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A Fighting Chance
Jesse Chance is a bastard.
And that’s all he heard his entire life growing up once news got out that he was the illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con, Henry Chance.
Stuck in Glory, Texas, a town too small to escape the sins of his parents, Jesse turned into exactly what everyone expected him to be: a lover of liquor and women, and so good with his fists, he became a teenage champion of the secret underground fighting rings that float around the South, while doubting the only people who ever believed he could be more, his ailing mother, and his girlfriend, Drew Hallisay.
But determined to make his mother’s dying wish come true, he enrolled in a college on the East Coast, far away from his past. Jesse Chance is reborn into a new life, and set on keeping Glory, Texas--and Henry Chance--in his rear view.
Until a visit from his father in the middle of the night changes everything.
Forced to return to Glory to prevent a tragedy, Jesse is soon back on the fighting circuit with Drew's help and facing the history he was so desperate to escape, the part of him he would prefer to hide.
As he slips back into his old ways--Henry Chance's ways--he finds himself torn between the guy he was and the one he’s been struggling to become. And in a world dead set on betting against you, can you ever really overcome your past… or your destiny?
And that’s all he heard his entire life growing up once news got out that he was the illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con, Henry Chance.
Stuck in Glory, Texas, a town too small to escape the sins of his parents, Jesse turned into exactly what everyone expected him to be: a lover of liquor and women, and so good with his fists, he became a teenage champion of the secret underground fighting rings that float around the South, while doubting the only people who ever believed he could be more, his ailing mother, and his girlfriend, Drew Hallisay.
But determined to make his mother’s dying wish come true, he enrolled in a college on the East Coast, far away from his past. Jesse Chance is reborn into a new life, and set on keeping Glory, Texas--and Henry Chance--in his rear view.
Until a visit from his father in the middle of the night changes everything.
Forced to return to Glory to prevent a tragedy, Jesse is soon back on the fighting circuit with Drew's help and facing the history he was so desperate to escape, the part of him he would prefer to hide.
As he slips back into his old ways--Henry Chance's ways--he finds himself torn between the guy he was and the one he’s been struggling to become. And in a world dead set on betting against you, can you ever really overcome your past… or your destiny?
304 pages, ebook
First published February 3, 2014
13 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 10, 2014
4 Gritty as hell stars
We're all walking on the edge of chaos, knowing full well it won't take much to fall over
Holy shit. I mean HOLY SHIT! I did not see this book coming. Let me warn you now
of reading that is. Because this book is...I'm not even sure how to best describe it
INTENSE
UNAPOLOGETIC
AND GRITTY AS HELL!
Seem to cover it nicely, because DAMN what a ride!
Now if you're at all like me, you may have take a look at that droolworthy cover and assumed what you'll be getting here is a steamy NA story about a sexy fighter, right? Well fuck that! Because that's not even close to what you'll be getting here.
This book was fantastic, but I can tell you that it's not for everyone. So if you're uncomfortable with some intense and descriptive violence, I'll suggest grabbing your teddy bear and cowering in the corner, because this book is not for you my friend.
Just look at what the author herself wrote about this book:
Standalone, not even remotely part of a series (I probably won't ever write another series).
- No cliffhanger! Wooo!
- Might be a wee bit intense for some in terms of the violence.
So excited to move away from contemporary romance and AFC is quite a way to move! ;) It's TOTALLY different from the others but, truthfully, I've never written a traditional contemporary romance.
I can't do it. I'm evil, I guess.
It's way gritty, it's way grungy, and I let loose because I needed to. It won't be an easy ride because that's not how I operate. I decide a long time ago that if I was going to write an underground fighting book, it wasn't going to be sugarcoated.
It's a huge study in human nature, too, so if you like books where good is good and bad is bad, this won't work for you. Graham Greene once said human nature isn't black and white, it's black and grey, and I STRONGLY believe this.
So, if you're looking for rainbows and kittens and bunnies. They aren't here. ;)
It's still longity-long because, well, it's me and that's how I roll.
Can't say we didn't warn you. So let's move on...
If you read the blurb, then you have probably about 1/18th of what this book is about. I could tell you more, but where's the fun in that? This is something that needs to be experienced without any spoilers. But I can gloss over the edges for you, just a little, because I'm nice like that :)
Jesse Chance used to be a fighter back in high school days, and a damn good one, making pretty good money in illegal fights out of the local farm his friend's parents own. But that was before he promised his dying mother that he will make something better of himself. Before he left his small town, girlfriend, and everything of his life behind to start new. Now he's in college, he has new friends, a new girl, and his fighting days are behind them. That is until a visit from his father flips his life upside down.
Jesse wants nothing to do with his father, it's not like he's been a resounding presence in his life. Being the bastard son in a small town never got him anything but grief. But in order to prevent a tragedy, Jesse agrees to help the one man he hoped never to have to see again. Forced to go back to the town he used to call home and back to his old way, Jesse knows that nothing good can come of this, but he does know that his fists will earn him the cash that he so desperately needs.
When he runs into the girl that used to own his heart and he walked away from, all the feelings come rushing back. But it's too late now. Now Jesse is with someone else, and Drew is engaged. But can old feelings really disappear, or do they simply fester until reaching the surface?
This book takes the reader into the dark and violent world of underground fighting. There's no rules, no safety net, and anything goes. There were moments that even I found myself cringing. Intense is an understatement.
This is not a sunshine, rainbows and butterflies book. It's grungy, it's gritty, and holy fuck does the author not hold back on the details. In the middle of the chaos that is the main story, we also get the love story of Drew and Jesse. I have to admit that me and my puny brain struggled a bit with the names at first. I mean, Jesse I can get used to, but when the heroine has a masculine name while the hero has a female sounding one...well...it took some getting used to.
I devoured this book from beginning to end. I had to know what happens. There were so many twists and turns I thought I'd get whiplash. It's not light reading when the Spanish Cartel is involved. Then the twist at the end...HOLY FUCKING SHIT! I didn't see that coming at all. I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe what was happening. I'm pretty sure I was sitting there with my jaw hanging open, catching flies for a good 10 minutes staring at my kindle.
The love story was steamy, and you could definitely feel the tension and sexual chemistry between the H/h. I loved that the author really made you burn for them together. There was no insta anything. Their relationship was one bumpy fucking road. So would I recommend this book? Hell yes. But be prepared to get on to one hell of a roller coaster ride. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but it's certainly worth the risk.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go purge some of the images from this book with some mindless smut, or else I'll never recover. And I thank you
**ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
Enter here for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of A Fighting Chance
For more reviews visit
We're all walking on the edge of chaos, knowing full well it won't take much to fall over
Holy shit. I mean HOLY SHIT! I did not see this book coming. Let me warn you now
of reading that is. Because this book is...I'm not even sure how to best describe it
INTENSE
UNAPOLOGETIC
AND GRITTY AS HELL!
Seem to cover it nicely, because DAMN what a ride!
Now if you're at all like me, you may have take a look at that droolworthy cover and assumed what you'll be getting here is a steamy NA story about a sexy fighter, right? Well fuck that! Because that's not even close to what you'll be getting here.
This book was fantastic, but I can tell you that it's not for everyone. So if you're uncomfortable with some intense and descriptive violence, I'll suggest grabbing your teddy bear and cowering in the corner, because this book is not for you my friend.
Just look at what the author herself wrote about this book:
Standalone, not even remotely part of a series (I probably won't ever write another series).
- No cliffhanger! Wooo!
- Might be a wee bit intense for some in terms of the violence.
So excited to move away from contemporary romance and AFC is quite a way to move! ;) It's TOTALLY different from the others but, truthfully, I've never written a traditional contemporary romance.
I can't do it. I'm evil, I guess.
It's way gritty, it's way grungy, and I let loose because I needed to. It won't be an easy ride because that's not how I operate. I decide a long time ago that if I was going to write an underground fighting book, it wasn't going to be sugarcoated.
It's a huge study in human nature, too, so if you like books where good is good and bad is bad, this won't work for you. Graham Greene once said human nature isn't black and white, it's black and grey, and I STRONGLY believe this.
So, if you're looking for rainbows and kittens and bunnies. They aren't here. ;)
It's still longity-long because, well, it's me and that's how I roll.
Can't say we didn't warn you. So let's move on...
If you read the blurb, then you have probably about 1/18th of what this book is about. I could tell you more, but where's the fun in that? This is something that needs to be experienced without any spoilers. But I can gloss over the edges for you, just a little, because I'm nice like that :)
The thing about lines? They stop being dangerous the moment you cross them; they stop mattering too. And instead of admitting that, you just set another limit, raise the stakes, draw another boundary for your sins, and find a way to justify your actions.
Jesse Chance used to be a fighter back in high school days, and a damn good one, making pretty good money in illegal fights out of the local farm his friend's parents own. But that was before he promised his dying mother that he will make something better of himself. Before he left his small town, girlfriend, and everything of his life behind to start new. Now he's in college, he has new friends, a new girl, and his fighting days are behind them. That is until a visit from his father flips his life upside down.
Jesse wants nothing to do with his father, it's not like he's been a resounding presence in his life. Being the bastard son in a small town never got him anything but grief. But in order to prevent a tragedy, Jesse agrees to help the one man he hoped never to have to see again. Forced to go back to the town he used to call home and back to his old way, Jesse knows that nothing good can come of this, but he does know that his fists will earn him the cash that he so desperately needs.
When he runs into the girl that used to own his heart and he walked away from, all the feelings come rushing back. But it's too late now. Now Jesse is with someone else, and Drew is engaged. But can old feelings really disappear, or do they simply fester until reaching the surface?
This book takes the reader into the dark and violent world of underground fighting. There's no rules, no safety net, and anything goes. There were moments that even I found myself cringing. Intense is an understatement.
This is not a sunshine, rainbows and butterflies book. It's grungy, it's gritty, and holy fuck does the author not hold back on the details. In the middle of the chaos that is the main story, we also get the love story of Drew and Jesse. I have to admit that me and my puny brain struggled a bit with the names at first. I mean, Jesse I can get used to, but when the heroine has a masculine name while the hero has a female sounding one...well...it took some getting used to.
