Noah Parks is the ridiculously gorgeous, motorcycle-riding, cage-match-fighting equivalent of kryptonite for Lindsay Harper. And she's going to need every last ounce of her strength now that she's the legal guardian of her brother's five orphaned children. For the sake of her new family, it's time to give up her carefree single ways. Stop being the cool aunt and become a parent. And fight this crazy attraction to Noah. Sure, there's a side of him she can't help falling for…the one who volunteers as a firefighter and helps at-risk youth. The irresistibly kind and caring side. But she is a nurse, after all. She can't love an MMA fighter, a man she regularly has to scan for physical trauma… Can she?
Jennifer Snow is an award-winning, USA Bestselling author. Her publishing credits include a six book small town, Brookhollow series published through Harlequin Heartwarming, her MMA sports romance series Beyond the Cage is published through Berkley/NAL Intermix, her Colorado Ice series with Grand Central and her Wild River & Wild Coast series published with HQN. She also writes thrillers under J.M. Winchester and screenplays with 13 produced rom-coms for UPTV, Hallmark, BET+, QVC+ and more. Her upcoming speculative rom-com is releasing through Canary Street Press in Sept 2024. More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com
Fighting for Keeps is book five in the series, A Brookhollow Story, by Jennifer Snow. Oh how I love the residents of Brookhollow and I have truly missed them. You can read any one of these books as a stand alone but I have truly enjoyed getting to know the characters in each and every book.
Lindsay Harper’s brother, Nathan, was always the favorite child. He worked hard at trying to please their temperamental mother. Now Ethan and his wife, Rachel, who is co-owner of Brookhollow’s B&B, have five children, two sets of twins and an angsty eight year old daughter. Lindsay loves her nieces and nephews and loves her role as ‘cool’ Aunt Lindsay, but she doesn’t know how Rachel does it with caring for five children.
Noah Parks is an MMA fighter. It is his love, his passion. His dream is to fight in the UFC and that dream is so close to happening, if he can win one more fight. But there is so much more to Noah. He is a volunteer fireman with the Brookhollow Fire Department, hoping for a future paid position when one opens up. He has also started a program for at risk kids at the town’s community center. Noah also has a crush on Lindsay Harper. He has asked her out numerous times but she always turns him down. But he is not giving up. He WILL wear her down!
Lindsay is a nurse and it was one evening, after a long shift, when she was just about to get off work, when they brought in two victims of a terrible car crash. Just as she was going in to help tend to the victims, Noah grabbed her from behind and wouldn’t allow her to go in. The victims were her brother and sister-in-law. That is the night her life changed.
Now Lindsay finds herself guardian to five children. Noah makes himself available to her for what ever she needs. The attraction has always been there for Lindsay. But Noah is an MMA fighter. He fights and gets hurt for a living. She has five children to think of now. This is not the kind of long term relationship she can allow herself to consider.
“Noah’s life choices didn’t complement the life she wanted and needed to provide for these kids.”
Lindsay’s brother’s business partner and best friend, Ben, is named as the children’s God Father. But after learning of the accident, he has not been heard from. Suddenly, after several weeks, he just shows up on Lindsay’s door step, ready to help. Are his motives honorable or is there another reason he is here? Ben has made his interest in Lindsay obvious but she feels nothing for him. The kids love him and he has a stable job. Why can’t she have feelings for the ‘proper’ choice?
This was such a sweet story of how life can throw something at you, something you think you will never recover from. But finding yourself stronger and better in the end. It’s a story of two people who thought they each knew just what they wanted in life. But, finding that their priorities were not what they thought at all. I loved getting glimpses into the lives of all of my other Brookhollow residents I have grown to love. Jennifer Snow has such a wonderful way of weaving their lives together and forming a town full of people that love and support one another, even in the most difficult of times.
