Fighting Silence

On the Ropes #1

by Aly Martinez

Sound is an abstract concept for most people. We spend our lives blocking out the static in order to focus on what we believe is important. But what if, when the clarity fades into silence, it's the obscure background noise that you would give anything to hold on to?

I've always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn't a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I'm on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.

Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her.

I think that's the sound I'll miss the most.

Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Sports, New Adult, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

272 pages, ebook

First published February 16, 2015

About the author

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ‘I can hear you’ stars!!!



Before I review this book, I just want to say (or shout) to everyone… If you haven’t read this book- read it. Read it now. Fighting Silence is an incredibly powerful, beautiful and moving story. It’s the first book I’ve ever read by Aly Martinez. I had no idea what was going to be in store for me when I started, but wow. I was totally and utterly wowed. The best book I’ve read in a very long time- I can see this book being my favorite book of 2015. It is at the very top of the list so far.

Till Page and Eliza Reynolds both have home lives that are less than ideal. When they are just 13 years old, they develop this friendship. It’s an old abandoned place near both of their homes, but it’s somewhere they can go and get away from their lives. Their friendship is invaluable to each of them. Just knowing they have somewhere to go to get away from it all, someone who cares. It means everything.

Was Eliza magic? She is to me.
“Absolutely.”

As these two get older, things change. Eliza gets a scholarship to the local college and moves out of her parents home. Till isn’t so lucky. With two younger brothers he’s supporting and basically raising, he’s stuck. Till is scared. It feels like everything is changing. Eliza is going away. It’s not far, but things will never be the same.


After Eliza’s high school graduation, things do change for them in a way. Their friendship goes to a different level. All the feelings, the love that’s always been between them comes out in a different way.

"I want it all. Every single first you have to give, I want it.”

"Then they’re all yours.”

Eliza and Till’s relationship is more than friendship. It’s more than a romance. It’s just more. They are everything to each other. As the years pass, their bond only grows stronger. They had that one night, but now they are friends, neighbors, and family.

Till is a fighter. He fights for his brothers, he fights in the ring, but there is one other big thing he will be fighting. For sound. Till has a genetic condition that is making him progressively lose his hearing. It’s scary. Thank goodness he has Eliza and her window. For a while, he can escape reality and just be there with his best friend. Even though he and Eliza have been just friends for a long time, just her being there makes it feel like maybe things will be okay. That they can fight this. Together.



Eliza is one of the strongest and best heroines I’ve ever read about. She is such a beautiful person. I love how she is with Till, the relationship she has with his brothers. I just love her period. And Till is the best. He’s a man who knows what it’s like to struggle, to be knocked down and to get back up and fight. I love how devoted he is to his brothers, how he is always willing to sacrifice anything for those he loves. His brothers and Eliza are his family and he would no doubt do anything of them. Their love and friendship is inspiring. I can say without a doubt that this is the best friends to lovers story I’ve ever read.

One thing I really loved is the fantasy/reality aspect of the story. Living a hard life like these two have, I can imagine it would be difficult not to try to live in a fantasy world at times. I just thought that part of the book was really well done. Every time Eliza would talk about wanting to be his reality I couldn’t help but tear up.

Till had this grand fantasy about me. But what he didn’t realize was all he gave me in return. He was the only thing I’d ever had that I honestly thought I couldn't’ live without.

I could go on and on about this book. It’s one of those books that touched my heart and I know I’ll remember it forever. I was pulled in from the beginning and loved every second of this book. I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I cheered these wonderful characters on every step of the way. It’s one of those books I devoured from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down.

Eliza and Till’s story was engaging, brilliant, original, passionate, sexy and all around just an outstanding read. I love a book that makes me feel and this one put me through the ringer. I felt all of their struggles. I felt their want, their need, their love. This book had so much heart. It’s one I just want everyone I know to read. Aly Martinez is new to me, but I can tell you now, she will be an auto buy author from now on. This is a book that I highly recommend to EVERYONE!

“You always say that you love me, but you have given me so much more. And because of that, I will spend a lifetime fighting to give you the world.”

My wildest fantasy
This is reality.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read: 12/14/20...
Re-read: 1/23/16...

5 Stars

So I have several "whys" here.

Why #1:

Why did this languish on my kindle for oh so long?

Sports romance? Check.
Childhood love? Check.
HOT as F cover? Check.

Many of my favorite elements, yes?

Check.

In my defense, I did start this waaaaaay back in March...and was totally drawn in by the first Chapter.

But when the second chapter threw in the ole "Five Years Earlier" plot bane to my existence?



If you know me at all, you know I loathe flashbacks.

With a passion.

My least favorite flashback being the kind where the story starts in the presents and then - BAM! - you are taken "back in time" to then spend the whole book working your way forward to...?

Where.

You.

Fucking.

Started.



So when that happened, I did what ALL reasonable adults would do.

*
*
*
*
*

I pouted like a child and put this thing on Time Out.



Now, ultimately we didn't have to wait until the very end to get where we started in the beginning with this one, but still.

#poutyface

Why #2:

Why did it finally take several good GR buddies raving about this thing to finally get me to pick this thing back up?



But then again...



And also...revisit point one.

Long story short though, I finally read this bad boy.

And LOVED it.

Till and Eliza - with their uber cute nicknames, magic windows and reality/fantasy debates - were seriously too cute.

Add in Flint and Quarry and Martinez took this awesomeness and raised it a whole awesome.

All kinds of fun, angsty stuff happened all the way until the end.

Which leads me to my third why.

Why #3:

Why the little tidbit details that led to the tone of this ending?

I get ending books with your foot in the door of the next book in the series as a segue and all that...but not at the detriment to my happy feels for book one.



I don't want to ruin anything for anyone by going into detail here - and don't get me wrong - the ending isn't bad...I just felt that the tone of it could have been effected a little bit differently is all.

Ultimately, I like my HEAs tied up with a big fluffy, completely unrealistic bow of unicorns and rainbows people, not tinged with sadness glitter.

But in the end I would take that every time if it meant scoring a read this good.

Can't wait for the next one, which just so conveniently comes out TODAY.

Why #4:

Why am I even bitching about not reading this sooner?

Now I don't even have to wait for Flint's story.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S LIVE: http://amzn.to/1BDZoFl !!
5+ Fantasy meets Reality Stars

I'd never had anything I could call my own, but Eliza Reynolds would always be mine.

If ever there was a book that everyone has to add to their TBR, this is that book. This incredible, emotional, beautiful, simply unforgettable book. This is Aly Martinez's best book to date and quite honestly one of the best books I've read in a while. It was also probably my favorite friends-to-lovers romance I've ever read. Period.

...I had already been drowning in the ocean of life. Every gasp of air was a struggle. Just as I would breach the surface, filling my lungs with hope and determination to make it through another day, I was forced back under- harder every time.

Till Page met Eliza Reynolds when they were just 13 years old, and they each became an escape for the other. An escape from their glum reality. An escape from their problems. An escape from the real world. A fantasy built from the innocence of young hearts that built into an indescribably love as they got older.

Till's life has never been easy. Forced to raise his two younger brothers from the time he was just a child himself because their parents couldn't care less about anyone but themselves. Till struggles to make ends meet, all the while knowing that he's facing a future of silence. A future in which a genetic condition may cause him to lose his hearing. A future that's he's absolutely terrified to face. When he climbs though a window of an abandoned apartment, looking to escape his reality, he comes crashing into a pair of blue eyes that irrevocably changes his life forever.

Eliza Reynolds grew up always fending for herself and never knowing the warmth of the love of her parents. But when a scrawny boy with tears in his captivating hazel eyes comes into her life, nothing is ever the same. She knows exactly who Till is, they go to school together after all. But he's never acknowledged her, and that doesn't change after they meet. But under the shadow of the night, in that abandoned apartment, they became the world for each other.

It was more than a friendship, but there wasn't romance or sex. There was definitely love though. Immeasurable amounts of it. I knew Till had this grand fantasy about me. But what he didn't realize was all that he gave me in return. He was the only thing I'd ever had that I honestly thought I couldn't live without.

As they grow older, their friendship begins to turn into something much stronger. Something that Eliza knows is love unlike any she'll ever feel for any other man, and a love that Till is absolutely terrified to acknowledge as more than that for a friend in fear of losing Eliza.

Turning his head, Till Page spoke words that solidified his claim on me for all eternity.
"I love you, Eliza."

The book spans from the time Till and Eliza are 13 until they are 21, but it's such a perfect progression that you can't help but fall harder for them with every chapter. The author did such an incredible job infusing their romance with just that right amount of angst and emotion. It was absolute perfection.

There was nothing, NOTHING that I didn't like about this book, and that's a rare thing to happen to me. You feel everything right along the characters; their struggles, their pain, their love. I was an emotional wreck reading the second half of this book. And then that last 30%? Forget about it! I down right ugly cried.

I absolutely loved how Aly Martines was able to tie in characters from her previous books (Leo, Slate and Caleb make an appearance). But she does this giving readers that have read her previous books a little bonus, but allowing new readers to get to know these characters without ever feeling lost.

This book was so much more than just a romance though. It was also more that a fighter romance. It was a story or perseverance, of strength in the truest meaning of the word. Till's story will absolutely break your heart. His relationship with his two brothers will also melt it. And his love for Eliza? It will warm it.


Eliza was a fantastic heroine. She was the perfect match for Till. Her strength, her maturity that's well beyond her young years was so refreshing to read. This book truly had everything. It was emotional, it was a little angsty, and of course it was oh so sexy.

I may've been the first, but this time when I make you come I want to know I'll be the last. Now, fucking tell me it's forever.

God, I just loved it so much. I don't want to give you more of the plot because I don't want to ruin the experience of reading it for yourself. Take my advice and go into this book without reading many reviews. You'll just enjoy it that much more.

One of the most touching and unforgettable romances I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely cannot wait for Flint's book next. Aly Martinez has given me a fighter romance that is a not only an auto-buy, it's a MUST buy. I simply can't recommend it enough. If you've loved her previous books, you will flat out adore this one. And if you haven't discovered this phenomenal author yet, I can pretty much guarantee you'll become a fan after reading Fighting Silence.



ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit

[Giorgia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars


This is my second Aly Martinez book and I definitely like her storytelling.

I’m not fond of friends to lovers trope (I like some but usually its hard for me to get on board) and I’m particularly not fond of the childhood sweethearts trope - NOW combine those two and I’m putting it in the “no way” category. By my own logic, I shouldn’t have touched this book BUT for some reason I like to do read things outside my comfort zone. This books was a pleasant surprise.

I genuinely don’t know how to review it or what to say. It was sweet and sad and then it was hopeful and then hopeless and then sweet again and so it went.

The book was mostly about Till, the male MC and his trials and tribulation from early childhood to his early twenties. The one constant he had was Eliza, his best friend, object of all his affections, and his break from reality. I mean that literally. The dude truly relegated her to some place as far away from his reality as possible so much so, that he had issues accepting that she could be a real part of his life.

As for Eliza, she was a good person. But I feel as if she was an extension of the Till Page story. A branch. We don’t know much about her apart from the fact that she absolutely loved Till and her devotion was unwavering. It’s not a bad thing, but it was definitely something that stood out to me.

I loved how the story didn’t have anything insta. Not the friendship, not the love, not the successful career, not anything. The struggle was real and long and tiring, so it felt even more satisfying when things were starting to look up for them. But then again, as with anything realistic, s**t hit the fan, and not everything was perfect even in the end. The main MCs got their HEA but not everything and everyone around them was perfect. I kinda liked that.

I don’t know if I’m gonna read the next book just yet. I definitely wanna finish the Page brothers saga which continues with Flint and eventually Quarry, but I think I need to space them out. While this book was not extremely angsty, it very much had that too realistic vibe to it and I’m picky as to how big a dose of reality I allow in my life..

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read on 5/28/2022
Listening Length: 8 hours 00 minutes.
_______________

★ GIVEAWAY: 2 kindle copies.★
Find info here->http://wp.me/p4uAPW-1eo

Fighting Silence is a fighter book like none other. I was expecting a book that mainly focused on fighting but instead, it was the love story of the man behind the gloves. The love of his family and the girl he nightly climbed through the window for.

Till and Eliza are teens who don't come from wealth or even a loving household. But the moment Till's 13 year old self crawls through the window of a vacant apartment his reality turns into fantasy. On the other side of that window is Eliza, a girl in a similar financial and family state. Both of these teens escape their reality by crossing the threshold of that vacant apartment's window to a world where no one but themselves exists. The harsh lifestyles that are bestowed upon them disappears for brief moments each day when they are able to just be in this alternate reality where no one demands anything from them. When these friends-to-soulmates are forced to face what lies beyond the window they go with this attitude:

”We do what we always do. We go to battle against the world.” ~Eliza

Even in adulthood, their world is not easy. It’s like the world is against them. But one thing that helps Till deal with all the letdowns is CLIMBING through Eliza’s window.



The window was like its own character in the book. It held so much promise and hope that when Eliza demanded Till use the door and stop living in his fantasy world...my heart broke for him. ”I don’t want to live in a world where the windows are locked and the Page boys don’t eat me out house and home.” ~Eliza
The window represented everything that Till wanted for his life. It’s where he could go and not face the impending reality that torments him. No trying to make sure his younger brothers are taken care of, no worrying about where his next meal was coming from, no waiting for when his world would go silent…

By the end of the book, I was so invested in the story that I knew this book was going to be a winner for me. Even though this is my first book by Aly Martinez it won’t be my last. I’m dying to read the next two books. Ms. Martinez did an excellent job completing Till & Eliza’s story but intriguing the reader to want the rest of the books in the series. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it to the end of June waiting for the next book!
♥Loved it!♥

SERIES:
Fighting Shadows | Fighting Forever
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. ~Aly Martinez

**Gifted this book from Christy->Book Babes Unite. Thank you, Christy, for the book. **

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “This is reality” Stars.

Eliza (or Doodles) met Till when she was 13 years old and he climbed her window. Both poor and with both with families that neither of them deserved, they found solace (and a family) in each other. But as they get older, those feelings start to grow into a different kind of love. But both of them striking to survive, and Till not fighting not only for himself, but also for his younger brothers and against a genetic disease that is slowing turning him deaf. He wants Eliza but he also doesn’t want to lose her, and he has this fantasy where one day he will be able to give her everything and they’ll be happy. But how do you know when it’s time to spot living in a fantasy, and realizing that in reality you’re risking losing the only person you ever loved?



What an amazing book! It was my first reading by Aly Martinez, but if all of her other books are so good and well written as this one, it will certainly not be my last.
This story happens in the length of (pretty much) ten years and it’s an amazing journey to read. Emotional, beautiful, heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking, this is a love story you can’t skip.
Seriously, jump on it. Like, yesterday!



Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: It’s not usual for me to really love a heroine, and yet, I completely loved Eliza. I loved how selfless, sweet and loyal she was. How she never gave up on Till and his brothers. She was an amazing character. Despite not liking the time it took for him to make up is damn mind, I still loved Till. How could I not? He was all about the “little gestures”, he did anything he could for Eliza and he put everyone’s happiness in front of his own. He was an amazing and selfless hero and I really loved him and Doodles together. I also loved Slade and everything he did to help them. The brothers were great. I can’t wait to read their books, especially Flint’s!
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects: Violence.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[chan ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 review:
i'm rereading romances i loved 6 years ago and sadly this one didn't age well. i LOVE aly martinez but this book lacked so much of what i love about her stuff. the introspection? completely lacking here. and don't get me wrong i don't want to only be in a character's head. i need dialogue as much as the next bitch. but you feel like you're reading the synopsis of a plot when the characters don't ever stop and THINK about the stuff happening to them.

also LOLing at me thinking the characters had interests/faults etc. we're told eliza is going to college. we never hear about it after that. like did she graduate? what degree? even what job she has? poor girl was literally just a prop to hold up the emotionally stunted hero.

i didn't hate this or anything i just completely misremembered this book. but it's nice to know how much i still love this author's work since i've read her current stuff and it does indeed slap.

2017 review:
This was such a nice lil sports romance for my current reading slump. And it could probably best be described as Beautiful Disaster's sweeter and less problematic cousin.