I devoured this book from beginning to end. I had to know what happens. There were so many twists and turns I thought I'd get whiplash. It's not light reading when the Spanish Cartel is involved. Then the twist at the end...HOLY FUCKING SHIT! I didn't see that coming at all. I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe what was happening. I'm pretty sure I was sitting there with my jaw hanging open, catching flies for a good 10 minutes staring at my kindle.
The love story was steamy, and you could definitely feel the tension and sexual chemistry between the H/h. I loved that the author really made you burn for them together. There was no insta anything. Their relationship was one bumpy fucking road. So would I recommend this book? Hell yes. But be prepared to get on to one hell of a roller coaster ride. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but it's certainly worth the risk.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go purge some of the images from this book with some mindless smut, or else I'll never recover. And I thank you
**ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
Enter here for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of A Fighting Chance
For more reviews visit
Read
January 13, 2014- Standalone, not even remotely part of a series (I probably won't ever write another series).
- No cliffhanger! Wooo!
- Might be a wee bit intense for some in terms of the violence.
So excited to move away from contemporary romance and AFC is quite a way to move! ;) It's TOTALLY different from the others but, truthfully, I've never written a traditional contemporary romance.
I can't do it. I'm evil, I guess.
It's way gritty, it's way grungy, and I let loose because I needed to. It won't be an easy ride because that's not how I operate. I decide a long time ago that if I was going to write an underground fighting book, it wasn't going to be sugarcoated.
It's a huge study in human nature, too, so if you like books where good is good and bad is bad, this won't work for you. Graham Greene once said human nature isn't black and white, it's black and grey, and I STRONGLY believe this.
So, if you're looking for rainbows and kittens and bunnies. They aren't here. ;)
It's still longity-long because, well, it's me and that's how I roll. (117k words)
Coming February 4th, 2014!!
- No cliffhanger! Wooo!
- Might be a wee bit intense for some in terms of the violence.
So excited to move away from contemporary romance and AFC is quite a way to move! ;) It's TOTALLY different from the others but, truthfully, I've never written a traditional contemporary romance.
I can't do it. I'm evil, I guess.
It's way gritty, it's way grungy, and I let loose because I needed to. It won't be an easy ride because that's not how I operate. I decide a long time ago that if I was going to write an underground fighting book, it wasn't going to be sugarcoated.
It's a huge study in human nature, too, so if you like books where good is good and bad is bad, this won't work for you. Graham Greene once said human nature isn't black and white, it's black and grey, and I STRONGLY believe this.
So, if you're looking for rainbows and kittens and bunnies. They aren't here. ;)
It's still longity-long because, well, it's me and that's how I roll. (117k words)
Coming February 4th, 2014!!
July 29, 2016
I'll be blunt, I actually almost gave up on the book the moment the author had sent over a copy to me on my kindle for one reason: . Luckily though, it wasn't as it seemed after conferencing with a fellow blogger or two so I went ahead and finished this book! :)
So, over all: I'm very happy to say that I really liked this read!! It had some action and violence but also romantic suspense thrown into it.
A real gritty and lovely MMA read filled with moments of setbacks and triumph but most importantly redemption and second chances!!
So, over all: I'm very happy to say that I really liked this read!! It had some action and violence but also romantic suspense thrown into it.
A real gritty and lovely MMA read filled with moments of setbacks and triumph but most importantly redemption and second chances!!
February 6, 2014
Jesse Chance has crafted a nice life for himself after leaving his hometown of Glory and his high school girlfriend Drew behind over four years ago. He was a fighter that both loathed and loved being in a fighting ring, which was the only place his father ever took notice of him. After his mother dies, he packs up and leaves his hometown to finish school and begin a new chapter. Years later, he’s just about to graduate from college and go on a trip of a lifetime with his college girlfriend and best friend, when it all takes a turn the night his father comes looking for him.
Jesse learns that Henry has landed into some trouble that has him owing thousands of dollars because of a business deal gone south. The people he owes are now threating his younger step brother who’s only ten years old, and Jesse can't stand by to see it all fall apart. Despite his father never being there for him, he makes a choice to go back in the ring to settle his father’s debt and protect the brother he never really knew. When Drew comes into the picture to help him train and manage his fights, they realize their old feelings for one another are still burning strong. However, they might not get out alive when they discover that the fights are cartel-sponsored and the people his father owes want him dead.
I loved the underlying messages that were shared throughout the story. Jesse’s mother fought hard to teach her son that he never let himself be defined by who decided to love him or how people treated him. There were evident discriminations he faced coming from a small down, being the product of an affair and being African American. It was inspiring to see him make something of himself, but at the same time never let go of his roots and beliefs that grounded him. It broke my heart to see how his father treated him, and I struggled with Henry Chance from the beginning of the novel. But despite how his father disregarded him, Jesse came to his rescue when there was nothing there in return for him.
“I didn’t like the idea of fighting, but I wanted something – anything – about me to warrant his acknowledgement. The first time I climbed into the ring, on a really stupid whim, he stood front row. He saw me again that night, and he never took his eyes off me.”
Overall, I have to say it was Jesse’s solid character that made this story phenomenal and impactful. He fought hard inside and outside of the ring to protect those he cared for and make sure he lived by his mother’s guidance. Jesse’s life was marred with constant struggles, but he never let that stop him from breaking free from what held him back and making a good life for himself in the end.
I struggled a bit with the secondary characters, especially the dead beat dad Henry and college girlfriend Lydia. However, I was impressed with how Jesse handled these negative forces in his life. In the end, I was happy with the decisions Jesse made and the conclusions he came to as a result of going back into the ring to fight for someone that never really loved him.
Great story that was balanced with an original plot, worthy characters and heartfelt moments. Well done.
Jesse learns that Henry has landed into some trouble that has him owing thousands of dollars because of a business deal gone south. The people he owes are now threating his younger step brother who’s only ten years old, and Jesse can't stand by to see it all fall apart. Despite his father never being there for him, he makes a choice to go back in the ring to settle his father’s debt and protect the brother he never really knew. When Drew comes into the picture to help him train and manage his fights, they realize their old feelings for one another are still burning strong. However, they might not get out alive when they discover that the fights are cartel-sponsored and the people his father owes want him dead.
I loved the underlying messages that were shared throughout the story. Jesse’s mother fought hard to teach her son that he never let himself be defined by who decided to love him or how people treated him. There were evident discriminations he faced coming from a small down, being the product of an affair and being African American. It was inspiring to see him make something of himself, but at the same time never let go of his roots and beliefs that grounded him. It broke my heart to see how his father treated him, and I struggled with Henry Chance from the beginning of the novel. But despite how his father disregarded him, Jesse came to his rescue when there was nothing there in return for him.
“I didn’t like the idea of fighting, but I wanted something – anything – about me to warrant his acknowledgement. The first time I climbed into the ring, on a really stupid whim, he stood front row. He saw me again that night, and he never took his eyes off me.”
Overall, I have to say it was Jesse’s solid character that made this story phenomenal and impactful. He fought hard inside and outside of the ring to protect those he cared for and make sure he lived by his mother’s guidance. Jesse’s life was marred with constant struggles, but he never let that stop him from breaking free from what held him back and making a good life for himself in the end.
I struggled a bit with the secondary characters, especially the dead beat dad Henry and college girlfriend Lydia. However, I was impressed with how Jesse handled these negative forces in his life. In the end, I was happy with the decisions Jesse made and the conclusions he came to as a result of going back into the ring to fight for someone that never really loved him.
Great story that was balanced with an original plot, worthy characters and heartfelt moments. Well done.
February 13, 2014
WARNING:
- This is NOT a traditional, contemporary love story.
-This IS a story about human nature at some of its absolute worst; it's about it being black and gray. It's dark and probably intense and a little disturbing. It's violent, too.
^^^^^^^^ That is the truth!!!!!
I will say this Anyone who LOVES UFC needs to add this to their TBR list. This I think(no I KNOW) is the best UFC book I have read. the story line is so different than what we usually read, BUT it is so Much better. The characters truly make you feel for them. You follow their Journey and you are right there with them every step of the way, holding your breath,you have the heart palpitations right along with them through it all.
This is a real gritty, raw, MMA story. It may not be the best kind of ride for everyone, but I loved every minute of it.
I loved Jesse. He was so true to his family values that he chose to do everything it took to protect his little brother. Even though that meant he had no choice but to return to the life he use to live and take the chances he needed in order to protect him.
Henry I disliked 100% enough said.
I loved Drew, I love how no matter the time between them when Jesse needed her help she was right there to help him.
I love how A.J. held nothing back in this story. It shows how much compassion she had for these characters, as she did not sugar coat one part of this story at all.
Definitely not a read for the weak at heart kind of readers. If you can handle intense fighting, gritty, raw scenes then this is a must read for you.
Got my ARC whoot whoot
Note from the author:
- Standalone, not even remotely part of a series (I probably won't ever write another series).
- No cliffhanger! Wooo!
- Might be a wee bit intense for some in terms of the violence.
So excited to move away from contemporary romance and AFC is quite a way to move! ;) It's TOTALLY different from the others but, truthfully, I've never written a traditional contemporary romance.
I can't do it. I'm evil, I guess.
It's way gritty, it's way grungy, and I let loose because I needed to. It won't be an easy ride because that's not how I operate. I decide a long time ago that if I was going to write an underground fighting book, it wasn't going to be sugarcoated.
It's a huge study in human nature, too, so if you like books where good is good and bad is bad, this won't work for you. Graham Greene once said human nature isn't black and white, it's black and grey, and I STRONGLY believe this.
So, if you're looking for rainbows and kittens and bunnies. They aren't here. ;)
It's still longity-long because, well, it's me and that's how I roll. (117k words)
Coming February 4th, 2014!
August 9, 2016
*ARC kindly provided by the author*
I totally LOVE this story!! Whoa! What a ride...
It is not your traditional romance. It is adventurous and raw but it contains such an unforgettable story to fall in love!
The main hero, Jesse, is one of the strongest characters that I have ever read. I was blown away by his physical and mental strength. His life has never been easy. And certainly never will be. And that was the reason I fall in love with him. Really. Because he´s gone through dangerous changes throughout the book. And I would say this is the real potential of this story, trust me!
Jesse returns home, where he left a lot of memories. I'm not saying that in the past he acted correctly. In some cases he behaved very selfishly. Now, he has to FIGHT the new realities and maybe change the way of his own thinking, because he hurts himself in some way.
On his inevitable journey of hazardous events is accompanied by his former girlfriend, to which he can still feel some deep feelings.
I would say, AFC contains raw, dangerous actions and a lot of sad moments when you want just read quickly through some passages because you want to know how it all turns out in the end!
On the other hand, what makes this book irresistible is incredibly strong romantic story of two souls, who found each other in the past but life separated them for some time just to found each other again and satisfy their desires and resume their life together in a better way!
I liked the fast pace of the story, excellent narrative and the constant feeling that I never knew how a certain scene plays out!
*I would recommend this book to all readers who liked Walking Disaster!*
I totally LOVE this story!! Whoa! What a ride...
It is not your traditional romance. It is adventurous and raw but it contains such an unforgettable story to fall in love!
The main hero, Jesse, is one of the strongest characters that I have ever read. I was blown away by his physical and mental strength. His life has never been easy. And certainly never will be. And that was the reason I fall in love with him. Really. Because he´s gone through dangerous changes throughout the book. And I would say this is the real potential of this story, trust me!
Jesse returns home, where he left a lot of memories. I'm not saying that in the past he acted correctly. In some cases he behaved very selfishly. Now, he has to FIGHT the new realities and maybe change the way of his own thinking, because he hurts himself in some way.
On his inevitable journey of hazardous events is accompanied by his former girlfriend, to which he can still feel some deep feelings.
I would say, AFC contains raw, dangerous actions and a lot of sad moments when you want just read quickly through some passages because you want to know how it all turns out in the end!
On the other hand, what makes this book irresistible is incredibly strong romantic story of two souls, who found each other in the past but life separated them for some time just to found each other again and satisfy their desires and resume their life together in a better way!
I liked the fast pace of the story, excellent narrative and the constant feeling that I never knew how a certain scene plays out!
*I would recommend this book to all readers who liked Walking Disaster!*
January 27, 2014
**Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review by the girls and I at www.sizzlingpages.com **
Full review to follow for www.sizzlingpages.com
Full review to follow for www.sizzlingpages.com
September 4, 2014
Jesse Chance is a bastard.
And that’s all he heard his entire life growing up once news got out that he was the illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con, Henry Chance.
Stuck in Glory, Texas, a town too small to escape the sins of his parents, Jesse turned into exactly what everyone expected him to be: a lover of liquor and women, and so good with his fists, he became a teenage champion of the secret underground fighting rings that float around the South, while doubting the only people who ever believed he could be more, his ailing mother, and his girlfriend, Drew Hallisay.
But determined to make his mother’s dying wish come true, he enrolled in a college on the East Coast, far away from his past. Jesse Chance is reborn into a new life, and set on keeping Glory, Texas--and Henry Chance--in his rear view.
Until a visit from his father in the middle of the night changes everything.
Forced to return to Glory to prevent a tragedy, Jesse is soon back on the fighting circuit with Drew's help and facing the history he was so desperate to escape, the part of him he would prefer to hide.
As he slips back into his old ways--Henry Chance's ways--he finds himself torn between the guy he was and the one he’s been struggling to become. And in a world dead set on betting against you, can you ever really overcome your past… or your destiny.
My first thoughts after reading this book were "wow,
that book was so totally not what I expected - but way more than I could have
imagined."
Jesse was such a tortured young man – trying to forget
his past, and make a new life for himself as he goes through college. And, he does just that – he makes new
friends, has a girlfriend, and has a new job lined up after graduation – leaving Glory,
TX and everyone there in the dust.
Except somehow the dust got kicked up, and his father
shows up needing a favor. Jesse
struggles with his decision to help, but because of the person he truly is he
can’t say no – so he puts his entire life on the back burner – to help his
father. I asked myself so many times “why
are you helping this jerk”? Jesse’s
father, Henry – is in no way going to win “father of the year” – because he is
a total bastard. He never even
acknowledged that Jesse was his son, never did anything for him, except use him
when it benefitted himself.
By helping his father out, Jesse is forced to go back to
Glory, TX and face his past. The past
that includes underground fighting and his first love, Drew.
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But even though Drew is pissed that he never had contact
with her again after he left for college, and they have both moved on – she decides
to help Jesse as he goes in to the underground fighting world in Mexico. I can’t even imagine how she felt when he
showed back up in town – so conflicted – but he was her first love, and she
just couldn’t leave him to do this on his own.
Setting off for Mexico - this is where the story totally gets interesting - and let me say - hold on!!
I had no idea where this story would go – but it took me
on a journey that had me captivated the whole time. The twists and turns were unexpected and
perfect. The journey that Drew and Jesse
take to make money to help out his father is crazy – and goes places I could
have never imagined. It's not your
typical romance, to me the romance is more in the background story. To me this story is about a young man finally
accepting where he came from, living with how he got there, and learning to
love himself along the way.
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May 6, 2014
3.5 Stars!
I am still conflicted on how to rate this book... I like it and didn't like it...... so I'd say a 3 to 4, so I'm rounding it off to 3.5 stars. :D
The storyline is interesting, it's not like the usual fighter-romance I've read. It is pretty intense, diving in the world of underground fighting in Mexico, dealing with very bad people, the cartel. At the same time, battling their own attraction and feelings for each other since they are both involved with someone else.
The main characters, Jesse and Drew, are very likeable, both sexy and hot and a real fighter.
The title is quite fitting since besides that this is about MMA fight, they are also fighting for a chance with love, their family, the cartel (amongst other things), and, well, their lives.
What I didn't care for :
The story is a bit too long.... it seemed like the troubles was never ending, I almost gave up.
Lydia, Jesse's then present girlfriend at first sounded perfect, she was supportive... then all of a sudden she's all irrational and freaking out. It kinda sounded like that line has to end so Jesse can go back to his real love Drew. And while I like Drew, she also had a boyfriend, Buck... Is there cheating? I'll let you guys read and see... ;) Seriously though, we all know it's gonna head that way, I just wish it was played out better. So while I like both Jesse and Drew, there were also times that kinda did not.
There is suspense, lots of action... angst... and of course, the hot and steamy romance.
I love A.J. Sand's writing, this being the second book I've read of hers... and will definitely look forward to reading more.
I am still conflicted on how to rate this book... I like it and didn't like it...... so I'd say a 3 to 4, so I'm rounding it off to 3.5 stars. :D
The storyline is interesting, it's not like the usual fighter-romance I've read. It is pretty intense, diving in the world of underground fighting in Mexico, dealing with very bad people, the cartel. At the same time, battling their own attraction and feelings for each other since they are both involved with someone else.
The main characters, Jesse and Drew, are very likeable, both sexy and hot and a real fighter.
The title is quite fitting since besides that this is about MMA fight, they are also fighting for a chance with love, their family, the cartel (amongst other things), and, well, their lives.
What I didn't care for :
The story is a bit too long.... it seemed like the troubles was never ending, I almost gave up.
Lydia, Jesse's then present girlfriend at first sounded perfect, she was supportive... then all of a sudden she's all irrational and freaking out. It kinda sounded like that line has to end so Jesse can go back to his real love Drew. And while I like Drew, she also had a boyfriend, Buck... Is there cheating? I'll let you guys read and see... ;) Seriously though, we all know it's gonna head that way, I just wish it was played out better. So while I like both Jesse and Drew, there were also times that kinda did not.
There is suspense, lots of action... angst... and of course, the hot and steamy romance.
I love A.J. Sand's writing, this being the second book I've read of hers... and will definitely look forward to reading more.
February 10, 2014
3.5
I don't like to give up on a book and really struggled with this one.
From reading the blurb I got the impression it was going to be something to blow me away, something new, but it didn't. I couldn't relate to Jess and Drew the characters at all. Everything just kept coming up way too rosy the whole way through.
From about 60% it got a bit better but not enough angst for me:-(
I don't like to give up on a book and really struggled with this one.
From reading the blurb I got the impression it was going to be something to blow me away, something new, but it didn't. I couldn't relate to Jess and Drew the characters at all. Everything just kept coming up way too rosy the whole way through.
From about 60% it got a bit better but not enough angst for me:-(
February 11, 2014
3.5 Stars
Jesse is away in college. He is in his last semester of his senior year. Life is great. He has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, a bright future. Jesse has everything he ever thought he wanted when he left Glory, Texas to get away from underground UFC fighting and his father. However, on his birthday, his father shows up at Jesse’s college and tells him that he owes some bad people a lot of money. People who are threatening to harm Jesse’s little brother. Jesse feel he has no choice but to go back to his hometown that he left 4 years ago and make the money fighting his father owes. However, he knows he will need the help of one girl, his first love that he left behind those 4 years ago.
This story takes you to the person Jesse was 4 years prior and the man he is now. Jesse left his past behind and kept it a secret from his new friends and his new girlfriend. However, this story is told through his POV and you get to feel what he went through then and what he is going through now. This is not a short book. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs. Not only does Jesse have to go back to fighting which he loathed, he returns and befriends his ex-girlfriend, Drew. Drew is caring and loving, but while Jesse was away, she too has had some changes in her life. This is Drew’s journey, past, present, and future.
Jesse and Drew are two great characters. There is some suspense in this book as well concerning Jesse’s father which made for an interesting read. It was a nice read.
A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jesse is away in college. He is in his last semester of his senior year. Life is great. He has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, a bright future. Jesse has everything he ever thought he wanted when he left Glory, Texas to get away from underground UFC fighting and his father. However, on his birthday, his father shows up at Jesse’s college and tells him that he owes some bad people a lot of money. People who are threatening to harm Jesse’s little brother. Jesse feel he has no choice but to go back to his hometown that he left 4 years ago and make the money fighting his father owes. However, he knows he will need the help of one girl, his first love that he left behind those 4 years ago.
This story takes you to the person Jesse was 4 years prior and the man he is now. Jesse left his past behind and kept it a secret from his new friends and his new girlfriend. However, this story is told through his POV and you get to feel what he went through then and what he is going through now. This is not a short book. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs. Not only does Jesse have to go back to fighting which he loathed, he returns and befriends his ex-girlfriend, Drew. Drew is caring and loving, but while Jesse was away, she too has had some changes in her life. This is Drew’s journey, past, present, and future.
Jesse and Drew are two great characters. There is some suspense in this book as well concerning Jesse’s father which made for an interesting read. It was a nice read.
A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 5, 2014DNF @ 20%
Cheating....that is all.
Cheating....that is all.
February 13, 2014
I reviewed this at MustReadBooksOrDie
with my friend Shelley!
Shel: You know we love us some A.J. Sand...I'm not sure she can do any wrong. As a matter of fact, A Fighting Chance definitely confirms for me that she can do NO WRONG. This novel is a departure from the whole Documentary crew and while her style and voice are evident, the storyline is not one of rock stars and surfers and their trials.
Court: No, it is definitely not as happy and free and lifestyles of the rich and the famous that Documentary was. It is much more 'every man' in this small town in Texas with still ever present prejudices regarding race and financial status. Jesse's life seemed hopeful to me in the beginning with how close he was to fulfilling all of his dreams, but as he remembers what he's been through and what we see him go through...it becomes much more melancholic.
Shel: In A Fighting Chance we have Jesse--a fighter and a lover. He's physically tough and yet very reflective and introspective. I've read my share of underground fighter novels and Jesse definitely gives us a different perspective. He has a conflicted relationship with fighting and, unlike other fighter novels, he has no intention of making it his life. Jesse's main counterpart is Drew. She's this spunky, mouthy, strong personality who calls Jesse on all of his shit and isn't afraid to call it like she sees it with anyone. I ADORE her. Through no fault of his own, Jesse (years after he "retires" from fighting) has to take a few months off from his 'normal' life to un-retire from fighting and it's his re-entry into fighting that we are immersed in for the vast majority of this novel. In flashbacks and present day perspective we learn all about Jesse, his family, Drew and her family.
Court: You mentioned the huge theme. The book is entirely in Jesse's POV (which is cool for all of you single, preferably male, POV readers of the world...You're out there, I know it). He's very reflective and at some points he made my heart hurt. I didn't understand his hatred of fighting at first, because I enjoy it as well as know people who do like organized fighting. I came to realize that wasn't the main issue with him. As events unfold, you see how much of a tattered soul he has, and what he is willing to go through for one minute of respect and love from one particular character.
Shel: There's a lot to contemplate and love about this novel. A.J. presents issues on race, class, and a whole slew of issues revolving around underground fighting. It's violent. It's harsh. It's ugly. There are moments of profound sadness, poverty, and (from some characters) emotional and moral blight. But!! There are also moments of sweetness, beauty, and redemption...and humor. A.J. writes some things that just crack me up...all of her novels have her sarcastic, witty barbs and I love that about her writing!
Court: Is that because we like to be sarcastic while trying to be witty? Or that no one would get anyways. Lol. Anyways, I enjoyed the dialogue and every part of this story. There is that moral blight issue that Shel mentioned, but as a big hater of certain tropes I really didn't even care that it was present in this book. I had my mind made up about just about every character from the beginning and the unfinished-ness of one plot line was okay with me.
Shel: A.J. writes fantastically strong females. I've loved every one of them (even Lana--when I didn't want to throttle her). I love that her female characters are so sharp and wise and funny. I love that they don't melt under pressure or give in too easily. Drew fits all of these characteristics and is a perfect fit for Jesse...our sweet, introspective, smart tough guy...also an A.J. trademark--guys that could or should be complete douches are actually sweet and tender and sensitive (not in a gooey way, just an honest way).
Court: I really love Drew. She is strong in a way that you mentioned, but she is also fierce. She was a huge factor to Jesse and made the story whole. Jesse has a lot of demons to work through, and he struggles every step of the way. Their journey through Mexico is long, hard fought, and just whoa. Never going there. It is official. There are quite a few warnings here about the content being dark and violent. I didn't find it bad, but that probably says more about me than the story. :P
Shelley: 5 Stars
Courtney: 5 Stars
with my friend Shelley!
Shel: You know we love us some A.J. Sand...I'm not sure she can do any wrong. As a matter of fact, A Fighting Chance definitely confirms for me that she can do NO WRONG. This novel is a departure from the whole Documentary crew and while her style and voice are evident, the storyline is not one of rock stars and surfers and their trials.
Court: No, it is definitely not as happy and free and lifestyles of the rich and the famous that Documentary was. It is much more 'every man' in this small town in Texas with still ever present prejudices regarding race and financial status. Jesse's life seemed hopeful to me in the beginning with how close he was to fulfilling all of his dreams, but as he remembers what he's been through and what we see him go through...it becomes much more melancholic.
Shel: In A Fighting Chance we have Jesse--a fighter and a lover. He's physically tough and yet very reflective and introspective. I've read my share of underground fighter novels and Jesse definitely gives us a different perspective. He has a conflicted relationship with fighting and, unlike other fighter novels, he has no intention of making it his life. Jesse's main counterpart is Drew. She's this spunky, mouthy, strong personality who calls Jesse on all of his shit and isn't afraid to call it like she sees it with anyone. I ADORE her. Through no fault of his own, Jesse (years after he "retires" from fighting) has to take a few months off from his 'normal' life to un-retire from fighting and it's his re-entry into fighting that we are immersed in for the vast majority of this novel. In flashbacks and present day perspective we learn all about Jesse, his family, Drew and her family.
Court: You mentioned the huge theme. The book is entirely in Jesse's POV (which is cool for all of you single, preferably male, POV readers of the world...You're out there, I know it). He's very reflective and at some points he made my heart hurt. I didn't understand his hatred of fighting at first, because I enjoy it as well as know people who do like organized fighting. I came to realize that wasn't the main issue with him. As events unfold, you see how much of a tattered soul he has, and what he is willing to go through for one minute of respect and love from one particular character.
Shel: There's a lot to contemplate and love about this novel. A.J. presents issues on race, class, and a whole slew of issues revolving around underground fighting. It's violent. It's harsh. It's ugly. There are moments of profound sadness, poverty, and (from some characters) emotional and moral blight. But!! There are also moments of sweetness, beauty, and redemption...and humor. A.J. writes some things that just crack me up...all of her novels have her sarcastic, witty barbs and I love that about her writing!
Court: Is that because we like to be sarcastic while trying to be witty? Or that no one would get anyways. Lol. Anyways, I enjoyed the dialogue and every part of this story. There is that moral blight issue that Shel mentioned, but as a big hater of certain tropes I really didn't even care that it was present in this book. I had my mind made up about just about every character from the beginning and the unfinished-ness of one plot line was okay with me.
Shel: A.J. writes fantastically strong females. I've loved every one of them (even Lana--when I didn't want to throttle her). I love that her female characters are so sharp and wise and funny. I love that they don't melt under pressure or give in too easily. Drew fits all of these characteristics and is a perfect fit for Jesse...our sweet, introspective, smart tough guy...also an A.J. trademark--guys that could or should be complete douches are actually sweet and tender and sensitive (not in a gooey way, just an honest way).
Court: I really love Drew. She is strong in a way that you mentioned, but she is also fierce. She was a huge factor to Jesse and made the story whole. Jesse has a lot of demons to work through, and he struggles every step of the way. Their journey through Mexico is long, hard fought, and just whoa. Never going there. It is official. There are quite a few warnings here about the content being dark and violent. I didn't find it bad, but that probably says more about me than the story. :P
Shelley: 5 Stars
Courtney: 5 Stars
February 17, 2014
*I received an ARC in exchange for honest review*
****4.5 Star***
After discovering at a young age that he was illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con Henry Chance gave Jesse Chance nothing misery. He takes up underground fighting, soon realizes that he is good at it, and uses it as a way to escape and mask his pain.
“Fighting help me deal with my demons, but it created a whole Hell full of them in the process too”
When his mother ask him to stop to make something of his life just before she dies, Jesse takes note, reassess his life and where he may he heading, and not wishing to let her down he leaves his hometown of Glory Texas, and moves to the East coast to start college, make new friends, starts a new life leaving his past behind.
“You better never let yourself be deified by who decides to love you…. Don’t ever define your self by the way people treat you….
You better walk with you head held high and your heart full”
Jesse never planned to go back to the town that held so many memories, until one night four years later the man who paid him little attention shows up. One conversation with Henry changes everything and in order to prevent tragedy Jesse has no choice but to return to Glory and return to the fighting world. However returning also means Jesse will come face to face with the only other person who believe he could be more his ex girlfriend Drew Hallisay the girl who still owns his heart.
“Drew had been more that a girlfriend back in high school, she was my best friend, my biggest support, and my shoulder to lean on”
The storyline was about redemption, fighting for what you want, and second chances. The underground fight aspects mean it was definitely not a hearts and flowers read. It was emotional, raw, gritty, with suspense, action and intense violent scenes A.J Sands doesn’t hold back nothing is sugar coated. There are many twist and turn right up to the end to keep you guessing.
I loved Jesse of course ;) he is a fighter with a heart; told from his POV you really get an insight into what he is thinking you really get to feel his emotions. He some issue that he needs to overcome as he struggles to get free from some parts of his past. Drew was great a girl after my own heart she was feisty strong not afraid to say what she was thinking. She the person Jesse needs the person he could trust and rely on.
I loved these two together, and their story was heartwarming at times. Time may have past, both may have tried to moved on, but their history means that as much as they try to fight their feelings, do what they think is right chemistry, connection and the passion, they share was still there, you really get to see, and feel how much they really care about each other.
“For a moment, as I look at her, it’s just us, and I feel our history playing out on my skin, in my heart, in my veins. It would be so easy to fall in love with her again…if I weren't so in love with her already.”
“All I've ever done is carve out a space for you inside me, Jesse. And I'm afraid it's gotten so big, it's going to eat me alive one day."
Overall I enjoyed A fighting Chance, it was well written, loved the ending, as there was no cliffhanger. I liked AJ writing style is descriptive, emotional and as a result she definitely pulls me in. I look forward to reading more of her work.
If like me you are a fan of fighter especially MMA one’s and you’re looking for something a bit darker then this is the book for you.
****4.5 Star***
After discovering at a young age that he was illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con Henry Chance gave Jesse Chance nothing misery. He takes up underground fighting, soon realizes that he is good at it, and uses it as a way to escape and mask his pain.
“Fighting help me deal with my demons, but it created a whole Hell full of them in the process too”
When his mother ask him to stop to make something of his life just before she dies, Jesse takes note, reassess his life and where he may he heading, and not wishing to let her down he leaves his hometown of Glory Texas, and moves to the East coast to start college, make new friends, starts a new life leaving his past behind.
“You better never let yourself be deified by who decides to love you…. Don’t ever define your self by the way people treat you….
You better walk with you head held high and your heart full”
Jesse never planned to go back to the town that held so many memories, until one night four years later the man who paid him little attention shows up. One conversation with Henry changes everything and in order to prevent tragedy Jesse has no choice but to return to Glory and return to the fighting world. However returning also means Jesse will come face to face with the only other person who believe he could be more his ex girlfriend Drew Hallisay the girl who still owns his heart.
“Drew had been more that a girlfriend back in high school, she was my best friend, my biggest support, and my shoulder to lean on”
The storyline was about redemption, fighting for what you want, and second chances. The underground fight aspects mean it was definitely not a hearts and flowers read. It was emotional, raw, gritty, with suspense, action and intense violent scenes A.J Sands doesn’t hold back nothing is sugar coated. There are many twist and turn right up to the end to keep you guessing.
I loved Jesse of course ;) he is a fighter with a heart; told from his POV you really get an insight into what he is thinking you really get to feel his emotions. He some issue that he needs to overcome as he struggles to get free from some parts of his past. Drew was great a girl after my own heart she was feisty strong not afraid to say what she was thinking. She the person Jesse needs the person he could trust and rely on.
I loved these two together, and their story was heartwarming at times. Time may have past, both may have tried to moved on, but their history means that as much as they try to fight their feelings, do what they think is right chemistry, connection and the passion, they share was still there, you really get to see, and feel how much they really care about each other.
“For a moment, as I look at her, it’s just us, and I feel our history playing out on my skin, in my heart, in my veins. It would be so easy to fall in love with her again…if I weren't so in love with her already.”
“All I've ever done is carve out a space for you inside me, Jesse. And I'm afraid it's gotten so big, it's going to eat me alive one day."
Overall I enjoyed A fighting Chance, it was well written, loved the ending, as there was no cliffhanger. I liked AJ writing style is descriptive, emotional and as a result she definitely pulls me in. I look forward to reading more of her work.
If like me you are a fan of fighter especially MMA one’s and you’re looking for something a bit darker then this is the book for you.
February 25, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
He was fighting not really because of the money – it was the only thing that can get the attention of the person he was so desperately want to please, and it breaks my heart to see him bloodied, hurt and still can’t find the recognition he longed for.
Years later, he was living a different life, away from all the fight and ugliness of his past, even the best thing that happened to him in Glory - his girlfriend, Drew.
His promise to his mother is almost fulfilled as he’s nearing graduation. But a visit from his father changed it all. He was forced to go back to stop a nightmare from happening. He once again started fighting which he gave up years before. He didn’t want to, but he NEEDED to.
Jesse – he’s an amazing guy with no luck from the parents department. He had daddy issues, and his mother, the only one who had loved him (besides Drew, that is), had already passed away. I wish his father could see how lucky he is to have him as a child. He was truly a fighter, not just on the cage, but in life as well. Because I doubt any weaker man can handle what he had been through. There was a time when I wished he could see beyond his desperation – he didn’t need the recognition, the appreciation from that someone. He was already a better person than him. I was not surprise to see how everything ended, and how he was played at. I hated it a million times, and I just can’t get over the feeling of hate of the person that screwed him up. WTF!!!!
Drew’s an undeniable force in my life, a pull I can’t escape.
She’s my gravity.
I think she’s my everything.
Drew – this girl totally rocked! She was not just a pretty face, this girl is also blessed with an insight and a smart mind. Jesse broke her heart when he decided to bury everything Glory-related in his life. But when he needed help, and Drew was the only one who can help him, our girl dropped everything just to go with him. She made sure he didn’t get himself killed in the process. The things she do, the planning, the observations she’s making – it had really kept him alive. I’m so glad she stuck by him.
NEVER pass this one for another mushy love story – because it surely is not. This novel tackles sensitive issues that have been a problem for a very long time. It’s about friendship, and family. It’s about a boy who desperately wants something, and figured out the hard way that something wasn’t really worth it. Your heart will go out to the characters if it hasn’t dropped to your stomach from all the fighting and chasing scenes.
This novel is not for the faint of heart, if you can’t handle the punches, the spluttering of blood which I can almost see coming out of my kindle because of the vividness of the description, then stay out of it. The author had made sure I had the front row seat of every fight, watching one fighter go down over the other, having me cheering for Jesse, and crossing my fingers every time he goes to the cage.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
February 26, 2014
Totally unexpected! I guess that's how I have to start this review. I thought I was going to be reading a fighter-guy romance and this was not at all that. I don't even know if I could classify this book as a romance much at all. Yes, the book contained a second-chance at love for the primary characters but it was not the primary focus of the book and that is why I wouldn't classify it as primarily a 'romance' novel. What would I classify it as? I have no idea whatsoever.
This book centres around Jesse Chance, a bastard son in a small town where you just don't escape the stigma associated with being "the other woman's" child. Everyday of his life he is ridiculed, teased and told he will amount to nothing. In his teenage years he falls in love with Drew, the daughter of the new town doctor and together they care for his ailing mother, who is dying of cancer and to make extra money he fights in barn fight's where his father, a man who has not acknowledged his son comes to watch. As much as any child, Jesse craves his father's attention and love and fighting is one way to do that, at least for a little while it gets his attention.
After a particularly brutal fight, he is offered sponsorship by some of his fathers associates but Drew puts her foot down and with her snarky attitude she pulls him away. For a long time, that is the last that Jesse fights.
Flash forward, and Jesse is a totally different guy. He has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend and is preparing to graduate from college. That is until his father shows up and needs Jesse's help. He owes money and they have threatened Jesse's younger half-brothers life if his father can't come up with the money. The only way to get that money is for Jesse to fight again. And so begins a gripping, gritty story as Jesse has to go back to a life he had completely left behind, including fighting, drug cartels and Drew Hallisay.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes... but it wasn't my thing per se. I like my books to put a smile on my face, and that wasn't what this book did. Would I read more by this author? Most definitely, she showed immense skill and I know she has some contemporary romance's under he belt which are probably more my style. If you like grit, take a look at this book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book centres around Jesse Chance, a bastard son in a small town where you just don't escape the stigma associated with being "the other woman's" child. Everyday of his life he is ridiculed, teased and told he will amount to nothing. In his teenage years he falls in love with Drew, the daughter of the new town doctor and together they care for his ailing mother, who is dying of cancer and to make extra money he fights in barn fight's where his father, a man who has not acknowledged his son comes to watch. As much as any child, Jesse craves his father's attention and love and fighting is one way to do that, at least for a little while it gets his attention.
After a particularly brutal fight, he is offered sponsorship by some of his fathers associates but Drew puts her foot down and with her snarky attitude she pulls him away. For a long time, that is the last that Jesse fights.
Flash forward, and Jesse is a totally different guy. He has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend and is preparing to graduate from college. That is until his father shows up and needs Jesse's help. He owes money and they have threatened Jesse's younger half-brothers life if his father can't come up with the money. The only way to get that money is for Jesse to fight again. And so begins a gripping, gritty story as Jesse has to go back to a life he had completely left behind, including fighting, drug cartels and Drew Hallisay.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes... but it wasn't my thing per se. I like my books to put a smile on my face, and that wasn't what this book did. Would I read more by this author? Most definitely, she showed immense skill and I know she has some contemporary romance's under he belt which are probably more my style. If you like grit, take a look at this book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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February 16, 2014
Well that was a mish-mash of awesome. There was sooo much happening in A Fighting Chance, that I felt - everything. Frustration, irritation, with moments full of squeeing and equal amounts of swooning, there were even times that I was so tense I was chewing my nails.
Four years ago Jesse's mom died, and when he buried her, he buried his past as well. Growing up in a small town with a deadbeat sperm donor, a girlfriend that he adores, and a talent for beating the crap out of people in underground fighting matches, he leaves it all behind to go to college. Fast forward While celebrating his birthday surrounded by his new girlfriend and his Frat buddies, his father comes back into his life and turns everything upside down. His father needs his help, he needs fifty thousand dollars and he needs it - pronto, or the people he owes money to are going to go after Jesse's 10 year old half brother. With no choice and no money, he takes time off from school and goes home, where he comes face to face with his ex, Drew.
When Drew gets wind of whats going on, Jesse asks her for help and she reaches out to someone she knows in Mexico who can help get Jesse into some fights. Off to Mexico Jesse and Drew go and from there it gets all kinds of crazy, with brutal underground fights, drug cartels and murder. Add in the explosive love that these two have for each other and you've got one heck of an awesome story.
Jesse was intriguing from the get go, on the one hand he is such a freaking bad ass, but on the other he's really sweet and even has moments of a panic disorder. I really liked that the book was told entirely from his point of view, I loved seeing everything from his perspective. Jesse isn't perfect, he's also a really good guy with enough of an edge to keep him interesting, I really liked him. And I really loved, his love for Drew.
Drew is freaking awesome! And a completely perfect match for Jesse. I really loved that she wasn't a simpering whiny girl in the corner, nope, she's smart, a bad ass in her own right and right there in it with Jesse. Together Jesse and Drew are an electric couple with history and undeniable connection that neither can deny. Loved them together.
This book has it all and I would recommend to anyone that craves a New Adult second chance romance. Filled with grit, love, a fighter that is also incredibly sweet, a tenacious and awesome woman that loves him, mix it together with some crazy cartel shenanigans and its pretty freaking awesome. One quick warning though, this book does have some cheating, some murder, and lots of crazy, other than that (or maybe because of that) go read it, read it now!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
Four years ago Jesse's mom died, and when he buried her, he buried his past as well. Growing up in a small town with a deadbeat sperm donor, a girlfriend that he adores, and a talent for beating the crap out of people in underground fighting matches, he leaves it all behind to go to college. Fast forward While celebrating his birthday surrounded by his new girlfriend and his Frat buddies, his father comes back into his life and turns everything upside down. His father needs his help, he needs fifty thousand dollars and he needs it - pronto, or the people he owes money to are going to go after Jesse's 10 year old half brother. With no choice and no money, he takes time off from school and goes home, where he comes face to face with his ex, Drew.
When Drew gets wind of whats going on, Jesse asks her for help and she reaches out to someone she knows in Mexico who can help get Jesse into some fights. Off to Mexico Jesse and Drew go and from there it gets all kinds of crazy, with brutal underground fights, drug cartels and murder. Add in the explosive love that these two have for each other and you've got one heck of an awesome story.
Jesse was intriguing from the get go, on the one hand he is such a freaking bad ass, but on the other he's really sweet and even has moments of a panic disorder. I really liked that the book was told entirely from his point of view, I loved seeing everything from his perspective. Jesse isn't perfect, he's also a really good guy with enough of an edge to keep him interesting, I really liked him. And I really loved, his love for Drew.
Drew is freaking awesome! And a completely perfect match for Jesse. I really loved that she wasn't a simpering whiny girl in the corner, nope, she's smart, a bad ass in her own right and right there in it with Jesse. Together Jesse and Drew are an electric couple with history and undeniable connection that neither can deny. Loved them together.
This book has it all and I would recommend to anyone that craves a New Adult second chance romance. Filled with grit, love, a fighter that is also incredibly sweet, a tenacious and awesome woman that loves him, mix it together with some crazy cartel shenanigans and its pretty freaking awesome. One quick warning though, this book does have some cheating, some murder, and lots of crazy, other than that (or maybe because of that) go read it, read it now!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
February 14, 2014
*received a copy for an honest review
There are a few things that grab my attention when looking for a new book to read. One of them is a hot rocker and the other is a hot fighter. This book was all about the hot fighter named Jess.
I’m going to jump right in and tell you everything I liked. I liked that the author made Jess human. He was not just about the fighting. In fact, when we first meet Jess he is content to have all that fighting for profit behind him. He’s in college with his eye on his future. He has a totally different life that he worked hard at. Since this book has to have somewhere to go, Jess’s past catches up with him. Jess has to deal with what he left behind in order to keep the life he has built. Back in the ring he goes, but it’s not an ordinary situation. He’s fighting to protect a little brother he hardly knows and he’s fighting in Mexico where there are no rules. This leads to the next thing that I loved about this story. The intensity of being in a foreign country with less than reputable people running the show made this book shine. As I read, I imagined what it would be like to be in Mexico, fighting for money and survival. It was intense to say the least.
Strong female characters are always a plus. I don’t like the sniveling, clingy female that can’t stand up for what she wants. In this book we get Drew. She is an excellent character. She is Jess’s match in every way. She’s one of the things that Jess leaves in the past in order to build the future his mom wanted for him. Drew is a tough cookie that has done things her way with no excuses. She loves hard and she loves long. She’s loyal and forgiving, that doesn’t make her a push over. I loved her.
This book had everything I like; strong characters, a driving story line, a few twists to keep things interesting, and enough reality to make everything believable. I like the way this author tells a story. I didn't realize at the time I started reading this book, but I had read another book by this author. I read Documentary and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am pleased that I found this book also. If you like a great story and hunky fighters then this is one to pick up. This fighter is intelligent, driven, and compassionate.
Here’s a few of my favorite quotes from Jess. Believe me the guy has some mojo.
“For a moment, as I look at her, it’s just us, and I feel our history playing out on my skin, in my heart, in my veins. It would be so easy to fall in love with her again…if I weren't so in love with her already.”
“Drew’s an undeniable force in my life, a pull I can’t escape. She is my gravity. I think she’s my everything.”
“I like the way everything about you consumes me. I just love loving you.”
There are a few things that grab my attention when looking for a new book to read. One of them is a hot rocker and the other is a hot fighter. This book was all about the hot fighter named Jess.
I’m going to jump right in and tell you everything I liked. I liked that the author made Jess human. He was not just about the fighting. In fact, when we first meet Jess he is content to have all that fighting for profit behind him. He’s in college with his eye on his future. He has a totally different life that he worked hard at. Since this book has to have somewhere to go, Jess’s past catches up with him. Jess has to deal with what he left behind in order to keep the life he has built. Back in the ring he goes, but it’s not an ordinary situation. He’s fighting to protect a little brother he hardly knows and he’s fighting in Mexico where there are no rules. This leads to the next thing that I loved about this story. The intensity of being in a foreign country with less than reputable people running the show made this book shine. As I read, I imagined what it would be like to be in Mexico, fighting for money and survival. It was intense to say the least.
Strong female characters are always a plus. I don’t like the sniveling, clingy female that can’t stand up for what she wants. In this book we get Drew. She is an excellent character. She is Jess’s match in every way. She’s one of the things that Jess leaves in the past in order to build the future his mom wanted for him. Drew is a tough cookie that has done things her way with no excuses. She loves hard and she loves long. She’s loyal and forgiving, that doesn’t make her a push over. I loved her.
This book had everything I like; strong characters, a driving story line, a few twists to keep things interesting, and enough reality to make everything believable. I like the way this author tells a story. I didn't realize at the time I started reading this book, but I had read another book by this author. I read Documentary and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am pleased that I found this book also. If you like a great story and hunky fighters then this is one to pick up. This fighter is intelligent, driven, and compassionate.
Here’s a few of my favorite quotes from Jess. Believe me the guy has some mojo.
“For a moment, as I look at her, it’s just us, and I feel our history playing out on my skin, in my heart, in my veins. It would be so easy to fall in love with her again…if I weren't so in love with her already.”
“Drew’s an undeniable force in my life, a pull I can’t escape. She is my gravity. I think she’s my everything.”
“I like the way everything about you consumes me. I just love loving you.”
February 12, 2014
When Jesse graduated he flew out of Glory, never even looking back. He created a good life for him as he is nearly graduating college as an architect and him and his girlfriend will soon be moving in together. Though plans change when Jesse's dad comes looking for him, with news that will draw him back into his old life.
His dad messed up again big time. Henry owes some people thousands of dollars and now they are threatening the life of Jesse's little half brother. Feeling like he has no other choice, Jesse returns to Glory. Even though Henry was never there for her, Jesse can not abandon his little brother. The only way to earn the money is to start fighting again. Then Drew comes back into the picture and it is obvious the attraction between these two never really went away.
Now to earn the kind of cash Henry needs, Jesse and Drew will have to go to Mexico. The fights there are bigger and earn more money. Though soon they are running for their lives from the cartels and the people Henry owes money.
I really liked the part where Jesse learns to fight against the prejudice of the town. For so long it bothered him and he felt unworthy. This resulted in the cage fights, which were the only moments people seemed to love him. It became nearly addicting. Luckily he was able to let all that go, though he is faced with it again when he returns to glory. This time he knows who he is and doesn't let other people get to him.
There was a lot of violence in this novel and even though fighting is part of the major plot, a lot of the violence felt unnecessary and a bit over the top. I understand the author wanted to really show how it goes down at the underground cage fighting and the life of the cartels, but some parts made question the usefulness of such violence.
Often it was also one thing after another and just when you think it might be over, another twist was presented. Considering most of the twists were actually the same, the story felt long to me. It could have easily been cut down a hundred pages or more.
I did like Jesse as a character. There was plenty of complexity to keep me interested. The journey he went through since he was a boy to the man he has now become felt real. He shows strength time after time, when anyone else would have given up.
The other characters I did not like that much, because often they felt very cliché. Also they were all so negative, except maybe Drew. This all gives it kind of a down feeling and made it difficult for me to keep turning the page.
A Fighting Chance was a good story, with an interesting plot, though a bit predictable and long, great hero and plenty of action.
His dad messed up again big time. Henry owes some people thousands of dollars and now they are threatening the life of Jesse's little half brother. Feeling like he has no other choice, Jesse returns to Glory. Even though Henry was never there for her, Jesse can not abandon his little brother. The only way to earn the money is to start fighting again. Then Drew comes back into the picture and it is obvious the attraction between these two never really went away.
Now to earn the kind of cash Henry needs, Jesse and Drew will have to go to Mexico. The fights there are bigger and earn more money. Though soon they are running for their lives from the cartels and the people Henry owes money.
I really liked the part where Jesse learns to fight against the prejudice of the town. For so long it bothered him and he felt unworthy. This resulted in the cage fights, which were the only moments people seemed to love him. It became nearly addicting. Luckily he was able to let all that go, though he is faced with it again when he returns to glory. This time he knows who he is and doesn't let other people get to him.
There was a lot of violence in this novel and even though fighting is part of the major plot, a lot of the violence felt unnecessary and a bit over the top. I understand the author wanted to really show how it goes down at the underground cage fighting and the life of the cartels, but some parts made question the usefulness of such violence.
Often it was also one thing after another and just when you think it might be over, another twist was presented. Considering most of the twists were actually the same, the story felt long to me. It could have easily been cut down a hundred pages or more.
I did like Jesse as a character. There was plenty of complexity to keep me interested. The journey he went through since he was a boy to the man he has now become felt real. He shows strength time after time, when anyone else would have given up.
The other characters I did not like that much, because often they felt very cliché. Also they were all so negative, except maybe Drew. This all gives it kind of a down feeling and made it difficult for me to keep turning the page.
A Fighting Chance was a good story, with an interesting plot, though a bit predictable and long, great hero and plenty of action.
August 19, 2016
Our 4 Star Review
Jesse has always been seen as a bastard his only redemption is his ability to fight in the underground fights in and around his hometown. But he was doing it for the wrong reasons and when his mother passes away from the cancer that had been tearing her apart he vows to put it behind him along with everything and everyone in Glory, Texas including his high school sweetheart Drew. Now after 4 years everything he's been trying to build in college comes crashing down with a single visit from his father. Jesse has to make a decision that could ruin everything he's built to save his kid brother, he needs money and he needs it fast and the only way he knows how is to go back to what he never wanted to be again this time on the bigger stages in Mexico.
When he comes back to Glory to set it all up he runs into his old flame who has an unexpected fiance' and even with the sparks between he has to remember that and the girl he left behind in college. All while doing everything he can to get the money to save his brother, but beyond the border he finds more than just his lost love, he finds himself in a world he won't be able to survive without her help and Drew is just a feisty as he remembers and sexier than ever.
Can the two come out unscathed and find a balance between old and new?
So this one is told solely from the male POV of Jesse which is rare in and of itself and is shows his struggles throughout as he tries to find the balance between doing the right thing and doing what's right for himself. There are times I would've loved to see Drew's perspective, but through and through the story really wasn't about her. If your looking for a sappy romance novel this isn't it, this has a love story in it, but the majority of the time is spent on Jesse's struggles in and around the ring and why he's there in the first place. This is a story about a young man learning to find himself and figure out his place in life.
I loved how detailed the story was about the sport and what goes on in that world (or at least we would imagine it to be like) but it also brought out the Mexican culture alive throughout the pages. All in all an interesting in depth read.
Jesse has always been seen as a bastard his only redemption is his ability to fight in the underground fights in and around his hometown. But he was doing it for the wrong reasons and when his mother passes away from the cancer that had been tearing her apart he vows to put it behind him along with everything and everyone in Glory, Texas including his high school sweetheart Drew. Now after 4 years everything he's been trying to build in college comes crashing down with a single visit from his father. Jesse has to make a decision that could ruin everything he's built to save his kid brother, he needs money and he needs it fast and the only way he knows how is to go back to what he never wanted to be again this time on the bigger stages in Mexico.
When he comes back to Glory to set it all up he runs into his old flame who has an unexpected fiance' and even with the sparks between he has to remember that and the girl he left behind in college. All while doing everything he can to get the money to save his brother, but beyond the border he finds more than just his lost love, he finds himself in a world he won't be able to survive without her help and Drew is just a feisty as he remembers and sexier than ever.
Can the two come out unscathed and find a balance between old and new?
So this one is told solely from the male POV of Jesse which is rare in and of itself and is shows his struggles throughout as he tries to find the balance between doing the right thing and doing what's right for himself. There are times I would've loved to see Drew's perspective, but through and through the story really wasn't about her. If your looking for a sappy romance novel this isn't it, this has a love story in it, but the majority of the time is spent on Jesse's struggles in and around the ring and why he's there in the first place. This is a story about a young man learning to find himself and figure out his place in life.
I loved how detailed the story was about the sport and what goes on in that world (or at least we would imagine it to be like) but it also brought out the Mexican culture alive throughout the pages. All in all an interesting in depth read.
February 5, 2014
ARC received from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jesse Chance is the product of an affair between his white father and black mother. All he heard his entire life is that he is a bastard child and was treated harshly by the people in the town he grew up in. His mother raised him to be the best man that he can possible be in life and to have a better future. Jesse’s biggest problem is that he constantly wants the attention and approval of his father. Jesse becomes a fighter and is a celebrity in his hometown of Glory, Texas. As his talent as a fighter brings him notoriety so does the one thing he always wanted attention from his father.
As his mother’s illness worsens and the guilt from fighting takes a toll on Jesse he decides to quit fighting and leave for college. In college, Jesse becomes a different person and he leaves his past buried with new dreams and new girlfriend. After years have passed and Jesse is nearing the end of his college career his past catches up to him. His father shows up and is in need of Jesse’s help with a life or death matter. He returns to his hometown to help his younger brother and he can’t deny the chemistry between Drew (his ex-girlfriend) and himself.
I really enjoyed this story for several reasons. The first would be the fact of the determination of Jesse wanting to help his younger brother. Also, the chemistry between Drew and Jesse just explodes from the pages with how much they care about each other. Last, I enjoyed the journey of Jesse’s life through the good and the bad.
I recommend this book for readers to enjoy getting to know Jesse Chance and his journey to find happiness, peace, and love. Thanks to A.J. Sand for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I am a fan of your work and have read all of your books keep up the good work I can’t wait to see what works you have coming out in the future.
Jesse Chance is the product of an affair between his white father and black mother. All he heard his entire life is that he is a bastard child and was treated harshly by the people in the town he grew up in. His mother raised him to be the best man that he can possible be in life and to have a better future. Jesse’s biggest problem is that he constantly wants the attention and approval of his father. Jesse becomes a fighter and is a celebrity in his hometown of Glory, Texas. As his talent as a fighter brings him notoriety so does the one thing he always wanted attention from his father.
As his mother’s illness worsens and the guilt from fighting takes a toll on Jesse he decides to quit fighting and leave for college. In college, Jesse becomes a different person and he leaves his past buried with new dreams and new girlfriend. After years have passed and Jesse is nearing the end of his college career his past catches up to him. His father shows up and is in need of Jesse’s help with a life or death matter. He returns to his hometown to help his younger brother and he can’t deny the chemistry between Drew (his ex-girlfriend) and himself.
I really enjoyed this story for several reasons. The first would be the fact of the determination of Jesse wanting to help his younger brother. Also, the chemistry between Drew and Jesse just explodes from the pages with how much they care about each other. Last, I enjoyed the journey of Jesse’s life through the good and the bad.
I recommend this book for readers to enjoy getting to know Jesse Chance and his journey to find happiness, peace, and love. Thanks to A.J. Sand for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I am a fan of your work and have read all of your books keep up the good work I can’t wait to see what works you have coming out in the future.
February 5, 2014
Jesse Chance is a guy that ran away from his hometown to escape a tortured upbringing. He is a product of an affair between his white father and black mother. Growing up, town gossip followed him throughout his whole life. Simply put, he was known as the bastard child of an interracial affair. He was raised by his mother, but constantly seeks his father's approval. He discovered his talent in underground fighting in his hometown of Glory, Texas. One night, he does a helluva lot of damage to an opponent that he fears becoming everything he hates.
With the hope of making his mother proud, he leaves his hometown and his girlfriend, Drew behind. He leaves for college with the aspirations of burying his shameful past. He has cultivated a new life with new friends and a new girlfriend who know nothing of his fighting past. Years later, a visit from his father has him returning to Glory and reliving a part of him he despises so much.
I loved this book for so many reasons. One, the MC are of color and it's a refreshing change. Having read a lot of romance books and even books with a romance, but aren't categorized as such, in the last couple of years, it's safe to say that black protagonists are an anomaly. The chemistry between Jesse and Drew is written so well; it's easy to see they have a deep history even though only a few glimpses of it is shown.
The story tends to get dark...a lot. There's detailed blood, gory and death. It's not a bad thing, but it's also not for everybody. I enjoyed the ride and I liked seeing Jesse's journey. He has (had?) a ton of daddy issues and insecurities, but it was fascinating to see him work through them. Plus there's a few twists thrown in that I think the reader won't expect. I'd recommend the book just solely on the fact that it's one of the more unique stories of its kind. It's also captivating and well written.
*ARC received from author in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not otherwise compensated.
With the hope of making his mother proud, he leaves his hometown and his girlfriend, Drew behind. He leaves for college with the aspirations of burying his shameful past. He has cultivated a new life with new friends and a new girlfriend who know nothing of his fighting past. Years later, a visit from his father has him returning to Glory and reliving a part of him he despises so much.
I loved this book for so many reasons. One, the MC are of color and it's a refreshing change. Having read a lot of romance books and even books with a romance, but aren't categorized as such, in the last couple of years, it's safe to say that black protagonists are an anomaly. The chemistry between Jesse and Drew is written so well; it's easy to see they have a deep history even though only a few glimpses of it is shown.
The story tends to get dark...a lot. There's detailed blood, gory and death. It's not a bad thing, but it's also not for everybody. I enjoyed the ride and I liked seeing Jesse's journey. He has (had?) a ton of daddy issues and insecurities, but it was fascinating to see him work through them. Plus there's a few twists thrown in that I think the reader won't expect. I'd recommend the book just solely on the fact that it's one of the more unique stories of its kind. It's also captivating and well written.
*ARC received from author in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not otherwise compensated.
February 14, 2014
This is a really good book. It is very violent though so if that is not your thing I would not recommend it for you. This book is nice & long so it gives lots of time for in depth character development & lots of events to play out. The male lead in this story Jesse Chance grows up in a small town in Texas. His black mother had an affair with a white married man from town & got pregnant. She refused to give up the baby. Henry was a womanizer who constantly cheated on his wife, but the town could no longer look the other way when Jesse was evidence of the cheating. Carla & Jesse were treated like piranhas both for Jesse being a bastard & biracial. Carls gave Jesse the best life should could, but he craves his fathers love & attention which he refuses to give. Jesse gets involved in a Local underground MMA. He fights to get his fathers attention & the respect of the town. Jesse 's mother. & girlfriend Drew convince him he needs to better himself & leave town to go away to college. In college Jesse finally lives in peace & carves a nice little life out for himself. That is until the father who has neglected him shows up one day needing his help to save his other son, Jesse's brother who he has never been allowed a relationship with. In order to save his brother Jesse will have to go back to the old Jesse & stir up all his demons. What he encounters along the way is; new friendships, old love, unwanted truths, self realization, violence, cartels, fears, death and much more. Jesse has really been dealt a crappy hand in life and he has such a big heart. He really sinks into your heart strings and you are just begging for him to have a HEA by the end of the book. It all makes for a really great read and I highly recommend this book! It is also a stand alone novel which is a nice change now a days, so no cliffhanger.
February 13, 2014
3.5 stars
First, the most important thing... this cover... WOW! Ok, so maybe it's not the most important thing, but it's pretty hot and definitely worth mentioning.
