What do you think?
Rate this book
Fighting For Love #1
Fighting Hard
Nick Spencer has a pretty great life: hefty tips from hot women at the bar, lots of devastating flirting and come-ons, followed up by sex with no strings. Quick, casual, easy, gone with the sunrise – that’s his life and that’s how he likes it. Until the night that Mia Ferris walks in to the bar. Nick doesn’t know it, but this night is going to change everything.
Mia’s a writer, an optimist, a woman who speaks for those who have no voice. When her casual night out goes frighteningly wrong, it’s Nick who saves her. He stays with her, brings her home, and puts her in his own bed. To his utter shock, he finds himself attracted to this sweet, tough, smart woman.
When her newest book takes her in to the dangerous world of sex trafficking, Mia’s sure that she can take care of herself. But then she ends up in a deadly situation, alone and terrified. Can Nick get to her in time? And if he does, will Mia be able to recover from the betrayal of people she trusted… including Nick?
Mia’s a writer, an optimist, a woman who speaks for those who have no voice. When her casual night out goes frighteningly wrong, it’s Nick who saves her. He stays with her, brings her home, and puts her in his own bed. To his utter shock, he finds himself attracted to this sweet, tough, smart woman.
When her newest book takes her in to the dangerous world of sex trafficking, Mia’s sure that she can take care of herself. But then she ends up in a deadly situation, alone and terrified. Can Nick get to her in time? And if he does, will Mia be able to recover from the betrayal of people she trusted… including Nick?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2014
55 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Marysol James
36 books252 followersMarysol James was raised in a small town in Canada and is still a small-town girl at heart. She's a cancer survivor, cinnamon bun lover, and hardcore caffeine addict.
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 18, 2018
“Well, she’s not anywhere close to your usual type, is she?” “What do you mean?” Adam waved his hand at Mia. “Well, come on, man. She’s hasn’t got fake tits and she’s totally clothed.” He shrugged. “She’s kind of boring, really.”
...touched her leg and she made a sound of assent. He moved closer and kissed her. He flicked his tongue in her mouth and she gasped. “How’s that for an idea?” he said. “Not bad for a start, handsome,” she said. “Any more ideas like that?” “Many.” Nick ran his hands between her inner thighs. “Many. I’ll show you.”
Mia stood and stared, in total shock. She just couldn’t believe what she was seeing: was that Nick? He was whispering to some woman, running his hands up and down her long legs. Now he was moving closer… closer. My God. He’s kissing her.
“Are you going to tell me that it isn’t what it looks like, Nick? Because it looks like you’re kissing this woman.” He stared at her, horrified, dumbstruck. Slowly, a feeling of shame and rage at himself began to creep in to his chest.
March 14, 2015
A quick and sexy novella about a tomcat and the woman who compels him to change his ways. I loved how protective Nick became of Mia, and how the changes she evoked in him took him for a such loop. Her chosen profession of writing about the victims of human trafficking and exposing the perpetrators is quite admirable, and endeared me to her character.
Something that detracted from my star rating were the indistinct POV shifts, and head bopping into minor characters. There were a few other small quirks in the writing that threw me, but all in all this was a good read. ☺
Something that detracted from my star rating were the indistinct POV shifts, and head bopping into minor characters. There were a few other small quirks in the writing that threw me, but all in all this was a good read. ☺
February 17, 2021
Okay this was so short it never really developed. The writing is a little unrefined and it just took 20 minutes to read. I can't write a lick so I hate to say this but it just needs more. The guy is a player who falls in insta-lust but then gets cold feet so he makes out with another woman and is running his hands up and down her legs and she catches him then instead of being remorseful he's a total a$$. He tells her he's been cheating all along and she was just sex to him. She walks out and gets kidnapped and beat up. And he begs for forgiveness because he loved her. Well my friends that's a kind of love I don't need. Just didn't work for me. But that is just my opinion and there are a lot of people who will like this I am sure. Just not my jam!
January 30, 2015
I have read MJ’s books virtually back to back and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. It’s a bit difficult to review the individual books in her series as the stories are on-going, each couple is carried forward into the next book. But I will say that she writes brilliantly likeable characters that are all in from the get go. Yes Nick pulled a TSTL move in this book but I get why he did it. Yes he was wrong but he owned it. That’s one thing about her characters, they are not perfect, they make mistakes, they are not cover models but I think that makes me love them even more. The author is also not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and does this so well.
4.5 stars for a great start to a new series
4.5 stars for a great start to a new series
June 27, 2018
This was a quick, sexy novella, with an element of danger and suspense.
Admitted man whore Nick bartends at a popular club on the weekends. Mia is at the club with her friends and is not someone that Nick would look at twice under normal circumstances. He comes to Mia's aid when she's been drugged and assaulted. He feels the need to protect and take care of her during her recovery. He actually enjoys talking to her and spending time with her. Of course they end up in bed but it's not a one-time deal for Nick this time. There's more danger ahead for Mia and Nick has a bout of commitment phobia when he realizes he's falling for her.
I will read the next books in the series that focus on other characters introduced in this story.
Admitted man whore Nick bartends at a popular club on the weekends. Mia is at the club with her friends and is not someone that Nick would look at twice under normal circumstances. He comes to Mia's aid when she's been drugged and assaulted. He feels the need to protect and take care of her during her recovery. He actually enjoys talking to her and spending time with her. Of course they end up in bed but it's not a one-time deal for Nick this time. There's more danger ahead for Mia and Nick has a bout of commitment phobia when he realizes he's falling for her.
I will read the next books in the series that focus on other characters introduced in this story.
Want to read
June 15, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (6/15/2019)! 🎁
August 1, 2015
It wasn't bad...
***3.5 stars***
I'd been hearing some really good things about this author and the great characters in her stories. I was lucky enough to get Fighting Hard for free.
This story is about an arrogant, self absorbed, randy part-time bartender and a sweet, self-conscious (about her looks) author. They meet in the bar where he works and he's picking out his hook up for the night. She is out with some "friends" who want to party hard but she's not really a drinker.
The night turns out badly when she is assaulted and he has to save her. He saves the day and realises his life is miserable without her. Well it takes a little longer but you get my drift.
The story had some decent sexy bits, with a little angst to keep the story moving and we meet some characters who will probably have books about them.
An ok story with a little intrigue, a tough bloke who is a bit of a douche and a chick who was trying to do the right thing.
The ending felt abrupt.
***3.5 stars***
I'd been hearing some really good things about this author and the great characters in her stories. I was lucky enough to get Fighting Hard for free.
This story is about an arrogant, self absorbed, randy part-time bartender and a sweet, self-conscious (about her looks) author. They meet in the bar where he works and he's picking out his hook up for the night. She is out with some "friends" who want to party hard but she's not really a drinker.
The night turns out badly when she is assaulted and he has to save her. He saves the day and realises his life is miserable without her. Well it takes a little longer but you get my drift.
The story had some decent sexy bits, with a little angst to keep the story moving and we meet some characters who will probably have books about them.
An ok story with a little intrigue, a tough bloke who is a bit of a douche and a chick who was trying to do the right thing.
The ending felt abrupt.
April 17, 2015
That ending was worth docking a star. This is my second Marysol James book and I'm wondering if weak endings are going to be a running issue.
June 22, 2024
I was enjoying this book and then it just ended. The ending could have used a little more fleshing out. I am guessing we will see more of this guys in book 2 which I will not be reading.
January 21, 2015
Loved it, just wish I had read Open Skies series first as some characters from there in this one.
August 29, 2018
Nick Spencer is a man who plays the field, it is plentiful and he doesn't need to get entangled in a relationship. Then he ends up meeting Mia Ferris and his interest is peaked. When Nick ends up saving her he finds himself wanting to protect her with everything he is. However, Mia is in more danger than she realizes and the only man who can save her is Nick.
Had a moment that I had a hard time forgiving Nick for but you get over it. I think if the story had been longer you would have connected a bit more with the characters. Overall entertaining.
Had a moment that I had a hard time forgiving Nick for but you get over it. I think if the story had been longer you would have connected a bit more with the characters. Overall entertaining.
July 6, 2018
3.25 stars.
I found the writing style hard to follow at times because the POV constantly changes, sometimes back and forth all in the same paragraph. The plot is good but there were a few of my personal pet peeves that brought the rating down (cheating, religious cursing, abrupt ending).
I found the writing style hard to follow at times because the POV constantly changes, sometimes back and forth all in the same paragraph. The plot is good but there were a few of my personal pet peeves that brought the rating down (cheating, religious cursing, abrupt ending).
July 28, 2014
Really enjoyed this book
June 20, 2022
2.5 (with a generous round up to 3, but I may change my mind at some point and round down to 2) stars.
I started reading this series because I wanted to read one of the later books in the series and the books that came before it looked interesting enough (and were on the cheap side).
This was... fine... I mean, I finished it and all. But honestly, I'm a little worried (considering I went ahead and bought the series which... yeah that was stupid) that this author's writing style doesn't work for me. For one thing, while I have seen worse (early Jamie Begley comes to mind), the book needed another copy editor -- or possibly a first copy editor. For another thing, the chemistry between Nick and Mia really never translated beyond the page. This book could have flowed better if the author had tried a slow burn and let Nick and Mia be friends for a while before he decides to shuck over a decade of manwhoring for his first-ever non-high school relationship. I get that he thought she was cute and had a savior complex where she was concerned, but honestly, his interest just seemed really forced.
It made more sense to me that Mia would fall for Nick. He saves her from being date-raped and god knows what else and then keeps coming around to keep her company. Plus, the book tells us about every three pages or so (okay, maybe not that often, but it got pretty annoying) how hot he is. But the chemistry just seemed more like "because the book says so" than because they were two organic-seeming entities.
And then there was the end of the book. For anyone who doesn't want to continue the series, just know it was a huge letdown and just stops abruptly. Major spoilers follow.
I don't know if the letdown of an ending will be addressed in later books and I own them, so I'll probably check them out (although I've spent a disturbing amount of money over the years on Kindle books I never have and likely never will read, so who knows), but... I'm not sure at this point if this is going to be an author I stick with. I'm interested enough to pick up Katie and Adam's book, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's a DNF. Then again, if this was one of this author's first books, I have seen writing markedly improve over the course of various series. I'm going to pretend that is the case and I'm not going to look at her backlist to see -- although I definitely got the impression at the end of the book that this was some sort of spin-off series, from the names the author dropped that I was clearly supposed to know.
I started reading this series because I wanted to read one of the later books in the series and the books that came before it looked interesting enough (and were on the cheap side).
This was... fine... I mean, I finished it and all. But honestly, I'm a little worried (considering I went ahead and bought the series which... yeah that was stupid) that this author's writing style doesn't work for me. For one thing, while I have seen worse (early Jamie Begley comes to mind), the book needed another copy editor -- or possibly a first copy editor. For another thing, the chemistry between Nick and Mia really never translated beyond the page. This book could have flowed better if the author had tried a slow burn and let Nick and Mia be friends for a while before he decides to shuck over a decade of manwhoring for his first-ever non-high school relationship. I get that he thought she was cute and had a savior complex where she was concerned, but honestly, his interest just seemed really forced.
It made more sense to me that Mia would fall for Nick. He saves her from being date-raped and god knows what else and then keeps coming around to keep her company. Plus, the book tells us about every three pages or so (okay, maybe not that often, but it got pretty annoying) how hot he is. But the chemistry just seemed more like "because the book says so" than because they were two organic-seeming entities.
And then there was the end of the book. For anyone who doesn't want to continue the series, just know it was a huge letdown and just stops abruptly. Major spoilers follow.
I don't know if the letdown of an ending will be addressed in later books and I own them, so I'll probably check them out (although I've spent a disturbing amount of money over the years on Kindle books I never have and likely never will read, so who knows), but... I'm not sure at this point if this is going to be an author I stick with. I'm interested enough to pick up Katie and Adam's book, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's a DNF. Then again, if this was one of this author's first books, I have seen writing markedly improve over the course of various series. I'm going to pretend that is the case and I'm not going to look at her backlist to see -- although I definitely got the impression at the end of the book that this was some sort of spin-off series, from the names the author dropped that I was clearly supposed to know.
May 15, 2022
I felt like the plot was really a stretch. The heroine was badly beaten up not once but twice in this story. Miraculously nothing broken , not even a serious concussion. The H is her knight in shining armor in both cases.
There was too much explicit sex for my taste.
I didn’t feel much angst as I knew what the H was thinking. This little twist when the H got cold feet was the reason I finished the book.
There was too much explicit sex for my taste.
I didn’t feel much angst as I knew what the H was thinking. This little twist when the H got cold feet was the reason I finished the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
we all need a Nick!
What a story. Good guy saves drugged and helpless female. he doesn't know her and he feels responsible. Good story, unsatisfying ending.
What a story. Good guy saves drugged and helpless female. he doesn't know her and he feels responsible. Good story, unsatisfying ending.
April 24, 2022
I liked it. Just enough angst. Not too long. Nick behaved exactly like what I would imagine a douche bartender would. Ooh, feelings! I must run away from the best thing that’s ever happened to me and get “over” someone else. 🙄. And yes, Mia’s ptsd is all Nicks fault! 😤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
Hooked on another series
4 1/2 stars. I love starting a new series from this author, with all fresh, new characters. One of my favorite tropes is the "good girl, meet womanizer who falls hard for her, and doesn't know how to handle his feelings". I thought this was a very good example of this. I also liked how he messes up--badly--and even bough it is not drawn out, she doesn't make it super easy for him to get back with her. I did like the characters, and I could picture them together. It also had entertaining secondary characters with a set up for the next book, and a sprinkling of suspense and danger thrown in. I found this to be a very quick read--it's probably my only real issue with this author is I always wish her books were longer. I'm getting used to it, and it's obviously not stopping me from enjoying her books.
4 1/2 stars. I love starting a new series from this author, with all fresh, new characters. One of my favorite tropes is the "good girl, meet womanizer who falls hard for her, and doesn't know how to handle his feelings". I thought this was a very good example of this. I also liked how he messes up--badly--and even bough it is not drawn out, she doesn't make it super easy for him to get back with her. I did like the characters, and I could picture them together. It also had entertaining secondary characters with a set up for the next book, and a sprinkling of suspense and danger thrown in. I found this to be a very quick read--it's probably my only real issue with this author is I always wish her books were longer. I'm getting used to it, and it's obviously not stopping me from enjoying her books.
July 29, 2014
Nick and Mia meet at a bar. Mia is drugged and a guy tries to take her away. Nick stops it in time and that is how their friendship is forged. Nick and Mia get to know each other and then decide to date. Nick does not do commitment and gets scared after he feels too much for Mia too quickly. Mia sees what is happening but cannot stop it. Mia is a journalist who is investigating child trafficking and finds an inside source. Someone betrays Mia and she finds herself in dire circumstances. We are left with Nick and Mia picking up the pieces of what happened to her. It was a good, quick read and I will read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2015
Drama, a budding relationship, and some difficult situations make a great story
Mia mets Nick at a bar where he's a bartender. She and her girls are out for a night of celebrating. Mia isn't a party girl and looks to escape early. Nick is a one and done kind of guy, but there's something about Mia. This first book takes you thru some difficult times where Nick rescues her, but always feels he should have gotten there earlier, done more.watching their relationship grow, learning more about what makes them tick makes for a very enjoyable story. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Mia mets Nick at a bar where he's a bartender. She and her girls are out for a night of celebrating. Mia isn't a party girl and looks to escape early. Nick is a one and done kind of guy, but there's something about Mia. This first book takes you thru some difficult times where Nick rescues her, but always feels he should have gotten there earlier, done more.watching their relationship grow, learning more about what makes them tick makes for a very enjoyable story. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
December 28, 2015
This book had the potential for being really great but it somehow seemed rushed and a lot of stuff got pushed over. I really liked Nick and I totally got his fear of commitment but what I didn’t like was Nick getting the blame for what happened to Mia. I don’t like her friends blaming him and I don’t like that even Mia tried to blame him. Mia got hurt because of her investigation and if it wasn’t for Nick she wouldn’t have survived. There really should have been more on Mia’s writing since that was what caused what happened to her. It just felt flat when it could have been more suspenseful.
March 7, 2016
4.5 stars
I think you should take my review of Marysol James books with a grain of salt. I have found that, although her books tend to be short, I love every minute I spend in her world. She has quickly become on if my favorite authors. I think it helps reading these series back to back because it makes it feel like a longer book since all the characters are tied together and each book revisits the previous book's H/hs. I love Jame's writing style and I appreciate knowing what I am going to get out of one of her books.
I think you should take my review of Marysol James books with a grain of salt. I have found that, although her books tend to be short, I love every minute I spend in her world. She has quickly become on if my favorite authors. I think it helps reading these series back to back because it makes it feel like a longer book since all the characters are tied together and each book revisits the previous book's H/hs. I love Jame's writing style and I appreciate knowing what I am going to get out of one of her books.
April 18, 2016
This was an awesome read! I love how Ms. James connects her books, even between different series, but never makes you feel like you are missing anything. Each can be read as a stand alone but I strongly suggest that you read them all! Not only this series but she has 3 others that all tie into one another and makes for a fantastic and very worthwhile experience. I have enjoyed all of her books and I am looking forward to reading her new series coming soon.
I definitely recommend this book and series to everyone.
I definitely recommend this book and series to everyone.
February 7, 2017
Child sex trafficking is hard to read about. I'm sure it's hard to write about too. Ms. James is one of my favorites and she constructs excellent dialogue. The end of this book seemed a bit rushed. Good book nonetheless.
February 26, 2023
I read this book on one of those ‘pay per chapter’ apps.
I didn’t really like the two main characters. They started off well but then he freaks out when he catches feelings and cheats oopps I made a mistake grovel grovel and she is a true life writer whose tough as nails and writes about awful and dangerous things, until she gets kidnapped because she is writing about dangerous things and the bad people are people who she knows so she falls apart. ??? Seems like they both have a big character change part way through and it’s not as good a story after that.
I didn’t really like the two main characters. They started off well but then he freaks out when he catches feelings and cheats oopps I made a mistake grovel grovel and she is a true life writer whose tough as nails and writes about awful and dangerous things, until she gets kidnapped because she is writing about dangerous things and the bad people are people who she knows so she falls apart. ??? Seems like they both have a big character change part way through and it’s not as good a story after that.
September 23, 2014
This was a great story, well written with characters I really empathised with. The story was fast paced and utterly absorbing, and the conflicts between the characters were well thought out and understandable. The only part that didn't really work for me was the abruptness of the ending. I would have preferred it to have been flashed out a little more, and actually checked to see if there was another chapter...
February 1, 2015
Ok so I went into reading this book with the knowledge that it was a short story, however it just wasn't a short story it was oh how do I say it... more like a rough draft of a future story. A thought that hasn't been fully completed a blip in the author's mind, but Not a story. This book was free as were the next two in the series but even free I don't see myself reading anything else by this author. Disappointing, if I could give .5 Stars I would.
September 19, 2018
Nick and Mia are an unlikely match (at least initially). Mia is understated and driven to make the world a better place. Nick has been a man-wh@@e ever since his college girlfriend and first love was taken from him. I loved the plot/story-line and the writing is great. I absolutely adored these characters, they feel "real" to me with foibles and strengths that any one of us could have. Fantastic story Marysol James!
December 23, 2015
4 – 4.5 Stars
A great start to the series I really enjoyed this one, meeting new characters and a mention of some Open Skies characters which was nice. I loved Nick even if he did pull a totally dick move, he had his reason for it tho and I get why he did it. Mia was also a very likeable character and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
A great start to the series I really enjoyed this one, meeting new characters and a mention of some Open Skies characters which was nice. I loved Nick even if he did pull a totally dick move, he had his reason for it tho and I get why he did it. Mia was also a very likeable character and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Read
July 21, 2015Short & Sweet
The characters Mia and Nick are really great! Mia is an intelligent, sweet, quiet beauty who is the complete opposite of Nick's normal hook ups. Nick is gorgeous, hot & sexy! The story has elements of intrigue and danger as well as a sweet romance. I just wish the story was longer. I wasn't ready for it to end.
The characters Mia and Nick are really great! Mia is an intelligent, sweet, quiet beauty who is the complete opposite of Nick's normal hook ups. Nick is gorgeous, hot & sexy! The story has elements of intrigue and danger as well as a sweet romance. I just wish the story was longer. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews