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Fighting Words

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I was a firm believer that those "nights of passion" people talk about—like when they refer to one-night stands or extramarital affairs—don't really exist. Getting "caught up in the moment" doesn't really happen. It's just an excuse for a bad decision.

And I don't have time to waste on decisions like that. Now, it’s my time to shine in the real world. I’m moving on, never looking back on the painful past my family and I have been trying to rebuild from.

That is, until I run—full-speed, I might add—into the man responsible for wrecking our lives all those years ago.

And then it happens—that bad decision. And wouldn't you know it? I can't stop myself. Wyatt Mills is a deadly force that I’m not ready for. And to be honest, I don’t think he was ready for me, either. That’s what five years of pent-up hate energy will do to you, I guess.

But Wyatt is the same guy who wrongfully accused my father of a crime he didn’t commit. Taking away everything. Putting our family through turmoil. I hate his living guts.

But I got caught up in the moment.

And I want to do it all over again.

227 pages, ebook

Published February 20, 2020

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About the author

T.D. Colbert

25 books177 followers
T.D. Colbert is a romance & women's fiction author. When she's not chasing her family, she's probably under her favorite blanket, reading a book, or writing one. Taylor lives in Maryland, where she was born and raised. For more information, visit www.tdcolbert.com.

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5 stars
46 (54%)
4 stars
23 (27%)
3 stars
12 (14%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Granata.
Author 19 books3,016 followers
February 21, 2020
My favorite book from Taylor thus far! I LOVE when there’s anger & pent-up resentment between two main characters, I LOVE when we get to hear Wyatt’s thoughts, I LOVE Maryn’s vulnerable side, I LOVE their messy story & how it led to the present, and I LOVE seeing Taylor’s growth in this book. An awesome read!
Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,377 reviews52 followers
February 24, 2020
Fighting Words was such an emotional rollercoaster and Taylor had me feeling everything from the start. I am always a big fan of stories that can make me feel something and I felt it all while reading Fighting Words. I could feel the anger, sadness, love and forgiveness all of these characters felt.

This story isn't your typical romance and takes place in the past and present. Something awful happened a few years before this story starts and our main character Wyatt says he saw something that changes Maryn's family's life. Her father is accused and everyone's life gets turned upside down. I loved how the chapters were divided between the past and present. It really fit these characters and their story. I felt so bad for these families and I can't imagine what they went through. I won't give too many details, because this is just one you need to read and experience.

Wyatt has tried to pick up his life after everything that happened, but it's not something he'll ever forget. His character was an interesting one. I loved seeing him still fight for his dreams, but how much he loved his family as well. There was even a scene with him that had me in tears. It was written so well! Maryn couldn't wait to get out of town after everything that happened and her hate for Wyatt has never disappeared. She's very loyal and a hard worker and is ready to start over with a new career.

Fighting Words isn't your typical enemies to lovers romance. Maryn and Wyatt run into each other again and even though they can't forget their past, they also can't seem to get pass the attraction they feel for each other. It's so understandable how they're feeling and the journey to get to the other is so emotional. Their relationship is a whole process and full of emotiones. Grief, attraction, sadness, guilt, forgivness and acceptance. There are definitely elements of romance and some steamy moments that worked so well, but Fighting Words was so much more.

Once again,Taylor got me to love her characters and they won't be easy to forget. This is such an unique story and I don't think I've read one like this before. Fighting Words sucked me in and still hasn't let me go days after finishing the last chapter. I definitely see myself going back to this one in the future!
Profile Image for ChloeK.
121 reviews32 followers
February 19, 2021
*This book was kindly gifted to me in exchange for an honest review*

I recommend this book if you like:
• New Adult
• Enemies to lovers
• Mystery / criminal case

Not only does the romance element of the story intrigue you but also the criminal case regarding Wyatt’s sister.

I was hooked by this book from about a quarter of the way in. The characters and their past were so interesting and the fact that this story flips between present day and the past (first person) is really interesting. We also read from two points of view (Maryn and Wyatt). As soon as one chapter ended I was intrigued to read on as the story flips between past and present you are left on mini cliff-hangers throughout which definitely helped with my motivation and attributed to how fast I read this book. It is fast paced which also is great, there was never a dull chapter.

I really grew to like both characters and understand their reasons for why they shouldn’t be together. Despite having all the information, I shipped them anyway! Their chemistry was undeniable! The way Wyatt treated Maryn and the sacrifices he made were admirable.

I loved that the last chapter gives a snippet into the future (1 year on) so that you aren’t left with any unanswered questions!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,411 reviews19 followers
February 20, 2020
The story of Wyatt and Maryn is complicated, heartbreaking, you felt her anger, you felt his sadness and his regret. Grab this book. Five years ago, Wyatt and Maryn go through one of the most tragic events their hometown experiences. Families were destroyed, 5 years have passed and Maryn & Wyatt see each other coincidentally at her college graduation. She can't get past everything her family has gone through because of him, but they have all this pent up hate frustration ready to combust in intimate times with each other. She seriously loathes him and he doesn't blame her for feeling the way she does.

I couldn't put this book down. So much emotions, so many complications for them to get over in order to be together. I LOVED their stolen moments together with her walls down, his inner thoughts about his feelings for her, gahhhh my heart....Taylor's stories and writing just gets better and better everytime!!!!
424 reviews16 followers
February 8, 2020
“𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆.” — 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔, 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕.

This novel, ‘Fighting Words’, is one of the best I've ever had the chance of reading!  

The flashes of the past that collide with the present take you on a journey like no other. 

The author has written Wyatt and Maryn's story in a way so beautiful that I don't have words to express how much.  

Their story sucks you in and doesn't let you leave until the very end. 

There is pain, sorrow, fear, hatred, anger along with love ( and heat,  may I add.) 

In the end,  it shows you that the truth never dies, no matter how hard you have to fight to keep it alive. 

Taylor has me caught in her web like every time. 

One of the best books of 2020! 


(𝘈𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳.)
Profile Image for Lacey Dailey.
Author 10 books71 followers
February 21, 2020
This story was an intricate journey— woven together by past and present. I felt everything while reading. I was sad. I was angry. I was happy. I was in love.

Wyatt and Maryn’s story was stunning. A true reminder that no matter how fast you run in an effort to escape the truth— it will always catch up to you.

I loved Maryn from the first chapter. She had an underlying strength about her that only became more prominent as the story moved forward. To put it simply: she was a badass. Can she be my new best friend? Where do I sign up?

This story isn’t just a story about love. It’s about life and all the crap it chucks at us. Sometimes great stuff gets chucked at us too. The greatest thing life chucked at Maryn and Wyatt was each other.

I love spoilers... but most people don’t...(Strange, right?) So while I’d like to ramble forever about this book... I’ll keep it together and just say this... there are moments in this book that brought real tears to my eyes. Moments that had me choked up and looking away from my Kindle to take a deep breath. These moments were so beautifully portrayed and written with such a delicacy, it’s clear how much TDC put into this book and these characters.

Get your Oreos and read this book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
131 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2020
Fighting Words is so much more than a romance novel!! I was captivated by this story and before I knew it, I was done. Stunning work!
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
753 reviews11 followers
February 17, 2020
This story almost lost me around 40%. I just wasn't sure I had it in me to do this kind of romance. I'm so glad I stuck it out!

This pair has every reason to not be together. Their past is wildly problematic, and them ending up not only as lovers but also as co-workers is a disaster waiting to happen - for them, for their families (mostly hers), for everyone. But it works. Love is love and these two are combustible when together!

A different kind of romance with a great depth and backstory.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,495 reviews105 followers
February 15, 2020
4.5 /5⭐

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Fighting Words
by Taylor Danae Colbert is a hate to love romance but so much more than that. A story about healing and forgiveness and finding your missing piece.

Five years ago a young Wyatt Mills accused Maryn Porter father of a crime he didn't commit. He was looking for answering and even though he was wrong it changed the lives of Maryn and her family for everything. Maryn and Wyatt both lost and when their paths cross again she hates him just as much now as she did then. She has an uncontrollable physical reaction to him when they find themselves face to face again and all that hate comes out in an explosion one night stand. But now she has to see him frequently at her new job, and she can't seem to walk away. They both have to heal from the wounds from the past and that may be easier said than down with all the history between them.


"She hates me, and I get it. But I can't hate her back. And now I know I never will."


I went into it with expectation of some angry hate sex and Wowzah Fighting Words does not disappoint. I think this is the best M/F hate sex I have read in a long time and I loved every second of it. However, this book is so much more than that. I was not prepared for the emotional aspect that backed all the hate. Usually a book has some mundane or trivial woman scorned type of backstory to it but this one had depth. It was a heart-rending story that intertwined the past with the present and Maryn's inner conflict was distressing.


"I'm not sure I want to heal if it means I can't have him."

Fighting Words
was a book that once started I couldn't put down. From start to finish it will hook you with its characters and all its emotion. Definitely a book worth reading.

4of5stars
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews45 followers
March 26, 2020
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog


Is it possible to give a book more than five stars?? If so, Fighting Words deserves way more!! Like twenty stars.

Fighting Words is hands down my favorite book to date by Taylor Danae Colbert. Fighting Words is also my best read book for 2020 so far and that is saying a lot. I have not deemed a best read in years. I can say for certain that I will be rereading this book pretty soon as it was amazing!!

Fighting Words is full of all the feels that make a book. I laughed, I cried, and I got so mad! Both Wyatt and Maryn will have you wanting to scream at them but then they make you cry. So be sure to have some tissues handy.

Wyatt and Maryn have a past but not a past one might think. Wyatt put Maryn’s family through torture because of a slight detail he did not remember or refused to believe. Now that years have passed Maryn still has not forgiven Wyatt nor does she show signs of every forgiving the man. But they are thrown together at work and that makes it all that much harder to carry that hate around.

Wyatt and Maryn have major chemistry that sets this book on fire. Maryn may hate Wyatt with every fiber of her being but the sex is smokin’ hot between the sheets. They say hate sex is the best and they make a point to have a lot of it. However, things are not just about sex. While their chemistry is off the charts, they both have something else to learn. Forgiveness.

Fighting Words is about two people with a past and they will either let that past make or break them. Will, they let it break them? Or will they let it make them? They say, hate is a fighting word.

I cannot recommend Fighting Words enough. This gem deserves every one click it gets!!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Juhi.
27 reviews
March 3, 2021
This book was an interesting take on an enemies to lovers trope because of the two main characters Wyatt and Maryn’s past interactions. Wyatt is basically the reason that Maryn’s dad was accused of a terrible crime that ruined his reputation within the community he worked in and had respect in. This book flips between Maryn and Wyatt’s past and present life. I really liked how they divided the chapters into these past and present perspectives between the characters as it added so many different layers to this story and really showed the contrast in their experiences growing up.

This is a super face-paced sexy read! I really did enjoy getting to know the characters and the electricity between them. I was always interested in the chapters and liked the crime aspect of the book that took place in the background of their relationship. The reason that I gave it four stars is because I felt like the enemies to lover’s progression was very quick and a bit instant for my liking. I think there should have been a lot more to get over between these characters given the situation, however, I think this was a stylistic choice from the author to highlight their chemistry.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would recommend this for anyone who likes an enemies to lover’s new adult book. I also think the crime aspect with Wyatt’s younger sister adds a twist to the story that keeps it very interesting. I enjoyed the ending and how it tied the book together and want to read more from Taylor Danae Colbert!

*This book was kindly gifted to me in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Michelle.
523 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2021
I received a free ARC from Goodreads New Adult Book Club for the promise of an honest review.

It was okay. Maryn and Wyatt are from the same small town and their families have a tragic pass. Wyatt's younger was kidnapped and murdered when she was 14. Wyatt had driven her to the local grocery and had witness a dark SUV leaving. Maryn's father drove a dark SUV and had been seen talking to Wyatt's sister. The small community turned against Maryn's family and Maryn blamed Wyatt because he gave the testimony that lead to her father being a person of interest. Fast forward 5 years and Maryn is graduating college when she runs into the Wyatt while put celebrating her graduation with friends. Wyatt and Maryn end up in a heated argument that leads to a night of passion. Maryn's lands a job at Wyatt's Public Relations firm. The chemistry between Wyatt and Maryn is explosive. They start a casual relationship after a work trip. The outside forces start to pull them apart, including the history between their families.

This book was not as emotional as I thought it was going to be. There were sad and emotional moments but I thought the book would be more of a tearjerker than what it was. It was good. The storyline was strong and it was well written.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
February 20, 2020
Taylor Danae Colbert is a new to me author, and here's another new author that I'm in love with after the first book I experienced. Fighting Words was an amazing story filled with all the goodness I love so much, and even more than I expected. The ease which Ms. Colbert gives flashes of past & present without breaking up the flow is truly stunning, and I'm in complete awe. I've gone back & forth since I finished devouring it debating what I should say in this review, and while I want to scream from the rooftops every beautiful detail, I've come to the conclusion that less is more in this instance, since it's really a story which should be experienced blindly. I will say this, the heroine is Maryn, a straight up bada** with all her strength no matter what life threw at her, while Wyatt is the hero, who pissed me off at first, but I finally fell for him. All the emotional goodness showcases anger, pain, extreme angst levels, fear, and so much heat. So, does love ever factor in?! You'll have to hit that one click button to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,156 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2021
The story of Wyatt and Maryn hooks you from the first page.
Maryn has just finished her degree when she runs into Wyatt again, the boy who ruined her life and her family’s years ago. She feels hatred and resentment towards him but at the same time an attraction so strong that confuses her. As soon as she’s throwing a drink on him she jumps into his arms. And to top it off she will have to start working at Wyatt’s company soon.
Wyatt is also somewhat divided in his feelings between attraction and guilt for what happened years ago.
The sex between them is crazy 🔥🔥🔥 and they think that they can maintain a relationship based only on that, but they will soon realize that it is not possible, especially when the family enters the scene.
This book has everything: laughs, tears, passion, love...
❤️ Wyatt’s sacrifice.

“Fuck you, Wyatt Mills.” For a moment, I almost felt guilty. But now, I’m just more angry. I take a step closer to her, but to my surprise, she doesn’t even flinch. “Careful, Miss Porter. Those are some fightin’ words.”
26 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through Voracious Readers Only.

I’ve just reread the description to ensure I don’t leak any spoilers...
This book was brilliant! It is obviously an enemies to lovers romance (The title give it away!), but done in a way I’ve not read before. The chapters change from the present day to the events of 5 years past and the reader gains an insight into both Wyatt and Maryn’s perspectives which sways the reader (at least it swayed me!) to keep an open mind about how the events affected both parties. The jump from past to present is done well and not confusing.

I became emotionally involved in the characters and even shed a few (happy) tears at numerous times in the story.
I really enjoyed it, and would happily read a short story on what happens in the future for Wyatt and Maryn.
Profile Image for Brook.
114 reviews
February 17, 2021
This is a very easy read and I would recommend it The story is written from both the main characters point of view in past & present day. It's a story of love, second chances, forgiveness and the all encompassing being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The love story between the Wyatt & Maryn is good and I enjoyed the sacrifice made by one of the characters at the end I thought this was a good end by the author.

Why 3 stars: my disappointment at how easily the characters ended up together initially seemed a little unbelievable after such a hatred and how the police missed a very routine part of police work checking cctv footage (letting Maryns dad not be a suspect) left me feeling disappointed with that part.

Overall I would happily recommend this book as a lovely read.

(I received this ARC read review for an honest review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carterilla Smith.
21 reviews
March 4, 2021
Taylor Danae Colbert has done her magic yet again.

In an ugly episode from their past in which he suffered the irreparable loss of his beloved sister, Wyatt Mills had turned Maryn's life upside down. Maryn hates him. And yet, whenever they meet, she feels things she is completely unprepared for. The two of them are like a knife and a whetting stone - each incomplete without the other.

This isn't your typical enemies to lover story. Its much more than that. The chemistry between Wyatt and Maryn is oh-so-good...it will leave you in a mess. The author traps you in her web from the very beginning and makes you crave for more.

Honestly, I have fallen in love with the book. And I hope you will too.

(an honest review in exchange for a free ARC from New Adult Book Club and the author)
Profile Image for Tatiana.
25 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2021
Wow what a surprise this book was!!! So much heartbreak, drama, tension, romance and intrigue. I couldn’t stop if I tried. I finished this book in just a day and I definitely recommend it. I loved Wyatt and Maryn’s journey from beginning to end. The author did a wonderful job tending to all the details in the story so that there were no loose ends and I can always appreciate that. I am just sitting here after finishing the book just going “wow, we really went through it didn’t we?” It’s definitely an emotional ride, and definitely one worth taking!
Profile Image for Jenn Lockwood Editing.
290 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2020
You will devour it in one sitting!

Gah! This book! I’ll try to put into words how good it is.
This book will twist your heart until it’s broken. You just don’t know how Maryn and Wyatt are supposed to ever overcome the obstacle keeping them apart. And let me tell ya…it’s a major obstacle.

This book is refreshingly unique, and you’ll want to devour it in one sitting! You’ll need a lot of tissues, but it is sooo worth it!
A masterfully written, absolutely incredible read!
4 reviews
March 4, 2020
Couldn't put it down

Loved this read. Love all her books. I've had the opportunity to read them all and I swear each one is my new favorite. Not only is it hot and steamy, the story line is amazing. You literally feel like you are there with Wyatt and Maryn. I couldn't wait to get home to pick it up and keep reading. It's definitely something to pick up. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
17 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2020
I loved everything about this book! You could feel everything the characters were feeling—from the heartbreak, to the guilt and the pure love. This book has it all and kept me on my toes from the very first chapter. One of the best books I’ve read in a while and I can’t wait to see what comes next from TDC!
Profile Image for C.R. Ellis.
Author 8 books137 followers
April 15, 2020
Gah, I loved this book so much! When I started it, I only meant to read a couple chapters. HA! Not possible. Between Taylor's writing and the plot, I could. not. stop! I loved the push and pull between Maryn and Wyatt, and the storyline was so unique. Fighting Words is truly a great read from start to finish!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,425 reviews119 followers
February 24, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Awesome Book

I seriously couldn’t put this book down! It’s a must read! Other readers are going to be hooked!
37 reviews
March 8, 2020
Love this one!

The story was awesome and I like how it was presented. The characters were human and believable. Can't wait for the next one

1,011 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2020
An enjoyable book that I had trouble putting down.
About a couple and their interaction over the years but as in life nothing is plain sailing
Profile Image for kimblah.
153 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2022
My first enemies to lovers book & I was obsessed. It was SO good. I definitely recommend it!!
Profile Image for JL Roberts.
909 reviews91 followers
March 5, 2021
***Copy was given in exchange for an honest review***

Wow. Drama, suspense, passion, this book had it all. Maryn might have hated Wyatt for his past mistake against her family, but it doesn't keep her from wanting him after their one night stand before her college graduation. And Wyatt definitely wants her and cannot stop thinking about her. When they find themselves working closely feeling evolve and become even more comlicated.
This story is told from Maryn and Wyatt's POV. Present and past. One Tragedy one accusation tears two families apart. I was hooked and pulled in throughout the whole story.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 7 books110 followers
March 9, 2020
Oh Taylor Danae Colbert! Girl! This book did a number on me. Fighting Words is one of my favorites of 2020 so far. Hands. Down. I felt all the feels. My heart ached for Wyatt, Maryn, and both of their families. I was all twisted up, reading with bated breath to see how their story would unfold. And boy, was it a beautiful broken mess.

Maryn is such a strong heroine. Badass and vulnerable. So relatable. I was instantly rooting for her. And Wyatt. GAH! Swoon city ya’ll. I just wanted to hug him so hard. Their story bounces from past and present effortlessly. It’s a total rollercoaster ride of loss, love, healing, and forgiveness. It's also hot AF and written dang beautifully. I’m absolutely in love with this book.

Must have tissues on hand. You will need them. All of them.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews