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Breaking a Legend: A Kavanagh Legends Novel Kindle Edition
As one of the big names at his family’s gym, Legends, MMA star Rory Kavanagh is used to being in the spotlight—until a gruesome leg injury knocks him out of the cage. Rory is left feeling sidelined in more ways than one, battling the inner demons that come with losing the one shot at his dreams. Then Clare walks into his life and gives him a new dream: winning her heart. There aren’t many new faces in Woodlawn these days, but this tough, beautiful stranger makes Rory want to get his life back into fighting shape.
Clare Ivers doesn’t think she’ll be able to tell anyone what really brought her to the close-knit Bronx neighborhood where she just started bartending. But her life’s on pause and her past is catching up fast, try as she might to move on—with new friends, steady work, and a chiseled alpha male trying to get her attention. Even though Rory’s more than a little intense, she can’t deny that her heart beats faster when he looks at her with those soulful silver eyes. Clare thought she was done with love, but Rory might just be man enough to show her she thought wrong.
Praise for Breaking a Legend
“I loved this book. The romance gave me butterflies, the intimacy between the characters made me blush, and the drama made me hungry for more.”—Jamie Otis, reality television star, FYI’s Married at First Sight and ABC’s The Bachelor
“Breaking a Legend will suck you in from the very first page and refuse to let go until long after you’ve finished. It’s one of my favorite MMA books to date.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken
“Rory Kavanagh will have your Irish blood warming, even if you aren’t Irish. Sarah Robinson does an amazing job with this sexy, sweet, edge-of-your-seat romance.”—New York Times bestselling author Kelly Elliott
“Breaking a Legend is a steamy, white-hot romance that will leave you wanting more!”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Hawkeye
“Equal parts raw and romantic, Breaking a Legend has it all: a hot, damaged hero, a wonderfully real heroine, and the perfect blend of romance and steam.”—Lauren Layne, USA Today bestselling author of Irresistibly Yours
“A rugged fighter who’s hurt and struggling to find a new life? A tough heroine who tells it like it is but harbors a secret of her own? And a loving Irish clan? I’m totally there! Breaking a Legend has it all! Sarah Robinson has a serious knockout on her hands!”—Katie Rose, award-winning author of The Heat of the Moment
“Super sweet and action-packed, Breaking a Legend is a sexy MMA romance with a whole lot of heart!”—Jessica Lemmon, author of Fighting for Devlin
“Breaking a Legend is a winning combination of Gaelic testosterone, broken people searching for their place in the sun, and a very convincing MMA romance with a heart!”—Fresh Fiction
“If this book is a taste of what this series has in store for us then I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment.”—Majorly Delicious
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLoveswept
- Publication date29 September 2015
- File size2580 KB
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Product description
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About the Author
Charles Constant is an actor whose professional storytelling career began at the age of thirteen, when he became an Actors' Equity Association apprentice. An accomplished audiobook narrator, he has recorded many popular titles, including How to Win at the Sport of Business by Mark Cuban.
Aside from being a Top 10 Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller, Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in forensic and clinical psychology. She is newly married to a wonderful man who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiasts as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues including everything from mammals to reptiles to marsupials, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters.
Product details
- ASIN : B00VD043F4
- Publisher : Loveswept (29 September 2015)
- Language : English
- File size : 2580 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 248 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: 521,759 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 3,016 in Sports Romance (Kindle Store)
- 4,650 in Sports Romance (Books)
- 74,851 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started their writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced them to the world of book publishing. Lengthening their writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published their first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. They continue to publish both traditionally and indie with over 22+ novels to their name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In their personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of their dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
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Trusting people isn't easy for Clare Ivers, especially when the dangerous man she's hiding from could find her at any moment. Yet, the more she's around the gorgeous Rory, the more she finds herself considering giving him a chance. But how can she when he's doing everything she despises to alleviate his pain.
What an exciting, fast-paced, spellbinding read this book was, and one that packs quite a punch right from the prologue. Where its plot hooked me immediately, and encompasses a heroine running from her past, and a hero struggling to cope with his injury, as well as losing his career. The dialogue was well-written and intense due to both characters back stories. Rory's need for drinking and popping pills, and Clare's dislike for both makes for interesting reading. Especially once I learned why she's so anti drugs and alcohol. The playful banter between Clare and Rory charmed me. He's determined to prove that she can trust him. That he can be the sort of man she needs, if she's willing to give him a chance.
I loved both the main and secondary characters. Clare is brave with the way she's determined to start over, even knowing the danger she faces, if her past catches up to her. She's kind-hearted by trying to reclaim parts, of her past when it comes to her love, for animals. And finally, she's tenacious in her need to learn self-defense in order to protect herself from the coming danger. While Rory, he's strong, kind-hearted and protective. The way he's determined to make Clare feel safe is wonderful, because the heroine definitely needs to feel the way Rory makes her, which is cherished. How just being around Clare manages to change him, helps him to re-discover the man he was before his injury was great. He needed her, just as much as she needed him, to help heal from the pains of their pasts. Rory's dog also helps to bring the main characters closer together.
The sex scenes are sizzling and heat up the story at the perfect moments, especially the first scene. As the sexual tension was so high that I was hoping the intimacy would happen sooner rather than later. Rory treats Clare like the precious gift she's become to him, which she needs. As it's not easy for her to let her guard down, to trust someone as much as she does Rory.
Overall, I loved this story and am looking forward to the next one of this series, as Rory's brothers were fantastic in this book. I liked them almost as much as Rory. Almost. I highly recommend this novel to all romance readers, but most especially if you're after a really good sports romance..
Told from dual third person perspectives BREAKING A LEGEND focuses on the building relationship between Rory and Clare, and Rory’s recovery from a devastating career-ending injury. Tens months earlier Rory’s injury in the cage left our hero a broken man in more ways than one. Enter Clare Ivers, the newest waitress at O’Leary’s Pub, and the woman who would call to Rory’s heart. Coming from a big, Irish Catholic family, Rory has never lacked support but Rory’s choices in life have left our hero fighting the dark demons that resulted from the catastrophic injury.
Clare Ivers hides a secret. Our heroine is one the run, trying to stay one step ahead of her past and falling in love was never in the cards. When Clare’s past resurfaces, our heroine is willing to walk away from Rory and the family she has grown to love in order to protect everyone from the life she once led.
The relationship between Clare and Rory is one of immediate attraction. Rory is a man taught to respect women and in this Rory is the ultimate gentleman as he slowly seduces the woman who calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are gentle; there is no erotic, graphic imagery or text. But I did take issue with the lack of condoms. In an age of STDS and deadly viruses, the use of condoms should never be questioned.
We are introduced to Rory’s extended family including brothers- Quinn, Kane and Kane’s twin Kieran (who is currently in prison), and the youngest Jimmy, who is a member of the local police department. Jimmy has his hands full keeping his family on the straight and narrow. Rory’s loving parents Seamus and Dee Kavanagh are the backbone of the Kavanagh family ; and Rory’s cousin/sister Casey who befriends Clare when she needs it the most. The family ‘feel’ to this storyline is loving and supportive.
The world building focuses on Legends-the gym owned by the Kavanagh family where ‘legends’ are made and history is written in the Bronx borough of Woodlawn, New York. We are up close and personal with the fighters as they prepare for the next championship. There is some history with Seamus Kavanagh and the local Irish mob but we are not currently privy to the background information.
SPOILER ALERT: I did have some issues of believability with certain aspects of this storyline as it pertained to Rory and his ability to get clean and sober. It was all too neat and tidy; there is no mention of withdrawal, side effects or the physical and emotional pain one suffers during detox. Getting clean is a long process and doesn’t happen over night or in a matter of a couple of days. The unreality of the situation is questionable.
BREAKING A LEGEND is an easy read with a large ensemble cast of characters. The premise is entertaining; the characters are engaging; the romance is sweet and seductive but saying that, there was something missing in the telling of the story; the details are missing for many of the storyline components especially as it pertained to Clare’s past and Rory’s fall into the abyss
Top reviews from other countries

After losing his last fight due to his stubbornness ( and a seriously broken leg), Rory Kavanaugh is a vessel without a rudder. Ten months of rehab after his leg was put back together, he is still in pain and hooked on pills and liquor. There is no purpose to his life anymore. His purpose in life was the cage and maintaining his status as one of the top 10 MMA fighters. Now, he has no idea what to do with his life. Even his once close ties with his family has taken a hit. He feels guilty because he knows he has not lived up to their expectations. In addition, he has no idea or will to turn his life around.
Meeting Claire is the first thing that makes Rory think twice about his life. The attraction is immediate. As she meets him for the first time while he is thoroughly drunk at the bar where she works, they cannot help but notice the easy banter and the electricity between them.
Claire comes with her own baggage. She is running away from her past and fearing for her life. She needs to prove to herself she is strong and able to defend herself. Living in terror and barely making ends meet, she is still resilient and willing to pick herself up again and again in order to succeed.
