Having never read anything by Natalie Gayle before I didn't know what to expect but am very happy to have taken the plunge into Brave because it is a beautifully written book that actually took me by surprise as to how much I ended up thoroughly enjoying every aspect of it. It pulled out every emotion I have and though I didn't devour it in one sitting, I found that when I did have to put it down (sometimes life really does get in the way) that I couldn't wait to pick it up again. 
 I absolutely ADORED Xander. Sweet, sensitive, honest, confident and lets not forget sexy as sin. He's really that guy that you want to have in your close circle of friends because you know that he'll always have your back, but will also be straight up with you when you're in the wrong. I think what I loved most about him was while he definitely hadn't had an easy go of it in life, he still found a way to pick himself up and instill respect and confidence in others and show them that they were worth so much more. My heart broke for Eden and what she endured, not only physically but emotionally. In a split second her whole world changed and though she wanted to curl into a ball and disappear she didn't. She may have taken baby steps, but there was still that thread of self confidence within her, that little bit of a fighter in her, that wouldn't allow her to stay hidden away from the world. That fighter came out when Eden met Xander and I loved the way that their relationship progressed. There was no insta love going on. Ms. Gayle showed how much she loved and respected Xander and Eden and their struggles by allowing them to work through their demons instead of rushing things and what you end up with is a relationship built on mutual love and respect. 
 I enjoyed the writing style and though I'm no expert on MMA there was just something about how Ms. Gayle wrote about the varying techniques that shows how much she respects the craft. And I loved the background on how Xander and Dane came up with the name for the dojo. Also, this book falls under the New Adult genre the angsty drama that is normally associated with it doesn't rear its ugly head. This isn't to say that there isn't drama but it isn't over the top or excessive and fits with what is going on with the characters. 
 The Bottom Line: Brave is simply a beautifully written story that shows just how much the author loves and enjoys her craft and characters and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! 
 ~ ARC was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~