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Fighting Madly #1
Fighting To Start
Synopsis:
Reed "Riker" Collins is my story... The beginning, middle, and end.
Our love was intense, emotional, and raw, the kind that sticks with you forever. I thought we had it all, the thing that would make us last... Until we didn’t.
Reed promised me forever, and I believed him with everything in me. But it's never that easy. Without a second thought, Reed left me to follow his own dream of becoming a professional fighter. Five years of going through life without him has left me only drifting through life, never truly living, leaving me more damaged than ever before. But then, Reed walks back into my life when I needed him the most. Will I be able to forget all the pain he caused? Will he be able to heal the emotional wounds his love had left me with?
Can I fight to start? Or will I end up forfeiting it all just to make it go away?
Reed "Riker" Collins is my story... The beginning, middle, and end.
Our love was intense, emotional, and raw, the kind that sticks with you forever. I thought we had it all, the thing that would make us last... Until we didn’t.
Reed promised me forever, and I believed him with everything in me. But it's never that easy. Without a second thought, Reed left me to follow his own dream of becoming a professional fighter. Five years of going through life without him has left me only drifting through life, never truly living, leaving me more damaged than ever before. But then, Reed walks back into my life when I needed him the most. Will I be able to forget all the pain he caused? Will he be able to heal the emotional wounds his love had left me with?
Can I fight to start? Or will I end up forfeiting it all just to make it go away?
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2015
38 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 13, 2015
And the award of "man whore 2015" goes to Reed "Riker" Collins.This 'man in love' though he was not technically cheating is able to sleep with literally hundreds of women because it makes him feel momentarily blissful in the quest to forget his one & only whom he left for her own good.
Now for a man to do that than later on claim remorse & disgust at himself for having had sex with other women & than referring to them with the derogatory term "they were just cage pussy" & yours is platinum is no hero of the tale.I'm tired of the excuse I forced myself to 'f&%k' other women on a five year sabbatical.I hope these men for once tell it like is I DID IT BECAUSE I ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY.
The book was dramatically good though the man of the story made it unlikable at parts not through his actions but by his excuse:I only slept with other women because you looked happy & looked like you had moved on.
Now for a man to do that than later on claim remorse & disgust at himself for having had sex with other women & than referring to them with the derogatory term "they were just cage pussy" & yours is platinum is no hero of the tale.I'm tired of the excuse I forced myself to 'f&%k' other women on a five year sabbatical.I hope these men for once tell it like is I DID IT BECAUSE I ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY.
The book was dramatically good though the man of the story made it unlikable at parts not through his actions but by his excuse:I only slept with other women because you looked happy & looked like you had moved on.
September 6, 2015
This is one crazy over the top soap opera of a story.
Quite frankly, Reed is just rotting poison to Hadley. It's too simple to just say he doesn't deserve her. He REALLY doesn't even deserve to be in the same city as her.
Who the hell could ever see Reed as someone worthy of a decent woman. Through his shallow selfish degenerate slutty actions he brings nothing but severe pain and trauma to the woman he professes to love.
He is just rotten. Nothing he ever does is good. He keeps saying he's going to do right by Hadley BUT HE NEVER DOES. His actions are just horrendous.
Reed deserves Krystal. That's all. Just her, or one of the other sleazy women he spent years screwing around with. Oh but that's right, he REALLY loved Hadley. PLeaseeeee....what a complete loser.
And even more irritating is that everyone pushes her to him, even after every horrible disgusting thing he does, they still want them together.
I will actually read the next book because I want to see if Reed ever does redeem himself to Hadley. Because he has done NOTHING to redeem himself it. Just slung more of his dirty shit over Hadley. He hasn't earned her forgiveness in anyway.
But in saying this....are you kidding me, I would've kicked his arse to the curb and left it there, after that first TV appearance where he was allover the other woman. Seriously, why has the author written such a weak woman who allows this cheating dirtbag back into her life. He as done WAY TO MUCH bad stuff and he has screwed WAY TOO MANY WOMEN to ever be forgiven.
All the bad stuff and the screwing around that's happened is all his fault. All of it. He set the ball rolling and he kept it going for 5 years. That is ALL on him, so it's really annoying when people try to tell him it's not his fault, when it totally is. What idiot cannot see that it's all his fault. And all he keeps doing is making it worse.
Quite frankly, Reed is just rotting poison to Hadley. It's too simple to just say he doesn't deserve her. He REALLY doesn't even deserve to be in the same city as her.
Who the hell could ever see Reed as someone worthy of a decent woman. Through his shallow selfish degenerate slutty actions he brings nothing but severe pain and trauma to the woman he professes to love.
He is just rotten. Nothing he ever does is good. He keeps saying he's going to do right by Hadley BUT HE NEVER DOES. His actions are just horrendous.
Reed deserves Krystal. That's all. Just her, or one of the other sleazy women he spent years screwing around with. Oh but that's right, he REALLY loved Hadley. PLeaseeeee....what a complete loser.
And even more irritating is that everyone pushes her to him, even after every horrible disgusting thing he does, they still want them together.
I will actually read the next book because I want to see if Reed ever does redeem himself to Hadley. Because he has done NOTHING to redeem himself it. Just slung more of his dirty shit over Hadley. He hasn't earned her forgiveness in anyway.
But in saying this....are you kidding me, I would've kicked his arse to the curb and left it there, after that first TV appearance where he was allover the other woman. Seriously, why has the author written such a weak woman who allows this cheating dirtbag back into her life. He as done WAY TO MUCH bad stuff and he has screwed WAY TOO MANY WOMEN to ever be forgiven.
All the bad stuff and the screwing around that's happened is all his fault. All of it. He set the ball rolling and he kept it going for 5 years. That is ALL on him, so it's really annoying when people try to tell him it's not his fault, when it totally is. What idiot cannot see that it's all his fault. And all he keeps doing is making it worse.
June 23, 2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I'm emotionally exhausted.
It's one of the most emotional, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking stories I have read this year.
It was a struggle as it was a beautiful tale of love. The emotions were intense and most especially the pain. You can feel it in every page, and I think I heard my heart break a couple of times in this book.
I didn't think anything could go wrong between Hadley and Reed. They were so much in love and perfect for each other. They love each other deeply, madly and truly - what in the would could happen? Life that is. Dreams. Someone thought they need to follow their dreams, someone thought it was better that way, that somehow they will once again cross paths and find their way back into each other. But that someone had thought wrong.
Hadley - ah, she'll win your hearts I loved her fate in their love. She didn't give up at first, until he gave her (or so she thought) the reason to do so. And then everything just spiraled out of control. A whole lot of things happen, that brought Hadley to the lowest point in her life. It was good that she had family and friends who were always there for her, trying to dig her out from whatever she was digging herself into.
Five years, and their paths finally crossed. Things were not they were right now, a lot has already change, and a whole lot of things had happened in their lives individually. Will he ever win her back? Can she ever forgive him for leaving?
The ending?
I just knew it. I was struggling, in terrible pain and was hoping to be rewarded with something good - perhaps a happy ending. But no...
Because we are in for the cliffhanger of our lives - so many questions were left unanswered, so many things were left unsaid, and I was in desperate need for their happy-ever-after. How can I possibly wait for Fall 2015?!!!!
Nevertheless, this is the kind of book that despite all the emotional ups and downs this book gave me, the moment you will start reading this book, you will be hooked and can't help but get wrapped in the story, hanging on to every word, to every scene, to every dialogue in it. And if this is what the first installment is like, I wonder if I can handle the next...
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
I'm emotionally exhausted.
It's one of the most emotional, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking stories I have read this year.
It was a struggle as it was a beautiful tale of love. The emotions were intense and most especially the pain. You can feel it in every page, and I think I heard my heart break a couple of times in this book.
I didn't think anything could go wrong between Hadley and Reed. They were so much in love and perfect for each other. They love each other deeply, madly and truly - what in the would could happen? Life that is. Dreams. Someone thought they need to follow their dreams, someone thought it was better that way, that somehow they will once again cross paths and find their way back into each other. But that someone had thought wrong.
Hadley - ah, she'll win your hearts I loved her fate in their love. She didn't give up at first, until he gave her (or so she thought) the reason to do so. And then everything just spiraled out of control. A whole lot of things happen, that brought Hadley to the lowest point in her life. It was good that she had family and friends who were always there for her, trying to dig her out from whatever she was digging herself into.
Five years, and their paths finally crossed. Things were not they were right now, a lot has already change, and a whole lot of things had happened in their lives individually. Will he ever win her back? Can she ever forgive him for leaving?
The ending?
I just knew it. I was struggling, in terrible pain and was hoping to be rewarded with something good - perhaps a happy ending. But no...
Because we are in for the cliffhanger of our lives - so many questions were left unanswered, so many things were left unsaid, and I was in desperate need for their happy-ever-after. How can I possibly wait for Fall 2015?!!!!
Nevertheless, this is the kind of book that despite all the emotional ups and downs this book gave me, the moment you will start reading this book, you will be hooked and can't help but get wrapped in the story, hanging on to every word, to every scene, to every dialogue in it. And if this is what the first installment is like, I wonder if I can handle the next...
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
can-never-read
December 10, 2015Another who has problem keeping it in his pants...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 15, 2015
Hadley and Reed are in love, but when the opportunity of a lifetime comes up, Reed decides that in order for both of them to succeed they need to break up. Five years later they're back in the same town, but is that enough for them to get back together?
Quite frankly, I don't care.
I tried to give this book a go, I really did and that's pretty evident because I did get through about 70% of the book before I decided to quit. There is only so much yelling at my screen I can get through.
To begin with, the beginning. AKA writer tries to sell us a love story through excessive amounts of description. I had no idea why these two guys were together. Not because they had opposing personalities, just because it wasn't really shown. Rather than seeing their interactions, I just got a bunch of descriptions of how their relationship was like and other fairly irrelevant stuff. It didn't help that the book starts on the day of their break up, so there wasn't time to see their relationship before they split up, and therefore I had no reason to want to see them together in the end.
A lot of the angst in this story was excessively manufactured. I can take a bit of manufactured angst, otherwise there wouldn't be any story, but irrelevant stuff on top of irrelevant stuff just to keep the main couple apart is annoying. I think the majority of it was there in an attempt to show that the couple still loved each other even though they were apart, but that was stupid because the writer could literally have just kept them physically apart to achieve the same thing.
And the speeches. If you love a mediocre repetitive speech, it seems this novel is for you. I get that within the romance genre speeches are necessary. It's important for characters to reveal how they are feeling because that's what the novel is based upon. But the amount of speeches in this novel is fairly astounding. This, added to the fact that I just did not care at this point, meant that I was skipping half of it. You could have condensed all of the speeches into one line that would have conveyed the exact same thing in a much better way, and I wouldn't have gotten bored.
So overall, I'm giving this a 1 star rating. There's nothing that I can think of that I liked about this book, which is a shame because the (very) basic storyline could have had some merit.
Quite frankly, I don't care.
I tried to give this book a go, I really did and that's pretty evident because I did get through about 70% of the book before I decided to quit. There is only so much yelling at my screen I can get through.
To begin with, the beginning. AKA writer tries to sell us a love story through excessive amounts of description. I had no idea why these two guys were together. Not because they had opposing personalities, just because it wasn't really shown. Rather than seeing their interactions, I just got a bunch of descriptions of how their relationship was like and other fairly irrelevant stuff. It didn't help that the book starts on the day of their break up, so there wasn't time to see their relationship before they split up, and therefore I had no reason to want to see them together in the end.
A lot of the angst in this story was excessively manufactured. I can take a bit of manufactured angst, otherwise there wouldn't be any story, but irrelevant stuff on top of irrelevant stuff just to keep the main couple apart is annoying. I think the majority of it was there in an attempt to show that the couple still loved each other even though they were apart, but that was stupid because the writer could literally have just kept them physically apart to achieve the same thing.
And the speeches. If you love a mediocre repetitive speech, it seems this novel is for you. I get that within the romance genre speeches are necessary. It's important for characters to reveal how they are feeling because that's what the novel is based upon. But the amount of speeches in this novel is fairly astounding. This, added to the fact that I just did not care at this point, meant that I was skipping half of it. You could have condensed all of the speeches into one line that would have conveyed the exact same thing in a much better way, and I wouldn't have gotten bored.
So overall, I'm giving this a 1 star rating. There's nothing that I can think of that I liked about this book, which is a shame because the (very) basic storyline could have had some merit.
August 14, 2015
Holy mother of cliffhangers!!!!
I just finished this book and I LOVED it!
I enjoyed it so much that I read it all in one sitting.
At times I had to put it down for few minutes and just sob.
I feel like an emotional wreck right now, but it was worth it.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
I highly recommend this book!
I just finished this book and I LOVED it!
I enjoyed it so much that I read it all in one sitting.
At times I had to put it down for few minutes and just sob.
I feel like an emotional wreck right now, but it was worth it.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
I highly recommend this book!
January 10, 2020
uf...
First time reading this author...
I honestly picked this one, cause well, i love reading about fighters...and well, I haven't paid much attention to the blurb...I figured it would be a classical angsty second-chance romance with a lot of groveling LOL
i wasn't prepared for the fucked up drama though...and well that's on me
well, it starts idillyc...young passionate love, she's studying to become a nurse and he's an upcoming fighter, she's from a wealthy family, he's from dirt poor, the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of guy BUT their relationship seems to work for them...or so it seemed
Yeah, this sentence kinda sums up the essence of the plot...BUT not all the fucked up shit happening in between either...I mean, I wouldn't get pass a lot of things that happened, I probably wouldn't be able to forgive a bunch of things too...*sigh* BUT that's why I'm not the protagonist in this story LOL
Anyway, to cut things short, the objective remark on the plot, well the part that really bugged the hell out of me, is the supidity that induced, started the whole turmoil of fuckery for these to characters. I just simply think that one should firstly check things out for themselves and not jump to conclusions and fucking assumtions...then just storm back into the life of the "love of your life" just cause you finally think you got your shit together and then expect for the things to be simply forgiven and get back to the way it was before you fucked up.
so, you can already pin point the tiny bits that pissed me off - the part where nobody comunicates or speak their fucking mind, nobody says it like it is, nobody speaks the fucking truth...such cowardice on every corner and you still linger on the notion that love will save us all...
I just thinks that sometimes love isn't enough...
I honestly think that you should love yourself first, learn to respect yourself first, cause let's face it, half of the unforgivable shit wouldn't have happened if those remarkable virtues were installed in one's conscience first.
That's why I have lamented and thought thoroughly through about these ordeals, the circumstances, the causes and repercussions...I didn't like the actions of the characters half the time, I couldn't understand them, honestly...even though I have tried...really hard.
But since I am an adult that was raised to always believe in myself, to direct the issues in front of me head on, to learn to cope with any shit straight up, by directly communicating and analysing...
that's why i found it all confusing and absurdly incomprehensible as why would they act like that in such immature, scared little shits way...
and I realized I wasn't being fair, far from it... inspite my being open about any issues, I found myself judging these characters for their weakness and cowardice and I also realized how fucking lucky I was/am for having had such a positive, strong and upfront approach from my early age installed by my parents...and I realized not everyone has that in their upbringing or later in life and that we all have to deal somehow with shit coming along the journey we call life.
And we all deal and cope in our own way, we make decisions on an everyday basis, some good, some bad...but the point is we have to own it, face it and embrace it...and beat it then move on...in this way, or the other, less or more uglier...but you survive and move on...by owning your shit, by finding your self-respect and strength.
well, this book sure made me think...a lot....LOL
and I have digressed...a lot
I applaud the author for giving her characters such three-dimensional portrayal, full blooded, imperfect human beings who sank deep but are trying to swim and stay with their heads above the water.
First time reading this author...
I honestly picked this one, cause well, i love reading about fighters...and well, I haven't paid much attention to the blurb...I figured it would be a classical angsty second-chance romance with a lot of groveling LOL
i wasn't prepared for the fucked up drama though...and well that's on me
well, it starts idillyc...young passionate love, she's studying to become a nurse and he's an upcoming fighter, she's from a wealthy family, he's from dirt poor, the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of guy BUT their relationship seems to work for them...or so it seemed
I left Hadley so I can have all this shit, and it cost me everything that really meant the most. I would give it all away to have my girl back. Fucking careful what you wish for.
Yeah, this sentence kinda sums up the essence of the plot...BUT not all the fucked up shit happening in between either...I mean, I wouldn't get pass a lot of things that happened, I probably wouldn't be able to forgive a bunch of things too...*sigh* BUT that's why I'm not the protagonist in this story LOL
Anyway, to cut things short, the objective remark on the plot, well the part that really bugged the hell out of me, is the supidity that induced, started the whole turmoil of fuckery for these to characters. I just simply think that one should firstly check things out for themselves and not jump to conclusions and fucking assumtions...then just storm back into the life of the "love of your life" just cause you finally think you got your shit together and then expect for the things to be simply forgiven and get back to the way it was before you fucked up.
so, you can already pin point the tiny bits that pissed me off - the part where nobody comunicates or speak their fucking mind, nobody says it like it is, nobody speaks the fucking truth...such cowardice on every corner and you still linger on the notion that love will save us all...
There are three sides to every story: yours, his, and the truth somewhere in the middle.
I just thinks that sometimes love isn't enough...
I honestly think that you should love yourself first, learn to respect yourself first, cause let's face it, half of the unforgivable shit wouldn't have happened if those remarkable virtues were installed in one's conscience first.
That's why I have lamented and thought thoroughly through about these ordeals, the circumstances, the causes and repercussions...I didn't like the actions of the characters half the time, I couldn't understand them, honestly...even though I have tried...really hard.
