Fighter

Sterling Falls #2

by S. Massery

They branded me as a thief – but with everything at stake, they’ll soon find out I’m a fighter.

Sterling Falls is a dark, gothic reverse harem romance series with enemies to lovers, romantic suspense, and new adult themes. Fighter is book 2 in the Sterling Falls Series and a continuation of Thief - it is not a standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Contemporary, College

360 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2022

About the author

S. Massery is a dark romance author who infuses all her stories with a dash of suspense. Formerly from Massachusetts, she now resides in Southern California with her dog, Alice.

Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.

• Facebook Group —> http://facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad 

• Facebook —> http://facebook.com/authorsmassery

• Instagram —> http://instagram.com/authorsmassery 

• Newsletter —> http://smassery.com/newsletter
• Tiktok —> http://tiktok.com/@smassery

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It isn't the first time my voice has been taken from me. It has to be the last."

I do not even know how to make a blurb for this book without giving away too much but OMG S. MASSERY!!
This series has me in a legit chokehold not gonna lie.
I mean it is addicting, it is hot, it brings you into a modern greek mythology world - which I am always for!!

"This city has filed many into dust. And some, it's carved into weapons. I think it's up to you what you become."

Quick shoutout to Artemis for being an absolute badass and a BOSS!!
I mean Janet definitely deserved it and Tem served it and left no room for doubt and I love that!
Ahhhhhh I need her book so fucking fast!

"How much fight do I have left in me?"

We have Kora. Who I am falling more and more in love with her with each and every book.
She is growing a backbone and we love to see it!!
This whole book was her coming more into her skin and realizing that she does hold a little power even if she doesn't fully realize it yet.
I mean those scenes…. Just saying…

"You like his eyes on you, flower? You're wetter."

This book, imo, focused more on the relationship between Jace and Kora and we need our Persephone and Hades!!
Quick shoutout to Wolfe who packs a mean punch. But while I still think Jace is a bit of an asshole I have no doubt whatsoever that by the end of this series he will be my favorite and I will become absolutely obsessed!!!
Anyways, the whole dynamic between the boys and Kora and their dad it is so interesting to read! I love it!

"Once she joined us, there was never a possibility of leaving."

This playlist is giving second book in the series of a dark greek mythology inspired book series… Don't ya think?

(Link - https://spotify.link/7rkFRmuPOIb)

🎶 "Fighter" - Christian Reindl, Power-Haus, Dream Harlowe
🎶 "Bells in Santa Fe" - Halsey
🎶 "Smoke and Fire" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Oxytocin" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "My Own Miracle" - Citizen Soldier
🎶 "Nightmare" - UNDREAM, Neoni
🎶 "Follow You" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎶 "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" - Cage The Elephant
🎶 "HEARTBEAT" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Trigger" - CHINCHILLA
🎶 "Bad Luck" - Noah Kahan
🎶 "Run Into Trouble" - Alok, Bastille
🎶 "Drag Me Down" - Loveless
🎶 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎶 "She Ruins Everything" - Ellise
🎶 "Control" - Halsey
🎶 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎶 "Scream" - Besomorph, RIELL
🎶 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Beg" - Aryia
🎶 "Pain" - Jake Daniels
🎶 "Morally Grey" - April Jai, Nation Haven
🎶 "Lover. Fighter" - SVRCINA
🎶 "Bad Nature" - Nerv
🎶 "Killer In The Mirror" - Set It Off
🎶 "Demons" - Hayley Kiyoko
🎶 "Survivor" - Besomage, Meric Again, RIELL
🎶 "Aimed to Kill" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "Do Not Disturb" - Halestorm
🎶 "To My Knees" - Two Feet
🎶 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "Teeth" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Not Afraid Anymore" - Halsey
🎶 "Love You Like Me (Sped Up)" - Meraki
🎶 "Too Sweet" - Hozier
🎶 "Body (Slowed + Reverb)" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "New Invention" - I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
🎶 "It's Over When It's Over" - Falling In Reverse
🎶 "Astronaut In The Ocean" - Rain Paris
🎶 "butterflies" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Bury A Friend" - Halocene
🎶 "Massacre" - Kim Petras
🎶 "Black Sea" - Natasha Blume
🎶 "Burned" - Grace VanderWaal
🎶 "Demons" - Icon For Hire
🎶 "Ghost Town" - Layto, Neoni
🎶 "KNIVES" - Neoni, Savage Ga$p
🎶 "sloppy" - KiNG MALA, UPSAHL
🎶 "Sober/Hungover" - Sueco, Arizona Zervas
🎶 "Escapism. - Sped Up" - RAYA, 070 Shake
🎶 "Bite Me" - Avril Lavigne
🎶 "Overdose" - grandson
🎶 "Bury Me Face Down" - grandson
🎶 "Swim" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "King For A Day" - Daisy Grenade, Kasey Karlsen, Deadlands
🎶 "Worship" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "Middle Finger" - Bohnes
🎶 "Sharks" - Imagine Dragons
🎶 "harder to lie." - elijah
🎶 "Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎶 "Gangsta - Harley Quinn & Joker Flashback Version" - Kehlani
🎶 "Murder On The Dancefloor - Remix" - Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Guetta
🎶 "Friction" - Imagine Dragons
🎶 "Sway With Me" - Saweetie, GALXARA
🎶 "Smoke - Remix" - BOBI ANDONOV, Son Lux
🎶 "Pour Some Sugar On Me" - Def Leppard
🎶 "Porn Star Dancing" - My Darkest Days, Chad Kroeger, Zakk Wylde
🎶 "Cravin'" - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎶 "HAUNTED" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "I Miss the Misery" - Halestorm
🎶 "Blood On A Rose" - Everybody Loves an Outlaw
🎶 "Game Of Survival" - Ruelle

And I'm not gonna leave you totally empty handed people!! I am somewhat of a nice person (maybe)…

"I like it when you beg, I like watching your face when you're turned on, and when I do this. So beg."

"Good girl. So fucking pretty."

"Look at yourself as I fuck you."

"Punishment. For not coming on my tongue."

🔥 Tropes 🔥

💮 Greek Mythology Inspired
💮 Why Choose Romance
💮 Enemies to Lovers
💮 Forced Proximity

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C5yYaGure...

Full Sterling Falls Playlist - https://spotify.link/CdpCKE0VTIb

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m honestly surprised about the lack of breakdowns that the FMC has had. If I was her I would be having multiple a day, because her life has well and truly gone to sh1t. To clarify, this is bad for her, but great for the plot.

I mean the biggest issue she is currently facing, in this book,is the ongoing gang war and the fact that everyone is getting murdered. In many different ways. There is obviously a lot of other subplots of drama, but I’m trying not to spoil everything.

Also, someone keeps leaving her designer clothes (agree to disagree that this is a problem).

Anything soft about the fmc has been completely erased and this is the same case for the men. In this book, the reality of their lives seems to be hitting them and they are adapting to survive. I guess there is no room for vulnerability in their world.

I thought because the relationships were basically established in book 1 that it would be smooth sailing in the 2nd book, I was wrong. They seem to be so inconsistent and there is soooo much friction/ conflict with everyone. She hates Jace and that’s a tad confusing, because her emotions seem to be all over the place regarding him. However, she did make a firm decision about him by 80%, so I appreciated that resolution.

Apollo is … constantly injured. At this point, I think he has spent more time recovering than anything else. In the next book, I propose we keep this man away from anything flammable, or any weapons or people. I think being around 0 people, will solve this issue.

I think because the spice level was low in the last book, she is making up for it in this one. It may be a tad to much though, for me at least. Some of the scenes feel a little repetitive and instead of talking it out at point, they just had sex. Sometimes I would prefer actual conversation.

I liked that Artemis and Nyx were featured more throughout. These are friends she deserves and desperately needed. I don’t know if these characters have spin-off books, but if not, I feel like they are being prepped for them.

The cliffhanger obviously did its job and presented me with a so many more questions. I have to say though, the part prior to the end was hectic !!! I couldn’t keep track of what was going on and who it was happening to.

1. Who are her parents ? I thought they were ‘house in the suburbs’ kind of people. I’m now reassessing this.

2. Her ex boyfriend ! Why doesn’t she share really important information about him to the guys. This could actually help them keep her safe. A lot of time I felt myself saying ‘thats an interesting choice’.

This was a solid 3🌟’s. I may be straight on to the next book or I may be taking a break.