The story revolves around two poor kids, Till and Eliza who find solace in each other's company when dealing with all that life throws their way. The story spans more than 8 years of their friendship and eventual relationship. Oh yeah, and Till is a fighter who's going deaf. There's a little more to it than that but that's all you really need to know before reading.

I loved the way that Till and Eliza were characterized. They both had their own interests, faults, and hesitations in starting a relationship. But once they get together I just about died; Till is such a sweet and dedicated dude. But even more than the main couple, I fell HARD for Till's brothers, Flint & Quarry, and the way that family plays into this book. Especially near the end of this book I found myself caring less about T&E and more about the two younger boys. The comedic relief they provided was much needed and I'm just really excited to see them grown up in the next 2 books.

And I know some people had an issue with the ending of this book as not very HEA but I think it worked. The main couple definitely get their HEA but we're also perfectly set up for the next book. And I for one immediately purchased the second book upon finishing this one so I think Martinez knew what she was doing with the ending.

Anyway, if you liked (or hated) Beautiful Disaster, have a thing for sports romances, or just like the idea of dudes beating the shit out of each other, you should give this one a try.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Eliza and Till were wonderful characters, complex, driven and charming. I adored them. But I'm being lazy today...

Overall, it was a sweet story about finding your soulmate at 14 and the struggle of dealing with the real world. I laughed, cried and swooned. And I'm really looking forward to continuing this series.

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★

Now LIVE!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CF0YEq
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Lhhn62



Oh my god, this was a five star from me! There was nothing I didn't like, it was perfect!!

When Eliza Reynolds and Till Page are thirteen they stumble across each other in a abandoned apartment. They are both escaping shitty parents, Eliza's don't even notice that she's missing half the time and Till's mum would much prefer to be getting her nails done than worry about her 3 sons.

This day is the start of a beautiful friendship, but it's a secret one and although they go to the same school, Till does not speak to or acknowledge Eliza outside of their safe haven.

As they grow older they only get closer, while Eliza is working hard to get to college to make a life for herself and away from her parents, Till is playing football and working 2 jobs to help take care of his 2 younger brothers and keep a roof above all their heads.

When Till comes across an after school program at newly opened On The Ropes Gym he jumps at the chance to join up, especially when he sees that it is run by none other than Slate "The Silent Storm" Andrews.

When Eliza graduates school and Till fails to make the grade, he is once again reminded that he will never be good enough for her. To him she is his fantasy life that he will never be able to turn into reality. Working minimum wage with no future ahead of him, he knows that he has to let her go off to college with a chance at more but before he leaves he wants to claim her as his just one time.




Just when Eliza is starting to heal from a broken heart, she once again finds herself in Till's life but she knows she has to force his hand otherwise she will break completely.

Till is struggling with the realisation that he is slowly losing his hearing, and on top of this he taking care of his brothers full time. He is working hard trying to make a living whilst training whenever he can in the hopes of becoming a pro-boxer - it is just too much for him to cope with on his own. He needs Eliza in his life but is he prepared to take a risk that things might not work out and lose her forever?

_ _ _ _


I loved everything about this book - the humour and the banter between Till and Eliza was hilarious and I found myself smiling so many times. Flint and Quarry are Till's brothers and they play a vital part too, they were such great characters and I am praying to God and the Universe that the next books in this series will be about them.

I loved that when they weren't a couple, we weren't subjected to reading about them with other people, it really wasn't that type of book - the focus was on Eliza & Till, their relationship as 'just friends' was just as enjoyable to read about as when they did finally get together.

There were some heartbreaking moments too, I felt so sad when Till was falling apart but I knew Eliza would pull through for him and it warmed my heart to see them all come together as a family.

Till Page has a place on my favourites shelf, I freaking loved him and his big heart and Eliza goes on my list of best heroines. As for Flint & Quarry - bring it on!

This is the first in a new series of stand-alones, told in dual POV. It features characters from the Wrecked and Ruined series, but it's not necessary to have read those first

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story completely blew me way with the feels. These two characters are insanely special to me and I loved their story.

One day after receiving horrible news Till Page runs to hide in abandoned building, little did he know that climbing into that window would forever change his life. That is the day he met Eliza Reynolds, who was also using the condemned building as her sanctuary. Eliza and Till both grew up in the projects and were both neglected by their parents. What starts out as an odd friendship builds into a formidable bond that will hold them together through all their struggles.



Fighting Silence isn’t a story with a lot of angst or unnecessary drama, it actually like watching two people grow up. Throughout their lives they have regular issues come and go, but their one constant is their ability to rely on each other. Naturally they both begin developing feelings for each other as they get older and their attraction grows.Till decides he cannot date Eliza while they are still young and in school. He knows high school relationship don’t work and isn’t willing to give up with they have. Until one night Till gives into his desires and finally makes Eliza his, but his actions have the power to change everything.



Till and Eliza have to learn to either separate their feelings or accept reality and make a future together. Throughout the story that is what we see, two people bonded together in their own fantasy trying to navigate reality. Eliza moves out and attends college, while Till works at the gym and two other jobs just to get by. Throughout the years Till has began boxing, the gym On the Ropes has become his second home and will hopefully one day will give him a career as professional boxer.

More important then the little struggles in life are the big ones, the life altering things that happen. When Till was younger he was diagnosed with a genetic condition that would cause him to gradually lose his hearing until he was completely deaf. Losing one of your primary sense is a big thing, but for a boxer who needs to hear a bell to designate rounds, it is huge.



I feel like I am being redundant but I can’t express enough how moving this story is and how much I enjoyed it. The writing is completely engaging and pulls you in. Throughout the character’s struggles I was cheering them on and when good things happened I had a huge smile on my face. I felt their turmoil, grief and happiness when reading. If you are looking for a Cinderella story with tons of heart this is the book for you.

This is my first book by Aly Martinez, but she is definitely on my watch list and I cannot wait to read more about the Page Brothers.



“You always say that you love me, but you have given me so much more. And because of that, I will spend a lifetime fighting to give you the world.”

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I'm on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.

From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I mean, c'mon! Doesn't that tug your heartstrings?! Plus, I've literally loved every book that Aly Martinez has written so... I had to dive right in!

Till and Eliza met by chance one night in an abandoned building at age thirteen -- each seeking an escape from their lives for one reason or another. Over the years, they kept meeting there every few days and became close... more than friends, but not a couple either. They simply became vital to each other's worlds.

“It had become more and more difficult to stop myself from kissing her, touching her, claiming her. But I knew that, if I did, I would eventually lose her. Relationships didn’t work in high school. Something would have happened, we would have broken up, and then I would have lost her completely. I needed Eliza too damn bad to ever chance that.”

With his dad in jail and his mother more concerned about her nails than caring for her children, it fell on Till to take care of his two little brothers from a very young age in order to keep them out of the foster system. He cared for Eliza more than anything but couldn't bear to start a relationship with her for fear of losing her friendship. In his eyes, what they had was almost magical and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that.

“Till and I both knew we had a strange relationship. It was more than a friendship, but there wasn’t romance or sex. There was definitely love though. Immeasurable amounts of it. I knew that Till had this grab fantasy about me. But what he didn’t realize was all that he gave me in return. He was the only thing I’d ever had that I honestly though I couldn’t live without. Till Page was my soulmate on every level.”

Sadly though, their lives were split one fateful night. But then, several months later they were given a second chance and this time, things were different...

“You’ve always been forever for me.”

My heart really broke for Till. This amazing guy worked himself to the bone to give his brothers the best life he could. He worked at a boxing gym every waking hour, fuelling a dream of one day going pro which would finally give him the money he needed to truly provide for his family.

“I believe you’re going to set the boxing world on fire, because every time you put on those gloves, you’re doing it for them. Say yes."

Adding to all the pressure was the fact that he was slowly going deaf and there wasn't a single thing he could do to stop it. It was scary -- terrifying even -- that he'd one day never be able to hear Eliza's voice.

“I miss your voice. I miss listening to you talk… I’d give anything to hear it right now."

I read this book in one sitting start-to-finish. The ending was a thrill ride wrapped up with a great epilogue which both concluded Till & Eliza's story and set up the next one -- which I can't wait to read!

