The Fight

by Alice Ward

Cherry = Ripe and Delicious. Too tempting.

Even though I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I built my own successful R&D company from scratch. I’m always looking for talent. That’s how I meet Cherry Bomb — underground MMA fighting princess. After watching one match, I’m hooked and sign her on as my newest investment.

Sweet, tart, and fresh, I want to do more than spar with her. I want her. And that’s a problem.

We have different priorities. Hers, to take care of her family, while I need to find mine.

But I’m quickly becoming addicted to her. It’s an addiction I need to kick. If she doesn’t KO me first.

*** This is a full length novel with a happily ever after, no cliffhanger, no cheating, and plenty of steam. ***

Genres: Sports, Fighters, Dark Romance, Mixed Martial Arts, Romance

Unknown Binding

First published September 10, 2018

About the author

Alice Ward is the bestselling author of dozens of hot and steamy contemporary romances. She’s an amazingly prolific writer, releasing a new book almost every single month. Her books are widely read, especially by women and any other lovers of the romance genre. My Stepbrother, My Lover, was her first smash hit.

*** Get a Free VIP Exclusive Alice Ward book here: authoraliceward.com/free-book ***

Alice lives in Miami with her hunky husband. The beach is her all time favorite place to relax with her laptop and write.


Alice loves to connect with her readers:
AuthorAliceWard.com
Facebook.com/AuthorAliceWard
Twitter.com/AuthorAliceWard
Pinterest.com/AuthorAliceWard
Instagram.com/AuthorAliceWard

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Those who aren't secure in their masculinity are often frightened of anything that might be remotely feminine."

YES!! JESUS CHRIST! THIS WAS SUCH A RUSH!!

It was SO wonderful to read a book where the female lead is a powerful, independent hard working woman! It was so satisfying.
Cherry is an underground illegal fighter and she is a really good one that has always wanted to go pro but her main focus for her hard work is her family, her priority. She finds her life changing when a billionaire wants to sponsor her and help improve her career. Little did she know that this billionaire would end up changed a lot more than her career.

Man, it was so good to read this. How Cherry fought, literally, so hard and chased her way to the top. It's so good to see female roles being treated so importantly and with such a respect. I little feel relief reading this.

Caleb was the opposite of the billionaire spoiled brat. He was a man with a lot in his hands and he did not expect for a bomb to change his entire life, the only bomb that ever reached his heart, Cherry Bomb. He had so much respect for her, he did not see her as a piece of meat, but the badass woman she was!

Please, if you like to read about strong female roles and mature relationships, this is a go! Alice Ward really did it this time.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I would like to say that I have never shown great interest in MMA romance. On the contrary while reading this story, my interest was actually tickled. Cherry I an underground MMA fighter who chose this profession as a means to relieve all the burden she carries. At one of her matches she encounters Caleb, a billionaire who is immediately smitten by her charms. Caleb decides to sponsor Cherry by launching her into the professional world and what initially may seem a fling, it later becomes something more. I admit I really didn’t prefer Cherry as a character because she seemed too masculine and not really fit for such a gorgeous man. Indeed as the story goes further, the author develops Cherry’s character and she sort of shapes her personality in order to give the reader the impression that she can fit into Caleb’s world. Likewise she does it with Caleb so at the end both are perfectly embedded into one another. In my opinion it is an involving read even for those who aren’t enthusiastic about MMA romance.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fight by Alice Ward is a steamy, heartpounding read that guaranteed to knock you out. Caleb and Cherry’s story is sweet and yet unique. Cherry bomb is a strong fighter who has dealt with a lot in life. Caleb is a dominant player, an unfeeling billionaire who comes and watches her and finds that he is very impressed with her to the point that he sponsors her. Both of them have things that have happened to them that have shaped them into who they are. Caleb comes to realize that he is falling for this sexy MMA figher. As is Cherry...but will the feelings last when he is holding secrets from her ? This is another good and strong emotionally charged read by Alice Ward.

