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The Good Fight #2
The Fight Within
"A Book in the Good Fight Series"
Bryce Morton needs a change of scenery. Since his partner's death a year ago, he's become withdrawn and quiet, so his friends, Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven, convince him to go camping with them on a Sioux reservation. Though he's not immediately sure he's done the right thing, Bryce becomes more interested when he meets Paytah, the man who owns the reservation's trading post.
Paytah Stillwater's life is filled with hurt, and sometimes the only thing he has left is pride. After being abused as a child and disbelieved when he spoke up, he has withdrawn into himself-but he can never truly put his past behind him, because the source of his pain still lives on the reservation. Paytah is proud of his heritage and careful with his heart, but when Bryce commits a selfless act of kindness for one of the reservation's children, the walls around Paytah's heart begin to melt.
Bryce and Paytah each fight the pain within them. When Paytah's abuser sets his sights on one of the reservation youngsters, Bryce and Paytah must set their individual fights aside. Finding a way to stop the abuser unites them to fight their way forward-together.
Bryce Morton needs a change of scenery. Since his partner's death a year ago, he's become withdrawn and quiet, so his friends, Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven, convince him to go camping with them on a Sioux reservation. Though he's not immediately sure he's done the right thing, Bryce becomes more interested when he meets Paytah, the man who owns the reservation's trading post.
Paytah Stillwater's life is filled with hurt, and sometimes the only thing he has left is pride. After being abused as a child and disbelieved when he spoke up, he has withdrawn into himself-but he can never truly put his past behind him, because the source of his pain still lives on the reservation. Paytah is proud of his heritage and careful with his heart, but when Bryce commits a selfless act of kindness for one of the reservation's children, the walls around Paytah's heart begin to melt.
Bryce and Paytah each fight the pain within them. When Paytah's abuser sets his sights on one of the reservation youngsters, Bryce and Paytah must set their individual fights aside. Finding a way to stop the abuser unites them to fight their way forward-together.
206 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2013
15 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 15, 2022
I love Andrew Grey's books.... It amazes me that he can handle such a deep story, abuse and rape, with such a light hand. It really is a gentle love story between Paytah and Bryce, but underneath is the true story of the fight of the Native Americans. Both Bryce and Paytah are lonely and damaged, one due to the loss of a lover, one due to childhood abuse. They are so ready for each other but scared to reach out. When they do, it is sweet and gentle and healing for both of them. The story of the Native American tribe that runs through this book and the first in the series, well written, well-developed characters, fun in parts, dark and sad in others. A really fantastic book!
March 11, 2013
In my experience, it is fairly rare that a sequel is as good as the first book, if not better, and touches me in the same way and to the same degree. 'The Good Fight' and 'The Fight Within' are both amazing books, with a message of justice needing to be told that is as emotional as it is important. The characters in this second book, Bryce and Paytah, have each suffered, but soldiered on and tried to make the best of their lives under difficult circumstances. Only when they meet can they fulfill their true potential, and as tough as it is for each of them to let the other get close, as rewarding does it become when they succeed.
As in the first book, the characters' story is central to the plot, but the harsh reality of life on a Native American reservation, even in the twenty-first century, is never far away. The way Andrew addresses poverty and some of the exploitation that goes on was sensitive, but made very clear how wrong it is. There are people who will use their power over grants, their money and influence to take advantage of children in the worst way, and thankfully they get their just rewards in this book. Unfortunately, reality isn’t always so ideal, and this book is a good reminder of some of the emotional fallout when things don’t go as they morally should.
Bryce has suffered an awful loss, and it takes him a long time to start getting over it. His friends John (who is also his boss in the IT business he works in) and Jerry, John's partner, almost have to force Bryce to go camping with them. But taking Bryce to the reservation where John grew up is exactly what Bryce needs. When he meets Paytah, who runs the tribe's trading post, it isn’t love at first sight by any stretch of the imagination. They have some prejudices to overcome and then personal issues to work out that would have lesser men give up. But not these two. They are well suited for each other and I loved how supportive Bryce is of Paytah. It gives the stubborn Native American a reason to rethink his attitude and learn how to stand up for himself.
I also enjoyed seeing Jerry and John again, and finding out how they and the kids have been faring since the end of book one. The other characters were wonderful additions, and each member of the tribe who gets involved in Bryce's scheme had a special contribution to make. The message of hope for everyone was amazing and very uplifting.
As in the first book, Andrew Grey has taken on the telling of a socially important story with "The Fight Within". He makes the issue clear, treats the implications with care and sensitivity, and, hopefully, will make every reader realize that even in the early twenty-first century blatant mismanagement of an entire people's interests is still happening. It infuriates and saddens me in equal measure. Thank you, Andrew, for taking on this subject, and for giving this issue your time, and these people a voice. Like after reading the first book, I find myself hoping that you will continue adding stories, making this a truly meaningful series about justice long overdue.
Suppression and exploitation is never right, and if you want to find out more, handed to you in the form of an interesting story full of amazing characters, please buy and read this book. I can only repeat what I said about the first book: I think it is well worth every cent you spend on it, and every minute of your reading time will be well invested!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
As in the first book, the characters' story is central to the plot, but the harsh reality of life on a Native American reservation, even in the twenty-first century, is never far away. The way Andrew addresses poverty and some of the exploitation that goes on was sensitive, but made very clear how wrong it is. There are people who will use their power over grants, their money and influence to take advantage of children in the worst way, and thankfully they get their just rewards in this book. Unfortunately, reality isn’t always so ideal, and this book is a good reminder of some of the emotional fallout when things don’t go as they morally should.
Bryce has suffered an awful loss, and it takes him a long time to start getting over it. His friends John (who is also his boss in the IT business he works in) and Jerry, John's partner, almost have to force Bryce to go camping with them. But taking Bryce to the reservation where John grew up is exactly what Bryce needs. When he meets Paytah, who runs the tribe's trading post, it isn’t love at first sight by any stretch of the imagination. They have some prejudices to overcome and then personal issues to work out that would have lesser men give up. But not these two. They are well suited for each other and I loved how supportive Bryce is of Paytah. It gives the stubborn Native American a reason to rethink his attitude and learn how to stand up for himself.
I also enjoyed seeing Jerry and John again, and finding out how they and the kids have been faring since the end of book one. The other characters were wonderful additions, and each member of the tribe who gets involved in Bryce's scheme had a special contribution to make. The message of hope for everyone was amazing and very uplifting.
As in the first book, Andrew Grey has taken on the telling of a socially important story with "The Fight Within". He makes the issue clear, treats the implications with care and sensitivity, and, hopefully, will make every reader realize that even in the early twenty-first century blatant mismanagement of an entire people's interests is still happening. It infuriates and saddens me in equal measure. Thank you, Andrew, for taking on this subject, and for giving this issue your time, and these people a voice. Like after reading the first book, I find myself hoping that you will continue adding stories, making this a truly meaningful series about justice long overdue.
Suppression and exploitation is never right, and if you want to find out more, handed to you in the form of an interesting story full of amazing characters, please buy and read this book. I can only repeat what I said about the first book: I think it is well worth every cent you spend on it, and every minute of your reading time will be well invested!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 8, 2017
2.5 stars So let me preface this by saying that I really liked book one, The Good Fight. Also, I appreciate that the author is bringing awareness to problems currently plaguing the Native American people in this country, and I think his intentions with that regard are noble.
