The Fighter and the Baroness
Sunniva Dee
Publication date: November 29th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Victor Arquette knows the meaning of sacrifice. Destined to legendary status in mixed martial arts, his life is founded on it. Dedication equals sacrifice, and sacrifice means around-the-clock training, no partying, no junk food, no alcohol—and no women.
Helena von Isenlohe is the heiress to Kyria Castle. Due to her father’s lack of financial prowess, the restoration of the ancient German estate rests on Helena’s shoulders. A failed attempt leaves a wealthy man alone at the altar—and the fleeing bride on a plane to the United States.
A chance meeting, and Victor and Helena’s chemistry is undeniable. Except, her presence clutters his focus. Victor shouldn’t crave their nights, shouldn’t be concerned where she is or with whom. And meanwhile in Germany, Kyria Castle deteriorates at a suspicious speed, indebting Helena further to the man she left behind.
Victor and Helena believe in duty. They embrace sacrifice. But when love strikes, it strikes hard, and sometimes you have to choose where your heart is truly at home.
—
EXCERPT:
HELENA
My cheeks warm with embarrassment at the people waiting behind me. A female employee helps me unclasp the diamond bracelet and matching necklace. The crown though is impossible to get out of my princess ’do.
“Can I wear it through the security portal?” I ask, broken shoes in one hand.
“No, I’m sorry. It will buzz,” the security person explains. “The portal is created to alert us to most metals besides gold and silver.”
I can’t tell him I wear gold. Real, irreplaceable, century-old heirlooms. He wouldn’t believe me anyway. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to try.”
He lifts his arms in subtle agreement, a have-it-your-way, and I enter the booth, walk out without incident. Employees from two checkpoints stare at me while I pick my stuff off the band. I shake my head, slowly at first, but then I have nothing to say, no witty comeback, and my flight instinct kicks in. I get up on my toes so I don’t stumble in the too-long skirt and stride as slowly as I can into the transit hall.
I need to not stress the hell out. Just, I wish someone was with me to talk me down. I could call Elfriede. I don’t have my phone. I need a new phone. God, how pathetic am I?
Once I’m sure security isn’t following, I haul butt down the corridor. Tiles are cold under bare feet, it turns out. I’d step into my shoes again, but one of them is broken. Would people stare less if I limped and my heels creak-clacked against the floor?
A high-end fashion store beams in the distance. “We’ll help you blend in. Hurry, hurry,” it calls. I run. Benches are in the way. I’m getting clumsy. I’m panicking. Suddenly, a potted palm tree appears out of nowhere, half-blocking my view of the Promised Land, and my torso doubles around it as I slam to the ground.
I let out an ungraceful oomph. And realize I’m not on the ground after all. No, there’s an arm around me, and miraculously I’m on my feet, wobbly but sort of erect.
“You all right?” an American accent asks.
“I was going to Cloe’s over there,” I explain in German, pointing feebly and not feeling as regal as I’ve been taught. Dark eyebrows contract from within a tanned face above me.
“Sorry?” His arm is still strong around me, really freaking strong, and somehow I’ve got a death grip around it while trying to pry him off.
I translate the same stupid sentence to English. “I was going to Cloe’s. It’s over there.”
His brows are perfectly thick or thin and their arcs are so perfectly perfect they look like they’ve been combed, but then the furrow between them smoothens and I discover his eyes.
Oh.
I never know what to expect
from Sunniva Dee. She always creates something different and unexpected and I like and appreciate that tremendously.
The Fighter and The Baroness was no exception. Victor and Helena had a brief cameo in the phenomenal Dodging Trains but this book can easily be read as a standalone.
Victor and Helena were fantastic characters. Right off the bat I liked them
and their chemistry even more.
Helena was a strong young woman who loved her family and her heritage very much.
She would sacrifice her own happiness so that her family's legacy would persevere.
It also took immense courage to acknowledge, that she couldn't go through with marriage based on no love and fail her family.
Her running away and meeting Victor was the best thing that happened to her and him.
Victor's story was heartbreaking and at the same time also heartwarming.
Filled with so much hope and love.
He truly met the right people
at the right time.
A chance meeting when he was a young boy proved to be essential to his future.
His relationship with his mother Maiko and his MMA friends were important and I enjoyed their dynamics and how they brought out different sides of Victor.
But his friendship with Helena was the anchor of this story.
From their very first encounter to
their slowly building romance.
Their banter was so much fun and also very romantic. Victor tried his best to stay away and focus on his craft and Helena did what she could to be near him.
Their romance was written
at a wonderful pace.
It made me enjoy and feel their lust they had for one another whenever they were together.
The added drama of her family home in Kyria being sabotaged and how Helena's ex fiancé showed up to bring her back,
only proved why my heart was
swooning over Victor.
He showed some very sexy alpha moves which didn't go unnoticed by Helena or me ;)
Helena once again showed her strength and determination. She was a kickass Baroness!
This story proved to be much more than an ordinary love story.
It has the Sunniva Dee touch
and that's what's makes it unique.
The story had layers and surprises.
Her writing and prose was sublime
and stronger than ever.
The Fighter And The Baroness is another must read and a hit from Sunniva Dee.
5 BadAssDirtySexyWarriorStars
Author Bio:
Between studies, teaching, and advising, Sunniva has spent her entire adult life in a college environment. Most of her novels are new adult romance geared toward smart, passionate readers with a love for eclectic language and engaging their brain as well as their heart while reading.
Born in the Land of the Midnight Sun, the author spent her early twenties making the world her playground. Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, Greece--Argentina: Buenos Aires, in particular. The United States finally kept her interest, and after half a decade in Los Angeles, she now lounges in the beautiful city of Savannah.
Sometimes, Sunniva writes with a paranormal twist (Shattering Halos, Stargazer, and Cat Love). At other times, it's contemporary (Pandora Wild Child, Leon's Way, Adrenaline Crush, Walking Heartbreak, and Dodging Trains, coming in late March 2016).
This author is the happiest when her characters let their emotions run off with them, shaping her stories in ways she never foresaw. She loves bad-boys and good-boys run amok, and like in real life, her goal is to keep the reader on her toes until the end of each story.
