Fighting Fate

Peyton's Path #2

by S.M. Olivier

Before fate found me, I was alone, lost, and struggling to find my path. Love was something I thought I’d never find. Family wasn’t something I thought I’d never have. Now that it’s all before me, unfolding and leading me forward, I would do everything in my power to keep what fate has given me.
Walking this path has its roadblocks, mostly from people who want to throw me off. But I’m not going to let them win. Unfortunately, fate seems to be asking for something more from me, and this time I’m not going to follow it. I’m gonna fight it with everything I have.
***Peyton’s Path is a Contemporary Reverse Harem. This book contains some triggering content of abuse that may be sensitive to some readers. ***

Genres: High School, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Abuse, Why Choose

659 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2019

Reviews

[Courtney Tedford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda disappointed

Wish the ending hadn’t left me so hurt and angry feeling . Cliffhangers are fine but hate when there won’t be a follow up soon after . The thing with Goldie at the end just has me all jacked up on the inside :/

[Siri · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

HOLY MOLEY I JUST FINISHED THIS BOOK, what a fucking ride this has been. I have cried, swooned, laughed, been sad and just felt about all emotions you can feel. I have felt like i want to give Peyton a big hug or just want to stand by her side. She has gone thru a lot of shit and it´s not stoping. She´s such a strong soul, i love the guys. But FML, what the hell happend at the ending?! I am so pissed at Madison or Madison the fucking hoe, manstealer.. and i got so disappointed in Golden. He should have atleast said something when Peyton came home... and not just been by the hoes side. I hope Peyton does not take Madison back. She as a friend should have been there more for her and not try to streal her man. Ugh i hate those woman. And she even went so far to get into the same school as them and took her or a place at the cheerleading/dance. i feel like Golden needs to earn his trust back, i am torn if how i feel about him. cuz maddie took advantage of the situation.
I love her grandfather, he is such a nice guys

[Florence Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the second book coming?? I cant wait !!

[Jestina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great addition to the series....but had some flaws

This book is wonderful. Although the story largely revolves around the relationships she has with her men, theres also a good plot line that keeps you hooked. I liked how the author progressed the relationships in this book but thought there could have been some improvements.

***SPOILERS***
To start off, I thought it odd the way the author made a big deal about Peytons virginity but then when it was time to finally move in that direction with her partners, it was never brought up. In fact the way it went down with Zane left a bad taste in my mouth. She doesnt even tell him she's a virgin so theres no going slow, which is fine, I guess. However instead of handling the situation like a man once he finds out, they just go another round like it nothing. Just unrealistic with no emotion behind that scene.

Next, I found it strange the way after Claire disappeared theres wasnt like any updates on where the investigation went. In fact they barely brought it up at all after the whole press conference thing. I get that Peyton didnt know her that well, but if she's supposed to be this perpetual selfless girl complete with a halo, why wasnt it talked about. It's almost like it didnt even happen. They all just went on with their lives, it was disturbing.

Also, I felt the shower scene after Peyton came home was disgusting. The whole scene left a bad taste in my mouth and I honestly hate that the author put my 2 favorite male characters in such a bad light. She was just physically and emotional abused. Shes the most vulnerable she will ever find herself and I felt like they took advantage of her. First of all, how can you look at someone with all that bruising one minute and feel anger. Then the next minute your turned on. The fact that a man could get turned on after seeing their girlfriend like that is creepy. I get that she wanted to escape, get out of her own head but they went about it wrong. She wanted to feel beautiful and loved, but you can hold her and tell her all the things you love about her. Not getting it on with her in the shower. Your a man, it's your job to take care of her yes, but not like that. Wrong time. I was really disappointed by this scene.

Finally, I felt the ending of this book was horrible. It ended too suddenly which is a huge pet peeve of mine. It's like the author go to this point in her writing and was like, eh, dont feel like writing anymore. Not only that but the last scene with Golden and Madison was not only over the top, but really unnecessary. Dont you think the kidnapping was enough. She also has no backbone when it comes to her men. Regardless of how guilty Golden felt, he should have been there for Peyton. She went through hell and you should put your own feelings aside for a second and get some perspective. Also, you know your girlfriend has a slight jealousy problem, why would you be all over her best friend right in front of her knowing she would see and get confused. There was almost no realistic thought that went into this scene. It was almost like the author needed to add just one more bad thing to the list and went this route last minute.

Overall, still enjoyed this book alot. Will definitely read the next.

[Bianca Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't get enough of SM Oliver's writing! This series is so good and so well written, it will give you all the feels!
Ps.: I hate Maddison!

[SarahBear88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. Not sure how to feel.

***Spoilers***

While I mostly loved this book, there are some major issues I have with it. The reactions just aren't real. Peyton nearly dies yet just a couple days later she's getting finger banged in the shower? I'm sorry but no. Not after the kind of abuse portrayed in this book - both the mental and physical. And she just forgives Madison over and over? She just forgives Golden for virtually ignoring her for weeks and basically choosing Madison over her? Nope, an "I'm sorry you're my everything" doesn't cut it. Not realistic. Plus grandpa just throws money at everything for Peyton. She's become every cliche out there. Abused in the past? Check. Poverty stricken? Check. Rich relatives that she never knew about? Check. The main relative just loves her instantly and gives her everything? Check. She usurps the most popular girl? Check. Amazingly talented? Check. I feel like I could go on for a while. I have to say I'm disappointed and yet at the same time still loved it mostly. I'm just not sure I'll buy the next one.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading this series only solidifies my love for S.M. Olivier's work.

[Ashleigh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden totally wrecked me after the hospital. I love Peyton and all of her men but the thought of her losing him to that bitch Madison made me throw my kindle... literally.

Also the shower scene with Nellie & Ky was 🤤🔥

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pages: 659
My rating (stars): 3.5
Read other books from this author in the future: yes

Peyton’s story is really long. And I had the feeling that there were some parts which could have be less detailed. But overall the story was okay. The most action was found around 77 %. Suddenly the story picks up because I was really eager to read what will happen next.
The end is not a real cliffhanger, where you are stuck with the question what will happen next and when will it be out. There is a open ending, but also there are things which were not solved in this book and they will be picked up in the next and then it won’t be funny (like the last 30%).
And it leaves me with the question: why do authors think that giving the MC no break and have one bad thing happen after the other is the kind of drama people like to read. Because Peyton getting a break would be more interesting for me.

[GimmeAllTheWerdssss · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 but rounding down do to the ending....

I felt really let down, not only by the guys but also by Peyton. She acts tough but is actually quite a doormat when it comes down to it. I'm not negating what she went through, as it was truly horrible, AND she showed great strength and fortitude in that situation but when it came to the guys - and her friends - she was just weak.

I need to see a strong Peyton and some solidity in the relationship before continuing with the series.

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

*massiv spoilers ahead*

I'm pretty shocked and don't know what to say. I really loved the first book and was really excited about the second one.....but this second book was nothing like I imagined ....and unfortunately not in a good way in my thinking.
It was dark and twisted and felt the whole book uncomfortable and disgusted. I often wanted to dnf the book but also wanted a happy end after all this dark creepy stuff...so I read til the end.
And yes...no happy end ...just more creepy stuff.

And one thing that really really annoyed me: Peyton's so called friends. In the first book they were really great friends (except one incident) and they had a really long and great friendship together. But in this book it was disgusting. Most of all Madison......I found her repulsing and hated her. Little spoiled princess who thinks she can have everything and just thinks about herself.

When I think about it, the whole book is full of twisted dark people which are just unhuman and repulsing. I felt so creeped out reading this book and now after I finished it I feel ill and stressed. I wish I never read this book, it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. In the end I hated nearly every character. Even her "guys" were pretty lacking.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I’m torn. I liked this book but I felt like the last part of the book was rushed. I also the ending was disappointing. I didn’t really perceive it as a cliff hanger. The way the author so quickly made up think something was going on with maddi and golden and then just quickly covered it at the end was very irritating. I also felt like at the end with golden and maddi and the other brothers didn’t make much sense. The brothers would of called out golden on what was going on. That’s how there relationship was set up through out the whole book. Also, it went against how Golden’s personality was set up in the whole book. No other female could get close and then maddi was able to do that in 18 days? Really? He comforts her and touches and things like that and NOTHING is said by the other boys. It just didn’t make sense. Truthfully, I just really am having a hard time coming to terms with the way the author rushed through it and ended it like that. I also HATE when a book ends like that and there is no specifics on there being a third book. I hope honestly that there is only one more book and the author doesn’t stretch it out anymore. Hopefully if there is going to be a third book it won’t be all Angst. I did not like what so ever they had to throw the whole cheating thing in along with ALL and EVERY triggers they could think of. Honestly, I’m invested in the story so I will continue but I am not looking forward to it that much.

[Elisa Glendenning (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down and have really enjoyed this contemporary RH series so far. Peyton is a very strong FMC, who has already endured a significant amount of abuse at the hands of her stepfather. Luckily, she has a diverse posse of 6 beautiful male leads to support her - dare I say it (6 is a tad excessive)! Without revealing spoilers, after events unravelled towards the end, I was definitely imagining/wishing how this posse could be reduced to three.

I wasn’t expecting the story to become so dark. It was harrowing and heartbreaking for Peyton to endure so much. It was such a relief that she found the strength when she needed it to save herself, rather than becoming a damsel in distress and relying on a rescue from her men.

My only negative, was the shower scene at the end. Given how much abuse Peyton had endured, I thought it was tasteless and I was left disappointed in two of my favourite male leads. I expected a great deal of nurturing, especially from one of the males and I found their actions completely out of character. Don’t get me wrong, a threesome with those involved would have been hot and something to look forward to, but it was premature. I just found it wrong on so many levels and I couldn’t differentiate between the guys antics and those of her abductors.

After the finale, it’s clear that Peyton’s Path of recovery is going to be an upward struggle but I very much look forward to the next instalment.

[Stfnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yep, nope. Like I said, lots and lots of retelling stuff from book 1 and even repeating things that has been already written in book 2. I cannot read on without wanting to strangle someone. Tip for the writer: trust your reader, you don’t have to (nor should want to) repeat soooooo much information in one book. It feels like ‘filling up the pages’ and it annoys the hell out of me, specifically, but I cannot believe I’m the only one.
Please let someone read your books before publishing. And I don’t mean friends or family, but people who know to really help you, give you feedback that constructive and help you forward. For me, the rating on Goodreads is really not representative.

[Liss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say, I really am enjoying this series. I love the dynamic between Peyton and every single one of her guys. I even love the friends she's made in her new town.

I used to like Madison and Lucas, but now I'm questioning how on earth Peyton was okay with their constant shit. They do not act like friends whatsoever. I'd be dumping them on a forgotten island without a way to escape. Ain't no one takin' my men.

[Irene Kiew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus one star because I don't like to read about FMC being tortured.

As I write this review, only 3 books are out and the series is incomplete. In this second book, Peyton is kidnapped. The whole thing about the kidnappers and the reasons why they kidnapped her, plus their twisted reasoning, was extremely unclear to me. I didn't at all understand what they were trying to achieve or what the deal was with all the children. (Another reason for the minus one star.)

Since the story is told from Peyton's POV, we get to read about how they tortured her, which is not fun. Fortunately there's no sexual assault, or that would have just been too much to read. Now she has extra scars to cover up. She has PTSD. Her boys are beside themselves. And then there is more OW drama, from a different person than book 1. I don't like OW drama, and I felt it was contrived. (Yet another reason for the minus one star.) I do get that Golden might have blamed himself when Peyton was kidnapped, and I can understand how he and Madison could have drawn together to comfort each other. But once Peyton was back, I don't get how they could still be in their huddle instead of being all over her.

This all reminds me a bit of the Pieces of Us series by Kerry Taylor, also with an abused FMC (except Taylor's FMC was also sexually abused) and very protective harem. But Taylor's harem was over-protective and the story was OTT dramatic, whereas Olivier's story here about Peyton is less so. The boys are protective but they don't hover and smother Peyton. She is also not as weepy and hand-wringing and self-flagellating as Taylor's FMC was. She's much stronger because she has purpose and ambition, knowing exactly what she wants for her future and also knowing her passion and where her talents lie. I can identify with Peyton more and prefer her compared to Taylor's FMC.

As for sex, well, Peyton finally has sex in this book, but forgets to tell him that she's a virgin, and the sex hurts. I don't know that I find the sex scenes especially hot. They're okay. I can understand her being a knowledgeable, sexually curious virgin, because from personal experience that's entirely possible. And after she was kidnapped, well, sex can be a way of making a person feel alive and a way of blocking out or washing away the touch and actions of someone you don't want to think about, so I can understand the shower scene with Kyler and Lochlann when Peyton was in the hospital. It would have been less believable if she had been sexually assaulted, but since she hadn't, I felt that it made sense in a way.

[Melissa Doxey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline is good. I love Peyton and her journey. Some parts of her story have a dark twist to it and I applaud how strong she is. All of the guys were great, but Golden in the end broke my heart a little when Payton needed him the most as well. I'm seeing mad RED with Madison aka Madison the hoe. If any of the guys leave Peyton for another woman especially Madison I will be done with this series. I don't want to even see Madison in the series anymore. I've never hated a character has much as I hate and want to kill Madison.
I HATE Madison so bad. I really am hoping she will not be in anymore books and that Peyton will not forgive her this time on her actions. Madison is supposedly Peyton's "Best Friend", Peyton forgave her once for her selfish behavior but if she forgives her again she is a fool. It's that saying fool me once same on you, fool me twice shame on me. I don't TRUST Madison anymore. If Madison stays in the book series and tries to steal any of Peyton's guys from her including Golden, then I'm done with the series.

Now onto Golden, my trust in him and respect for him went down ALOT!! I thought very highly of him and love him and Peyton together and they still need to be together, but man what the hell were you thinking. I applaud Peyton on saying she won't stand in the way if they want to be together, but will not be friends with either one of them if they do get together and will be never speak to them again. You go girl, I would be the same way 👏👏

Get Madison out of the series and Golden and Payton better stay together!

The shower scene with Kyler, Peyton and Lochleen was hot 🔥

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book three?

*Spoilers!!*
..
Obviously something more is going on between Madison and the boy. I think if there was a third book, he shouldn't be a part of the harem anymore.
Also, you never find anything out about Sean or her mom. Pierce has a twin?! So it could have been another on tormenting her in that house. Where are they? Are they going to come back to get her for ruining their delusional lives?

There is just so much that could be put into a third book. Lots of open ends.

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5-2 stars

This book was a big fat NOPE, yet I read it all like a psycho.

The first book wasn't too bad, but the ending of it was one of the worst, and this book just kept going downhill..

I just want to forget this book.

[Savannah Laegen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So.forking.good

Oh my bless... y’all after this book I’m just... I don’t even have words. I loved this book so much

[Carys Barratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I've waited sooo long for the next book... Is there going to be a book 3?! 😩

[⭐Adèle⭐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

6 Guys is just a little too much. The h isn't SnowWhite!
And who needs an enemy if you can have a friend like Madison? That friendship has definitely reached its expiration date.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I loved this book and this series. So much happens but we have such resilient characters. I really enjoy Peyton, she’s been through so much, in this book especially. It’s been like two months since the start of book 1, and I love where she’s fallen until the climax happens and bad things happen to her.

The guys are really great (bar Golden, who I liked until a certain point). I’m excited to see how their relationships progress further in book 3, which I really hope is coming out soon.

The action and the emotions are written really well. I love how Peyton stands up for herself at the end, and I hope she doesn’t easily give into people, especially a certain best friend, again. Like she said herself, she is not an always forgiving doormat.

The end of this book and the emotions it brought out in me were a lot, and I loved it all. The editing of these books are also a lot better than the Gifted Connections series, so that was also a big plus.

I am so excited and anxious for book 3!!

[❤️Melanie G.📖💛 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was suspenseful, sinfully sexy and keep me wondering what the hell was going to happen. I really enjoyed these books but I am totally questioning if there is another book? The ending of this book just left so many unanswered questions.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 and I loved book 2. And, I am happy it was worth the wait! I've been reading so many crappy RH where most of them have been taking place at boarding schools.lol.

-First, I loved the pace of the book. So, many things happened. And, only a small portion felt like it dragged a bit.
- Peyton was in a situation where she had to save herself. Which I liked that she had to do that and not the guys.
- I still love the relationship between her and the other guys. I wish the whole RH aspect wasn't brought up until like book 2. But, I understand the rush if the author wanted to make this series a trilogy so it's okay. I mean their whole relationship seems a bit rush. BUT, it's okay I guess.
- I love how good of a person her grandfather is and how he helps her get back at her half-siblings and dad. And, how he approves and hangs out with the other guys.
Overall, it's a good series I enjoy. Even if it reminds me of a telenovela.

She finally has sex with Crew and does stuff with the other guys. She gets kidnapped by the guys Coach and the old principle and some other guy who want her and her half-sister Claire to raise their kids and be the new AVA. She finds her aunt Ava upstairs and just given birth who claims she ran away all those years ago. ... her grandfather is so happy. And, Peyton is still scared about what happened to the guys who kidnapped

[CK · Rating 2 out of 5]

well, that went there fast....So I know the author had a trigger warning on the last book due to the main character being abused by "father" and her suicide attempt. There was one on the description of this book, but not the book itself on this one and I figured it would be similar nature. LIke her dealing with flashbacks from the past abuse or her depression. Yeah nope. So full disclosure I skimmed this story. I was so excited to read it but could not stay up all night so I kind of speed read some parts, but the first bit was what I expected her relationship with the guys progressing and loose threads from the last book being tied up, etc... I did not expect it to go where it did. The whole kidnapping, extreme physical and psychological abuse, torture, brainwashing, and mentions of rape (including that of underage girls with much older men) attempted rape, etc... Wow, it was like the story took a complete left turn off a cliff. It was so far from where I was expecting this to go and so far from the whole minor trigger warning included in the blurb. Then there was the whole aspect of after all that making it seem like one of her guys was being unfaithful to her and then leaving things so unresolved at the end. This definitely goes under my need to read something happy now category. I won't be reading any more of this series sadly. I still really love the first book.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

There is something about this authors writing that is comforting and immersive. Her main characters are interesting and likeable and the relationships are sweet and sexy. My only criticisms is her writing seems overcrowded with side characters at times, with names rattled off and you are left thinking who is that again? They appear without much recap or description - it’s distracting, and what do they have to do with the plot? Turns out nothing much. That said this one packed in a lot. Wow. It kept me guessing who the abductor was and I was shocked that that story was as twisted as it was. Not much left for book three to tie up but I’m going to enjoy reading every single line.

[French Press Bookworm Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not as good as the first book and a lot of it just made me mad

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book went really dark, jesus. I mean of course can go darker, but so far it was really crazy. I think it might be triggering for some , so be aware

🔸 h is kidnapped
🔸 h is tortured
🔸 there are children there who are abused
🔸 there is a scene where one child tries to force himself on other child
🔸 there is a adult having sex with 14y old ( she claims she does it willingly but hello Stockholm sydrome and who gives a big fat fuck, she’s 14 and that’s that)
🔸 h is NOT sexually abused
🔸 there is a disturbing rape scene by crazy guy ( same who abuses the children by hitting them) towards a woman who just gave birth