KAGE Unmasked (KAGE Trilogy Book 3)

The last and best book in the trilogy, also narrated by J.F. Harding. Kage and Jamie have been through so much, and I really love the beginning of this book when they get to be more of a couple than they have in the past. Their interactions with Jamie’s friends, and especially how Kage settles things with Jamie’s parents, are so fun! There are lots of great scenes with Jamie and Kage, notably one in Jamie’s mom’s pantry. From Ch 10 until the end of the book, there is nonstop action and absolute craziness! I was not able to stop listening until I finished. There are things we learn about Kage that are heartbreaking, sad things that happen, issues that are resolved in a way that had me cheering and so satisfied, and what Kage does for (and with) Jamie in the last chapter will live in my head forever. I’ll be re-reading this trilogy as one of my new fav comfort reads. Their story continues in the Santori trilogy, which I’m hoping to start soon.

* 10 Stars*... Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious !!! Book 3) Wonderfully written tale by Maris Black of two men who need and want each other and the obstacles in the way. This is more than an interesting trilogy, it's a deeper look at a relationship that grows into amazing love, with true commitment and devotion. There is nothing simple about this. Michael Kage is a MMA fighter, Jamie, his new publicist. Well done anticipation, attraction, fulfilling that yearning and becoming the most important person in each others life, with super hot erotic M/M sexiness, wow ! We get a lot of twists and turns and we find out just how evil Kage's uncle is. Jamie's family is adorable about them being together, and I love Jamie's Dad taking Kage for a ride and "talk". Jamie doesn't want their relationship to cost Kage his future in the UFC, so they are still out of the public eye. I liked that Jamie is getting stronger and more confident in his personal growth, coming out to their friends and standing up for himself and Kage. This is a thrilling story that is fast paced, impossible to put down, Absolutely ecstatic with happiness over the ending. Gosh, all three tales are gritty, deep, amazing, sexy, roughly heartwarming, and hopeful. Loved it !!! Highly recommended series for any romance lover. ENJOY !!!!

This entire series has been compelling. From the first book I was hooked. The story is well written, there's a bit of action, some romance (emphasis on the some), and a ton of drama. While I absolutely enjoyed reading this trilogy, so much so I finished all three books within a couple days, I was left wanting. The only reason I'm giving this book four stars instead of three is because the two books preceding this one. As this book was the conclusion, I had hoped we'd finally find out why Kage and Jamie were in love, instead we were inundated with more illustrations of how irresistible Kage is and how cute Jamie is. As the viewer into this fictional window, I didn't feel that there was any true connection between the main characters beyond a physical one. As far as the relationship itself is concerned, it was borderline unhealthy with all the codependency and odd lack of communication. Every time the two got alone they'd do it like rabbits, every time they should've talked something out they'd clam up and sulk for a few pages before hopping in bed or to the nearest flat surface to rut like cats in heat. When it comes to the characters, I was underwhelmed with Kage, for all of Jamie's talk of Kage being super charming, that charm didn't translate off of the page, a smile and an attractive face doesn't make someone a smooth operator. Jamie was especially confusing, when we met him he was this headstrong shameless flirt and the second he met Kage it was like he shed that persona and became Super Sub, that entire progression, if it could be called that, was painful to watch. All of that being said, this series is definitely worth a read, it should've been one book so if you're able go ahead and get all three books at once and read them back to back.

I can’t remember now why this series was recommended to me and I don’t really like MMA stuff but I like sports romances enough that I decided to check it out. I never, ever could have expected what I found in Jamie and Kage and a whole cast of well-developed characters. How can such an intense and gritty story be filled with so much humor, sadness, and passion?? Holy cow. It was perfect. I’m pretty unabashed about DNFing if things get too obvious or if there’s too much fluff. I read 20+ books a month and am just excited to move onto the next thing if I’m not feeling it. But I’m not sure when I’ll be able to move on from this series. Truly beautiful storytelling and the spice is nice to boot!

Do you know when you wait and wait for a book to come out and once you get your hot little hands on it, all life outside the book cease to exist? When you are so deep into it that you forget to eat or sleep or shower? When people try to engage you in conversation and all you can do is growl and give them the evil eye? THIS IS THAT BOOK! I can't express how much I loved this it. It was everything the first two were and so much more. Kage Unmasked is written using both MC's point of view. You get to see what sweet sexy Jamie and hot hunky Kage are thinking and feeling. This just makes this book so much more fascinating and gripping. There are moments were I was giggling to myself, my heart was breaking and some intense "oh crap" moments. Yep this book has a little bit of everything in it. I don't do spoilers but I will say you are in for one hell of a roller coaster ride. I love the book, in fact this has become my favourite series and it is one I will love reading over and over. Maris Black you have done it again!!! If you haven't read this series do your a favour and go get it. You will not be sorry!

Audiobook Review: I am writing this review after listening to all three books in this series. Be aware, this is one long story broken up into three books. I really enjoyed Kage and Jamie's story, although I did not always like Kage. He is by no means a warm and fluffy MC; but he does have his moments of vulnerability. I have to say he reminds a lot of Sam Kage in Mary Calmes' Matter of Time series. He is a dominant, alpha male and doesn't always treat Jamie very well. Jamie, who doesn't even know he could be attracted to men until he meets Kage, is a natural submissive and enjoys Kage's rough sex and dirty talk. They are very hot together and the romance is a roller coaster ride of angst, miscommunication, danger and hurt on both sides and moments of tenderness and love. Jamie also has a few TSTL moments; which really drive me crazy at points. Kage has PTSD from a childhood trauma which is revealed until the 3rd book and brings out his very "dark side". Kage is also trying to make it big in the MMA scene, while trying to keep his relationship with Jamie a secret; but really wanting to tell everyone. He goes back and forth on that. Jamie's struggle revolves around coming to grips with the fact he loves a man, questioning his slightly masochistic needs, and keeping the relationship secret for Kage's benefit, but also his own. It is quite a compelling listen. J.F. Harding puts in a masterful performance of both these characters. Again, if you liked Paul Morey's performance of Sam Kage, you will really enjoys Mr. Harding's performance. His characterization of Kage and Jamie, in addition to all the supporting voices, is right on point and he really brought this story to life. Highly recommend.