All the emotions of falling in love, loving someone deeply, yet feeling inadequate are shared by our characters. Their struggle to improve themselves goes beyond the expected, as our main characters try, fail and continue to fight toward shedding the baggage from the past and to forge ahead with hope.
I should also mention, the love scenes are HOT! They are not over explicit, in fact they are very tasteful but still HOT.
Sensitive, emotional with undercurrents that will grip your heart, all is not drama. This is an Irish family with a heart of gold ( although Kavanaugh Sr. was once part of the Irish Mafia). They are boisterous, caring and involved with each other. They cannot help but draw us into their family dynamics where they all care and fight for each other. Sometimes they even fight each other! Too many alpha boys trying to grow up into men.
I found myself immersed in this story completely. I could feel the emotions the characters were feeling because, at some point or another, we have all struggled to succeed. We have all succumbed to pressures and obstacles and it is through our inner fortitude that we are able to overcome.
A special mention is needed here. This story makes a strong statement regarding the use of dogs to train fighting dogs. The inhumanity of such a practice has to be noted. These dogs are victims to the greed of humans that will stop at nothing to get what they want. We are the keepers of the Earth and all the animals and lives on this planet. Whether we like animals or not, being decent and not abusing them comes with the territory. Our story shows us how, with care, we can help these victimized dogs to find a new life with a hopeful future. Ace's character is based on a real-life dog who survived this inhumane treatment and found a loving home to nurture and love him. Art imitates life.

What a way to start a series.
Sarah Robinson has delivered yet another outstanding story which will keep you hooked right until the very end.
Set in Woodlawn, New York ‘The Kavanagh Legends series’ follows the lives of the five Kavanagh brothers that make up the majority of the Irish born Kavanagh family.
In this first instalment we are introduced to Rory. The oldest brother and notorious MMA fighter, who was set on making it big until a serious injury crushes his dreams.
Now a year on Rory is a shadow of the man he used to be. Unsure of where his life is going he drowns himself in Whiskey and pills. That is until he meets Clare…
Clare is running from a hellish life she used to live, and has found herself in Woodlawn trying to start over. New life. New job…but what she was not looking for was a love. Until a relentless Irish hottie comes along vying for her attention.
“Rory Kavanagh was not part of her plans, yet now he was part of her life.”
From there Sarah takes us on a journey of survival, self-discovery and overcoming your demons. A story that will leave you breathless and eager to get the next instalment.
There’s love, suspense, hot Irish fighters…and a loyal to the bone dog….what more do you need?
I absolutely fell in love with Rory from the start. He’s this tough guy on the outside, but with a heart of gold hiding on the inside. He is loyal, caring and insanely protective when it comes to the people in his life. He was not only a character in a book, he was ‘real’; someone you could connect with. You felt his emotions jump from the pages and right in to your heart, and that’s what I love about him.
Throughout the book he brings Clare more and more out of her shell and for the first time in her life she has found happiness and a family that she hadn’t had in a long time.
I also loved getting to know the secondary characters. The Kavanagh family are just brilliant; 3 raucous boys (with 1 in prison who we haven’t met) a feisty cousin/sister, an old time boxer/hard ass mafia dad and a firecracker of a mother who takes no s***. This family promises to keep us entertained throughout the series. I cannot wait to get more of this close knit Irish family and see what mischief the rest of the boys can get up to.
The book was well paced, and nothing felt too rushed.
You get to see both Rory and Clare in a whole different light as the book progresses. They grow both as individuals as well as a couple. They help each other to heal, to find happiness and to love.
It truly is a wonderful book.
Sarah, I have enjoyed your writing from the start and as always you have not been disappointed. Another brilliant book to add to your collection, and another great start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

The MCs Clare and Rory were good together, they each brought out the best in each other. I liked that give and take in their relationship. They each had issues they had to work through but their interaction stayed positive and sweet.
I really liked being inside both Rory and Clare's heads. The understanding behind their mindsets and how they felt or viewed themselves really helped me connect with them. I liked being able to really understand the reasoning behind what was going on and I got that here.
The Irish endearments and love talk sprinkled throughout, I'm a sucker for that and Rory definitely won bonus points for those!
The whole Kavanagh clan. They were a tight knit sometimes disfunctional but always loving family. (I'm definitely checking back in with them. Especially Casey.)
What I didn't like:
The mention of the ONS, Molly. She gets mentioned in the beginning, after H has already met and felt a pull for our h. Its not descriptive (thank you very much!) [ He wakes up next to her, he mentions she's naked and that last night was a hazy memory. (hide spoiler)] but still that wasn't really needed. Once was bad enough for me, but than we get her again towards the end, and I really could have done without her at all [ Second appearance, nothing happens, she comes looking for him and he rejects her.] I get that the author is trying to show us how different he is once he gets with Clare but I don't think I needed to read about him waking up next to OW and not feeling anything. Why couldn't he just say he didn't feel anything, he didn't really have to go out and prove it did he?
