Fighting Shadows

On the Ropes #2

by Aly Martinez

I come from a family of fighters. I always thought I’d follow in their shadows, becoming unstoppable in the ring. That changed the day I saved the life of a woman I loved, but could never have.

My brother hailed me as a hero, and my reward was a wheelchair.

Paralyzed, my life became an inescapable nightmare.

Until I met her.

Ash Mabie had a heart-stopping smile and a laugh that numbed the rage and resentment brewing inside of me. She showed me that even the darkest night still had stars, and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting the shadows of our past.
Fighting to reclaim my future.
Fighting for her.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fighters, Sports Romance

327 pages, ebook

First published June 28, 2015

About the author

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 dream stars!!!



Fighting Shadows is a book I’ve been dying for. I read Fighting Silence this past February. I’ve read about 150 books so far this year and Fighting Silence is still my top read of 2015. So getting a second book in this series about the Page’s middle brother Flint is something I’ve been looking forward to. After finishing Silence, I knew that Flint’s story wouldn’t be easy to read. The Page brother’s never seem to have it easy.



Flint isn’t in a good place. He’s pushing away the people who love him. He’s hurt, and more than just physically hurt. He loves his brothers more than anything, but he’s in love with someone he can’t have and it’s devastating. Not being able to deal with the hurt and the guilt, he gets away for a while. When he meets Ash Mabie, he’s not in a good place, but he still is a good man. He tries to help her and it means everything.

“Thanks for trying to rescue me back there.”

“Yeah, lot of help I would have been.”
“You never know. Maybe just the trying helped the most.”


Ash is a great person who hasn’t lived the best life. She’s got a crappy family and hasn’t really had anyone in her life who cared or stuck up for her. When she meets Flint, she knows he's special. She is able to see the real Flint who has been hiding away. She is able to get through to him when no one else can.

There was no pain. No ache in my chest. No pity. No hate. No bitterness. I was numb. And it was incredible. Ash Mabie was quickly becoming my own personal brand of lidocaine.

I loved the dynamic of Ash and Flint’s relationship. Flint could be so grouchy and Ash was the perfect balance of smiles and sunshine. She was really able to open Flint up, see the real him and she loved him for it. She could care less that he was in that chair. She saw Flint. She wanted him. The man he is now. No matter what was happening in his life or how he was feeling, a smile from Ash could make everything better. She gave him a feeling of worth again. Just by smiling at him and accepting him.



I wish I could say this couple had an easy path and glided right into their happy ever after. They both deserve that. Easy love. But love isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s rough, messy and sometimes people (*cough*FLINT*cough*) are just jerks. I thought the turn their story took was interesting. I liked how it played out.

Flint was never my favorite Page brother. And after reading part of this book, I thought… yeah. Definitely not my favorite. But he really grew on me. I loved how he changed and proved himself to Ash. No one is perfect. He was going through so much physically and emotionally it’s easy to understand why he acted the way he did. I was so happy that by the end of the story he won me over.

“I will not let you go again. You belong with me. And I will do whatever I have to do in order to keep you. I fucked up the first time. I won’t do it again. You can walk out that door, but know that I will find you.”

Ash on the other hand I loved from the start! She is one of the best heroines I’ve read about in a while. I loved her positive attitude. How even though her life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows she always looked on the bright side of things. I love how she was with Flint- and with Quarry. I just loved her in general! Ash wasn’t perfect. She had some insecurities, but her reasons were real. She was real. She pretty much stole the show and made this book for me.

This series is epic. These books are absolutely perfect for a reader like me. I can’t put my finger on what I love so much or what makes them so amazing, they just are. I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait to read more books by Aly because I think she is an amazing story teller and I love her writing. And after that ending… I am dying for Quarry’s book. I know it will shatter my heart, but I also know it will be nothing short of spectacular!

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Highlighter Stars

This will be short. Cause I'm irritated, homies.



This was so good.

So...SO...SO...SO...SO good.

See how my "So's" up there ^^^ just got bigger, bolder, more italicized, and more underlined?

Here, I'll even throw in a picture.



THAT'S how fucking good this was.

Flint?



Be still my beating heart, what an awesome lead.

Seriously, the Page brothers are just truly the cat's pajamas.



LOLZ.

I'm sorry, that cat looks fucking ridiculous.

And bald.

And has something odd going on in the catummy area.

But I digress.

I liked Ash a lot too.

I mean, how could I not?

“She was hands down the strangest woman I had ever met. The jury was still out on her sanity, and her social awareness might as well have been nonexistent. She simply said whatever-the-hell thought was passing through her brain at the moment her mouth opened.”

For real though.

I even loved the plot format. Unlike Fighting Silence, we didn't have to go through the whole "start here" but then "five years earlier" rigmarole that acts as the bane of my reading existence.

So WINNING.

The whole journal/highlighting thing with the Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius (A book I DNF'd so fast a few years ago it probably generated wind)...super cute.



And the way Flint relentlessly pursued Ash?

Double swoon.

However, once again, Martinez ended this book in SUCH a fucking depressing way, it straight killed some of my joy.

And made me all book-ragey.



It's like someone suddently pissed in my ice cream.

Which is a win for nobody.

And for that I knocked off a quarter star.

Because BITTER.

So take that, Joy Killer.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review posted
LIVE: http://amzn.to/1UuuPct
4.5 Stars

I fell in love with a girl who changed my life by showing me that even the darkest nights still had stars and it didn't matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

Aly Martines has quickly become one of my go-to favorite authors to read. I stalk her new releases incessantly and would pre-order without even batting an eye lash. I love her books that much. She writes some of my favorite broken heroes and heroines that melt their hearts and mend their broken pieces. Fighting Silence was one of my favorite books and a huge 5 star read for me. The teaser at the end of it for Flint's story almost drove me mad in my wait for it. While you may technically read this book as a standalone, I'd advise against it. The story is based on the 3 Page brothers, and while each book focuses on each individual brother, it helps to know the full backstory, and Flint's began partly in Fighting Silence. I knew just from reading the prologue that this book will be a huge winner for me, and I was not even a little bit wrong.

Flint Page is the middle brother. He idolized his brother, heavyweight champion of the world, Till "The Silencer" Page. But while Till's successful career only made his brother proud, his wife caused their inevitable disconnect. Flint has been in love with Eliza for as long as he remember, and the more he sees her with his brother, the more he gets swallowed up by his jealousy and self hate.

Whoever said time heals all wounds was an ignorant asshole. In my experience, time made everything worse.

The end of Fighting Silence finds Flint jumping in front of a bullet for Eliza and losing his ability to walk after getting shot in his back. Angry at the world, resentful, and drowning in his jealousy of his brother's woman that he knows will never be his is slowly chipping away at him. His answer is to leave it all behind and to move as far away from them as possible in order to start anew. This is when Ash Mabie walks into his life.

If he'd just smiled a little more he could have been attractive. Maybe. But what really boggled my mind was the fact that it seemed like he truly wanted to be a miserable asshole. And let me just tell you, he excelled at it. Luckily, my father was a dick. I knew exactly how to handle it.

I loved Ash from just the first few pages. Having her father married to Flint's deadbeat mom is the connection that brings them together. This is not a girl that had an easy life. Forced to pick pockets for her father, moving numerous times in a year and unable to go to school because of their less than legal life, this is someone that by all intents and purposes should be just as jaded as Flint. But she has this hopeful and sunny outlook to life that you can't help but love. She's so open with her feelings and trusting, and it all just works so well for her character. Her ways of looking at the world and calling Flint on his bullshit soon begin to chip away at his grumpy ways too.

There was no pain.
No ache in my chest.
No pity.
No bitterness.
I was numb.
And it was incredible.
Ash Mabie was quickly becoming my own personal brand of lidocaine.

What first began as an unlikely friendship soon begins to turn into something so much more. But Ash is heartbroken to learn that while she's been falling head over heels for Flint, his heart belongs to another woman. That doesn't stop her from giving her heart to Flint unconditionally; that's just the kind of person she is.

Flint, don't get so caught up on the shadow that you forget the man who casts it. You might not be able to walk, but that's the extent of your disability.

Of course what would an Aly Martinez book be without the hero's inevitable fuck up. And when Flint Page fucks up, he royally fucks up. But oh man the feels of this book and his road to redeeming himself was so worth that fuck up. As much as I loved the first half of this book, I loved the second half even more.

You can try to run and I may not be able to chase you physically, but we need to be clear on one thing, Ash. I will NOT let you go again.
You belong with me. And I will do whatever I have to do in order to keep you....
I will chase you for the rest of my life if that is what it takes to be with you."

I read this book in one sitting, completely unable to put it down. I spent the first half waiting for the shoe to drop (because the prologue was the worst tease ever), and I spent the second half with butterflies in my stomach reading Flint work for his forgiveness. I simply adored these two together. While Till and Eliza are still my favorite book in this series, Fighting Shadows was fantastic as well. Then came the tease for Quarry's book and OH MY FREAKINGGAWDAREYOUKIDDINGME?! If I thought the wait for Flint's book was painful, the wait for his book just may kill me.