Aly Martinez is definitely one of my go-to authors. I've read all her books and loved each one. Her stories are always unique and have strong, sexy, heart-racing romances with a thrilling edge to them.

THIS book can be read as a complete standalone. Even if you've never read any other book by this author, you're safe to dive right in and you'll be satisfied with the ending. However... as with all of her books, this one does have tie-ins with her other books. Slade (the hero from Among The Echoes) is featured heavily in this book as a side character but you do not have to have read his book first in order to appreciate this one. That being said, if you were to want to read his book as well, then I'd actually recommend reading the complete Wrecked & Ruined series because technically Slade's book should be read as #3 in that series.

Bottom line: this book can be read on it's own. But, if you want to have the full experience of meeting all the characters in this world, then read them in the order I've listed below:

CHANGING COURSE
STOLEN COURSE
AMONG THE ECHOES
BROKEN COURSE
FIGHTING SILENCE

This authors' books are very cleverly set up so that you can read any of them alone BUT you'll of course get even more out of them if you've read them all. So it's really just up to you. You won't go wrong either way. I promise :)
_______________________________________

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[Sleepless Readmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE CRAWL-THROUGH-MY-WINDOWSTARS

Till and Eliza .. ♥♥



Most women want a man that's already established. A strong woman will be apart of his struggle, survive it, succeed together, and build an empire. I'm in awe. This is one of my favourite friends transitioning to lovers .. incredibly realistic. Aly Martinez wrote this novel through a span of Till and Eliza's years together. #FLAWLESS. Till and Eliza's story was so beautiful, captivating, and challenging (AT TIMES). They both fought to make their lives and futures better for themselves along with their loved ones. This series already has a LOT of potential and I most CERTAINLY am reading the next one. I HIGHLY recommend this one .. if it's in your TBR bump that ish up BECAUSE you will not be DISAPPOINTED!!!

It was more than a friendship,
but there wasn't romance or sex.
There was definitely love though.
Immeasurable amounts of it .."

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone,
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow .. ►♫

No matter how bad I fuck things up,
we make this work.
Forever .."

I was okay.
She was okay.
We were okay.
Nothing else matters .."

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more .. ►♫

I claimed Eliza Reynolds final first.
And every. Single. One. Of her lasts.

Fighting Silence Aly Martinez
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 silent stars




This is the story of Till Page and Eliza. Two kids who were meeting in an abandoned building, with Till climbing through the window for years. Till was one of the popular kids at school,while Eliza was the artistic, quiet type. "On The Ropes" is the new boxing gym that opens at town with free boxing lessons for students and Till immediately signs up, something that is going to change his life forever.



Years pass and they have never passed the line, because this is a fantasy and who wants to erase fantasy and pass into reality, especially when reality consists of poverty & absent parents who couldn't care less about their children? One night they break that line and that will bring a big change in their lives. A clusterfuck of actions from the very beginning will happen until the very end of this book.



This book was honestly wonderful. It was definitely one of the most beautiful stories I've read lately and I loved the characters, the small details, the emotions that they were brought to me and I was deeply touched by their stories. Especially Till's. Gosh, I was gutted. He was such an amazing character. So selfless, so motivated to do anything he could to for his beloved ones. His relationship with his siblings was simply admirable. As for Eliza, I liked that she was a strong character and when she demanded things from him, she was true to herself and she wasn't a usual doormat. I like strong feminine characters. I loved how these kids found a home and support from each other when their own blood wouldn't and not only that, but Slate was also like a father to them and that was also beautiful.

She burst out laughing. God, I loved that sound so much. I knew I’d never be the same when I lost it to the silence. I’d happily give up every noise in the world if I could just keep her laugh.

My only issue maybe with this book was that I got a little confused with the time jumping. Usually I have no issue, but I have to admit that it was something that puzzled me while I was trying to catch up with the back and forth that was going on. Also, I read another review and it kind of influenced me, because until 70% I hadn't noticed something, but apparently the heroine cried a lot. I noticed that after the other review and it didn't bother me. The story was too beautiful to let tiny details take the pleasure from me. Definitely recommended!!

[Mysza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're okay.
I'm okay.
We're okay.
Nothing else matters."

This book... this freaking book...



This will be short and giphy cause I need to start next book ASAP cause Aly? Really?



Eliza... such a kickass heroine at heart, always fighting for her Till...simply adored her...



And Till... hell... all Page brothers...



And their story... so wonderful... so touching... so heart-warming... and then...







No, really, how could you leave me hanging like this? Huh?





And in case I wasn't clear above...



I freaking loved it! On to the next...

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I'm sooooo freaking happy and also so angry right now. :)
I'm happy cause I just read such an amazing story. And also I'm angry with myself because why the hell I didn't read this wonderful book before. I fell in love every single word. Yeah, it was really really good. ;)

Till&Eliza were so sweet and funny together. But also their chemistry was so freaking hot too. :)

I highly recommend this book everyone. Pls do not waste any more minutes and go start this series asap. You won't regret this, trust me!!! xoxo

Oh I almost forgot. Till, my baby...



----------------------

"So I lay awake for hours watching her. It truly felt normal and made it easy for me to forget the panic that continued to build in my chest.
I was okay.
She was okay.
We were okay.
Nothing else matters."

“I want it all … Every single first you have to give, I want it.”
… “Then they’re all yours,” I promised.”

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is reality"

Really enjoyable read!

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one. Don't really go for ones with the characters so young ... and they even meet originally when they are even younger.

Liked Doodle and Till. The background story with his family was interesting.


Don't have a lot of time for reviews at the minute.

[Sandy ღCoffee Addict Booksღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.25 Magic Window Stars***

“I was okay.
She was okay.
We were okay.
Nothing else matters.”

Fighting silence is one of the best, friends to lover’s premises I’ve read to this date. It didn’t just spoke volumes of friendship but it truly brought all the aspect of love, life, sacrifice, and struggle to light.

Till Page and Eliza Reynolds have been friends since they were thirteen. It was one night when Till learnt the bitter truth about his life and he turned to an old building to hide from his misery that he first acknowledged Eliza. It was in that moment of their bickering, he forgot all about his troubles and since then he never missed a night with her. The abandoned apartment became their escape from reality, and Eliza his ultimate FANTASY.



They were always aware of the budding love between them, but for years they never crossed that line. Till feared that being in a relationship might ruin their friendship and he might lose her forever. He couldn’t risk the one chance with normalcy and peace he found with Eliza, but least did he know Eliza couldn’t imagine her life without him, that her love for him had no boundary.



Though the romance was a major part of the story it also focused on lot of domestic issues. Till being the eldest of three, always felt responsible towards his brothers (Flint & Quarry,) as their parents always neglected them. The whole relationship between the page boys and Eliza was heart warming, also contributing to many LOL moments. This rarely is seen in NA romance where the secondary characters played a major role in the story development, also where do you get to see different dimensions to the MC’s-they go from being friends, soul mates, neighbors, lovers to be a family.

This is my first book from Aly Martinez and this definitely won’t be last. If it wasn’t for RL I would’ve finished it in one sitting, this is kind of story which will suck you in from the beginning and brings characters to life. The way she weaved the story between the past, present and the beautiful description of the setting made is unbelievably real. The very emotion and dynamic between the characters, truly made me part of their lives, and that my dear friends is sign of an amazing writer.

All the characters were very much lovable and easily relatable; I loved that Till stepped into a role of a parent and practically raised his brother’s, keeping them from being homeless, providing them all the love and care that he and Eliza didn’t experience.

I had you and you had me.
That’s the way it’s always been.
Well, now, Flint and Quarry have you,
but guess what, they have me too.

So why not 5 stars then?
I hate to keep a track of age and events when there is time leaps and this particular book had plenty of them. I did ignore the annoying voice inside my head which kept rolling it’s eyes every time there was a jump in the time, yes! It was a necessary evil to show the bonding between the MC’s but towards the end I lost my patience.

Honestly though it won’t ruin the story for you (that’s just me being a picky bitch), it’s still beautiful and this strong love and connection that Till and his “Doodle” Eliza share is so MAGICAL, something YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE.

Lastly, that Chapter with Flint’s POV…. W.T.F???!!!
Can’t wait to see how his story turns out!