Clare repeatedly questioning why Rory wants/needs/chooses her. I get why she would need reassurance the first time, their relationship was a fast whirlwind of insta-lust/love. But than after he shows her by word and action how special and cared about she is, it got kind of annoying.
Rory's alcohol and pill addiction - it was resolved way too easily. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't in the mood for dark and twisty emotional drama but if you're going to go there, at least make it realistic. I wish getting clean could be this easy. . .
Ultimately I liked it, even though there were things that touched on my pet peeves, I still enjoyed this one. With a few tweaks this could have been great.

Rory Kavanagh is the first of his family to get a book and if this one is only the start then I am hands down sunk, I loved this – the story was everything I could have possibly hoped it could and would be and the characters had so much going on that if anything the book was a little too short for me. The conclusion to sort of wrapped up a little too quickly.
If I had to define Alpha in the dictionary, I would be running out of space with pictures of all my favourite book alpha plastered all over the pages, but I would have to find a little bit more room now because Rory Kavanagh is not just a teensy bit alpha, this man is alpha to the core!!!
And he has no intension of changing. But will he have a choice?
Clare is new in town and is very obviously on the run from something or more likely someone but exactly who and why is not made clear until well into the book, giving time to get to know her for who she is now. I liked this, I kept in my mind that there was more to her story but by not knowing, I was not tainting her with an element of sympathy – I could just accept her for who she was.
Rory suffered a life altering injury during his last bout and is still on the road to full recovery, one that he is not helping by self-medication on not only too much alcohol but also with prescription painkillers that not exactly garnered by legal means.
Sleeping his way around the neighbourhood, Rory is a walking time bomb – something has got to give and it is just a case of how cataclysmic the outcome is going to be.
Clare is working at a local bar when a very drunk Rory first claps eyes on her and even in his drunken condition, he is smitten.
Unable to shake her from his mind, he knows that she is too important to let go, so he doesn’t!
He goes all out to get the woman that has his full attention, but will he have to try too hard or is the feeling mutual?
Their journey is fairly easy, they take tiny steps at first, Rory meeting her after work to walk her home, offering to train her in self-defence and Clare urging him to give up the wallowing and the booze and fight to be the man that he should be not what he is now.
With her by his side, Rory feels invincible, but what happens when her past threatens to take away everything they have, will this headstrong man be able to see straight and protect his woman?
When Clare’s past tracks her down the resulting fracas is nail-biting but it gives a credibility to Clare’s strength.
The story is really rather sweet in away, a man that doesn’t do love, falling hard and fast for the one thing he has never had, someone of his own, someone that he can love and that loves him back. He was everything I would have ever wanted him to be had I written him myself.
The Kavanagh family have a lot to give, they are boisterous, loyal and loving, they have the archetypical patriarch, one who everyone in the district looks up to and who commands respect. They have a mother that rules them with an iron rod but whole loves them with all her heart, no matter the trouble they get themselves into.
They are close but completely different and I am so looking forward to reading the stories that are to come from the rest of the eclectic, gregarious family.

I really like Claire. I felt like she was a strong character, who had been through a lot and was just looking for a chance to start over. Her struggles and fears were real and easy to connect with. I adored Rory. I just wanted to give him a big hug. His life sorta went downhill after he got injured. He turned to alcohol and drugs to dull his pain. And then Claire came into his life. Claire woke up something in him that he thought was gone. She made him want to be a better man and to get back the life that he thought he lost.
Claire and Rory had some really great chemistry. Claire really brought out the alpha/possessive side in Rory. They complimented one another well and really came into each other’s lives at just the right time.
I also really loved Rory’s family. They are exactly what I think of when I think about an Irish family. They are close, in each other’s business, they give each other crap, but you can tell that they really love and care about each other.
One of the issues that I had was that I felt like the end of the story was a little bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen the book maybe be just a tad longer, so that the pacing would make more sense. Also, and this is something that I rarley have issue with; I felt like everything was wrapped up a little too neatly in the end, making it seem unrealistic. I felt every issue this couple had was wrapped up in a matter of just a few pages. Please don’t get me wrong, I like when things get wrapped up, but this just didn’t work for me.
Overall, I thought that this was an ok read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. This story had a lot of good things working for it and I think this series has a ton of potential.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*