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Dream Fighter: A closed-door contemporary romance novel
I got the message years ago—I'm the problem, an inconvenience, a burden…
So, I've poured everything into my MMA career, to prove I can succeed on my own...
But now, my greatest opponent is the doubt creeping into my heart…
My plan? Stay focused, keep swinging, and never depend on anyone…
The only problem is... after seven years of silence... he's back.
I thought being perfect would make me worthy—worthy of love, of her…
So, I went in search of approval, but all I found was a past that’s too broken to fix…
But now, I'm back with a heart full of regrets and a second chance I can’t afford to lose…
My plan? Fight for her, tell her she’s the only one I’ve ever wanted…
The only problem is… I might be too late.
Dream Fighter is the third and final book in a sweet Christian romance series that delicately weaves an inspirational love story with themes of resilience, forgiveness, and healing. This book can be read as a standalone.
Fans of Emma St. Clair, Courtney Walsh, Becky Wade, and Annah Conwell will undoubtedly enjoy this wholesome contemporary romance novel. It will have readers laughing, swooning, contemplating their Christian walk, and falling in love all at the same time!
Buy a copy now! Your heart will thank you later...
- GenresChristian FictionRomance
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2024
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November 11, 2024I loooove Ivy’s books. She does such a great job weaving gentle themes of faith into stories that depict real life.
This is an auto-read author for me!!
Thank you to Ivy for the advanced copy of this. It was an honor to review for you!
4.5/5.0
This is an auto-read author for me!!
Thank you to Ivy for the advanced copy of this. It was an honor to review for you!
4.5/5.0
October 12, 2024
Noah + Darcy
I loved this story. Darcy’s best friend is back after leaving town years ago. Noah is a changed man and ready to make things right but Darcy doesn’t want to end up hurt again.
Darcy is a misunderstood, guarded MMA fighter but Noah’s heart is ready. I really liked the flashbacks that showed how long they have been friends and their memories together. I loved the pink sticky notes!
This story was special. I appreciated the growth that had to take place in each of them individually. So thankful for all of the faith messages throughout as well. This is book 3 in the Hilton Head Island series & they are each so different but so good! I was so happy to see glimpses of the characters from her other books, too! Thank you Ivy for this wonderful book! 🤍
—Quotes
✨ But today, my focus was different. Yes, I wanted to see her, but first and foremost I was here for God, to let Him fill the empty spaces inside me that no human could ever reach.
✨ Maybe that’s why leaving her all those years ago still haunted me. I’d been a coward, too scared of messing things up to realize I was already messing them up by leaving. And now here we were, both of us covered in sweat and regret, standing in the middle of a gym that suddenly felt too small for all the things left unsaid.
✨ But as much as I wanted to run, part of me—the irrational part, the part that couldn’t help but hope—wondered what it would be like to stay.
✨ She didn’t glance at me, but I could see the tension in her, the way her arms hung a little too stiffly at her sides. And me? I was hanging on by a thread, trying not to show her how badly I wanted her to let that guard down, just for a minute.
✨ “Please. Tell me you’re all mine?” he said, his voice raw with emotion.
—Content
Death of parent
Parental abandonment
Talks of infertility
No language
Kisses only
I loved this story. Darcy’s best friend is back after leaving town years ago. Noah is a changed man and ready to make things right but Darcy doesn’t want to end up hurt again.
Darcy is a misunderstood, guarded MMA fighter but Noah’s heart is ready. I really liked the flashbacks that showed how long they have been friends and their memories together. I loved the pink sticky notes!
This story was special. I appreciated the growth that had to take place in each of them individually. So thankful for all of the faith messages throughout as well. This is book 3 in the Hilton Head Island series & they are each so different but so good! I was so happy to see glimpses of the characters from her other books, too! Thank you Ivy for this wonderful book! 🤍
—Quotes
✨ But today, my focus was different. Yes, I wanted to see her, but first and foremost I was here for God, to let Him fill the empty spaces inside me that no human could ever reach.
✨ Maybe that’s why leaving her all those years ago still haunted me. I’d been a coward, too scared of messing things up to realize I was already messing them up by leaving. And now here we were, both of us covered in sweat and regret, standing in the middle of a gym that suddenly felt too small for all the things left unsaid.
✨ But as much as I wanted to run, part of me—the irrational part, the part that couldn’t help but hope—wondered what it would be like to stay.
✨ She didn’t glance at me, but I could see the tension in her, the way her arms hung a little too stiffly at her sides. And me? I was hanging on by a thread, trying not to show her how badly I wanted her to let that guard down, just for a minute.
✨ “Please. Tell me you’re all mine?” he said, his voice raw with emotion.
—Content
Death of parent
Parental abandonment
Talks of infertility
No language
Kisses only
October 16, 2024
Darcy and Noah are such a great couple! They have a second chance to be together and Noah is going to make sure it happens. I thought it was cool that Darcy is MMA fighter. I love how sweet Noah is and felt so bad for both characters misunderstandings they had in the past. This story was so sweet and had very strong Christian content! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 13, 2024
What a beautiful final book in the Hilton Head Island series. These books are so near and dear to my heart due to the author's gentle communication of the Christian faith in such impactful ways that each book leaves me with a deeper truth about God. Not only am I amazed at how well the characters exemplify different attributes of God, but I simply adore the love stories that have been developed for each character. In this case, seeing Darcy and Noah's second chance romance reminds me of God's faithfulness when we are weak and of His provision through the care and concern of others. Noah's selflessness is tender, and Darcy's drive to help others is admirable.
Being a part of Noah and Darcy's own journeys in spiritual growth is wholly satisfying, making it easy to root for them to come together. If you've read the other Hilton Head Island books, you'll know that Ivy Emerson writes scenes with the most romantic gestures, and this book is no exception. At the same time, all of the lessons about faith and our identity in Christ are solidly written, creating the perfect balance between romantic love and spiritual love. I love that sensitive issues are explored truthfully and that Dream Fighter is all about how God can grant us even bigger dreams than envisioned. Readers wanting to meet tenacious characters who have abiding relationships with God will enjoy this book and the whole series.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Being a part of Noah and Darcy's own journeys in spiritual growth is wholly satisfying, making it easy to root for them to come together. If you've read the other Hilton Head Island books, you'll know that Ivy Emerson writes scenes with the most romantic gestures, and this book is no exception. At the same time, all of the lessons about faith and our identity in Christ are solidly written, creating the perfect balance between romantic love and spiritual love. I love that sensitive issues are explored truthfully and that Dream Fighter is all about how God can grant us even bigger dreams than envisioned. Readers wanting to meet tenacious characters who have abiding relationships with God will enjoy this book and the whole series.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
This is a sweet read with some really nice touches. I enjoyed the flashbacks, which helped to build up a sense of Noah and Darcy's relationship.
Noah is 'someone who had decided long ago that my battles were his to fight, my burdens his to bear.'
Having a kickboxing protagonist was interesting and I loved the way that she sparred with Noah:
'Every block, every dodge felt like a metaphor for how I'd been maneuvering my life since he left- defensive, always on guard, never letting him or the pain he caused back in.'
I also thought the dual POV was handled well with heartwarming insight from Noah's perspective: 'how do you let go of the one person who made you feel alive, who saw the best and worst of you and still stuck around?'
The Christian faith of both characters was a central part of the story, and handled really well. There were a lot of profound messages about accepting God's grace, and also coping when life doesn't go according to plan: 'nowhere in the Bible does it say to look at your problems. It says to keep your eyes on Jesus.'
I also really appreciated the endometriosis rep, as it's a really important issue and there's such a need for more awareness of it.
A great Christian second chance romance.
Noah is 'someone who had decided long ago that my battles were his to fight, my burdens his to bear.'
Having a kickboxing protagonist was interesting and I loved the way that she sparred with Noah:
'Every block, every dodge felt like a metaphor for how I'd been maneuvering my life since he left- defensive, always on guard, never letting him or the pain he caused back in.'
I also thought the dual POV was handled well with heartwarming insight from Noah's perspective: 'how do you let go of the one person who made you feel alive, who saw the best and worst of you and still stuck around?'
The Christian faith of both characters was a central part of the story, and handled really well. There were a lot of profound messages about accepting God's grace, and also coping when life doesn't go according to plan: 'nowhere in the Bible does it say to look at your problems. It says to keep your eyes on Jesus.'
I also really appreciated the endometriosis rep, as it's a really important issue and there's such a need for more awareness of it.
A great Christian second chance romance.
October 17, 2024
Good book with potential for greatness…
For 95% of the book, I was reeling. I simply loved it! The characters were real, vulnerable, and relatable. The banter, oh my the banter was adorable. The way the characters cared for each other even when one in particular was being stubborn! There were moments when I legitimately laughed out loud, which is a rare occurrence. I appreciate the pieces of the book that talked about Mercy, forgiveness, etc. good reminders for sure!
***spoilers***
The sign at the airport was chefs kiss! Well written and a great plot twist!
Ughhhhhh this book was EVERYTHING until the epilogue. I hated it. I was really hoping for the “happy ending”. I understand that not everyone can have kids and infertility struggle is real and emotional. HOWEVER, I personally know many people with PCOS who had their own kids naturally. I would have preferred it if they would have been able to have at least one child of their own IN ADDITION to adopting.
Personally, I read to get away from the negative of the world and believe in MIRACLES and happily ever afters! So all in all I left feeling extremely bummed.
I will think twice about buying another one of your books unfortunately.
For 95% of the book, I was reeling. I simply loved it! The characters were real, vulnerable, and relatable. The banter, oh my the banter was adorable. The way the characters cared for each other even when one in particular was being stubborn! There were moments when I legitimately laughed out loud, which is a rare occurrence. I appreciate the pieces of the book that talked about Mercy, forgiveness, etc. good reminders for sure!
***spoilers***
The sign at the airport was chefs kiss! Well written and a great plot twist!
Ughhhhhh this book was EVERYTHING until the epilogue. I hated it. I was really hoping for the “happy ending”. I understand that not everyone can have kids and infertility struggle is real and emotional. HOWEVER, I personally know many people with PCOS who had their own kids naturally. I would have preferred it if they would have been able to have at least one child of their own IN ADDITION to adopting.
Personally, I read to get away from the negative of the world and believe in MIRACLES and happily ever afters! So all in all I left feeling extremely bummed.
I will think twice about buying another one of your books unfortunately.
October 26, 2024
“Be human. Have fears, dreams, struggles in this life. God is not asking you to stop being human. He’s asking you to stop over-analyzing your fears, dreams, or struggles. Instead, spend time getting to know Him. Spend time with Him until trust feels like breathing. God wants your heart. Not for His own good, but for yours. When we live our lives surrendered to Him, we are free.”
When Noah James left town so long ago, he’d broken Darcy’s heart. Now, 7 years later, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with him, and he isn’t the same Noah who had left all those years ago. For one thing, he’s found God, and for another, he just won’t stay away, no matter how hard Darcy tries to push him back out of her life.
Darcy has her life planned- her dream is coming together, all she needs to do is win one more fight and she will be able to start living that dream. But sometimes what we think our life should look like isn’t what God has planned for us.
All Noah wants is to win Darcy’s heart, but is it too late? No matter what he does, she doesn’t seem to want him in her life. Should he keep trying or should he walk away?
A story of second chances, this book will capture your attention from the first page.
•••
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Noah James left town so long ago, he’d broken Darcy’s heart. Now, 7 years later, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with him, and he isn’t the same Noah who had left all those years ago. For one thing, he’s found God, and for another, he just won’t stay away, no matter how hard Darcy tries to push him back out of her life.
Darcy has her life planned- her dream is coming together, all she needs to do is win one more fight and she will be able to start living that dream. But sometimes what we think our life should look like isn’t what God has planned for us.
All Noah wants is to win Darcy’s heart, but is it too late? No matter what he does, she doesn’t seem to want him in her life. Should he keep trying or should he walk away?
A story of second chances, this book will capture your attention from the first page.
•••
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2025
Very cheesy at times but I enjoyed the story overall. I loved all of the Christian biblical truths that were scattered throughout the book. The writing was fine, nothing special, but I did like how the characters had more going on than just each other. I felt like they were both way too oblivious to each other’s feelings and it was a little annoying how long it took her to come around to accepting his feelings for her. But overall I enjoyed it! A good clean Christian romance.
"Noah, the church isn't a place for perfect people. It's a place for sinners seeking grace.”
"Grace means living in the freedom Christ has already purchased for you. It's not pretending you never sinned; it's knowing that your sins are forgiven and paid for, so they no longer define you. Quit focusing on your sin. Rather spend your time getting to know your Savior."
“Spend time with Him until trust feels like breathing. God wants your heart. Not for His own good, but for yours. When we live our lives surrendered to Him, we are free."
"Noah, the church isn't a place for perfect people. It's a place for sinners seeking grace.”
"Grace means living in the freedom Christ has already purchased for you. It's not pretending you never sinned; it's knowing that your sins are forgiven and paid for, so they no longer define you. Quit focusing on your sin. Rather spend your time getting to know your Savior."
“Spend time with Him until trust feels like breathing. God wants your heart. Not for His own good, but for yours. When we live our lives surrendered to Him, we are free."
December 26, 2024
Dream Fighter is the third book in the Hilton Head Island series, and it stars Darcy, Weston's sister, and her childhood best friend Noah. After leaving seven years ago, Noah knows he messed up, but he wants Darcy back. Her friendship has been sorely missed, and after meeting, Jesus decides to go back to his hometown.
After Noah left once before without saying goodbye, Darcy is determined to keep him at arms length. After all, by leaving, he broke her heart. But this time, he doesn't want to give up.
Dream Fighter is a fantastic coming home again story filled with hope.
I received an ARC from the author, but it doesn't impact my thoughts on this book.
After Noah left once before without saying goodbye, Darcy is determined to keep him at arms length. After all, by leaving, he broke her heart. But this time, he doesn't want to give up.
Dream Fighter is a fantastic coming home again story filled with hope.
I received an ARC from the author, but it doesn't impact my thoughts on this book.
March 8, 2025
this is a sweet second-chance Christian romance with some great faith themes, but I just felt like it wasn't really for me in comparison to the last 2 books. Second-chance romances can end up being a hit or miss but that doesn't mean I don't recommend this! I loved how certain situations were dealt with and the characters were lovely to see again id missed them! something I loved was definitely the post-it note treasure hunt. a super sweet ending and overall a 3.5 stars
February 8, 2026
Good solid third book. I enjoyed the second chance romance (one of my favorite tropes). The book got better and better as it went on and it was a good one to wrap everything up. I felt for Darcy and her struggles and I loved Noah coming back into her life. He was perfect for her, both in the past and the present. I also thought the whole story of her fighting and some of her struggles was an interesting and different type of storyline. Well done.
March 11, 2025
This series really took me by surprise it had so much depth and some really sweet moments.
I loved all three of the couples.
In this book alone I think I highlighted most of what
Ms. Brenda said…so good!
This is a Christian novel with so much heart!
My only negative is I wish Noah and Darcy had gotten together sooner it would have helped the pacing a little but overall a sweet read.
I loved all three of the couples.
In this book alone I think I highlighted most of what
Ms. Brenda said…so good!
This is a Christian novel with so much heart!
My only negative is I wish Noah and Darcy had gotten together sooner it would have helped the pacing a little but overall a sweet read.
October 31, 2024
Great!
Emerson brings readers into the struggles Darcy and Noah must work through. The characters feel real. Ivy brings you to tears and then laughter. It is, for lack of a better term, a wholesome romance novel that leaves you happy (until the epilogue).
Emerson brings readers into the struggles Darcy and Noah must work through. The characters feel real. Ivy brings you to tears and then laughter. It is, for lack of a better term, a wholesome romance novel that leaves you happy (until the epilogue).
Want to Read
December 30, 2024O
October 1, 2025
Beautifully written. Absolutely love the "finding Jesus" moments with Noah. Can I Recommend a book with Liberty? would absolutely love her take on life with Jesus!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
Ivy has a way of writing relatable characters with struggles but leaves you feeling hopeful throughout the whole story. I always enjoy reading her unique voice!
October 16, 2024
The story itself was three stars to me, but the spiritual content here was five, so overall, I went in the middle and gave four stars.
I had a hard time liking Darcy as I couldn't find many redeeming qualities. The tension was there between her and Noah, but it rarely led to anything.
The spiritual concepts, however, were phenomenal! I loved how the answer to both the MCs' issues was to simply know God better- and isn't that just what each and everyone of us needs no matter what we're going through? I actually felt convicted while reading this book that I needed to put it down and spend time with my Savior. My favorite part was when a character explained "what is" rather than "what if!"
I had a hard time liking Darcy as I couldn't find many redeeming qualities. The tension was there between her and Noah, but it rarely led to anything.
The spiritual concepts, however, were phenomenal! I loved how the answer to both the MCs' issues was to simply know God better- and isn't that just what each and everyone of us needs no matter what we're going through? I actually felt convicted while reading this book that I needed to put it down and spend time with my Savior. My favorite part was when a character explained "what is" rather than "what if!"
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