Fighting Shadows was a beautiful and emotional story about love and second chances, strength and perseverance. It was packed with feels, heartbreak, and heart melting moments. Aly Martinez simply gets better and better with each new book and I can't wait to see what she has in store with the next one. If you haven't read this amazing series yet, you need to! Trust me when I tell you that you'll be kicking your own ass for not reading it sooner.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Newsie Stars

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At nineteen, Flint Page took a bullet to protect the woman he loves. Sadly, she’s already happily married to his wonderful big brother, Till. Flint is now bound to a wheelchair and as the middle Page brother he is surround by love and support. His guilt and sadness is overwhelming and so he leaves his brother's home and makes a new life for himself and meets Ash Mabie.



“No one had ever loved me. I didn’t need it. I just needed him.”



Ash Mabie and Flint Page are fantastic together, their interactions and banter were fantastic and so goes their fall for one another.

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Ash is a WONDERFUL heroine and will have readers rooting for her. She sees Flint for the great guy he is and her fall sadly is bitter sweet. Ash runs when her feelings are hurt. Flint searches for her to make things right and never gives up. The story goes into a second chance story line as these two get to know one another and trust one another again.



Overall, this story was well worth the read and can be read as a standalone. I do suggest reading all of the Aly Martinez’s books as her characters even from her prior series are in this story. Quarry has a strong presence in this book and will be the hero in the next book in the series. I'm seriously heartbroken for him and hope his story has a happy ending like Flint and Ash found!

“Maybe those weren’t dreams. Maybe they were out future all along.”

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOUR POINT FIVE STARS

YAY!! I'm so excited that Flint's story has arrived. I'm going to start out with saying:

My two cents.
Read book one prior to reading this book. The story picks up where book one left off ...only this time the main focus is on the middle brother. You won't want to miss the arc of this story. Okay now onto the actual book.

Meet the Page brothers.
The Page brothers are one of my favorite literary brothers because of their bond. These brothers have been dealt a crap hand in the parent department. Till, the eldest, took it upon himself to raise his younger brothers. Well, if neglectful parents wasn't bad enough these brothers have physical handicaps too.

Casting shadows.
Being a middle child, Flint, has lived in the shadow of his older brother. And in his new predicament of being wheelchair bound he’s become a broken, angry guy.



”When life robs you. Sometimes, you have to rob it back.” -The Book Thief
I love the heroine because she has a lot of spunk for a girl who was raised by parents who are crappy role models. I knew, I liked her right away but that first meeting with Flint sealed the deal for me. She really stole the show, for me. She's a girl who called Flint on his bad attitude and made it her goal to make him laugh daily. If you like a girl who can turn a frown upside down … Ash is your girl!

Another great installment in the OFF THE ROPES series. These brothers are awesome and even though Ash stole the book for me... I still enjoyed Flint. I love the first half of the book even more than Fighting Silence...I know that's blaspheme but it really grabbed my attention. Now, I'm ecstatic to read the next book because it's the youngest brother, Quarry. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Martinez does with him.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2015
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1RYUQws

SERIES:
Fighting Solitude
Each book focuses on one of the three brothers.
Book 1 - Till | Book 2 - Flint | Book 3 - Quarry

**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Amazing Stars.

In this second installment we have the story of Flint and Ash Mabie. Flint is going through a rough phase, after a tragic accident he’s now in a wheelchair trying to walk again and believing he’s in love with a girl he can’t have. But when he meets Ash Mabie, a girl with a rough life herself that is still able to see the silver lining in everything starts to change for him. Could this be the beginning of a new life for Flint or will his ghosts eventually chase her away?



I don’t know what’s the deal with Aly Martinez, but her books always take me in a amazing journey that I always get sad when finish it. I’ll be honest, Flint wasn’t my favorite hero and it took me a while to warm up to him, but the story itself? It was freaking amazing. This book took me in an emotional roller coaster that left me dizzy in the end and if all the books I read (and I read a LOT) would make me feel like this I would be the happiest person. Emotional, with some drama and moments that will defy the dryness of your eyes, sweet, romantic, with great characters and brilliantly written this is definitely a book (and a series) you can’t miss.



Rating: 5 Stars
Characters Development: I loved Ash Mabie. Loved how sweet, innocent and optimist she was and yet, she was one of the bravest heroines I’ve ever read about lately. And one of the best. Flint, to be honest, made me struggle a little to like him in the beginning. Okay, a lot. But he did an amazing growth during the book and I end up loving him as well.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects: Some violence.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Aly Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/FightingShadowsAmz
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1MuLeYi

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars



I adored Flint and Ash together. They were a perfect combination - Flint was a grumpy ass most of the time, while Ash was a bit silly and always making the best out of every situation. I loved how Ash helped Flint move forward, and her love for him was so beautifully innocent, it was just perfect. But things aren't easy for this couple, a misunderstanding, and Flint acting like a douche causes them to lose valuable time. Love isn't always easy. Things get messy, but Flint did a great job cleaning everything up. I loved how things played out, Flint fighting for Ash was wonderful.



Fighting Shadows was a wonderful addition to the On the Ropes series, and I can't wait for more!

[• Lisa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STOLEN MY HEART STARS.

"Problems don’t need a map. They’ll follow you everywhere."



How do I even begin to start this review? Aly Martinez has made me speechless (and that never, ever happens). This book was delivered with pure romance perfection and even if I was to conjure up in my imagination what I deemed to be the perfect book to read, I still wouldn't get close to how this novel made me feel. The characters, the plot inspiration, the emotion, the gripping romance - everything about this book from page one to the end made me one happily addicted reader and I'm so glad I finally took the plunge to continue with what will have to be now named as a favourite of mine series.

What's it all about?
Without giving away too much of what to expect (because nobody likes a spoiler). Aly Martinez runs right off the bat from book one in the series, 'Fighting silence' (also a must read if you haven't yet had the chance to read it). We have already been introduced to the hero, Flint Page who finds himself in a life altering scenario, one where he has to battle through to find the man within, throughout these trials he believes his heart is already taken. Sadly it's an unrequited love scenario which leads him to believe that love is not on the cards for his lifetime. Que the entrance of the most original, sassy but vulnerable heroine I've read to date and so begins the journey of Ash Mabie and Flint Page and the obstacles they have to overcome in order to make way for their love to grow.



What did I love?
'Fighting Shadows' is a real page turner. Martinez certainly knows how to keep her audience enthralled in her story telling and because her writing is so original and spell binding you can't help but to always want to stay close to the characters and the unfolding events. Not only is this book additive but it is also comical, tear worthy and especially sweet. The interwoven romance is hard to beat, but what got me hooked more than anything else was the pages upon pages of hope. This story blew me away, I fell in love with two broken characters, but not for a moment did I feel despondent instead Martinez developed a story that made me feel like anything is possible and for anyone who doubts the power of a romance novel then I can only assume they have not yet had the pleasure of reading a book in this series. Aly Martinez you have developed a series that is prize worthy, I love your writing and these characters and I can honestly say that could not have wanted more.



Final thoughts ...
I think I've said all there is to say on the matter. But if you need more and I haven't yet made myself clear. This book is beyond read worthy, if like me you are a reader who loves to feel the emotions of a book and you adore an epic love story, then you have come to the right place. 'Fighting shadows' is not to be missed. Book one and two are very much available to purchase now and book three in the series will be available in February 2016. Each book features a new couple and one of the Page brothers, who all have a reason for you to fall
in love with them. Go grab book one and two you won't regret it readers, enjoy ... Kisses.

*A copy of this book was gifted from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"Flint, don't get so caught up on the shadow that you forget the man who casts it. You might not be able to walk, but that's the extent of your disability."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

After meeting Flint in Fighting Silence, I could not wait to get my hands on Fighting Shadows. After the way the last book ended for Flint, he now finds himself in a very difficult place in his life. He's in love with a woman who will never feel the same way, and now he is wheelchair bound for saving that woman's life. He is filled with so much hurt and guilt that he doesn't know what to with it all, so he ends up lashing out to those who love him, his family. He pushes them away and isolates himself from them. His family wants to help him get through it, but he just won't allow it. His life takes a turn when Ash Mabie enters his life.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

'The only thing that I'd figured was that Ash always made things lighter for me. Gravity didn't keep me pinned to my wheelchair when I was with her. She freed me.'

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Flint may want to seem like a jerk to everyone around him, but Ash sees the real him under that facade. She is determined to bring out the real Flint. She likes him when he's real, and unguarded. She doesn't care that he's in a wheelchair. She just likes him for him, and the fact that he tried to save her, something no one has ever done for her. No matter what she tells herself, her heart has already fallen for him. Something that ends up hurting her deeply when Flint tells her he's in love with his brother's wife Eliza. After Flint pushes her away in such a painful way, she leaves and never wants to return.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“I may not be able to chase you physically, but we need to be clear on one thing, Ash. I will not let you go again. You belong with me. And I will do whatever I have to do in order to keep you. I fucked up the first time. I won’t do it again. You can walk out that door, but know that I will find you. I will chase you for the rest of my life if that is what it takes to be with you.”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

This is the part where I was so hurt by the things Flint said to Ash. I couldn't help the tears that fell during this part. Ash was such a bright and quirky character. I loved her. I loved how hopeful and trusting she remained despite her not so great upbringing. She smiled, joked around, and brought so much light into Flint's life. It was really contagious, that Flint found himself addicted to her. Ash was the only one who was able to get the real Flint to come out. So it really hurt me that he hurt her. Luckily he realized his mistake and didn't give up until he finally found her again, three years later.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“In my dreams, you were walking,” I whispered, kissing his chest.
“In mine, you stayed,” he replied on a deep, content sigh.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

This is where things got a whole lot interesting for me. I was pissed at Flint for what he did but I was hoping he would redeem himself, and boy did he. I loved how hard he worked to get Ash to trust and fall in love with him again. You know I'm a sucker for second chance at love stories so the second part of this book totally did it for me. I just completely melted and fell in love with Flint. He was so sweet and gentle yet so possessive and alpha. I loved all of him. I loved the banter Ash and Flint shared throughout the book. Their chemistry was very strong and smoking hot. I loved both characters with their flaws and all. It was just a great second book to this series. I was very happy with how things concluded for Ash and Flint that I had a big goofy grin on my face. And then that part in the end that was setting up Quarry's book....what the heck!?! I need his book now! But I will have to wait *sigh*. Overall, Fighting Shadows did not disappoint. It was one of those books I didn't want to put down. I definitely recommend this one.

