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Bailey Brothers #2
Senden Vazgeçemem
Hayatınızın aşkını ne kadar bekleyebilirsiniz?
Asher Bailey, yıllar sonra tuhaf ama sevimli kasabasına döndüğünde artık Grace’in parmağına yüzük takan o adam değildi. Daha sert, daha suskundu ve ruhu geçmişin hayaletleriyle mücadele ediyordu. Grace de dâhil hayatındaki her güzel şeyi geride bırakmak zorunda kaldığı, neredeyse sağ atlatamayacağı bir hapis cezasına çarptırılmıştı. Ama şimdi geri dönmüştü.
Kardeşlerinin coşkulu davranışlarını ve kasaba halkının dedikodularını bekliyordu; o kadarını kestirmek kolaydı ama Grace’in hâlâ o yüzüğü taktığını görmek... İşte buna hazırlıklı değildi.
Grace’e göre Asher’la yaşadığı peri masalı sona ermemişti. Sadece yarım kalmıştı. Yedi yıl boyunca hayatını yaşamış fakat kalbinin bir köşesi hep onu beklemişti. Şimdi Asher geri döndüğüne göre onu tekrar hayata döndürmek Grace’e düşüyordu. Asher yaralıydı, öfkeliydi ve birlikte olmalarının artık mümkün olmadığına inanıyordu. Ama Grace’in ona gösterecek çok şeyi vardı. Sevgiye, sadakate ve yarım kalan hikâyelere dair pek çok şey...
Beraber içilen her bira, yapılan her şaka, her öpücük Asher’ı ait olduğu yere biraz daha yaklaştırıyordu:
Grace’in hayatına.
Kollarına. Kalbine.
Ne var ki Asher, içindeki karanlığın dizginlenemeyeceğinden korkuyordu. Grace’se ondan vazgeçmemeyi kafaya koymuştu.
Asher Bailey, yıllar sonra tuhaf ama sevimli kasabasına döndüğünde artık Grace’in parmağına yüzük takan o adam değildi. Daha sert, daha suskundu ve ruhu geçmişin hayaletleriyle mücadele ediyordu. Grace de dâhil hayatındaki her güzel şeyi geride bırakmak zorunda kaldığı, neredeyse sağ atlatamayacağı bir hapis cezasına çarptırılmıştı. Ama şimdi geri dönmüştü.
Kardeşlerinin coşkulu davranışlarını ve kasaba halkının dedikodularını bekliyordu; o kadarını kestirmek kolaydı ama Grace’in hâlâ o yüzüğü taktığını görmek... İşte buna hazırlıklı değildi.
Grace’e göre Asher’la yaşadığı peri masalı sona ermemişti. Sadece yarım kalmıştı. Yedi yıl boyunca hayatını yaşamış fakat kalbinin bir köşesi hep onu beklemişti. Şimdi Asher geri döndüğüne göre onu tekrar hayata döndürmek Grace’e düşüyordu. Asher yaralıydı, öfkeliydi ve birlikte olmalarının artık mümkün olmadığına inanıyordu. Ama Grace’in ona gösterecek çok şeyi vardı. Sevgiye, sadakate ve yarım kalan hikâyelere dair pek çok şey...
Beraber içilen her bira, yapılan her şaka, her öpücük Asher’ı ait olduğu yere biraz daha yaklaştırıyordu:
Grace’in hayatına.
Kollarına. Kalbine.
Ne var ki Asher, içindeki karanlığın dizginlenemeyeceğinden korkuyordu. Grace’se ondan vazgeçmemeyi kafaya koymuştu.
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2020
8653 people are currently reading
12036 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
81 books12.4k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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May 23, 2020
Fighting for Us is book two in the Bailey Brothers series by Claire Kingsley. This is the rest of Asher and Grace’s story. If you haven’t already, you really need to read the first book, Protecting You, to get the beginning. This is told in alternating point of views, both Asher’s and Grace’s.
It’s been seven long years that Asher has spent in prison. Seven hard, brutal years. Seven years that turned Asher into someone else, someone that had to do whatever was necessary to stay alive. Seven years that he completely cut himself off from the outside world. But now, without any time to prepare himself, he’s free. He’s forced with the task of learning to live again, getting to know the brothers who are now all men, and seeing Grace again. The only woman he ever loved. But also the woman he let go. He was not prepared at all to see that she still wore his engagement ring on her finger. That she still called him her fiancé.
“She’d been writing to a man who didn’t exist anymore. He was gone. I was the wreckage that was left.”
Grace’s reunion with the man she never stopped loving was nothing like she’d been imagining it all these years. She knows it will be hard for Asher to readjust to life again. She wasn’t prepared, though, for him to continue to push her away. But, when she considers giving up, giving him what he says he wants, she looks into his eyes, and still sees the boy she always loved, her other half. And she knows, she can never walk away. She has to fight.
Asher and Grace’s path is not an easy one. Asher has so much anger inside. He might be free in a legal sense. He might be walking around town, doing as he pleases. But on the inside, he’s still in that prison cell, always looking over his shoulder, never able to let down his guard.
Grace is so strong. There’s never any question as to how much these two love each other. But it’s Grace that is the glue. She’s the one with the never failing acceptance that they are meant to be together always. And we also see that she didn’t come out of what happened to her without scars either. She’s just better at keeping it hidden.
This was full of so many painful things to read, but also so many sweet moments, sexy times, and silly times. The brothers are all so unique and I look forward to getting to know each of their secrets in their books. I have to also mention Grace’s best friend, Cara. This girl kind of stole the show. She’s so much fun, and so loyal. She was truly Grace’s “person.” I so hope she will get her own book. The epilogue teases us as to what comes next in this series and I can’t wait to find out more!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
It’s been seven long years that Asher has spent in prison. Seven hard, brutal years. Seven years that turned Asher into someone else, someone that had to do whatever was necessary to stay alive. Seven years that he completely cut himself off from the outside world. But now, without any time to prepare himself, he’s free. He’s forced with the task of learning to live again, getting to know the brothers who are now all men, and seeing Grace again. The only woman he ever loved. But also the woman he let go. He was not prepared at all to see that she still wore his engagement ring on her finger. That she still called him her fiancé.
“She’d been writing to a man who didn’t exist anymore. He was gone. I was the wreckage that was left.”
Grace’s reunion with the man she never stopped loving was nothing like she’d been imagining it all these years. She knows it will be hard for Asher to readjust to life again. She wasn’t prepared, though, for him to continue to push her away. But, when she considers giving up, giving him what he says he wants, she looks into his eyes, and still sees the boy she always loved, her other half. And she knows, she can never walk away. She has to fight.
Asher and Grace’s path is not an easy one. Asher has so much anger inside. He might be free in a legal sense. He might be walking around town, doing as he pleases. But on the inside, he’s still in that prison cell, always looking over his shoulder, never able to let down his guard.
Grace is so strong. There’s never any question as to how much these two love each other. But it’s Grace that is the glue. She’s the one with the never failing acceptance that they are meant to be together always. And we also see that she didn’t come out of what happened to her without scars either. She’s just better at keeping it hidden.
This was full of so many painful things to read, but also so many sweet moments, sexy times, and silly times. The brothers are all so unique and I look forward to getting to know each of their secrets in their books. I have to also mention Grace’s best friend, Cara. This girl kind of stole the show. She’s so much fun, and so loyal. She was truly Grace’s “person.” I so hope she will get her own book. The epilogue teases us as to what comes next in this series and I can’t wait to find out more!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 17, 2022
This book was so damn good and I enjoyed it so much that I’m not really sure what to say because I basicly just loved every single thing about it. The thing is, I’m a sucker for a damaged character and in this book we got two of them… so I was basicly in heaven. There’s something about watching someone who is super messed up go through all the steps it takes to get better that really gets me every time.
There were so many different elements in play and I loved how it was all so perfectly stitched together. Nothing felt like it was overshadowing the other and nothing felt rushed, brushed over or like it wasn’t dealt with enough. I feel like this book was really well thought out and we got such a clear picture of what these characters were dealing with and the struggles they were having.
The whole thing felt super real to me... like these characters were actually real people and it wasn’t just a fictional story that someone dreamed up in their head. I don’t find that often when I’m reading and when I get that feeling, I just know that I’m going to start recommending it every chance I get.
I’m not saying this book was perfect and I’m sure not everyone will have the same reading experience as I did… but for so many reasons, it really worked for me and I’m so happy I gave it a shot because for so long I was highly considering passing on it.