Now to explain my somewhat low rating. I just couldn't get into it, pretty much right from the start. My memory of Bryce from book one was a young just out of school computer geek, and I believe I remember them mentioning something about Percy but had kinda forgotten until I started this book. So I was surprised with the first chapter, and since I knew Paytah was the love interest for this book, the whole chapter was just waiting for the axe to fall. . So it felt a little like they were trying to get to you emotionally right away, but I just wasn't invested enough yet.
Also, Bryce's personality/character seemed to change to me. Like I said, he was different than I remembered, but fine. However, my main issue was that he seemed a different person throughout the book too. He just all of a sudden was super deep and kept saying really flowery stuff and I dunno it was just... meh. It almost seemed like he was the older, more experienced mentor taking Paytah under his wing or something, which again, I just didn't feel like it fit.
I felt like the Percy issue was going to be the focal point of the story. Bryce's struggles, etc. But despite that being the start of the book, we immediately jump to a year later when Bryce is finally ready to move on and I felt like the Percy story-line sort of got dropped. It didn't really feel necessary in fact. The whole Mr. Mark issue as well as the tribe became the main focus. And despite this becoming the main story-line, it ended rather abruptly after all the build-up. There was that one confrontation at the end, but after that it got resolved all through hearsay basically.
Speaking of the tribe... I know this wasn't the authors intent, and I know it's sort of the theme of the series... but it seemed redundant from book one and to be honest a little insulting to have another white guy come in and basically save the tribe. They tried to say 'they're just his ideas' and he said 'the tribe needs to be the ones to actually do this', but in the end it felt like white-man-saves-day.
Lastly, in addition to these plot issues I had, the dialogue just felt stilted and forced. I had a little bit of this problem in book one (I commented how the "My Warrior" that Jerry used to say would sound weird if an actual person ever said it) and that's how I felt through this whole book. "This is a beautiful and thoughtful gift... Your gift is beautiful, and whenever I see it, I'll always think of you." In real life you would say "It's beautiful, and SO thoughtful! It will make me think of you." See what I mean, maybe just too formal for my liking.
Anyway, I kind of had to force myself to finish. I was about ready to give up but I kept going... and then it ended like two pages later. The epilogue did help wrap things up but overall it just didn't work for me unfortunately.
Now to explain my somewhat low rating. I just couldn't get into it, pretty much right from the start. My memory of Bryce from book one was a young just out of school computer geek, and I believe I remember them mentioning something about Percy but had kinda forgotten until I started this book. So I was surprised with the first chapter, and since I knew Paytah was the love interest for this book, the whole chapter was just waiting for the axe to fall. . So it felt a little like they were trying to get to you emotionally right away, but I just wasn't invested enough yet.
Also, Bryce's personality/character seemed to change to me. Like I said, he was different than I remembered, but fine. However, my main issue was that he seemed a different person throughout the book too. He just all of a sudden was super deep and kept saying really flowery stuff and I dunno it was just... meh. It almost seemed like he was the older, more experienced mentor taking Paytah under his wing or something, which again, I just didn't feel like it fit.
I felt like the Percy issue was going to be the focal point of the story. Bryce's struggles, etc. But despite that being the start of the book, we immediately jump to a year later when Bryce is finally ready to move on and I felt like the Percy story-line sort of got dropped. It didn't really feel necessary in fact. The whole Mr. Mark issue as well as the tribe became the main focus. And despite this becoming the main story-line, it ended rather abruptly after all the build-up. There was that one confrontation at the end, but after that it got resolved all through hearsay basically.
Speaking of the tribe... I know this wasn't the authors intent, and I know it's sort of the theme of the series... but it seemed redundant from book one and to be honest a little insulting to have another white guy come in and basically save the tribe. They tried to say 'they're just his ideas' and he said 'the tribe needs to be the ones to actually do this', but in the end it felt like white-man-saves-day.
Lastly, in addition to these plot issues I had, the dialogue just felt stilted and forced. I had a little bit of this problem in book one (I commented how the "My Warrior" that Jerry used to say would sound weird if an actual person ever said it) and that's how I felt through this whole book. "This is a beautiful and thoughtful gift... Your gift is beautiful, and whenever I see it, I'll always think of you." In real life you would say "It's beautiful, and SO thoughtful! It will make me think of you." See what I mean, maybe just too formal for my liking.
Anyway, I kind of had to force myself to finish. I was about ready to give up but I kept going... and then it ended like two pages later. The epilogue did help wrap things up but overall it just didn't work for me unfortunately.
March 7, 2013
I really love the fact that I have learned things from this series!
I stayed up way to late on a work night to finish this, it's an addicting story.
I stayed up way to late on a work night to finish this, it's an addicting story.
March 24, 2013
Sequel to The Good Fight, this story was even better than the original. Bryce Morgan is a computer programmer working for Jerry Lincoln in his web design business. As the story opens, he's preparing for his wedding when he learns that his partner Percy has been killed in an accident. A year later, Bryce is still in heavy mourning, hiding out in his home and totally isolating from any social event. Jerry and his partner John Black Raven encourage him to start to live again, and they virtually drag him across the state as they go to visit John's family on the Lakota Reservation. There he meets Paytah Stillwater, the very stoic and negative Native American who runs the local trading post. Paytah pushes buttons that Bryce forgot he had, as anger rules their first meetings. The sparks continue to fly as each rubs the other the wrong way throughout the long weekend. When Bryce shows unexpected kindness to a local child, Paytah starts to take notice, but instead of complimenting Bryce he offends him, and Bryce storms out. Despite this, Bryce feels attracted to the man and questions his resolve to hang on to his grief for Percy.
Several weeks later, Bryce and his co-workers, as well as the children John and Jerry have adopted, come back to the reservation for an extended visit with John's family. They plan to work from there for a while so that the children can be with their grandparents. During this time Bryce and Paytah finally thaw toward each other and begin to form a relationship. But Paytah is harboring his own grief, a dark secret of abuse at the hands of a sexual predator, and he fears that the man may be continuing to abuse other children on the reservation. As they become closer, Paytah finally shares his secret with Bryce who encourages him to get help and to speak out and report this man. As the story evolves, Bryce also becomes emotionally involved with the plight of the families on the reservation. He assists the tribe by offering some very creative ideas of how to bring in further revenue to help reduce unemployment and meet basic needs.
Throughout the story, two themes are interwoven – the inability of the tribe to support themselves economically, and the helplessness of the victims of a pedophile who is well-known and respected in the community. Mr Grey does an excellent job in subtly bringing both issues to the forefront of our attention while also focusing on the romance evolving between Bryce and Paytah. Both men have been injured emotionally, but both bring healing to each other as their love develops. There are some explicit sex scenes but I liked the fact that the author did not overemphasize the sex in their relationship, allowing time for them to get to know each other.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who is interested in the plight of Native Americans living on a reservation, to any fan of Andrew Grey, and to those who simply want a beautiful romance between two men who are able to heal from the wounds of the past and look forward to a fulfilling future together.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Several weeks later, Bryce and his co-workers, as well as the children John and Jerry have adopted, come back to the reservation for an extended visit with John's family. They plan to work from there for a while so that the children can be with their grandparents. During this time Bryce and Paytah finally thaw toward each other and begin to form a relationship. But Paytah is harboring his own grief, a dark secret of abuse at the hands of a sexual predator, and he fears that the man may be continuing to abuse other children on the reservation. As they become closer, Paytah finally shares his secret with Bryce who encourages him to get help and to speak out and report this man. As the story evolves, Bryce also becomes emotionally involved with the plight of the families on the reservation. He assists the tribe by offering some very creative ideas of how to bring in further revenue to help reduce unemployment and meet basic needs.
