're beside me. Like my heart isn't pumping correctly unless it's in sync with yours."
February 5, 2018
Carrie Thomas is a new to me author and I have to say I was quite impressed with this story!!!
Sucker For Payne wasn’t what you’d expect in an MMA fighter romance. Usually the hero is cocky and arrogant. You know the type. But that’s not Connor Payne.
He’s made mistakes, horrible mistakes in his past. One he paid the price for. But he still holds this tremendous amount of guilt. He’s not really living at all, he doesn’t feel he deserves anything good. That is until he meets Willow Stevens.
Willow has her own checkered past. One that she’s also not proud of, but she owns it. She’s the perfect match for the broken down fighter.
I absolutely loved their chemistry and the way their story unfolded, but I will say this...The ending wasn’t enough for me, I wanted more. So much more. I’m hoping to maybe get a glimpse of them in the next book in the series.
Sucker For Payne wasn’t what you’d expect in an MMA fighter romance. Usually the hero is cocky and arrogant. You know the type. But that’s not Connor Payne.
He’s made mistakes, horrible mistakes in his past. One he paid the price for. But he still holds this tremendous amount of guilt. He’s not really living at all, he doesn’t feel he deserves anything good. That is until he meets Willow Stevens.
Willow has her own checkered past. One that she’s also not proud of, but she owns it. She’s the perfect match for the broken down fighter.
I absolutely loved their chemistry and the way their story unfolded, but I will say this...The ending wasn’t enough for me, I wanted more. So much more. I’m hoping to maybe get a glimpse of them in the next book in the series.
February 13, 2018
A very emotional subject and romance. The characters have been through a lot and are on the mend and trying to make amends. I enjoyed their romance but also the inner strength each has. It does seem kinda weird they'd get together so fast considering what both of them have experienced in the past. But hopefully they can both be rocks to each other in the future!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
February 20, 2018
This book was a really interesting read.
It was captivating from beginning until the end.
The beginning started 10 years before the story and was a beginning that you will not forget.
Willow and Conner have the same but different issues that they help each other with everyday.
Their story is one you will remember for a while after you finish reading it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review by Sweet Treats Book Blog. 💖
It was captivating from beginning until the end.
The beginning started 10 years before the story and was a beginning that you will not forget.
Willow and Conner have the same but different issues that they help each other with everyday.
Their story is one you will remember for a while after you finish reading it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review by Sweet Treats Book Blog. 💖
June 2, 2018
Really enjoyed the growth of these characters and the romantic tension was that perfect simmering of steamy goodness that pulls you along in a hurry to get to the good stuff. Carrie never disappoints when it comes to an awesome HEA and serves up that one two-punch of lust and love you can always expect from one of her stories.
May 28, 2019
3 stars
It's not that I didn't like the book; is just that... I've seen this story before and it was... better. Overall I didn't care about the MCs; they didn't catch my attention so...
It's not that I didn't like the book; is just that... I've seen this story before and it was... better. Overall I didn't care about the MCs; they didn't catch my attention so...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews