Terra loves snuggling with her cat and relaxing with her amazing hubby. A steamy romance book is never far from her grasp, and 2:00 a.m. seems to be the sweet spot to finally put a book down and sleep. She laughs loudly, smiles often, is a bit of a klutz, and tries to always find the positive in everything.
She first started writing contemporary romance in the beginning of her writing career. Then her darker side begged to have a voice. Now Terra and T.M. work as a team bringing you a little bit of everything.
Terra Kelly writes small-town romance stories that will make you laugh, cry, and crave sweets.
T.M. Kelly sticks to the grittier side of romance with strong female heroines.
Each book will share inspiration for recipes. Some of the recipes are shared in the back of the books. If you can’t find a recipe it could be on their food blog, Café Terra.
Terra Kelly and T.M. Kelly are connected on social. It’s more fun working as a team.
Uppercut was my first book by Terra Kelly and an enjoyable read. I liked Lily and getting to see her discover her own strength with the help of Julian. Their romance was pretty light and wasn't always the fill focus of the book but the connection they had was still clear.
I had some issues with the suspense part of the book where it seemed to just come out of nowhere. I knew from the blurb that there was going to be a mystery surrounding Lily's family but what that mystery was seemed a little hard to believe. Mostly because it wasn't focused on very much and instead came off as very rushed.
Overall, even with the issues I had I still liked these characters and I'm really glad I finally gave this book a chance. I'm actually really looking forward to the next book too and I can't wait to get to know the secondary characters more.
Do you know the way you feel when something that you are waiting for arrive? That feeling of happiness, contentment, true joy? Have you remember it yet? If you have you can imagine the way I was when this baby appeared on my Kindle. I'm freaking happy because not only is this book from an author that I adore but also it's a genre that I freaking love... Dayum... It's the perfect match. Terra Kelly has been a constant in my reading life and her books held me hostage. Her writing is simple yet pretty detailed, super engaging and powerful. Each chapter has the ability to hook me up from the beginning. Dayum... I can't wait to start it. Uppercut is her latest release and tells the stories of Lily and Julian. Lily is the daughter of a MMA legend. All she ever wanted was to win a belt on her own but how? When we live in the shadow of a legend people expect nothing less than perfection. But how can you excel on those terms? How can you succeed when your past was a big fat lie? Julian is a former fighter that loved his career but was obligated to retire due to an injury. Now he owns a gym and when a woman enter tha gym he is about to get a surprise... Jesus... This woman knows how to write... Dayum... what a book. The plot is exquisite, very well written, super engaging and intense. Each chapter hooked me up even more than the previous. Lets talk about surprises... Darn, I was reading it super happy thinking that everything was ok and then... Pop... The surprise arrived. There I was, thinking one thing and then bamm I was overwhelmed with hit after hit after hit. The interation between the characters is beautiful and intense, raw around the edges. This book presented us with love, loyalty, family, dreams as well as crime, punismet, deceive. And rest assure that you will have some hot stuff along the way. This book just came to reinforce that if you love something fiercely you can't let go. Seriously Terra.... This book is something else and I can't wait for the next one. Can't wait to know more about Charlie and Brooks. I know it will be another breath of fresh air... I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This new series by Terra Kelly involves the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sport and its fighters. Amazingly, the MMA fighter in this book is the heroine.
Uppercut is about female MMA fighter, Lily Waters. Lily’s father, a former MMA champion and her trainer and manager, recently died from a long illness. Before his death, Lily promised him that she would move to Las Vegas and join the fighter club owned by former MMA champion, Julian Moore and his brothers.
Lily and her long time friend, another female MMA fighter, move to Las Vegas to start a new life under the tutelage of Julian Moore. Immediately, Lily and Julian discover a mutual attraction. Even though Lily tries to ignore it, the two immediately become a couple.
This story, also, includes several difficult conflicts. Lily discovers in her father’s private papers that he had been leading a secret life. This is so painful for Lily that it is a huge distraction at a very critical time in her training. Lily’s mother also appears to have had a secret life that becomes a problem and a threat to her life. However, Lily and Julian take on these conflicts together with strength and determination.
The biggest question in the story is what was the reason that Lily’s father wanted her to move to Las Vegas and join Julian’s fight club? The author does not explain the reason until very close to the end. Unfortunately, you will have to read the book in order to find out that answer.
This is a unique story that is different from most other romances that I have read. Not only is Lily an MMA fighter, but her focus is totally on her career. Her personal life becomes secondary to her goal. On the other hand, Julian chooses to be a supportive partner to Lily and her goals. He is her trainer who focuses on Lily’s physical and emotional well-being as she prepares to become an MMA champion.
This book is so good. If you like romance, suspense, betrayal, love and sports then this is the book for you. I am not a big MMA fan, but I loved this book. Lily Waters is the daughter of legendary The Punisher. Her last name was Adams, but her father had her change her name so she could make it on her own in the MMA arena. Her father is her rock, but ends up dying from cancer. Lily is devastated, but before her father died he told her to go to Las Vegas to a specific gym and get a new trainer. Lily and her best friend Charlie (who is more like a sister to her) move to Las Vegas and go to the gym her father told her about. There she meets in person the famous Julian Moore (retired MMA fighter) who along with his brothers own the gym. Lily is attracted to Julian even though he is ten years older then her. They have some ups and downs before Julian lets her know he is attracted to her.