There were so many different elements in play and I loved how it was all so perfectly stitched together. Nothing felt like it was overshadowing the other and nothing felt rushed, brushed over or like it wasn’t dealt with enough. I feel like this book was really well thought out and we got such a clear picture of what these characters were dealing with and the struggles they were having.
The whole thing felt super real to me... like these characters were actually real people and it wasn’t just a fictional story that someone dreamed up in their head. I don’t find that often when I’m reading and when I get that feeling, I just know that I’m going to start recommending it every chance I get.
I’m not saying this book was perfect and I’m sure not everyone will have the same reading experience as I did… but for so many reasons, it really worked for me and I’m so happy I gave it a shot because for so long I was highly considering passing on it.
June 18, 2024
4 stars
After reading the first book in this series, I had to know what would happen with Asher and Grace. This is a beautiful second chance romance and I loved this story of redemption and love. Grace is such a strong heroine and I loved how loyal she was. Things with Asher broke my heart, and I loved watching him change and grow with time. Such a great small town romance. The perfect amount of emotion!
How long would you wait for the love of your life?
After reading the first book in this series, I had to know what would happen with Asher and Grace. This is a beautiful second chance romance and I loved this story of redemption and love. Grace is such a strong heroine and I loved how loyal she was. Things with Asher broke my heart, and I loved watching him change and grow with time. Such a great small town romance. The perfect amount of emotion!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Samantha Cooke & Aaron Shedlock
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 12h 9m
November 14, 2021
Fighting for Us is a delightful read. Miss Kingsley makes it fun by adding some hilariois pranks and jokes. The Bailey brothers certainly grow on me.
This book is the conclusion of Asher and Grace' story. Grace who is waiting for her Asher to come home. And when he did come home, he is a changed man. Miss Kingsley certainly knows how to write secind chance romance.
It is a long read. It is still enjoyable.
4 stars
This book is the conclusion of Asher and Grace' story. Grace who is waiting for her Asher to come home. And when he did come home, he is a changed man. Miss Kingsley certainly knows how to write secind chance romance.
It is a long read. It is still enjoyable.
4 stars
February 21, 2023
This is exactly what I wanted from book one in this series! I honestly wish that the two were put into one book so that we could see the background of how they fell in love and the now when they're ripped apart. I love a good second chance romance, and this book was so emotional. There was a lot these two characters had to deal with and they both had a lot of healing to do. I am really excited to continue this series because I really loved the whole Bailey family and I love that I get to see them for the rest of the series as well. I really felt for the hero, though, and his desire to push everyone away because of the person he became while he was away. If you love small town and second chance romances, you should definitely pick this book up. I can't wait to pick up the next book!
May 24, 2020
Fighting for Us is the second book in the Bailey Brothers series by Claire Kingsley. It is the conclusion of Grace and Asher's story. I highly recommend reading Protecting You first in order to experience the beginning of their story. It's so sweet!
It's been seven years since Asher was sent to prison, and he severed ties with his fiancé Grace. Seven rough years that he spent fighting day in and day out, doing whatever was necessary to stay alive. Then with one year left to serve, he suddenly finds himself a free man with no time to prepare for what lie ahead. Now he is faced with learning to live again, seeing his brothers, his Gram, and Grace, the love of his life. The woman he let go in order to give her another shot at happiness. A chance to find someone else, get married and start a family. So when these two cross paths again, he is shocked to learn that she hasn't moved on and still wears the ring he gave her.
Grace has waited seven long years for Asher to come home, and when he does, it's not the reunion she had dreamed of. She knows it will time him some time to get reacclimated to life on the outside. But what she wasn't expecting is for him to keep pushing her away. She is very strong and determined though. She pushes back, willing to fight because she knows deep down that he's still the man that she fell in love with all those years ago. He is her soulmate, and she won't let anything deter her from winning back his heart.
This book is packed full of feels. SO MANY FEELS. There are painful moments, sweet moments, humorous moments and steamy moments. I absolutely loved Asher and Grace's journey to happily ever after. It wasn't an easy one, but it was beautiful. I loved Gram's words of wisdom that she dished out to help her family. I loved Cara, Grace's loyal and selfless best friend. I also enjoyed getting to know Asher's brothers and look forward to reading their books. In the end it was hinted as to whose story is next, and I can't wait! Five stars and more for Asher, Grace and Fighting for Us!
It's been seven years since Asher was sent to prison, and he severed ties with his fiancé Grace. Seven rough years that he spent fighting day in and day out, doing whatever was necessary to stay alive. Then with one year left to serve, he suddenly finds himself a free man with no time to prepare for what lie ahead. Now he is faced with learning to live again, seeing his brothers, his Gram, and Grace, the love of his life. The woman he let go in order to give her another shot at happiness. A chance to find someone else, get married and start a family. So when these two cross paths again, he is shocked to learn that she hasn't moved on and still wears the ring he gave her.
Grace has waited seven long years for Asher to come home, and when he does, it's not the reunion she had dreamed of. She knows it will time him some time to get reacclimated to life on the outside. But what she wasn't expecting is for him to keep pushing her away. She is very strong and determined though. She pushes back, willing to fight because she knows deep down that he's still the man that she fell in love with all those years ago. He is her soulmate, and she won't let anything deter her from winning back his heart.
This book is packed full of feels. SO MANY FEELS. There are painful moments, sweet moments, humorous moments and steamy moments. I absolutely loved Asher and Grace's journey to happily ever after. It wasn't an easy one, but it was beautiful. I loved Gram's words of wisdom that she dished out to help her family. I loved Cara, Grace's loyal and selfless best friend. I also enjoyed getting to know Asher's brothers and look forward to reading their books. In the end it was hinted as to whose story is next, and I can't wait! Five stars and more for Asher, Grace and Fighting for Us!
September 9, 2022
“The roads we’d traveled had been unexpected and hard. But our struggles had made us who we were. We’d been tested and challenged. And ultimately, our love had prevailed.”
This book is the conclusion of Asher and Grace’s story. You must read Protecting You first.
My review for that book is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Asher and Grace have been best friends since childhood. In the previous book, Asher and Grace finally took their relationship to the next step and got engaged. But just when their future was looking rosy, an incident resulted in Asher being sentenced to eight years in prison.
This book picks up seven years later as Asher is being released and adjusting to life outside of prison. In order to survive while in prison, Asher completely cut himself off from Grace and his family. Life was hard for Asher on the inside and he’s not the same guy he was when he proposed to Grace.
~~ “I didn’t exist anymore. I wasn’t the Asher Bailey who’d kissed her outside the abandoned house. I wasn’t the man who’d given her that ring. I wasn’t even the guy who’d stood in a courtroom while a judge handed down a sentence of eight years for manslaughter. He was gone. I was the wreckage that was left.”
But the last seven years haven’t been all sunshine and roses for Grace either. She never gave up on Asher, but not hearing a word from him for seven years has left her heart in little pieces.
~~ “Asher was a wounded animal, full of anger and pain. Ready to lash out to protect himself. But he was still in there. Not the Asher from before. He was right, he’d never be that man again. No one could come out of what he’d been through unscathed—unchanged. But he was still Asher Bailey. And I still loved him.”
~~ “As much as I hated to admit it, I had to face the possibility that I’d been holding onto a dream that no longer existed. And wanting him so badly just made this confusing.”
And let’s not forget, Grace was the one attacked and she has some residual trauma from that incident that she hasn’t fully dealt with.
~~ “Grace, I’ve known you for years, and while I’m sure there are a few exceptions, I’m positive you almost never go places alone. Why do you think I always need to run errands or get groceries when you do? I’ve never run my own errands or shopped for my own groceries in my life. But I know you’re always going to need someone to go with you, so I do.”
~~ “Oh my god, Cara, I think you’re right. I don’t know how to feel about this right now. How could I be unaware of something so unhealthy?”
Grace and Asher’s journey to their HEA was not an easy one and was pretty emotional as they both had to address the demons of their past.
~~ “We were rebuilding. Because love was bigger than tragedy. It was bigger than pain. I’d lost sight of that for a while, but Grace had been here to show me the way. Her steadfast love and loyalty had taught me so much. She’d saved me from the darkness, from the demons I’d never thought I’d escape.”
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Asher Bailey (aka Bear)
~ Age: 28
~ Occupation: he’s trying to figure this out
~ Asher was sentenced to eight years in prison for manslaughter when he killed the man who was trying to rape his fiancé. He cut himself off from everyone he loved and he did whatever he needed to do to survive behind bars.
With one year left to serve, Asher was granted clemency by the governor and released. Life on the outside has him feeling a bit lost. He’s got a long road ahead to try to figure out who he is and what he can do with his life seeing as his original plans were completely obliterated.
~~ “I’d lost my freedom, my career aspirations, my time, even my dignity.”
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Asher: fucked up, broken, scared, protective, hard-working, loyal, afraid, worried, feeling adrift, resentful, people skills are pretty rusty, exudes power, strength and danger, guarded, angry, paranoid, hanging on by a thread
~ “For seven years, I’d existed within the confines of a rigid set of rules. I’d had structure. Routine. And the sudden and unexpected loss of that routine had me teetering on edge.”
~~ “Freedom was supposed to feel good, but right now, it just felt like chaos. Like there wasn’t anything solid beneath my feet.”
Heroine: Grace Miles (aka Gracie Bear)
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: Manager of the Steaming Mug
~ Grace has had a quite a few life changes in the last seven years. She found a family she didn’t know about, her mother got remarried to a great man, she bought a house (it was a place that held special memories for her and Asher before he went to prison) and she found a best friend who offers unconditional support.
~~ Cara: “I’m her best friend and if anyone tries to hurt her, I’ll murder them, dump the body, then lead the fucking search party.”
Life is going as well as can be expected for Grace, even though her heart has been shattered living life without Asher by her side.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Grace: obstinate, pissed off, stubborn, loyal, good at making sure she seems all right on the outside,
~ Grace to Asher: “I love you because I do. Because of who you were, and who you are now. Because something deep inside me is connected to something deep inside you. And whatever that is, I think it’s worth fighting for.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ this was not the same Asher from the previous book. Understandable, and my heart broke for both Asher and Grace as they tried to figure out where to go from here.
^^ ~ I loved how the women bonded and supported each other in the Stitch and Sip group. It didn’t matter if they were Baileys or Havens - it was neutral territory where women could just be women.
^^ ~ what happened with Eliza’s letters? Will that be resolved in a different book?
^^ ~ was someone really following Asher? Or was he just paranoid? Or was it Declan (which I don’t think it was). So I don’t know that completely resolved itself either.
^^~ I’ve said it before, a damaged hero is my kryptonite. Knowing who Asher was before he went to prison and then seeing this side of him when he came out was heartbreaking. In some ways I missed the innocence of the way he looked at life before. He had such a good heart. But, I’m glad he was able to work through his demons and accept and find his new path.
^^ ~ loved all the supporting characters. The Miles siblings with all their spouses and kids made a couple different appearances. They blended in really well with the Bailey family. I liked the dynamic all those characters brought to the story.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: The book opens with Asher getting attacked while in person
- Setting: Tilikum, Washington
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. This is the conclusion of Asher and Grace’s story. You need to read the previous book Protecting You. Also, there are a couple scenes with characters from the Miles family series. If you haven’t read that series you won’t understand the dynamics with these characters. But they’re such a minimal part of this book that it’s not critical that you read the other series first
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance
- Hero likable? Yes I loved Asher
- heroine likable? yes I loved Grace.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 56%
- First time they sleep together: 58%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 57%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? yes, they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? seven years
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No tears, but it was emotional in places
- Did I laugh? I smiled. The brothers pranks brought a bit of comedy to the heavy subject matter
- Did I swoon🥰? I didn’t do a lot of swooning, because my heart was mostly breaking for Asher. But when he finally got control of his demons, this was pretty swoony...
~~ “I’m standing here before you, a man who was stripped of his freedom, his future, all his plans. This whole experience brought me to my knees. But there was one thing they could never take, and it’s all I have left to give you. My love. I don’t know if it’s enough—I don’t know if anything could ever be enough after what I’ve done—but if you’ll have me, it’s yours.”
….I mean, c’mon 🥰🥰😍❤️
- Cliffhanger? No. I felt there were a few minor things that weren’t resolved. And the epilogue was from Evans point of view, so it was setting up his story.
- HEA? They are engaged
- Epilogue? the Epilogue is about Evan
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“Reminders of home sliced me open, like I was walking on broken glass.”
“Sometimes what we need is a place to fall apart. A place where we know our pieces will be safe while we work on putting them back together.”
“Anger and aggression had been my constant companions—them, and boredom. But things like love and gratitude were foreign—feelings I barely recognized.”
“Let me guess. He needs time?”
Gram nodded. “He does. And when that isn’t enough, he’ll need
a good smack upside the head. But you’ll know when that’s necessary.”
“Trauma changes people. Makes them see things differently.”
“What if you want something that’s not good for you because you’ve wanted it for so long you don’t question it anymore?”
This book is the conclusion of Asher and Grace’s story. You must read Protecting You first.
My review for that book is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Asher and Grace have been best friends since childhood. In the previous book, Asher and Grace finally took their relationship to the next step and got engaged. But just when their future was looking rosy, an incident resulted in Asher being sentenced to eight years in prison.
This book picks up seven years later as Asher is being released and adjusting to life outside of prison. In order to survive while in prison, Asher completely cut himself off from Grace and his family. Life was hard for Asher on the inside and he’s not the same guy he was when he proposed to Grace.
~~ “I didn’t exist anymore. I wasn’t the Asher Bailey who’d kissed her outside the abandoned house. I wasn’t the man who’d given her that ring. I wasn’t even the guy who’d stood in a courtroom while a judge handed down a sentence of eight years for manslaughter. He was gone. I was the wreckage that was left.”
But the last seven years haven’t been all sunshine and roses for Grace either. She never gave up on Asher, but not hearing a word from him for seven years has left her heart in little pieces.
~~ “Asher was a wounded animal, full of anger and pain. Ready to lash out to protect himself. But he was still in there. Not the Asher from before. He was right, he’d never be that man again. No one could come out of what he’d been through unscathed—unchanged. But he was still Asher Bailey. And I still loved him.”
~~ “As much as I hated to admit it, I had to face the possibility that I’d been holding onto a dream that no longer existed. And wanting him so badly just made this confusing.”
And let’s not forget, Grace was the one attacked and she has some residual trauma from that incident that she hasn’t fully dealt with.
~~ “Grace, I’ve known you for years, and while I’m sure there are a few exceptions, I’m positive you almost never go places alone. Why do you think I always need to run errands or get groceries when you do? I’ve never run my own errands or shopped for my own groceries in my life. But I know you’re always going to need someone to go with you, so I do.”
~~ “Oh my god, Cara, I think you’re right. I don’t know how to feel about this right now. How could I be unaware of something so unhealthy?”
Grace and Asher’s journey to their HEA was not an easy one and was pretty emotional as they both had to address the demons of their past.
~~ “We were rebuilding. Because love was bigger than tragedy. It was bigger than pain. I’d lost sight of that for a while, but Grace had been here to show me the way. Her steadfast love and loyalty had taught me so much. She’d saved me from the darkness, from the demons I’d never thought I’d escape.”
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Asher Bailey (aka Bear)
~ Age: 28
~ Occupation: he’s trying to figure this out
~ Asher was sentenced to eight years in prison for manslaughter when he killed the man who was trying to rape his fiancé. He cut himself off from everyone he loved and he did whatever he needed to do to survive behind bars.
With one year left to serve, Asher was granted clemency by the governor and released. Life on the outside has him feeling a bit lost. He’s got a long road ahead to try to figure out who he is and what he can do with his life seeing as his original plans were completely obliterated.
~~ “I’d lost my freedom, my career aspirations, my time, even my dignity.”
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Asher: fucked up, broken, scared, protective, hard-working, loyal, afraid, worried, feeling adrift, resentful, people skills are pretty rusty, exudes power, strength and danger, guarded, angry, paranoid, hanging on by a thread
~ “For seven years, I’d existed within the confines of a rigid set of rules. I’d had structure. Routine. And the sudden and unexpected loss of that routine had me teetering on edge.”
~~ “Freedom was supposed to feel good, but right now, it just felt like chaos. Like there wasn’t anything solid beneath my feet.”
Heroine: Grace Miles (aka Gracie Bear)
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: Manager of the Steaming Mug
~ Grace has had a quite a few life changes in the last seven years. She found a family she didn’t know about, her mother got remarried to a great man, she bought a house (it was a place that held special memories for her and Asher before he went to prison) and she found a best friend who offers unconditional support.
~~ Cara: “I’m her best friend and if anyone tries to hurt her, I’ll murder them, dump the body, then lead the fucking search party.”
Life is going as well as can be expected for Grace, even though her heart has been shattered living life without Asher by her side.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Grace: obstinate, pissed off, stubborn, loyal, good at making sure she seems all right on the outside,
~ Grace to Asher: “I love you because I do. Because of who you were, and who you are now. Because something deep inside me is connected to something deep inside you. And whatever that is, I think it’s worth fighting for.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ this was not the same Asher from the previous book. Understandable, and my heart broke for both Asher and Grace as they tried to figure out where to go from here.
^^ ~ I loved how the women bonded and supported each other in the Stitch and Sip group. It didn’t matter if they were Baileys or Havens - it was neutral territory where women could just be women.
^^ ~ what happened with Eliza’s letters? Will that be resolved in a different book?
^^ ~ was someone really following Asher? Or was he just paranoid? Or was it Declan (which I don’t think it was). So I don’t know that completely resolved itself either.
^^~ I’ve said it before, a damaged hero is my kryptonite. Knowing who Asher was before he went to prison and then seeing this side of him when he came out was heartbreaking. In some ways I missed the innocence of the way he looked at life before. He had such a good heart. But, I’m glad he was able to work through his demons and accept and find his new path.
^^ ~ loved all the supporting characters. The Miles siblings with all their spouses and kids made a couple different appearances. They blended in really well with the Bailey family. I liked the dynamic all those characters brought to the story.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: The book opens with Asher getting attacked while in person
- Setting: Tilikum, Washington
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. This is the conclusion of Asher and Grace’s story. You need to read the previous book Protecting You. Also, there are a couple scenes with characters from the Miles family series. If you haven’t read that series you won’t understand the dynamics with these characters. But they’re such a minimal part of this book that it’s not critical that you read the other series first
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance
- Hero likable? Yes I loved Asher
- heroine likable? yes I loved Grace.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 56%
- First time they sleep together: 58%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 57%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? yes, they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? seven years
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No tears, but it was emotional in places
- Did I laugh? I smiled. The brothers pranks brought a bit of comedy to the heavy subject matter
- Did I swoon🥰? I didn’t do a lot of swooning, because my heart was mostly breaking for Asher. But when he finally got control of his demons, this was pretty swoony...
~~ “I’m standing here before you, a man who was stripped of his freedom, his future, all his plans. This whole experience brought me to my knees. But there was one thing they could never take, and it’s all I have left to give you. My love. I don’t know if it’s enough—I don’t know if anything could ever be enough after what I’ve done—but if you’ll have me, it’s yours.”
….I mean, c’mon 🥰🥰😍❤️
- Cliffhanger? No. I felt there were a few minor things that weren’t resolved. And the epilogue was from Evans point of view, so it was setting up his story.
- HEA? They are engaged
- Epilogue? the Epilogue is about Evan
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“Reminders of home sliced me open, like I was walking on broken glass.”
“Sometimes what we need is a place to fall apart. A place where we know our pieces will be safe while we work on putting them back together.”
“Anger and aggression had been my constant companions—them, and boredom. But things like love and gratitude were foreign—feelings I barely recognized.”
“Let me guess. He needs time?”
Gram nodded. “He does. And when that isn’t enough, he’ll need
a good smack upside the head. But you’ll know when that’s necessary.”
“Trauma changes people. Makes them see things differently.”
“What if you want something that’s not good for you because you’ve wanted it for so long you don’t question it anymore?”
August 21, 2020
3.5 STARS
Book two gives us the second part to Asher's and Grace's story, 7 years later a lot has changed. Out of prison Asher is finding it hard to adjust and feels who he is today is someone Grace is better without. But when she askes for a summer to see if they can work, like he did 7 years ago he finds himself unable to say anything but yes.
Hopefully the rivalry between the Baileys and the Havens means there'll be some sort of forbidden romance taking place at some point.
Grace's friend Cara was a interesting character, I'd pick up a book with her as a MC.
Acquired via KU.
Book two gives us the second part to Asher's and Grace's story, 7 years later a lot has changed. Out of prison Asher is finding it hard to adjust and feels who he is today is someone Grace is better without. But when she askes for a summer to see if they can work, like he did 7 years ago he finds himself unable to say anything but yes.
Hopefully the rivalry between the Baileys and the Havens means there'll be some sort of forbidden romance taking place at some point.
Grace's friend Cara was a interesting character, I'd pick up a book with her as a MC.
Acquired via KU.
May 2, 2023
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Second Chance.
Este libro empieza 7 años después de los eventos del primer libro.
Grace y Asher se habían confesado sus sentimientos toda parecía que era amor y felicidad, se comprometieron, pero la tragedia los alcanzó y por un accidente él tuvo que ir preso por 8 años rompiendo con ella, pero Grace no se rinde y decide esperarlo.
Después de 7 años en la cárcel Asher ya no es el mismo chico de antes, es más oscuro, gruñón y con bastantes traumas y demonios.
Grace tampoco es la misma, pero sigue amándolo y está dispuesta a todo para recuperarlo, sigue llevando su anillo muchos dicen que es una tonta por esperarlo pero cualquier sacrificio vale la pena con tal de estar con él porque es su alma gemela.
Pensé que no me iba a gustar por que los second chance no me gustan tanto. pero la historia es muy bonita.
Y ya muero de ganas por leer los demás libros de los hermanos.
Small Town
Second Chance.
Este libro empieza 7 años después de los eventos del primer libro.
Grace y Asher se habían confesado sus sentimientos toda parecía que era amor y felicidad, se comprometieron, pero la tragedia los alcanzó y por un accidente él tuvo que ir preso por 8 años rompiendo con ella, pero Grace no se rinde y decide esperarlo.
Después de 7 años en la cárcel Asher ya no es el mismo chico de antes, es más oscuro, gruñón y con bastantes traumas y demonios.
Grace tampoco es la misma, pero sigue amándolo y está dispuesta a todo para recuperarlo, sigue llevando su anillo muchos dicen que es una tonta por esperarlo pero cualquier sacrificio vale la pena con tal de estar con él porque es su alma gemela.
Pensé que no me iba a gustar por que los second chance no me gustan tanto. pero la historia es muy bonita.
Y ya muero de ganas por leer los demás libros de los hermanos.
June 8, 2021
LOVED this so much. If you are in the mood to read about 5 wild brothers in a quirky small town that has an age old grudge between 2 families (that no one can remember how it started) where they play ridiculous pranks on each other plus a boat load of swoon and steam between the H and h then I can highly recommend this series! I say series because you gotta read it in order which might bum you out, but while each book has 1 couple as the main focus there are continuing stories throughout (which are great IMO)
This book follows on after Asher Bailey has done 7 years in jail and it was so heartbreaking at times. The first book in this series Protecting You shows Grace and Asher as kids right up to when they get together and ends when he is sentenced to jail time for manslaughter (killed a guy trying to rape Grace). So be aware that the first book while really short is a really sad one but this book picks up after he's served his time and explains a lot in between.
I loved Grace so much. Even though Asher told her to move on without him she never did and I just adored how much she fought for their relationship.
I loved all of the brothers and can't wait to read about them all and continue on with this hilarious family.
This book follows on after Asher Bailey has done 7 years in jail and it was so heartbreaking at times. The first book in this series Protecting You shows Grace and Asher as kids right up to when they get together and ends when he is sentenced to jail time for manslaughter (killed a guy trying to rape Grace). So be aware that the first book while really short is a really sad one but this book picks up after he's served his time and explains a lot in between.
I loved Grace so much. Even though Asher told her to move on without him she never did and I just adored how much she fought for their relationship.
I loved all of the brothers and can't wait to read about them all and continue on with this hilarious family.
September 7, 2024
3.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
Este libro transcurre 7 años despues de que terminara el primero con Asher en prisión.
La historia de amor de Grace y Asher se va a enfrentar al desafío de poder, o no, continuar después de tanto tiempo y con un evento muy complejo detrás.
Hay cosas que por momentos están bien planteadas, como las dudas y traumas de los protagonistas, el volver a una vida que siguió pero a la vez quedó estancada, (así de complicado). Pero a la vez x esas mismas razones se dan muchas vueltas, idas y venidas.
Además, rllibro lo sentí muy largo. Y para mi eso significa que le sobran cosas. Y, así es. Hay demasiadas escenas de relleno. Algunas lindas, pero irrelevantes.
Punto extra por los personajes secundarios, por el pueblito y sus habitantes y la familia Bailey.
Entretenido. Un romance contemporáneo de small town con momentos buenos y otros un poco flojos.
3/5🌶
Este libro transcurre 7 años despues de que terminara el primero con Asher en prisión.
La historia de amor de Grace y Asher se va a enfrentar al desafío de poder, o no, continuar después de tanto tiempo y con un evento muy complejo detrás.
Hay cosas que por momentos están bien planteadas, como las dudas y traumas de los protagonistas, el volver a una vida que siguió pero a la vez quedó estancada, (así de complicado). Pero a la vez x esas mismas razones se dan muchas vueltas, idas y venidas.
Además, rllibro lo sentí muy largo. Y para mi eso significa que le sobran cosas. Y, así es. Hay demasiadas escenas de relleno. Algunas lindas, pero irrelevantes.
Punto extra por los personajes secundarios, por el pueblito y sus habitantes y la familia Bailey.
Entretenido. Un romance contemporáneo de small town con momentos buenos y otros un poco flojos.
May 19, 2020
"I've spent the last seven years thinking it was over. She'd spent those same years believing it wasn't." - Asher Bailey
He's finally free and finally home.
Grace is still waiting, still wearing the ring, still very much in love with him.
Asher's in limbo, with no direction.
She's bought a house, runs a business.
He's scarred, self-isolating, and avoiding everyone.
Grace has a new extended family, a best friend, and part of a knitting club.
Asher and Grace are different people after what went down. And yet they still gravitate towards each other, rekindle their friendship, and mend their hearts. Theirs is a true love story, told in the most beautiful way. I adored Grace, her strength and conviction, her loyalty. Asher had my heart from the beginning with his protective nature and his love of family.
Lest I forget the other Bailey brothers, oh my, are they a mighty handsome handful. Bring on the pranks and the feud. I'm so excited for their books. Gram was wise beyond belief and Cara is THE BEST bestie wing woman with all her sass and brazen attitude. When she meets her match *cough, Logan, cough* it will be explosive.
Finally, this is the second Bailey Brothers' book and should unquestionably be read after Protecting Us. (And if possible, however not necessary, you should also read the Miles Family series for a much richer experience.)
He's finally free and finally home.
Grace is still waiting, still wearing the ring, still very much in love with him.
Asher's in limbo, with no direction.
She's bought a house, runs a business.
He's scarred, self-isolating, and avoiding everyone.
Grace has a new extended family, a best friend, and part of a knitting club.
Asher and Grace are different people after what went down. And yet they still gravitate towards each other, rekindle their friendship, and mend their hearts. Theirs is a true love story, told in the most beautiful way. I adored Grace, her strength and conviction, her loyalty. Asher had my heart from the beginning with his protective nature and his love of family.
Lest I forget the other Bailey brothers, oh my, are they a mighty handsome handful. Bring on the pranks and the feud. I'm so excited for their books. Gram was wise beyond belief and Cara is THE BEST bestie wing woman with all her sass and brazen attitude. When she meets her match *cough, Logan, cough* it will be explosive.
Finally, this is the second Bailey Brothers' book and should unquestionably be read after Protecting Us. (And if possible, however not necessary, you should also read the Miles Family series for a much richer experience.)
May 18, 2020
Let's start this first of the Bailey Brothers reviews by going over our brocabulary because it plays an essential role in understanding all there is to know about the bromance between friends and brothers.
Brozinski
Brosaurus
Bronanza
Bronoculars
Brorito
Brotato
Bropacalypse
Brodeo
Broca Colas
Neighbros
(yes! all these words have been moved to my dictionary!)
The brocabulary is just one tasty portion of all the goodness (like Gram's frybread) that is Fighting for Us. And it undoubtedly leaves you hankering for next installment in the Bailey Brothers series. This story is the satisfying conclusion to the prequel Protecting You that left us with a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Little did we know that our journey would leave us with tears, laughs, and a brand new family to love as much as we have loved the Miles family. A topic that weaves all through the book is the tough topic of prisoner re-entry. Asher's family missed him terribly, the book walked us through the struggles all had with his return. Asher was fortunate in that he had relatives to pick him up when he was released, and he had a loving home to come readapt in. If Asher's walk through re-entry after prison psychologically and emotionally makes up the meat of this book. His relationship with Grace and coming to the belief their love was worth fighting for is the heart and soul.
We meet Grace's BFF Cara, who is a force of nature, she's loyal, brave, and not afraid to give any Bailey a piece of her mind, which she frequently does, particularly Logan. Logan and Gavin Bailey are hilarious, and like other characters, we know, act like puppies on crack. Levi and Evan are mysteries--grumpy pissed off mysteries at that. Pranks abound and brotherly fights, real and play, happen. Small town small-mindedness is there, of course, because we must look down our noses at the ex-con. Although nothing is said, it is the staring and coldness at first that makes your heart hurt for Asher.
For Asher and Grace, the beauty that helps the healing most of all resides in Gram--in her wisdom, unconditional love, and patience. In the previous book, it was seasons change; in this book, it's looking at situations from a different perspective. I foresee more changing seasons and changes in perspective as the series continues. The culmination of this story, though, is a beautiful love story that leaves your heart warm and anticipating more about the Bailey brothers and their broventures.
Brozinski
Brosaurus
Bronanza
Bronoculars
Brorito
Brotato
Bropacalypse
Brodeo
Broca Colas
Neighbros
(yes! all these words have been moved to my dictionary!)
The brocabulary is just one tasty portion of all the goodness (like Gram's frybread) that is Fighting for Us. And it undoubtedly leaves you hankering for next installment in the Bailey Brothers series. This story is the satisfying conclusion to the prequel Protecting You that left us with a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Little did we know that our journey would leave us with tears, laughs, and a brand new family to love as much as we have loved the Miles family. A topic that weaves all through the book is the tough topic of prisoner re-entry. Asher's family missed him terribly, the book walked us through the struggles all had with his return. Asher was fortunate in that he had relatives to pick him up when he was released, and he had a loving home to come readapt in. If Asher's walk through re-entry after prison psychologically and emotionally makes up the meat of this book. His relationship with Grace and coming to the belief their love was worth fighting for is the heart and soul.
We meet Grace's BFF Cara, who is a force of nature, she's loyal, brave, and not afraid to give any Bailey a piece of her mind, which she frequently does, particularly Logan. Logan and Gavin Bailey are hilarious, and like other characters, we know, act like puppies on crack. Levi and Evan are mysteries--grumpy pissed off mysteries at that. Pranks abound and brotherly fights, real and play, happen. Small town small-mindedness is there, of course, because we must look down our noses at the ex-con. Although nothing is said, it is the staring and coldness at first that makes your heart hurt for Asher.
For Asher and Grace, the beauty that helps the healing most of all resides in Gram--in her wisdom, unconditional love, and patience. In the previous book, it was seasons change; in this book, it's looking at situations from a different perspective. I foresee more changing seasons and changes in perspective as the series continues. The culmination of this story, though, is a beautiful love story that leaves your heart warm and anticipating more about the Bailey brothers and their broventures.
November 17, 2022
Fighting for Us is the continuation of Grace and Asher’s story. Their second chance at Love after spending seven years apart. This was an ok story. I liked the characters and their bond they shared. I didn’t care much about the main story, Asher and Grace. For some reason their chemistry wasn’t as present as I would’ve liked and hoped which affected my overall enjoyment. Also it was pretty predictable how the story would go and what would drive a wedge in their relationship.
Asher’s brothers along with their Gram were great. Also Grace’s friend Cat made an impression. I expected more but Evan’s book is next and I might give it a try.
Asher’s brothers along with their Gram were great. Also Grace’s friend Cat made an impression. I expected more but Evan’s book is next and I might give it a try.
June 7, 2020
She waited seven years and...
I am not sure why. The first time he saw her he told her to leave and she did. There was a lot of drama and I understand that people change but he was just a little too hard a$$ for me. She loved him though. A lot and he really loved her too but just getting there was angsty and a little sad. Mystery too and a very good read. This was my first book by this author I think but I did like it. The pranks and relationships were good and made me want to learn more about the family. Love small town books.
I am not sure why. The first time he saw her he told her to leave and she did. There was a lot of drama and I understand that people change but he was just a little too hard a$$ for me. She loved him though. A lot and he really loved her too but just getting there was angsty and a little sad. Mystery too and a very good read. This was my first book by this author I think but I did like it. The pranks and relationships were good and made me want to learn more about the family. Love small town books.
May 19, 2020
I knew that Claire couldn’t leave the readers with a lump in their throat. So we went from the quiet before the storm to a phase in which the storm itself passed, leading towards a path filled with obstacles not difficult to manage. Asher has finally served his sentence in prison and he’s back. Unfortunately he is not the same man 7 years earlier. He’s got a burden and an inner turmoil that could almost be self destructive. Grace has changed too but one thing which hasn’t disappeared into her heart is her deep love for Asher. It is going to take time but love is stronger than any issue that could come in someone’s way. In my opinion this book deserves more than 5 stars. It showed an Asher toughened by the course of the years, a man who has endured enough to last one’s lifetime. What really got me so thrilled is the author’s capability to develop her characters and mould them into a story in which from an emotional point of view was not easy to write. For those who love the other Miles family, Claire has got you covered because there’s an interlude in the book that is quite overwhelming. So all the ingredients are there for this book to be a smashing success. The ending has the cherry on top and what is to come is beyond your imagination. .
July 31, 2020
(4.4 Stars)
Immediately drawn into Claire Kingsley’s passionate love story, Fighting For Us. Struggling to navigate life after prison, Asher finds himself broken and spiralling out of control. In an attempt to shield his soulmate, Grace from the emotional scarring left from his ordeal he finds himself resisting their inevitable connection. However, a friendly wager gives way to desire, mistakes, forgiveness, and love. We enjoyed this book immensely, and are desperate to read more!
www.marvelusreads.com
Immediately drawn into Claire Kingsley’s passionate love story, Fighting For Us. Struggling to navigate life after prison, Asher finds himself broken and spiralling out of control. In an attempt to shield his soulmate, Grace from the emotional scarring left from his ordeal he finds himself resisting their inevitable connection. However, a friendly wager gives way to desire, mistakes, forgiveness, and love. We enjoyed this book immensely, and are desperate to read more!
www.marvelusreads.com
May 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book, but it also felt exhausting.
Life is not a one size fits all, neither is love. It is a rubrics cube we are all trying to figure out and put it together as fast as we can. Here’s the thing we get so caught up trying to get it done as fast as possible. we miss the enjoyment and frustration of getting all the colors to mesh. Life and love are hard, messy, complicated and unpredictable, and ever changing. Even if your love is destined to be, it doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. It means you are working towards a common goal. That takes time, even years. It takes honesty, truth, thought, soul searching, and not imposing your ideas as the absolute right ones. There are not just two sides to this coin because there’s what lies in between. That’s what makes up what you see on the outside. Without the inside (the guts), there is only a flat surface with two sides. It’s the depth that counts, even if you are meant to be.
Asher, the once optimistic boy with a love so deep and his future mapped out with the love of his life, now through the most horrific circumstances is now a man whose whole world and outlook has dramatically changed. He’s trying to do what he thinks is the right thing by denying himself and making decisions for others all on his own.
Grace, the girl who has always placed everyone else ahead of herself but found solace in the boy next store, her eternal love. She has placed her life on hold for seven years, determined to pick up where they left off. However, she’s never fully come to terms with the actual truth.
Two different ideas of love, wanting to do the right thing for the other out of true love but looking at love from their own lens. Will right win out because of right, or is there more to this than meets the eye? Does true love, destined to be, always work out on it’s own? Well I’m not going to tell you. You really need to read this book.
Besides, the two main characters there are a plethora of people you meet during this story. Believe me, you want to know more about every new individual in this book, and we meet up with some of our favorites from past books. There’s even a little mystery to be solved and a good old long-time feud. This is a book that brings all the feels, smiles, laughs, and the heat you’re looking for. This is a book that makes you think long after you’re finished. As you can see by my review. I apologize for the length, but I had to get it out. If you read the whole thing, thanks. In the I yourself a favor and read this beautiful story while I impatiently wait for the next in this wonderful series!
Asher and Grace ... long Burn 🔥 this book was longer than it needed to be, and the narration wasn't my favorite.
Online audiobook 🎶
Life is not a one size fits all, neither is love. It is a rubrics cube we are all trying to figure out and put it together as fast as we can. Here’s the thing we get so caught up trying to get it done as fast as possible. we miss the enjoyment and frustration of getting all the colors to mesh. Life and love are hard, messy, complicated and unpredictable, and ever changing. Even if your love is destined to be, it doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. It means you are working towards a common goal. That takes time, even years. It takes honesty, truth, thought, soul searching, and not imposing your ideas as the absolute right ones. There are not just two sides to this coin because there’s what lies in between. That’s what makes up what you see on the outside. Without the inside (the guts), there is only a flat surface with two sides. It’s the depth that counts, even if you are meant to be.
Asher, the once optimistic boy with a love so deep and his future mapped out with the love of his life, now through the most horrific circumstances is now a man whose whole world and outlook has dramatically changed. He’s trying to do what he thinks is the right thing by denying himself and making decisions for others all on his own.
Grace, the girl who has always placed everyone else ahead of herself but found solace in the boy next store, her eternal love. She has placed her life on hold for seven years, determined to pick up where they left off. However, she’s never fully come to terms with the actual truth.
Two different ideas of love, wanting to do the right thing for the other out of true love but looking at love from their own lens. Will right win out because of right, or is there more to this than meets the eye? Does true love, destined to be, always work out on it’s own? Well I’m not going to tell you. You really need to read this book.
Besides, the two main characters there are a plethora of people you meet during this story. Believe me, you want to know more about every new individual in this book, and we meet up with some of our favorites from past books. There’s even a little mystery to be solved and a good old long-time feud. This is a book that brings all the feels, smiles, laughs, and the heat you’re looking for. This is a book that makes you think long after you’re finished. As you can see by my review. I apologize for the length, but I had to get it out. If you read the whole thing, thanks. In the I yourself a favor and read this beautiful story while I impatiently wait for the next in this wonderful series!
Asher and Grace ... long Burn 🔥 this book was longer than it needed to be, and the narration wasn't my favorite.
Online audiobook 🎶
March 13, 2022
I’ve fallen down a Bailey brothers’ rabbit hole and I don’t ever want to get out. I am soooo in love with this series and all it’s characters.
This book is a continuation of Grace and Ashers story, and let me tell you, it’s bloody heartbreaking. It’s such a journey for them as they try to find a way back to each other after Ashers release from prison. It’s definitely not an easy road, but it’s so worth it on the end.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series - I have a bit of a soft spot for Logan (he’s hilarious) and also the youngest Bailey, Gavin. Claire Kingsley is an incredible author and I’m so glad I found these books.
This book is a continuation of Grace and Ashers story, and let me tell you, it’s bloody heartbreaking. It’s such a journey for them as they try to find a way back to each other after Ashers release from prison. It’s definitely not an easy road, but it’s so worth it on the end.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series - I have a bit of a soft spot for Logan (he’s hilarious) and also the youngest Bailey, Gavin. Claire Kingsley is an incredible author and I’m so glad I found these books.
Read
February 7, 2023I don’t get the hype of these books and I really wish I could. This book could have easily been a novella with all the extra information and annoying storyline. Sigh
May 30, 2020
Now that you have read Protecting Us, you are ready for Book 2. It's the chance to get to know Asher and Grace as adults who have a lot of unresolved feelings seven years later. Iron bars and concrete have kept these lovers apart. To protect their sanity and hearts, each has done the 'right thing' for the time when they can be together.
Grace suffers rejection affection from Asher on a repeated basis. But she believes in the power of time and love to heal all things. Grace is a character with the patience in boatloads to help Asher unpack the baggage he carries from the prison sentence.
To give the poor man a break, Asher really is a ship without a sail, oar, helm, or set of flippers to navigate these choppy waters of 'normal' life. Everything that was 'before' is now not on the map. Before he can really love Grace as she deserves, he needs to find a way to navigate this new course.
The couple has the help of entertaining secondary characters that will have their own time as the series continues. Ms. Kingsley has left us with 'just enough' interest and details to get to know them more.
Readers are gifted a story that guarantees a happily ever after that is riddled with a bumpy ride getting there. You may wish to shake or wrap up in a blanket this book boyfriend. However, Grace is not one to stand aside when going gets tough, and pushes back on track when she needs to get them to seeing course through the storm.
Excited for the next in series as this character was deliciously on the fringes to tantalize the reader to ask for more.
Recommendation: Read It
Review Updated: (I felt rather "reviewer shamed" so this is for you guys)
Why the reduction in stars? If you want to find out, head over to my blog post. HERE
Grace suffers rejection affection from Asher on a repeated basis. But she believes in the power of time and love to heal all things. Grace is a character with the patience in boatloads to help Asher unpack the baggage he carries from the prison sentence.
To give the poor man a break, Asher really is a ship without a sail, oar, helm, or set of flippers to navigate these choppy waters of 'normal' life. Everything that was 'before' is now not on the map. Before he can really love Grace as she deserves, he needs to find a way to navigate this new course.
The couple has the help of entertaining secondary characters that will have their own time as the series continues. Ms. Kingsley has left us with 'just enough' interest and details to get to know them more.
Readers are gifted a story that guarantees a happily ever after that is riddled with a bumpy ride getting there. You may wish to shake or wrap up in a blanket this book boyfriend. However, Grace is not one to stand aside when going gets tough, and pushes back on track when she needs to get them to seeing course through the storm.
Excited for the next in series as this character was deliciously on the fringes to tantalize the reader to ask for more.
Recommendation: Read It
Review Updated: (I felt rather "reviewer shamed" so this is for you guys)
Why the reduction in stars? If you want to find out, head over to my blog post. HERE
May 18, 2020
I started writing this review about an hour ago, about 10 minutes after I finished Fighting For Us. Because I thought I had the words I needed to describe this book. Seven incoherent paragraphs later, and I know I was wrong. Fighting For Us has left me speechless. Or at least reduced to rambling, which is basically the same thing. I still don’t think I have the words, but I’ll try.
As I’m sure other reviews have pointed out, Fighting For Us is book 2 in the Bailey Brothers series, after Protecting You. The Bailey Brothers is essentially a spinoff series of Claire’s Miles Family series. Do you absolutely have to read the Miles Family before reading the Bailey Brothers? No. The series can stand on its own. But I think it provides a richer story if you do. Do you have to read Protecting You before reading Fighting For Us? Absolutely.
Because Fighting For Us is a continuation of the same couple from Protecting You, Grace Miles and Asher Bailey, several years later. Asher has finally been released from prison, and is having trouble adjusting to his old life. On some level, I think both of them, and their families, and the entire town they live in, thought everything could go back to normal once Asher came home. But it can’t. Everyone is different from who they were, and they all need to learn to adjust to their new normal.
Personally, I tend to shy away from books where the hero is a convict, as I’m sure many of you do. Oftentimes, the convict hero is not a likable character. But that’s not the case with Asher. He was imprisoned for... well, I can’t say. Because spoilers. But if you’ve read Protecting You, then you know why. And he’s still a good person, even if he thinks he’s not. Not only does his misconception make him put up walls with Grace, but with everyone. And Grace spends a lot of time breaking down those walls. Fighting For Us really lived up to its title.
So, while Protecting You and Fighting For Us are about the same couple, they are still very different books. Protecting You was fun. At least, before. But Fighting For Us was deep. Oh, it was still fun. There’s still a feud going, of course. And I’m not entirely sure the Havens haven’t trained the squirrels to mess with the Baileys. You meet some new lovable characters, like Grace’s best friend Cara, and get some awesome cameos from other characters, like the Miles Family. Not only am I interested in what happens next with Ashers brothers, but I cannot wait to learn more about Eliza Bailey.
But this book was about more than just a cute couple, or funny side characters. It’s about acceptance of yourself and the people you love, and that changes to them are not always a bad thing.
I still don’t think I’ve done this book justice. Normal words feel inadequate. Calling it amazing or awesome just isn’t enough. But at least these paragraphs are more coherent, because I really don’t have any other words, except to say that I highly recommend it.
As I’m sure other reviews have pointed out, Fighting For Us is book 2 in the Bailey Brothers series, after Protecting You. The Bailey Brothers is essentially a spinoff series of Claire’s Miles Family series. Do you absolutely have to read the Miles Family before reading the Bailey Brothers? No. The series can stand on its own. But I think it provides a richer story if you do. Do you have to read Protecting You before reading Fighting For Us? Absolutely.
Because Fighting For Us is a continuation of the same couple from Protecting You, Grace Miles and Asher Bailey, several years later. Asher has finally been released from prison, and is having trouble adjusting to his old life. On some level, I think both of them, and their families, and the entire town they live in, thought everything could go back to normal once Asher came home. But it can’t. Everyone is different from who they were, and they all need to learn to adjust to their new normal.
Personally, I tend to shy away from books where the hero is a convict, as I’m sure many of you do. Oftentimes, the convict hero is not a likable character. But that’s not the case with Asher. He was imprisoned for... well, I can’t say. Because spoilers. But if you’ve read Protecting You, then you know why. And he’s still a good person, even if he thinks he’s not. Not only does his misconception make him put up walls with Grace, but with everyone. And Grace spends a lot of time breaking down those walls. Fighting For Us really lived up to its title.
So, while Protecting You and Fighting For Us are about the same couple, they are still very different books. Protecting You was fun. At least, before. But Fighting For Us was deep. Oh, it was still fun. There’s still a feud going, of course. And I’m not entirely sure the Havens haven’t trained the squirrels to mess with the Baileys. You meet some new lovable characters, like Grace’s best friend Cara, and get some awesome cameos from other characters, like the Miles Family. Not only am I interested in what happens next with Ashers brothers, but I cannot wait to learn more about Eliza Bailey.
But this book was about more than just a cute couple, or funny side characters. It’s about acceptance of yourself and the people you love, and that changes to them are not always a bad thing.
I still don’t think I’ve done this book justice. Normal words feel inadequate. Calling it amazing or awesome just isn’t enough. But at least these paragraphs are more coherent, because I really don’t have any other words, except to say that I highly recommend it.
March 30, 2022
I have now read all the Bailey Brothers. I feel very bittersweet about it. This series is so magical and heartwarming. I highly recommend you give the series a go.
Grace and Asher were childhood friends/neighbors to lovers. They had tragedy early on and then it takes some time to make their way back to each other. But boy, is it sweet.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
Grace and Asher were childhood friends/neighbors to lovers. They had tragedy early on and then it takes some time to make their way back to each other. But boy, is it sweet.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
May 17, 2020
Fighting for Us picks up seven years after the ending of Protecting You. Both Asher and Grace have changed, how could they not after what they went through. Asher's transition back to his hometown and his family is not a smooth one. He has a lot of anger and baggage to deal with as he tries to come to terms with his life and his future, one he is prepared to live without Grace. Grace is prepared to fight for what she wants, and that is a lifetime with Asher. These two characters are written so beautifully as they try to repair what is broken - within each of them and within their relationship. I love the moments of humor courtesy of Logan, Levi, and Gavin Bailey, and love the wisdom of their Gram. Let me also say that Grace's best friend Cara is amazing and if she doesn't get her own happily ever after, I think this author's readers will rebel.
Claire Kingsley has written an incredible, beautiful, emotional journey of love, hope, and healing. This story will take you on a roller coaster and have you feeling all the feels. And, in true Claire Kingsley fashion, she leaves you with a last chapter that will have readers anxiously awaiting what's to come for the next Bailey Brother.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Claire Kingsley has written an incredible, beautiful, emotional journey of love, hope, and healing. This story will take you on a roller coaster and have you feeling all the feels. And, in true Claire Kingsley fashion, she leaves you with a last chapter that will have readers anxiously awaiting what's to come for the next Bailey Brother.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 13, 2025
İlk kitabın kısalığıyla bu kitabın uzunluğu kıyasıya kapışıyor. İlkinde her şey bir çırpıda olmuş, sonu da hemen ikinci kitaba geçme isteğiyle bitmişti. Beklentim çok yüksekti ama o yükseklikten kitabın gereksiz uzunluğu sayesinde yere çakıldım. Bazı şeyler tadında kalmalı, bu kadar uzayınca sıkılıyorum. Konu ve troplar güzel, uzunluğuna da katlanırım derseniz okuyun.
May 17, 2020
Disclaimer: Before, After and During this book, be sure to take cleansing breaths to maximize the amazingness that is coming off the pages.
Asher has been through some stuff. We open this book in the thick of it and already you know our boy has become a man under a seriously hard time. He struggles, but he persists. He seems the greatness still in front of it, but he isn't sure he's worthy anymore.
Grace has been through some stuff. While hers isn't as harsh and in your face as Asher's, its no less traumatizing. She has slapped her smile and faith over a bullethole and sometimes, that's just not enough. Our girl fights a good fight, even when others don't understand.
You ABSOLUTELY need to read Protecting You in order to truly feel the richness of Asher and Grace's relationship. Otherwise its too easy to brush it aside as people too stubborn (or crazy) to let the past go. That is so far from the truth.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will want to smack some people and you will want to never let this story end. Unfortunately it does end, but there will be more! Oh the places these boys will be taking us.
Asher has been through some stuff. We open this book in the thick of it and already you know our boy has become a man under a seriously hard time. He struggles, but he persists. He seems the greatness still in front of it, but he isn't sure he's worthy anymore.
Grace has been through some stuff. While hers isn't as harsh and in your face as Asher's, its no less traumatizing. She has slapped her smile and faith over a bullethole and sometimes, that's just not enough. Our girl fights a good fight, even when others don't understand.
You ABSOLUTELY need to read Protecting You in order to truly feel the richness of Asher and Grace's relationship. Otherwise its too easy to brush it aside as people too stubborn (or crazy) to let the past go. That is so far from the truth.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will want to smack some people and you will want to never let this story end. Unfortunately it does end, but there will be more! Oh the places these boys will be taking us.
May 18, 2020
If you have picked up this book without reading book 1 in the series - put it down and read Protecting You first - it is necessary to get the entire feel of the book.
Second - DO NOT - and I repeat - DO NOT - think you will be able to start this book and read as few chapters, put it down and come back to it tomorrow - NOPE not happening. You will devour this book and not even know time has gone by.
Both Asher and Grace have seen their share of happiness and at the same time have dealt with tremendous pain. The old saying "What does not kill us, only makes us stronger" definitely applies to these characters, but the road they must travel on not only gives them the highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. Simply put their relationship is heart wrenching. Claire Kingsley writes in such a way that the reader can honestly feel their pain, feel their anger and feel their heartbreak. But in true perfect storytelling fashion, Claire also brings us deep family connections, true to life characters and a storyline that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been turned. And that epilogue.....you need to write faster!!!!
Second - DO NOT - and I repeat - DO NOT - think you will be able to start this book and read as few chapters, put it down and come back to it tomorrow - NOPE not happening. You will devour this book and not even know time has gone by.
Both Asher and Grace have seen their share of happiness and at the same time have dealt with tremendous pain. The old saying "What does not kill us, only makes us stronger" definitely applies to these characters, but the road they must travel on not only gives them the highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. Simply put their relationship is heart wrenching. Claire Kingsley writes in such a way that the reader can honestly feel their pain, feel their anger and feel their heartbreak. But in true perfect storytelling fashion, Claire also brings us deep family connections, true to life characters and a storyline that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been turned. And that epilogue.....you need to write faster!!!!
May 26, 2020
Wow 😮
This is only my second book by Claire but I’m absolutely amazed with this story, the detail and development as well as the characters❣️ This story sucked me in and held on tight with its roller coaster of emotions but also the story itself😍 Grace and Asher suffer through a tragedy where Asher gets sent to prison for eight years. When he gets out, rather than picking up where they left off, they both realise they are altered from their individual experiences but will their demons cause them to give up of fight harder to be together?
Absolutely loved Asher and Grace, had a few teary eyed moments which I admit doesn’t happen often but Claire seemed to just pull the emotions out of me😱 I received an advanced copy and I voluntarily leave my honest review and eagerly await Evan’s story next🤩
This is only my second book by Claire but I’m absolutely amazed with this story, the detail and development as well as the characters❣️ This story sucked me in and held on tight with its roller coaster of emotions but also the story itself😍 Grace and Asher suffer through a tragedy where Asher gets sent to prison for eight years. When he gets out, rather than picking up where they left off, they both realise they are altered from their individual experiences but will their demons cause them to give up of fight harder to be together?
Absolutely loved Asher and Grace, had a few teary eyed moments which I admit doesn’t happen often but Claire seemed to just pull the emotions out of me😱 I received an advanced copy and I voluntarily leave my honest review and eagerly await Evan’s story next🤩
May 29, 2020
I was enjoying this right up until the 60% mark. then it got a bit tedious and I started skimming a lot.
May 17, 2025
2.7 Rounded to 3⭐️
Some random thoughts:
✖️I didn’t like how the h or the H’s family reacted when the H got out of prison… wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for, I wanted some drama and tears!! (sue me for being a lil dramatic 🙌🏻). Anyway, they hadn’t seen or talked to the H in 7 years! and they acted like he’d been gone for a long weekend, not spent 7 years behind bars.
✖️The H kept saying that he and the h weren’t together anymore! While the h still saw herself as his fiancee and was still wearing her engagement ring. It was pathetic tbh.
✔️I liked the h's relationship with the H's brothers. They're always there for her, It's really sweet.
✖️I don’t care about all the talk about the h’s half-siblings (they’re from another series and I hate it when other series’ characters get mentioned or show up, it just makes things confusing).
✖️The H pushed the h away!! He still loved her and wanted her and she waited for him for years and stayed faithful. They remained friends but he kept his distance to give them both a chance to move on 😕 I get that he went through a lot and he’s not the same person he used to be but I don’t get why he didn’t just give their relationship a chance from the beginning and see if things could work out again! instead of pushing her like that.
✔️He remained faithful to her.
✔️Those moments when he just can’t resist her.
✖️”She was good for me and I wasn’t good for her.”… Even when they finally got together he still wasn’t sure about their relationship (he was afraid he’d hurt her).
✔️The moments with the H’s brothers were funny.
✔️I liked the h’s best friend (my favorite character so far).
✖️The 3rd act break up (78%). I get his feelings and fears but I really don’t like it when the MMC freak out at the first problem and just give up so fast 🤧.
〰️ After he broke up with her he showed up the next day to help her fix her house! Dude, either leave the girl alone or pull your head out of your ass and stop pushing her bc you’re driving me and the h crazy! (this time the h was really done with him and walked away).
At (88~90%) he finally stopped being a stubborn idiot and decided to see a therapist and fight for the h.
Overall It was better than the previous book.
______
Safety:
— H (29) / h (28)
— This book isn’t a standalone (you need to read the previous book first)
— Second chance
— Small town
— A brooding wounded H
— No OW/OM/Cheating
— Separation (1) for 7 years before the book started :
• They’re both celibate.
• The H was in jail but he broke up with the h so she could move on (they were engaged).
• The h remained faithful to the H and waited for him all these years (she’s still wearing her engagement ring).
— 3rd act break up/Separation (2) for a week, neither have been with anyone
— Push from the H for most of the book
— The h is the one who pursues the relationship
— HEA
Some random thoughts:
✖️I didn’t like how the h or the H’s family reacted when the H got out of prison… wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for, I wanted some drama and tears!! (sue me for being a lil dramatic 🙌🏻). Anyway, they hadn’t seen or talked to the H in 7 years! and they acted like he’d been gone for a long weekend, not spent 7 years behind bars.
✖️The H kept saying that he and the h weren’t together anymore! While the h still saw herself as his fiancee and was still wearing her engagement ring. It was pathetic tbh.
✔️I liked the h's relationship with the H's brothers. They're always there for her, It's really sweet.
✖️I don’t care about all the talk about the h’s half-siblings (they’re from another series and I hate it when other series’ characters get mentioned or show up, it just makes things confusing).
✖️The H pushed the h away!! He still loved her and wanted her and she waited for him for years and stayed faithful. They remained friends but he kept his distance to give them both a chance to move on 😕 I get that he went through a lot and he’s not the same person he used to be but I don’t get why he didn’t just give their relationship a chance from the beginning and see if things could work out again! instead of pushing her like that.
✔️He remained faithful to her.
✔️Those moments when he just can’t resist her.
✖️”She was good for me and I wasn’t good for her.”… Even when they finally got together he still wasn’t sure about their relationship (he was afraid he’d hurt her).
✔️The moments with the H’s brothers were funny.
✔️I liked the h’s best friend (my favorite character so far).
✖️The 3rd act break up (78%). I get his feelings and fears but I really don’t like it when the MMC freak out at the first problem and just give up so fast 🤧.
〰️ After he broke up with her he showed up the next day to help her fix her house! Dude, either leave the girl alone or pull your head out of your ass and stop pushing her bc you’re driving me and the h crazy! (this time the h was really done with him and walked away).
At (88~90%) he finally stopped being a stubborn idiot and decided to see a therapist and fight for the h.
Overall It was better than the previous book.
______
Safety:
— H (29) / h (28)
— This book isn’t a standalone (you need to read the previous book first)
— Second chance
— Small town
— A brooding wounded H
— No OW/OM/Cheating
— Separation (1) for 7 years before the book started :
• They’re both celibate.
• The H was in jail but he broke up with the h so she could move on (they were engaged).
• The h remained faithful to the H and waited for him all these years (she’s still wearing her engagement ring).
— 3rd act break up/Separation (2) for a week, neither have been with anyone
— Push from the H for most of the book
— The h is the one who pursues the relationship
— HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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