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Fighting #3
Fighting to Forget
Remembering her will either be his salvation…or his downfall…
Rex
You don’t have to remember the past to be haunted by it.
I’m proof of that.
I don’t remember the demons of my childhood, but I know they’re there. Why else would I need pain to feel anything? A punch to the jaw, the sting of a tattoo needle, the heat from a piercing…only pain can jolt me back from the numbness.
Until I found her…
Mac
I’ve stalked him for years. Waited for the right time to make amends.
We shared horrors most people couldn’t fathom. I’ve lived his pain every day.
And he doesn’t remember me at all.
I wish I could forget, too. Our past, the ways he’s changed, how he makes me feel…all of it.
But I can’t…
He’s spent a lifetime fighting to forget. Now he’ll have to decide if remembering the past—and taking a shot at happily ever after with Mac—is worth the potentially devastating cost.
Fighting to Forget, book 3 in the Fighting series, is an emotional, angsty, contemporary, steamy, sports/MMA romance with a guaranteed HEA. Download today and get ready to fall for Rex and Mac.
Rex
You don’t have to remember the past to be haunted by it.
I’m proof of that.
I don’t remember the demons of my childhood, but I know they’re there. Why else would I need pain to feel anything? A punch to the jaw, the sting of a tattoo needle, the heat from a piercing…only pain can jolt me back from the numbness.
Until I found her…
Mac
I’ve stalked him for years. Waited for the right time to make amends.
We shared horrors most people couldn’t fathom. I’ve lived his pain every day.
And he doesn’t remember me at all.
I wish I could forget, too. Our past, the ways he’s changed, how he makes me feel…all of it.
But I can’t…
He’s spent a lifetime fighting to forget. Now he’ll have to decide if remembering the past—and taking a shot at happily ever after with Mac—is worth the potentially devastating cost.
Fighting to Forget, book 3 in the Fighting series, is an emotional, angsty, contemporary, steamy, sports/MMA romance with a guaranteed HEA. Download today and get ready to fall for Rex and Mac.
404 pages, ebook
First published April 8, 2014
171 people are currently reading
5930 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Salsbury
38 books5,367 followersJ.B. Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids.
Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.
She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.
Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...
For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/
Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.
She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.
Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...
For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 817 reviews
April 20, 2015
5 Fighting stars!
Fighting to Forget is the third book in the ‘Fighting’ series by J.B. Salsbury. It is a beautiful and heart wrenching story. I laughed, I cried, i went through varying emotions. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put this one down.
Gia is working at a bar in Vegas. No one there knows her as Gia. She is Mac now. Gia is in Vegas for one reason and one reason only. To find Rex. The child she once knew. She’s watched Rex for years. Followed his career, kept up on how he’s been. She carries pain and guilt from the childhood Rex endured. She doesn’t ever want anything bad to happen to Rex again.
Rex is a fighter in the UFC. When he’s not performing with his band, he’s fighting or training. Rex’s life is centered on pain. It’s the only thing that keeps him feeling alive. Tattoo’s, fighting, etc. It does the trick.
Rex doesn’t recognize Gia. He doesn’t remember much from that time in his life. The lyrics to his songs tell otherwise.
When Rex and Gia first start seeing each other, you can feel the newness, how real it is. Rex isn’t experienced when it come to relationships or intimacy. Things with Gia are different. I loved watching him come out of his shell and start to grow. When he asked her out, I had the biggest grin on my face.
Gia wants so badly to tell Rex everything. To open up to him, let him know
what she knows. The more time she spends with him, the stronger that urge gets. But Rex doesn’t remember anything from the past. Gia struggles with what to do. Does she tell him all the terrible things that happened when they were young? Or let him live unaware.
When real feelings start to come into play, things become more complicated...
Some of the things this couple went through broke my heart. Rex and Gia’s story was heavy on the emotions. I cried. More than once. More than twice. Okay, it might have been half a dozen times I cried for the both of them. I loved the both of them. Especially Rex. I love love love a broken and damaged man. Rex has been through so much. His story may be tragic, but the healing and love that comes from moving forward from his past is truly beautiful. Watching his growth was inspiring. Then there was Gia. Gia was devoted, strong and lovely. There was a time or two I was a little taken back by her actions, but in the end, I had only love for her.
I know I’ve went on and on about how emotional this book was for me, and it really was. But it also had sweet moments, moments I found my self chuckling and some steamy moments as well.
This author’s ‘Fighting’ series is one that seems to get better and better with each book for me. I was captivated from start to finish. Once I started reading, I had to know what was going to happen next. It’s great when a book fully holds your attention like this did for me. Rex and Gia were wonderful, but I loved catching up with the rest of the gang. Jonah, Raven, Blake and Layla. And then there was the twist. There were twists that were somewhat predictable. Then there was another twist. One that I did not see coming. If you’re looking for a book with a little steam, angst, humor, heartbreak and healing- pick this one up! It comes highly recommended by me.
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Fighting to Forget is the third book in the ‘Fighting’ series by J.B. Salsbury. It is a beautiful and heart wrenching story. I laughed, I cried, i went through varying emotions. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put this one down.
Gia is working at a bar in Vegas. No one there knows her as Gia. She is Mac now. Gia is in Vegas for one reason and one reason only. To find Rex. The child she once knew. She’s watched Rex for years. Followed his career, kept up on how he’s been. She carries pain and guilt from the childhood Rex endured. She doesn’t ever want anything bad to happen to Rex again.
Rex is a fighter in the UFC. When he’s not performing with his band, he’s fighting or training. Rex’s life is centered on pain. It’s the only thing that keeps him feeling alive. Tattoo’s, fighting, etc. It does the trick.
The pain is all I have. It’s the only thing that reminds me I can still feel. It may be sick and insane, but it’s real.Rex is a quiet guy. He doesn’t let a lot of people in. Not in his life, not in his home. When he meets ‘Mac’, things slowly start to change for him.
Rex doesn’t recognize Gia. He doesn’t remember much from that time in his life. The lyrics to his songs tell otherwise.
There’s so much to say, every time we’re together.
But the fear and pain seem to go on forever.
Every night that you come, whispered words spoken.
You calm my soul, and in the moment, I’m not broken.
When Rex and Gia first start seeing each other, you can feel the newness, how real it is. Rex isn’t experienced when it come to relationships or intimacy. Things with Gia are different. I loved watching him come out of his shell and start to grow. When he asked her out, I had the biggest grin on my face.
“Mac, I um.... If you want, would you like to go, with me, on a-”
“Yes.” There’s a hint of a smile in her voice.
“Yes? But you don’t know what I was asking.”
She shrugs and steps in close. “I had a feeling. And honestly, there isn’t much you could ask that I’d say no to.”
Gia wants so badly to tell Rex everything. To open up to him, let him know
what she knows. The more time she spends with him, the stronger that urge gets. But Rex doesn’t remember anything from the past. Gia struggles with what to do. Does she tell him all the terrible things that happened when they were young? Or let him live unaware.
When real feelings start to come into play, things become more complicated...
Some of the things this couple went through broke my heart. Rex and Gia’s story was heavy on the emotions. I cried. More than once. More than twice. Okay, it might have been half a dozen times I cried for the both of them. I loved the both of them. Especially Rex. I love love love a broken and damaged man. Rex has been through so much. His story may be tragic, but the healing and love that comes from moving forward from his past is truly beautiful. Watching his growth was inspiring. Then there was Gia. Gia was devoted, strong and lovely. There was a time or two I was a little taken back by her actions, but in the end, I had only love for her.
I know I’ve went on and on about how emotional this book was for me, and it really was. But it also had sweet moments, moments I found my self chuckling and some steamy moments as well.
This author’s ‘Fighting’ series is one that seems to get better and better with each book for me. I was captivated from start to finish. Once I started reading, I had to know what was going to happen next. It’s great when a book fully holds your attention like this did for me. Rex and Gia were wonderful, but I loved catching up with the rest of the gang. Jonah, Raven, Blake and Layla. And then there was the twist. There were twists that were somewhat predictable. Then there was another twist. One that I did not see coming. If you’re looking for a book with a little steam, angst, humor, heartbreak and healing- pick this one up! It comes highly recommended by me.
Gia didn’t try to fight my demons, make them bow or wrestle them into submission. She embraced them, accepted them as part of me, loved me despite them and arguably even loved them. And it’s that love and acceptance that quieted them, soothed them, and kept them compliant. After all, what is evil if it has nothing to fight.
Your love’s my safety net.
Keeps me from memories that destroy.
Gives me strength when I’m fighting to forget.
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
April 7, 2015
Book 4 Fighting the Fall (The Fighting Series Book 4)
Book 3 on Amazon-->Fighting to Forget (Fighting Series #3)
"They can’t hurt you anymore."
"But they do."
You look at this pic of Alex Minsky and you see a really hot guy with tattoos and gorgeous body.
Then you read the book and you see a boy, tortured, who needs comfort, love, redemption.
Rex is haunted by demons he can't name, so he turns his self-hatred into pain and violence.
He finds a kindred spirit in Mac/Gia. They're the same brand of crazy.
Naturally, he's got some submission issues with sex, but Gia's on board with that. Lol.
We know the history before Rex does and when all is revealed to Rex, my gosh, its awful, painful, not fun, but so so engrossing.
The story changes focus from Rex to Gia, which is nice balance.
It's rough being in their heads. It's dark, there's some serious child abuse fallout here, but they fight it.
There's a fantastic twisty tie-in to the rest of the series and nice closure and mending of shredded hearts.
Really really good stuff. Totally worth the wait.
ETA
The abuse described here is actually torture, with a captive element. Something about the intensity of that made me feel great compassion, and hope for Rex, but I didn't love him like a book boyfriend, so much, more like a beloved gorgeous adopted son.
This didn't affect my rating or enjoyment of the story, it just created different feels than normal but they were beautiful too.
Book 4 Eve and Cameron, the UFL CEO. Oct. 2014
Before release;
Please people control the twitchy fingers and do not rate unless you've read the arc....April 15th release day.