Throughout the story, two themes are interwoven – the inability of the tribe to support themselves economically, and the helplessness of the victims of a pedophile who is well-known and respected in the community. Mr Grey does an excellent job in subtly bringing both issues to the forefront of our attention while also focusing on the romance evolving between Bryce and Paytah. Both men have been injured emotionally, but both bring healing to each other as their love develops. There are some explicit sex scenes but I liked the fact that the author did not overemphasize the sex in their relationship, allowing time for them to get to know each other.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who is interested in the plight of Native Americans living on a reservation, to any fan of Andrew Grey, and to those who simply want a beautiful romance between two men who are able to heal from the wounds of the past and look forward to a fulfilling future together.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
February 1, 2015
I was kind of underwhelmed by the first in this series, but enjoy reading books containing Native American culture, and it was on sale, so thought I'd give it a try.
And though the story was kind of sweet, and the characters were likable, I couldn't get over the fact that it was incredibly, though unconsciously, racist. The white man is the one who saves the reservation on multiple levels. The pedophile (who also happens to be white) is not apprehended until he gets involved. The Native artisans never think of selling their wares off the reservation until he suggests it (and brings several people out of poverty). And worst of all, not a single Native person living on the reservation even thinks about returning buffalo to the unused grazing land until the white man suggests it. Then they are all "what a great idea!" and a year later name the herd after him.
I really struggled with how to rate this. I was so offended by the racism I wanted to give it one star, but I don't think the author realized how bad it was, and the rest of the story was kind of sweet. So maybe 1.5 stars. But this author needs to reevaluate how he is writing, and how he has portrayed Native Americans living on the reservation as kind of oblivious and stupid. Needing a white man to "save" them is insulting and denigrating.
And though the story was kind of sweet, and the characters were likable, I couldn't get over the fact that it was incredibly, though unconsciously, racist. The white man is the one who saves the reservation on multiple levels. The pedophile (who also happens to be white) is not apprehended until he gets involved. The Native artisans never think of selling their wares off the reservation until he suggests it (and brings several people out of poverty). And worst of all, not a single Native person living on the reservation even thinks about returning buffalo to the unused grazing land until the white man suggests it. Then they are all "what a great idea!" and a year later name the herd after him.
I really struggled with how to rate this. I was so offended by the racism I wanted to give it one star, but I don't think the author realized how bad it was, and the rest of the story was kind of sweet. So maybe 1.5 stars. But this author needs to reevaluate how he is writing, and how he has portrayed Native Americans living on the reservation as kind of oblivious and stupid. Needing a white man to "save" them is insulting and denigrating.
April 18, 2013
A good, and powerfully moving story. I appreciated the author's sensitive handling of difficult, and timely topics without having the book feel preachy, or like an issues book. The characters are well developed, and I like that it's not about one saving or fixing the other, but about them supporting each other, and reaching out to others for the help that they need. There was no healing sex, no instant love, and no easy answers. It was a story that examined what it means to be brave, and how people move on after tragedy. There is no perfect happily ever after, but it doesn't prevent the story from having a more honest happy ending. One of my new favorite series.
October 27, 2015
4.5 Stars
February 25, 2017
3.7 Stars
So at first there were bits of this book that made me uncomfortable - specifically the almost "White Savior" aspect of the story. But given the nature of the abuse and how it wasn't addressed properly within the community I feel like it was almost necessary due to the situation. (Something similar is unfortunately an ongoing and pervasive issue on many native lands and cannot be redressed by the tribal council due to jurisdictional problems.)
Same goes for the business suggestions that were then implemented in all ways by the reservation residents - mainly because there are sometimes the kinds of insidious doubts fostered into such communities as evidenced by the Pedo and ingrained making people afraid of speaking up or timid in putting forth ideas of their own.
There are also many occasions where the white MC has to check his privilege and scale back his own urge to step in and actively take over. I loved these small but important details in the story.
It was all shaping up to be a 4.0 Star rating until the epilogue; I really, really hated that the tribe named the buffalo herd after the white MC...because then it did become a "White Savior" story. A much more fitting tribute would have been asking Bryce for suggestions on naming the herd, or maybe naming ONE of the newborn buffalo after him. And that whole adopted-by-the-tribe announcement? Is that even a thing? I know it was meant to make Bryce feel like he could fit in on the reservation as more than just Paytah's boyfriend but again I think it could have been handled better. I'm not familiar with such traditions but it just felt too neat and tidy, and way too self-serving of the perfect happy ending. *shrug*
So, yeah, being white myself I've no cultural basis for claiming the whole book to be offensive but my discomfort at those last details makes me think at least that ending might be.
So at first there were bits of this book that made me uncomfortable - specifically the almost "White Savior" aspect of the story. But given the nature of the abuse and how it wasn't addressed properly within the community I feel like it was almost necessary due to the situation. (Something similar is unfortunately an ongoing and pervasive issue on many native lands and cannot be redressed by the tribal council due to jurisdictional problems.)
Same goes for the business suggestions that were then implemented in all ways by the reservation residents - mainly because there are sometimes the kinds of insidious doubts fostered into such communities as evidenced by the Pedo and ingrained making people afraid of speaking up or timid in putting forth ideas of their own.
There are also many occasions where the white MC has to check his privilege and scale back his own urge to step in and actively take over. I loved these small but important details in the story.
It was all shaping up to be a 4.0 Star rating until the epilogue; I really, really hated that the tribe named the buffalo herd after the white MC...because then it did become a "White Savior" story. A much more fitting tribute would have been asking Bryce for suggestions on naming the herd, or maybe naming ONE of the newborn buffalo after him. And that whole adopted-by-the-tribe announcement? Is that even a thing? I know it was meant to make Bryce feel like he could fit in on the reservation as more than just Paytah's boyfriend but again I think it could have been handled better. I'm not familiar with such traditions but it just felt too neat and tidy, and way too self-serving of the perfect happy ending. *shrug*
So, yeah, being white myself I've no cultural basis for claiming the whole book to be offensive but my discomfort at those last details makes me think at least that ending might be.
March 4, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Bryce has become withdrawn since the death of his partner, Percy, a year ago, his friends Jerry and John finally convince him to come away with them to the reservation and to start letting people back into his life again. At the trading station he meets gruff Paytah and is intrigued by him and begins the attraction begins chip away at his walls. Paytah has built up his walls high after suffering years of abuse, even though Bryce is white he breaks through Paytah’s walls with his generous honest nature, and the two become close. Together Bryce and Paytah heal their souls and Paytah faces his abuser and Bryce helps the tribe to help itself.
Okay boys and girls; make sure you have the tissues handy from the first page because you will need them. The story starts out a year in the past with Bryce waiting eagerly for his fiancé, Percy, to return home from a business trip, but he receives devastating news. Fast forward one year to the present time and Bryce is still grieving from the loss of Percy so his friends Jerry and John ( The Good Fight ) along with their kids convince him to visit the reservation with them, and it is a visit that begins to bring him back to the land of the living. Paytah has suffered in silence for years, when he did turn to adults for help they refused to believe him so now he keeps people at a distance never letting anyone close enough to know the emotional pain he still goes through, until Bryce walks into his life.
This is a story that is rich in detail, delving into the Native American culture and also sharing the suffering that the Native American’s still face today. The storyline and plot are deep reaching drawing us into a wall of silence and the secret suffering of abuse victims, the arrogance of the abuser and the strength of will to put an end to the abuse. It also gives the characters hope, with new ideas for the tribe to begin bringing new life into their reservation. And last but not least, we have a romance that breaks through grief and guilt and brings two men together who have each suffered in their own ways and sees them through the problems they face from living in different places.
Paytah is an incredible character, he has built up a gruff image which protects him from people getting too close, but it hides a world of hurt and insecurities. Bryce is a wonderful character, he still has bouts of grief, but his heart is still open to love and he thinks nothing of helping out some just because he thinks it’s the right thing to do. I loved both these characters and both their stories touched my heart, the suffering they both go through could have broken them both, but in the end they come through stronger than before.
I will recommend this story to those who love men with tragic pasts, finding the strength to love and trust again, facing the past and confronting it, hot, sweet loving and a very happy and joyful ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Bryce has become withdrawn since the death of his partner, Percy, a year ago, his friends Jerry and John finally convince him to come away with them to the reservation and to start letting people back into his life again. At the trading station he meets gruff Paytah and is intrigued by him and begins the attraction begins chip away at his walls. Paytah has built up his walls high after suffering years of abuse, even though Bryce is white he breaks through Paytah’s walls with his generous honest nature, and the two become close. Together Bryce and Paytah heal their souls and Paytah faces his abuser and Bryce helps the tribe to help itself.
Okay boys and girls; make sure you have the tissues handy from the first page because you will need them. The story starts out a year in the past with Bryce waiting eagerly for his fiancé, Percy, to return home from a business trip, but he receives devastating news. Fast forward one year to the present time and Bryce is still grieving from the loss of Percy so his friends Jerry and John ( The Good Fight ) along with their kids convince him to visit the reservation with them, and it is a visit that begins to bring him back to the land of the living. Paytah has suffered in silence for years, when he did turn to adults for help they refused to believe him so now he keeps people at a distance never letting anyone close enough to know the emotional pain he still goes through, until Bryce walks into his life.
This is a story that is rich in detail, delving into the Native American culture and also sharing the suffering that the Native American’s still face today. The storyline and plot are deep reaching drawing us into a wall of silence and the secret suffering of abuse victims, the arrogance of the abuser and the strength of will to put an end to the abuse. It also gives the characters hope, with new ideas for the tribe to begin bringing new life into their reservation. And last but not least, we have a romance that breaks through grief and guilt and brings two men together who have each suffered in their own ways and sees them through the problems they face from living in different places.
Paytah is an incredible character, he has built up a gruff image which protects him from people getting too close, but it hides a world of hurt and insecurities. Bryce is a wonderful character, he still has bouts of grief, but his heart is still open to love and he thinks nothing of helping out some just because he thinks it’s the right thing to do. I loved both these characters and both their stories touched my heart, the suffering they both go through could have broken them both, but in the end they come through stronger than before.
I will recommend this story to those who love men with tragic pasts, finding the strength to love and trust again, facing the past and confronting it, hot, sweet loving and a very happy and joyful ending.
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March 12, 2013I was almost used to an Andrew Grey’s novel, setting in a pretty small town or in an old fashioned ranch, that this new series caught me by surprise. The Fight Within is almost entirely developed in a Native American reservation, and this alone gained major points from me since I have always been interested in those reservations and the today life. You have a lot of historic essays and even some novels, but current life is often overlooked in favor of old notions.
Bryce is a recent widower (actually his partner died days before their marriage but the ceremony was only something formal to make it legal what they already consider a status quo); even if still mourning, Bryce knows that his late partner wouldn’t have wanted for him to do that forever, and so when Bryce meets Paytah, he knows it’s time to look ahead to another future. The trouble is that Paytah is coming out from an abusive past and he is scared to love again (or better to love for the first time, since what he went through before is as much as far from love you can imagine).
Another difference I noticed from previous experiences with the same author is that the sex part of the novel is not so much on center stage; sure, the two main characters will arrive to share also the physical aspect of their relationship, but maybe due to the sensitive matter the novel is dealing with (child abuse), the author decided to let it being late into the novel and not so explicit. I quite appreciate this soft touch, it was right for the context.
I liked that here the strength of the men lied not in their physical body, but more in their upbringing and self-consciousness: while Bryce is hurting, he comes from a supporting family and circle of friends, and so he is strong enough to overcome his loss; on the other side, while Paytah is apparently the stronger man, big and sturdy, he is actually the one who needs help because his hurting is deep and still bleeding inside.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1623804000/?...
Bryce is a recent widower (actually his partner died days before their marriage but the ceremony was only something formal to make it legal what they already consider a status quo); even if still mourning, Bryce knows that his late partner wouldn’t have wanted for him to do that forever, and so when Bryce meets Paytah, he knows it’s time to look ahead to another future. The trouble is that Paytah is coming out from an abusive past and he is scared to love again (or better to love for the first time, since what he went through before is as much as far from love you can imagine).
Another difference I noticed from previous experiences with the same author is that the sex part of the novel is not so much on center stage; sure, the two main characters will arrive to share also the physical aspect of their relationship, but maybe due to the sensitive matter the novel is dealing with (child abuse), the author decided to let it being late into the novel and not so explicit. I quite appreciate this soft touch, it was right for the context.
I liked that here the strength of the men lied not in their physical body, but more in their upbringing and self-consciousness: while Bryce is hurting, he comes from a supporting family and circle of friends, and so he is strong enough to overcome his loss; on the other side, while Paytah is apparently the stronger man, big and sturdy, he is actually the one who needs help because his hurting is deep and still bleeding inside.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1623804000/?...
April 12, 2013
4.5 Stars
This is book number 2 in the “Good Fight Series”, and if you have not read book number 1 “The Good Fight” then I recommend that you do.
In Book 1 you meet Jerry who’s starting up a computer business and is in need of a couple of employees. He hires John, a Native American who is trying to find work and get custody of his niece and nephew who have been taken by the children’s social services due to the death of their mother. He also hires a man named Bryce whose story I am about to review.
First off, I would like to say that these books deal with many issues and they are not lighthearted ones. As I read book one, I wondered how much of the information that was provided in the book was true, so I got out the twitter app and asked the author. He tells me that he did a lot of research and sadly all the things he wrote are very true and that breaks my heart.
Bryce’s story “The Fight Within” is another emotional tale that had me right away bringing out the tissues. Bryce has been in a loving relationship with his partner Percy for 3 years, and just as they’re two days away from their wedding tragedy strikes and Bryce is left brokenhearted. A year later and Bryce is still mourning his late lover and his friends feel it’s time for him to get out and start living again. They head out to the reservation where Bryce encounters a gruff and surly store owner Paytah. Paytah has had a hard life and is not easy to get to know. He’s a very closed off man, but you can see that deep down he is lonely and wants more out of his life.
When he finally lets Bryce in, their relationship blossoms but Paytah has a secret that he has been carrying with him for years and it is eating away at his soul. When Paytah finally opens up to Bryce it is devastating and heart wrenching, but you can see Bryce will be there till the end.
See Jenn's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
This is book number 2 in the “Good Fight Series”, and if you have not read book number 1 “The Good Fight” then I recommend that you do.
In Book 1 you meet Jerry who’s starting up a computer business and is in need of a couple of employees. He hires John, a Native American who is trying to find work and get custody of his niece and nephew who have been taken by the children’s social services due to the death of their mother. He also hires a man named Bryce whose story I am about to review.
First off, I would like to say that these books deal with many issues and they are not lighthearted ones. As I read book one, I wondered how much of the information that was provided in the book was true, so I got out the twitter app and asked the author. He tells me that he did a lot of research and sadly all the things he wrote are very true and that breaks my heart.
Bryce’s story “The Fight Within” is another emotional tale that had me right away bringing out the tissues. Bryce has been in a loving relationship with his partner Percy for 3 years, and just as they’re two days away from their wedding tragedy strikes and Bryce is left brokenhearted. A year later and Bryce is still mourning his late lover and his friends feel it’s time for him to get out and start living again. They head out to the reservation where Bryce encounters a gruff and surly store owner Paytah. Paytah has had a hard life and is not easy to get to know. He’s a very closed off man, but you can see that deep down he is lonely and wants more out of his life.
When he finally lets Bryce in, their relationship blossoms but Paytah has a secret that he has been carrying with him for years and it is eating away at his soul. When Paytah finally opens up to Bryce it is devastating and heart wrenching, but you can see Bryce will be there till the end.
See Jenn's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
March 4, 2013
The Fight Within starts with a look back at how Bryce lost his partner and the flash-forwards to now. You will need a box of Kleenex nearby! This story had me at page one and didn’t quit for days after I read the last word. The Fight Within is a gripping journey of loss, love, learning to both let go of the past and stand up for yourself in the now and future.
Paytah is such a multifaceted character that I truly wish I could go meet him in RL! His emotions run deep, his heart is huge but has been so abused that he can’t let anyone near for fear that his past will destroy him.
Bryce is a moody sweetie, but then loosing your partner seems like a good reason for the attitude to me. But after being bullied by Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven’s kids (their story is in The Good Fight) into going on a road trip to the reservation John’s family lives on, his heart and world are rocked and spun on end.
What do you get when you mix two proud men, a past of abuse and pain, and a love that won’t be denied—no matter how many insults or miles lay in the way? A world rich in textures; characters so vibrant you laugh, cry, and swoon with them; and a story that not only touches you deeply, but is one that truly needs to be told.
I can not say enough good about Andrew Grey’s The Fight Within! In my opinion this is Mr. Grey’s best story to date. It touched me deeply and will be one I read again and again both for it’s love and for it’s power. There will be a 3rd in this series, The Fight for Identity, in May. . . I can’t wait!
* eARC provided by author in exchange for honest review
Paytah is such a multifaceted character that I truly wish I could go meet him in RL! His emotions run deep, his heart is huge but has been so abused that he can’t let anyone near for fear that his past will destroy him.
Bryce is a moody sweetie, but then loosing your partner seems like a good reason for the attitude to me. But after being bullied by Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven’s kids (their story is in The Good Fight) into going on a road trip to the reservation John’s family lives on, his heart and world are rocked and spun on end.
What do you get when you mix two proud men, a past of abuse and pain, and a love that won’t be denied—no matter how many insults or miles lay in the way? A world rich in textures; characters so vibrant you laugh, cry, and swoon with them; and a story that not only touches you deeply, but is one that truly needs to be told.
I can not say enough good about Andrew Grey’s The Fight Within! In my opinion this is Mr. Grey’s best story to date. It touched me deeply and will be one I read again and again both for it’s love and for it’s power. There will be a 3rd in this series, The Fight for Identity, in May. . . I can’t wait!
* eARC provided by author in exchange for honest review
March 12, 2013
Enjoyed this one as much as the first. Loved that the story was almost a continuation of what happened in book 1 - and enjoyed seeing Paytah have a HEA. I always liked Bryce so this just worked on all levels for me! The continual emphasis on Native American culture was unique and brought such a unique feel to the book. Andrew always gets me with the way he writes his characters - strong but willing to reach out when needed!
June 9, 2021
MARAVILLOSO
Una historia perfecta, de principio a fin, Muy sensible, bellamente narrada y por momentos desgarradora.
El mejor de la saga, sin dudas mi favorito
Una historia perfecta, de principio a fin, Muy sensible, bellamente narrada y por momentos desgarradora.
El mejor de la saga, sin dudas mi favorito
August 26, 2021
Meglepődtem, hogy ez mennyire komoly témákkal foglalkozó könyv. Sokkal jobb volt, mint amire számítottam, és végre tényleg fontos volt az indián háttér. Tetszett.
March 15, 2013
What I have appreciated about the books I've read by this author and made me hunt down his back list of works for my wish list or in this case seek out the opportunity to read the latest as soon as I could are a few things: the warm overtones of family and friendship, characters with depth who are flawed yet have potential to grow, difficult and troubling challenges for characters to surmount, respect for differences and the diversity around us and nice bits of action tossed in for good measure.
In this sequel to 'The Good Fight', which I recommend that you read first since the backdrop and recurring characters make better sense then, it is Bryce's turn to have his story told. Bryce Morton was a secondary character in 'The Good Fight' and a favorite of mine. I was excited to see that he was to be a lead in this one. But oh no- tissue please- the story begins with Bryce experiencing tragedy in the form of his fiance being taken from him just days before his wedding. He has family and friends to support him, but his grief is deep and must run the coarse and let time heal him.
Jerry and John worry about their friend so they talk Bryce into coming with them and the kids to spend time on the reservation where they'll teach computer classes, do some programing work and visit with John's family particularly his dad who's come home from the oil fields to spend time with his family. Bryce reluctantly agrees. His reluctance soon turns to intrigue when he runs up against the abrupt anger and rudeness of Paytah Stillwater on a few occasions when he's helping teach a computer software class and when he must shop at Paytah's store.
Bryce is prepared to chalk Paytah's attitude up to the age old skin color prejudice which was John's apologetic explanation to him after the first time it happened, but instinctively he is drawn to Paytah and wants to get a closer look sensing there is more to it. And so begins a tentative something between these two very outwardly different men who have both experienced pain in their lives. Bryce is coming out of his pain finally and ready to look to his future, but for Paytah, he has lived with his pain a long time and it goes deep- yes another tissue was necessary here. Bryce becomes the catalyst that allows Paytah to begin to heal. Bryce and Paytah have reached out to each other and are forging a relationship through fire as Paytah secrets inflame the community on the reservation and force people to take sides and take stands. There is still the external barrier they must face namely the fact that they live in two separate worlds and neither of them can see a way to bridge the chasm.
The story was superb not that I expected anything less after reading the first story in the series. Like its predecessor, this book flows at a gentle pace with spikes of action or passion, but for the most part it is character-driven. Usually I would be nervous to read a story where the author tackled issues that are like tip-toeing through a minefield. Whether it was Native American/White relations or child abuse and neglect, the author handled them with care and sympathy. But the book is not heavy and morose. For instance, there is this scene in the beginning that had me laughing at Bryce. Bryce is in the van on the way to the reservation with Jerry, John and the kids when he discovers -horror of all- that they're all going camping. I love camping particularly in the Mountain states, but I've seen that expression on that family member's face when they picture being eaten alive by wild beasts when you invite them to go with you. Bryce does not get the camping trip from hell, but gets to experience the best part of camping and an unexpected gift- the serenity of sitting around a campfire staring up at the clear night sky with only the sounds of nature to intrude allowing his soul to heal.
I enjoy how the relationship is handled too. Bryce's healing began before he pursued something with Paytah and later there is a slow down for both men to make sure that Paytah's attraction was not just out of gratitude. There is also the fact that barriers like Bryce's job and feelings of not being accepted are not just swept under the carpet once love is declared.
It was great to meet up again with Jerry, John, the kids and John's folks. Jerry and John have forged a strong relationship and a beautiful family together. Mato cracked me up with his donut cravings (me too pal).
Oh and a caution to those who might have an empathetic past with child exploitation through abuse, there is no actual scene where it is present, but it is referenced to with a the littlest of details.
I can recommend this series/book to those who enjoy heartwarming m/m contemporary romance.
In this sequel to 'The Good Fight', which I recommend that you read first since the backdrop and recurring characters make better sense then, it is Bryce's turn to have his story told. Bryce Morton was a secondary character in 'The Good Fight' and a favorite of mine. I was excited to see that he was to be a lead in this one. But oh no- tissue please- the story begins with Bryce experiencing tragedy in the form of his fiance being taken from him just days before his wedding. He has family and friends to support him, but his grief is deep and must run the coarse and let time heal him.
Jerry and John worry about their friend so they talk Bryce into coming with them and the kids to spend time on the reservation where they'll teach computer classes, do some programing work and visit with John's family particularly his dad who's come home from the oil fields to spend time with his family. Bryce reluctantly agrees. His reluctance soon turns to intrigue when he runs up against the abrupt anger and rudeness of Paytah Stillwater on a few occasions when he's helping teach a computer software class and when he must shop at Paytah's store.
Bryce is prepared to chalk Paytah's attitude up to the age old skin color prejudice which was John's apologetic explanation to him after the first time it happened, but instinctively he is drawn to Paytah and wants to get a closer look sensing there is more to it. And so begins a tentative something between these two very outwardly different men who have both experienced pain in their lives. Bryce is coming out of his pain finally and ready to look to his future, but for Paytah, he has lived with his pain a long time and it goes deep- yes another tissue was necessary here. Bryce becomes the catalyst that allows Paytah to begin to heal. Bryce and Paytah have reached out to each other and are forging a relationship through fire as Paytah secrets inflame the community on the reservation and force people to take sides and take stands. There is still the external barrier they must face namely the fact that they live in two separate worlds and neither of them can see a way to bridge the chasm.
The story was superb not that I expected anything less after reading the first story in the series. Like its predecessor, this book flows at a gentle pace with spikes of action or passion, but for the most part it is character-driven. Usually I would be nervous to read a story where the author tackled issues that are like tip-toeing through a minefield. Whether it was Native American/White relations or child abuse and neglect, the author handled them with care and sympathy. But the book is not heavy and morose. For instance, there is this scene in the beginning that had me laughing at Bryce. Bryce is in the van on the way to the reservation with Jerry, John and the kids when he discovers -horror of all- that they're all going camping. I love camping particularly in the Mountain states, but I've seen that expression on that family member's face when they picture being eaten alive by wild beasts when you invite them to go with you. Bryce does not get the camping trip from hell, but gets to experience the best part of camping and an unexpected gift- the serenity of sitting around a campfire staring up at the clear night sky with only the sounds of nature to intrude allowing his soul to heal.
I enjoy how the relationship is handled too. Bryce's healing began before he pursued something with Paytah and later there is a slow down for both men to make sure that Paytah's attraction was not just out of gratitude. There is also the fact that barriers like Bryce's job and feelings of not being accepted are not just swept under the carpet once love is declared.
It was great to meet up again with Jerry, John, the kids and John's folks. Jerry and John have forged a strong relationship and a beautiful family together. Mato cracked me up with his donut cravings (me too pal).
Oh and a caution to those who might have an empathetic past with child exploitation through abuse, there is no actual scene where it is present, but it is referenced to with a the littlest of details.
I can recommend this series/book to those who enjoy heartwarming m/m contemporary romance.
March 19, 2013
4.5 stars
Originally reviewed at Joyfully Jay
One year after the tragic death of his fiancé, Bryce Morton does nothing but go to work and hang around his house. That is until his friends, John and Jerry, talk him into camping on the reservation where John’s family lives and helping teach a computer class while he’s there. A weekend seems to make all the difference. Finally feeling that he can begin moving on with his life, Bryce meets Paytah, owner of the local trading post and resident grump.
Paytah’s disdain for white people is obvious, but something about the man draws Bryce in. When he is asked to do his job from the reservation for a couple weeks so that his friends can spend time with their family, Bryce agrees, if only to see the quiet Native American at the trading post more often. As time passes, Paytah and Bryce build a friendship and then a relationship. Bryce knows that there is something keeping Paytah from letting go and enjoying life, but he doesn’t want to push Paytah for fear of losing him.
When Paytah finally opens up, the news is worse than Bryce expected. Determined to makes things right, Bryce sets out to find a way to help Paytah heal and resolve the ongoing problem without putting Paytah or the tribe in danger.
The Fight Within is the second book in Andrew Grey’s Good Fight series. It’s a story of healing and finding love in unexpected ways. I really liked this book. It was somewhat slow starting, but after the first few chapters it picked up.
We were introduced to Bryce in The Good Fight. He’s a computer geek who works for Jerry along with John. He has a good head on his shoulders and he’s an emotionally strong character. Bryce is a very caring, accepting man. He can see the good in almost everyone. He cares for the Lakota people. He wants to help the tribe as a whole, and all for selfless reasons. He can’t stand to see people suffering or hungry. Just by being himself, he seems to make the world a better place.
This book is written in Bryce’s POV, but Paytah can’t be overlooked. He’s a wonderful character plays a major role in Bryce’s life. Paytah is seen as a quiet, sour-tempered man, but in truth, he was traumatized early in his life and still lives with that shame and terror. Overcoming his painful past is what makes him strong. Moving on from his childhood fears creates strength in Paytah that he has never known, and he credits that to Bryce’s persistence, love and grounding.
This story presents the difficult subject matter of molestation and rape in a way that is realistic and heartbreaking without being vulgar or distateful. It’s the part of the story that held me most captivated because I wanted to see justice for the victims and their families. The best part of that storyline is the healing that came with Paytah getting his secrets into the open. It made the story that much more beautiful.
I really appreciate the history and culture of the Lakota people that is emphasized throughout this story. Grey really brought the Native American hardships, their sense of community, their pride, and so much more to the forefront. This story is a picture of an amazing people and a wonderful culture that many don’t get to see, much less experience.
I really enjoyed this story. It is heart-wrenching but full of hope. It’s a very well written story by one of my favorite authors. I love the realistic feel of this story. It’s one that I could see playing out in real life. It’s a lovely series that I hope to see added to in the future. I highly recommend The Fight Within by Andrew Grey.
Originally reviewed at Joyfully Jay
One year after the tragic death of his fiancé, Bryce Morton does nothing but go to work and hang around his house. That is until his friends, John and Jerry, talk him into camping on the reservation where John’s family lives and helping teach a computer class while he’s there. A weekend seems to make all the difference. Finally feeling that he can begin moving on with his life, Bryce meets Paytah, owner of the local trading post and resident grump.
Paytah’s disdain for white people is obvious, but something about the man draws Bryce in. When he is asked to do his job from the reservation for a couple weeks so that his friends can spend time with their family, Bryce agrees, if only to see the quiet Native American at the trading post more often. As time passes, Paytah and Bryce build a friendship and then a relationship. Bryce knows that there is something keeping Paytah from letting go and enjoying life, but he doesn’t want to push Paytah for fear of losing him.
When Paytah finally opens up, the news is worse than Bryce expected. Determined to makes things right, Bryce sets out to find a way to help Paytah heal and resolve the ongoing problem without putting Paytah or the tribe in danger.
The Fight Within is the second book in Andrew Grey’s Good Fight series. It’s a story of healing and finding love in unexpected ways. I really liked this book. It was somewhat slow starting, but after the first few chapters it picked up.
We were introduced to Bryce in The Good Fight. He’s a computer geek who works for Jerry along with John. He has a good head on his shoulders and he’s an emotionally strong character. Bryce is a very caring, accepting man. He can see the good in almost everyone. He cares for the Lakota people. He wants to help the tribe as a whole, and all for selfless reasons. He can’t stand to see people suffering or hungry. Just by being himself, he seems to make the world a better place.
This book is written in Bryce’s POV, but Paytah can’t be overlooked. He’s a wonderful character plays a major role in Bryce’s life. Paytah is seen as a quiet, sour-tempered man, but in truth, he was traumatized early in his life and still lives with that shame and terror. Overcoming his painful past is what makes him strong. Moving on from his childhood fears creates strength in Paytah that he has never known, and he credits that to Bryce’s persistence, love and grounding.
This story presents the difficult subject matter of molestation and rape in a way that is realistic and heartbreaking without being vulgar or distateful. It’s the part of the story that held me most captivated because I wanted to see justice for the victims and their families. The best part of that storyline is the healing that came with Paytah getting his secrets into the open. It made the story that much more beautiful.
I really appreciate the history and culture of the Lakota people that is emphasized throughout this story. Grey really brought the Native American hardships, their sense of community, their pride, and so much more to the forefront. This story is a picture of an amazing people and a wonderful culture that many don’t get to see, much less experience.
I really enjoyed this story. It is heart-wrenching but full of hope. It’s a very well written story by one of my favorite authors. I love the realistic feel of this story. It’s one that I could see playing out in real life. It’s a lovely series that I hope to see added to in the future. I highly recommend The Fight Within by Andrew Grey.
March 5, 2013
In the first book in this series, we met Jerry (the owner of a computer design business). He had a growing business and he hired two employees John (a Lakota Indian) and Bryce (a whiz kid coming out of college). The first book focused on the developing relationship between Jerry and John.
In this new book in the series, there is continued development of the lives of these three men. However, we learn right off the bat, that tragedy has stuck Bryce's life, and his lover has been in a terrible accident just days before they were to be wed, and he does not survive.
Fast forward a year -- Jerry and John are still going strong as a couple, and they are visiting the Indian reservation to see John's family and to teach some computer training classes to a few tribe members. They ask Bryce if he wants to come to try to help him out of the funk that he has been in since his fiancé died. Fortunately, Bryce accepts their kind offer.
While on the reservation, Bryce meets a beautiful loner named Paytar. Bryce is immediately stricken with Paytar's unique beauty, although the deep emotional scars that Paytar has take a long time to heal. This story primarily focuses in the relationship between Bryce and Paytar.
But Mr. Grey tackles a very non-traditional romance novel theme in this book -- pedophilia and child rape. I thought that those topics were more than a little out-of-place in a M/M romance. Besides being a buzz kill in a romance novel, these two serious topics deserve more than being stuck between two sex scene. Obviously, Mr. Grey has something important to say on this topic. I think I would have preferred if Mr. Grey eliminated the sex scenes from this book and focused more on the emotional healing that is needed for individuals and a community once it is discovered that a stalwart member of the community is a miserable piece of crap. (Maybe this book should have been a plain work of fiction (bordering on a reality expose) instead of trying so hard to force it into a romance genre.).
In the brief eight page epilogue of this book, the author tries to wrap up the love story between Bryce and Paytar with one fell swoop. I guess the epilogue works if this is the end of this series, but i would have preferred a sequel to be set up that could allow Bryce and Paytar to develop a stronger bond before moving in together and making things permanent.
The story is good, that characters remain strong, and the setting is nice -- I'd Iike to see these characters in a scenario that is not fraught with such depressing subtext.
All in all, I give this a four out of five stars.
May 25, 2013
I am liking this series more and more. Being native myself it's nice to see something reflected that (while not my particular nation) still underscores that we're a part of the genre as well. So for that, props to Mr. Grey.
Now, with that aside I can discuss the book: It was nice to see the author do something with Bryce. The first book obviously centered around John and Jerry but it was a nice element that he'd bothered to make Bryce a character who could have something more to say.
[Small spoiler alert] We learn at the onset of this book that Bryce's wedding is called off due to his partner losing his life in a terrible accident just days before their ceremony. I was glad that the author didn't take us 'down the well of sorrow' for his losing Percy so abruptly. Instead he was respectful of the relationship he hinted in the first book and allowed Bryce to grieve over it (peppering his doubts about moving on before doing so).
Now for Paytah: The love interest that Bryce moves onto might be a difficult character for western audiences to grapple with. Natives do have quite a bit of reticence when it comes to cultural issues and mixing with non-natives - it's a learned response to what we often perceive as cultural invasion. That aside, I think that Mr. Grey paid it its due and moved onto the deeper obstacle in their blossoming relationship: one of sexual abuse. So yeah, Paytah's got a lot to deal with, none the least of which is the despair that often permeates rez life. I didn't grow up on the rez but my dad did so I learned a lot by what he told me about his life and what I experienced when I went back home. So I get where the community (and more importantly for this story) and Paytah's perspective come from in this story.
When the tide turns in Bryce and Paytah's direction, things really get to moving and we feel the men coming together (each needing the other for different reasons but needing each other to heal just the same). Nice use of the sexual scenes to heighten the drama of their burgeoning relationship.
All n' all a nice addition to the native community related series and a great addition to the community he is building with this series (characters from one book weaving in and out of whoever is the focus for the next book in the series. Has great continuity yet keeps it fresh for each volume to stand on its own).
Kudos, Andrew. Hope you find enough sparks in this community to continue the series (have already finished the third tome -- will review it shortly) and eagerly hope there will be a fourth. Bravo!
Now, with that aside I can discuss the book: It was nice to see the author do something with Bryce. The first book obviously centered around John and Jerry but it was a nice element that he'd bothered to make Bryce a character who could have something more to say.
[Small spoiler alert] We learn at the onset of this book that Bryce's wedding is called off due to his partner losing his life in a terrible accident just days before their ceremony. I was glad that the author didn't take us 'down the well of sorrow' for his losing Percy so abruptly. Instead he was respectful of the relationship he hinted in the first book and allowed Bryce to grieve over it (peppering his doubts about moving on before doing so).
Now for Paytah: The love interest that Bryce moves onto might be a difficult character for western audiences to grapple with. Natives do have quite a bit of reticence when it comes to cultural issues and mixing with non-natives - it's a learned response to what we often perceive as cultural invasion. That aside, I think that Mr. Grey paid it its due and moved onto the deeper obstacle in their blossoming relationship: one of sexual abuse. So yeah, Paytah's got a lot to deal with, none the least of which is the despair that often permeates rez life. I didn't grow up on the rez but my dad did so I learned a lot by what he told me about his life and what I experienced when I went back home. So I get where the community (and more importantly for this story) and Paytah's perspective come from in this story.
When the tide turns in Bryce and Paytah's direction, things really get to moving and we feel the men coming together (each needing the other for different reasons but needing each other to heal just the same). Nice use of the sexual scenes to heighten the drama of their burgeoning relationship.
All n' all a nice addition to the native community related series and a great addition to the community he is building with this series (characters from one book weaving in and out of whoever is the focus for the next book in the series. Has great continuity yet keeps it fresh for each volume to stand on its own).
Kudos, Andrew. Hope you find enough sparks in this community to continue the series (have already finished the third tome -- will review it shortly) and eagerly hope there will be a fourth. Bravo!
March 11, 2013
In this sequel to The Good Fight, Bryce has suffered the loss of his fiance days before their wedding. Even after a year, he hasn't fully moved on and is still deep within his grief. When his good friends, Jerry and John, invite him to go camping, he reluctantly agrees. While there, he not only discovers the poverty and desolation on the reservation, but he also finds himself attracted to Paytah, a hardened young man who keeps just about everyone at a distance.
After some rough starts, Bryce and Paytah develop a friendship that soon awakens more powerful, romantic feelings.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see all of the characters from the previous book as well as get to know the new characters on the reservation. The relationship between Bryce and Paytah was frustrating and difficult at first, but eventually bloomed into something quite lovely. Paytah's past was heartbreaking and hard to read, but was handled with tact and realism.
I must admit that little Mato, John's nephew, kind of stole the show for me. He was absolutely adorable and brought a ray of sunshine into an otherwise heavy storyline. :)
Highly recommended.
After some rough starts, Bryce and Paytah develop a friendship that soon awakens more powerful, romantic feelings.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see all of the characters from the previous book as well as get to know the new characters on the reservation. The relationship between Bryce and Paytah was frustrating and difficult at first, but eventually bloomed into something quite lovely. Paytah's past was heartbreaking and hard to read, but was handled with tact and realism.
I must admit that little Mato, John's nephew, kind of stole the show for me. He was absolutely adorable and brought a ray of sunshine into an otherwise heavy storyline. :)
Highly recommended.
September 14, 2021
Bryce Morton, who showed up in the first book in the series, is grieving the loss of his fiancé. A year after the death, he is still in deep mourning and his friends convince his to travel across the state to visit their family on a Native American reservation. There, he meets Paytah, the proprietor of the trading post. Bryce feels an immediate distrust, but Paytah is distrustful. Can they find a path to a mutually enjoyable relationship?
This book is written in a calm, peaceful manner although there is difficult subject matter to be confronted from Paytah's childhood. The book has lots of love and respect all around. One issue mars the book in that Bryce is portrayed as a "white savior" who somehow comes up with basic ideas that no one on the reservation thought of or could implement before. Native Americans are portrayed as skilled, competent, and business savvy once Bryce points them in the "right way". While the book is entertaining, it could definitely use a 2021 edit to update to current sensibilities.
This book is written in a calm, peaceful manner although there is difficult subject matter to be confronted from Paytah's childhood. The book has lots of love and respect all around. One issue mars the book in that Bryce is portrayed as a "white savior" who somehow comes up with basic ideas that no one on the reservation thought of or could implement before. Native Americans are portrayed as skilled, competent, and business savvy once Bryce points them in the "right way". While the book is entertaining, it could definitely use a 2021 edit to update to current sensibilities.
September 17, 2015
This was such a sweet, touching and heart-warming story that I had to give this the full star rating. It touches on some fairly serious issues (discrimination, prejudice, non-consent, loss and grieving etc), but it is done with a huge dose of genuine love and good intentions.
I loved our first MC Bryce is such a sweetheart - he's deliciously well-intentioned and forgiving, despite his own hard knocks from life. Paytah takes a while to warm up to, but he is totally worth the effort. The relationship of these two MCs is just a great feel-good story, and along the way we get to catch up with Jerry, John, their kids and the extended families. Bonus all-round :)
I loved our first MC Bryce is such a sweetheart - he's deliciously well-intentioned and forgiving, despite his own hard knocks from life. Paytah takes a while to warm up to, but he is totally worth the effort. The relationship of these two MCs is just a great feel-good story, and along the way we get to catch up with Jerry, John, their kids and the extended families. Bonus all-round :)
March 5, 2013
Only 2 pages in and I was overcome with tears and grief for a character I never knew and sympathy for a character I barely knew in the first book.
You're pulled into the story from the first sentence. I've always said any book that can make me feel every emotion and finish the book feeling drained, then it is a book worth reading and a book well written.
Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. It's packed with tragedy, love and as always hope. Pay overcomes so much and learns the true meaning of love and Bryce learns it's okay to let go and love again.
A wonderful read.
You're pulled into the story from the first sentence. I've always said any book that can make me feel every emotion and finish the book feeling drained, then it is a book worth reading and a book well written.
Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. It's packed with tragedy, love and as always hope. Pay overcomes so much and learns the true meaning of love and Bryce learns it's okay to let go and love again.
A wonderful read.
January 13, 2015
I decided to enjoy an audio edition and in overall it was an okay romance, but once again for me the romance didn't work.
2013/March/6 - 3 star rating
This story is the second book in The Good Fight series.
The sequel was emotionally well written story, but to be sincerely, the relationship between Bryce and Paytah didn't feel real. I would rather read how they became friends by working together etc. If that would bring them closer or even into the new romance it would make sense, emotionally speaking, but not like it was written here. Their romance wasn't realistic.
2013/March/6 - 3 star rating
This story is the second book in The Good Fight series.
The sequel was emotionally well written story, but to be sincerely, the relationship between Bryce and Paytah didn't feel real. I would rather read how they became friends by working together etc. If that would bring them closer or even into the new romance it would make sense, emotionally speaking, but not like it was written here. Their romance wasn't realistic.
May 31, 2013
We as people, aare so busy in our lives we forget what is happpening in the real world. Andrew grey has a unique andd degnified way of bringing it to our attention.
The issues faced in the book, let me with tears, the bart of how a cartoon character that looks evil is evil but in reality we can't tell was brilliant that a man can overcome the worst is amazing.
So many people should read this book great book will read again and even more moving than its predecsor
The issues faced in the book, let me with tears, the bart of how a cartoon character that looks evil is evil but in reality we can't tell was brilliant that a man can overcome the worst is amazing.
So many people should read this book great book will read again and even more moving than its predecsor
March 7, 2013
Not bad but I kinda like the first one better. =)
March 22, 2013
4.5** loved this continuation! I don't think Andrew could write a story that didn't pull me totally in. I felt tremendous heartache for Paytah and Bryce, and was sooo happy for their HEA!
November 8, 2014
Sweet love story with a side of drama.
January 1, 2021
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews