Fighting 'Round the Christmas Tree

Fighting #4.5

by Nikki Ash

On the tenth day of Christmas, the Fighting series gave to me... One grown child in another state, two teenagers about to graduate, and seven more kids growing up way too quickly.

Join the Fighting gang along with their families, as they celebrate Christmas in Breckenridge under the same roof, one last time in a Fighting Series Christmas novella: Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Audiobook

225 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2017

About the author

Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. - Pam Allyn

While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!

Reviews

[crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

[Tabitha Willbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Provided For An Honest Review*

Just what I needed to get me into the holiday spirit!

It's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of this series. Reading about each of the fighters and their lady loves, has brought me so much enjoyment over the past year or so. I was so sad after Fighting For Your Love was over, because I thought that was the end of this series. But Nikki had other plans, and she gave us this adorable little novella, that helped us fans catch up with the guys and their families! And even better, it's a special holiday story, which was pretty lighthearted and just fun to read. :) When this family gets together all under one roof, you know it's going to be a special brand of chaos!
Fighting 'Round the Christmas Tree had just enough of Bella's POV to whet my readers appetite, and have me begging for Tapping Out ASAP!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of novellas but I really enjoyed Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree. The Fighting series is one of my favorites so I was looking forward to getting more insight on the characters. Each chapter is told from a different characters point of view. This book gave me a glimpse of what each family is like now and how they all are still so close. I love that this Novella touches on family and friendship. It had real life situations in it that had me laughing out loud. This novella prepares for the new upcoming series on the kids mentioned in the Fighting series. I don't say this lightly when I say I'm beyond giddy and excited for Belle's book!!

[The Love Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved catching up with all the couples and their families from the Fighting series in this Christmas novella! POVs from everyone, including some of the kids who have their own books in the next series!

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The End and the Beginning

This is a highly entertaining epilogue to the Fighting series, as well as a prequel to the Fighting for Love series. I laughed, cried, and fell over from laughing even harder.

What if she doesn’t return? What if she decides to live in California permanently? I can’t lose my princess. It feels like I just got her.
-- Cooper

Cooper's freak out about Bella going away to college is absolutely perfect. And Ryan talking brought tears to my eyes. And... it's just a really good bridge between the two series.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are James Amherst and Cecily Foster. I like them both but with so many POVs, it was sometimes hard to keep straight which character was speaking.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting Round The Christmas Tree Novella
Nikki Ash
4 stars

So I have not read this series but the novella was very good. I based my review on the writing and the strength and interest factor of the characters due to that fact. I didn't feel it was fair to give the book a low rating because I had not read the series. The characters are very well written. There is a ton of kids -- a ton of characters and in fact I wish I had known them. Chances are during the holidays I will go back and grab the books up. Christmas together all in one house -- seems it could be crazy? Actually it was perfect. Loved the read -- thank you for the ARC and the chance to get to know these excellent characters. Cooper, Liz, Kayla, Hayley, Kaden, Caleb, Ashley, Bentley, and the one who there is certainly something going on with .. Bella.

I'm always happy to read a holiday story and this one didn't disappoint. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

4.5 stars

I loved this book it was like a nice long epilogue to our Fighting series. I didn't realize there were so many kids (I think I need a family tree), but they were all so cute. Of course, I can't wait to read Bella's story because there is definitely something going on there and I'm pretty sure it is going to get worst before it gets better. Also, I almost emotionally died at that part with Hayley and Caleb, I felt my heart stop. Basically, this book made me want to see what happens in the next generation's journey.

[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww! This novella was so sweet! I loved seeing all the couples still so in love.
Full review to come

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great christmas read . After you read this novella it will really put you in the holiday spirit . I really enjoyed catching up with all the characters from the fighting series. It was a great conclusion of the series . I was sad to see the series end, but I am so looking forward to reading to Bella 's book when it comes out .

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading holiday stories. I loved Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree.. It has everyone from the Fighting series and you get to see them in the future. Everyone having a fun gathering for Christmas. Amazing story for the holidays and a look into how the fighters are all doing.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!!!! Now to the spin-offs!