Our cover model is Alex Minsky. Former Marine turned model, lost a portion of one lower leg. All other limbs, apparently fantastic.
http://www.queerty.com/10-things-to-k...
Brilliant putting him on the cover. Brilliant.
And while there's a great playlist, this song reflects the feel of the book for me:
This life would kill me if I didn't have you. (Thompson Square)
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=UptgRH...
Book 3 on Amazon-->Fighting to Forget (Fighting Series #3)
"They can’t hurt you anymore."
"But they do."
You look at this pic of Alex Minsky and you see a really hot guy with tattoos and gorgeous body.
Then you read the book and you see a boy, tortured, who needs comfort, love, redemption.
Rex is haunted by demons he can't name, so he turns his self-hatred into pain and violence.
He finds a kindred spirit in Mac/Gia. They're the same brand of crazy.
Naturally, he's got some submission issues with sex, but Gia's on board with that. Lol.
We know the history before Rex does and when all is revealed to Rex, my gosh, its awful, painful, not fun, but so so engrossing.
The story changes focus from Rex to Gia, which is nice balance.
It's rough being in their heads. It's dark, there's some serious child abuse fallout here, but they fight it.
There's a fantastic twisty tie-in to the rest of the series and nice closure and mending of shredded hearts.
Really really good stuff. Totally worth the wait.
ETA
The abuse described here is actually torture, with a captive element. Something about the intensity of that made me feel great compassion, and hope for Rex, but I didn't love him like a book boyfriend, so much, more like a beloved gorgeous adopted son.
This didn't affect my rating or enjoyment of the story, it just created different feels than normal but they were beautiful too.
Book 4 Eve and Cameron, the UFL CEO. Oct. 2014
Before release;
Please people control the twitchy fingers and do not rate unless you've read the arc....April 15th release day.
Our cover model is Alex Minsky. Former Marine turned model, lost a portion of one lower leg. All other limbs, apparently fantastic.
http://www.queerty.com/10-things-to-k...
Brilliant putting him on the cover. Brilliant.
And while there's a great playlist, this song reflects the feel of the book for me:
This life would kill me if I didn't have you. (Thompson Square)
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=UptgRH...
April 20, 2014
*** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ***
For any fans of "fighter" heroes, this is a book you should definitely check out! It's a second chance story between a tattooed, pierced fighter with a heart wrenching past he couldn't remember and a girl from his past who couldn't forget him and was holding onto a secret that could change his life.
The dedication of the book says it all:
"To every child who waited for a savior that never came."
The story started off with a prologue that set up their past. When they were little kids, her family fostered him. Sounds sweet, right? No. It was a nightmare. They kept him locked away in the basement, never allowed him out, and he had "visitors" that came to see him frequently. As a child, she didn't understand what was going on but every night, once her parents were asleep, she'd sneak downstairs and sing to him as he sat on the other side of the door and cried himself to sleep. Then one day, he was taken away and she never heard from him again.
Cut to the present day, Rex is a fighter by profession and also the lead singer in a band. Tattooed, pierced, and oh-so damaged on the inside. He craved pain, hated sex, and couldn't remember his past.... But she remembered. And she'd been following him for past several months after finally tracking him down determined to tell him a secret from his past that might give him answers.
"A past he can't remember.
A past he doesn't know exists.
A past that I can give back to him."
My heart truly broke for Rex and what he was going through but I thought this book did a fantastic job of portraying the way his repressed memories of trauma affected his life and I loved watching him slowly open up to her and warm up to the idea of a relationship with someone for the first time in his life. I think I just have a really big soft spot for the damaged heroes... they just make my heart break and melt simultaneously in a way that makes it nearly impossible for me not to fall in love with them. And Rex was no exception.
"The pain. It's the only thing that reminds me I'm alive. When most of the time I wish I were dead."
I really loved how understanding she was of him. He truly had a lot of damage even though he couldn't remember the cause of it and she genuinely loved and accepted him for who he was -- for how he was -- without any judgement. She knew the horrors that had shaped him and she appreciated how far he'd come on perhaps even a greater level than he could given that she knew the truth about his past.
"He needs me, just as he did back then. But rather than pull him from the circumstances of his present, he needs answers to the past. Answers I can give him."
Now, I want to say that I really loved the first 65% of the book (like, I was sitting at a very happy 4.5 star rating) but there was a turn of events around this time that I really didn't like. I was totally understood the situation that caused it though -- and I think that that the reactions were valid and made perfect sense for each of the characters respectively -- but where it led to was a place that made me lose some respect for both of them. I was disappointed with each of their choices and also didn't fully feel like it made sense for either of their characters honestly. But luckily this part of the book didn't last too long and once they got through it, the book picked back up again for me and ended on a note that I was really happy with it.
Rating: 4+ stars. Standalone (but part of a series).
Note: this book can technically be read as a standalone if you want but there are two books that precede it in the series. Each book is about a different couple and those couples are all friends so you do see them in this book. Personally, I've read the first book in this series but I didn't read the second and I was totally fine understanding everything that happened in this book so it's really up to you how you want to read them.
And... the cover model guy is totally perfect for Rex :)
****************************
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April 21, 2014
4 Secret Stars.
Gia has only one mission: Find Rex and protecting him. They both had a very troubled past and she promised herself she would seek revenge for it.
Now, with a new identity, she is in Vegas seeing how Rex is dealing with his life. The thing is: Rex past left hum broken. He only knows pain and he still lives in pain every day of his life: he’s addicted to it. He doesn’t get intimate with anyone because he doesn’t know how to. Until Gia arrives and tries to change it.
But Gia is still hiding the truth from him. And with each day, with the feelings and the intimacy between them growing, that truth becomes harder and harder to tell.
And the thing about truth is that eventually it comes to the surface. And how will Rex react when he find out exactly how much their lives are connected?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: It was slightly angsty, nerve-wrecking and a beautiful story of love, redemption and finding peace. Somewhat unpredictable, this was probably my favorite on the series so far.
Writing Style: First person, dual POV. Emotional and addictive. Salsbury has a way of creating broken backgrounds that will make us completely addictive to her books.
Character Development: I loved Rex. He was amazing and I could feel his pain and his “new-more-happy-self” through the whole book. Gia… meh. She was hard for me to like and even towards the end, I couldn’t completely connect with her.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
Gia has only one mission: Find Rex and protecting him. They both had a very troubled past and she promised herself she would seek revenge for it.
Now, with a new identity, she is in Vegas seeing how Rex is dealing with his life. The thing is: Rex past left hum broken. He only knows pain and he still lives in pain every day of his life: he’s addicted to it. He doesn’t get intimate with anyone because he doesn’t know how to. Until Gia arrives and tries to change it.
But Gia is still hiding the truth from him. And with each day, with the feelings and the intimacy between them growing, that truth becomes harder and harder to tell.
And the thing about truth is that eventually it comes to the surface. And how will Rex react when he find out exactly how much their lives are connected?
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: It was slightly angsty, nerve-wrecking and a beautiful story of love, redemption and finding peace. Somewhat unpredictable, this was probably my favorite on the series so far.
Writing Style: First person, dual POV. Emotional and addictive. Salsbury has a way of creating broken backgrounds that will make us completely addictive to her books.
Character Development: I loved Rex. He was amazing and I could feel his pain and his “new-more-happy-self” through the whole book. Gia… meh. She was hard for me to like and even towards the end, I couldn’t completely connect with her.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
December 20, 2015
5 'This just keeps getting better and better' Stars
“Only for you will I fight this fight”.
Fighting to Forget is one of the most emotionally painful book in this series so far. Who am I kidding? All the JB Salsbury books are emotional and painful, but this one, this one was different. To me it's because of what Gia and Rex dealt with as kids. This also one of the hardest book to review.
Mac is on one mission, and one mission only, to protect Rex. She's known as Mac now but she's actually Gia. She's been stalking Rex since she found out where he was and this time she's not letting go. You see she made a promise once that she couldn't keep.
“I don’t know what’s happening to you down here, but I promise I’ll be here for you always. I’ll get you out of here. You don’t think I can because I’m only eight, but I can. I will”
Rex doesn't remember anything about his earlier life. He has dreams, and that's all they are, dreams. He deals with pain by being in pain. The fighting, tattoos, piercing, and dangerous things he put himself through. He doesn't understand half of the stuff that's happening in his life. He's a lost man. Until her. Mac.
The more they're together the more the chemistry grows, and the more it is painful for Gia. She doesn't know what to do. She's been waiting for this moment for a while, to tell Rex the truth, but how could she. He doesn't remember anything from the past nor does he remember Gia. She doesn't know what to do, to either tell him or let him move on.
This book was so thick. I had butterflies in my tummy through the whole ride. Together they were extraordinary. I cried, laughed, and cried again with them. It was so hard to put down too. I read it in less than 3 hours. I seriously love this series now. Also I love how Salsbury has everything connected together. Like I didn't see that one coming at all and I love that about these books, they surprise me. She is one talented author.
“Only for you will I fight this fight”.
Fighting to Forget is one of the most emotionally painful book in this series so far. Who am I kidding? All the JB Salsbury books are emotional and painful, but this one, this one was different. To me it's because of what Gia and Rex dealt with as kids. This also one of the hardest book to review.
Mac is on one mission, and one mission only, to protect Rex. She's known as Mac now but she's actually Gia. She's been stalking Rex since she found out where he was and this time she's not letting go. You see she made a promise once that she couldn't keep.
“I don’t know what’s happening to you down here, but I promise I’ll be here for you always. I’ll get you out of here. You don’t think I can because I’m only eight, but I can. I will”
Rex doesn't remember anything about his earlier life. He has dreams, and that's all they are, dreams. He deals with pain by being in pain. The fighting, tattoos, piercing, and dangerous things he put himself through. He doesn't understand half of the stuff that's happening in his life. He's a lost man. Until her. Mac.
The more they're together the more the chemistry grows, and the more it is painful for Gia. She doesn't know what to do. She's been waiting for this moment for a while, to tell Rex the truth, but how could she. He doesn't remember anything from the past nor does he remember Gia. She doesn't know what to do, to either tell him or let him move on.
This book was so thick. I had butterflies in my tummy through the whole ride. Together they were extraordinary. I cried, laughed, and cried again with them. It was so hard to put down too. I read it in less than 3 hours. I seriously love this series now. Also I love how Salsbury has everything connected together. Like I didn't see that one coming at all and I love that about these books, they surprise me. She is one talented author.
October 29, 2014
So this is going be a tough Review for me...I loved so much in this book, but I had one issue...one character that may have downgraded the whole experience for me!
I will start by saying the Rex is by far, my favorite male lead of this series.
From the OCD to the painful adrenalin rushes he needed to survive, I was fascinated with him. Hell, the prologue alone set my head in 5 star rating land! His absent memories, his pain, his red haired/grey eyed angel...all just made for one hell of a journey.
Then there was Mac/Gia,
She was a constant façade. Her connection to Rex, for me, was unhealthy. She was looking for absolution, "peace," as she called it. Well her stalker activity, lack of ability to think clearly, and her need for Rex was too much.
If you love this man more than yourself then you see his pain...YOU NEED TO SET HIM FREE!
I will say this was my favorite storyline of the series! The crazy darkness, the warped connections, and the beautifully damaged Rex was my cup of tea!
He was constantly battling his past all while completely unaware of it, and it was written so well! I loved his need for goodness, he want for normalcy, and his vulnerability with caring emotions. His intimacy with Gia was not only hot, but it was done with the perfect blend of emotion and sensuality and dominance.
My may problem was my struggle with the character of Gia/Mac from the very beginning and the path she took, the lies she told, the turn of events from her actions all just confounded me! This girl spent the majority of her life fighting for Rex...she has loved him forever and has held the key to his missing past...after finally getting that connection with him and experiencing the consequences of the truth she just gives up????
COME ON!!! He deserves better than that...hell even you are stronger than that based on the fight you had for his life! SMH!!!! I just lost my resolve at this point...I felt as if Gia should have been screaming
In the end there is a sense that there is a lot of time and healing that both need to experience, but as long as they have each other they seem to be ok...To New Beginnings they say!
I will start by saying the Rex is by far, my favorite male lead of this series.
From the OCD to the painful adrenalin rushes he needed to survive, I was fascinated with him. Hell, the prologue alone set my head in 5 star rating land! His absent memories, his pain, his red haired/grey eyed angel...all just made for one hell of a journey.
Then there was Mac/Gia,
She was a constant façade. Her connection to Rex, for me, was unhealthy. She was looking for absolution, "peace," as she called it. Well her stalker activity, lack of ability to think clearly, and her need for Rex was too much.
If you love this man more than yourself then you see his pain...YOU NEED TO SET HIM FREE!
I will say this was my favorite storyline of the series! The crazy darkness, the warped connections, and the beautifully damaged Rex was my cup of tea!
He was constantly battling his past all while completely unaware of it, and it was written so well! I loved his need for goodness, he want for normalcy, and his vulnerability with caring emotions. His intimacy with Gia was not only hot, but it was done with the perfect blend of emotion and sensuality and dominance.
My may problem was my struggle with the character of Gia/Mac from the very beginning and the path she took, the lies she told, the turn of events from her actions all just confounded me! This girl spent the majority of her life fighting for Rex...she has loved him forever and has held the key to his missing past...after finally getting that connection with him and experiencing the consequences of the truth she just gives up????
COME ON!!! He deserves better than that...hell even you are stronger than that based on the fight you had for his life! SMH!!!! I just lost my resolve at this point...I felt as if Gia should have been screaming
In the end there is a sense that there is a lot of time and healing that both need to experience, but as long as they have each other they seem to be ok...To New Beginnings they say!
March 29, 2014
"To every child who waited for a savior that never came."
This book is in dedication to you...♡♥
Wow, just wow. J.B. Salsbury definitely is at her best in the latest book in the Fighting series, Fighting to Forget, as Rex and Gia’s story was something I did not expect.
I won’t go a whole lot into the plot as I don’t want to spoil the impact of the story but I will divulge that this book covers themes ranging from: abuse, sex, helplessness, despair, love, vengeance, forgiveness, and coming to a place of peace to find salvation.
So the story and characters:
Two individuals running from broken pasts:
Rex~ A tatted and pierced indifferent rock star crooner/sporadic MMA fighter. Rex is the complete opposite of the playboy image and seeks solace and release in daredevil, adrenaline pumped activities as a form to escape and keep his demons at bay.
He has closed himself off from all emotional attachments from people but still has flashbacks of the little girl with engine red hair and gray eyes that he sees in flashbacks but can’t seem to remember.
Who is this girl? Can it be the curvaceous bartender who goes by the name Mac? No, cannot be. Aside from having a different first name this person has jet black hair and different colored eyes.
And with circumstances throwing him constantly in her midst and bringing back good and bad memories, will seeing her bring him absolution? Or will re-opening old hurts lead him down the path of destruction?
So Mac or “Gia”~
As Mac:
As Gia:
A girl with a past of her own and who has lived all of Rex’s inner horrors.
Watching him from afar, Gia has always carried a torch for Rex since childhood and looks to shed some light and amends for the boy she has never forgotten.
But with fate stepping in and the two of them growing closer each passing second, will it work out between the two? And most importantly, will they find the redemption that each so desperately craves in one another?
My thoughts: I absolutely loved this read!! It was so addicting and compelling that I literally read it in one setting!! The plot and characters were to the point and yet deep and diverse; everything was ethical and was not rushed or forced, and there also wasn’t unnecessary fillers like sex or added drama added to the mix.
I mean, Rex and Gia’s backgrounds are strenuous clauses in itself and just the process alone of them letting go to form a future for themselves already makes for a harrowing story. Why need any more angst, right? ;)
J.B. Salsbury does a terrific job of journeying and voicing insight through both of their emotional struggles and upheavals and how they fight through obscurity to save each other.
Fighting to Forget is a hands down stand out from its predecessors and it will guarantee to leave you shocked and heartbroken. It certainly did for me!
Prepare yourself to be immersed in this amazing story featuring the scorching hot Rex and the girl who has always haunted his mind, Gia, and how they reach their happily ever after.
A lovely, lovely read!! I highly recommend!!
This book is in dedication to you...♡♥
Wow, just wow. J.B. Salsbury definitely is at her best in the latest book in the Fighting series, Fighting to Forget, as Rex and Gia’s story was something I did not expect.
I won’t go a whole lot into the plot as I don’t want to spoil the impact of the story but I will divulge that this book covers themes ranging from: abuse, sex, helplessness, despair, love, vengeance, forgiveness, and coming to a place of peace to find salvation.
So the story and characters:
Two individuals running from broken pasts:
Rex~ A tatted and pierced indifferent rock star crooner/sporadic MMA fighter. Rex is the complete opposite of the playboy image and seeks solace and release in daredevil, adrenaline pumped activities as a form to escape and keep his demons at bay.
He has closed himself off from all emotional attachments from people but still has flashbacks of the little girl with engine red hair and gray eyes that he sees in flashbacks but can’t seem to remember.
Who is this girl? Can it be the curvaceous bartender who goes by the name Mac? No, cannot be. Aside from having a different first name this person has jet black hair and different colored eyes.
And with circumstances throwing him constantly in her midst and bringing back good and bad memories, will seeing her bring him absolution? Or will re-opening old hurts lead him down the path of destruction?
So Mac or “Gia”~
As Mac:
As Gia:
A girl with a past of her own and who has lived all of Rex’s inner horrors.
Watching him from afar, Gia has always carried a torch for Rex since childhood and looks to shed some light and amends for the boy she has never forgotten.
But with fate stepping in and the two of them growing closer each passing second, will it work out between the two? And most importantly, will they find the redemption that each so desperately craves in one another?
My thoughts: I absolutely loved this read!! It was so addicting and compelling that I literally read it in one setting!! The plot and characters were to the point and yet deep and diverse; everything was ethical and was not rushed or forced, and there also wasn’t unnecessary fillers like sex or added drama added to the mix.
I mean, Rex and Gia’s backgrounds are strenuous clauses in itself and just the process alone of them letting go to form a future for themselves already makes for a harrowing story. Why need any more angst, right? ;)
J.B. Salsbury does a terrific job of journeying and voicing insight through both of their emotional struggles and upheavals and how they fight through obscurity to save each other.
Fighting to Forget is a hands down stand out from its predecessors and it will guarantee to leave you shocked and heartbroken. It certainly did for me!
Prepare yourself to be immersed in this amazing story featuring the scorching hot Rex and the girl who has always haunted his mind, Gia, and how they reach their happily ever after.
A lovely, lovely read!! I highly recommend!!
May 27, 2015
This book was an intense read. This played with my emotions in so many different ways. First off, I have to mention that I hold a lot of respect for J.B. Salsbury for tackling some very hard topics within this series. In "Fighting To Forget" we are shown the emotional torment that is experienced by the hero and heroine. Rex Carter and Georgia McIntyre share a past that is both horrific and traumatizing. In fact, the trauma that Rex went through as a little boy, is so bad that his brain has blocked it out and all his memories with it. Georgia on the other hand, remembers their past so much that she carries it with her and can't let it go.
From the Prologue we are shown the horrors of what two children have endured. I'm not going to lie..it was very hard to read, and my heart broke for Rex especially. Being locked in a basement when you are a child is terrible enough..but to be the entertainment for "monsters"...I couldn't even imagine. Gia/Georgia was the only solace that Rex had in the basement. It was only through the crack in the door could she console him with her hand holding and singing; but it is something that created a bond in these two characters that was very touching. The worst part about Rex's abuse where Gia is concerned, is the fact that it is her parents that are Rex's foster parents..and they are the ones that are partially responsible for his many torments. Gia being only eight years old; well...there isn't much that she can do to save him, and she takes that to heart and it haunts her even many years later.