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!



Ash is a girl who was raised with a father who turned her into an excellent pickpocket. They kept moving around the country, never settling down and never letting her attend a high school.

Flint was following his brother's steps in becoming a professional boxer before tragedy happened. After an incident, he got paralyzed. Now Flint has become a broody asshole, pushing everyone aside, disappearing while trying to make a life on his own.

Somehow, destiny brings them together and even though Flint's behavior makes him a tough challenge, Ash is determined to reveal the man he's hiding under that attitude.



But when he admits to her that he's in love with someone else, her quirky side isn't enough to protect her from the heartbreak and along with his protecting shell he manages to push her away. And when he regrets this it's too late..

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Aly Martinez is A GENIOUS. How can she take a common theme and turn it into magic? Maybe she's not a genious. Maybe she's a magician. My point is, the woman is so talented and she's managed to become one of my favorite authors because of this series.

The writing once again was wonderful, making me love the heroine, something that not always happens, making me feel for Flint, even though there were moments that he was acting like an asshole. But still, overall, Fighting Shadows was a smart, fun and emotional read that I can't recommend enough. I believe everyone who hasn't read this series is missing.

Can't express how much I'll be impatiently waiting for Q's book. He was probably my favorite character from the Page siblings and I'm certain it's going to be devastating, after reading his chapter, but bring the pain.



Arc was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★

Now LIVE!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1HE3kt8
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1faAHHy

"Whoever said time heals all wounds was an ignorant asshole. In my experience, time made everything worse."

Flint Page is a man who lost a great deal when he sacrificed himself to save the woman he loved. With a promising boxing career ahead of him and a brilliant brain behind the brawn, he was destined for a future of great prospects until the day his waste of a space father, Clay Page, left him lying in a bed recovering from a bullet in the back.

Struggling with the fact that he may never walk again, in addition to feeling the immense guilt of being in love with his brothers wife, he has become bitter and downcast.

When another shit hand is dealt to the Page family, brother Quarry inadvertently brings Ash Mabie crashing into all their lives causing Flint to re-evaluate his outlook on life.

Ash Mabie is a born con artist, since her mothers death at 5, her father Ray has used her for hustling and she is an old soul with the biggest heart, but has only ever known a life of stealing, faking and running.

OMG, I loved her, she was one of the best ever heroines that I have fallen in love with and despite her young age, she was mature, funny, independent, loving and naive in an adorable way. A Total dork! She was insecure but with good reason.

Flint <3 <3 I loved him too, he was quite laid back, nothing was a big deal for him and even when he was suffering from depression he was always thinking about his brothers. He made a monumental fuck up, but once he realised his mistake, he manned the hell up and fought for his girl.



The banter was off the charts, I really loved the humour in this book.

"I see your stellar personality has remained intact."
"I see that you're still a cranky asshole.
Must be from sitting on it all day."

I absolutely love this series, it's going on my list of best ever series and I cannot tell you how much these 3 brothers have infiltrated my brain along with their strong female leads.

As with the first book in this series, Fighting Silence, we are left with an insight as to what we can expect from Quarry's book Fighting Solitude and holy fuck! What a teaser. Quarry is the foul mouthed youngest brother who, if you were a fan of him in FS, you will most definitely fall in love with him even more in this one.

Absolute brilliance, loved every page (and Page)



This is a standalone novel, told in alternating dual POV's but I highly recommend reading this after Fighting Silence as you will really get a solid background in order to enjoy this book fully.

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Maida»-(¯`v´¯)-» · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 5 LOVE Hearts!! :D <3


Fighting Shadows is an outstanding addition to the On the Ropes series, highlighting Ms. Martinez’s ability to write perfectly matched couples and a romance fraught with the very best kind of angst due both to a second chance romance as well as the fact that our hero is in love with another woman.

“Problems don’t need a map. They’ll follow you everywhere.”

Flint is a young man drowning in bitterness over his physical condition and lost love in the beginning, pushing his family away and struggling with his emotions alone. His resentful behaviour is understandable within the context of his circumstances however, he does earn a narrowed gaze from us time and again when he uses the same tough and gruff exterior to keep Ash at bay. Despite his initial hostility, he knows how to make up for harsh words both intentional and careless, changing the dynamic of their relationship from standoffish to one with comfortable banter and an unlikely friendship. Of course it takes him stumbling and winding up hurting her to realize what he has in Ash, but his passion and devotion to win her back has us smiling the whole way through.

“I fell in love with a girl who changed my life by showing me that even the darkest nights still had stars and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.”

Ash is a memorable heroine, embracing every hurdle thrown her way with a strength and resilience that has us appreciating her fighting spirit while simultaneously admiring her ability to joyfully experience life despite her unfair circumstances thanks to a scoundrel for a father. She’s infatuated with Flint from their first meeting, refusing to shrink away when his sharp words hit their mark, instead showing him exactly what she’s feeling. Given their romantic history, there’s no shortage of sweet groveling and delicious foreplay as these two reconnect after some time, leaving us swooning left and right.

“Be with me, Ash. Tonight, tomorrow, a decade. Just be with me. No more running.”

Overall, Fighting Shadows is every bit as enjoyable as its predecessor, and Ms. Martinez is quickly becoming an auto-buy for me in the new adult genre.



Posted: September 6, 2016

[Katy Loves Romance ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars****




I love a broken hero, they're one of my all time favourites being that there's something so needy yet Fierce about them right? And likewise MMA fighter reads are a guilty pleasure of mine. I love Alpha's, I love sexy moments and I love Independent heroines that these Men seem to attract, I also love the fun that came along in this one even though to be honest it took me the first quarter to get into it....


So What's it about?
I am behind on this series I picked this book up because of all the reasons stated above but I have still yet to pick book one up. I was still able to follow the story so it can still be read as a standalone but I would still advise people to read them in order to understand the bond of Till and Eliza. I will most definitely be reading Fighting Silence in the next week after I finish my last few ARC's that I am going through currently.


Sooo Flint is left unable to walk due to saving Eliza at the end of book one and this book starts straight from that accident.
Flint feels like he's in love with Eliza (his sister in law) and with the fact that Till and Eliza are happily in love and have a new baby plus the aftermath of the accident he feels like his world has been turned upside down, gone is the Fight and in is this new dark, moody and much more of A-Hole Flint. Now I love broken hero's and his world is a very different picture, he's having to learn how to survive and be on his own but he did annoy me slightly at the beginning and it did take longer to warm up to his character.


Ash is a pickpocket that's how she knows how to survive its the only way she gets money and its the way her dad has brought her up yet she is a GOOD person. She is not out to rob people and drain them out right, its a means to live and eat there is no other way even if she wants to go to school, in hindsight right now its all she knows. Paths cross where Flint and Ash become family maybe in not the best of circumstances but they do and in the first quarter Ash teaches Flint how to live and be himself without all the labels that he has put on himself.



Ash teaches Flint how to breathe, have fun and be happy in the darkest of hours...

But honestly it took me a wee while to warm up to his character, saying that once I got past that first quarter it got good I mean really Gooood and Flint fought to be in Ash's life for good...


There was a whole lot of fun times and Ash taught Flint how to laugh again and then later in turn he did the same back to her.




I got a whole lot of this when experiencing moments of sexxyyyyyy....




And then just moments of Alpha equals to B.L.I.S.S when Flint got his ASS into gear!!




I ADORED Ash, she was one kick-Ass heroine I mean she really battled through life except she shone through she made me smile and laugh and enjoy HER. Ash is strong, yet there was a vulnerability about her that Flint was able to catch and pull her to him if you get me? she really did lean on him and him her in equal measure.



What I loved about this story is how the author has given us a couple that find peace and love in each other. They captured my heart because they NEEDED each other. They needed another half and they needed someone who understood what they were going through. This story was frankly refreshing in a way because the author wrote a story about LOVE with a difference. Tt doesn't matter what kind of disability you have the heart wants what the heart wants and that is exactly what Flint and Ash got. They got family in each other. I also enjoyed the dynamics of this whole family and it was great to spend time with Till, Eliza and Quarry and I really can't wait for Q's story to come out next.

Above all this was a really enjoyable read that warmed my heart.

That Is All

ARC Gifted in exchange for an honest review

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[Mysza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, I liked this one a lot, though must be honest and say that not as much as the first book, but come on, who can beat Eliza an Till? Impossible!
But to the point, crazy Ash with verbal diarrhea and broody Flint with an asshole attitude were a perfect match. Gotta say, love me some asshole and Flint did the trick. Not to mention, he is Page brother so no wonder I loved him so much.
Anyway, some fun, some angst, some hot stuff, some love, some heartbreak and whole lotta brotherly love.
Aly Martinez writes great stories and this one was no exception. But again, in the end, she left me so pissed and scared of the next book.... Damn, she is good with leaving a reader nerve-wracking.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know it’s always scary to read the sequel in a series where you loved the first book. There is this immediate doubt that there is no way this book could top the first and you will ultimately be disappointed. Well, there’s good reads and then there’s great reads. This series is turning out to be GREAT READS.

In my opinion, when you read the sequel to a series and have to debate which book you liked best, it’s a win. That’s exactly what I did when I finished. I proceeded to have a huge discussion about which Page brother was my favorite, then which book was my favorite, then predictions on what was to come!

Enough rambling and fan-girling onto the real review. At the end of Fighting Shadows you see where Flint was shot protecting Eliza. This story picks up at about at the same spot. Flint has been shot and is just learning he may never walk again. Fast forward a few months and Flint is in a wheelchair, he is angry, scared and depressed.

"Because I’m ready for a new reality…with you."

Thankfully, I haven’t experienced this exact situation. However, we have all felt or lived with disappointment. I know what’s like to think your life will go one way only to discover you are on a whole other path you never signed up for. So, I get Flint. I get the anger and lashing out, I get the running.

Ash Mabie knows hard times, she knows suffering and she knows life’s not fair. Ash has the opposite outlook on life. She is oddly optimistic and her personality is refreshing and provides the perfect contrast to Flint. Ash has learned to more than live with disappointment, she has learned how to be happy with herself. I loved Ash’s character. She is open minded, loving and so compassionate.



Ash and Flint meet under crazy circumstances, but once she sees the real Flint she is determined to have him. Because, despite her positive outlook she does see the world for what it is and she knows Flint is unique. These two together is an uphill battle the whole way, but I think it had to be. You don’t just get over the situations they have been in, they had to grow and progress. The only thing I can tell you it’s worth the wait.

If you have made to the end of this review, through all the rambling and fan-girling you know I love this book. You know I highly recommend you read this book, too. But in case you skimmed here’s the gist. This book like our heroine is uniquely, beautiful. Fighting Shadows reminds you life isn’t easy and no one promised you it would be fair, but you only got one shot at this life.



ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'huge grin' stars

Fighting Shadows is the much anticipated sequel to Fighting Silence featuring much loved Till Page's brother Flint Page.

Before I start, I already have this uneasy feeling, not about Flint's imminent condition after the shootout, but his secret crush on Eliza, who is his sister-in-law. I'm not a fan of these plotline. What make it even worse is that this teenage crush seems even more serious that I thought it would be and is causing a big wedge between the brothers. I'm rather pissed with how Flint handle his feelings and his harsh treatment towards my beloved Till. However, I had faith in Aly to make things right for us.

Flint Page turned into this miserable asshole extraordinaire due his half paralyze body and unrequited love towards Eliza. So he decided to take a hike, go to college and avoid Till and Eliza's happy family.

Ash Mabie is a girl brought up on the wrong side of the law. She had a hustler for a dad who taught her the trade craft needed to survive on the streets. Her new stepmom happened to be the Page brother's absentee mom and through Quarry, she met the brooding Flint on the wheels.

Ash is a very fun and bubbly heroine. Despite growing up in a harsh life, she has positive vibe about her that make her see the best in everybody. When she met Flint, she is determine to make him smile and light up his world. However, Flint's demeanor towards her is less than welcoming.

"Flint, don't get so caught up on the shadow that you forget the man who casts it."

The beginning of the book was rather on the angsty side because of Flint. Gah! Quarry, please pummel him for me. I'm worried of how things will work out between him and Ash especially after the huge argument they have. I was also worried about his so-called love for Eliza. The author need to make extra effort to sell the romance between Flint and Ash to me.

However, there is this pivotal point in the story whereby the author manage to make me believe that Ash might be his one true love after all. I love the way Flint make such great effort in getting Ash back into his life again. And him being all crazy possessive just showed that Ash is all he want. By the end of the book, I already forgotten about his silly crush on Eliza. Flint totally redeemed himself in my eyes.

Maybe Ash wan't a thief at all. Because she had given me back far more than she could ever take.

Apart from the angsty beginning, the second half of the book is pure gem and guilty pleasure. When Flint finally pull his head out from his ass, I fell in love for all his alpha glory. His relationship with Till might seems rocky, but we knew these brothers are inseparable and I enjoy seeing how they are still tight as ever.

There are some scenes with previous characters from her Changing Courses series that make their appearance, but I like that it was kept at a minimum. Fighting Shadows can work as a standalone, but I recommend new to Aly Martinez reader at least read Fighting Silence featuring Till Page first. You will definitely fall in love with all Page brothers. Next up is Quarry. I can't wait to see what will Aly cook up next.

I fell in love with a girl who changed my life by showing me that even the darkest nights still had stars and it didn't matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ‘You're my hero’ Stars!

When I was nineteen years old, I fell in love with a girl who changed my life by showing me that even the darkest nights still had stars.



Flint is the second Page brother. Flint is suffering from the trauma of the accident that happened to him. He's on the wheelchair now and he's not himself anymore, he's a shadow of who he used to be.

Contains spoiler of book 1

Flint risked his life to save the only women he ever loved, and can never have, his brothers wife.

I REMEMBERED IT ALL.
I heard the gun.
I felt the bullet.
I saw her fall.
In less than a second, my life as I knew it was over.
But, unquestionably, I would do it all over again.
For her.

He's just hurt and needs to get away. From his brothers, life, and himself. So he decided to leave. The only thing he ever wanted in life, he can't have.

She isn’t mine.
She never was.

He then meets Ash Mabie, this happy, naive, and caring girl. She's his mom's new husband's daughter. She cares for everyone. She just has a heart of an angel. But looks can be deceiving. People with the brightest eyes have cried the most, and the people with the widest smiles suffer the most pain. She somehow stuck with Flint and lead him out of the darkness.



They were perfect for each other. They balanced each other out. Ash saw Flint for who he really is from the inside not what he've become. She gave him a reason again. But reality is a bitch, and the Page brothers have a very hard life. Not everything is handed to them, everything comes with a prize.



Aly has became one of my favorite top authors. Her writing is so unique and is flawless. It's so original and is refreshing. She always has you twisted in the best way. I can't wait to read my favorite Page brother next, Quarry. Overall,

Victory was within my reach.
And he was my prize.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️2.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️



I think I never spent so much time pondering my rating for a book. I’m truly conflicted.
I remember loving, absolutely loving Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez. The story of Till and Eliza truly broke my heart and at the same time filled me with happy feelings. What made their story so much likable was the family factor. Secondary characters, Flint and Quarry, Till's brothers— really made my affection toward this unusual family go to another level. And the way Aly Martinez ended book 1, Fighting Silence… I HAD to read Flint story. I needed to know that he’ll be okay and find his own HEA…



And that’s with these high expectations that I started Fighting Shadows.
Focusing on the Page’s junior brother, Flint, Fighting Shadows tells the tale of a young troubled man. Flint is going to face and overcome a pending paralysis and his personal heartache. Over the years Flint has developed a huge crush on his older brother’s wife Eliza, to the point he became bitter and full or rancor. toward his older brother, Till. With his recent accident the situation becomes more the more untenable and Flint decides to leave the house he’s been sharing with them since his accident.



At the same time, the Page’s estranged mother stake a claim regarding her legal rights to the youngest one, Quarry. And that’s within these circumstances that we meet Ash Mabie. She’s the daughter of Quarry’s mother new husband.

Ash Mabie is a whirlwind of… She is a tornado. A real goof and how so likable character. Being the daughter of a real scum thief, she saw things and lived a non easy life. At 16, she is still forced by her dad to con men in the streets using her super pickpocket skills and innocent face. She has no stable life and can’t even attend school, a thing she’s dreaming of with all her heart.

With Quarry Page at home, her connection to Flint is made one day he’s forced to get his young brother from her parent’s house. Ash Mabie highjacks his car and life that day and will stick to him like glue for a good while.



She becomes quickly infatuated with Flint and with a little persuasion she cracks Flint hard and bitter shell… A strange friendly bond is created and that’s how the story starts. Ash is going to fall hard and fast for Flint, unrequited love unfortunately as Flint is still hung up on his brother’s wife, Eliza…
With both of them hurting in a way and young at heart despite their full and jaded lives, some misunderstanding is going led Ash Mabie to disappear for 3 years… Maybe the time they both needed to grow up.

I really enjoyed the premises, but from the moment Flint and Ash met, I felt their interactions and banter forced somehow. I truly had troubles connecting with them as friends. In contrast, I had no concern regarding the Pages Brothers bickering and banter at all! I loved their constant chitchat and full on sarcasms.



To me the fact that Ash left over something so juvenile was the proof their story wasn’t meant to be yet. Yes she reacted like a 16 years old would react. I never understood their instant friendliness, so I couldn’t give a real care of Ash feelings for Flint at all. Not when she fell for a man over a month worth of time. All of it happened too instantly and here lies my biggest issue. Insta-love.