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book all the families get together to celebrate Christmas before any of the offspring ( Bella and Tristan)go to college( Marco has already left).
We will see how Cooper loses his mind bc his princess moves to another state to study. Thank God for Liz, who gives us a little scare.
Bentley and Kayla have adopted a 4-year-old boy, Ryan, who has not yet said anything in the 6 months he has been living at home. The poor boy is traumatized by his previous life, but he connects with Marco which helps him to loosen up a bit. Also Kayla’s mother returns to their lives completely changed.
Calen and Hayley are sad bc since Marco left he has hardly visited them again. Calen has to catch a plane and knock at his door to convince him to go on the trip with them. The only thing they know is that the reason for his absence seems to be something that involves Bella.
Kaden with the departure of his son Tristan he asks Ashley the possibility of having more children, but she refuses bc they still have to raise their q0-year-old twin girls.
A wonderful story that I hope to continue with the next generation of fighters: Bella, Tristan and his Mason, Marco....

🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊
En este libro todas las familias se reúnen para celebrar las navidades antes de que alguno de los retoños( Bella y Tristán) se vayan a la universidad ( Marco ya se fue).
Veremos cómo Cooper pierde los papeles porque su princesa se muda a otro estado a estudiar. Menos mal que tiene a Liz, quien por cierto nos da un pequeño susto.
Bentley y Kayla Han adoptado a un niño de 4 años que aún no ha dicho nada en los 6 meses que lleva en su casa. El pobre está traumatizado por su vida anterior, pero hace migas con Marco que lo ayuda a soltarse un poco. Además la madre de Kayla vuelve a sus vidas totalmente cambiada.
Caleb y Hayley están tristes porque desde que Marco se fue apenas ha vuelto a visitarles. Caleb tiene que coger un avión y plantarse en su puerta para convencerlo de ir a este viaje. Lo único que saben es que parece que el motivo de su ausencia es Bella.
Kaden con la marcha de su hijo Tristán le plantea la posibilidad a Ashley de tener más hijos, pero ella se niega porque aún tienen a las gemelas de 10 años que criar.
Una maravillosa historia que espero continuar con la siguiente generación de luchadores: Bella, Tristán y su amigo Mason, Marco....
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Diana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Fighting series and is a Novella. It brings the whole gang together for Christmas in Breckenridge again. You will laugh so hard in parts but also be prepared to cry as well. You will get to see where all the families and kids are now and even meet a new member.
Each chapter is told from a different family member and gives us a different point of view as to how they have all grown but still stayed as close and become more of a family. This book touches on the importance of family and friendship, it also gives you real life situations that makes it even more special and touching, we also find out a few secrets that prepare us for some of the background for the next series about Bella.
One-click this one, you will love this story and hate to see it come to an end. Hopefully we will get a little more insight in the next fighting series with Bella, Marco and Tristan.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, I don't really read Christmas books for whatever reason, but I LOVED the Fighting series so much, that I couldn't refuse to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed at all with it. See, when I love a series a ton, I want to read about the people who are tattooed on my heart, years after all of it went down, and that's what the brilliant Nikki Ash gave me. All of my favorite couples together with their kids for Christmas. There was drama, some angst, super hot sexy times, laugh out loud humor, and a few twists to drop an f-bomb or two. Plus, it that wasn't fantastic enough, we were given a glimpse into the future Fighters, having to do with the kids, and I for one, CANNOT WAIT! Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree was a fast paced, fun read that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL who have lived the Fighting series!

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Novella follow up to Nikki Ash's Fighting series. After you read those 4 books you should definitely read this fun Christmas catch up with all the couples and this also serves as a segue to the spinoff Fighting love series that picks up where this Novella left off with the children of the 4 couples. I have Loved Bella throughout the whole series and can't wait to read her story!!!

[Kim Brewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this, stories with everyone from the series and possible set up for a future story. The love that flows through this group is awesome. My heart kind of hurt for Cooper. This was a fantastic series and this is a wonderful catch up.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love catching up with this entire family!
I wish it had been longer! Because now all I want is more. :)

[Alison Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have really loved this series and didn’t want it to end but then realised it goes into a new series! I’m happy!