But since I am an adult that was raised to always believe in myself, to direct the issues in front of me head on, to learn to cope with any shit straight up, by directly communicating and analysing...
that's why i found it all confusing and absurdly incomprehensible as why would they act like that in such immature, scared little shits way...
and I realized I wasn't being fair, far from it... inspite my being open about any issues, I found myself judging these characters for their weakness and cowardice and I also realized how fucking lucky I was/am for having had such a positive, strong and upfront approach from my early age installed by my parents...and I realized not everyone has that in their upbringing or later in life and that we all have to deal somehow with shit coming along the journey we call life.
And we all deal and cope in our own way, we make decisions on an everyday basis, some good, some bad...but the point is we have to own it, face it and embrace it...and beat it then move on...in this way, or the other, less or more uglier...but you survive and move on...by owning your shit, by finding your self-respect and strength.
well, this book sure made me think...a lot....LOL
and I have digressed...a lot
I applaud the author for giving her characters such three-dimensional portrayal, full blooded, imperfect human beings who sank deep but are trying to swim and stay with their heads above the water.
March 16, 2016
Just finished this book and I'm emotionally drained...but in a good way. It's def. a gut wrenching story. I didn't think that Reed would be so far gone while he was away from Hadley but he went into total douche/man-whore mode. Even though Reed disappointed me a lot, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat and is very well written. Beware, there is a cliffhanger and a lot questions are left unanswered. I don't know how I'll make it to Fall 2015, when Fighting to Stay comes out. I'm hoping Reed does something extreme to redeem himself and actually be the man that Hadley needs. I'll be back for more S.L. Ziegler books/stories in the future!
August 27, 2016
drama + major tstl H who just leaves h (he is no good enough for her) + H becomes major cage fighting star + major manwhore, + HEA. 1.5 stars
August 4, 2015
Holy Crap! This book just bitch slapped me. I could not put it down and was up all night. A few things you need to know: there are some triggers (drug use, abuse) but its very well written and handled. CLIFFHANGER (just warning you!).
You must read this book. I can't stop thinking about it. I plan to write a full review on my blog once I process everything that just happened to me at the hands of a book. Seriously, the feels, man.
http://www.thebookdisciple.com
You must read this book. I can't stop thinking about it. I plan to write a full review on my blog once I process everything that just happened to me at the hands of a book. Seriously, the feels, man.
http://www.thebookdisciple.com
September 29, 2015
I think i just broke my heart reading this book
June 17, 2015
Oh, this book- what do I say about this book that just ripped my freakin heart out? I will start by saying it was very well written and overflowed with emotion. The story is told in dual POV so we get inside both Hadley and Reed's heads. And man oh man Hadley's head is a scary place at times over the course of the book but Reed's POV helped me to understand him and ultimately find a way to root for him as the story unfolded.
Fighting to Start covers several years in their lives and really focuses on how one decision can effectively cause a ripple effect as the resulting waves transform everything in ways you never would have predicted. And that story is far from pretty - miscommunications, secrets and heartache abound and are compounded by poor decisions made as s result.
That leads me to my struggle with the book overall. I am a person who reads for enjoyment and to find a happy place to lose myself for awhile. There is enough that happens in real life that can bring me down that I won't necessarily read a book that inflicts this type of emotional turmoil on me without preparing myself for it and really being in the right frame of mind to approach it properly. Unfortunately I went into the story somewhat blind, and after forcing myself to read through to the end, I found an unresolved ending that left me more than a little bit cranky and teary eyed.
So with that being said, the author did write an engaging and emotional story that was a page turner for sure. People who thrive on the emotional roller coaster and constant drama/ angst should definitely 1-click this story. I just personally was not in the proper mindset for this type of story when I read it and felt like I had been put through the wringer right alongside them by the time I got to the last page. Part 2 of their story is still a few months away and it seems as though there are more secrets to be revealed particularly on Hadley's part in Fighting to Stay although I have a good idea what one of them will be already based on a few hints dropped in Fighting to Start. And yes I will probably read the next installment with the added benefit of being able to prep myself for it better the next time around.
Fighting to Start covers several years in their lives and really focuses on how one decision can effectively cause a ripple effect as the resulting waves transform everything in ways you never would have predicted. And that story is far from pretty - miscommunications, secrets and heartache abound and are compounded by poor decisions made as s result.
That leads me to my struggle with the book overall. I am a person who reads for enjoyment and to find a happy place to lose myself for awhile. There is enough that happens in real life that can bring me down that I won't necessarily read a book that inflicts this type of emotional turmoil on me without preparing myself for it and really being in the right frame of mind to approach it properly. Unfortunately I went into the story somewhat blind, and after forcing myself to read through to the end, I found an unresolved ending that left me more than a little bit cranky and teary eyed.
So with that being said, the author did write an engaging and emotional story that was a page turner for sure. People who thrive on the emotional roller coaster and constant drama/ angst should definitely 1-click this story. I just personally was not in the proper mindset for this type of story when I read it and felt like I had been put through the wringer right alongside them by the time I got to the last page. Part 2 of their story is still a few months away and it seems as though there are more secrets to be revealed particularly on Hadley's part in Fighting to Stay although I have a good idea what one of them will be already based on a few hints dropped in Fighting to Start. And yes I will probably read the next installment with the added benefit of being able to prep myself for it better the next time around.
March 2, 2016
HOLY SHIT!
Empecé a leer éste libro con que era otro más de romance de segunda oportunidad (los cuáles amoooo con todo mi corazón de lectora cursi), pero no, no es sólo eso, es el viaje de dos personas que se complican tanto la vida, que tienen tantas carencias, que tienen amigos que no les dicen nada, y familia que no es entrometida, y viven de malos entendidos y sufrimiento. Habiendo dicho ésto, es difícil de creer pero es un libro bueno, con una buena narrativa y amé como manejó los tiempos no llevando páginas y páginas en detalles innecesarios. Ésta pareja está seriamente dañada y necesita un viaje al psiquiatra y quizás irse a vivir a un lugar en el campo para tener paz. Todo empieza con Reed dejándola para perseguir su sueño de dinero y fama en las peleas de UFC porque así como es ene ese momento no es lo suficientemente bueno, oooouuuukeeeey, la peor excusa ever, pero en fin, y ella cayendo en círculo de destrucción terrible, que la hace ver débil pero fuerte a la vez, es complicado como Hadley creció en mí, osea me molestaron la mitad de sus decisiones, pero al fin y al cabo creo que manejó todo lo que le pasó lo mejor que pudo.