Fast forward to the present day, where Rex is a successful MMA Fighter, as well as a singer in a band. Rex has no memories of the boy he was; but he has many nightmares that he can't figure out, and a love for pain that goes beyond anything normal. In fact, he may look like he has his sh*t together; but inside he is a mess with a ton of hang-ups--including the fact that he hates sex. If he does give into his bodily urges, he ends up vomiting afterwards..this concerns Rex because he doesn't know why he is the way he is.
Gia, who calls herself Mac now; well she has her own host of issues a mile wide. I am going to go out on a limb and say that one of her biggest ones would be the fact that she has been stalking Rex for quite sometime now. She wants to be able to give him his memories back, so he can hopefully move on with his life. She lives,breathes and sleeps Rex. He is her sole reason for living. To say that she has a very unhealthy obsession with him is an understatement.
Of course, they do end up hooking up, and strong feelings develop. Unfortunately, Mac struggles with telling Rex the truth about who she is. She gets caught up in their current relationship; but always has their past hanging over her head. When the truth does come out, things go to FUBAR real quick...and the outcome is disasterous.
I just briefly touched on what this book is about. Obviously, the emotions that these two characters go through are so hard to witness at times. They are truly two very broken and unhealthy individuals. It is nice to see that they accept each other despite the many hang ups that each of them have. I loved watching them try to become better people for each other. I will say that if you are looking for a "healthy" relationship, you won't find it with Rex and Mac. They are just too broken to ever be considered remotely healthy; but they try their hardest to live some kind of "normal" life. The patience that they have for each others "quirks" is heartwarming.
Where this book lost a star for me was when the crap hits the fan, the choices that were made between Rex and Mac were awful and very hard for me to stomach. It was hard to read those parts.
Did I like this book? Yes! It was super heavy though. I went through a whole roller coaster of emotions; but what a ride it was. This series just keeps getting better and better, and I'm glad that I decided to pick it up again and finish it! J.B. Salsbury has my utmost respect, she writes an excellent story packed full of intense emotions.
From the Prologue we are shown the horrors of what two children have endured. I'm not going to lie..it was very hard to read, and my heart broke for Rex especially. Being locked in a basement when you are a child is terrible enough..but to be the entertainment for "monsters"...I couldn't even imagine. Gia/Georgia was the only solace that Rex had in the basement. It was only through the crack in the door could she console him with her hand holding and singing; but it is something that created a bond in these two characters that was very touching. The worst part about Rex's abuse where Gia is concerned, is the fact that it is her parents that are Rex's foster parents..and they are the ones that are partially responsible for his many torments. Gia being only eight years old; well...there isn't much that she can do to save him, and she takes that to heart and it haunts her even many years later.
Fast forward to the present day, where Rex is a successful MMA Fighter, as well as a singer in a band. Rex has no memories of the boy he was; but he has many nightmares that he can't figure out, and a love for pain that goes beyond anything normal. In fact, he may look like he has his sh*t together; but inside he is a mess with a ton of hang-ups--including the fact that he hates sex. If he does give into his bodily urges, he ends up vomiting afterwards..this concerns Rex because he doesn't know why he is the way he is.
Gia, who calls herself Mac now; well she has her own host of issues a mile wide. I am going to go out on a limb and say that one of her biggest ones would be the fact that she has been stalking Rex for quite sometime now. She wants to be able to give him his memories back, so he can hopefully move on with his life. She lives,breathes and sleeps Rex. He is her sole reason for living. To say that she has a very unhealthy obsession with him is an understatement.
Of course, they do end up hooking up, and strong feelings develop. Unfortunately, Mac struggles with telling Rex the truth about who she is. She gets caught up in their current relationship; but always has their past hanging over her head. When the truth does come out, things go to FUBAR real quick...and the outcome is disasterous.
I just briefly touched on what this book is about. Obviously, the emotions that these two characters go through are so hard to witness at times. They are truly two very broken and unhealthy individuals. It is nice to see that they accept each other despite the many hang ups that each of them have. I loved watching them try to become better people for each other. I will say that if you are looking for a "healthy" relationship, you won't find it with Rex and Mac. They are just too broken to ever be considered remotely healthy; but they try their hardest to live some kind of "normal" life. The patience that they have for each others "quirks" is heartwarming.
Where this book lost a star for me was when the crap hits the fan, the choices that were made between Rex and Mac were awful and very hard for me to stomach. It was hard to read those parts.
Did I like this book? Yes! It was super heavy though. I went through a whole roller coaster of emotions; but what a ride it was. This series just keeps getting better and better, and I'm glad that I decided to pick it up again and finish it! J.B. Salsbury has my utmost respect, she writes an excellent story packed full of intense emotions.
June 21, 2018
This book starts with a lot of potencial. I fact, it has much more potencial than the first two. However, in the end, the story doesn't reach its full potencial and so if falls a bit short. This is why I didn't like it as much as I did the other two. Still, I enjoyed the book and I´ll continue with the next book of this series.
Note about the series in general:
The love stories in this series are pretty good. I have enjoyed all of them.
However, the characters, both females and males, lack judgment and in some cases, intelligence. There is chauvinism here and the men are controlling and impulsive.
Despite this, the books are worth reading and thus, I´ll keep following this series.
Fighting for Flight (Fighting #1)
Note about the series in general:
The love stories in this series are pretty good. I have enjoyed all of them.
However, the characters, both females and males, lack judgment and in some cases, intelligence. There is chauvinism here and the men are controlling and impulsive.
Despite this, the books are worth reading and thus, I´ll keep following this series.
Fighting for Flight (Fighting #1)
June 26, 2018
I bought this book at a Goodwill, my bestie made me buy it. And I’m so glad she did, lol, it was sooo good. I really, really enjoyed it. I have read books dealing with this type of “secret” but this has got to be one of the most saddest and heart wrenching depictions I’ve read, ever.
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1388500902i%2F22427047._UY200_CR8%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 16, 2014
2 stars
Rex and Gia knew each other in their childhood. Years later, Gia has a new identity, Mac. When they are reunited, has Rex forgotten Mac completely?
I loved the prologue. I loved the first two books and I love seeing Blake and Jonah with their HEA.
This was my least favourite of the series. To begin with, I was a bit bored. There was good sexual tension but Mac's secret dragged on too long. I hate the turn of events at 68%. I was on the verge of angry tears and almost dnf.
I prefer my heartbreak type books with some humour/banter so maybe this wasnt for me. If you like heartbreak, tension, more serious emotional type books with a broken hero, I would choose this.
Rex and Gia knew each other in their childhood. Years later, Gia has a new identity, Mac. When they are reunited, has Rex forgotten Mac completely?
I loved the prologue. I loved the first two books and I love seeing Blake and Jonah with their HEA.
This was my least favourite of the series. To begin with, I was a bit bored. There was good sexual tension but Mac's secret dragged on too long. I hate the turn of events at 68%. I was on the verge of angry tears and almost dnf.
I prefer my heartbreak type books with some humour/banter so maybe this wasnt for me. If you like heartbreak, tension, more serious emotional type books with a broken hero, I would choose this.
April 18, 2014
4. 5 Stars!!!
“I walk through the flames
Pulse throbbing, head light
Naked, exposed, and ashamed.
Only for you will I fight this fight.”
When I started this book I just knew it will break my heart. Actually it did more than that...it crushed it! This is not your average romance...it’s much more! “Fighting to forget” is a story about pain and copying with your past. A story about how you have to fight for what you believe in and how you have to survive no matter what. And finally it’s about how strong love can be and how it can heal even the biggest cruelty of all.
Rex and Georgia are connected. Their childhood years could be only categorized as an absolutely hell. But they both have survived...the only difference between them is that Rex doesn’t remember her and the things that had happened to him when he was a little boy. He gets some flashbacks and nightmares but doesn’t know why and he is not sure he even wants to know. Gia can give him all the answers but she is afraid that he won’t forgive her (because she feels guilty for what happened to him).
“A past he can’t remember.
A past he doesn’t know exists.
A past that I can give back to him.”
Years after they have been separated, Gia is looking for Rex and finds him in Las Vegas. He is all grown up now and sings in a band, fights professionally and is all covered in tattoos. Not to forget.... he is HOOOT! Gia is considering how to approach him and one evening it happens- he notices her and offers her some help with her bike. Soon she will learn that Rex is truly broken and all he had experienced as a child is still torturing him (even without him knowing the whole reason behind it). She is determined to never let anyone hurt him again...but what she won’t expect is that the only person who can really hurt Rex...is her! When he starts to remember...maybe he won’t be able to forgive her.
“Can’t help what I feel
Can’t tell if it’s real
There’s no way to know
If this pain will heal”
I have to admit...it was hard to read this story. My heart couldn’t take some parts of it. It is just...awful and heartbreaking what Rex and Gia had to live through. It seriously makes me sick that this actually happens in our world!
Anyway...the story is really good. Yeah...sometimes it was painful to read it but they way Gia was ready to sacrifice everything in the name of love was absolutely inspiring!!! They are two broken people who try to fight the past and the pain.
I definitely recommend it! It's really heartbreaking...but at the same time a beautiful story!
“And I’ll fight to forget.
Together we’ll fight . . .
Keep fighting to forget.”
“I walk through the flames
Pulse throbbing, head light
Naked, exposed, and ashamed.
Only for you will I fight this fight.”
When I started this book I just knew it will break my heart. Actually it did more than that...it crushed it! This is not your average romance...it’s much more! “Fighting to forget” is a story about pain and copying with your past. A story about how you have to fight for what you believe in and how you have to survive no matter what. And finally it’s about how strong love can be and how it can heal even the biggest cruelty of all.
Rex and Georgia are connected. Their childhood years could be only categorized as an absolutely hell. But they both have survived...the only difference between them is that Rex doesn’t remember her and the things that had happened to him when he was a little boy. He gets some flashbacks and nightmares but doesn’t know why and he is not sure he even wants to know. Gia can give him all the answers but she is afraid that he won’t forgive her (because she feels guilty for what happened to him).
“A past he can’t remember.
A past he doesn’t know exists.
A past that I can give back to him.”
Years after they have been separated, Gia is looking for Rex and finds him in Las Vegas. He is all grown up now and sings in a band, fights professionally and is all covered in tattoos. Not to forget.... he is HOOOT! Gia is considering how to approach him and one evening it happens- he notices her and offers her some help with her bike. Soon she will learn that Rex is truly broken and all he had experienced as a child is still torturing him (even without him knowing the whole reason behind it). She is determined to never let anyone hurt him again...but what she won’t expect is that the only person who can really hurt Rex...is her! When he starts to remember...maybe he won’t be able to forgive her.
“Can’t help what I feel
Can’t tell if it’s real
There’s no way to know
If this pain will heal”
I have to admit...it was hard to read this story. My heart couldn’t take some parts of it. It is just...awful and heartbreaking what Rex and Gia had to live through. It seriously makes me sick that this actually happens in our world!
Anyway...the story is really good. Yeah...sometimes it was painful to read it but they way Gia was ready to sacrifice everything in the name of love was absolutely inspiring!!! They are two broken people who try to fight the past and the pain.
I definitely recommend it! It's really heartbreaking...but at the same time a beautiful story!
“And I’ll fight to forget.
Together we’ll fight . . .
Keep fighting to forget.”
Read
April 22, 2014I have been reading this franchise and enjoying the past books. This book was a difficult read... as the subject matter was real, topical and horrific. It saddens me deeply to acknowledge there are people who abuse the Foster Care system for their own gain. Children are pure creatures with open hearts... they are these little blank slates and depending what is written... what ideas are fed... their experiences primarily make the destiny of these souls. We all grow up if we are lucky... to live the lifes gifted to us, with baggage from our childhoods. Some may be easy to carry... others like in the telling of this tale, may be as heavy as a freight train with no way of stopping the onslaught of pain.
In Fighting to Forget, you have two characters... the boy has been sexually abused; the girl, mentally abused. Both are extremely damaged people. The author presented well for the most part, it was just a book which I personally had trouble with...
The cause and subject matter is very important and I respect the desire to tell this kind of story and expose it to as many people as possible. Hopefully by others reading it, more understanding will take place and possible involvement with all of the charities and agencies focused on these important causes.
In Fighting to Forget, you have two characters... the boy has been sexually abused; the girl, mentally abused. Both are extremely damaged people. The author presented well for the most part, it was just a book which I personally had trouble with...
The cause and subject matter is very important and I respect the desire to tell this kind of story and expose it to as many people as possible. Hopefully by others reading it, more understanding will take place and possible involvement with all of the charities and agencies focused on these important causes.
August 12, 2016
**************THE PUBLISH BUTTON HAS BEEN PRESSED!!! REX IS COMING!!!!!!!!!*****************
Well, anytime I read a book this long in one sitting, well two really, and less than 12 hours total time, you know it was AMAZING!
I think that in FFF and even more so in Forgive you definitely get a dose of the heavy stuff. There was plenty of light and fluffy and humor to balance it out and each had a primary focus on the relationship. In Forget I think we get to see a part of Jamie's writing that we all knew she had in her but had yet to have the story to present it to us fully. In Forget we get a massive dose of the heavy stuff while the rest is in the background. I absolutely loved the way that Jamie wrote how Rex and Mac/Gia had to battle with their traumatic pasts and that they made decisions and did things in an extremely realistic way to cope. I loved that the therapist in this was not a robot. He expressed appropriate emotions at appropriate times. I loved that his importance in Rex's life was not put on the back burner. I also enjoyed getting to see our other favorite characters and how their lives continue to grow and change... Well maybe not so much "change" for Blake, lol, but that was to be expected.
Jamie balanced the heavy of this book with some really good drama and plot twists that we also got in her other books as well as some seriously scorching hot sex. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this one. It is definitely one of my favorite reads this year thus far! Anytime you are already starting to get emotional at the prologue you know the book has the potential to be EPIC! I've always been a huge fan of Jamie, and I truly do my best to give my honest opinion on how I feel about a book no matter how big of a fan I am of the author. I will be the first to admit however, when an author whom I love as a person writes something this moving and heartfelt it makes it so much easier to be honest and I am grateful for that!!!
I still remember the tingly good vibes I got when I picked up Fighting For Flight, and how the music made me feel and how wonderful it was to watch Jonah and Raven fall in love. I still remember how excited I was to learn that Raven and then in Forgive Layla were not damsels in distress... Sure they were not islands either and needed support and love and care and they did get that from the men in their lives. Most importantly though I think that Jamie's heroines are all strong and independent and with or without the men in their lives they have amazing stories to tell. I am just so happy for Jamie to have written Fighting to Forget and to be able to say that she truly does get better with each book. On April 15th run don't walk, do not pass go, just get it and read it and have your tissues ready and love it!!!
Mac/Gia
Rex
Quote Love:
Well, anytime I read a book this long in one sitting, well two really, and less than 12 hours total time, you know it was AMAZING!
I think that in FFF and even more so in Forgive you definitely get a dose of the heavy stuff. There was plenty of light and fluffy and humor to balance it out and each had a primary focus on the relationship. In Forget I think we get to see a part of Jamie's writing that we all knew she had in her but had yet to have the story to present it to us fully. In Forget we get a massive dose of the heavy stuff while the rest is in the background. I absolutely loved the way that Jamie wrote how Rex and Mac/Gia had to battle with their traumatic pasts and that they made decisions and did things in an extremely realistic way to cope. I loved that the therapist in this was not a robot. He expressed appropriate emotions at appropriate times. I loved that his importance in Rex's life was not put on the back burner. I also enjoyed getting to see our other favorite characters and how their lives continue to grow and change... Well maybe not so much "change" for Blake, lol, but that was to be expected.
Jamie balanced the heavy of this book with some really good drama and plot twists that we also got in her other books as well as some seriously scorching hot sex. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this one. It is definitely one of my favorite reads this year thus far! Anytime you are already starting to get emotional at the prologue you know the book has the potential to be EPIC! I've always been a huge fan of Jamie, and I truly do my best to give my honest opinion on how I feel about a book no matter how big of a fan I am of the author. I will be the first to admit however, when an author whom I love as a person writes something this moving and heartfelt it makes it so much easier to be honest and I am grateful for that!!!
I still remember the tingly good vibes I got when I picked up Fighting For Flight, and how the music made me feel and how wonderful it was to watch Jonah and Raven fall in love. I still remember how excited I was to learn that Raven and then in Forgive Layla were not damsels in distress... Sure they were not islands either and needed support and love and care and they did get that from the men in their lives. Most importantly though I think that Jamie's heroines are all strong and independent and with or without the men in their lives they have amazing stories to tell. I am just so happy for Jamie to have written Fighting to Forget and to be able to say that she truly does get better with each book. On April 15th run don't walk, do not pass go, just get it and read it and have your tissues ready and love it!!!
Mac/Gia
Rex
Quote Love:
August 22, 2014
4.5 sparkling stars
To say this book took me on an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. From the very start of this book my heart hurt, my stomach was sick and I was completely stressed out. Basically this is how I felt as I read page after page:
What can I say about Rex that hasn't been said in the other reviews. What he went through and how he tried to cope killed me. If there were only a way I could crawl through my Kindle and wrap him in a huge hug I would have. I found comfort in knowing that even as he wrestled with his demons he had a therapist who was helping him work through his issues and obviously gave him a safe place to talk about his feelings.
Oh Gia/Mac. All I can say is that is a whole lot of guilt and pressure for one young girl to carry. Her sole determination to just be near Rex and watch him from afar was so sad. I loved seeing snippets of a care-free girl when she was with Rex. Her smile almost radiated off my kindle screen. Same with her pain - it was palpable. I felt her stress and practically had a panic attack when everything was put out into the open.
While their time apart was healthy for one yet extremely painful for the other, their reunion was extremely emotional and heartwarming. After everything that had happened in their lives and the pain they endured, their HEA was so well deserved.
While this book went beyond my expectations and I found myself going through every emotion, I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. More than half the book was a slow build but it felt like it was racing to the finish line.
Bottom line, J.B. Salsbury took me out of my comfort zone a few times, broke my heart and then put it all back together again.
To say this book took me on an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. From the very start of this book my heart hurt, my stomach was sick and I was completely stressed out. Basically this is how I felt as I read page after page:
What can I say about Rex that hasn't been said in the other reviews. What he went through and how he tried to cope killed me. If there were only a way I could crawl through my Kindle and wrap him in a huge hug I would have. I found comfort in knowing that even as he wrestled with his demons he had a therapist who was helping him work through his issues and obviously gave him a safe place to talk about his feelings.
Oh Gia/Mac. All I can say is that is a whole lot of guilt and pressure for one young girl to carry. Her sole determination to just be near Rex and watch him from afar was so sad. I loved seeing snippets of a care-free girl when she was with Rex. Her smile almost radiated off my kindle screen. Same with her pain - it was palpable. I felt her stress and practically had a panic attack when everything was put out into the open.
While their time apart was healthy for one yet extremely painful for the other, their reunion was extremely emotional and heartwarming. After everything that had happened in their lives and the pain they endured, their HEA was so well deserved.
While this book went beyond my expectations and I found myself going through every emotion, I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. More than half the book was a slow build but it felt like it was racing to the finish line.
Bottom line, J.B. Salsbury took me out of my comfort zone a few times, broke my heart and then put it all back together again.
April 22, 2014
4.5 Messed-up Lovin’ stars
Two messed up people falling in love…
Summary
Rex and Mac are foster brother and sister. Rex was abused during foster care and when he was ten, he left the home.
14 years later, Mac finds Rex and kind of stalks him. She wants to approach him and tell him about her, but she hasn’t found the courage and has been watching him a far. When Mac and Rex finally meet up, Mac still finds it’s difficult to explain their pasts and forges a unique relationship.
Rex
Rex is SUPER MESSED UP. I love damaged Heroes and what happened to him was just all around sad. Because of his past abuse, he of course doesn’t have normal sexual relationships with women. He’s never been in a relationship and he can’t fight his inner demons.
Mac
Mac is the girl who loves afar, and it’s a really cute and sad story line. She loves Rex because they have this close childhood relationship, but she doesn’t know how to talk to him years later. Mac frustrated me at times because I kept on screaming in the book for her to talk to Rex and tell him everything. I’m not a big fan of lies and secrets in books.
Overall
I really liked the style of writing. I liked the intro, where we get a little glimpse of Rex and Mac younger, but there were no flashbacks, which I loved.
Then Mac slowly tries to get to know Rex and it was super adorable reading those parts because it’s just cute tension. When things start to heat up and we get closer to the climatic ending, all H breaks loose and the read goes kind of crazy. You go into a roller coaster of emotions. A lot is revealed and I was enjoying every step of it.
There was never a dull moment.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
Two messed up people falling in love…
Summary
Rex and Mac are foster brother and sister. Rex was abused during foster care and when he was ten, he left the home.
14 years later, Mac finds Rex and kind of stalks him. She wants to approach him and tell him about her, but she hasn’t found the courage and has been watching him a far. When Mac and Rex finally meet up, Mac still finds it’s difficult to explain their pasts and forges a unique relationship.
Rex
Rex is SUPER MESSED UP. I love damaged Heroes and what happened to him was just all around sad. Because of his past abuse, he of course doesn’t have normal sexual relationships with women. He’s never been in a relationship and he can’t fight his inner demons.
Mac
Mac is the girl who loves afar, and it’s a really cute and sad story line. She loves Rex because they have this close childhood relationship, but she doesn’t know how to talk to him years later. Mac frustrated me at times because I kept on screaming in the book for her to talk to Rex and tell him everything. I’m not a big fan of lies and secrets in books.
Overall
I really liked the style of writing. I liked the intro, where we get a little glimpse of Rex and Mac younger, but there were no flashbacks, which I loved.
Then Mac slowly tries to get to know Rex and it was super adorable reading those parts because it’s just cute tension. When things start to heat up and we get closer to the climatic ending, all H breaks loose and the read goes kind of crazy. You go into a roller coaster of emotions. A lot is revealed and I was enjoying every step of it.
There was never a dull moment.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
August 4, 2017
5 stars!
This is the third book in the Fighting series, and as much as I am loving being immersed in the lives of these characters, the feels were kicked up a notch with this one, and there is something truly special about this book.! From the earlier books in the series, we know that there is something between Mac and Rex, but it’s not until this book that the full extent of their connection is fully explored, and OMG! This story broke me and healed me and broke me and healed me all over again. I swooned, I laughed and I cried, and I absolutely loved it!
Mac waitresses at a bar in Vegas where the UFC fighters of the series all hang out, and it’s also the bar where Rex and his band, Ataxia, regularly play. Mac’s presence there is no coincidence as she has moved to town with one goal – to find Rex. Mac and Rex knew each other as children, except then she was Gia, an 8-year-old who cared deeply for a brutalised 10-year-old-boy. They were both in a desperate and tragic situation – one that was so traumatising that it has left Rex without any memory of it, or of the little girl who was always there for him. Gia is in town to check on Rex, to make sure he is ok, and to atone for the guilt she feels for all that he went through.
On the surface Rex has it all – a promising career with the UFC, a successful band that is going places, great friends and any woman he could want. But the reality is that he is broken. He is plagued by nightmares of a past he can’t remember, he has serious issues when it comes to sex and intimacy, and his need for control in all things means he lives an isolated life. He has the support and friendship of his bandmates and the boys he fights with, but he never lets anybody too close, and nobody knows the real him, or the pain that he both craves and despises.
Though Gia has been watching Rex for a while, he keeps to himself and hasn’t really noticed her, but when he finally does, he feels drawn to her in a way he has never experienced before. There is a physical attraction that takes him by surprise, but there’s also wonderful chemistry between them and as they get to know each other that only builds as they laugh together, get to know each other, and genuinely enjoy each other as their feelings grow, and the sexual tension sizzles. And though Rex is alpha through and through, there’s a sense of innocence about him which is beautifully written. Neither of them have been in a relationship before, and Rex is experiencing these feelings all for the first time, and it was just gorgeous watching it all happen for them.
But through all of the bliss of what they are experiencing, Gia’s secret is tearing her apart. She wants so badly to tell Rex about their connection and about the things she knows about his past which remain a mystery to him, but as he begins to open up to her she battles with the right thing to do. Does she reveal the horrors of his past, or does she let him be and continue drawing him into the light?
Usually I’m not one for keeping secrets, but I could truly understand Gia’s battle with the right thing to do. Her memories of the past absolutely broke my heart, and Rex’s situation is certainly a unique one that has left its mark on him. My heart ached for the position that she was in. The outcome may seem inevitable, but one of the things I loved about this book was that so much of it took me by surprise. There were twists and turns, and things happened that I wasn’t expecting, and I loved the unpredictability. It’s absolutely heart-wrenching, but I could not stop reading, desperate to see how it was all going to play out.
And these characters! OMG, I have so much love for them! They have both been through hell, but their strength and determination is astounding. Rex’s brokenness and vulnerability makes you just want to hold him (among other things). He goes through so much, and there is so much devastation, but the way he deals with it and the fact that he even has the strength to keep going is amazing. And Gia is incredible. Her loyalty and unquestionable love for Rex just blew me away, and despite all that she has been through and all that she remembers, she is still able to live her life with passion and enthusiasm, and to be there for Rex in exactly the way that he needs her. I could feel her protectiveness and her absolute devotion to him, and I loved her so much for that. Her journey in this book broke my heart but she is an absolutely amazing character. I loved that the story is written in dual POV so we get to know them both so well, and I loved how each chapter began with lyrics or quotes from them which give so much insight into all that they are feeling.
This is not a light and fluffy read. There are a lot of triggers (child abuse, sexual abuse, drug use), but they work to build the emotion and to truly suck you into the lives of these characters and allow you to feel what they are going through, which I absolutely did. But along with that, there is the incredible romance which is just gorgeous. It’s complex – sweet, fun, angsty and dramatic, incredibly passionate and wholly heartfelt – but it’s everything that these characters are, and I loved every twisty, heart-pounding moment of it.
And then of course, there’s the lightness that comes with the brotherhood of the UFC boys. They are a great bunch, and their teasing and playfulness brings a great sense of fun to the story, and I loved their camaraderie. And of course, I loved catching up with the previous couples of the series, and how their stories are all tying in together.
I am loving this series! It is very quickly becoming a go-to for heartfelt, emotional and steamy romance, but this one is a definite favourite, and I absolutely loved it!
5 stars.
This is the third book in the Fighting series, and as much as I am loving being immersed in the lives of these characters, the feels were kicked up a notch with this one, and there is something truly special about this book.! From the earlier books in the series, we know that there is something between Mac and Rex, but it’s not until this book that the full extent of their connection is fully explored, and OMG! This story broke me and healed me and broke me and healed me all over again. I swooned, I laughed and I cried, and I absolutely loved it!
“To every child who waited for a savior that never came.”
Mac waitresses at a bar in Vegas where the UFC fighters of the series all hang out, and it’s also the bar where Rex and his band, Ataxia, regularly play. Mac’s presence there is no coincidence as she has moved to town with one goal – to find Rex. Mac and Rex knew each other as children, except then she was Gia, an 8-year-old who cared deeply for a brutalised 10-year-old-boy. They were both in a desperate and tragic situation – one that was so traumatising that it has left Rex without any memory of it, or of the little girl who was always there for him. Gia is in town to check on Rex, to make sure he is ok, and to atone for the guilt she feels for all that he went through.
On the surface Rex has it all – a promising career with the UFC, a successful band that is going places, great friends and any woman he could want. But the reality is that he is broken. He is plagued by nightmares of a past he can’t remember, he has serious issues when it comes to sex and intimacy, and his need for control in all things means he lives an isolated life. He has the support and friendship of his bandmates and the boys he fights with, but he never lets anybody too close, and nobody knows the real him, or the pain that he both craves and despises.
The pain is all I have. It’s the only thing that reminds me I can still feel. It may be sick and insane, but it’s real.
Though Gia has been watching Rex for a while, he keeps to himself and hasn’t really noticed her, but when he finally does, he feels drawn to her in a way he has never experienced before. There is a physical attraction that takes him by surprise, but there’s also wonderful chemistry between them and as they get to know each other that only builds as they laugh together, get to know each other, and genuinely enjoy each other as their feelings grow, and the sexual tension sizzles. And though Rex is alpha through and through, there’s a sense of innocence about him which is beautifully written. Neither of them have been in a relationship before, and Rex is experiencing these feelings all for the first time, and it was just gorgeous watching it all happen for them.
Gia didn’t try to fight my demons, make them bow or wrestle them into submission. She embraced them, accepted them as part of me, loved me despite them and arguably even loved them. And it’s that love and acceptance that quieted them, soothed them, and kept them compliant. After all, what is evil if it has nothing to fight.
She could be it. My cure.
But through all of the bliss of what they are experiencing, Gia’s secret is tearing her apart. She wants so badly to tell Rex about their connection and about the things she knows about his past which remain a mystery to him, but as he begins to open up to her she battles with the right thing to do. Does she reveal the horrors of his past, or does she let him be and continue drawing him into the light?
Usually I’m not one for keeping secrets, but I could truly understand Gia’s battle with the right thing to do. Her memories of the past absolutely broke my heart, and Rex’s situation is certainly a unique one that has left its mark on him. My heart ached for the position that she was in. The outcome may seem inevitable, but one of the things I loved about this book was that so much of it took me by surprise. There were twists and turns, and things happened that I wasn’t expecting, and I loved the unpredictability. It’s absolutely heart-wrenching, but I could not stop reading, desperate to see how it was all going to play out.
“I’m never letting you go, baby. You’ve been a part of me for as long as I can remember and I’m never letting you go.”
And these characters! OMG, I have so much love for them! They have both been through hell, but their strength and determination is astounding. Rex’s brokenness and vulnerability makes you just want to hold him (among other things). He goes through so much, and there is so much devastation, but the way he deals with it and the fact that he even has the strength to keep going is amazing. And Gia is incredible. Her loyalty and unquestionable love for Rex just blew me away, and despite all that she has been through and all that she remembers, she is still able to live her life with passion and enthusiasm, and to be there for Rex in exactly the way that he needs her. I could feel her protectiveness and her absolute devotion to him, and I loved her so much for that. Her journey in this book broke my heart but she is an absolutely amazing character. I loved that the story is written in dual POV so we get to know them both so well, and I loved how each chapter began with lyrics or quotes from them which give so much insight into all that they are feeling.
There’s so much to say, every time we’re together.
But the fear and pain seem to go on forever.
Every night that you come, whispered words spoken.
You calm my soul, and in the moment, I’m not broken.
This is not a light and fluffy read. There are a lot of triggers (child abuse, sexual abuse, drug use), but they work to build the emotion and to truly suck you into the lives of these characters and allow you to feel what they are going through, which I absolutely did. But along with that, there is the incredible romance which is just gorgeous. It’s complex – sweet, fun, angsty and dramatic, incredibly passionate and wholly heartfelt – but it’s everything that these characters are, and I loved every twisty, heart-pounding moment of it.
“I was put on this earth to love you. Deep down to the core of my soul I’ve always known it. There may be someone else for you, but you’ve always been it for me.”
And then of course, there’s the lightness that comes with the brotherhood of the UFC boys. They are a great bunch, and their teasing and playfulness brings a great sense of fun to the story, and I loved their camaraderie. And of course, I loved catching up with the previous couples of the series, and how their stories are all tying in together.
I am loving this series! It is very quickly becoming a go-to for heartfelt, emotional and steamy romance, but this one is a definite favourite, and I absolutely loved it!
You’re love’s my safety net.
Keeps me from memories that destroy.
Gives me strength when I’m fighting to forget.
5 stars.
May 6, 2014
WOW!!!! My stomach was churning for the first 50% of the book... reading about what Rex went through absolutely broke my heart...
Really, REALLY tough subject matter and finding out that BLEW MY MIND!!!
Now while I LOVED Rex, I wasn't all that hot on Mac/Gia... which is sad, because when I was introduced to her in Fighting to Forgive, I thought she would be one kick-a$$ heroine. Don't get me wrong, I liked her, but unlike Fighting to Forgive where I LOVED (and I mean LOVED!!!) both Blake and Layla, I didn't feel that same connection with Mac/Gia. I WISHED she had told Rex the truth sooner... BUT I swear, the way Rex became all protective and $hit over Mac/Gia made me all melty
*LE SIGH*
Gotta say that Cameron REALLY INTRIGUED me and finding out that he and Eve are the next story makes me want to read it NOW!!!
Really, REALLY tough subject matter and finding out that BLEW MY MIND!!!
Now while I LOVED Rex, I wasn't all that hot on Mac/Gia... which is sad, because when I was introduced to her in Fighting to Forgive, I thought she would be one kick-a$$ heroine. Don't get me wrong, I liked her, but unlike Fighting to Forgive where I LOVED (and I mean LOVED!!!) both Blake and Layla, I didn't feel that same connection with Mac/Gia. I WISHED she had told Rex the truth sooner... BUT I swear, the way Rex became all protective and $hit over Mac/Gia made me all melty
*LE SIGH*Gotta say that Cameron REALLY INTRIGUED me and finding out that he and Eve are the next story makes me want to read it NOW!!!
March 30, 2014
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Kara's Thoughts:
This is book 3 in the Fighting series. and it was a whole hell of a lot of good.
J.B. Salsbury is a read ASAP author for me. I will get her books to my reading list ASAP. She has a way to create a story that I love devouring. It takes me to a happy reading place every time.
Salsbury can bring parts of my childhood back to life (pop-tarts and capri sun drinks... and yes, like Mac - I still eat/drink them as an adult too -I didn't have them often growing up either).
or using Senor Patron as a Sleep Aid... sign me up (wait, I may have done that before). LOL.
Then she mentions the band Avenged Sevenfold and you know I can not get that out of my head. Lost It All - it really describes Rex to a T.
This Fighting series... one of my favorites out there.
(and you ask why not more stars - honestly I loved book 1. I REALLY F'N loved 2. Book 3 I liked a whole hell of a lot)
***ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
Kara's Thoughts:
This is book 3 in the Fighting series. and it was a whole hell of a lot of good.
J.B. Salsbury is a read ASAP author for me. I will get her books to my reading list ASAP. She has a way to create a story that I love devouring. It takes me to a happy reading place every time.
Salsbury can bring parts of my childhood back to life (pop-tarts and capri sun drinks... and yes, like Mac - I still eat/drink them as an adult too -I didn't have them often growing up either).
or using Senor Patron as a Sleep Aid... sign me up (wait, I may have done that before). LOL.
Then she mentions the band Avenged Sevenfold and you know I can not get that out of my head. Lost It All - it really describes Rex to a T.
I ain't waiting for a miracle;
I ain't waiting for the world to change
Under my skin lives the reason
Under my armor I lost it all
This Fighting series... one of my favorites out there.
(and you ask why not more stars - honestly I loved book 1. I REALLY F'N loved 2. Book 3 I liked a whole hell of a lot)
***ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
August 12, 2015
This for me was by far the best in the series. JB Salsbury's writing was impeccable and I enjoyed every heartbreaking page.
Rex is a fighter and a singer in a band but what lies beneath his confident exterior is a broken man. He dreams about awful things that he fears are hidden memories from his childhood.
Gia is the little girl who tried to save him and 14 years later she is living a life full of regret and sorrow for the poor boy who she couldn't save. Known as Mac, she moves to Vegas to try and find peace and redemption but what she finds is a whole lot more.
I loved Rex, he was a mixture of poor broken boy and dominant alpha
"Get in the motherfucking truck or I'll throw you over my shoulder and put you in it!"
I won't go into the whole plot but let me tell you it was so well written, I really felt like I was feeling all the emotions along with the characters. Brilliant and clever storytelling. Loved it.
Rex is a fighter and a singer in a band but what lies beneath his confident exterior is a broken man. He dreams about awful things that he fears are hidden memories from his childhood.
Gia is the little girl who tried to save him and 14 years later she is living a life full of regret and sorrow for the poor boy who she couldn't save. Known as Mac, she moves to Vegas to try and find peace and redemption but what she finds is a whole lot more.
I loved Rex, he was a mixture of poor broken boy and dominant alpha
"Get in the motherfucking truck or I'll throw you over my shoulder and put you in it!"
I won't go into the whole plot but let me tell you it was so well written, I really felt like I was feeling all the emotions along with the characters. Brilliant and clever storytelling. Loved it.
April 17, 2014
Title:Fighting to Forget
Series:Fighting #3
Author:J.B. Salsbury
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Rating:4.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
This book is not for the faint of heart. I don't recommend reading this if you have anxiety issues. Serious-honest to God.
I fell in love with J.B. Salsbury's writing with Fighting for Flight and she hasn't let me down yet. This book was definitely the most suspenseful and heart-rending of them all so if you're in the mood for something that will hit your emotions hard, look no further.
Rex and Mac (Gia) knew each other as children in a tragic and traumatizing way. The prologue will rip your heart out-be prepared. One little red haired girl and one blue eyed boy will reach out to each other in the darkness and just in a simple touch, will ease Rex's pain. Atrocities occur in a little town called Nowhere, and it doesn't stop…until he's taken away in an ambulance. Never to return. Mac suffers consequences from his departure and vows to get retribution for all the evil she witnessed.
Back to present day, we see Rex as an adrenaline and pain junkie, unable to control his emotions but unable to explain why. He has no memory of his childhood before he woke up in the hospital. He struggles daily with anger, control issues, and pain associated with anything having to do with intimacy.
Life lies within the chain link of the octagon: the sweat, blood…the pain. It's the only thing that reminds me I'm alive. When most of the time I wish I were dead.
Mac hunted Rex down and watches over him. She has major guilt from her childhood and feels like she could've saved Rex. She promised him. And she let him down. But she's determined to do whatever it takes to ease his suffering now and bring him closure.
I'd take a punch every day of my life if it means saving him from pain. I'll never let anyone hurt Rex again, not if it's within my power to protect him.
Rex is a scary looking guy on the outside: covered in tats, piercings, and anger issues he doesn't invite closeness with other people. But underneath his tough exterior he's a mass of confusion and hurt, and his vulnerability is tangible. Mac sees what others see but also what no one else could ever know about him-even Rex. And she only loves him all the more for it.
When these two get together, she's hiding her true identity from him, he's hiding his issues, but they have a natural ease in each other's company that he can't explain. Why does he feel so connected to her and pulled to her in a way he's never experienced before? This gorgeous, dark haired beauty is making him want things that he never thought he was capable of. Love.
Rex is trying so hard to get past his issues and be better-for Mac. Their intimacy is growing daily and he able to have the closest thing resembling a relationship that he's ever had. It was so gratifying to see them grab on to each other and give each other the comfort they need-even as adults, they're still there for each other. And now they've fallen. Hard.
When the truth comes out, will he stick by her or will he push her away? What occurs was not easy to read and was the main reason for my half star deduction. Personally, I wasn't happy with it, but I did understand it. The last section of this book had me so tense I was as stiff as a board until the last page. It was full of suspense and the twist thrown in completely blew me away. (I loved it-and I never would have guessed it.)
This may be my favorite book of the series so far. They just seem to get better with each installment. Now I have to wait until October for the next book?? No. I call for an early release.
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April 17, 2014
5 GAZILLION Stars
I. FUCKING. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Plain & simple.
I can't say enough good things about this book...so what exactly did I like about it, you ask? Well...
Tortured hero....oh yes...meet Sexy Rexy (my own personal nickname).