This was an intense and heart stopping read full of suspense and action! This book centers around underground fighting in the US and Mexico. The fights in this book are vicious and little detail is spared. It's scary, brutal, and exciting all at once and will have you turning page after page to keep up and find out what is going to happen next.
The story is told in the male POV of Jesse Chance. I enjoyed getting the male POV in this type of book. Too often in books about fighting you get the female perspective and the fighting is just something mentioned in passing. With the male POV, the book is more focused on the fighting and the romance is secondary. Jesse was such a strong character mentally and physically. He was dealt a bad hand before he was even born, but did his best to become a better person than he saw himself as. Things are finally coming together for him and he's on the verge of graduating with a degree in Architecture and starting a life with his girlfriend Lydia when his dead beat father shows up and request his help in the name of saving the little brother that he has never known. They say old habits die hard and that couldn't be more true for Jesse, one of those being his former girlfriend Drew Hallisay. As he struggles between his new life and a past that never left him he must make difficult decisions for his future.
Overall, this was a good, fast-paced, read full of suspense and surprising twist.
First, the most important thing... this cover... WOW! Ok, so maybe it's not the most important thing, but it's pretty hot and definitely worth mentioning.
This was an intense and heart stopping read full of suspense and action! This book centers around underground fighting in the US and Mexico. The fights in this book are vicious and little detail is spared. It's scary, brutal, and exciting all at once and will have you turning page after page to keep up and find out what is going to happen next.
The story is told in the male POV of Jesse Chance. I enjoyed getting the male POV in this type of book. Too often in books about fighting you get the female perspective and the fighting is just something mentioned in passing. With the male POV, the book is more focused on the fighting and the romance is secondary. Jesse was such a strong character mentally and physically. He was dealt a bad hand before he was even born, but did his best to become a better person than he saw himself as. Things are finally coming together for him and he's on the verge of graduating with a degree in Architecture and starting a life with his girlfriend Lydia when his dead beat father shows up and request his help in the name of saving the little brother that he has never known. They say old habits die hard and that couldn't be more true for Jesse, one of those being his former girlfriend Drew Hallisay. As he struggles between his new life and a past that never left him he must make difficult decisions for his future.
Overall, this was a good, fast-paced, read full of suspense and surprising twist.
August 3, 2016
Wow! I'll say it again. Wow!
From the beginning I'll say this book is not for the faint hearted. This is the story of Jesse Chance, illegitimate child of the resident ne'er-do-well of Glory, Texas. Jesse and his mother are reviled for their situation - she remains unmarried mother and remains in Glory. Jesse craves the attention of his father and will do almost anything to get it. The only way he can find of making his father notice him is to participate in illegal amateur fights.
There are a lot of fight scenes in this book. The descriptions don't hold back on the brutality, but that's the nature of the business Jesse is in. I have to say that not all the brutality involves fists and blood. This book goes deeper than that.
Jesse a complex character. He has a love/hate relationship with the fighting and tries desperately to leave it all behind when he goes to college. He reinvents himself so successfully that his college friends are shocked when they find out his past.
For reasons I won't go into here, Jesse is dragged back into the world of illegal fights, back to Glory, and back to the girl he left behind when he went to college.
The action in this book is fast-paced and breathtaking at times. This is not a romance novel per se, but there is an element of romance.
AJ Sand describes the life of a fighter in all its unsavoury details. All the characters are credible, with Jesse and Drew as stand-outs. There's more drama than you can poke a stick at and it keeps you reading. It's a real page-turner and well worth the effort.
From the beginning I'll say this book is not for the faint hearted. This is the story of Jesse Chance, illegitimate child of the resident ne'er-do-well of Glory, Texas. Jesse and his mother are reviled for their situation - she remains unmarried mother and remains in Glory. Jesse craves the attention of his father and will do almost anything to get it. The only way he can find of making his father notice him is to participate in illegal amateur fights.
There are a lot of fight scenes in this book. The descriptions don't hold back on the brutality, but that's the nature of the business Jesse is in. I have to say that not all the brutality involves fists and blood. This book goes deeper than that.
Jesse a complex character. He has a love/hate relationship with the fighting and tries desperately to leave it all behind when he goes to college. He reinvents himself so successfully that his college friends are shocked when they find out his past.
For reasons I won't go into here, Jesse is dragged back into the world of illegal fights, back to Glory, and back to the girl he left behind when he went to college.
The action in this book is fast-paced and breathtaking at times. This is not a romance novel per se, but there is an element of romance.
AJ Sand describes the life of a fighter in all its unsavoury details. All the characters are credible, with Jesse and Drew as stand-outs. There's more drama than you can poke a stick at and it keeps you reading. It's a real page-turner and well worth the effort.
February 12, 2014
I Really liked this. It was very different to the other MMA books I have read.
Jesse and Drew stayed in some shitty places as they had no money. Not the life of luxury for them.
The Author describes the fights so realistic it’s like you are actually there. In the front row covered in the blood.
This is NOT a happy book. I need to point that out, Shit is real. It’s scary, and gritty and raw and powerful and sometimes will make you cry, sometimes make you want to hurt something, sometimes smile, sigh, and a few chuckles.
Jesse was a great Hero. I truly liked him and I loved That it was written from his POV. We knew exactly what he was thinking at all times. During muggings, sex, kidnappings, you name it.
Drew was a fantastic heroine. Strong, sure and 100% in love with Jesse.
I hated the supporting cast. Henry and Lydia especially. I just didn’t like her lol
So yeah. I do recommend this book when you are looking for something different and darker than normal.
But one of the most awesome things?
IT’S NOT A CLIFFHANGER! Yep you read that right.
It’s a standalone.
So that means
Happy Ever After! MY FAV’S!
Jesse and Drew stayed in some shitty places as they had no money. Not the life of luxury for them.
The Author describes the fights so realistic it’s like you are actually there. In the front row covered in the blood.
This is NOT a happy book. I need to point that out, Shit is real. It’s scary, and gritty and raw and powerful and sometimes will make you cry, sometimes make you want to hurt something, sometimes smile, sigh, and a few chuckles.
Jesse was a great Hero. I truly liked him and I loved That it was written from his POV. We knew exactly what he was thinking at all times. During muggings, sex, kidnappings, you name it.
Drew was a fantastic heroine. Strong, sure and 100% in love with Jesse.
I hated the supporting cast. Henry and Lydia especially. I just didn’t like her lol
So yeah. I do recommend this book when you are looking for something different and darker than normal.
But one of the most awesome things?
IT’S NOT A CLIFFHANGER! Yep you read that right.
It’s a standalone.
So that means
Happy Ever After! MY FAV’S!
February 13, 2014
4.5 Stars
*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*
Beautifully brutal, raw and enamoring, A Fighting Chance held me tightly in it’s fists from beginning until the last page was turned. This was a difficult book to read. The violence stopped my breath at times but it was imperative for the book to work on the level that it did. The fighting was only a small portion of the story. It truly was a love story between Jesse, the fighter, and Drew, the girl he left behind years before.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists, turns and roller-coaster emotions. I felt like I had to squeeze my eyes shut and just hold on for dear life. I felt every emotion, every punch, every fear. A.J. Sand’s writing is immaculate and all consuming and the characters that she envisioned incredible. Drew and Jesse are one of those couples that you root for and love to love.
A Fighting Chance is an A+++ in my book. I was thrilled to read it and will be excited to see what A.J. comes up with next!
Review originally published on Books Books Books Blog http://booksbooksbooksblog.com/2014/0...
*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*
Beautifully brutal, raw and enamoring, A Fighting Chance held me tightly in it’s fists from beginning until the last page was turned. This was a difficult book to read. The violence stopped my breath at times but it was imperative for the book to work on the level that it did. The fighting was only a small portion of the story. It truly was a love story between Jesse, the fighter, and Drew, the girl he left behind years before.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists, turns and roller-coaster emotions. I felt like I had to squeeze my eyes shut and just hold on for dear life. I felt every emotion, every punch, every fear. A.J. Sand’s writing is immaculate and all consuming and the characters that she envisioned incredible. Drew and Jesse are one of those couples that you root for and love to love.
A Fighting Chance is an A+++ in my book. I was thrilled to read it and will be excited to see what A.J. comes up with next!
Review originally published on Books Books Books Blog http://booksbooksbooksblog.com/2014/0...
April 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I will admit I didn't expect a whole lot because most books about fighters are very similar - at least the ones I've read, but who can resist a hot fighter? I was pleasantly surprised that there was some mystery thrown in and the hero wasn't a typical hothead. All he wanted was to be loved and to belong. Family was the most important thing to Jesse and he did everything in his power to protect them even when they didn't deserve his compassion. The only person who understood Jesse and loved him unconditionally was Drew. Even though they were separated for years, they never stopped loving each other. Jesse and Drew were an awesome team. Even after being separated for so long, they knew how to read each other and they knew what each other needed without being told and as much as they tried to fight it, no one could ever take either of their places. I wish this was part of a series because the H/h grew on me and I'd love to read more about them.
February 15, 2014
This wasn’t easy in the way of so many heart breaking events and even though Jesse took care of his promises I felt that some people didn’t get much by the way of closer. I was happy for the way Jesse’s life went I really sensed in the beginning that he was missing something. His father was absolutely low but for a girl who likes to look at the glass half full…”me” in the end I think had it not been for the total a hole that Henry was Jesse wouldn’t have the opportunity to get close to his heart. Action packed and shocking those looking for a thrill should pick this one up!
My Rating
3.5 Glory, Cartel, Math Wiz, Architect, Debt, Underground, Mexico, Fire, Nico, Flag Pole, Golf Club, Rumors, Risks, Glove Box, Baseball cap, Louisiana, Future bound love filled stars. For a dark and gritty read with lots of wow moments and omg’s pick this one up!!
My Rating
3.5 Glory, Cartel, Math Wiz, Architect, Debt, Underground, Mexico, Fire, Nico, Flag Pole, Golf Club, Rumors, Risks, Glove Box, Baseball cap, Louisiana, Future bound love filled stars. For a dark and gritty read with lots of wow moments and omg’s pick this one up!!
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