I so enjoyed the relationship between Lily and Julian. How they first started seeing each other was funny. There are incidents in her father’s past that involve Julian that Lily finds out about. This leads to betrayal, hard truths, and running from some unsavory people. The story is well written and I was there right along with Lily. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
I fully acknowledge that I am more feminine than most females, having had “How a lady behaves” imprinted on me by my English grandmother and a convent education. I therefore had very little to relate to in this action adventure story. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but enjoy Lily's character, her determination, and endurance. My only question, whether it be for male or female, is “Why on earth would anyone want to endure so much pain?” Every girl needs a best friend and Charlie gives Lily the support and care she needs when most needed. However, it is Julian who is able to break through her defenses and teach her what she needs to know to be a winner. It is, therefore, a shock to realise that the people she trusted most in her life had a dark side and when the truth that overshadows Lily's family starts to emerge, she beyond shocked and horrified. The book is generally well written with a good balance of action, mystery, romance and humour, that keeps the reader entertained to the very end. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I have read quite a few books by Terra and each one has been unique. I wonder how she comes up with such amazing story lines and mesmerizing characters. This one is no different and I loved the idea of a female MMA fighter with a strong sense of loyalty to her family and friends and a determination to accomplish her goal to win. There were lots of secrets and surprises that adds an element of suspense to the story that captures your attention and pulls you in. I read it in one sitting into the wee hours as I was quite impatient to know the ending. If you like strong females, stronger sexy males, a steamy love connection with a mixture of suspense then this is the book for you. I am glad that this is only the first book in the series so we can see more of the Moore brothers, Lily and Charlie and continue their journey. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was awesome and I could not turn the pages fast enough.
Lily has been in training all her life with her father pushing her all the way. When fate hands her a bum deal she decides to head to where all the action in the MMA world is Las Vegas. On arriving she checks out a famous gym "Fight It Out" looking for a trainer and meets Julian Moore ex-MMA fighter and absolute hottie. When the sparks between them start to fly on and off the mat can they keep hold of each other as Lily’s past come back to bite her in the biggest way possible?
Full of twists and turns this book was an excellent start to a new romantic suspense series that I am very excited about. Also loved the nods to the Falling Into You as well. Can't wait for book 2!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for an honest review.
I loved this new series by Terra Kelly. And despite being new, some events are related to the previous series, "Falling Deep Into You". Lily is the daughter of a famous fighter and follows the same steps of her father, dreaming in winning a championship belt. After her father's death, Lily and her best friend, Charlie, move to Las Vegas, where they start training at former wrestler Julian Moore's gym. As secrets from the past unfold, Lily begins to question what is best for her, in addition to starting a relationship with Julian. The characters in this story are very interesting, and the friendship/sisters relationship between Lily and Charlie is perfect. This story is full of romance, suspense, friendship and twists. I loved everything! I highly recommend the reading and I'm anxious for the next book in this series.
Uppercut was a captivating story. Once I started reading it was hard for me to stop. There were a lot of twists and turns in it that I hadn’t seen coming. I found myself pulled into the story and trying to unravel the mystery right along side Lily. Lily is a wonderful character. She’s strong, smart and determined. She started fighting as a child and then when she became an adult Lily changed her name so she could make one for herself in the MMA world without piggybacking on her father’s name. Even when she lost someone she held dear, picked up and moved to a different state and became the target of unwanted attention she never faltered. She worked hard and never quit. A true fighter to the very core. I was pleasantly surprised by the little tie-in to Mrs. Kelly’s Falling Deep Into You series. That being said this story is a stand alone and you don’t have to read the other series to enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Uppercut: A MMA Sport Romance with a twist. Firstly, I love MMA so I had to read this novel. Secondly, I love that this novel is unrivaled as it focuses on a female fighter. All MMA books that I have read are all based on a male fighter. A secret that will unlock the connection between former fighter Julian Moore & MMA legend "The Punisher" that is the key to solving the mystery. Suspense intertwined with betrayal, MMA fighting: uppercut, tap outs, etc, romance, & twists to keep you captivated until the end. Character's are complex with witty personalities. Cute romantic banter between Lilly and Julian. Supporting character's are a fun mix. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series which is Lilly’s best friend Charlie's story.
This book was a fabulous read. This was my first MMA story. Though it’s not my favorite sport I loved this book. I like how the story is a romance with mystery. Lily has been taught to fight since she walk by her father. She moves with a friend to Las Vegas so they can pursue their dreams of winning a championship. She soon meets Julian and starts training at his gym. Lily and Julian make a hot and funny couple and you can’t help wanting the best for them. When she uncovers secrets from her parents past which involve Julian it leaves her searches to find the answers. This is a must read. Terra hit it out of the ballpark with this one.
Terra Kelly is a wonderful writer and with Uppercut she has given us another fantastic book. Not to mention the start of what looks to be a fab series!
I enjoy MMA romances and how refreshing to have the female lead as the fighter. Having been taught to fight from a young age by her famous father, Lily and best friend Charlie move to Vegas to pursue their dreams. Julian and his brothers own the gym Lily's father sent her to train in. The attraction and chemistry between the two is instant, I love how Terra Kelly writes romance and she builds Lily and Julian's relationship perfectly.
As well as romance, Uppercut has plenty of edge of your seat suspense and mystery. This, along with great characters and a great plot make it a book I cannot recommend enough.
We get a beautiful story about Lily Waters, daughter of Johnny “The Punisher” Adams. She’s a up and coming MMA fighter who just wants to make a name for herself. She does not want to use her father as a platform for getting her there. She wants to do this all in her own.
So she makes a move and ends up in Julian Moore’s gym. Julian is smitten as soon as he see’s Lily. And these two have a connection instantly. Julian wants to help Lily train and get her to the top. What he wasn’t expecting was to fall in love.
But as these two grow and learn things with each other there are some twists and some suspense that you will be blown away by.
All is fair in love and war and these two will fight for their happy ever after!
Terra’s growth in her writing shines through in this book!
This book was not what I was expecting from an MMA fighter book, and in this case, it's not a bad thing. It was nice to read about a female MMA fighter in a genre that's dominated by males. Even though it does heavily focus on MMA fighting, there are enough plot twists that kept me engaged and engrossed in the story. I became invested in how the story played out, and really enjoyed this book.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Uppercut is the first book in the Fight It Out MMA series.
This is my very first book I have read by this author and it most definitely won't be my last!
OMG! I absolutely love love this story!! It was so captivating and so full of twists and turns!
Lily Waters~ strong and determined, her dad, (a fighter) "The Punisher", who wants to be one like her father, wants her own name and without her dads help to be a fighter joins Julian Moore gym
Totally blown away at this fabulous story! I do recommend!
This is my first book by Terra Kelly and let me just day I was blown away. I love when genres intermix and pull it off so well. This is a MMA Fighter romance with some amazing suspense thrown in. Lily and Julian are amazing characters and the storyline is phenomenal. I'm excited for the next book in this series.
I totally enjoyed this sexy read about Lily and Julian. Normally, I read about male mma fighters, so having Lily being a fighter was fantastic. This book will suck you in and have reading to the end to see what the twists and turns are. If you enjoy suspense with your romance, be sure and grab your copy.
Great book. Mystery, suspense, fights (MMA), and romance. Julian and Lily were destined to be together. The plot was well written with twists, turns, and surprises. Characters were well developed and believable. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I loved this book and was completely thrown with the twists in the story. I loved the characters and look forward to future books containing some of the other characters stories.
I LOVED Julian and Lily. They were a super cute couple and sexy as heck. I enjoyed the suspense that came with the story as well as the romance. Definitely an awesome read!
Uppercut is a well written intriguing story about two strong characters who go on quite a journey of discovery. I really enjoyed reading about a female MMA fighter because we usually only get books about male fighter. This book is full of mystery, suspense, secrets and a beautiful love story. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Not the typical love story. You know I love you, I hate you type book. Definitely had some turn of events that I never saw coming. Can not wait to read the next book in this series.
Although I love MMA romance stories and I appreciate this author attempt this story did not win me over.
I can't put my finger exactly on what was the problem with the storyline but I was not engaged. The main characters were just not connecting, no spark, no off the charts chemistry. 2 months of knowing each other, one phone sex session and Lilly still unsure whether she should have sex with Julian ( really??!!, WTF) Well doesn't sound convincing or promising romance. Charlie, Lilly's friend, somewhat managed to irritate me all the time. As if she didn't have life of her own or had to live and breath for Lilly. No, this type of attachment is weird and unhealthy to say the least.
The writing style was for me unimaginative, no heart breaking moments, no really really deep and moving scenes. Dialogues between protagonists random and very casual, uninteresting, not suitable for this kind of story.
I could say more and analyse the storyline, that although had great potential, did not show its potential.
Overall, I regret to say it was disappointing reading experience and therefore would not recommended to fellow readers. I won't continue with the series I'm afraid.
I loved the characters. The only thing in the book that I felt was rushed was the whole mom issue. I think it left a lot of unanswered questions. Otherwise, can't wait to read Charlie's story.
Enjoyed the story and at times found it interesting. It was neither here nor there though. Could have stopped reading at some point but carried on. Felt at times that the story didn't flow so well and jumped a bit but it was ok.
While this book had a great story line, I did not like the time jumps. I feel like we missed key elements in the building of the relationship between Lily and Julian. I liked the characters but almost feel like we did not get to know them very well.
I love me some MMA romance, but this missed the mark. The H felt like a secondary character than the main one. I didn't feel a spark between them. It felt like the story was more a monologue of the h. The characters felt bland to me and the the storyline that came out of no where, no rhyme or reason. It did not fit this story and felt like the author was trying to fill pages of the book. This story was just all over the place.