By Bethany Bazile
New Adult Contemporary
Release: March 31, 2014
SYNOPSIS
I just needed someone to show me how to fight for me…
When tragedy hits Alexis Cole is shattered. She carries the blame on her shoulders after losing a big piece of herself. When Ryder Hayes sweeps back into her life, she has something to hold on to, but just as quickly as he appeared he was gone. When fate-or meddling parents-throw them back together they can no longer deny the heat that’s burned between them for years.
Ryder has always wanted Lexi, but he’s never fought so hard against something in his life. Saving Lexi from her past was never on his agenda, but he could never bear letting her drown in it. With his UFC championship title on the line, the last thing he needs is to be distracted by Lexi. When she’s thrown back into his life he can no longer fight their attraction.
But once he claims her he knows he’ll never let go.
***Mature content warning***
This title is intended for Adults 18+ due to language and explicit sexual content.
* If you have an aversion to steamy scenes, you may not want to board this ride, because it will be a hot and sweaty one.*
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20571888-fight-for-me
BUY LINKS
❥ Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1fDFXwu
❥ Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1lgLQ7C
❥ B&N: http://bit.ly/QwjqMO
REVIEW
I love MMA fighter stories. The heroes are dominant alpha males who take who and what they want without exception. They usually fall in love with a woman who doesn’t quite fit their lifestyle, so they fight their attraction, hoping to get past what they believe will likely end badly for both themselves and the girl. Fight For Me by Bethany Bazile fits the category quite aptly, but Bazile also makes sure that her text goes a bit deeper, delving into the main characters’ back stories and providing an emotional connection between them that has existed for quite some time. But the past that Ryder and Lexi share is full of turmoil, and despite their attraction to one another, becoming a couple is not easy, especially when there is so much to lose for both of them.
Ryder has finally reached his dream of becoming a UFC champion; his first chance at the title occurred three years earlier, but it ended quickly due to his need to save Lexi when her life spiraled out of control due to both betrayal and tragedy. Now, in order to keep his uncle’s gym, Ryder has to interact with a father he no longer calls dad because he left Ryder’s mother for Lexi’s. While reconnecting with his father is a necessary evil, Ryder having to interact with Lexi and keep her at an arm’s length is no longer easy to do. He wants her; he’s always wanted her, and his resistance to her at this point is futile, but how does Ryder stay true to his goals as a fighter when his head and heart are at odds?
Lexi’s life came to a screeching halt when it was torn apart with a heartbreaking loss; she doesn’t know how to move on nor does she want to, and because of her actions during that time, everyone around her his worried of what she may do next. Ryder reenters her life at just the right time, and even though she knows, he may break her heart, she’s too in love with him not to risk it. But can she fight for their relationship when for so long, she couldn’t even fight for herself?
Fight For Me provides great insight into what it takes to overcome tragedy when the future seems so bleak. It’s about one’s willingness to fight for what s/he wants regardless of what may be standing in the way. Ryder may come off as a selfish ass at times, but when something or someone truly matters to him, he is loyal to a fault and steps up and fights like hell to ensure everything turns out okay.
I really enjoyed Fight For Me. Bethany Bazile does a good job of showing what a tragedy can do to someone…how s/he stops fighting because it doesn’t seem worth it. By offering both Ryder and Lexi’s point of views, readers understand why Ryder tried to stay away from Lexi for all these years as well as why he’s done fighting it. We also are exposed to Lexi’s take on things and are able to witness her taking back the life that she truly wants to live. What I found a bit problematic were the pacing of the storyline as well as the development of Ryder and Lexi’s present day connection. I wanted a clearer vision of how it all unfolded by witnessing it first hand; at times, I felt like it was told to me instead, which slightly lost my interest. But despite my few concerns, it really is a great read; there’s a great mix of steamy scenes, witchy women, and angst filled situations that will keep readers invested until the end.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of the text by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 poison apples
About the Author
Bethany Bazile reads, writes and lives in New Jersey with her husband and two amazing kids. Her passion for writing was born from a love affair between books and music. She loves books that draw her in and won’t release her until she’s inhaled every word, panting with excitement. Then she realize the sun came up, but the lost of sleep was so worth it. When she isn’t reading, she’s conjuring up steamy love scenes, and hot romance stories to share with fellow romance lovers.
GIVEAWAY
(5) eBook copies of FIGHT FOR ME – International
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