P.S:Thanks Cristina for rec'ing me this wonderful book...*muahhh*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off. No one warned me this was going to be sad. You’re all assholes. Sure, everyone was like “You have to read this book, it’s sooooo good.” But not a single person warned me that it was going to cause my fucking eyes to leak. So for those reading this review, be prepared for a major case of the feels. Both happy and sad feels – but be ready to have this book take over your life while you’re lost within its pages.


Till had one place he escaped to as a child. And one day that escape turned into a fantasy when a little girl is staring back at him. That was the first time climbing through a window changed his life, but it wasn’t going to be the last. Growing up poor, Till had nothing but his desire for more – more for his brothers, more for Doodle, more for everyone but himself. When he finds an afterschool program at the new gym that opened, Till’s about to get a chance at changing his future. But getting in the ring is the easy part.


Eliza was without a family that showed her love her entire life. One boy changed that. She fell in love with the boy refused to use the door. And although that boy nearly broke her, but she couldn’t turn her back on the only person that ever made her feel like she had a family.
But one night months ago changed things for these two – for Eliza it gave her everything she always wanted, for Till though – it left him fearing his fantasy would fade and reality would steal everything away. But one thing stayed true. These two loved each other. When Till is forced to face the reality that his fighting career is going to be impacted by the loss of his hearing, he knows he has to continue on. All of this is for them – for Eliza for his brothers, to give them the life they deserve, a life that he can’t provide without the ability to fight.



I did not read the blurb before starting this, there were plenty of recommendations flying at me from all sides to know that I’d love this. So maybe I should have prepared myself a bit by reading it... I didn’t so imagine my surprise when Till drops the bomb that he’s going to lose his hearing... but that wasn’t all of it. It was the struggle he faced as he tried to provide a life to those he loved – by ensuring that he sacrificed everything so they didn’t have to. The loss of hearing her voice. The struggle of risking his fantasy for a reality, that right here kicked me in the feels big time. I was so heartbroken for him and yet willing to stand strong next to Eliza as she held her ground.

This love story was epic.

I had never read a book by this author and that is about to change. This is the type of book that has you crazy one-clicking after finishing. You just want to experience this author’s writing all over again. In the end, this book just hit all the marks. It was so well written, the depth of the characters was outstanding and the story was solid and unique. A highly emotional read that although had you in tears for the sadder times, made you cry happy tears when you got your ‘best’ moments. I fell hard for Till and can’t wait to get lost in the prior books from this author and get my needy hands on the next in the series.

[• Lisa • · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOUR PAGE BROTHERS STARS.

"... claim me. I’ll claim you too."



Have I found a new author to claim as a favourite? I think that is what has just happened right here. Aly Martinez has got me wrapped up in her writing and I may have just experienced the crazy feelings that go alongside a monumental book hangover. Why you may ask? It's all down to this authors gorgeous writing talent and it has to be said that this book right here is phenomenal.

What's it all about?
This is the first book in the 'on the rope' series and it sets the stage for the Page brothers to make their debut into our reading hearts. Till page is the eldest of the three brothers and to call him a born survivor is an understatement. These brothers face hardship and difficulties and with a heart breaking past and tragic circumstances following their every move they have to fight hard to find their happiness. This book takes the reader on the unmistakable journey of finding hope and love. Aly Martinez takes the tried and tested method of a friends to lovers theme but there's nothing unoriginal here. Follow the story of Till Page and the love of his life and best friend Eliza Reynolds and hold on to your seats for a love story that is memorable to say the least.



What did I love?
Those who know me will be able to tell you that my favourite of all tropes to read in the romance reading world is the friends to lovers story. I love the angst, the anticipation and the feeling of desperation for the perfect twosome to finally realise that they can't live without falling in love with each other. So it comes with no surprise that I fell hard in love with this story. Aly Martinez takes this trope and makes it her own, it's so much more than friends falling in love. This, my fellow readers is about soul mates finding their match. If I was to choose an author for a weepy, soul searching story I would always navigate towards Martinez, this author has a way of delivering the emotions but making sure her readers are rewarded with a heart pounding romance and love that is nothing short of epic.

Why not five?
Aly Martinez is new to me as an author and to say I'm impressed would be an understatement. If this book is anything to go by then you can be rest assured that I won't be missing out on future releases. This book was definitely a weeper, it was packed full of hardships and difficulties and whilst I was impressed with the quality of story telling I did at times feel like I wanted more peaceful story telling of the characters lives. The beginning had me hooked, but as the story developed I found myself a little on the distracted side. But these are only small niggles, I loved this authors voice and I'm more than ready to grab ahold of book two in the series. A solid four star rating for a book that was beautifully and thoughtfully put together.



Final thoughts ...
A fantastic start to a series that is sure to capture the hearts of the reading community. I can't wait for more in the series to come and I'm glad that I listened to the voice of my fellow romance addicts and gave this book a try. Well worthy of your time and money spent, don't miss out on this gorgeous love story. You won't regret it for a minute. Enjoy ... Kisses.

[Dilek VT · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nuh uh, I cannot go on, I am left with no interest or enthusiasm... Although the writing is good and it makes you feel, I am too angry to go on!
DNF at 35%

I just cannot forgive him for leaving her and disappearing for 6 months after asking her to be her first.
Who would do that to a girl? A real as*hole, of course!
Imagine how much she hurt for 6 months after he left her the day after they had sex (with no explanation whatsoever).

Then, he comes back, saying he needs her and she takes him back into her life.

There have been some as*hole heroes in other books that I have forgiven but this doormat heroine seems to demand no groveling even when he does something similar a 2nd time... Nope, not my cuppa!

But there are so many awesome reviews about the book out there, so if you can get past what I couldn't, it may very well please you, I don't know. Just letting you know my reason for DNF.

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 The Silencer STARS!!!!

"She burst out laughing. God, I loved that sound so much. I knew I’d never be the same when I lost it to the silence. I’d happily give up every noise in the world if I could just keep her laugh. But my life didn’t work that way.

Spoiler Free Review

Just WOW!!!Fighting Silence is one of those rare books that only comes along every once in a while that you just have to experience to understand. This was my first read by this author and I was completely blown away!

This is the BEST Contemporary Romance read I have picked up in a loooong time! Well over a year. I have actually been going darker and grittier lately, just because this genre was falling flat for me.

Basically, Eliza and Till meet when they are kids. They've both been dealt a pretty crappy hand in life. They have total shit parents who don't give a crap about them, and they come from very little. They become best friends, hidden away in an abandoned apartment near where they both live. This story spans about 8 years of their lives. It's a friends-to-lovers tale and an EPIC-ALLY beautiful one at that!!

I will not give away anything about the plot. In fact, go in as blind as you can here so that you can experience the beauty that is this book, spoiler-free! Till and Eliza both have different outlooks on their circumstances. Whereas as Eliza is ever the optimist, Till recognizes that everything in his reality is pretty much shit, except for Eliza, so he keeps her in what he calls his fantasy world.

"Till and I both knew we had a strange relationship. It was more than a friendship, but there wasn’t romance or sex. There was definitely love though. Immeasurable amounts of it. I knew that Till had this grand fantasy about me."

“I can’t have you without claiming you for forever.” “Then claim me. I’ll claim you too.”

“I want it all,” he whispered, licking his lips before continuing. “Every single first you have to give, I want it.”

But over the years, they go from friends, to pretty much family, to more. This particular element of the book reminded me a bit of the Slammed series, by Colleen Hoover in that, Eliza and Till are pretty much raising Till's two younger brothers, Flint and Quarry. And OMG, did I LOVE these boys!!!! The author does a simply magnificent job of blending in the secondary characters just enough into the story to where I totally fell in love with them too!! My heart really broke for Till. This amazing guy worked himself to the bone to give his brothers the best life he could.

And let me just stop for a minute to say that Eliza should win some kind of damn award for being the most fierce and kick ass heroine EVER!!! What a strong woman! I had just as big of a girl crush on her as I did on sexy ass Till, and Flint, and Slate...haha!! Till is the external force of strength in the book while she in the quiet, internal one. And even though it is Till that gets in the ring every day, they are both fighters. She's strong, sexy, determined, and funny. And Till is determined, loving, protective, and humble. Just loved them both.

"Truth be told, I’d have been happy to sit in an empty room for the rest of my life as long as he was sitting beside me."

And oh boys and girls, the love story!!!!! ALL THE FEELS!!! Heart pounding, goosebumps. I can honestly say, there is not one single thing that I did not LOVE about this book! And what made it completely stand apart from the rest for me is that, again, NO STUPID DRAMA!!! Not even for a second! Nothing annoyed me... which is pretty rare, let me tell you! Eliza and Till deal with everything that comes at them like a solid unit in this book. I absolutely love books where we get to watch the H/h enduring and growing together. (Granted, they are not a couple for the whole time. They are "friends" for a while, but still.) And HOT!!! Yeah, fret not, there is plenty of scorching steam in this one!!! <3

"Sometimes, in the world we lived in, where everything was a struggle, it was easy to become dependent on the things that numbed the chaos. Some people turned to drugs or alcohol as an escape. But I had Till . . . and he had the fantasy."

I don't know what else to say except for that, books like these are the reasons that I read!!! The reason that I stay up until 4 am, when I have to be up at 7 (like I did here), chasing that magical feeling that only a truly amazing book can give me.

So grab a box of tissue (because you will need it), hunker down, and ENJOY!!! Once I started this book, it was completely impossible to put down!

And OH THAT ENDING!!!



I loved it so much, that I am jumping into Slate's book next, Among the Echoes. Which by the way, you can totally read that series before, after, or not at all, and still read and love this book.

Fighting Silence is book 1 in a series of stand alones following the Page brothers. I CANNOT wait for Fighting Shadows next, which will be Flint's book!!!

"If it means you guys are taken care of, I will sit in silence for the rest of my fucking life.”

[V. A Court of Wings and Ruin is NEW ADULT/EROTICA but Goodreads editors won't tell you to include it in the choice awards]

********UNSAFE READ ALERT*****/

CHEATING FOR ME but I'm a no-cheating freak.

Techincally no cheating but for those of you who didn't know this about me, I'm extremely sensitive to Other woman in romance books after H and h have kissed even if they aren't officially toghether yet, for me that's cheating.

Dear friends who hate OW (other woman)and OM other men in romance books there's more info in London's review.

OW AND OM SPOILERS AND WARNINGS

I'm quoting a comment I found in Shari Kay's status by Danielle
Regarding OW/OM [ it was never described, it was inferred but for a while they weren't together. they knew each other since age 13 and he and she dated throughout that (other people). He I believe was not a virgin, but he wasn't sleeping around either. He did take her virginity, and said ILY, but he was also scared of moving forward their relationship because she was going to college and he didn't want to bring her down. He failed a couple classes and wasn't graduating. Later in the book when they are both adults, she gives him an ultimatum you can come through the front door (literally, it was symbolic too) or you have to let me go. She eventually tries to move on (sorta, it's half assed) and goes on a date with a guy and has a kiss. Also prior to their 1 time sleeping together, it also seemed to imply that SHE too had been with other guys, but again we don't get details, we don't get angst we don't get anything like that. So to me there wasn't cheating. AT ALL

So for this person (and the majority of romance readers) this isn't cheating. For me it is.

However I'll still read this one day because a friend recommended it to me, so it'll be my stepping out my comforzone book. One day.


To my dear friends who don't mind OW or OM, I have read amazing reviews of this one, so don't let my non-review prevent you to read a book you might enjoy more.


Note: For the purpose of my reviews whatever activity with OW meaning kissing, trying to f@ck her, taking her to a hotel (even if later hero regrets it and "can't stop thinking about the heroine", watching her naked counts as disloyalty and cheating IF( and only IF) THIS HAPPENS AFTER H and h get together,. I consider they're together once they have exchanged a kiss even if there's no promise of exclusivity. If it is before they kiss I have no problem, but if it's after they have kissed I hate it. It makes the Hero weak and childish.

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, yeah... I just set in the line of the Page brothers fan club. I heard a lot of good things about this book, so when I had the chance I started to read without hesitation. And I wasn't disappointed. You also won't be.



About the plot: Eliza and Till met at the age of thirteen. They both came from families with problems, who were not interested in their children. They both ran away from them and hid in an abandoned apartment in their neighborhood. This is where they met, and where continued and developed their friendship. They were everything to each other and their bond was very strong.

Together growing up their friendship changed, they began to meet with new difficulties. Only those moments in deserted place were their shelter and escape from reality. Especially for Till. So when Eliza want to go forward and started to build their future, he went crazy. Everything has complicated and their friendship was put to the test.

Final thoughts: It is so beautiful and moving book. And even though we know a lot of friends to lovers stories, it was very unique and had a refreshing plot. It can be funny and touching. It can be sexy and romantic. It is simply everything.

I very much like the character of Eliza. She was soft and strong at the same time. She was able to stand up, take responsibility, first for yourself, then for her new family. Because she not only had to cope when Till had doubts, but also with his younger brothers, who, besides their two do not have any other authority. I just love the the bond that they have together, four of them as family.

Till is something else. His desire to be able to escape from reality could frustrate, but he was a fighter and fought with all his heart. And he has a really big and wonderful heart. Even when he struggled with his progressive hearing loss. Always his heart was full of love for Eliza and his brothers. He gave us a lot swoon worthy moments and crocodile tears.

Although it already is a lot, it's not the end of story, there's more. They have a lot of challenges in front of them all the time. And when Till begins to fight in the professional ring, and their financial situation is improving, there are always difficulties and different problems. But in family strength, and together they will fight to the end. They found strength in between the ropes and in love. It's beautiful and inspiring, like this whole book. Never stop fighting and absolutely read it.

***Quick Review:***

Series: The first in the On the Ropes series.
Grade/Tag Tabs: New Adult. Sports Romance.
Release Date: February 23rd 2015
Main characters: Eliza Reynolds, Till Page. The characters grow up during the course of the story. They met as 13 year olds and the action takes many years to adulthood. They both come from families with problems. Eliza likes to draw, then study accounting. He caught a lot of jobs until had a chance to become a professional boxer.
Secondary characters: Absolutely amazing Page brothers, Flint and Quarry.
Location: Indianapolis.
Steamy: Yes. Sexual tension is high, and there are several hot scenes.
Sensitive topic: Yes. Violence. Disability.
Love triangle: Not exactly, but they had other relationships in the meantime. The book takes on a space of several years.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes.
Next in the series? Yes. Book Two, Fighting Shadows , about Flint Page.

If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you enjoy childhood friends to lovers touching stories about fighters with some angst and sensitive topics.

***
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 'Doodle' Stars

I liked this story, but it didn't wow me. My main issue was how much time the story kept skipping, and overall the whole book was over this wide time span. It made it seem like nothing was happening since it would skip forward a certain amount of time and then spend a few pages summarizing what happened in those weeks/months/years that we didn't see.



With that being said, I really did enjoy this book even with the few issues I had with it. I thought Eliza was an amazing character, and I loved how sweet she was. Usually I don't like the overly lovey, nice girls. But with Eliza it made the book interesting, and she was hilarious with Till, their witty banter had me laughing like a loon.



Bottom line, yes I had some issues with the way the book skipped over so much time, but I still liked the story and characters. This was my first book by Aly Martinez but it will definitely not be my last, I need to continue with this series!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often a book comes around that speaks to your soul, and captures your full attention. That is what "Fighting Silence" did for me. I adore this book, absolutely; adore it! Yes, there is sex in it, and romance, as well as all the gushy stuff we like; but beyond that is a story of two kids who were from homes where they were pretty much ignored; found one another and made life the best that it could be. They did this together, and eventually they created a family out of what they were given; which wasn't much. At a young age they both ended up with Till's younger brothers to take care of too, and even with so little; they had what was the most important...and that is LOVE.

So, as usual...I tend to get ahead of myself!! The hero and heroine in this book, begin with meeting in an abandoned apartment at the age of thirteen. Till Page is a boy who has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the biggest challenge he will eventually face is going deaf in the future. With such a grim prognosis, and a crappy home life to boot; reality doesn't feel much like a place he likes to be in all the time. On top of all of that, his parents are losers, and his younger brothers end up getting most of their security from Till himself. I'm not kidding when I say this guy has the weight of the world on his shoulders. My heart bled for him. The day he climbs through a window and finds thirteen year old Eliza Reynolds sitting in an abandoned room, is the day his life changes forever...and both of them meet their soul mate. Eliza also has a lot on her plate, and her parents basically ignore her. We don't get a lot of info into her home life; but from what I gathered...she was sort of left to find her own way in the world. When Till Page waltzes through that window, she finds her future family.

I was amazed how these two were able to pull together at such a young age, and be responsible, loyal, and determined. They truly had the secret to family in my opinion...because when the challenges came, instead of taking things out on each other; they worked together and faced things holding on to one another. Does that mean they didn't have times when they reacted wrong, and made poor choices? Of course not, they were young and human, and both Till and Eliza had their moments; but when the chips were down..they were there for one another always. Once Till's brothers came into the picture, I truly fell in love with all of the characters involved. I loved how having each other made them all stronger. There is also a sports aspect to this book as well, and the Page brothers all end up visiting the boxing arena. The owner of the Boxing place plays a very big role in all three of their lives.

Bottom line, this is a must read story. I highly recommend it. It has heart...and I really did love every minute of it. The good,the bad, and the ugly! I took it all in; because hey....isn't that life?! We all go through major challenges, and usually come out the other end stronger for what we have endured. For Till and Eliza, this is nothing short of true. I fell in love with these characters; and the author did a beautiful job of writing them. She made them come alive before my eyes, and I won't ever forget The Page family! I'm glad to find out that there will be two more books in this series..because the two brothers were impossible not to fall in love with either! Bring it on, and here is yet another brilliant author to add to my growing list of favorites! Thank you Aly Martinez for writing such an intense story about my most favorite subject.....FAMILY!♥

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wanted to go home. But home wasn’t where I laid my head every night. I didn’t actually live there at all, but it was the only place I felt alive. What I needed was the dream that only existed inside those four walls."



Fighting Silence is a beautiful love story about overcoming the darkness in life. It is a story of a boy and a girl struggling through the depths of poverty. Eliza and Till grew up in the same neighborhood. Till an awkward boy with dirty jeans and Eliza an artist whose parents have discarded her. Till and Eliza find security in the arms of each other. They share a tender friendship and begin to carry each other through the hardships of life. They provided for each other. Although they are only friends, in their hearts they both know that it is so much more.


Eliza cannot understand why Till goes out of his way to avoid her at school and yet clings to her every night in their secret haven.

"See, Eliza Reynolds flew under the radar. Very few people at school knew who she was , and I intended to keep it that way. If she caught the attention of the football team, she’d be flooded with dates. So I ignored her at all costs so as to not draw any attention her way. I couldn’t risk that someone would take her away from me."

Till finds an after school boxing program where he is finally given mentorship from the gym owner. Eliza continues to study and work hard so that she can get into college and escape the confines of her parents. The night of Eliza's graduation Till finally shows Eliza how he feels for her.

“I can’t have you without claiming you for forever.” “Then claim me. I’ll claim you too.”

After that night, Till leaves her. He thinks he is doing the right thing by giving her a life with out him. She is distraught and left broken.

As the fates would be, Till is thrown into a violent situation. When it is done, he knows what he needs. He needs Eliza.

"I’d never had anything I could call my own, but Eliza Reynolds would always be mine."

Eliza is hesitant to let Till back in. They find even ground as friends. They begin to rebuild the brokenness that had occurred between them.



"Till and I both knew we had a strange relationship. It was more than a friendship, but there wasn’t romance or sex. There was definitely love though . Immeasurable amounts of it."

Meanwhile, Till's mom has bailed on his younger brothers. Till takes his younger brothers in to raise. The family dynamic that is born is beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

"And that was the way we worked. We picked on each other relentlessly and laughed unabashedly. They fought. I refereed. It was perfect, really. We were a family."

As the story progresses, the questions continue to build in the background. Will Till be able to realize it's ok to be with Eliza? Will Eliza give up on waiting for him? Will they ever be able to break the chains of poverty?



On top of everything going on in this story (poverty, young love, family, boxing), Till is facing a serious medical condition. Although it is not life threatening, the results could alter his life forever. And it's important to mention, the condition is hereditary. The knowledge that it could pass down to one of his brothers is absolutely heart breaking.

"Things would never go back to the way they were before, but we were all busy forging a new path with the life we had been handed. Sometimes it sucked, but, as a family, we never focused on that for too long."

What did I love about this story? Truthfully- everything! The plot was thick and yet unraveled neatly and naturally. The dual POV gave us a glimpse of both of these characters. Although Till's actions were somewhat frustrating at times, the choices and actions of Till only made me admire Eliza that much more. This heroine is one of a kind! The romance was tender as it developed from friends, to young love, to forever love! The love that Till and Eliza had for the boys was a testament to how love truly conquers all. This unique family was able to overcome poverty and create a beautiful life together! I simply cannot say enough about this book. It was phenomenal and I certainly will be checking out the next book in the series. If you are looking for a beautiful story that will leave you warm and fuzzy, this is the read for you!

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 "The Silencer" stars

FIGHTING Silence is the first book in the „On the ropes series“ and MY first book by Aly Martinez.

I am glad I finally got to it. This story was remarkable. It drove me into the world where fictional characters collide with the reality and you can't help but getting involved to the maximum. Feeling and experiencing with them. Being emotionally engaged in the story leaves you quite exausted in the end but it makes you very much alive and vivid.

There aren't absolutely no objections to the development of the story, characterisation or the flow of the words in the book that I can think of and justify with arguments. It's perfect in dealing with human imperfections as an aspect of life and powerfull in the detailed presentation of the everyday struggle.

The obstacles are all around us, sometimes smaller, sometimes bigger, sometimes even impossible at first sight BUT they are rarely given to us in everyday life without a reason even if we are not the ones to know it at the given moment or we may never find the reason or any sense or any answer to „why“ it happened.

So this story is just a wessel to show that „fights“ are a constant, life is a fight, literally or metaphorically BUT it's a struggle, it's a 50:50 chance in winning or losing, and you can look at it as a „glass half full“ of a „glass half empty“ manner , that is up to you, BUT even in that option no one is actually truly alone.

Till Page and Eliza Reynolds are the main characters in this story of surviving the odds, of winning the life's wheel of fortune, fighting against the wrong cards dealt in life, against circumstances, against the unjust laws of nature, fighting for your place in the WORLD, in this LIFETIME.

They both come from dysfunctional families and they find each other at the tender age of 13 in an abandon appartment. Entering the window, which will mark Till's perception of safety, shielded environment later on, he encounters Eliza, talented girl with a scatch pad and aload of loneliness on her shoulder. They find refuge in each other forming a bond and finding things in common while creating their own safe bubble of solace, comfort and deep friendship. This friendship grows deeper and deeper through out the years and when the time for Eliza's departure upon graduation comes they find another level of love in each other.
The passion of young love discovered out of pure need for solace and belonging.

“I want it all… Every single first you have to give, I want it.”
… “Then they’re all yours,”

"There were hands, mouths, and tongues. Fingernails raking his skin and his hand in my hair. Slow glides followed by deep thrusts.

But the overwhelming notion that their safe little world has been breached and is threatened by the clutches of the real world that is waiting for them, takes them apart for awhile, basically cause Till feels he's inadequate to give Eliza what she needs and deserves. So he feels the right thing to do is to leave her. BUT while they struggle each with their own reality and obligations, the destined path brings them back together again.

Their friendship never ended only the physical aspect of attraction lingers above them and while Eliza is ready to take it upon her and make it real, Till is the one that is holding himself back being afraid of what the cruel reality can do to them.

“I can’t give her what she wants!”
“Pull your fucking head out of your ass and stop being such a pussy. You living in this ridiculous ass fantasy world is fucking up reality for the rest of us. Including her.”

Till is holding the „fantasy“ of their safe world of untouchable and ideal close to him and he's very much struggling within himself to keep in line with his obligations to his two younger brothers that he had to provide for and take care of since they were left by their unworthy mother and criminal father. He's working non-stop, trying to provide for them all, bring food on the table, struggling each day with the lack of money, frustration of lingering dreams of better, and the cruel truth that sets him for miles back as the merciless silence is pending above him while he slowly loses his sense of hearing.

He's devastated and lost and his anger is pouring out. But what Till didn't count for is Eliza. Eliza who was there. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. For good, bad and worse. She was his rock, partner, link, bond. She was his forever.

“I love you, Eliza Reynolds, and if I had my way, I’d lock you up in a room and keep you all for myself. But if you insist on doing that whole ‘living a real life’ thing, I want to go with you.”

Even with knowing how young they both were, the love they felt for each other was believable, palpable and I swallowed each breath they took while expressing it. I believed them in every word spoken, every motion made, every glimpse, every tiny little atom of their affection was imbeded into my soul. And that alone was the true anchor that got me stuck forever

Together, Till and Eliza embraced the cruel fact of disability that was imposed into their lives and they turned it around, they owned it and made it work. They faught with each breath, touch, word to support each other, to comfort, to heal, to sooth and make it bearable, make it real, their real.



Till let go of the „fantasy“ by accepting the „reality“. By closing the window and opening the door to start the new reality – their reality.

“With one sentence and two steps, forever began. Till Page walked through my door for the very first time.”

He gets the chance to box professionally that would enable him to provide more for his family and he takes it. AND just for the sake of it, the life turned its ugly face again and imposed it's claws once more…BUT Till and Eliza made it again inspite of all negativity, inspite of the ugly past that came to haunt and hurt them, inspite all the odds…they made it. cause they belong.

“There is nothing in this world that was ever more mine than you.”

Phenomenal story with so much depth in revelation and thought and emotions that cut you deep, to the bone. They sink deep into your core of your inner being and make you so completely phased by the notion of what actually matters in life. That notion makes you humble and aware of the small things that are truly important. That truly each and every one of our lives is made of. That „reality“ is worth fighting and living for.

ONE OF THE BEST STORIES I HAVE READ THIS YEAR

BR with my fighter doll, Lady D (aka Denise)! *wink*

[Melissa Baez · Rating 2 out of 5]

❝ I’d never had anything I could call my own, but Eliza Reynolds would always be mine.❞

It started out amazing! I was seriously liking this...until I wasn't.


I'm going with the simple pro and cons list...



If you've read my reviews before you'll know, I'm a sucker for childhood friends/lovers trope. Among other tropes too :D but that's not the point. The point is that these books usually start out as an automatic 4 star in my mind, because yes, I am totally biased. They have to really royally suck to come down from there. Sadly this one tanked a couple of chapters in.

But what am I saying? This is supposed to be the good.

Honestly, I liked two quotes from the book. Both told by Till and precisely before they had sex. That's about it. I didn't even like the sex. As I've said before and I will never stop repeating; if all else fails, at least make the SEX memorable.

Oh, and let's not forget the cover. It's hot. See! I'm all about the optimism.



Everything else.

To be more specific:
EVERY.OTHER.FLIPPING.DETAIL.
except those two quotes which were hot as hell

⓵ The Writing : I've noticed no matter how good a plot is, if you're thrown off by the writing, you're more likely to completely hate it than look past it. Case in point here. The writing kept me completely disconnected from the characters. It never felt like I was part of them or even in their minds. I was just a complete stranger watching everything through a hazy glass. Am I making sense? Cause it sounded right in my head.

⓶ Eliza and her nonstop cryfest : Look, I get it. Girls cry. Heck even I shed a tear here and there but OMG PUT A FUCKING LID ON IT ELIZA!

⇨“What’s got you hiding out, crying in the dark?”

⇨“You have to stop crying. I can’t put the moves on you if you’re bawling.”

⇨“Oh, Jesus. She’s crying,”

⇨familiar tears welled in her eyes.

⇨I asked, quickly turning away to hide my tears.

⇨I was angry, but those tears were so much more.

⇨clean—including a few hidden tears that had managed to escape my eyes.

⇨Tears dripped down my face as I managed to croak out,

⇨I shouted with a laugh as tears welled in my eyes.

⇨I tried to sound stern, but the tears fell from my eyes.

⇨he wiped my tears away.

⇨My temper slipped and tears sprung to my eyes.

⇨“Till,” I cried, swiping the tears from my eyes.

⇨six months’ worth of tears fell from my eyes.

⇨I screamed through my tears.

⇨I burst into laughter and tears at the same time.

⇨I tried to joke, but the tears streaming down my face told the truth.

Appearently my threats hold no bearing cause she just brought it on like Donkey Kong.
I stopped highlighting this SHIT after 24%. YES, you read right 24 freaking %

⓷ The hearing loss : I was really excited to read about this. I had only read-I'm pretty sure-one other book with this and he had it since he was a kid. So to say I was excited was an understatement. The problem was the blurb leads us to believe this is a mayor factor in the story line...but it's not. By the time we actually start seeing the ramifications of it, it feels like a contrived plot device. I wanted a character who had to struggle through this but that was not what I was handed.

⓸ The Plot : What plot? It was just a bunch of random shit constantly happening. It had no direction and you know what? It was too much angst. And lame angst at that to the point that this was just getting stinking depressing. Anything and everything that could happened to them did.

��� Eliza : Chill out. I know I already mentioned her crying but come on, you know that shit needed it's own space. This is just her as a whole. Do you know who Eliza is? Well, my friend, your guess is as good a mine. Who the hell is this woman outside of Till? You know how some stories at least mention something outside the main couple's relationship. Well this mentioned jack squat. We know nothing! And the little things we do know-like she supposedly goes to college- are told to us, AND NOT EVEN BY HER! It's like a recap paragraph thrown in a random chapter. Again I'll say, I hate the way the story flows. We're told everything but we never actually see anything.

⓺ Plot Twist End : Why do authors do this!?!?! WHY??? What the hell was up with that GODAWFUL excuse of suspense at the end? And at 91% to be exact!

Thank you, Damon.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Angsty Awesome Stars!





I'm not sure what took me so long to read Fighting Silence- . There's tons of glowing reviews for this books, reviews that are well-deserved, I might add! Typically I'm hit or miss with the New Adult genre. I can take a fair amount of drama but it needs to be the angsty kind and not immature. THIS is the kind of New Adult reads I love! It has all the elements of that first time at young love- coupled with a fair amount of strife yet hope- and bucket loads of angst for good measure. Perfect!





Till and Eliza met in grade school. Not really friends, but classmates. Until one day Till climbs through an abandoned apartment window looking for a bit of solace. What he found was Eliza. Both 13-year old kids finding peace and quiet away from the hell of their home life. Escape. Fantasy. Years pass and their friendship and connection grows within their special haven. Till struggles to be a student, work two jobs to pay the rent his mother doesn't pay, and feed his two younger brothers. Until one day he notices a new gym in town. Boxing. Can he afford to add one more thing to his never-ending responsibilities? Could this pay off in his future?


I had already been drowning in the ocean of life. Every gasp of air was a struggle. Just as I would breach the surface, filling my lungs with hope and determination to make it through another day, I was forced back under- harder every time.





I really connected with this story is so many ways. The author did a perfect job displaying the hardships of urban life, especially with parents suffering through issues of their own. Kids end up raising their siblings just to put food in their bellies- the ADC checks going towards drugs and alcohol. It wasn't overdone. It was realistic. The connection between Till and Eliza was a slow build without the unrealistic insta-love. It was true and honest and Till only wanted the best for his Eliza. He just didn't realize right away that HE was what's best for her.







That's about all I'm giving away of the plot. Read and experience the young love story that is Till and Eliza. Two young adults borne from squalor, facing life struggles, but with love and family, anything can happen if you set your sights on it.


"I love you, Eliza."
I relaxed as he very gradually filled me.
There were fireworks.
Stars.
Every possible cliche I could conjure.
No. It was him.
We were young and reckless.
There was no condom.
Or discussion.
There were hands, mouths, and tongues.
Fingernails raking his skin and his hand in my hair.
Slow glides followed by deep thrusts.
Desperation.
Comfort.
There was Till.
And Eliza.

Yah...enough said from me.

Looking forward to Flint's book Fighting Shadows, out this summer.