After a tragic accident, Lindsay has become the guardian of her 5 young nieces and nephews, all under nine years old. The legendary awesome aunt, Lindsay is clueless as to what it is like to be a mother, and it shows. She is in over her head, completely lost and floundering. Does she really need this handsome and gentle MMA fighter in her life? Really? She’s a nurse, she’s seen the damage he has sustained in the cage, but Noah has his reasons for what he does, and why he wants to make the big time as a fighter. He also has a heart as big as Texas and shares that love with teens in conflict, the ones who want a better life, as a mentor. So why doesn’t he share what he does with Lindsay? Maybe he wants her to take him as he is, but clearly, Lindsay cannot abide with his career dreams.
Why can’t she fall for the guy in the custom suit, the one who can handle the kids, the financial burden and who wants her? The heart knows what it wants, but Lindsay is positive she will never allow it. Or will she? What must Noah do to prove his love is not going anywhere?
Fighting for Keeps by Jennifer Snow is pure romantic torture! He loves her, she refuses to admit she loves him meanwhile; the guy who is “perfect” for her doesn’t even come close the knockout punch her heart gets when she is around Noah. Ms. Snow has created another tale of love from Bookhollow, as her Cupid’s Arrow finds two people, clearly meant for each other, in spite of the odds against them. The five orphaned kids are perfectly portrayed, from their reactions to their loss to the angst of a strong-willed young girl at a loss as to how to cope with the changes in her life. Lindsay is in turmoil, often too independent to ask for help at a time when she most definitely needs it. Noah has the patience of a saint, asking only to be accepted and willing to wait, completely sigh-worthy. In spite of the serious drama and events, there is a lightness to this read that will bring a chuckle and a smile to your face.
I received an ARC edition from Jennifer Snow in exchange for my honest review.
Series: A Brookhollow Story - Book 5 Publication Date: May 1, 2015 Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming ISBN-13: 9781460381656 Genre: Contemporary Romance Print Length: 183 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This book, #5 in the Brookhollow series, was so heartwarming and sweet. Emergency nurse, Lindsay's life completely changes after taking on 5 children after the tragic death of her brother & sister-in-law. MMA fighter & volunteer firefighter, Noah has always been attracted to Lindsay but is now falling in love with her. Lindsay is seeing how kindhearted & caring Noah is and is falling for him, but won't share her life with him as long as he is a fighter. Noah has some big decisions to make about his future. Change his life for the woman he loves, or continue with his dreams for MMA fighting? They both have many obstacles to overcome and big decisions to make about their happily-ever-afters.
This was so fun and sweet. Noah is the all american swoony guy we all die for. He is kind, sweet, loyal, caring and genuinely nice. He had a rough childhood but he overcame things to become someone. And because of this he tries to give back and help others he are travelling the road he once did as a kid. He is also a MMA fighter. MMA was how he battled his childhood. It grounded him. So his tie to it is strong. One that is hard to overcome. Unfortunately for him Lindsay is prejudiced and uses that against him. She hates MMA and won't date him because of it. It doesn't matter that he is there for the community. It doesn't matter that when her brother dies he is there for her in all ways he can be. She is stubborn and bull headed. At least at first she is. When he wiggles his way in she gives him a chance and than suddenly things change again. She goes to a fight and all his hard work goes down the drain. So does their friendship sort of because she makes a horrible but sort of understandable decision that rocks Noah's world and foundation of all he holds close to him.
The writing is wonderful in this fun sweet romance book that has some cute moments. Watching Lindsay grow up more and take responsibility for her brother's children after his death is great to see. Her loving side for more than her job and watching her gain responisibility is awesome to watch unfold. Noah wiggling into her world was just entertaining. The guy is great all the way around. Even when Lindsay's brother's partner finally comes into the picture Noah is understanding. It really isn't until Lindsay makes a decision that affects something near and dear to Noah that he finally walks away and there is no chasing no fun just a hurt noah.
In the end he does cave though. It is after he realizes a few things and something is revealed to him but he does cave. Lindsay also learns about herself in the process and sees that her stubborn ways may just have cost her the one truly great guy for her.
This is the fun sweet tale of Lindsay and Noah and how they came to be. There is sadness at the beginning and adjusting of lives. We see people finally growing up and becoming responsible but we see alot of love and understanding as well. We have fun entertaining moments that have you smile and sad moments that have you want to smack one or the other because they will frustrate you at times. All in all you will find the writing of their story sweet and entertaining and Noah alone will hook you.
Well, Jennifer Snow has done it again. Fighting for Keeps is the 5th book in the Brookhollow series. This story picks up with Lindsay Harper, a party loving, responsibility free, fun loving aunt and Noah Parks, (are you ready)...a MMA fighter. *swoon*
When Lindsay’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a tragic car accident, she becomes the legal guardian to five children under nine years old. So much for going out on Friday night. Suddenly, her attraction to Noah isn’t practical. How can she date a MMA fighter when she’s trying to provide a stable life for five grieving children?
Noah is true hero material. He goes after what he wants, a UFC career along with getting Lindsay to agree to go on a date with him. Shoot, I’d go out on a date with him, but I’m not in the story. Maybe I can ask Jennifer to do a rewrite. Anyway, I digress...how Lindsay can keep turning him down, I don’t know, but his kind heart finally wins in the end.
Jennifer Snow’s writing has a way of pulling the reader along for an emotional ride. Even though the hero is a total stud, this is a sweet romance. The story had so much heart, just a kiss between Lindsay and Noah pack a huge punch.
The reviewer was given an ARC for an honest review.
This is the 5th in Jennifer’s Brookhollow series, and sadly I have not yet had the privilege of reading books 1 to 4. This didn’t cause me any real problems as Fighting for Keeps could just as easily be a stand alone romance. The story can seem a little far fetched and sickly if not written well, this one is written exceptionally well. I could easily imagine a MBA boxer giving up his career for the love of a good woman and her adopted children. Noah is really just a soft hearted sweetie beneath all the brawn.
Lindsay is very well described, her feelings and emotions are easy to believe, who of us would cope with not only bereavement but suddenly becoming mum to such young children, and not just one or two, but FIVE! I know I could never have survived such an ordeal. Lindsay does, ok with one or two mistakes I had to laugh at, but she manages.
Overall, a great little read, good for anyone really. Enjoy.
“Seriously? The guy was wearing a hospital gown and booties, had half his body in an MRI machine, and he was asking her out?”
“I do love you… despite my best efforts and common sense.”
My Review:
This is my first Jennifer Snow read and it was an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Fighting For Keeps is a light, quick, and easy read that held my attention, yet would also be safe enough to recommend to my elderly mother’s book club, which is a rare accomplishment. The plot was realistic, the story was well-written, and I enjoyed the humor and the diversity of characters. I wouldn’t mind returning to this mild and refreshing series now and then to clear my palate.
I loved Lindsay's nieces and nephews they always put her a Noah in place, "naturally,” she said with a nod, and he laughed. But his smile faded as she added, “So why is it okay to hit someone in the ring?” The little girl and her aunt really knew how to make him squirm." Noah I extremely loved him he fought in MMA and the boy was a firefighter he was extremely sexy, "I’m going to kiss you again. Isn’t it obvious from the way I’m whispering against your ear …?” he whispered. “The way I’m tightening my grip on your hips to keep you in my arms…” His grip tightened. “And the way I’m lowering my head toward yours..." I enjoyed this book so.much the characters were lovable and fun
I just could not connect with the heroine. She was also an ass to the hero who was nothing but a sweetheart. She's been rejecting him for months just because he's a MMA fighter and her prejudice doesn't allow her to see him as anything more. I skipped to the end and she was still closing doors in his face and he had to give up fighting for her to take him in. I also didn't like that semi-love triangle with Ben and him living in her house being the father figure to her nieces and nephews.
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:
Wow. When the author asked if I wanted to read the newest book in the series after reading and reviewing the others, I jumped at the chance. Fighting for Keeps , Book 5 in the series, is my favorite so far and that's saying a lot because they've all been good. This book pulled at my heartstrings on many levels, engaged my emotions and made me feel like Brookhollow could be home! There was heartache, tears, sorrow, loss, hurt, family, friends, a community that comestogether to be there for each other in good times and bad, reminisces, happiness and lots and lots of love.
Noah and Lindsay had chemistry but she didn't like that he fought for a living. Since her life was changed drastically after the death of her brother and sister-in-law, she felt she needed stability for her and her nieces and nephews that she was named guardians of. Going from being the fun aunt to the mom or stepmom was hard for her at times although she made sure the kids knew they were a family and would always be loved and together. She fought her feelings for Noah but they always came through and they'd take a step forward and two steps back much to Noah's disappointment since he knew from the start that Lindsay was different and he wanted her in his life and he was always there when she needed him - he was always ready to help, pitch in and lend a hand. Noah was multifaceted but didn't like letting others in due to his terrible childhood. He did a lot of good in Brookhollow but didn't let a lot of people know about it. Ben, her brother's business partner and also the guardian of his children, always seemed to have something to hide. In the end, he was a good guy, promising to help in any way he could and also willing to co-parent but at his own home. Watching the interactions between Ben and Noah was interesting since it was like they each were marking their territory. There was nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing after much sadness in Lindsay's life.
I have read the four previous books in this series and can't wait for more since there seems to be more stories to tell. I like that the series t keeps the characters we've met before involved in the continuing story and it makes it feel more like a community. The characters are real with many layers to them and they also have a lot of history and I love how they interacted with one another.
Fighting for Keeps is already the fifth book in A Brookhollow Story series by Jennifer Snow. Ever since I started reading this series I’m in love with the characters in the books and with the town itself. Every time I start a new book I am happy to see all the residents of Brookhollow again.
Lindsay has always been the carefree girl of the town. In her mid-thirties she still hasn’t settled down and gossiping is one of her favorite hobbies. But after a tragedy she’s left in charge to take care of five little children. Suddenly she has to change her lifestyle completely, just when she couldn’t deny her attraction to Noah any longer. But dating an MMA fighter isn’t exactly an option now she’s has to provide a stable life for five little children.
I really liked Lindsay. She’s such an amazing and strong character. Not a lot of people believed in her because she led her life differently than most people in Brookhollow. While a party girl she also truly cares about the people surrounding her. And she will do everything in her power to make sure that they are safe and sound. At the same time she also stayed true to her beliefs and values and I really admired her for that. Noah is another amazing character. He’s very determined to get what he wants, a UFC career and Lindsay. But there is also another side to him, a softer side. It’s impossible not to like him when you read this book. I couldn’t have asked for a better hero.
Jennifer always has away to pull you into the story from the very beginning. And this book was an emotional ride. There was a certain part in this book that I was about to cry, I felt with the characters and it felt to me like I had a dear friend myself. In some way I might have since I knew these characters for so long. But there were also many times that I laughed and sighed because of the sweetness of this book.
Fighting for Keeps is my favorite book so far in this series. The romance between the characters was so believable and I loved how all the characters overcame their obstacles. While this book is a part of a series it can be perfectly be read a stand-alone. But if you really want to connect with all the residents of Brookhollow than I would recommend that you read the others books first. I can’t wait for another book in this series and I’m curious to see whose book it will be!
"I have no idea what I'm doing with Nathan's children." "I think the first step is to start referring to them as yours."
This was such a beautiful story!
Lindsay Harper isn't what you would call "mother material" at the moment. She works long hours as nurse at a local clinic, and she loves her freedom. Her life revolves around seeing patients and living day to day. She has no time for a love life (even though she wouldn't mind it).
When she met Noah Parks, it was lust at first sight, but she knew she could never be with him. He was an MMA fighter, and she couldn't be with someone who was willing to risk their body (and life) so often. She needed a stable, reliable guy. Too bad for her, he wasn't giving up on her so easily.
"Noah had asked her out several times and every time he came into the clinic, he asked for her. He was about as subtle as a brick to the forehead."
Just when she thought about giving him a chance...tragedy struck. Lindsay's brother and sister-in-law lost their lives in a car crash, and now she has become full guardian of their five young children. Heartbreaking!!!! Can you imagine how your entire life would flip? I found myself getting emotional throughout this book because I'm a sucker for stories about children.
This book made you feel so many emotions. You felt their loss, felt Lindsay's stress, and felt Noah's struggle to find a place in this family's hearts. Noah has a story of his own that is painful in itself. These two people need each other more than they know.
"He needed her to see him as someone she could rely on. It didn't even terrify him that he wanted to be that person for her. Since the day he'd met Lindsay, he'd been head over heels for her."
I enjoyed this story very much! Yes, you might shed a tear or two. Yes, it has some humor. Yes, you will fall in love with not only Lindsay and Noah, but those five sweet children. Beautiful story of moving forward when you didn't know if you could.
"How are you doing really?" "I'm surviving." "It will get better." "I don't think so, but I like your optimism." "Remember-what doesn't kill us..." "Makes us stronger?" "No. Hurts like hell, until one day it hurts a little less."
Here's another Harlequin Heartwarming book for review today! This one drew my attention because of the blurb. It seemed like a book that would have a bit more substance and excitement going on. Knowing that the main character, Lindsay, was fighting her attraction to Noah, who is a MMA fighter was especially intriguing because I cannot stand to watch fighting (or boxing) or anything like that. Something in me just can't watch people beat other people, even in sport. I was interested to know how she would reconcile that bit to reach a HEA.
Lindsay isn't your typical girl. She had a lot of responsibility heaped on her shoulders at a young age, protecting her brother and keeping herself together while always hearing from her mother that she was good for nothing. Instead of believing it, she has worked hard to do something that she loves. But, she has that play hard attitude with no responsibilities too. Mostly I think Lindsay is just misunderstood by most people. Except Noah. Who sees her clearly and wants her.
I enjoyed the attraction between Noah and Lindsay. I loved Noah's persistence. This story was a good one and I liked it. Although, I did skim the one fight scene that was a bit more descriptive. Sort of like covering my eyes when I see it on TV.
This was book five in this series and I haven't read any of the other books but I didn't feel like I was missing key information. I did, however, know that there were other stories from characters in this book that I didn't know. I'm going to have to go and check those out. Overall, this was a good, clean romance! 3.5 stars
I liked this story, but I didn’t love it. This is part of a series and I understand that returning readers may be pretty affected by the death of Lindsay’s brother and sister-in-law, but I joined in the middle so I had no ties to them. Unfortunately I didn’t have ties to any of the other characters either and I’m not sure if that would have helped things.
All the way to the end I was doing pretty good. I understood where Lindsay was coming from on her objections to Noah’s fighting. It’s not a pretty sport and I don’t know how I would handle being romantically tied to someone who does it for a living, so her hesitation to get involved with him didn’t bother me.
And his persistence, while it could be stalkerish, is actually an endearing characteristic. She gave off just enough of a vibe to show her conflicting emotions that he knew she wasn’t completely against it. I like Noah – he’s dedicated and caring, has overcome a very difficult background and has made a place for himself. I was right there with Lindsay as Noah showed her the man behind the fighter, and I gave him a little piece of my heart as well.
My problem though is with the resolution of their conflict. I think there could have been more build up to the final decision. I liked it, I just didn’t understand it. It seemed a little too sudden to be believable – it was all one way thru the book and then it switches. I just wish we had a little more set up to it.
Overall though I enjoyed Fighting for Keeps and will look for more by Snow and in the Brookhollow series.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
I started this series right at the end of it. However, being a stand alone, it did nothing to hamper my interest in the story. The story does not require any background for the reader to understand, no matter which part you are starting from. But this story does make you want to read the remaining stories as well. Contemporary Romance has a way of having repetitive stories. However, “Fighting for Keeps” manages to keep you entertained and hooked on to the book even though you know where the story is headed.
The 5th part of the book focuses on Noah and Lindsay. The romance is sweet and innocent. The determination of Lindsay to keep her brother’s kids with her irrespective of what her own family thinks about her capability for that is admirable. The strength of the lady makes her very much unlike the damsels in distress we normally see in Romance novels. It becomes very easy to relate to such a lady and easier to still to appreciate a man who accepts and appreciates such a woman. It is truly a dream come true.
Fighting for Keeps is an amazing novel. With this one being so good, I really have to wonder how the other 4 would be.
Noah Parks is a bad boy personified, his MMA activity emphasizing how he uses his muscles to win those cage fights, and also his persistence in trying to get Lindsay to go out with him, even after she expresses her dislike for what he does. If only he'd stick to firefighting and let the fighting go.
Lindsay Harper doesn't need a bad boy. After her brother and sister-in-law are killed, Lindsay has five small children to care for and raise. What she needs is a good boy, someone like her brother's business partner, who waits weeks before showing up, doing so just about the time she's ready to throw in the towel. Why can't she fall in love with Ben, a good guy with a good job. The children adore their Uncle Ben, but he's going back to Newark. What then, will Lindsay do, particularly after she learns that Ben may buy the building where Noah helps other kids from the other side of the tracks stay away from gangs and learn a decent skill?
The crisis that could affect all of Brookhollow becomes a seismic shift in Lindsay's life and Noah's, too. How each of them are going to survive makes for a satisfying ending.
Fighting for Keeps is a heartwarming, funny, emotional story. I absolutely loved Lindsay. She stayed true to her beliefs throughout the entire book, not sacrificing her values, but giving up her old ways to raise her nieces and nephews. While a party girl on the outside, there’s a lovely depth to her nurturing thirty-five year old ways.
And what’s not to love about Noah? Yeah, he’s hot, but there’s more. He’s fighting for his livelihood. Literally. He doesn’t have the stardom and big bucks many other heroes have, but he’s an average (did I mention hot?) guy who is trying to make a career out of something he loves to do.
Ms. Snowe doesn’t paint a perfect picture with characters who freely give up their hopes and dreams for true love. This isn’t a fairy tale, but an emotional story about real people who face real struggles. My heart cried, my belly laughed, and my toes curled.
This is a lovely example of romance and what true love is all about.
Noah is a MMA Fighter who runs a mentoring center and Lindsay is a nurse who is loving her single and free spirited ways. That was until the death of her brother forced her to change her lifestyle to accommodate her now five children. Even though her attraction for Noah is becoming hard to resist his life style as a MMA fighter is an unpredictable one and she can't afford unpredictable with 5 children in tow. Then in comes Ben the god father to the children with a decent job and reliable ways make things a bit complicated for Lindsay.
I thought that this was a short and enjoyable book. I loved watching the attraction between Noah and Lindsay . I loved that there was that dual point of view making me enjoy the characters even more. I loved that Noah was caring enough to bring up this mentoring program for children that had the same upbringing as him. Overall this was a enjoyable read and I recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
This story is listed as a 'Heartwarming' with Harlequin, and that it is. The death of Lindsay's brother and sister-in-law was heartbreaking. The devastation of the family, children, and friends, moved me to tears. The challenge Lindsay had with the children, suddenly being guardian for 5 kids, was enormous. She has a reputation of being an easy going, single-life-loving fun girl, and the responsibility of the children seemed something no one thought she could handle. But she is tough, persistent, and stubborn, while loving and caring the kids, determined to make it. Noah, even though a fighter, is so kindhearted, caring, always willing to help. It was easy to like him, and his loving spirit. Lindsay and Noah have many challenges, the responsibilities in their lives seem to come in between them constantly. But in this heartfelt, pure and clean story, love wins on many different levels, even though it requires a major life changes from all ~ Four Spoons
The first part of the story had me doing a "Wait-wha-WHAT?!" triple-take! I could not believe what happened! It was so unlike anything I had ever read in a romance novel, and I was SO interested to see where Jennifer took this story!
Noah, in my opinion, was nothing short of adorable! An MMA fighter, he struggled with doing what HE wanted in life, and wondering IF it was what he really wanted.
Lindsay was pretty cold towards Noah, but given her inherited situation, I can't say I blame her.
This story is yet another example of how Jennifer can successfully write a myriad of characters and incorporate them into one cohesive town. I love how she brought past characters into this book! I can't wait to read what she writes next!!!
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Lindsay is attracted to Noah and Noah adores Lindsay. The problem? Noah is a MMA fighter and Lindsay is an emergency nurse who doesn't appreciate someone purposely maiming a body - their own or someone else's. I really liked the characters in this book. They both have depth and many redeeming qualities as well as real flaws. They have both overcome hard pasts which flavor the present and future. I truly appreciate when an author of romance can make strong value statements while keeping the book a romance. However, this isn't a giddy, cutesy story. It asks hard questions about people's life choices. I quite liked that many characters in the book had to do some inter soul searching. I liked the ending, yet I'm always up for a good epilogue.
Rating: 4 Stars Content: kisses, mild violence, mature theme of difficult home life Source: Netgalley
Fighting for Keeps, like its predecessors in the Brookhollow series, is a well-written, polished, and engaging story that centers around family as much as the romance between the hero and the heroine. The characters are likable and well-developed, and the plot and pacing kept me turning pages, finishing the book in a few short days. Lindsay has a lot on her plate, and she doesn't give herself (or Noah) enough credit. It takes some time for her to finally come around. Noah is a swoon-worthy hero: giving, patient, selfless, and dedicated. He alone makes the book worth the price of admission! Just like every book I've read in the Heartwarming line, Fighting for Keeps is a solid story with a satisfying conclusion that I'd recommend to anyone who is a fan of clean romance.
This story had me fighting emotions all the way through. First I cried when her brother dies. Then I was mad about the community center. Then I cried again when Noah quit fighting. I love that Lindsay wasn't the good girl everyone looked up to but had flaws of her own. This isn't what I expected of a "sweet" romance. Noah was hotter than hot and the story was riveting. Definitely an author that will stay on my "to read" list.
I enjoyed reading Fighting For Keeps by Jennifer Snow. Noah Parks was a fighter. On his way up to the top. Noah was also a volunteer firefighter and worked at a center for At Risk teens. He met Lindsay Harper at the hospital when he went in for an MRI. She is now raising her dead brothers five small children. Lindsay doesn't want to have anything to do with Noah because of his fighting. A lot goes on between them. At the end Noah stops fighting and they get together.
Wow. When the author asked if I wanted to read the newest book in the series after reading and reviewing the others, I jumped at the chance. Fighting for Keeps, Book 5 in the series, is my favorite so far and that's saying a lot because they've all been good. This book pulled at my heartstrings on many levels, engaged my emotions and made me feel like Brookhollow could be home! There was heartache, tears, sorrow, loss, hurt, family, friends, a community that comestogether to be there for each other in good times and bad, reminisces, happiness and lots and lots of love.
Noah and Lindsay had chemistry but she didn't like that he fought for a living. Since her life was changed drastically after the death of her brother and sister-in-law, she felt she needed stability for her and her nieces and nephews that she was named guardians of. Going from being the fun aunt to the mom or stepmom was hard for her at times although she made sure the kids knew they were a family and would always be loved and together. She fought her feelings for Noah but they always came through and they'd take a step forward and two steps back much to Noah's disappointment since he knew from the start that Lindsay was different and he wanted her in his life and he was always there when she needed him - he was always ready to help, pitch in and lend a hand. Noah was multifaceted but didn't like letting others in due to his terrible childhood. He did a lot of good in Brookhollow but didn't let a lot of people know about it. Ben, her brother's business partner and also the guardian of his children, always seemed to have something to hide. In the end, he was a good guy, promising to help in any way he could and also willing to co-parent but at his own home. Watching the interactions between Ben and Noah was interesting since it was like they each were marking their territory. There was nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing after much sadness in Lindsay's life.
I have read the four previous books in this series and can't wait for more since there seems to be more stories to tell. I like that the series t keeps the characters we've met before involved in the continuing story and it makes it feel more like a community. The characters are real with many layers to them and they also have a lot of history and I love how they interacted with one another.
Thank you Harlequin Books for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
As soon as I finished An Alaskan Christmas, I was desperate for more from Jennifer Snow. Let me be clear, they are two totally different books. Going in, I knew Fighting for Keeps is part of the Harlequin Heartwarming Reads. My guess was these reads are sweeter, more tender & less on the steam. Well, I was right. While I wanted lots of hot & heavy steam, I didn't get it. That's okay. I reset my expectation about halfway through & I still enjoyed this story. It's definitely got some Raising Helen vibes.
I do love how Jennifer Snow writes characters who are flawed & real. I mean, the main female smokes cigarettes. She's got other bad habits & is still doing her best. You know her, I know her & these characters make these romances more believable to me.
THE VERDICT If less steamy HEA stories are your thing, Jennifer delivers the goods. I'm still looking forward to reading more of her backlist!
Thank you Harlequin Books for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
As soon as I finished An Alaskan Christmas, I was desperate for more from Jennifer Snow. Let me be clear, they are two totally different books. Going in, I knew Fighting for Keeps is part of the Harlequin Heartwarming Reads. My guess was these reads are sweeter, more tender & less on the steam. Well, I was right. While I wanted lots of hot & heavy steam, I didn't get it. That's okay. I reset my expectation about halfway through & I still enjoyed this story. It's definitely got some Raising Helen vibes.
I do love how Jennifer Snow writes characters who are flawed & real. I mean, the main female smokes cigarettes. She's got other bad habits & is still doing her best. You know her, I know her & these characters make these romances more believable to me.
THE VERDICT If less steamy HEA stories are your thing, Jennifer delivers the goods. I'm still looking forward to reading more of her backlist!
A really good story. Loved Noah and Lindsay. Noah is a volunteer firefighter and MMA fighter. He also is a mentor for at-risk kids at a community center. Lindsay is a nurse who works in the hospital clinic where he is regularly treated after fights. She does not like the fighting part of his life but she really likes Noah even though she turns him down every time he asks her out. He is one of the first on scene at the accident which claims her brother and soon after, her sister-in-law and leaves Lindsay the legal guardian for their 5 children. Their god father is her brother's business partner and they had dated before. He is also guardian to the children. Lindsay has to learn a lot of things fast and figure out how she will be the kind of parent that she feels her brother would want to raise his children if he couldn't. Noah is ready to do anything that she needs and she is afraid of getting involved fully with him because of the fighting and he rides a motorcycle too. Love finds a way in the end of course and all ends well. Heartfelt moments here and nothing more than kissing. No sex scenes at all. I will read this again. Try it and you will not be disappointed.
I didn’t like that Nathan and Rachel died however the author wrote it well so it wasn’t long and drawn out. That would have been tough to read. I loved Noah but didn’t trust Ben.
A few things that were a bit off. Lindsay’s 8 year old niece talked much older than her age and was not believable. After her brother and sister in law’s death Lindsay didn’t contact a lawyer to verify that she was her nieces and nephews legal guardian? Then she leaves a manila envelope in her car when she traded it in. She doesn’t get it back until she returns to the dealer months later complaining about the car. She forgot about it and the dealer never called her.😏 Noah’s decision to give up the MMA was rather sudden.
So with all that said, I do recommend this book. It was a light read which I enjoy after reading mystery and suspense books. Also, I would recommend starting with book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.