Robert and Leah Grether’s life was turned upside down when they receive devastating news that their deceased daughter, Jamie, was switched at birth. While trying to come to terms with this new reality, Leah goes into pre-term labor, jeopardizing the life of their unborn daughter. Determined to have a normal life, Robert continues to train for the championship fight with Abel Kennedy, while fighting a custody battle over their biological daughter Madison. When too many strange events occur, Robert realizes they are being stalked by Madison’s father and Jamie’s biological father, Drake Sinclair. Will Robert be able to protect their daughter and his wife from Drake? Will Leah be able to fight and stay strong for her family, or will the dark cloud of depression consume her?
Brenda Kennedy is an award winner, an Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She is a true believer of romance. Her stories are based on the relationships that define our lives - compassionate, emotionally gripping, and uplifting novels with true to life characters, that stay with her readers long after the last page is turned.
Her varied, not always pleasant background has given her the personal experience to take her readers on an emotional, sometimes heart wrenching, journey through her stories. Brenda has been a struggling single mom, a survivor of domestic abuse, waitress, corrections officer, hostage negotiator and a corrections nurse. She is also a wife, mom, and grandmother. Even though her life was not always rainbows and butterflies, she is a survivor and believes her struggles have made her the person she is today.
Brenda is the author of the award winning book, Forever Country (The Rose Farm Trilogy Book 1). She has been dubbed "The Queen of Cliffhangers" by her adoring readers because books one and two always have a cliffhanger ending. In Brenda's own words, "I write series that end in cliffhangers, because I love them. I always give away the first book in each series so you have nothing to lose by reading it."
She was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio and moved to SW Florida in 2006 with her husband Rex. They have a combined family, and she often jokes about not remembering what child belongs to who.
I don't think that I can ever get enough of this Author's books. All of her books are Trilogies with cliff hangers but I'm one of those that don't mind a good cliffhanger. These books are so amazingly written and so heartfelt that it definitely leaves you in anticipation of the next book. This series deals with a couples struggles of dealing with the loss of a child but there is so much more. Against the Odds book 2 in this particular trilogy deals with taking a horrible situation and making it worse. Two people who have went through the worst possible pain and had a hard time dealing with it now have to deal with that situation being made even harder. They have to struggle with their demons and try to fight the darkness that wants to overtake them. Along with the bad though they also have a lot to be happy about and to celebrate.
This was such an emotional read and dealt with issues that every mother, heck, every parent fears. I cannot say how I would personally react had I ever dealt with a situation like that. The author is very good at tugging at your heartstrings. I definitely recommend reading. You do have to read book one first although to not be lost and know who some of the other characters are it really would be beneficial to start with the first trilogy as they are all connected. It's not a must this can be read as a stand alone trilogy it would just be helpful to know who everyone is. Bobby's past is explained more in the previous trilogy.
This book is amazing just like all the others. Seriously though I love Leah and Booby's story. This book picks up exactly where the previous one left off. From the moment it started I knew that I would need to keep the box of tissues close by. Leah and Bobby's bond and individual characters got stronger with every page. There are several appearances from many of our faves from Brenda's other series. I will try not to give away any spoilers but I found myself rooting for one family and my heart breaking for members of another. There are never any winners in situations like these but this is a beautiful story none the less. Brenda always leaves you with a cliff hanger until the next but this is honestly the first time where I knew it was coming and still kept trying to flip the page to find out more. The last page literally left me spitting out my coffee with my mouth hanging open in complete and utter shock. I stayed up the entire night to finish this story because once you read it you will NOT be able to put it down. I felt as though they were close friends that's how the story read. If you read the first one and loved it as much as I did I encourage you to follow in my steps and preorder Against the Odds. You won't regret it! I can't wait to read round 3! Kudos to Brenda for an amazing job well done!
I was gifted an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in The Fighting to Survive Trilogy! Book one leaves us with the traumatic news that Jamie wasn't Bobby and Leahs biological daughter. They are devastated but look forward to the birth of their baby and meeting Madison who unfortunately was switched at birth. Madison's "father" is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his daughter. What exactly will he do? Who will be hurt along the way? This book has lots of emotion, love, hot scenes and of course, one whopper of a cliffhanger!!! Book three, where are you??? Loved it!!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my favorite trilogy and can't wait for more of Leah and Bobby story. Leah trying hard to be stay strong and not let the darkness claim her. Bobby wants his biological daughter but would they get custody. Read the mystery of this story to found out but the mysterious will continue to keep you guessing.
Brenda Kennedy has done it again! Wrote another fantastic and emotional filled story that pulled me in right from the beginning. This 2nd book in this Trilogy brought forth all kinds of emotions. This started right from where the first book left off and again I could not put this one down until the end. If you have not read the first book, you may not want to continue reading because I may tell a few things that could spoil the book for you.
Leah and Bobby have not had it easy at all. Losing their daughter Jamie in a horrible accident and Leah and Bobby losing each other but with the grace of god , they found each other again and started rebuilding their life but without Jamie. Losing your child is something no parent should ever be put through. Children are suppose to bury their parents not the other way around but life doesn't always play fair.