Para mi parecer fueron demasiados secretos, creo la autora se imaginó todo lo malo que puede pasar y lo puso en el libro. Vamos a ver con que problemas nuevos nos recibe en el dos.
Nunca diría que Reed es uno de mis book boyfriends, no creo que pueda manejarlo.
Diciendo todo ésto si lo recomiendo, pero entra con mente abierta y sabiendo que vas a querer tirar el kindle a través de la habitación varias veces.
Empecé a leer éste libro con que era otro más de romance de segunda oportunidad (los cuáles amoooo con todo mi corazón de lectora cursi), pero no, no es sólo eso, es el viaje de dos personas que se complican tanto la vida, que tienen tantas carencias, que tienen amigos que no les dicen nada, y familia que no es entrometida, y viven de malos entendidos y sufrimiento. Habiendo dicho ésto, es difícil de creer pero es un libro bueno, con una buena narrativa y amé como manejó los tiempos no llevando páginas y páginas en detalles innecesarios. Ésta pareja está seriamente dañada y necesita un viaje al psiquiatra y quizás irse a vivir a un lugar en el campo para tener paz. Todo empieza con Reed dejándola para perseguir su sueño de dinero y fama en las peleas de UFC porque así como es ene ese momento no es lo suficientemente bueno, oooouuuukeeeey, la peor excusa ever, pero en fin, y ella cayendo en círculo de destrucción terrible, que la hace ver débil pero fuerte a la vez, es complicado como Hadley creció en mí, osea me molestaron la mitad de sus decisiones, pero al fin y al cabo creo que manejó todo lo que le pasó lo mejor que pudo.
Para mi parecer fueron demasiados secretos, creo la autora se imaginó todo lo malo que puede pasar y lo puso en el libro. Vamos a ver con que problemas nuevos nos recibe en el dos.
Nunca diría que Reed es uno de mis book boyfriends, no creo que pueda manejarlo.
Diciendo todo ésto si lo recomiendo, pero entra con mente abierta y sabiendo que vas a querer tirar el kindle a través de la habitación varias veces.
September 16, 2015
4 'Mad' stars
This book, wow, i don't even know how to put it in words. It tore me open, ripped my heart to shreds, slowly rebuilt it to once again make it crumble. I am in awe!
So many issues were touched on in this book so as a warning be prepared for a few triggers (drug use, abuse and illness)
Hadley Thomas was a great heroine, she had it rough even though she had all the money in the world. It just goes to show you money doesn't buy you happiness. At times I could have shook some sense into her but I could also see her reasoning at times.
Reed 'Riker' Collins has found his one! Coming from a shitty upbringing he doesn't think he deserves Hadley. Determined to make something of himself to prove his worth to the world he makes decisions that have repercussions and leave the love of his life with demons and battles to face.
I loved Reed! Sure I could have totally kicked his ass for at least 50% of the time! While he made mistakes his one true constant was that he always loved Hadley. He may not have taken the right path each time something happened but he tried to protect his girl the best he could, when he could.
I was gutted this ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I seriously need to get the rest of this story now as I can't possibly think of anything but a HEA for these two.
This is a fab must read! It is filled with drama around every corner that all connects! I have a few thoughts on some shocks that will appear in book two.
Thanks for the opportunity to review!
This book, wow, i don't even know how to put it in words. It tore me open, ripped my heart to shreds, slowly rebuilt it to once again make it crumble. I am in awe!
So many issues were touched on in this book so as a warning be prepared for a few triggers (drug use, abuse and illness)
Hadley Thomas was a great heroine, she had it rough even though she had all the money in the world. It just goes to show you money doesn't buy you happiness. At times I could have shook some sense into her but I could also see her reasoning at times.
Reed 'Riker' Collins has found his one! Coming from a shitty upbringing he doesn't think he deserves Hadley. Determined to make something of himself to prove his worth to the world he makes decisions that have repercussions and leave the love of his life with demons and battles to face.
I loved Reed! Sure I could have totally kicked his ass for at least 50% of the time! While he made mistakes his one true constant was that he always loved Hadley. He may not have taken the right path each time something happened but he tried to protect his girl the best he could, when he could.
I was gutted this ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I seriously need to get the rest of this story now as I can't possibly think of anything but a HEA for these two.
This is a fab must read! It is filled with drama around every corner that all connects! I have a few thoughts on some shocks that will appear in book two.
Thanks for the opportunity to review!
August 4, 2015
5 AMAZING emotional Stars!!
I haven't read a book like Fighting to Start in a very long time where I cried or was on the verge of tears from start to finish. Fighting to Start will draw you right in from the very beginning with Reed and Hadley's EPIC love. The journey that each goes through will absolutely gut you. You will feel every single thing that Reed and Hadley go through as if its you personally going through all the road blocks and obstacles.
I haven't read a book like Fighting to Start in a very long time where I cried or was on the verge of tears from start to finish. Fighting to Start will draw you right in from the very beginning with Reed and Hadley's EPIC love. The journey that each goes through will absolutely gut you. You will feel every single thing that Reed and Hadley go through as if its you personally going through all the road blocks and obstacles.
June 3, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. It was angst filled and the characters were really well developed. I loved how the author gave us both sides of the story.
My only negative was the over dramtic whining of Hadley. I really dislike whiney females, but I still give this 5 stars because I believe this story would have been totally different without it. The whole book was based around the drama these characters ignited in each other, the two MCs and all the other secondary characters all had their own bit of drama and baggage.
I cannot wait to read the next installment in hopes that these wonderful people get their heads on straight and figure their junk out.
I really enjoyed this story. It was angst filled and the characters were really well developed. I loved how the author gave us both sides of the story.
My only negative was the over dramtic whining of Hadley. I really dislike whiney females, but I still give this 5 stars because I believe this story would have been totally different without it. The whole book was based around the drama these characters ignited in each other, the two MCs and all the other secondary characters all had their own bit of drama and baggage.