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun glimpse into the future of all of the Fighting crew and their kiddos. Setting it up for the next gen books. Quick fun and cute read. I am going to miss this crew.

[Kerry Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️ sf cute

[Britt Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this Christmas addition to the Fighting series other than I absolutely LOVED it! This is the ultimate Christmas present for everyone who loves the Fighting series *cough* ME *cough*. Join all your favorite couples in the Fighting Series on an epic holiday and catch up with everyone!

This was so much fun to read! I loved that we got to spend time in the heads of everyone, while still having one main story. I adored seeing all the couples I love still so happy and desperately in love, along with spending time with the kids and getting a glimpse at what’s to come. As always with this series, this story is sweet, emotional, and grips you from the very beginning. I now want to go back and reread from the very beginning again just to spend more time with these characters and in this world!

[Emily Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s better than Christmas? Only one thing… Christmas with the characters from Nikki Ash’s Fighting series! It’s the ultimate holiday novella to get you in the spirit of all things worth fighting for.

In Fighting ‘Round the Christmas Tree, Ash gives you a delightful sneak peek into the heads of all her favorite characters allowing the reader to reminisce about our favorite love stories while also getting a glimpse into what’s yet to come. Even with this being a short novella, Ash manages to work her magic again by delivering a sweet, emotional read.

Don’t miss out on joining all your favorite characters once again this holiday season!

[Sheila'S Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets just say Santa was extremely nice to me and gave me a copy of this amaze-balls novella. I have fallen in love with this series quickly, I read all 4 books in 4 days and no surprise... I finished this book in one sitting.
Nikki Ash has an insane talent were she is able to weave these stories of these families together seamlessly while adding touching moments, humor and passion.
The novella was the Perfect addition because it updated us to where all the characters are as well as opens the door for some more amazing stories to be told. 5 stars for an amazing addition to this fighting family.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis the Season for More “Fighting” Greatness!

Fighting 'Round the Christmas Tree
Fighting Series, Book 5
By: Nikki Ash
Narrated by: Cecily Foster, James Amherst

“Fighting ‘Round the Christmas Tree” is a wonderful holiday novella featuring the characters from Nikki Ash’s amazing “Fighting” series and it was great to revisit the world and catch up with the fabulous characters again. The crew and their loved ones, Liz and Cooper, Kayla and Bentley, Caleb and Hayley, and Kayden and Ashley are getting ready to head to Breckenridge to celebrate Christmas together with all their children, including the ones that are getting ready to start their own lives, Marco, Bella, Tristan, and Mason, this book takes place just before their books, the second generation spinoff series, “Fighting Love”, another series I loved. In this holiday novella, we get a glimpse into each couple’s family life, and some great heated scenes between those couples, and even the time that passed, the love is stronger than ever and never faded for any of them. Besides some family drama with the kids, there are some heartwarming moments, with the scene with Marco, who connected with Ryan being one of my favorites. This is a sweet story and a holiday treat for those who enjoyed this series and it is a great way to spend some time with the fabulous characters again. Nikki Ash, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Cecily Foster and James Amherst did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. I loved how they took each role and made it their own and were believable in every role. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured the essence of the story and all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling every one. These talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for another fabulous listen.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is short, fast paced and sweet. I really enjoyed this Christmas novella. I read this book in one sitting and wasn’t once bored. This book is a novella of the characters from the fighting series – I haven’t read the series. This book is the first book of Nikki Ash’s that I have read. Because of this, I was unsure on what to expect. I found the writing style easy to follow and the characters loveable. As I haven’t read the fighting series I wasn’t sure if I would be able to follow this novella or not, but I did. This novella has me eager to dive into the fighting series.
This story is based on Christmas time with the characters Kaden, Caleb, Cooper, Bentley, Ashley, Liz, Hayley, Kayla, Bella and Marco. It has snippets of the couples before their Christmas vacation and during. I liked all of the characters and the chemistry between the couples was clear to see. I loved the fact that Marco got Ryan to talk. And I loved Bentley and Kayla’s reaction to it.
This book also included the first two chapters of Bella’s story, which is coming in 2018 – I cannot wait for that.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable festive novella.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved the Fighting Series by Nikki Ash. I listened to them all on audiobook and fell in love with each of the couples and their stories. I was so excited to dive in to this holiday story. It was so much fun to go back into this world and revisit each of the couples and their kids. I did unfortunately find it somewhat difficult to get truly in to the story because it flip flopped back and forth way too much which I feel made the book more confusing and less cohesive. I think for me there were just way too many people that the back and forth didn't work for me and just made things a bit more confusing. I did love getting to know Ryan and Marco and Ryan's connection was beautiful. While I was a fan of the female narrator of the story, I struggled listening to the male narrator. I felt like things were too bland and monotone and it just didn't bring these characters to life the way I would have liked. I am very excited to get Bella's story. While I struggled with this audiobook, if you are a fan of this author and these characters, you may love it!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in Ash's Fighting Series and is a holiday novella. Short, sweet, spicy. Ash delivers a well written and wonderfully narrated update on the couples / families from the previous reads in this series with this fifth book. I love how the families come together and share a bit of their love and holiday mishaps and chaos that arises with families, especially when you have multiple families and friends. I loved catching up with each couple and their kids and gets me excited for what's to come in a new generation of fighters. I love that we get each couple's point of view and I love all the sweet romance, the sizzling chemistry and a few laughs as well. Oh, and don't forget the feels too - this book has moments that are so tender and heartwarming it will bring tears to your eyes. A great addition but it has me excited for more from this series and from Ash!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read,

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting 'Round the Christmas Tree
Fighting Series, Book 5
By: Nikki Ash
Narrated by: Cecily Foster, James Amherst

It's time for the annual Christmas holiday in Breckinridge and the whole gang is there! I love this series and getting the chance to catch up with them all is a blast. I't like coming home and enduring the life of kids, finding time to be with friends, enjoy family and of course some alone time! Not only do we get to hear how each couple is still very much in love, but the kids are grown and getting ready to go to college! I love the secrets and side glances, the incredible holiday miracles and the fun this "family" brings to table. It sure added to my holiday spirit!

Cecily Foster and James Amherst bring it all alive, from the parents to the kids and were fantastic. They create the family magic, the passion, the attitudes and the animosity! Together they make the holiday magic shine!

[Alaine McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting ‘Round the Christmas Tree- Nikki Ash
Narrated by James Amherst and Cecily Foster

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

I don’t think Nikki Ash writes a bad book. I had such a good time catching up with the Fighting fam as they all came together for vacation at a ski resort in Colorado for Christmas. I love their banter, that hasn’t changed since their original books, but I loved that we got to see even more of it with their kids in the mix. It was a good look as to what lies ahead in the next generation coming up.

I really liked this duo for the narration. I’ve never heard either of these narrators before but I’m glad the producers didn’t go with any of the original narrators because I think I would have zeroed in on that voices and in my head only associated it with whoever they voiced in their full length book, so having a new narration couple helped separate that for me when there were so many voices coming together all at once.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved every minute of every book in this series and how gorgeous is this installment’s cover? The way this fictional world spans multiple generations is so much fun.

It’s transitional in some ways, as some of the characters I’ve come to love navigate new phases of life—and it’s well executed, IMO. There were a lot of steamy scenes packed into a short read—a bit much for me, but I realize most probably prefer this.

🎄 Closeknit family / friends who are like family.
🎀 Lots of Marcus / Bella drama - IYKYK.
🎄 Surprise / unplanned pregnancy.
🎀 Scheming.
🎄 Adorable, sweet kids.
🎀 Danger.
🎄 Holiday vibes.
🎀 Quick read.

Overall:
This quick read/listen is definitely a gift to fans of Ash’s Fighting series—so fun.
4 stars.

🎧Audio:
Amazing! Both narrators are great and the overall sound quality is perfect. Flawless. 5 stars. 🦩