Bobby is concentrating on the big fight against Kennedy and we find out why this fight means so much to Bobby and I understand why Bobby is out for blood. But Kennedy is the least of Bobby's problems right now. At the end of the first book you find out a huge shocker and this one goes into more of that particular shocker. Bobby and Leah again are thrown into a mess of emotions and Bobby is so afraid that Leah will not be able to handle all this at once. Depression claimed her once, he doesn't want it to claim her again. Leah tells him she is strong and not to worry but what he doesn't know is that black cloud of depression is always there reminding Leah that she can hide under the darkness and no deal with this whole disaster. Not only did they lose Jamie but now it's like they will be losing her again.
I have cried so much for Leah and Bobby, it has hurt my heart probably as much as it does theirs. Jamie when she died said something to both of them and I have now figured that Jamie in the end knew the secret before anyone else did. Brenda Kennedy knows how to make me feel what her characters feel and it hurts just like they are real and not words on a page. To me they are a part of me and I can not wait to see if their pain will ever leave them alone and can Bobby really fight Kennedy and survive? I need to know!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!
I started to read Against The Odds straight after I had finished A Life Worth Fighting. At the end of the first book we find out that Jamie is not Bobby and Leahs biological child. Losing a child is bad enough,but finding out that she was never yours in the first place is a double blow. Most people would crumble if they went through the same thing,but Bobby and Leah are stronger than they realise.
Leah goes into premature labour due to all the stress that the Grether family are going through. Bobby and Leah are having to fight for custody of their biological daughter and on top of this they have to worry about their daughter Gracie who is in the NICU.
Jamies biological Father ,Drake Sinclair is also stalking the Grethers and will do anything to ensure that they do not get custody of Madison
The topic of babies being switched at birth is a very emotive one and Brenda tackcles this with sensitivity and compassion,taking into account the feelings of both families. I don't think that Drake is a bad person,he is just frightened of losing Madison who he has raised for the past 6 years. I also think that is is where his anger comes from. Any parent would react in the same way if they were in the same situation. There can never be a great outcome to this as someone is going to get hurt. If the Grethers get custody of Madison,Drake and Chelsea would have lost two children. On the other hand, if the Sinclairs get custody then the Grethers will miss out on raising their biological daughter. Is it cruel to remove Madison from her family after so long?will both families come to some sort of arrangement which benefits all parties? Can Madison be given the chance to say who she wants to live with?
At the end of the book both families attend court and are told that they will have to wait a week for the judges decision (I am rooting for both families). As if that isn't agonising enough we then find out that a six year old girl has been abducted......
Another great job Brenda. I cannot wait to read more of your books in the future
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The fight of their lives is on and they are more than ready to fight it. I hate to write reviews that tell you to much about the book because I really feel every one should experience the story for themselves. So if you haven't read A Life Worth Fighting then you have to read it first, just so that you are caught up and the story will be that much better. Robert and Leah are faced with news that they now have to fight for their child. As I was reading this story the theme that resonated the most within me was that they are rock solid. I mean the love that these two share is what everyone looks for in life. The blows that keep being leveled at him keep coming but they never seem to be out for the count. No they get up and find a new way to attack their opponent. Yes, I know I am using a lot of boxing terms here but, it is only fitting since Robert is a boxer fighting for his family. Coming up with different strategies to see his opponents weakness. And Leah? I see Leah as Robert's coach and trainer, after everything they have been through she shows him how strong she is and he takes his cues on how to proceed in life with her at his side. Yes this book is inspiring. It is frightening. It is LOVE.period
Brenda continues the story of Bobby and Leah right where book one left off. So much heartache and pain after the news that Jaime was not their biological daughter. I enjoy the way Brenda describes what each character is feeling, the reader can actually feel the emotion and that is what gets a reader.
The story is one that is so emotional and yet so engaging. I wanted to know more. I kept flipping pages and at one point got sassy with Drake Sinclair, he's a jerk and I had the chance to yell at him via my kindle. As you read you get to understand some of the pain that Drake and his family are feeling. The pain of losing one child and the possibility of losing the only daughter they have ever known.
This is a phenomenal story line. I'm intrigued with what will happen next. The Queen of Cliffhangers has left us once again ... waiting and hanging with an epic cliffhanger.
I enjoyed visiting with some of the characters from the original series.
Good job Brenda, I can't wait to see how this story will unfold.
The story of Leah and Bobbi continues in the second book of the Fighting to Survive trilogy. The story keeps getting better and had me not wanting to stop reading it. There's more heartache in store for Leah and Bobbi in this book,, but I have no doubt there's going to be a happy ending in the final book. Mrs. Kennedy has written these books in such a way that you actually feel like you KNOW these people and they are part of your life! Mrs. Kennedy writes about real life happenings with real life people. So many families have suffered through drugs, alcohol, abuse (and yes, verbal abuse is STILL abuse!!) and depression and this story makes you realize that you CAN BEAT IT!! Once again though, if you are not expecting a cliffhanger, then DO NOT get angry when you get one!! I look forward to reading the final book and every other book after that!! I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Oh my! The Queen of cliffhangers has done it again with book of the Fighting to Survive Series. After the shock ending of book one when Leah and Robert find out that their dead daughter Jamie wasn't actually their biological daughter I was devastated for them. They had been through so much that to be told this I was sure that they wouldn't be able to take the news.
In this book we follow then through the aftermath, Leah's pre-term birth and dealing with their biological daughters family.
This was a roller coaster ride of emotions for poor Leah, I honestly do not know what I would do in this situation, but they decided to go after custody of a child that they dont know and have no involvement with. I can see where they are coming from but I also feel for the other family - they are loosing their only "daughter" and have discovered that theirs is already dead.
This a brilliantly written, full of emotion and be prepared for another mother of all cliffhangers in true Brenda style!
Just when I thought Brenda Kennedy hit me with the cliffhanger of the century, she writes this one! I was gifted an ARC and this is my honest review! Against the Odds continues to follow the lives of Leah and Bobby Grether, dealing with the news that their first child was switched at birth. They are expecting a second child which is not without complications, along with Bobbys upcoming boxing match, their lives are full of sadness, sorrow and uncertainty. And Bobby needs to keep it together so Leah doesn't fall into depression. They have each other, good family and friends and an unstoppable love to see them through. Or will the dress of a custody battle prove too much. Will the return of a stranger ruin all of their lives? You won't want to miss this amazing trilogy. Brenda has us on the edge of our seats again!!
•○•○•○Adding more since I have finished the book. •○•○•○
Oh Brenda Brenda Brenda.........you kill me with these! Is it October yet because I need to finish this trilogy NOW!!
Wow, I loved book two. So much emotion in it you can feel from all sides. You know you are reading a book by a gifted author when you completely feel as if you are there living around these people and their ups and downs. I can not wait to find out what happens in book 3. I don't want to give anything away but man I loved this book. HUGE fan of all of Brenda's books so far. 5 golden stars from me!!
can't wait to see what happens after the ending of book one. Thanks Brenda for writing some great books that are easy to get lost in and feel like you are there.
Where do I begin! Brenda has once again created a masterpiece that will have you laughing, crying and best of all feeling the amazing love that Bobby and Leah have. After finding out that they were going to be parents again life looked like it was finally turning for the better. But what do you do when you find out that the sweet little girl that you’ve been morning the loss of, isn’t your biological daughter. What does this mean for the future of Bobby and Leah’s family. Find out in Round Two: Against the Odds! Thank you again Brenda for choosing me to be one of your beta readers, it’s always an honor! I can’t wait for Round Three: One last fight! P.S. Brenda Kennedy is the Queen of Cliffhangers!!
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two in The Fighting to Survive Trilogy. They are devastated to learn that Jamie was not their biological daughter, but look forward to the birth of their baby and meeting Madison who unfortunately was switched at birth. Madison's father is will to do whatever it takes to keep her, but what exactly will he do? Will someone be hurt along the way and will they be able to thwart all threats? This is one emotional read, filled with love, hot scenes and of course, one heck of a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the next one to find out how it will all end. I absolutely loved this book.
I was gifted a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. This book picks right up from that epic cliffhanger in book one. This story touched me in so many ways. My heart was breaking for all the heartache Bobby and Leah were going thru. Just like with Brenda's other books it's full of angst,drama,steamy scenes and of course an one heck of cliffhanger at the end. So looking forward to book three and seeing how everything pans out for Bobby and Leah. Will they get the closure they need when it comes to their biological daughter? Or will they have their hearts shattered and ripped apart all over again?
Absolutely loved the emotional rollercoaster this book is. I couldn't put it down wanting to know how it all was going to work out for Bobby and Leah. It is refreshing to read stories that captured real emotions such as the loss of a child or the finding of one that you never had a chance to know and how the families involved react to such events. like I said before it is a loving emotional rollercoaster that leaves you hanging and wanting more.
After learning their daughter was switched at birth Leah and Robert want to get their daughter back. Jamie will always be in their hearts even though she's gone, but they don't want to live without Madison. Bringing home Madison isn't going to be easy. The family that has been raising her will put up a fight. Will Madison's fate be another Jamie?
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
This read is so amazing. Starting right where book one left off and these books have been heart wrenching. Brenda Kennedy does an amazing job with her books and this read joins the rest. Emotions pour out of this book and you can't help but feel it as you read. I can't wait to see what book 3 has in store for us!!
Still a really good read. This book although it has conflicts, it leaves the reader calm. Is that the key to stress? The back of the book said book 3 will be out in 2015. 2015 is almost over. Write faster Brenda Kennedy!
This was amazing as usual. Brenda Kennedy keeps it coming each and every book. Once In start I can't put the book down!! Can't wait for the next one!!!!
despite not being a fan of the author's writing style (my editor eyes were working overtime with ways to clean it up), I connected with the main characters and wanted to read until their HEA.