So what happened when Flint suddenly realizes he can’t spend a day without Ash? He sends investigators to find her and bring her back to him… For 3 years. Huh-huh.
And what happens when he finally finds her ? He brings her back, she tries to miserably and non to seriously escape over misconceptions about him wanting her to leave in his house…




I know I’m beginning to ramble but, Ash fell in love with a man 3 years ago, she never dated anyone else, he finds her back, brings her to her home and they simply fall in bed the same day knowing she is still a virgin?
I’m sorry but this scenario failed to please my logical and analytical mind. Although I loved seeing the Pages brothers again, I couldn’t go past what felt like manufactured drama. The circumstances of Ash hasty departure and reappearance were too weak for me to foster feelings for any of them at this point.



I finished the book, wanting to know what would happen to Quarry, and I have to say I will read the next book… The author cleverly anchored me and I need to know what is going to happen with my favorite Page Brother.

I know I’m in the minority with this one, I talked with readers who loved this book and I understand what makes it a great read for them, unfortunately details in this story triggered my rational mind and I couldn’t get past them to enjoy the story as it was maybe intended, an emotional one.


Maybe it’s not too late to rename my blog : “Sheldon Cooper reads Romance” ?


(I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review)

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[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE on AMZ- http://amzn.to/1S5sUHd

4.5 "Healing" Stars!






Fighting Shadows is seriously one of my one of the most highly anticipated releases this year. I was a bit late on the On the Ropes fan-club train, but when I read Till's book, Fighting Silence I knew I wouldn't get my fill until I've read every single Page brother's books.


Flint Page is the middle Page boy. We remember the sh*t childhood these boys had when Till basically raised his younger brothers when he was still a child himself. Flashbacks to those days where they'd scurry around to clean the house so Child Protective Services wouldn't take them away broke my heart all over again...





Fighting Shadows picks up right after the big event at the end of Till's book...Flint's injury while saving his sister-in-law Eliza. It sucks the reader in on page one with those early days when the constant vigil around Flint never ceased. Flint is in a haze due to the pain medications and I had to laugh at his Morphine-induced diarrhea of the mouth ramblings. Thank goodness for deafness on Till's part! Then the years of rehabilitation commence...and the other personality in Flint is born. I seriously wanted to hate him, he was such a Grade-A d*ck! I understand bitterness, I really do, but the way he treated his family and Eliza...I REALLY wanted to hate him!







Enter Ash Mabie, the ONE quirky tough street kid that breaks through Flint's shell of bitterness and hate. Ash is seriously one of the most endearing heroines I've read in a long time. She too has a sh*t childhood, her father using her to do his illegal dirty work in order to make money. She's got a heart buried beneath the tough skin she shows the world and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl being forced to betray people for her father's gain. She befriended Quarry and Flint met her via that route. Flint had no idea such a simpleton could step into his carefully constructed world and set it in a tailspin. She was young, but she was wise beyond her years and she saw the person buried deep in Flint and strove to drag him out kicking and screaming at times.

The only thing that I'd figured was that Ash always made things lighter for me. Gravity didn't keep me pinned to my wheelchair when I was with her. She freed me, and back then- when it came to Eliza- I needed that more than anything else.

Fighting Shadows has all the elements I search for in my solid reads. We have a tortured hero, a tough heroine, hope, love....and healing. It progressed to a healthy dose of steamy and the Flint I wanted to throttle I grew to love. She was his hero...and he was her's. LOVED THAT. It was such a feel-good book that made me feel so many emotions, I couldn't help but become consumed in their love story.










I always love getting to see past heroes and heroines and Till/Eliza play a fairly decent role in this book. He still is the BEST big brother a person could ask for and I'm so happy to see he and Eliza get their HEA. Quarry...he's grown into quite the little smarta** and I cannot wait until his book. It promises to be much like Flint's with a very angsty emotional start (after that ending). I wouldn't say that this book ends in a cliffy, per say, it's just much like the ending of Fighting Silence, where events occur and you cannot wait for the next brother's book. Healthy anticipation is what I'd call it!







Another solid, enjoyable book from Aly Martinez who has quickly turned into an auto-love for me. If you are one of the few people in the romance world who hasn't read Fighting Silence, I highly recommend it! It took me forever to get to it and I'm kicking myself as to why!






Bravo!





Advanced copy received by Aly Martinez in exchange for my honest review...

[Georgina ☽ themalf0ydiaries · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of Flints story finds him a shell of his previous shelf. Holding on to a lot of anger and bitterness and still struggling with his feelings for Eliza.

Trying hard to not seem bitter about the fact that he may never walk again and not being able to handle the guilt for the feelings he has for his brothers wife, Eliza, Flint decides to move away from the family, live alone and go to college.

At his lowest Ash Mabie comes crashing into his life.



Ash hasn't had the greatest life either. With a mother dead and a father who forces her to hustle she doesn't have anyone to really care for her.

When she meets Flint she's able to see pass the bitter boy and get to know and fall for the good man that lies beneath.

 It was always a fight for them.
 Will he FIGHT to let go?
 Will she FIGHT to stay?

"In my dreams you were walking"

"In mine you stayed"


---------------------------------

Ash was c-r-a-z-y but I absolutely LOVED that! She was indepedent, funny and so giving. Despite Flint being a total dick to her she pushed him and made him laugh, she was the only one to be able to crack his shell.

My heart hurt for Flint. Yeah he was a total asshole at times but the things he was so close to losing everything and having to deal with all these stuff at ones, I think all of us would be kinda lost for a while.

I adored their relatioship their fights and bickering were adorable and the sex (when it finally happened) was HOT!

---------------------------------

Fighting Silence is a beautiful emotional book. Reading it and experiencing everything that Flint was going through made you realise that you can't take anything for granted cause it can be taken away from you at any second.
You have to fight for what you want and never give up no matter how many obstacles you find.



I can't recommend this series enough! Just read it!

~~I suggest reading Fighting Silence first cause this book continues exactly where book 1 left us.~~


PS HOLY FUCK! Did you read the chapter about Q? I can already feel the heart-break coming... I need his book!!!!



**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a dream.

In my dream I read a phenomenal story.
That story was about a tragic boy who’d lost his hope in life, and a crazy girl who had nothing in life but desire. Loss and longing collided, creating a spark. There was turmoil … because, isn’t there always when young and in love … and there was sadness. But grief gave way to courage and determination. And in the end, love ruled all.

Then I read this book & my dream came true ...
I think I’m clairvoyant.




Seriously, I have so much to tell you! Unfortunately, saying it all would ruin your reading experience.

What I can share: I had really high expectations & I was not at all disappointed!

I’m always a little nervous going into a sequel, especially when I’ve loved the previous book. Nervousness is not required. Aly Martinez has proven her prowess by writing another moving, endearing and captivating story.

I love a great character driven drama, and that’s exactly what the author provides.
Flint and Ash are both amazing characters. But I’ll admit, I have quite a girl crush for Ash. I loved her … all aspects of her (yes, even her self doubt). To me, the duplicity of the characters made this story even more realistic. Who in real life doesn’t hide parts of their true self from others? And, who in real life doesn’t evolve over time? No one!
Having said that, I would have liked some more time to grow & evolve with the characters … but, even with a jump in time, I was still able to accept and appreciate that they had changed.
They were fabulous as individuals, and even better when thrown together.

The one element I felt missing, was all of the external physical drama. The struggle in this book is very focused on our main couple and their inner demons. Book 1 gave us a lot more action. Fighting bad guys and rescuing people isn’t a necessity, but it sure did add an element of tension and suspense. I didn’t need it to enjoy this story, but I would have liked to have just a bit.

This series has really been a major highlight of my reading life this year … and I’m so anxious for the next book, I think I may go into a major depression while I wait. The small glimpse from Quarry’s pov is filled with so much promise … I just know it’s going to be spectacular.

Well done, Ms Martinez … well f*@cking done!



*I received an advance copy in exchange for this honest review*

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Fighting Shadows
Series: On the ropes, #2
Author: Aly Matinez
Release date: 7th July, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes





To say the Page boys have had it tough is an understatement but even with the neglect of their parents and the fear of losing their hearing through a hereditary medical condition, the one thing they can count on is each other.
In the first book we saw Till, the eldest Page brother overcome his loss of hearing and the battle to raise his younger siblings. His losses may have been great but his rewards were greater. He gets the championship and the girl who had been by his side through it all, Eliza.

The crescendo of events that take place in the end of Till’s book make for a fantastic segue into Flints.

Having been shot as a result of protecting his brother’s wife Eliza I had expected for this book to focus on his recovery and journey back into the ring. What I hadn’t expected was the level of despair Flint had been in even before the shooting. His feelings for Eliza transcend what would be appropriate for that of his brother’s wife and on a whole he feels stifled and resentful of Till.



Although I was completely empathetic to Till as far his paralysis went, I couldn’t help but think he needed a kick up the backside in regards to his pity party. Luckily that came in the form of wise cracking, ball busting Ash. She was a person who also understood struggle, the feeling of being alone and not having the guidance of a parent. Rather than wallow, she displayed a sunny disposition that permeated Till’s storm clouds.

The protective streak with the Page boys is a strong one and Flint is not shy in coming forwards in displaying his protective nature with Ash, much to my delight. Although self-doubt and fear mean the relationship between Flint and Ash isn’t a smooth one, it is a very sweet one.

Be with me, Ash. Tonight, tomorrow, a decade. Just be with me. No more running.

The final book in series comes from the youngest brother Quarry and after the snippets we got in this book, my money is on this one being the knock out of the trio.



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[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was WAY better than I thought it'd be. I (like many others) was turned off by the idea that the H was pining over a OW. While he does feel like he loves her at first, I didn't find it anywhere near as bothersome as I thought I would. I think it helped a lot that I had read the first book in the series, Fighting Silence, because this gives me background for his misplaced feelings. Then he becomes fully devoted to Ash. Add in the fact that there is absolutely NO internal dialogue about the OW nor comparing the two women (which I hate when this happens btw) after he meets Ash --and I have no complaints. Also...major spoiler here: He messes up and says some stupid things to find her missing the next day. But he looks for her for 3 YEARS while recognizing that he loves her and isn't with anyone else during that separation. And when he finds her, he brings her back "home" where he had been working on being a better man for her to return to! He admits that his love was misplaced and that he realized this when he fell in love with Ash. He made everything up that he did wrong IMO, and the OW was really a non-issue for me. Great surprise! Why not 5 stars? This was well written, and I really ended up liking both characters a lot -- but the stress of the reason behind the separation and the separation itself is enough to drop it down to 4 stars.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ash and Flint's story. I'll keep this short because I don't want to ruin it... They meet through Quarry (the H's brother) introducing them, and the fact that her step-dad married their mom. Flint is bitter over being paralyzed and not getting the girl he thinks he loves (she's married to his brother). Ash lights him up, and soon he forgets about his troubles when he is around her. There are some sweet moments, some stupid things said, a separation, and a reunion to get them their HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between Ash and Flint's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well, and I didn't feel the need to skim at any point.

Instalove: No. They move fast (fall in love in a month), but it felt like it was developed enough to be justified.

H rating: 4 stars. Flint. He was so biter that he was hard to like at first, but I ended up really liking him. He owned his major mistake, and did everything in his power to fix it.

h rating: 4.5 stars. Ash. She was so odd but in the good way. She was a trooper and always was laughing and trying to make others smile even when her own life wasn't the best. I only wish that she communicated a little better at times, but no big complaints with her.

Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up, but it never turned into ugly crying.

Heat level: Moderate. They have some great chemistry and some hot moments, but not so much that it took away from the storyline.

Descriptive sex: Yes.

Safe sex: Yes. Mentions of condom use.

OW/OM drama: No The H has some misplaced feelings for OW at the beginning, but it wasn't as bad as I ought it would be.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No, and they both remained celibate during their separation!

Possible Triggers: Homelessness and paraplegic character

Closure: This had good closure for the couple, as well as a opening for the next book. The epilogue was super sweet and they got their HEA ending.

How I got it: I paid the $0.99 on Amazon for it.

Safety: Safe with exception

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the H pushing the h away
- Does have a 3 year separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts
- Does have a HEA ending.

[V. A Court of Wings and Ruin is NEW ADULT/EROTICA but Goodreads editors won't tell you to include it in the choice awards]

****UNSAFE READ WARNINGS*****
This is what I found out by reading reviews.

Note:OW= Other woman/women
OM= Other man/men

Cheating?: No, not even during separation. Both stay celibate.
OM drama? No
OW drama: Sort of Hero is deeply in love with OW at the beginning of the book. He actually took a bullet for OW who happens to be his brother's wife. He'll eventually move on and fall in love with heroine, but the moment OW appears, there's a hug that leads to a lot of drama

Personally I prefer when Hero hasn't ever been in love before (that's why I prefer New adult and young adult romance or Old harlequins). I'll read this one, but it's not my priority. However just like the first book of the series (which I marked as unsafe) it'll be when I'm in a mood for an out-of-my-comfort-zone book.

Note: I don't have a lot of time to read, and I have a gazillions books in my kindle and a huge TBR list plus a growing To be re-read list. When it comes to contemporary romance I prefer to read spoilers first before I buy a book or even read for free. I'm writing this warnings and spoilers just to remember why I won't read immediatly.

More info in

EgyptDiva review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This book came highly recommeded to me by two dear friends and I wish I had more time to read so I could read it immediatly because this one has no cheating and apparently the hero is amazing. As it is, I'll put it at the bottom of my TBR.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



Michelle's Newsies:
1.Become an Aly Martinez fan and stalk her books.
2.Love Fighting Shadows more than Fighting Silence
3. Become officially obsessed with Ash Mabie and her quirks like the term newsies
4.Have Flint be my favorite Page brother
5. Have total book-hangover from Fighting Shadow
6. Try to patient for the release of Quarry’s book (Try being the operative word)



One book was all it took for me to become obsessed with Aly Martinez. Seriously, I swear this author has an amazing talent for writing these brilliant and epic books. Aly does not give you just an ordinary story but she elevates the story to a whole new level by incorporating so much depth into her story-line. Her books are packed with raw emotions, vulnerabilities, steam, sexiness, and so much more that she has readers like myself addicted to her books. And in her newest release, Fighting Shadows, I absolutely LOVED IT!!!! I thought I couldn't love another Page brother after falling in love with Till but I was wrong because Flint Page stole my heart.



Fighting Shadows picks off where it last left off in the Fighting Silence, where Flint has been shot and left bound to a wheelchair. His road to recovery to walk again will be a tough and difficult one. In such, Flint doesn't want to be a burden to his family and so he wants to move out on his own. Moving out was a way for him to escape but also escape the feelings Flint has for his older brother's wife, Eliza. Keeping to himself, the hope and light in Flint is dimmed that is until he meets Ash Mabie.

Ash Mabie is the complete opposite of Flint. For someone who hasn't been shown the proper love and attention, she has this amazing light and aura about her wherever she goes. In order to survive, her father makes her pick-pocket unsuspecting people. Though she maybe superb at pick-pocketing, she somehow finds herself stealing one thing that she may never want to give back. Flint's heart. So can Ash Mabie bring back the light in Flint's eyes and show him to stop living in the shadows?



I absolutely loved the relationship of Flint and Ash. It was raw, tangible, and palpable. What I loved about this book was that Ms. Martinez allowed Flint and Ash to grow up and feel the loss, the hurt, the anger, and the love. She really does take her readers on a gambit of emotions, which I absolutely loved. Though this book was not so sad and tragic like Fighting Silence, I did find myself more invested on the emotional pull of Ash and Flint. Their connection and bond was what really gravitated me because in a short period of time that they were dating, they were forever connected and etched to each other's heart.



I really don't want to say much since this book was one to be experienced, savored, and read. Without a doubt, Aly has once again written a phenomenal book that had everything I craved, wanted and needed in a book. So if you are looking for a story that weaves family, friendship, heart, love, loss, hurt, and second chances all into one book then look no further than Fighting Shadows. The only thing you will be fighting is resisting the urge to stalk and be patient for the release of Quarry's book.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Aly Martinez

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flint is the middle Page brother and a fighter like the rest but...he's also very smart and that makes him even more interesting. On top of that, in the first book, Flint had a traumatic event happen to him in the end. Now, we get to find out what happens.

I was a little disappointed in Flint's character...I wanted more of the smart guy and instead we got the sex crazed fighter instead. However, I liked how he handled things...for the most part.

Ash is quite the character, a quick thinker with an even quicker hand. She's had to make the most out of her circumstances and I loved how she choose to see the good in people. I really loved her "newsies" list!



The books starts off with a really crazy prologue...I didn't know what to think! And then it goes back to when Ash and Flint first meet and forward. They were both pretty young when they met so I was glad for the time lapse even though I thought it was a bit much.

Best part was Ash's birthday and I finally got a glimpse of the smart, sweet Flint. However, I'm not sure if his little play on the "boxes" was romantic or just cruel!

Naturally, we get quite a bit of Quarry and yes, he's all grown up...and just like the other brothers!! But OMG...that ending! Pheww...his book, Fighting Solitude, is next and comes out in October 2015. It's gonna be a toughie!



Favorite quote:

♥ "Flint, don't get so caught up on the shadow that you forget the man who casts it. You might not be able to walk, but that's the extent of your disability."

[Matilda · Rating 1 out of 5]

there is no way this is the same aly martinez that wrote fighting silence. this must have been written by her evil twin who’s sole purpose was to cause me psychological trauma

i read a few reviews in the process of reading this book because i was constantly baffled by the audacity of ash (h). it was mind-bending to think anyone could possibly like this book

SPOILERS below , cause i can’t not spoil this monstrosity

to sum it up, flint (H) is a 19-year-old former boxer that became paralyzed. it happened after jumping in front of a bullet to save his brother’s pregnant girlfriend. ash is sorta his step-sister. i say sorta because we find out that she’s not blood related to his step-dad and she was never adopted by him

here are some examples of ash saying/doing the most insulting and childish things possible:

→ ❝…I’ve just never known anyone who was paralyzed before. It’s kinda cool.❞ — cool...COOL?! sweetie this is not something you should be telling someone you’ve just met, let alone anyone in general



→ ❛ As if he’d read my mind, his tongue darted out, moistening them and magically drawing the slightest moan from me.❜ — she moaning...after watching him lick his lips........

