How does a girl go from an innocent five-year-old to the most dangerous fighter the UFC never saw? Meet Bree Aniston, the central character of PUMMELED, an action-drama that chronicles two decades in the tumultuous life of a girl forced to discover the limits of her strengths, both physically and mentally.Following the sudden death of her father, Bree is forced to grow up as her grief-stricken mother plunges into a world of alcoholism and domestic abuse. When Bree is introduced to the world of mixed martial arts, she not only finds intrigue in the sport but discovers her own exceptional talents as a fighter. Dominating school fights with bullies leads to professional fight training, which eventually leads to the promise of Olympic glory. Soon, the outlet for her anger and appetite to fight guides Bree to the dangerous underground scene where she must mask her identity if she is to stay on course. Unfortunately, she must face the mammoth challenge of forcing her troubled past to finally tap out.
Eric Woods reluctantly resides in Springfield, Illinois and has been writing since grade school. He has published seven novels, two novellas, one book of stage plays, and several short stories.
He mostly writes scary stories, although his debut novel (Pummeled) and it’s 2021 sequel (Pummeled: Submission) are more action/drama. His middle three novels Dragon’s Blood (2019), Welcome to Oblivion (2020), and Clippings (2021) are all in the horror genre. In 2022 he published the novella, “The Man on the Roof at Midnight,” and in 2023, he published This Is How He Collects Them.His most recent work includes the first two books in the STOKEBRIDGE trilogy (2024), and HELL'S DINER: 13 Devilish Delectables in June 2025 along with debut author Kerri Jane.
Eric has been a local freelance writer since 2005, writing for such outlets as Springfield Business Journal Illinois and SO Magazine. He served as a tour guide for the Lincoln Ghost Walk in Springfield and was a collegiate speech and debate coach for seven years. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Pummeled is a captivating book that will take you on an intense journey into the life of a complex and compelling main character who has to overcome many hardships and obstacles throughout her life that will push her mentally, physically, and emotionally. More specifically, the main character, Bree, is well developed and the reader gets an in depth look into her traumatic past that ultimately influences her to no longer be a victim, but rather someone who fights for justice. Bree is a relatable character, and one will find oneself rooting for her to come out the victor in the end. The author does an amazing job of describing the highs and lows that most kids have to experience during their school years, and he has a great understanding of the dynamics involved in different cliques. The author’s knowledge about fighting is impressive and extensive, and it is clear to the reader that he’s an expert of the fighting world.
There’s a theme of perseverance woven throughout the book and the idea of not letting your past define you but rather propel you to your destiny. Additionally, the underlying message in this book encourages readers to never give up and to use the things that were meant to hurt them to push them to work harder to rise above their circumstances. This book was very entertaining, and there’s action in every chapter. Pummeled is a must read for anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next.
Pummeled by Eric Woods is a fast paced,no holds barred, page turner! It follows the life of Bree Aniston from the time she was 5 years old until she becomes an accomplished young hero to masses of women and men everywhere! The character development is superb, and the action is non stop. I never thought I would become so enthralled with a female MMA type character, but that was before I was introduced to Bree Aniston. She is a combination of Wonder Woman meets Rocky Balboa, and her story is no less compelling than theirs! Get your adhesive bandages ready because you will experience a few papercuts turning pages quickly to find out what our hero will do next! Mr. Woods knocked it out of the arena with his storytelling. I hope he has more in store for us coming up!!!
Woods touches on some emotive subjects and demonstrates how life's circumstances can either propel you forward of have you spiraling backwards out of control. A fast paced confronting yet exhilarating read.Well done!
This book is an epic coming-of-age journey. Bree Aniston is a great protagonist, a strong female lead who navigates the underside of humanity with both grit and grace. Very enjoyable! Looking forward to future installments.
Pummeled is a story about abuse and fighting back. 💪 After the death of her father, Bree turns to fighting to suppress her emotions of grieve and pain. It intensifies when she watches her mother being emotionally and physically abused in her relationships. I'm not into WWE fighting but after reading this book it opened my eyes to the sport. I love romance in a story and the love Bree has for fighting is constant and strong.
Well written romp. A coming of age tale with a heroine rather than hero.....in the hyper-masculine world of MMA and UFC. The writer has weaved a story that is fast paced and a page-turner. It definitely is one that has you on the edge of your seat. I could not put it down and wanted to find out what happens next.