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Collision #4

Fighting the Odds

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Book 4 in The Collision Series is an emotional standalone romance about finding hope after loss.

TJ Cutler’s life has been anything but easy. Looking at him now, no one would guess that the successful MMA fighter and business owner was once a homeless drug addict who witnessed his father brutally murder his mother when he was just a child. But TJ knows how harsh reality can be for some, and he dedicates his life to helping those who are struggling like he once did.

Carla Evans thought that her life was perfect until everything fell apart. Determined to start over, she moves to a new town ready to check items off of her bucket list. She didn’t plan for a steamy one-night stand with a muscular, tattooed fighter. She also didn’t know that he’d end up being the boss at her new job a week later. She tries to keep things professional, but they're unable to resist their attraction to each other.

Carla is the uptight, buttoned-up contrast to TJ’s fearless and outgoing nature. He shows her how to live outside the box she constructed for herself, and pushes her past her comfort zone. But Carla soon realizes that TJ is the one in need of help – and love.

Can Carla break through the walls of TJ’s damaged past, or are his wounds too deep to be healed?

This book contains some graphic scenes and sensitive subject matter.

Paperback

First published August 5, 2019

777 people are currently reading
6758 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Granata

19 books2,985 followers
Kristen Granata is a bestselling romance author known for writing inspirational, emotional stories with realistic characters who struggle through the darkest parts of life and come out stronger on the other side.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zblG7G
Instagram: https://bit.ly/34LUfge
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3xOqPMm
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cuvtEg

Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.

When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.

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5 stars
1,966 (42%)
4 stars
1,463 (31%)
3 stars
926 (20%)
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1 star
55 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
Profile Image for Princess under cover.
617 reviews319 followers
August 13, 2019
Surprisingly good.

I say surprisingly bc I wasn't expecting anything much. New to me author. Not a lot of reviews to go by... took a risk and it paid off.

A book about people overcoming their circumstances. I always like these types of books. "No one is a statistic." Not unless they choose to be. Or choose not to be.

TJ is a pretty amazing hero. And Carla is easy to like. It was short and sweet. Nothing "amazing" nothing worthy of a re-read, but it was a few hours well spent.

Cheers to KG.
Profile Image for Michelle.
150 reviews22 followers
April 4, 2022
Well deserved 5 stars.
This book really has all the emotions, it takes you on a journey with a young TJ aged 13 when he witnesses his father killing his mother because he is a mean drunk. TJ is then in the foster system going from one useless foster home to another and ends up drinking and substance abuse a junkie on heroin. He meets a great guy called Gerry who gets him to turn his life around and treats him like a son.
Then we meet Carla who has just come out of a relationship that she thought was for life. Unfortunately her then boyfriend was a complete jerk.
These two meet when Carla goes to see her best friend in New York and she ends up moving there and working for TJ and both of them getting there HEA.
Trigger warning,s for this book.
Baby loss.
Death of loved one's.
Abuse.
Alcohol and drug abuse.
But an absolutely great read with all the feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Egle (readingfreakquotes).
113 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2019
“I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to do, but I can assure you: You’re going to want me to do all the things I’m going to do to you.”


TJ!
TJ!
TJ!

What can I say? I was waiting for this book so bad!!! I couldn't be happier to read my favourite book boyfriend's story and get his HEA. He, like no one else, deserves happiness, love, understanding, acceptance and loyalty.

The story is told switching between TJ's past and present. We are brought through his childhood and young adulthood struggles and I couldn't be more prouder and happier for TJ's current achievements and I'm amazed how far he has come and grown as a personality. He is a survivor, warrior and pure inspiration to every reader. TJ had a fair amount of pain and darkness but the person we see today is absolutely beautiful in and out. And damn he is also so hooooot!!!!

Carla had planned it all - finish school, get married, raise family and enjoy a happy ever after with her high school sweetheart. When things for her turn to the opposite direction, she leaves her hometown in trying to forget her pain and put her past behind. Only she didn't plan to meet TJ who is currently licking his unrequited love wounds.

This book takes us on a journey for search of happiness our main characters deserve like nobody else. Kicking and screaming, two of them drink each other's sorrows and break each other's walls while healing their shattered hearts.

Kristi gave us an amazing and most satisfying closure to Collision series. Every book in this series is so much more than just a love story. Each of them were filled with inspirational, raw and emotional twists, amazing characters, realistic and relatable events and outcomes. I can't wait to see what else this talented indie author has in the bag for her readers.

"This one’s for you… I know you’re tired. I know you’re scared. I know you want to give up. Don’t. You are not alone. Fight for happiness. Fight for love. Fight for the life you want. Fight for yourself. You can do this. You deserve it. You’re a fucking warrior."
Profile Image for crystal.
717 reviews733 followers
March 19, 2024
so fcking good OMFG top 3 Kristen granata books right here I am in love with TJ😭💕
Profile Image for April.
216 reviews261 followers
August 3, 2019
This was perfect. So much better than the typical romance books I read. Tj definitely won my heart in the first few pages and Carla constantly made me smile

This book pulled almost every emotion out of me. I smiled, laughed, and even cried. As much as I loved the romance and the story itself, I have to admit Tj won me over.

Carla and Tj are both dealing with that bullshit thing called life and this book is a story not only about their situations, but also overcoming them, finding love, and learning to continue pushing through life. This book touched me, and I know it will be a book distinguishable from others.

Everyone has triggers and despite my large dislike for drugs and drug abuse, this book handled them so well. There was Never a time when I was too uncomfortable to read, and I appreciate the author touching hard topics without compromising the reader.

This book ends in a HEA. And I could not have wished for a better ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a free copy of this title for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 19 books1,543 followers
August 8, 2019
I devoured this book in hours. TJ, what can I say? You had me at the one tattooed butt cheek. I love him & this story was awesome. Beautifully told & heartbreaking at the same time. I love Kristen’s style of writing. I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
Profile Image for Tammi.
2,176 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2019
I have been anxiously awaiting this book.We met TJ in the other books in the series. I wanted his story! I wanted a HEA for him. I needed it!! And I got it plus some!
I am blown away by this book. It was not what I expected. He went through HELL and came out fighting. I cried and wanted to hug the young TJ. His story broke my heart! So much pain and sadness in his childhood. He coped the only way he could and my heart broke more. But the Man he became is amazing inside and out.
Then enters Carla their attraction was immediate! She fought it and it was almost laughable. She was dealing with her own heartbreak and just couldn't go there.
Once they got their $hit together they were HOT as HELL!! and so absolutely perfect for each other.
TJ got his HEA and there is no man more deserving.
Profile Image for Brooke.
185 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2019
I loved getting to read TJ's story! It has been a while since I read the last one, but this book could totally be read as a standalone novel. I loved how much emotion was put into the book. I wish Carla's past was discussed more and I wish the epilogue had a rounder picture than it did. I wish we got Carla's side of view and not just TJ's. I really enjoyed how spontaneous Carla became as the novel progressed. I'm a sucker for getting tattoos so I was glad that she ended up getting one (although I'm not a fan of what she got). Overall, another very solid book from Ms. Kristen!
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 7 books109 followers
July 30, 2019
Alright, so I have been #TEAMTJ since Avoidance. TJ is my number one book boyfriend and has yet to be dethroned. I’ve been dying for his story and let me tell you, Kristen did not disappoint. The woman delivered so hard, I thought I was ready, but I was not.

I felt like I cried for 200 pages. Just completely ugly-sobbed my way through. Fighting the Odds, is Kristen’s best work yet, hands down. She dug deep with this one. The emotion bled from the pages, gripped my heart, and held on until the very end. I had the biggest book hangover after I finished. I couldn’t even put into words what I had ingested.

I thought I knew who TJ was and then we get hit with his past that is so painful and heart wrenching to read, it adds a dozen more layers to this man. The way the story is written is perfection. We’re getting insight into how TJ became the man we love and at the same time, we’re blessed with this beautiful connection between him and Carla. Instant lust turned slow burn that most definitely pays off. Their relationship felt very real and honest. The sexual tension was palpable.

I was totally girl-crushing on Carla. She has such a good heart and she’s working through her own trauma at her own pace with a quiet strength that had me rooting for her so hard. TJ and Carla came together at just the right time. They found peace amongst their broken pieces and allowed each other to put themselves back together again. A lot of tears will be shed, many tissues used in this book, but I promise you will be left with relief at the end and a huge smile on your face.
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,020 reviews52 followers
August 5, 2019
Fantastically Heavy Read!!

Wow! What an emotional ride Kristen Granata takes her readers on with Fighting the Odds. From the blurb, I thought it was going to be pretty cut and dry, bad ass guy and stuck up girl getting together, however this was so much more.

I instantly liked TJ, although he had a bit of a Tony Robbins vibe to him. Once I learned of his past, it all started to make sense. He was a fixer for everybody but himself. That's what she was for, not to fix him, but to show him he's worth it.

"He's an oxymoron. The face of an angel with the body of Satan himself. A dark ray of light. A friendly nemesis. The man is menacing beautiful."

To say Carla was smitten with TJ is an understatement. Going through some heavy stuff of her own, TJ was at the right place at the right time. She needed a change and this stranger turned out to be the best thing to happen to her.

Kristen Granata did a great job with these characters, making them both strong, yet vulnerable. They are dealing with different pasts, however are using what they have both learned along the way to help each other. Such heavy topics dealt with reasonably and realistically, not like a walk in the park.

The book is well written and only one I have read in the series, yet didn't feel lost one bit. Along with our main characters, there are quite a few supporting characters to help tell the story of TJ and Carla. Fighting the Odds reads as a stand alone with a nice epilogue that I almost missed!

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for BB.
526 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2022
2.5
Flashback city. At least half of it is flashbacks, of TJ's past. While they do give him depth, it does take over the story. So much of it is fleshing out his trauma, there wasn't a lot of space/time/plot left for present TJ and Carla.

He doesn't even actually do MMA? Owns/works in a gym, sure. But the MMA part is never mentioned. His heroin addiction/alcoholism was a bit uhm... just... not handled the best. Serious things, shoved on top of domestic violence and foster care(and child abuse).

Enter Carla, who was only 19. Planned out her entire life with her boyfriend. Got pregnant. Dumped. Miscarried. Moved.

I wish it wasn't New Adult. 10 years with slight changes, I think it would have been worlds better. And stronger. Stronger characters. Stronger plot. Just. Stronger.

Speaking of Carla, I might be a jackass for this but when most people hear Plan B, they think of PLAN B. I didn't just physically cringe at Carla's tattoo, I made a face that made some one ask what was wrong.

On a character that miscarried, no less. Just. Yikes.

Also they go skydiving randomly- and that's glossed over pretty quick- because somehow without classes/practice they jump solo, same day.

So while I'd say there isn't the usual dumbassery I associate with flashbacks, there's definite half-assery.

Definite half-assery.

It's on KindleUnlimited. Would recommend the author, buuuuuut not this book.
Profile Image for Valerie.
5 reviews
July 25, 2019
Devoured it. In less then 24 hrs I’ve read, processed, and fell further in love not only with TJ, because come on, how do you not, but with Kristen’s writing. For four books now I’ve appreciated the humanity in her character development as these are characters that I can find relatable even in their flaws. Never afraid to speak to the more sensitive topics of addiction and loss, this book, much like her previous, transcends the genre. The relationship between TJ and Carla definitely rings my romance loving bell, but this book is more. This book builds the confidence of its characters and readers alike. We are all warriors for sure KG. Another job well done!
Profile Image for Dorthy.
6 reviews
August 12, 2019
This book was AMAZING!!!! I have been waiting for this book since Avoidance and I could not wait to learn more about TJ! The way that Kristen wrote the story was brilliant, I loved how she weaved TJ's past in with the story (even though it was gut wrenching to get through)! I knew from Avoidance that TJ had a tough past, but man I was not prepared for the tears that I shed while reading everything that he had endured. Kristen's writing continues to get better with every story. She is never afraid to write about real topics and loves making her readers go through a thousand emotions while reading her stories. I can not wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,880 reviews190 followers
October 14, 2022
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.

Overall: 3.5-stars

Safety Rating: Safe

Possible Triggers: Yes

Ending:
Profile Image for Carol Hibbs.
Author 2 books10 followers
April 24, 2020
What an incredible story. I loved every minute of it. While reading, it felt like I was watching a movie. While I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it. At the end of this last book, I wondered how I’m going to be able to stop reading about these people. I wish the stories never ended. No pressure...
Profile Image for G.G. Gleason.
Author 11 books42 followers
May 2, 2020
I have been on Team T.J. since Avoidance, and I am so, so happy to finally read a book that's all about him. Here's a guy that is, normally, in no way, my type of guy. And yet I love him. He is so well written, and what a back story. The strength he possesses, inside and out, and the strength he gives to others is amazing. And he sound like a dream to the eyes as well.

Granata once again does an amazing job creating complex characters with heavy backgrounds, but balances their difficult pasts with an optimistic future. I love the way she puts together these characters, and the fire between TJ and Clara is evident from the very start. I was rooting for both of them throughout the entire book, individually and together. What a pair.

I'm just thrilled that someone came along who appreciates TJ for all the amazing things that he is. Not only did I love this book, I know I'm going to come back and read this one again. I read it in less than 24 hours, and I'm going to need to revisit my favorite book boyfriend.
Profile Image for Farah.
674 reviews61 followers
October 11, 2020
Well hello there TJ, have you got a rough story or what?! Damn this book was so much more than I expected.

Already having known about some of TJ's past from the previous two books in the series I wasn't sure how Kristen was going to do his story justice, but she did.

We bounce from Carla's POV in the present to TJ's in the past until they finally colloid to present at a very specific moment.

Seeing the difference between TJ in his last to his present meeting Carla was a lot of fun because I could see the growth and change in him. So I knew he was like brand new and ready for all the love he deserves.

This story was a tough one to taste but I loved it as it follows the real and raw storytelling I'm seeing Kristen is a genius at doing.

Carla is escaping from he life in Florida, after her plans go south with her ex-boyfriend. Having not loved anyone since him, things take a turn when she meets the tattooed hunk that is TJ.

TJ is not as clean cut as her ex. He's rough around the edges but has so much power to suffocate you with love and he proves that despite making some bad choices.

A favourite thing of mine about Kristen stories are that the heroines seem to be our there saving the hero's. I'm all for it because it's a breath of fresh air reading a story almost done in reverse.

So I highly reccomend this book, if you love some hunky MMA play and a sweet fiesty small town girl falling in love through some highs and lows.

Follows themes of substance abuse and alcoholism.
Profile Image for Aplis.
582 reviews51 followers
June 25, 2022
This is so much more than a simple romance book. I hate how it was simply tagged as a romance between an MMA fighter and his employee. This book alternates with the heroine's POVs from the present and the hero's POVs from the past. It deals with addiction, personal struggles after adversities and choosing to fight your way through it all.

In a way it strangely felt inspirational. You want me to read a motivational book? Make it like this. I gave it 5 stars because honestly..I thought I was going to read another spicy story! 😂
But it ended up being a lot more than that.
Profile Image for S.J. Sylvis.
Author 30 books2,711 followers
July 29, 2019
This is my favorite book of Kristen Granata’s! She did an amazing job with the each character’s voice. Both characters went through something terrible, yet they found happiness in the end. I was especially blown away by TJs character. His “past” chapters made my heart ache but every time he spoke in the present, during Carla’s chapters, I smiled because I could see how much he matured and grew as a human. The entire book was absolutely amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it!!
Profile Image for Luz Acevedo.
370 reviews24 followers
September 28, 2019
I have been obsessed with TJ from the very beginning so when I knew he was getting his own book it was a no brainer that I needed to read it.

This story is Fantastic, overwhelming and will definitely pull at your heartstrings. TJ is broken, rough around the edges and it’s so beautiful to see him evolve. This isn’t your typical love story so be warned...


You’ll love this story and won’t want to put it down.
Profile Image for Natalia.
1,180 reviews94 followers
April 21, 2022
3.5

Nice story, but the age of both MC put me a little off!
The h is 19 and the H 25 both acted like 30 and 40 most times, but in between there's a teen action to create drama.

Profile Image for Nimet.
168 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2023
⚠️⚠️⚠️ There's some heavy topics in this book though so look up trigger warnings if you're sensitive to it. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
The story follows Carla and TJ (his POVs are from his past). Carla's life was all going according to plan, until it didn't. Trying to move on, goes to visit her friend in NYC. Having a steamy one night stand with a muscular bad boy covered in tattoos definitely wasn't part of that plan; but maybe it was exactly what she needed👀. The tattood bad boy in question, TJ, is fighting his own demons. He's now a succesful MMA fighter with his own gym, but he was once a homeless drug addict who's lost it all. He uses his gym to help others who are struggling. I love the good girl x bad boy trope, it just always works. I loved how the author described TJ's struggles and fears and Carla didn't try to 'fix' him. I loved both TJ and Carla's characters. Man's got me giggling and kicking my feet 🤭.
33 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2020
Kristen delivers once again in this heart wrenching story!

She has such a talent for taking the worst that life has to throw and writing it into the most epic stories that stay with you far after the end.

I fell for TJ in Avoidance and just could not wait to read his story in "FIghting the Odds". Skipped right over book #3 in the series, sorry Tanner, but it was absolutely worth it! #TeamTJ

> > TJ's story, his past, all of his pain but most of all his beautifully flawed heart absolutely gutted me.
Carla Evans is strong, flawed and absolutely perfect for TJ. She is the badass warrior he never knew he needed! Overcoming a traumatic experience in her own life and a crushed heart, she pushed through, moved over a thousand miles away from everything she knew to work on "Plan B" of her life. " As long as you're alive, you'll always have a Plan B." - TJ
TJ and Carla deserved their HEA and my heart couldn't be more content.
Profile Image for Shorouq.
291 reviews16 followers
February 16, 2022
loved every bit

Loved the movie references and how real the girls are with each other and always having each other’s back. Loved the fact that one point of view was only in the past until it was let go of to look into the present and the future. The fact that this book covers many sensitive topics put it high on my list and with really good writing and plot it deserves the time spent on it
Profile Image for Lexy Gray.
324 reviews
June 24, 2025
I didn’t expect this story to take the turn that it did. I didn’t know how much drugs and addiction would be talked about and yet I’m so happy my eyes are opened even a little bit to what it may be like for an addict. It’s not easy and I knew that but watching TJ go through everything he went through was hard. I’m happy to see he isn’t always put together but willing to grow. My heart is full and broken. 5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Natalia.
128 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2021
My heart. Tj has just pulled at all the heartstrings and made me had a good cry. Or I guess I should say Kristen Granata was the one to actually do that. Point still remains, I cried, laughed and loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews

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