→ ❛ It had taken every ounce of self-restraint I possessed, but I’d made it to seven A.M. before giving in and texting him. I didn’t want to look desperate or anything.❜ — y’all...they kissed once and this girl woke up at 5:30am to come uninvited to his apartment. but it's okay because she waited till it was 7am 😍



“i don’t want to look desperate”, yet you still managed 🫠

→ ❝Ewwww!” Ash cried. “You’re in love with your mom?❞ — ash's response after flint explains to her that he’s in love with his brother's girlfriend. asdfghjkl- she’s not his fucking mom OHMYGOD 😭

→ ❝Hey, would it be okay if I started calling you Wheels?❞ — i'm speechless 🫶🏻

my bullshit detector was on high alert reading this book. i was thinking, “how can a character THIS immature be 18/19 years old”. well that’s the funny part…SHE WAS ACTUALLY 16 THE ENTIRE TIME

please and when the hero found this out, he breaks up with her because he thinks she’s too immature for him.

what does she do? SHE RUNS AWAY AND LIVES IN A HOMELESS SHELTER FOR 3 YEARS 🤣🤣🤣

when flint finally finds her again, he takes her back home so they can be together. well remember when i said flint was in love with his brother’s girlfriend? well he explains to ash that he no longer feels that way and he actually never REALLY loved her. he associated the security she provided him with love. which makes sense when you remember he has a shitty, shitty mom

you’d think ash would finally grow up and accept that flint never really loved eliza. you’d think in the THREE years that she would have formed a least one brain cell but that’s asking for too much from her!

she proceeds to treat his brother’s girlfriend in a cold manner and even tries to stake her claim on flint by kissing him in front of her—

❛ Her hands glided up my chest and over my shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave me a sensual and completely indecent kiss. I took it, even knowing Eliza was watching, but only because I could tell exactly what Ash was doing.❜

❝Yeah, I remember when we met.” Ash grinned, something so fake that I almost believed it.❞

girl, SHE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT YOU BHAHAAHAU

on top of that, the romance sucked. it was insta-love and ash already declared her love after knowing flint for less than a month. also, how can you say you “know enough about someone to be in love” within 24 hours—

❛ ...because I knew enough about Flint to have fallen in love with him within twenty-four hours of meeting him.❜

girl what could you possibly know about this guy within 24 hours?? all you know is that he’s paralyzed, c’mon now

on the ropes
↠ #1 fighting silence — 4 stars
↠ #2 fighting shadows — .25 stars
↠ #3 fighting solitude — maybe

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to use just one word to describe this book it would surely be...



Besides the wonderful story and the fact the I love the imperfect characters, and I mean that in every way possible, Aly Martinez has a beautiful and unique way of telling the story that absorbs you and doesn't let you out for air until it's over and you don't know what hit you.



It doesn't have a big twist or a shocking secret...it's how the story makes you feel, cry, laugh and live right there along with the characters.

As I said in my review for Fighting Silence this book can't be described as it deserves but be certain that On the Ropes series is one of the MUST READ series of 2015 and should definitely be you TBR list ASAP :D

[EgyptDiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

WARNING:LOTS OF SPOILERS AHEAD & THIS IS GONNA BE LONG lol
I'm not one to "think" about ratings often.I usually know how I'm going to rate a book before it ends.But here,I had to think about the rating.On one hand I went into this knowing it had one of my worst pet peeves (Hero in love with his brother's heroine).So I already had low expectations regarding that part,on the other hand I knew the writing and the story should be good, given that I really liked the first book so I had high expectations that the author will not make me doubt who Flint's "one" is.
So First I’ll recap the story so you could know what I’m taking about before I start to ramble LOL :D !

I'll start from the beginning, Flint Page is the middle Page brother, at the ending of the last book, he took a bullet for his brother's wife Eliza, but it's not that simple, it wasn't all selfless on his part because she also happens to be the woman that he loves. So Now Flint is paralyzed and dealing with the resentment that comes from knowing that his life as he knows is over and he doesn't even get his consolation prize, but his brother does.
“I REMEMBERED IT ALL.
I heard the gun.
I felt the bullet.
I saw her fall.
In less than a second, my life as I knew it was over.
But, unquestionably, I would do it all over again.
For her.”
Flint is on pain medication so he blurts out his true feelings for Eliza, Quarry tries to stop him from humiliating himself but he doesn’t stop until Eliza knows.
We're also introduced to Ash, she picks pockets for her father and she's good at it, but she has this bubbly funny personality that you can't help but smile reading about her.

8 months later
Till and Eliza has moved Flint to their house to take care of him but he is ready to move out. It's hard on him to watch them together, he's getting really jealous of the life he's brother has. And he can't take seeing him kissing and holding Eliza all the time. He mentions that he had a physician therapist whom he had something sexual with but knew she was a gold digger. I was really turned off when he mentioned that he couldn't come until he said Eliza's name. I know!! I felt it wasn't really needed to put that picture in our heads. Eliza knows Flint is moving out because of her, she dares him to kiss her to prove there is nothing there (I kind of wish he’d just done it and spared us and himself all the drama) but just before he does, he ends up feeling like even if he kissed her she won't be his. He decided in that moment to finally let her go.
Meanwhile Ash moved with her father and her stepmother who also happens to be Flint's mother.

6 months later
Flint is living alone in Eliza's old apartment. He came for the memories and it’s still hard on him, he missed his family and he misses the person he used to be. He's still the same bitter asshole and he's cut all ties with his family though. Slate visits him and tells him that his mother wants to take Quarry ( the youngest brother ) from Till. They will be kind of joining custody for the time being and he needs to pick Quarry from his mother's house.
That's when he meets a fun, gorgeous girl who he's instantly attracted to. I absolutely loved that part, it was like sunshine coming into his life. Ash was determined to make Flint smile and despite himself he couldn't help but smile back.

“There was no pain.
No ache in my chest.
No pity.
No hate.
No bitterness.
I was numb.
And it was incredible.
Ash Mabie was quickly becoming my own personal brand of lidocaine.”
Ash and Flint quickly get close and become friends, well the kind of friends that makes out a lot.

With her, Flint is not bitter, he's smiling, he's starting to hate his life less. Because for the first time in his life, he found someone who wanted him, not his brother's money. Ash never pitied his condition, she actually made fun of it. Which was rude and incredible.
“Hey, would it be okay if I started calling you Wheels?”

At First Flint was pretending to not like Ash's crazy ways. But soon enough he gives in to her charm. I really felt his emotions here, she was like a breath of fresh air for him.
“I’ll get whatever welcome mat you want as long as you just promise to keep using it.”

For three weeks, they get really close to each other, they spend a lot of times together, hanging out, laughing talking or just laying on weed and looking at the stars.Ash is falling for Flint but she got curious about his reactions every time Eliza is mentioned so she asks Flint about it. So Flint stupidly tells her that he's been in love with her for years. He regrets saying it because it doesn't feel like it's the truth anymore to him. But it did hurt Ash so much and I really felt for her but she was successful in not showing it and laughing it off. But as he was looking at her laughing.. he was actually falling for Ash at the time..
“I didn’t even feel numb.
I felt everything for the first time in as long as I could remember.”

They are invited to Till's baby's birthday party, Flint takes Ash with him and he feels like he isn't panicked by the thought of seeing Eliza again, he actually introduces Ash as his girlfriend to everyone. Then he sees Eliza for the first time in a long time ..
“Her eyes instantly pooled with tears, and an ache grew in my chest.
But it wasn’t my heart that hurt.
And it wasn’t agonizing.
It was just there.
Lingering.
Then, with my eyes still focused on the object of my obsession for most of my adolescence, Ash’s hand closed over mine, and I was hit by a sudden rush of that same ache ebbing from my body—freeing me”

Can I say that Eliza cried a lot in the book? It kind of grated on my nerves lol. But anyway, Ash sees Eliza and Flint's hug and she misinterprets it. When Flint sees that, he begs Ash to come with him so he can explain. And they have a really really bad fight! And not just because of Eliza, that's just what started it and I was kinda annoyed that we didn't get to see Flint's defense at that part, he just says that it's not a big deal anymore and that he should't have told her because it doesn't matter now but he kept being interrupted by Ash, but the fight ends up taking a turn about something else and Flint ends up saying the stupidest things he could ever say.

It doesn't take him long to regret it though, he goes searching for Ash to apologize and make it right specially after talking to Till and figuring out he's not really in love with Eliza and that he doesn't want her anymore, that he loves Ash but it's a little too late because Ash is gone. And Flint is a mess.


3 Years Later
Flint asked Till for his help in hiring a private PI to search for Ash and for 3 years she is on the run and one step ahead of them. Flint's emotions are up and down, he loves her, he regrets what he did, he hates her for not giving him a chance to make it right and then he loves her again.
He picks himself up and tries to do everything he can in hopes that one day he could be a man that's deserving of love. He finishes college, he gets his own house ( He was reluctant to leave Eliza's apartment but not because of memories of her anymore, but because of his memories with Ash there).I was really proud of him for accomplishing what he did in that period.
Finally, he finds her in a homeless shelter. She helps them and lives there. Flint is taking Ash home and he isn't taking No for an answer.
“Three. Fucking. Years, Ash. You took something that belonged to me." “he turned my head and dragged his nose up my neck, stopping at my ear.
“And I want her back.”

So he does get her back, but Ash is still one foot out of the door, even after sleeping with him, she's quickly finding reasons to try to run but Flint never gives her the chance.
“You can try to run, and I may not be able to chase you physically, but we need to be clear on one thing, Ash. I will not let you go again.”

And he doesn't, one time he thinks she ran away when she just went shopping and I really felt sorry for him then because he really was devastated but he didn't give up the search. So he was really committed to not letting her go this time. They end up talking about his feelings for Eliza, how he wasn't in love with her, and how he went all his life talking on responsibilities bigger than him and when she came in their lives and lifted some of it and gave them a home ,he mistook his desperation and need for that for love. He then tells her that he didn't know that until he fell for her. Ash ends up having a conversation with Eliza about it which I think helped Ash move on from the whole thing.
“Don’t punish the man for the thoughts of a boy.”

From then, its mostly smooth sailing (Except for the shopping incident). He ends up taking her on an amazing birthday party, I really loved that part. I felt like he was really making an effort to make her happy.
“I will never in a million years be able to find anyone who could even come close to filling your neon-green Converse.”
“And more than that, I don’t want to.”

So Now that the recap is over, let's move on to some of my ramblings and thoughts about everything.
For me this book could’ve been a 5 star read (maybe a 4.5 ? :D )if it weren’t for some things, so I’m going to clarify why I omitted 2 stars even though the book is emotional and really well written.. I stayed up all night till 6 am and finished it in almost one setting so that’s saying something.
First Star :
Like I said in the beginning I read this knowing beforehand that I won’t like some stuff. But to be honest, it was sometimes more than I bargained for because I only thought he thinks he loves her but that it’s nothing romantic or sexual but I HATED knowing that he thought about Eliza sexually. It's not really descriptive, but we do know he dreams about her, that he thinks about her when he… I think we all know what he was going to say here and that he thought about kissing her a lot, and him coming with that girl after saying Eliza’s name,that part turned my stomach.

To be honest, the first 4 chapters were the worst for me, he never met Ash by then so it was about his bitterness and his feelings for Eliza, so If that kind of thing bothers you too, you should just skip or skim that part and you might be fine. Because logically in my head, I know how he would obsess over Eliza, specially if you read the first book, those boys never had anyone to love them and Eliza was really generous in that department, and Flint being a little boy and then a teenager, it was easily understood how these kind of feelings could develop. With that said, I can’t really help my stupid emotions lol, so I couldn’t really get over the Eliza thing easily, not because I didn’t feel like he loved Ash, but because It wasn’t really clarified what his feelings were or maybe it wasn’t discussed enough AFTER he got her back. Maybe I needed more reassurances than Ash needed? I don’t know.

His feelings about Eliza before meeting Ash :
“No. Lizen to me. I . . . love you. Like Till loves you. Like . . . I-want-to-have-sex-with-you love you. Really. Gud. Sex.” I laughed.
“And marry you, and.. - High on medication confession
I wanted to own Eliza Reynolds Page in every possible way, but especially in the way where she never left me and loved me forever.
“ I’m starting to hate him because I love you. Yet, at the same time, he’s my brother and I love him, but I hate you so fucking much for loving him too.”

So His feelings : “Epic Unrequited love”

Then Eliza figures that he doesn’t love her..
“If finally kissing me will make you see that this thing you have for me is nothing more than an infatuation, then I’ll take the hit.”

Umm so His feelings : Infatuation ?

After meeting Ash and telling her about his feelings for Eliza..
“Only the second the words were spoken, it didn’t feel like an admission at all.
It didn’t feel like anything actually.
Not the truth.
Or a lie.
They just felt like words.”

K,So What are his feelings now?

Then when they are fighting about it…
“You don’t have to be jealous of her.” he said kissing my knuckles..
“I shouldn’t have told you what I did about her. It’s not a big deal anymore.”...“It doesn’t matter anymore—”

His Feelings: Not strong enough to matter?

When Ash Leaves and he talks it out with Till.
“I’m not stupid, Flint. I’ve always known you had a thing for her. We had shit for a mom. Then Eliza showed up one day, doing everything for you boys that a real mother should. It’s not hard to figure out how those lines got crossed for you.“I knew you’d eventually get over it when you met someone”
“I’m over it,” And that’s when he figures out it’s because he loves Ash..

So His feelings were “a thing” and now it’s over.

And FINALLY when he has the talk with Ash after the 3 year separation ..
“I was a fucking fool when I told you I was in love with Eliza. And not because it broke us up. I was a fool because it was a load of shit.” . “I was never in love with her—at least, not in the way I thought. But it wasn’t until I fell for you that I realized that.” << See that’s what confused me, what other way is there to be “in love"? because it wasn’t brotherly love that’s for sure, at least we know that whatever they were, they’re gone.


I finally came to the conclusion that he did have romantic feelings that developed because of her position in their lives but that it wasn’t “love” and it went away after falling for Ash.
I would’ve got over it easier if there wasn’t anything sexual about it and if it were discussed with Ash after the separation more.

Second Star:
The other thing that really bothered me was that Ash gave into him too too easily when he came after her 3 years later, Yes she did try to run a couple of times, but really? sex on the first day he got her back was too much for me specially that she was a virgin by then. And WHY THE HELL would she get a tattoo for him after the way he left things with her, I don’t get it. Even If she loved him, he basically lied and told her he used her so why would she put a permanent reminder of him on her body ?!.I would get why he would do it (which he didn’t).But her? not so much!

She was a really great character and I LOVED her so that’s why I expected more of her. It wasn’t easy the way he hurt her with his cruel words so to just fall into him because he wants her back wasn’t the way I wanted things to go.
I did get the impression that he didn’t sleep with anyone else during the separation period so I think that from the moment he met her (Even before that), he was completely faithful to her which was great. Although it did make me wonder why he had that condom though lol, maybe he was just being hopeful =D !

And I was with Ash when she wanted to slap that Julia person in the homeless shelter too, she was doing it because she wanted Ash to be happy but woman, let the girl keep her pride, he doesn’t have to know that she doesn’t have a boyfriend and isn’t sleeping with anyone right away. He should’ve sweated it more lol. Just because he searched for her and found her, doesn’t make everything ok. To be fair he did apologize, but it should’ve taken Ash more time before she played house with him. At least that’s what I would’ve liked.
So that second star, for me would’ve been avoided if Ash took more time to learn to trust him again before giving him her virginity. Don’t get me wrong we do know how Flint felt about her, but she still didn’t.

Also because of all the angst at the beginning about his feelings or whatever they were for Eliza, I wanted something to happen to prove to me that if there were a choice (Not only a romantic one), it would be Ash. I want to clarify that he kind of assures her of that with words, saying that he never felt anything close to what he feels for her, but I wanted something to actually happen that would prove it once and for all. I feel like I’m not making much sense but here it is *shrugs*,I know it makes me really petty but I kind of liked that he snapped at Eliza when he was worried about Ash LOL ! I know It doesn't make me a very nice person because Eliza was trying to help but there I said it. I think the author put that in there to assure us that there aren’t any feelings left :D !

Her birthday gifts were amazing and the way he delivered them was hilarious, I really liked the list that he gave her, it shows that he’d always loved her. I also LOVED the fact that the very first thing he said in the book (About taking the bullet for Eliza), was rephrased. It made it a lot better.. Because now, he would do it again but not for the same reasons…he would do it again for a life with Ash.


So to Conclude, I do have mixed feelings about the book even though Ash ended up being his true love. It was the kind of book that had parts that bothered me but when it was good,it was really good. So I do know how a lot of people loved it specially if you’re into that kind of angst,also Flint and Ash’s interactions were SO funny! aside from some romantic declarations those were my favorite parts. I loved how we got to see the characters grow up, and I did enjoy every scene that contained Ash and Flint because they were really good together.Kind of perfect actually.

Now about Quarry’s book, unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be reading it. I kind of figured out what would happen in the end from the moment he, Mia and his friend Liz were introduced and I wished I was wrong but unfortunately I wasn’t. I HATE that the author has gone that route, so unlike most readers,sadly I’m not excited about that book because it just screams “Consolation Prize���. Details: Quarry had a girlfriend for a long time in the book, they’re ALWAYS jumping each other and everyone is commenting on how they can’t keep their hands to themselves and are always sleeping together every chance they get. It’s going to be really hard erasing that image from my head. So apparently Quarry has a close friend - Liz, At First when Mia met her she was jealous, but then they became best of friends. But at the end of the book Mia dies of cancer. Quarry is DEVASTATED of course. So I think the author will make him fall for Liz. Now I do feel really really bad for him, but as a reader, after reading about how much he loves Mia and how she���s his life. I won’t really be convinced that Liz is his true love specially that he already had her as a friend since they were kids ( doesn’t live in the same state though) and then he met Mia and dated her for years, so if it weren’t for Mia dying, I don’t think Liz would’ve been his choice. So again, really disappointed. I think I actually shed a tear because Quarry had a special place in my heart, and I wanted more for his story than him grieving over his first love.
I want to emphasize that I don’t know if Liz is his heroine for sure, I really wish she isn’t, even though I most likely still wouldn’t be reading it. But even if she were, I really hope that the author takes the time to not only make Quarry fall for her, but to make sure that she is somehow, someway not second best to him.