I really loved the ending book of this trilogy, except for what I felt was a big gaping hole in the plot. Some of the details of Kage's face off with uncle were not explained and I think they needed to be. I won't say any more, as it would be a spoiler. The balance of the story was great. The recitation of Kage's conversation with Jamie's Dad was adorable. And I really, really liked his parents pantry! Kage and Jamie were torn in different ways about the need to keep their relationship secret. I honestly can't say I liked this better than the SSU series but it was very absorbing and made want to read all three books. I can see the need to split into three for some readers but I would have been happier with one really long book.

Thank you Yogi Berra for putting the right cliché into play for me to fool with in this review. This book was a roller coaster of highs and lows for me, mostly because the author has chosen to once again alternate Kage and Jamie as narrators. I found Kage to be quite more realistic than in the previous books, and Jamie to be slightly more detached, especially in the beginning chapters when they stayed with Jamie's friends (mostly clichés, who needs them?) in Atlanta. The basic plot--should they out themselves?--is interwoven into virtually every chapter, even when it is obvious that they are out to so many people--including Jamie's friends and family and Kage's vicious, evil, uncle Santori. This should-we-or-shouldn't-we plot device is a bit tiresome after a while, but the exceptionally intense love scenes save the day virtually every time. The resolution of this tale is somewhat shocking in what is revealed about Kage's early life and how it came about that he evolved into an MMA fighter. At that point Jamie takes on a bit more depth and believability. Maybe my problem with him is that if he is the reason Kage is willing to throw his world over then why do we not have any idea what he looks like? There are precious few descriptions of him in any of the books, and the fact that he was left off all three covers--even if he were to have been slotted into the background--is IMHO a major marketing mistake and a bit of an insult to the reader. On the other hand, that the author has hinted there may be a spin-off series coming involving two other characters (who are also never quite described physically) is a good thing. What earned this book five stars is the Epilogue which is absolutely amazing in how it unfolds--where, how and why is not going to be disclosed. However, the last line in the book is the best one I have read or heard since what Joe E. Brown said to Jack Lemmon at the end of "Some Like It Hot." If you know that, you will still be amazed by the last line here.

This trilogy was a great read! I loved the passion between Jamie and Kage, Kage, the quintessential tough guy and his endearing little piece of kryptonite, Jamie. There was plenty of heat in these books 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I thought the story was well told, the characters well developed. I loved the fighting scenes, the dramas with Uncle Santori and I really liked all of Jamie’s people! I noted a few spelling and editing mistakes throughout which I found a little off putting. And I can’t help but think that if these books were all in kindle unlimited the author would get more traffic (seeing as that’s what’s holding me back from jumping into the Santori books right now)… Really though, there wasn’t much to complain about, these books were very worthy of my five star rating and I highly recommend giving the series a go!!

Oh Wow, what a gripping read. I’ve sped through this trilogy within 48 hours of discovering it. The third and final instalment kicks off exactly where Book 2 left us, with Kage waking from one of his many recurring nightmares that revolve around a mysterious childhood trauma involving his brother. And naturally Jamie is right there with him and desperate to know the meaning behind these dreams, to which of course Kage is his usual evasive self and manages to wriggle out of confronting the issue, although we eventually learn the awful truth of what happened to Kage and his brother, and it’s nothing short of heartbreaking. Yeah, I definitely teared up at that point. Meanwhile, the leads relationship grows ever stronger. Where Jamie has confessed his love to Kage outright, and although we know it’s unquestionably reciprocated, Kage manages to express it in every way but the actual words. These hot and tempestuous lovers are still tearing it up in the bedroom (and just about everywhere else to), but I’ve gotta say, I love how their relationship has developed into a much more loving and very equal partnership – both in and out of the bedroom, yes seeing his lover grow bolder and take the initiative more, definitely meets with Kage’s approval! And polar opposites they may be, but they are just so right for each other, not to mention pretty hilarious to – the whole scene in the car showroom had me LMAO! I was also thrilled that they came out about their relationship to all Jamie’s friends and family. Again some of the funniest parts were Braden’s reactions and absolute cluelessness to what was going on under his nose. But this third instalment also had it’s more sinister moments, when we learn just how far Kage’s uncle Peter Santori is (and has been) willing to go to have Kage succeed and to put an end to the couple’s romance. The evil creep will literally stop at nothing to have complete control over his life, which inevitably leads to a life or death situation that was so nail-bitingly exciting. Oh yeah, this was a spectacular ending and a very realistic and fitting outcome for these guys I think, showing them more than happy, and Kage demonstrating just how far he’s come in trusting Jamie by making a massive declaration to the world. These guys are now one of my all time fave book couples, and the only thing that could make this tale a tad better is perhaps a short story with an update on how our gorgeous guys are doing maybe a year or two into their relationship? Is that wedding bells I hear?

I was so obsessed with this trilogy! I couldn't put it down!

I haven't looked this author, the brutality of the characters, the anger and pain most the characters have to undergo until their hea. Yet, I liked this series, I like the strength of Jamie and the tenderness of Michael, the uncle is a truly evil opponent and I was ecstatic with what happened to him. Yes, I was greatly impressed and will try this author again.

Enjoyable series.