MY RATING: 4.5 stars *****

[BookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Ward's novels I was eager to read an early copy of this book, but it left me with mixed feelings. Really, what’s not to love about a female underground MMA fighter? Cherry is an amazing young woman who's had to work for even the smallest advantage and will do anything for her mother and siblings who are all struggling since losing their father. She may be young, but circumstances and experience have shaped her into a strong, determined, responsible woman who wants to become a professional fighter so she can provide for her family. Then we have Caleb, who comes from money but is a self-made, very rich man, yet he harbors an old hurt and keeps a part of himself closed off. When he sees Cherry fight a man twice her size, he’s immediately taken with her and offers to back her financially and take her into the professional arena.

Ward also intersperses social consciousness throughout the book by introducing a homeless population that Caleb takes upon himself to help. It begins when he discovers a family living in the tunnel under his office building and blossoms into a heartfelt, benevolent endeavor that not only helps several families but involves Cherry's family, and it’s a wonderful addition to the book that serves to reveal a deeper part of Caleb. As much as he thinks his walls are intact, Caleb is truly a great guy with a kind, generous heart, and Cherry isn’t fooled by the cold façade he erects at times.

So why do we have to have an otherwise amazing hero who shoots himself in the relationship foot? I don’t know if it’s an attempt to make men look bad or women appear stronger, but real life offers unlimited external challenges to draw from without the crutch of self-sabotage by either protagonist. It makes it harder to like the saboteur and causes the other protagonist to appear weak for putting up with the shenanigans. With such a strong, mature heroine in Cherry, to have her throw her heart at Caleb after weeks of being virtually ignored by him just makes me scratch my head in disbelief. I may have reached my saturation point with heroes or heroines acting like fools, but aside from that (and provided it doesn’t bother you) you’ll love Caleb and Cherry's story that’s full of heart, a little humor and a ton of heat.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fight has two characters that know the definition of the word. Cherry is a up and rising MMA fighter in the underground world. She wants to make it legit and become a professional fighter to help her family. It has been a struggle since the death of her father. They have to fight to survive. She has been knocked down so many times it is hard for her to trust. When Caleb comes around with a answer to her dreams she is a first wary. Caleb is rich, good looking and smart. He wants to invest in Cherry and her career. In the first scene we are given a glimpse of Caleb where were he is cold, calculating and arrogant. He really is a good guy with a big heart. We see that when he helps Cherry and the homeless family in the tunnels under his building. He has his own personal fights that he must concur. They both fight their feelings for each other. This is good story that started off really well then slowed a little for me. I still it. I loved Cherry strong character and the fact that she was a female MMA fighter taking down men twice her size. Strength and brains. Loved that!

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Alice Ward,,,, it had my attention the whole way thru it,,,, seriously, I couldn't put it down,,,

"Cherry Bomb" is 5'11 3/4 and can hold her own with any guy, especially because she's an underground MMA fighter with a pretty good record,,,,, she was enrolled in college her very first year and she needed a P.E. class and it's there she got hooked on MMA and then things happened,,, her dad passed away and she started fighting to help pay the bills,,,, and then her and her best friend Grace Powell were in a bar one night and she broke up a fight,,,it was there that she met "Hawk",,,, he started her out as ring girl and worked her way up to fighter,,,, and she was eager to learn, but the more fights she was, the more money to help her mom pay for bills and her siblings to live with a house and food and things they needed,,,, until one night she was seen by a man that changed her whole world,,,,,, and she didn't want to screw that up for anything, especially just for her love life,,,,

Caleb Birchmeir and his best friend, Hunter started their own R&D Company called Birchmeir and Cain,,,, they went to the same boarding school, got their 1st cars together,,,, Hunter crashed his after being drunk and driving after a party,,, and then his father's company went belly up and these 2 started their own company 6 years ago and never looked back,,,, and thru out those years they've made decisions together and one night Hunter took him to an underground MMA tournament and he was hooked,,,, on her,,,, the fighter called "Cherry Bomb",,,, and he made her an offer she couldn't refuse, with consulting Hunter, and the next day she showed up at his place he had designated and she saw more money there than she has ever seen and it was hers, her trainer, and everything was provided, she just had to show up and train,,,, but, she had Caleb hooked,,,, and he couldnt think of anything else, but her. ,, he HAD to be with her,,,,,, but there started the problem, at least she thought,,,,

Go out and catch up with Alice Wards newest book, The Fight,,,, I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,, grab yourself a beverage, find yourself a comfy spot and sit and read,,,, I know I am glad I read it,,,, I'm sure you will be too,,,,,, !!! ,,,,,,

I got this ARC voluntary to leave an honest review ,,

[Jackie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Fight' is a unique MMA sports romance revolving around a female underground cage fighter Cherry and the man who takes her from dark and dreary to the action and lights above ground when he becomes her sponsor after watching one underground fight. ( Caleb )
Enamored with her mind, body, soul, and skills it's not hard to see Caleb has eyes for Cherry but taking it beyond professional is a bad Idea, he is not what Cherry needs.
New to the ways of Legal MMA fights, how money talks and letting someone else take the lead- opening the door, ushering Caleb into her world- her family is no easy feat, once she has there is no turning back for her.
Will Caleb's past get in the way of the connection they have formed? Can Cherry be a fighter and a lover?
An intriguing, hearts on display read, with plenty of heat and action.
I applaud the authors' creative ways of making Cherry center stage while not always in a winning capacity and used action terms that correlated well with moves mimicked in boxing and MMA matches. I am an avid fan of both these sports.
A dramatic twist is thrown in to balance out the swoon-worthy behaviors, and fast mover of a storyline, rounding out the fast mover of a romance.
I thought it was a good read; I did have issues with Cherry's character being indecisive, and juvenile at times when other times shes acting like an adult. It was frustrating and difficult to picture her as a "fighter" or "caregiver" for her family - especially in the epilogue ( ah what 22-year old agrees to all that? Just strange) As well as Caleb's twist, I don't understand why more wasn't said about it.
Went from hearing about it to nothing then *poof* magically reappeared, and all is well or on its way to better, and Caleb is no longer Jerkface number 1 and everyone happy- Granted both situations mentioned could just be me.
Different from what Alice Ward writes typically, I would suggest checking this one out for yourself, see what you think!
3.5-3.7 Stars

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, Gritty and Sensual Journey of a Female Fighter!!

Cherry is a scrapper struggling to care for her mom and 4 siblings after her father died. Underground fights were a way to make extra money in additional to her “day job”.

Caleb comes from money. Not caring much for his family or their methods he has made his millions on his own – or rather with his partner and COO Hunter. When Hunter surprises Caleb with a trip to watch an illegal cage match, he calls the first matches easily as he fought in college – but misses the mark when the match includes; “this little girl up against a literal giant” .

Caleb sees the raw talent Cherry exhibits, and is also drawn to her beauty. He wonders what professional backing could do for her and offers her his sponsorship. Most people fall at his feet, but Cherry is suspicious and snarky which attracts Caleb all the more.

“This whole process will go much more smoothly if you stop questioning the expediency in which I do things.” I blinked. He was straightforward, I’d give him that. “I��ll try. But certainly you understand, it’s not every day a fighter is signed to a sponsor, coach, and is evaluated in less than twenty-four hours.”

The characters are fully developed here, drawing the reader into the struggles of each, with a feeling that you are alongside the character as they live this story. “Cherry really was a sleek, sexy dynamo, punishing the sack with the furor of a storm. I wondered idly what her childhood was like to have created such a woman, one with walls so high that they were practically impenetrable, and a penchant for throwing mean right hooks.”

One of my most enjoyable reads of the year – entertaining, sensual, realistic and inspired!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read between a CEO and entrepreneur, Caleb, and his latest acquisition, a female MMA fighter, who he spots and meets at an illegal underground fight. Cherry has her reasons for fighting and I loved that about her, her commitment to her family and the tight bond they all share.
Caleb took me a while to connect to, he had his own demons to deal with but it hindered his life and to top it off him and his dad were at each other’s throats. He wasn’t as mature as Cherry and it irked me at what he did near the end and then Cherry not making him own up to what he did...I would have liked to have seen a little grovelling. But I did appreciate the no over the top drama but a little bit would have made it better in my eyes.
I did like what he did with homeless situation and how he took control and how there were no jealousies or women coming between them. I also liked the role reversal, a strong female fighter that could kick a**, male or female opponents.
The story took a while for me to catch my interest as it was a bit slow in the beginning and I would have liked to have known what transpired between Caleb and his dad, one minute they are at each other and the next the dad is coming to the fight and at the end, joining everybody for a bbq. No explanation as to what type of conversation they had or when an AHA moment transpired between them.
Otherwise a good read with steam, a billionaire and an MMA female fighter.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book through Kindle Unlimited***Cherry was fighting as an underground MMA fighter. She was tall and built. She was about to fight Andre the Giant, this was to be her highest paid fight. Caleb and Hunter were friends from forever. Caleb's dad was a billionaire and he didn't want to stay under his rule, so he and Hunter started their own company after Hunter's dad's company failed. He invited Caleb to a night out, different from a night of carousing with women. Knowing how Caleb felt about MMA and boxing, he took him to the underground tunnels to the MMA fights. Cherry and Andre's fight was the main event. When he saw the stats for all three fights he and Hunter made bets. Hunter bet on Cherry. When she entered the cage Caleb couldn't believe his eyes. Not only was she gorgeous, but she also won the fight against the giant. He rushed to her prep room and gave her his card telling her he wanted to be her sponsor and he would take care of her needs. Turns out they were great. Her dad had passed and she was the eldest of five children, so she quit college and started fighting to help take care of her mom and siblings. She didn't particularly trust Caleb but she soon found him to be credible. Not only did she like his looks he was smitten by her, but they both had also walls built up around their emotions. But he was a man of his word, he would make her a professional. This wasn't one of Alice's hot, hot books, but it was a very enjoyable read.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! It has amazing characters, an incredible storyline, and a fabulous happy ending.

The story is a different angle on the world of professional fighting. A woman competing in a male dominated world captures the attention of a businessman looking for his next investment. This is not only a romance between these two strong and independent characters. It is about a woman breaking barriers in society and the understanding and compassion towards people struggling to make their dreams come true. It is an inspiring story that makes you feel good and want to pay it forward.

Cherry is an incredible young woman who is devoted to her family - her mom and four younger siblings. (You'll really enjoy their family dynamic and their interactions.) Cherry's pure heart, determination and pride to help support her family lead her into the world of underground fighting with hopes to turn pro. Caleb has a cold and calculating facade but, as you get deeper in to the story you can tell why he has built walls to protect his heart. His family life is nothing like Cherry's. Caleb's company was started with the determination and drive to be independent of his father. Caleb's relationship begins as a business proposition and becomes more involved as they gain mutal respect, understanding and love.

I totally enjoyed and highly recommend this book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I didn't know what to expect in this book with the woman taking the role of the MMA fighter. But I have to say I really enjoyed this book.
The story was not just one based on Cherry's MMA fighting, but it was about her fight to survive and to take care of her family.
Cherry is involved in illegal underground MMA fighting hoping someday to go pro. She may just get her chance when Caleb is convinced by his friend/ business partner Hunter to attend one of these fights. Little did Caleb know that he would be impressed and drawn to Cherry so he offers to invest in her and agrees to be her sponsor in hopes to launch her into a professional career.
Caleb and Cherry come from different worlds . He was born into a very wealthy family and after some life changing situations he wants to make it on his own without using his family's last name. Cherry was raised on a farm and has had to work her butt off for everything she has, but after her father passes suddenly she feels the need to take care of her 4 siblings & her mom.
The story holds other secrets to their past. Will Cherry and Caleb be able to find love?
I also loved all the other characters in this book they really added to the story.
Thank you Alice for sending me an ARC of this book, this was my honest review and I will be purchasing my own copy. Would be honored to receive an ARC of yours anytime:)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman fighter who knocks wealthy CEO Caleb for a loop !💕 😜
September 10, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
💕This story has most of author Alice Ward's signature story assets - good writing, likable main characters who are essentially good people, romance, passion, and some great secondary characters. Protagonists Cherry and Caleb both have family issues and come from very different backgrounds, yet somehow end up bridging the gap. I love this trope in general, and it works fine here (though it really blew me away in Ward's book The Hunt, still my favorite of her romances). Cherry's hard scrabble life is touching and Caleb's angst and guilt about his youthful error that ruined his relationship with his sister seems to have totally shaped his sympathy for the homeless. Caleb doesn't just give his sympathy lip service; he actively tries to improve lives and that made him a true hero.