I cannot wait to read the next installment in hopes that these wonderful people get their heads on straight and figure their junk out.
June 5, 2015
When my ARC came thru, I did not put the book down until I was done!!! Like the others have said, I love that you got both sides of the story... I would not love Reed the way I do had it only been Hadley's side. I got completely wrapped up in this story and am hanging waiting for the next installment. I laughed out loud, I cried real tears, and I was excited and hanging in suspense. If you want to get sucked in, read this book! S.L. Ziegler is amazing and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
March 6, 2016
This book. Holy cow! Normally I read throughout the day, a little here and there but I could not do this with Fighting to Start. I knew I had to block out a few hours at a time so I could read which did make the book last longer but it was oh so worth it! Just picking it up would make my heart pound as I read. This book is filled with angst and I even had to call my friend to make sure I could handle it because I'm not much on an angsty reader. When she assured me I could I kept going and I'm so glad I did! The love between them is so real, so raw and I just loved it!
June 1, 2015
What an AMAZING book! You will get wrapped up in each and every character. Extremely well written! Good luck putting this book down once you start!
June 8, 2015
Loved this book. I cried. I got mad . I fell in love with Reed!!! I cannot wait for the next one to come out!!!
December 13, 2015
3.5 Stars!!!
April 29, 2018
I went into Fighting to Start completely blind. I thought it was a fighter book, had no clue what it was really about. And gosh did this book left me NEEDING…. WANTING… MORE.
Gosh this is seriously such a great freaking book.
Hadley and Reed were perfect. They were seriously so in love. I don’t think anyone who read this was expecting the s**t storm that follows their relationship. I never could have ever guessed they would fall apart. There was never any question of their love for one another. They loved hard, and showed their love even harder.
Hadley was a girl in love, and Reed, well he was your typical bad boy with a big heart. They were just so perfect. Reed had his own issues. Because of his past, he wanted to be a better man. Reed wanted to provide for Hadley, not just be her badass boyfriend. He wanted to give her what she deserved. He wanted to buy her everything she wanted and more. He had to do it, and once he finally got the chance to do it, everything had to change.
So part of me hated Reed, but at the same time I understood him. His decision was made with the best of intentions, but he went about it the wrong way.
Hadley completely broke me. When she broke, I broke. I took her heartbreak HARD. I was more than upset for her. I just wanted to jump into this book and hug her, cry with her, and tell her everything would be ok.
The emotions in this book are seriously so on point. I FELT EVERYTHING. I always say that when an author can make me feel so deeply, they are a seriously talented author. S.L. you are amazing. Your words, GOD YOUR WORDS, they hit me to my core. I didn’t feel like I was reading a fiction novel, but actually felt I was living the story, that’s how hard your words hit me!
GOD, AND THAT ENDING. I thought there was no way SL would make me go through all this heartbreak, all these tears, and not give me the HEA I so desperately needed. This ending killed me more than anything. No, not because it wasn’t an HEA, but because it LEFT ME HANGING. LEFT ME WANTING MORE. LEFT ME WITH MY MOUTH HANGING OPEN AS IF THIS WAS ALL A JOKE. I had to message a friend right away, and tell her how upset I was that it was over, but how goooooood it was!!
Fighting to Start is the story of two people who are meant to be together, but unfortunately life gets in the way. It is the meaning of real love, and pushing loves limits. Seeing how far your love can go before it breaks. Fighting to Start was so amazing, I honestly think everyone should read it. It was just so good.
I have to say, this was my first book of S.L.’s that I read, and OMG. It is honestly one of my favorite reads of 2015, no doubt. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! Love, love, loved it!
<3 JMAC
Gosh this is seriously such a great freaking book.
Hadley and Reed were perfect. They were seriously so in love. I don’t think anyone who read this was expecting the s**t storm that follows their relationship. I never could have ever guessed they would fall apart. There was never any question of their love for one another. They loved hard, and showed their love even harder.
Hadley was a girl in love, and Reed, well he was your typical bad boy with a big heart. They were just so perfect. Reed had his own issues. Because of his past, he wanted to be a better man. Reed wanted to provide for Hadley, not just be her badass boyfriend. He wanted to give her what she deserved. He wanted to buy her everything she wanted and more. He had to do it, and once he finally got the chance to do it, everything had to change.
So part of me hated Reed, but at the same time I understood him. His decision was made with the best of intentions, but he went about it the wrong way.
Hadley completely broke me. When she broke, I broke. I took her heartbreak HARD. I was more than upset for her. I just wanted to jump into this book and hug her, cry with her, and tell her everything would be ok.
The emotions in this book are seriously so on point. I FELT EVERYTHING. I always say that when an author can make me feel so deeply, they are a seriously talented author. S.L. you are amazing. Your words, GOD YOUR WORDS, they hit me to my core. I didn’t feel like I was reading a fiction novel, but actually felt I was living the story, that’s how hard your words hit me!
GOD, AND THAT ENDING. I thought there was no way SL would make me go through all this heartbreak, all these tears, and not give me the HEA I so desperately needed. This ending killed me more than anything. No, not because it wasn’t an HEA, but because it LEFT ME HANGING. LEFT ME WANTING MORE. LEFT ME WITH MY MOUTH HANGING OPEN AS IF THIS WAS ALL A JOKE. I had to message a friend right away, and tell her how upset I was that it was over, but how goooooood it was!!
Fighting to Start is the story of two people who are meant to be together, but unfortunately life gets in the way. It is the meaning of real love, and pushing loves limits. Seeing how far your love can go before it breaks. Fighting to Start was so amazing, I honestly think everyone should read it. It was just so good.
I have to say, this was my first book of S.L.’s that I read, and OMG. It is honestly one of my favorite reads of 2015, no doubt. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! Love, love, loved it!
<3 JMAC
June 15, 2015
This is the first review for me on goodreads and I don't know why I choose this book to write about it, but somehow deep inside me I know that I have to explain my rating.
I was so sure that this book will get 5 stars from me because I really enjoyed reading it. But at the end everything changed.
I hate CLIFFHANGER and usually I don't read the first book until the second one is published. Nevertheless I started reading this one and like other members say, when you start reading it you can't stop. But at the end the only thing I wanted to do is toss it, because the last few pages destroyed the whole book for me. And it has nothing to do with the cliffhanger. Because of all the happenings it is clear that the whole story can't be written in one book, so it's obvious that there has to be a cliffhanger. But I think the author made the mistake to don't stop earlier (perhaps with Hadley in the bathtub?). Because after this part the whole story goes crazy. At the end the leap in time is too fast and the reader gets to know only a few information witch are incomplete and in my opinion unnecessary. I get it that the author wanted an ending like the real story started (with a note) but I think after all what happened it is imported to know whats going inside the two main characters especially during this three weeks. I can't explain it but in my opinion the whole end is a fast forward movement with too much incomplete information and it would have been better to start the second book with this end than to throw all this outside and let us readers deal with it.
Nevertheless I fell MADLY in love with Reed and Hadley (more with Reed ;-) ) and I can't wait to read the next part in hope that they get their happily ever after.
I was so sure that this book will get 5 stars from me because I really enjoyed reading it. But at the end everything changed.
I hate CLIFFHANGER and usually I don't read the first book until the second one is published. Nevertheless I started reading this one and like other members say, when you start reading it you can't stop. But at the end the only thing I wanted to do is toss it, because the last few pages destroyed the whole book for me. And it has nothing to do with the cliffhanger. Because of all the happenings it is clear that the whole story can't be written in one book, so it's obvious that there has to be a cliffhanger. But I think the author made the mistake to don't stop earlier (perhaps with Hadley in the bathtub?). Because after this part the whole story goes crazy. At the end the leap in time is too fast and the reader gets to know only a few information witch are incomplete and in my opinion unnecessary. I get it that the author wanted an ending like the real story started (with a note) but I think after all what happened it is imported to know whats going inside the two main characters especially during this three weeks. I can't explain it but in my opinion the whole end is a fast forward movement with too much incomplete information and it would have been better to start the second book with this end than to throw all this outside and let us readers deal with it.
Nevertheless I fell MADLY in love with Reed and Hadley (more with Reed ;-) ) and I can't wait to read the next part in hope that they get their happily ever after.
December 17, 2015
I was caught up in the romance of this story – and yes I do know what I am saying – this might have a hard exterior due to the setting but that is a clever ploy on behalf of the author because this hard assed fighter had a heart that was just begging to have someone to love and to be loved by.
I absolutely love a fight based novel, it gives me everything I need and they all have a lot to live up to, big men in the ring need to show me that they can a real man outside the ring and Reed was that and more.
Yes, he was what I would have expected a screwed up kid who was determined that he wanted to be more than everyone would have expect him to be.
The quintessential bad boy who has the bit between his teeth and a chip on his shoulder…you go Reed!
Serve up Hadley and you have a couple that were so good together that I galloped through their tale and was rocked on my heels by the time I got to the end, not just because of the ending but because I hadn’t realised how much I had read.
I loved the two of them and how much they were willing to share with me as a reader, they laid their hearts out on the line for each other and when they hit the wall, I felt my heart seep through my hands and take refuge on the floor, the author broke my heart!
I know there is more to come but that didn’t soften the blow that the author dished up, the end was devastating, I was ruined, it left me dumbfounded and distraught.
This is a story about life, about what you have, what you want and what you get …and the concoction that you make out of all those ingredients. It is about reaching your limit and watching your world fall apart around you and wondering what the heck you have to do to put it back together again.
I absolutely love a fight based novel, it gives me everything I need and they all have a lot to live up to, big men in the ring need to show me that they can a real man outside the ring and Reed was that and more.
Yes, he was what I would have expected a screwed up kid who was determined that he wanted to be more than everyone would have expect him to be.
The quintessential bad boy who has the bit between his teeth and a chip on his shoulder…you go Reed!
Serve up Hadley and you have a couple that were so good together that I galloped through their tale and was rocked on my heels by the time I got to the end, not just because of the ending but because I hadn’t realised how much I had read.
I loved the two of them and how much they were willing to share with me as a reader, they laid their hearts out on the line for each other and when they hit the wall, I felt my heart seep through my hands and take refuge on the floor, the author broke my heart!
I know there is more to come but that didn’t soften the blow that the author dished up, the end was devastating, I was ruined, it left me dumbfounded and distraught.
This is a story about life, about what you have, what you want and what you get …and the concoction that you make out of all those ingredients. It is about reaching your limit and watching your world fall apart around you and wondering what the heck you have to do to put it back together again.
November 27, 2015
4 Beautiful Stars
First of all, the cover is beautiful (yes, that's the reason I wanted to read this and because is about a fighter).
Hadley and Reed's story is not easy, it's not light, it's painful, it's full of mistakes made by both of them but you can fell their young love. Reed wants a fighter's career, he's been told all of his life he's not worth it and he has a goal to prove everyone that he's worth of Hadley's love. Yes, when you're young you're stupid (we've all been there) and unfortunally, those decissions can scar you for life. He decides to leave so he won't drag Hadley and she'll follow her dream... you can already guess it did not end too well.
Hadley's is my hero. Most authors portrait young women going through mayor sh*t and they make them rise to the ocassion, probably to show strength, there are people who are strong and can make it but others not so much. Hadley's weak, she said so herself and I loved her for that because you can find strength in weekness, I loved that she went spiralling, it felt real, I felt her desperation and I'm sure she'll find the right path.
I'm happy with this ending because it was the right thing to do, for the story, it's nervewracking but a good call. I didn't know it ended with a cliffhanger but fortunately I won't have to wait long for the next book!
The writing was great but I thougt the sex scenes could be better hence the rating but over all, it was beautiful. After finishing this I listened to Adele's "Hello" twenty times so you can guess my emotional state. It was an emotional journey but worth every tear, I'm sure it'll work out.. IT HAS TO!
First of all, the cover is beautiful (yes, that's the reason I wanted to read this and because is about a fighter).
Hadley and Reed's story is not easy, it's not light, it's painful, it's full of mistakes made by both of them but you can fell their young love. Reed wants a fighter's career, he's been told all of his life he's not worth it and he has a goal to prove everyone that he's worth of Hadley's love. Yes, when you're young you're stupid (we've all been there) and unfortunally, those decissions can scar you for life. He decides to leave so he won't drag Hadley and she'll follow her dream... you can already guess it did not end too well.
Hadley's is my hero. Most authors portrait young women going through mayor sh*t and they make them rise to the ocassion, probably to show strength, there are people who are strong and can make it but others not so much. Hadley's weak, she said so herself and I loved her for that because you can find strength in weekness, I loved that she went spiralling, it felt real, I felt her desperation and I'm sure she'll find the right path.
I'm happy with this ending because it was the right thing to do, for the story, it's nervewracking but a good call. I didn't know it ended with a cliffhanger but fortunately I won't have to wait long for the next book!
The writing was great but I thougt the sex scenes could be better hence the rating but over all, it was beautiful. After finishing this I listened to Adele's "Hello" twenty times so you can guess my emotional state. It was an emotional journey but worth every tear, I'm sure it'll work out.. IT HAS TO!
June 15, 2015
Reed and Hadley have a love story that is enviable to people on the outside. They love passionately and fight wickedly. Their love story ends just as fast as we get to know them.
First off, this story is sad. Legitimately, heartbreaking. Hadley is so broken by the events that happened when Riker left her to better their lives that everything spirals out of control and he's nowhere near her to help her through the nightmares she's enduring.
Reed "Riker" is the hottest MMA fighter at the moment and has girls hanging on his arms at every turn. Once Hadley sees with her own eyes that Reed has moved on, she decides it's time for her to do the same.
Reed has done things he's not proud of, and Hadley has her own secrets. The thing is, they're secrets but they're also lies of omission. The longer you let them build, the uglier they get when the truth comes out.
I wasn't expecting Fighting to Start to end the way it did. I'm a HEA lover, but who isn't? S.L. Ziegler definitely left us wanting more. What actually happened with Reed while in Vegas? Where is Hadley off to? Will their HEA happen? I'm definitely excited to read more of their story.
First off, this story is sad. Legitimately, heartbreaking. Hadley is so broken by the events that happened when Riker left her to better their lives that everything spirals out of control and he's nowhere near her to help her through the nightmares she's enduring.
Reed "Riker" is the hottest MMA fighter at the moment and has girls hanging on his arms at every turn. Once Hadley sees with her own eyes that Reed has moved on, she decides it's time for her to do the same.
Reed has done things he's not proud of, and Hadley has her own secrets. The thing is, they're secrets but they're also lies of omission. The longer you let them build, the uglier they get when the truth comes out.
I wasn't expecting Fighting to Start to end the way it did. I'm a HEA lover, but who isn't? S.L. Ziegler definitely left us wanting more. What actually happened with Reed while in Vegas? Where is Hadley off to? Will their HEA happen? I'm definitely excited to read more of their story.
June 18, 2015
Wow, this is one of the most emotional read I have read. Reed and Hadley are wonderful characters but they have a crazy emotional story. They are on their own crazy roller coaster of life. Reed and Hadley are happy and crazy in love then one decision changes everything. Reed's initial choice makes sense to Reed but completely devastates Hadley.
Reed goes off the be a big MMA fighter. When we finally decides to return a lot of stuff has happened and changed with both of them. The pull between them is still their and you can only hope that is enough to get over the past.
There are a lot of ups and downs in this story. It's hooks you in and keeps you interesting the whole time. The last 10% or so had me at the edge of my seat, I couldn't read it faster enough to find out what happened. Oh and the cliffhanger, OMG. I can't wait to read the next one.
A copy was received for a review.
Reed goes off the be a big MMA fighter. When we finally decides to return a lot of stuff has happened and changed with both of them. The pull between them is still their and you can only hope that is enough to get over the past.
There are a lot of ups and downs in this story. It's hooks you in and keeps you interesting the whole time. The last 10% or so had me at the edge of my seat, I couldn't read it faster enough to find out what happened. Oh and the cliffhanger, OMG. I can't wait to read the next one.
A copy was received for a review.
July 2, 2015
Wow this is one emotional roller coaster of a read. Hadley & Reed had it all, well it would seem that way. They had a strong once in a lifetime love but Reed needed to make something of himself to feel worthy of Hadley. To say Reed leaving broke Hadley would be a gross understatement it wrecked her and not just for a week or month but for years. When a chain of events leads Rees back to Hadley it's not rainbows & unicorns it's a dirty drag out fight to get back in her good graces. When finally I see a light at the end of the tunnel for them things don't just go bad they explode and repair is not happening anytime soon, if ever. The ending is sad, heart breaking and thankfully there's another book coming. The sex scenes were hot - nothing to raunchy .
November 29, 2015
This is my first book by this author and I am certainly a fan!!!
This is the story of Reed and Hadley, it began for them many years ago. Their love was intense, undeniable and difficult. Time and distance has separated them but the burn is still there. So many questions unanswered, too many words said and feelings trampled upon. The chemistry between them is amazing. You know that they belong to each other but so much had gotten in the way, too much! Is it possible to get another chance at the one? I can't wait to see where Reed and Hadley take us on this journey!
I received and Arc for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
This is the story of Reed and Hadley, it began for them many years ago. Their love was intense, undeniable and difficult. Time and distance has separated them but the burn is still there. So many questions unanswered, too many words said and feelings trampled upon. The chemistry between them is amazing. You know that they belong to each other but so much had gotten in the way, too much! Is it possible to get another chance at the one? I can't wait to see where Reed and Hadley take us on this journey!
I received and Arc for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
December 15, 2015
Hadley and Reed's story is an emotional rollercoaster ride which broke my heart for her. I wanted to give him a kick or two for not being the guy worthy of her. It doesn't begin that way. At first they are so much in love and things are going so well for them. Then Reed makes some seriously bad decisions and ruins everything shattering Hadley's heart in the process. Then there's that whole cliffhanger that had me wondering if they would ever find their way back to each other again.
I give Fighting to Start 4 hearts!
I give Fighting to Start 4 hearts!
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