Tortured heroine....yup, she had an unfortunate past as well...Gia AKA Mac.
This is one amazing story that was beautifully written.
I cried during the prologue. Not even 5% in and my heart was already ripped out of my chest. I don't normally like prologues, but this one was a perfect transition into the story of these two tortured souls.
As we find out more about their pasts and the circumstances leading up to where they are in the present, I cried some more & even screamed. My heart literally broke all over again for both Rex & Gia when more information is brought to light....
This was by far my favorite book in the series. The flow and delivery of this story was flawless. The main characters make some questionable decisions throughout, that might piss some people off. But what we truly find as the complex layers of their story are revealed, is that the emotions and reactions of both Rex & Gia are real. Their responses to the certain situations they are faced with are disastrous and heartbreaking, but again it was real & also raw emotion. I can't help but love this story....so damn much!
All in all, this story will take you on an....
Can they both overcome their tortured pasts, or will they keep fighting to forget?
READ THE DAMN BOOK. But if you really must know.... :)
I. FUCKING. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Plain & simple.
I can't say enough good things about this book...so what exactly did I like about it, you ask? Well...
Tortured hero....oh yes...meet Sexy Rexy (my own personal nickname).
Tortured heroine....yup, she had an unfortunate past as well...Gia AKA Mac.
This is one amazing story that was beautifully written.
I cried during the prologue. Not even 5% in and my heart was already ripped out of my chest. I don't normally like prologues, but this one was a perfect transition into the story of these two tortured souls.
As we find out more about their pasts and the circumstances leading up to where they are in the present, I cried some more & even screamed. My heart literally broke all over again for both Rex & Gia when more information is brought to light....
This was by far my favorite book in the series. The flow and delivery of this story was flawless. The main characters make some questionable decisions throughout, that might piss some people off. But what we truly find as the complex layers of their story are revealed, is that the emotions and reactions of both Rex & Gia are real. Their responses to the certain situations they are faced with are disastrous and heartbreaking, but again it was real & also raw emotion. I can't help but love this story....so damn much!
All in all, this story will take you on an....
Can they both overcome their tortured pasts, or will they keep fighting to forget?
READ THE DAMN BOOK. But if you really must know.... :)
May 8, 2014
*****5 KNOCK 'EM DEAD STARS*****
That was REX-cellant...
Absolutely amazing, I would go as far as to say probably the best out of the series!! This series just keeps getting better and better.
Rex is a troubled MMA fighter with a past he can't remember. He dreams of a little girl with bright orange hair and grey eyes and doesn't know her significance!
Mac/Gia has been watching Rex from a distance she longs to go to him, will he remember her? Is Mac the little girl with orange hair he knows from his past.
MAC
That was REX-cellant...
Absolutely amazing, I would go as far as to say probably the best out of the series!! This series just keeps getting better and better.
Rex is a troubled MMA fighter with a past he can't remember. He dreams of a little girl with bright orange hair and grey eyes and doesn't know her significance!
Mac/Gia has been watching Rex from a distance she longs to go to him, will he remember her? Is Mac the little girl with orange hair he knows from his past.
MAC
I was put on this earth to love you. Deep down to the core of my soul I've always known it.
REX
The bond between Rex and Mac/Gia and how they come together, is very cleverly written.
The storyline is beautifully written.....with pure emotion, it's a tough read at times even gut wrenching. In fact I think I held my breath for the last half of the book it was so enthralling. My chest ached after - seriously.
L.O.V.E.D. .I.T.
April 21, 2014
Wow! My heart is not my own at the moment these two took it over for a while. The emotional ups and downs of Mac and Rex's lives where torture on me. And I loved it! It was really hard to hear of the abuse that was suffered Rex by the hands of those who should be insuring his well being. Ugh my heart went out to the young boy Rex as well as the man Rex. Do to the type of abuse Rex suffered and his age, his body went into protection mode. Therefore Rex is in the dark as to what exactly happened to a portion of his childhood. He does have dreams but what does that mean are they memories or dreams. Regardless it has made havoc on his here and now. He is all about control, and order, outside of the "normal" parameters. I loved Rex and his hot sexy self. I was so proud of him, he would struggle with all his issues, but he never gave up and he desired to be a better him. He wasn't sure how he would do it but he wouldn't allow his demons to win.
Mac.........well what do you say life seriously sucked for her. She was strong and capable and so in love with Rex. She had loved and cared for him in such a pure and beautiful way. My heart broke for her at one part of their story. Her inner strength wavers and that part was really hard to watch unfold.
These two together though was perfection when they got it right...and thank goodness they did. They truly were each others yen and yang (I think that's right).
There were many twist and turns to this story that it really kept the pages flying, and my nervous on edge. Loved it!
Rex
"She's my own personal brand of crazy, and f&*^ me, but I dig it. A lot.
Mac
"I didn't save you from Caleb." "Ah, but you will." I lean forward to whisper, grateful to see that he leans in to listen rather than away. "I gave him your phone number instead of mine." He turns to me, and this time there's no hint of a smile or shadow of humor. This time he's grinning so big that I can see all his teeth and the cute way his eyes crinkle at the sides. " No sh&*?"
"We both have things we're not proud of, but that doesn't touch what happens between us.""If I could take it back...." "No take backs, baby. I love you. That's where we stay."
Mac.........well what do you say life seriously sucked for her. She was strong and capable and so in love with Rex. She had loved and cared for him in such a pure and beautiful way. My heart broke for her at one part of their story. Her inner strength wavers and that part was really hard to watch unfold.
These two together though was perfection when they got it right...and thank goodness they did. They truly were each others yen and yang (I think that's right).
There were many twist and turns to this story that it really kept the pages flying, and my nervous on edge. Loved it!
Rex
"She's my own personal brand of crazy, and f&*^ me, but I dig it. A lot.
Mac
"I didn't save you from Caleb." "Ah, but you will." I lean forward to whisper, grateful to see that he leans in to listen rather than away. "I gave him your phone number instead of mine." He turns to me, and this time there's no hint of a smile or shadow of humor. This time he's grinning so big that I can see all his teeth and the cute way his eyes crinkle at the sides. " No sh&*?"
"We both have things we're not proud of, but that doesn't touch what happens between us.""If I could take it back...." "No take backs, baby. I love you. That's where we stay."
May 8, 2016
This book had me hooked. I was entranced, it was intoxicating, and so flippen beautiful. I cried, I laughed, I screamed, and I smiled.
I would have never guessed the history between Rex & Mac by reading the earlier books in this series. Heartbreaking, and absolutely breathtaking the way they come back together after everything they've been through. I loved the pace of the story, although I wish the ended was a bit longer. Can't wait to read on to see if there are glimpses into Rex & Gia's future!!!
These UFL boys are HOT!!!!!
I would have never guessed the history between Rex & Mac by reading the earlier books in this series. Heartbreaking, and absolutely breathtaking the way they come back together after everything they've been through. I loved the pace of the story, although I wish the ended was a bit longer. Can't wait to read on to see if there are glimpses into Rex & Gia's future!!!
These UFL boys are HOT!!!!!
April 15, 2014
Oh mother, what can I say? Her best book yet? A hero you girls will fight over? A heroine you'll wish was your best friend??? All of the above and I still haven't done the book justice. It's just... Awesome!!!!!
A billion stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A billion stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 19, 2014
Don't get me wrong I really like Rex, but I was hoping for Eve's story next. Or at least I'm crossing my fingers she gets her own book.
November 18, 2014
5 Unforgettable Stars
Fighting series is getting better and better. Rex and Gia story marked on me. This is may favorite so far in the series. Rex and Gia was a product of broken and abused childhood. They were connected by their fate.
This is not an easy read. It's a gut wrenching. My emotions turns up and down. The author did well in tackling sensitive issues of story. Everything Rex and Gia went through broke my heart into pieces. Rex, as a fighter and rockstar is different behind his shelter,believing he was sick. He was broken, with a blurred memories of his childhood. It was hard to think those things happened in real life.
On the other hand, Gia is one of the selfless and strong woman. She go after Rex, watching and loving him in far. She was afraid of secrets she kept will destroy Rex more than he is. I admit the secrets didn't shock me, saw it coming and glad of it at the same time. I really like the twist of story. Gia was been hell and trying to find peace with Rex, but he kicked her out when the truth reveal. This hurt them both that put Gia in deeper hole that she can't find way out.
Though I'm emotionally drained after I read this, still I'm satisfied of ending.
Fighting series is getting better and better. Rex and Gia story marked on me. This is may favorite so far in the series. Rex and Gia was a product of broken and abused childhood. They were connected by their fate.
This is not an easy read. It's a gut wrenching. My emotions turns up and down. The author did well in tackling sensitive issues of story. Everything Rex and Gia went through broke my heart into pieces. Rex, as a fighter and rockstar is different behind his shelter,believing he was sick. He was broken, with a blurred memories of his childhood. It was hard to think those things happened in real life.
"The pain is all I have. It's the only thing that reminds me I can still feel. It may be sick and insane, but it's real."
On the other hand, Gia is one of the selfless and strong woman. She go after Rex, watching and loving him in far. She was afraid of secrets she kept will destroy Rex more than he is. I admit the secrets didn't shock me, saw it coming and glad of it at the same time. I really like the twist of story. Gia was been hell and trying to find peace with Rex, but he kicked her out when the truth reveal. This hurt them both that put Gia in deeper hole that she can't find way out.
“I’d take a punch every day of my life if it means saving him from pain.”
Though I'm emotionally drained after I read this, still I'm satisfied of ending.
July 7, 2014
J.B Salsbury did not disappoint me with Rex's story
This book had me in tears and I was sad for everything that Rex and Gia had to go through.
But she fought for him every step of the way and that is why I loved her character.
This book had me in tears and I was sad for everything that Rex and Gia had to go through.
But she fought for him every step of the way and that is why I loved her character.
April 9, 2015
As always JB Salisbury does it again! I am so in love with this series. It breaks my heart, pieces it back together, only to break it again. One of my favorite series of all times and a MUST READ!
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