That said, I am not fond of stories about fighters, boxers, those of either gender injuring themselves and others for enjoyment or a living, and I found Caleb's repeated excuse for not having time for a relationship a bit lame. And I did not understand the book cover and how it fit this story.

So, enjoyable for the romance and the family issues, just not one of my favorite Alice Ward stories.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"WOW" How does Alice come up with such brilliant captivating storylines that draw you in and characters that are not only likeable but believable. Cherry Bomb a 21 year old courageous strong MMA fighter trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated sport while taking on the responcibity of looking after her mom and younger siblings following the death of her dad a few years previous and Caleb a millionaire CEO of a Reasearch and development Company, a dominant but totally closed off due to bad decisions and a tragedy when he was younger. When they come together following Caleb's investment to sponsor Cherry to become a pro fighter, is it just another business deal?? Or will the strong attraction they have for each other lead to something else?? As with all Alice's books the steamy hot sex scenes keep you wanting to fan yourself. I love how there are other stories with secondary characters developing in the background which define the main characters and keep you wanting more. It's a book that keeps on giving but you have to purchase it first. I was given this as an ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of action, plenty of heat

The Fight by Alice Ward is a very well written book that's packed with tons of action both in and out of the bedroom. I have to say that the fight scenes were intense and exciting. I found myself reading faster and holding my breath! The characters in this story, Caleb and Cherry are as about as opposite as they are similar. I really liked the development of their story. The MMA perspective was very interesting and I enjoyed it a great deal as I admire women (and men) with that kind of talent and abilities.
The Fight is so much more than that though. Caleb has his own history and tragedy to work through and as a result there's plenty of on again off again, but despite that, the love won't be denied. Cherry contributes to their uncertainty as well. Additionally, there are other elements that add to the story, making it well rounded and describing the whole of each character, including the family and friends of Caleb and Cherry both.
Overall a very well written book that I had a very hard time putting down. A page turner indeed.

[Keri Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s been fighting for everything is her life. It’s time she has someone to fight by her side.

Cherry is an underground MMA fighter. She fights to support her mother and siblings. She’s beautiful, determined and tough. Cherry has no problem getting in the ring with the big boys in this male dominated sport.

Caleb own his own company. He comes from money, but he’s successful in his own right. He likes to find side projects to invest in. And once he sees Cherry in the ring, she becomes his next project.

He offers her the opportunity to turn pro with him as her sponsor. It’s everything she’s always dreamed of, she just never thought falling in love would be part of that dream.

There was so much more to this story. Cherry had a great family and they were wonderful supporting characters. Along with Caleb’s best friend. They all helped to explain where Cherry and Caleb came from.

Cherry and Caleb shared an instant attraction with sparks flying. She tried to resist and he tried to walk away, but in the end, you can’t deny love.

[Sheri Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Alice Ward's books. They were always good, hot, and with a decent story line. But this book and a few before it, I've noticed Alice has started including feels with her stories. Between that and the HOT hot sex, this book is a winner!! Alice has tapped a new dimension with her words and I, for one, am enjoying it and enjoying her stories even more.

Cherry knows all about clawing your way through life, having more week than paycheck, putting everyone else before yourself. Caleb - not so much. Although he comes from money, he has made his own but has never had to worry about where his next meal might come from or how he's going to pay the electric bill that month. Cherry has done all this and more.

Caleb is dragged out for a good time by his best friend and business partner. Thinking they'll be going for drinks, he is unprepared for what awaits him and the beautiful woman he discovers. The Fight is really about their fight to make their life and love work.

I am loving this new side we're seeing of Alice Ward and I hope she continues working in the feels of her stories because I'll keep reading them and recommending them. Grab The Fight and see if you can fight not to feel the characters struggle.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC and I leave my voluntary and honest review.

Ms. Ward flexes her creative muscle writing about a female MMA fighter who has no fear fighting men in the ring. The fighter is Cherry Bomb who fights to support her mom and siblings and what a great family they are! Cherry is strong, beautiful woman who is fearless in the ring.

Then we have Caleb. Born rich but isn't an idle playboy. He built his own R&D company. He sees Cherry fight a man twice his size and decides she's his next project. He gets her to agree to let him sponsor her so she can win the ultimate prize. Caleb is a closet philanthropist. There's a lot more to him than meets the eye.

Chemistry burns and sizzles between Caleb and Cherry. Cherry never expected to fall in love with him. Quite an interesting story with their push/pull relationship, super steamy scenes, and a dramatic conclusion.

Another well written, layered and complex romance from a gifted author!

[Iwona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for what you believe

Never really enjoyed MMA books but Cherry Bomb wow I felt the empowerment of women. Shes been through a lot helping her family through difficult times. She’s sacrificed since shes the oldest but the semblance of family she has..... wow, if only that was how teenager/ young adults felt these days the world would be a better place. She fights for her family, her place in life and her self worth. When Caleb sees her for the first time he is blown away. He has to meet her. Offering her a full endorsement to go pro is a dream come true for her. Caleb has his inspiration for expanding this part of his life but Cherry is beautiful. He has a secret from his past that has kept him at arms length from women all these years. He puts off this cold hardened man but his heart is big. Will these two go off like her name states, like a bomb? Read and find out. Enjoy

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so completely and totally adored the fact that book tips several of the expected gender stereotypes on their collective heads. I’m a little more conflicted by my feeling about Caleb and Cherry. I loved seeing how dedicated they both were at taking care of others. I didn’t love that they both also did it often at the expense of their own wellbeing. I loved the way it all turned out in the end, I just would have liked a little bit more explanation about why and how we got to that point. I wanted to know more about why Caleb got cold and withdrew into himself. I think the resolution happened a bit too quickly for my taste and I would have liked to see the changes take place that made that outcome possible. And I really hope we get to read Hunter’s story at some point in the future.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Carol 27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance that brings a lot of steam and packs an emotional punch. The story is well written with likeable but intense main characters and a good supporting cast that helps bring the laughter. I enjoyed Cherry and Caleb’s journey of self-discovery as they fought their attraction, their stubbornness and their confusion over their blossoming feelings. I loved Cherry’s confidence and determination to succeed and to provide for her family. Caleb was at times a bit flaky for me though as he retreated to his cold persona rather than deal with emotional things head-on. I liked that the story also shed light on the struggles of women MMA fighters to be taken seriously in a heavily male-dominated sport. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ZJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite genre, but written so well, even I could really get into the story and empathize with the characters. Strong emotions and drive, to rise from nothing, even if on the wrong side of the law, for the betterment of her family guide Cherry to aim high.
There is always someone waiting to exploit talent, for Cherry to avoid the pitfalls yet achieve her dream is a well deserved miracle assisted by a twist of fate as a sponsor comes along to help her channel her hard work into success. Caleb wrestles with his own demons, baggage from his past affects every aspect of his present and looks to ravage his future too. I was rooting for his conflicts to become resolved so he also could achieve his HEA. A compelling tale where multiple subplots segue beautifully to provide a highly entertaining, romantic and admittedly steamy read.

[Åsa Vågeteg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.

I just love a good love story with a strong female and this book certainly gives me what I want.

Cherry is one tough lady who’s struggling to make a living for her family and herself. Her life so far hasn’t been an easy one with her father dying and money being something you have to fight for. And fight is exactly what she’s doing. She earns her money by being an MMA fighter.

One night, during one of Cherry’s fights, Caleb sees her. He is instantly fascinated by her and decides to take a chance on Cherry and her career. He has money to throw at her but he wants something else from her, not just to be her sponsor. On the surface it seems that Caleb has had an easy life but he has his own ghosts to fight.

This is such a good book and I highly recommended it.

[Cynthia Settimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
Cherry is an MMA fighter, Caleb is a business man. After Caleb sees Cherry fight in an underground illegal fight he wants to take her pro. He wants to back her to get her there. They are attracted to each other like magnets. They both have walls up. Tall strong walls, not willing to let anyone in. Can they break down each others walls?
I really enjoyed the book. It was refreshing to have such a strong heroine. Cherry loves her family, and would do just about anything for them. They lost their dad and they have not had an easy time since. Her mom, herself and her brother work to make ends meet for the family of 6. Calebs dad is distant, and his sister disappeared 10 years ago; and he thinks it is his fault.
I don't want to say more, I think I will spoil it for you.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Alice Ward! I loved the family dynamic between the main character, Cherry, and her down-on-their-luck family. After her father passed away, Cherry became the breadwinner for her family by participating in illegal fights. She made a name for herself in the underground world of MMA, taking on male opponents, and winning!
Enter Caleb - rich, arrogant, but with a kind heart. He sees Cherry fight and is immediately enchanted.

I love that this book is about a female fighter in a male dominated world, and she doesn’t let that stop her. Cherry and Caleb didn’t give in to their attraction right away, but when they did, WOW!
What I didn’t love is how easily Cherry forgave Caleb after he was a complete jerk. I didn’t fully believe that someone as strong and independent as Cherry was written would just forgive a guy so easily.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read by Alice. Cherry has been fighting since her father died. She puts her family first and everything, including her, last. Cherry wants to be a professional MMA fighter, but doesn't know if she will get her chance. Caleb is the CEO of the company he and his best friend, Hunter, founded. One night, Hunter takes Caleb to an underground fight, and he sees Cherry. He is very attracted to her and decides he wants to sponsor her. Once he starts sponsoring her the tension between them starts to tighten. They both have strong tall walls that they have built around them over the years, and it takes a lot to get them to bring them down. Cherry is a very strong, independent and feisty lady. Cherry and Caleb come from different worlds, but the are more alike than they think. These two have a strong connection and some hot chemistry.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Ward always provides an exciting and thought-provoking read, and this book is no exception. It is a book with an exceptionally strong female lead, who is neither bitter and closed off nor lacking in femininity. It is so refreshing to have a character that is strong yet feminine, independent yet open, and intelligent yet no soap box in sight. Caleb is a wonderful charismatic male lead, but again lacking in unnecessary arrogance and brashness that is sometimes found. He is a strong, supportive and complex character that adds so much to the story. Her youthful exuberance, drive and tenacity and his deep introspection and desire make for an exciting, intriguing and heartrate raising story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb meets Cherry when his best friend, Hunter, takes him to an underground MMA fight featuring Cherry in the ring. He’s instantly attracted to her and makes a decision to get closer to her by becoming her sponsor. I know nothing about fighting but the writing had a ring of authenticity to me. Cherry is fighting to support her family and Caleb’s deep pockets go along ways towards her goal. Never mind that she is attracted to him too. However, Cherry is focused on taking care of her family by fighting and earning winnings and Caleb is focused on finding his sister who’s been missing for years. They each have their own baggage to unpack before they can actually develop a meaningful relationship with each other. This is their story and how they try to achieve their HEA.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel The Fight by Alice Ward and this review was given freely.
The author easily melds Cherry's family life, Caleb's personal and professional life, and the romance between Cherry and Caleb into an intense, emotional and complex steamy love story built around a rising female MMA and a billionaire financier. Both with broken pasts and a love for boxing, Caleb and Cherry find love and healing. Some themes included are risking love, giving up control, finding the comfort provided by a family,being true to yourself, and perseverance over addiction. With only small snippets containing actual violence, I found this a riveting and thoroughly enjoyable romance.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not the book I was expecting. The heroine is an underground fighter would wants to make it big so she can take care of her family. The main characters have really good depth and the secondary characters give life to the book and make you feel what it would be like to live in Cherry's family. The story line keeps you reading and hoping that it will work out. Caleb who takes on Cherry and sponsors her bid to go professional is a definite alpha male though he will give her the room to do what she needs to do sometimes to the point of seeming undecisive. Where you just want to shake him. Enjoyable book.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.