Fighting to Forgive

A GOOD SECOND IN THE SERIES

OMG, the narration of this book is off the hook! Between the sexy-masculine voice of Ryan West, to the vulnerability brought about by the sweet & sultry voice of Erin Mallon, this duo rocks! I also really liked the continuation of characters from the 1st book because I adored Jonah and Raven, so it was so nice to see their relationship continue to progress and flourish.

Now, in regard to Blake and Layla, for me the romance was a bit labored. You have two very attractive people who have this great 1st encounter that further builds with strong sexual tension along the way. Yet, from the moment they acknowledge a kind of happhazard attraction for one another to finally giving in…it was a lot of work! I'm also having a hard time with the women Blake hooks up with to distract himself from Layla. Those were just douchy moments for Blake, as I hated those moments, as a reader. And, so add to the labored reading, the initial sex portion between Blake and Layla was also labored because of Layla's past history with her ex. So, when things were finally rolling out for the couple…BAM the height of the conflict in this book hits hard! OMG, it's a doozy…such build up & then suffering. After that pounding portion of the book I was finally happy to see the couple in good times, but it was too short and felt rushed at the end. Yet, we definitely get a great HEA for the couple and Layla's wonderful daughter. Wow! What a story!

Now, regarding the villains in both the previous book and this one, they have left me intrigued! I found Layla's ex-husband's character to be unbelievable, or perhaps, I didn't understand how a person could be so singularly moved with lust and self-preservation to guide his entire life decisions and relationship, in particular with Layla and Axel. The only way for me to understand both this villain and the previous (Raven's father) is to categorize them as sociopaths---selfish people with no conscience, or sense of remorse.

I'm hoping the 3rd installment is better than the second, but even though I adored the narration, I felt the love story was a bit too labored for my taste.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

15 HOURS OF AWESOME!

This is the kind of book that makes you shout, laugh and gasp out loud at the characters and the audacity of a situation, and then rewind it 30 seconds to make sure you heard what you heard. This is an epic follow up to the first book which was equally as phenomenal. The narration was good, and a little dramatic at points but I gotta give it to Ryan West, he knows how to deliver on "sexy alpha scary MMA dude"! Overall, I LOVED this book. Its intense and deals with a subject matter that evokes strong emotions. This isn't a hearts and flowers love story, its kind of grimy which makes the HEA that much more gratifying. I highly recommend this book/series, loved it loved it loved it!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Ohhhh Blake...

You could sing Bon Jovi's 'I'll Be There For You' to me anytime! That last 45 minutes or so was probably the best part of the book for me. I'm a sucker for musicians and have been married to one for 20 yrs. There is something about someone who has musical talents that is so sexy to me.

Blake has childhood issues from mommy and daddy that follow him into adulthood and makes him keep feelings at a distance. He's all about meaningless hook ups with no strings and no feelings involved. That is until he meets his little 'Mouse' and he can't help but trail after her like a cat on a hunt. She is a single mother to her 16 year old daughter with emotional and ex husband baggage, so she is everything Blake avoids. Layla's shyness, yet determination to be independent and strong intrigue him. She's all of 5'2 (to his 6'2) and lean and beautiful, but has major self esteem issues due to her d-bag ex who was verbally abusive to her the entire 16 years they were together. Blake cannot help himself to want to protect her and her daughter. They have a mutual love of music and sense of humor and it isn't long before they give into the attraction and they both help each other with their past emotional issues and bring each other out of their shells.

Unfortunately, Layla's ex has been following her whereabouts all along and Blake has been unwittingly caught in the middle of his big plan to take her back, not woo or win her back, but 'take' her back whether she wants to or not. When he shows back up to bring her and her daughter home and the things he reveals from their past and how her daughter was conceived was unfathomable, but unfortunately very real for some. Blake gets tricked, things get heated, he ends up almost losing everything that means something to him, but Layla proves she is no longer a weak, powerless person and she fights for everyone she cares about, even if it means she might lose Blake after all is said and done.

Absolutely adored the end, best part of the book for me. Blake embracing his musical talents and serenading the loves of his life...priceless. Excited for Rex's story next. Love a guy with tats, piercings and in a band to boot on top of being a MMA fighter...he's more than a trifecta! Again, very pleased with the narration of these two.

Ok. Greg book BUT

I hated the part she pushed him away when her awful evil pissant husband comes and she throws Snake out. it didn't make any sense and it so far fetched. H7ubbye could have stop that asshole before all of the BS started. I just think it was to unrealistic. she has freaking MMS Fighter right there for her and could have protected her and everyone from the start. I mean I get you had to make the book longer and after I got over t >and he disgust of that part of the book it was better but it was so f'ing annoying and frustrating. It makes woman look stupid and incompetent. I hate when writers do this. there was a better way for the writer to do that part of the book. "Ok so let's see Kick her hero/savior out and break his heart just for her to want to run away and and get rescued or whatever. it was my just to much. The book could have done without all of that BS. but other than that I get it and it as a great book.i wohld.have pissed if I played money for this book instead of having it in my romance package just for that part of the book. Try to knock the stupid shit out next time.

Really enjoyed the dramatic story

I was drawn in by the author's humour and ability to write complex characters.

Narration was excellent.

Great series

JB Salsbury is a new author to me, and on recommendation I started this series after hearing it was in the romance package. What a wonderful surprise, that i wouldn't have found without that suggestion. Its about MMA fighters, but it isn't listed in the sports section of the romance package at all. The series is a hidden gem, good writing and excellent plot / story line. Not your predictable romance story line at all.
So glad for the suggestion I got on the series.

Good book in series!

Dealing with the world of MMA fighting, this audiobook has a hero who is cocky and a womanizer falling for a pretty mom to a teenager. The elements of the story came together in a way that kept my attention riveted to the story and the characters were likeable. The heroine is the victim of spousal abuse for many years. The hero has issues stemming from an authoritarian father who didn't show love to his family. The narration was done well.

Excellent

Such a brilliant piece of work. Enjoyed the book immensely. Can't wait to listen to book three. I love Ryan West. He's one of my favorite narrators. Keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing your gift, and addressing important issues.

awesome

awesome series so far can't wait f I r the next book. great story line

Ryan West's voice is now yummy!

Not what is expected. Blake was so funny and light in first book. He was so dark and moody. It's explained but I missed him as more light hearted. Mouse is dealing with a lot and I admired the sacrifices. Main plot twist is obvious and unrealistic. It was unnecessary tension that didn't add to their story. This series is not great. Summer candy but not great. Could be so much more complex and a study of damage people healing. It's just our of reach. You can see how it could have been flushed out more but the time was spent on detailed sex. Not that I'm complaining it's the saving grace.