I forgot to mention this on the last review, but I LOVE these covers. They have Easter eggs in them from the book and their simplistic, yet detailed.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series is the first time I’ve read anything by the author, but I’ve read plenty of people recommending her stories. When the first book of the Sterling Falls series was available free on kindle unlimited I decided to get it and see for myself. So impressed, I have purchased the next two books and also preordered the final 4th book of the series. So much intrigue, mystery, action, violence, and the emotions between Wolfe, Apollo, Jace and Kora is off the scale hot. This book also ends with a cliff hanger, so beware.

[Anto~mcbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like the cover chosen for this book in the slightest. It's frankly kinda awful and looks so outdated. It makes the book look cheap. A stylized, flowery mask or an edgy, sinister rendition of a pantheon with a dark background and pretty font would have been so much more tasteful as far as I'm concerned.

This book continued with the trend of the previous one of me being underwhelmed and disappointed.



It picked up right where Thief had left off, with Kora trapped in a burning building, Apollo rushed into surgery after being shot and Jace's fate unknown.

My biggest issue with this book was the utter lack of plot progression. Nothing happened. Nothing changed. There were no answers given, no explanations on anything, no further info provided or character development realized. It made the whole reading experience feel utterly pointless for me. I mean, just look at the book description. Just like the blurb is void of content, so was the book.



Kora continued being all up in her feelings, pin-balling between sadness, guilt, anger, numbness, despair, hopelessness, etc. All over the place, but also kinda stuck and more unwilling than unable to take control of her own life. And this book felt a lot clunkier than the first. For all of its pointlessly dull back and forth, it still felt rushed and like it didn't know where it was going. And continued having those odd dialogues that came seemingly out of nowhere.



But one thing I thought was great about it was how the guys were super iffy about sharing Kora. That's so unusual for RH (at least as far as I'm aware), and I thoroughly enjoyed them being jealous assholes. I wish Kora would've ascertained a little dominance and made it clear what was ok and wasn't in how they treated her. Going forward, she'll need to set some rules, because all the unknowns are clearly wreaking havoc, making everyone upset and making the guys act like discontent douches. But at least there were a lot more steamy scenes in this book to keep my dissatisfied grumbling to a minimum 😅.



Much like Thief, Fighter also ended on a cliffhanger, although this one was a lot milder IMO. I sincerely hope the next book in the series will be more meaty and plot heavy. I love reverse harem stories, but there needs to be an interesting plot happening to ultimately make the book enjoyable to read. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

**I received an advanced reader's digital copy of this book from Candi Kane PR in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own**

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book form the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

What doesn't kill me...Waking up in the hospital after the fire is a relief that's swiftly followed by horror. Cerberus James, the leader of the Hell Hounds and auction winner, has come to claim me. He wants the guys back under his control, and I'm the leverage. He's got plans for us. But Cerberus should know that Jack, Wolfe, and Apollo won't go down easy-and neither will I . I've got more fight in me than any of them know. And he's going to learn that the hard way.

This is the second book in the Sterling Falls Series from S. Massery. You have to read Thief first or you will be lost. I also need to warn you that this is a dark, gothic, reverse harem romance and you need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
Fighter picks up right where Thief left off and we all know from reading that book that that cliffhanger was just horrible and had us holding our breath waiting for the next book because we all had to know what was going to happen. This book throws us all right back in to the chaos that is Sterling Falls right along with Kora and her guys. I keep typing sentences and erasing them because oops I can't say that it might be a spoiler and I will not put a spoiler in my reviews ever. I am not a fan of the spoilers. That little fact makes this book really hard to review. But we get some answers to the many questions I had after the first book. But, with each answer I just had another question that I needed the answers too. Jace will remain the man that he has been throughout the series so far and he is a huge mystery. He is after all hiding some serious secrets and I just wanted him to spill like a fountain you can't turn off. But that didn't happen by I have to say that he and Kora are pure fire and they could never in a million years deny there attraction to each other. Apollo is his loyal and I do mean super loyal self and I loved that so much about him and they way he is with Kora just melts my heart. He is so protective of her that it just does things to your insides to see it or I should say read all about it. Wolfe is the most intense of these guys and I thought that about him in the first book. I do believe he is even more so in this one. But you can't ignore his jealous streak. Heck lets be honest there might be some jealously flying all around this book but I figure there is no way there couldn't be until you find your grove and get everything settled but we shall see it that ever goes away. But i loved how possessive he is of her too and i know that sounds crazy as I right it but it's not the bad kind of possessive that can happen at times. It just makes for some really hot reading. But there protectiveness is about to be put to the test as we can't forget about Cerberus James and how he wants the boys back under his control and to do that he knows that it has to be with Kora. He did after all win a little auction and I have circled back to the beginning of the book. I've come full circle or I have written a mess that makes no sense trying to keep the spoiler at bay. There are lots of twists and turns and this book keeps you on your toes and I for one was living for it. I can not wait to get Rebel in my hand and see what is going to happen next to these characters that I am falling so in love with.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighter by S.Massery brings another action packed part of Kora and her men's journey. The plot was beyond complicated. So many players and so many games. The passion was on point. The emotions are running high.


This is book 2 of the series. Kora has come to Sterling Falls for her college degree with scholarship and it's also an escape from her abusive ex. But she met the gods running the town. Jace. Apollo. Wolfe. And she is in middle of the battle among them, the Hell Hounds MC, Kronos and his territory, the sheriff and so much more. Somehow she is a valuable pawn. She has been kidnapped and hurt and manipulated. And she is confused about her feels about the guys.

This story has so many moving pieces. And new twists are coming in every chapter. Kora is slowly becoming harder and more fierce with every twist. She has been thrown into the deep end. And I don't blame her for getting angry or messed up. Apollo is the sweetest of the bunch..if you can call the devil sweet. I would say he is the most stable. Wolfe is a gorgeous mix of arrogant, caring and protective. And Jace is the completely unhinged one. He is reluctant to admit that he has feels for Kora. And I sometimes cannot understand his motives. At one moment it seems he is ready to make any deal for Kora. And sometimes it feels he is cold and callous. The suspense was killing me and I knew I wouldn't know all answers yet. Their chemistry is sizzling hot. There is the exotic love hate love dynamics here that I really love. Now the story can be a bit confusing. And I felt I was going back and forth without the story actually moving forward. You may get somehow frustrated. The romance sometimes takes backseat in face of action and suspense.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this book and I am loving the development of the characters and their different relationships, both together and separately. I am finding that you absolutely just get sucked into this world and just obsessed with the story and host of characters.

This particular book gave me what I was really missing from the first one, which was parental involvement. In the first book, I was so confused at HOW a young woman with a good relationship with her parents, could be in such DIRE trouble and not try to reach out to her parents or alert them to the fact that she needed money and was literally starving. With all of that flushed out, this book definitely gets her parents involved and ends on a cliffhanger.

What I enjoyed most about this book is all the little questions Kora starts to have about this city and world she has stepped into. I felt like as the reader I started to get a wider picture of all the different politics surrounding the local government, the gangs, and where these men line up in the grand scheme of things.

This had ALL the twists and turns and while I was suspecting I’d see some of things pop up, the author truly SURPRISED me! I am obsessed and addicted! I’ve already recommended this series to some friends and it’s one of those series that I just want someone to read it so we can chat about it immediately!

[Tori Swilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well we got answers to our cliff hangers at the end of book 1 but once again we are left with even more questions after book 2? That ending I mean wow come on...couldn't have told us a little bit of what's going to happen next. We see Kora struggle a lot during this book with her own demons and her situation, but we also see her grow a lot. She is really finding herself and the strength she starts showing to not only the guys but others I loved. She is determined to get her revenge and I am so here for the fire that she gets this book. Now for my guys....Apollo, Jace, and Wolfe the jealousy is real but I love seeing them figure out how this relationship works for them. Not gonna lie the guys are being a bit sketchy and I am ready for them to figure it out!

I loved the suspense and twist and turns of this book, but I wish there was more of seeing the relationships develop between each of the characters. I thought after book 1 we would see them start to really figure out the dynamic with one another (which they started) I just wanted to see more of that development then was shown/told.

[Vanessa (bookfairy95) · Rating 5 out of 5]

omggg this series is my newest obsession. The turns are everything, Wolfe has my heart and the cliffhangers are brutal! 😭
The tension between Kora and Jace is climbing fast, which makes every interaction between the two absolutely delicious.
Wolfe is more jealous than ever, but honestly I love his possessiveness!
And honestly every single one of the guys is so protective of Kora. 😩 Even to the point that they're more concernced of her well-being than their own as is the case with Apollo. 😢
There's also so much we don't know about the guys yet, too, which makes the story even better in my opinion, because there's a bit of mystery as well.

I cannot wait to read more and discover all the darkness that still lies in wait for us. I immediately started and am almost finished with book 3 at this point, too! 😲

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Massery can literally do NO WRONG. This book was phenomenal. But I also lowkey hate S. Massery for ANOTHER cliffhanger. Rude. Book #3... here we go..

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m very intrigued by this series. I can’t pinpoint what draws me in but I can’t seem to put the books down when I read them. They’re easy to follow and I really like the writing that I can’t help but be captivated. I did not expect that ending and I hate it but am excited to see what happens in the next book. I feel like we still need lots of questions answered and hopefully we get some of those answers soon!

[Lb [worlds longest slump] · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ this book was a hot mess

Book one started out relatively strong but the FMC Kora just looses the fucking plot in this book. She is SO DUMB.

Self preservation who? Never heard of her 👀

Kora is out here literally being the single stupidest person on the planet all day every day. Wolfe told her explicitly not to give his father a single piece of information about herself so what does she do? Not shut the fuck up about her parents with literally 0 prompting then proceed to get drunk in enemy territory while unprotected. Then she gets a sketchy phone call and threatening text messages but proceeds to tell absolutely no one about them and assumes it’s a school MEAN GIRL instead of, oh I don’t know, one of the rival gang members who are constantly trying to abduct and kill her? THEN proceeds to sneak out of the house to go meet said enemies in enemy territory without telling the guys and is shocked when they are mad at her/worried about her.

What the actual fuck is wrong with her?

Girl doesn’t know whether she’s coming or going either. She’s so mad at the boys for reasons that are unclear to literally everyone so she just stops talking to them making the entire book essentially one giant miscommunication trope. She gets mad at them about absolutely EVERYTHING too. Like Jace buying out her contract with the rival gang. Like yeah now she “belongs” to him but how is that worse than before? It’s undeniably better! But is she grateful? No, she feels unfairly justified in being mad about everything. It’s just… so stupid.

I also can’t get over how their relationships are progressing - it’s so odd. They’re almost too fast but then there are these massive gaps in between where nothing happens, and then randomly they’re just hooking up or whatever. Idk it’s weird.

And the guys being jealous and possessive of her towards eachother is really confusing me too. It’s a Why Choose baby, you’re all besties, just get along.

I sort of want to see if book three is any better but I’m not sure I can suffer through more of this.

OH AND the blurb describes this series as “dark gothic RH romance” and let me tell you there is not a single gothic thing about this series. At all.

[alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

･ ｡ﾟ☆:Fighter *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ

⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´

🎶

Nice to meet you, where you been?I could show you incredible things Magic, madness, heaven, sin

🎶

“They branded me as a thief – but with everything at stake, they’ll soon find out I’m a fighter.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

So, Kora’s character is really starting to step up in this book. She’s not the timid person she once was; she’s actually trying to defend herself, which is great to see. But, man, she’s totally confused about who’s a friend and who’s a threat. Like, she’s still trying to figure out who saved her from that fire and whether she can trust these guys who keep popping up in her life. The whole dynamic between her and the guys is a mess—there’s no real agreement or clarity. It’s like, everyone’s got their own agenda and nothing’s syncing up. The relationship stuff is just tangled and not really working out the way anyone would hope.

[Jace]

“She begged me to go out with her.” Jace radiates smug, asshole energy. Not sure if my parents pick up on it, but I do. “It was pretty cute.”

“I did not.”

“Dance with me,” he says in my ear.

Jace is definitely a mixed bag. He’s totally like that Katy Perry song—sometimes he’s all in, and other times he’s just icy cold. It’s like he’s on this emotional rollercoaster where he can’t quite figure out what he wants. One minute he’s showing that he cares, and the next, he’s distant and hard to read. It’s clear he has feelings for Kora and genuinely cares about her, but he’s just so inconsistent with how he shows it. He’s got this way of being there for her, but then pulling back, which makes it really tough to get a handle on where he stands. This kind of push-pull dynamic makes for some pretty compelling drama. It keeps you guessing about what’s really going on in his head and how he truly feels about Kora.

[Apollo]

I vaguely remember Wolfe coming in and picking me up. He carried me back to my own bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. His lips brushed my forehead–and then another kiss from different lips. Apollo’s.

Apollo's got this tough adjustment to make with Kora's feelings being spread around. It’s gotta sting a bit when he thinks of her as "his girl," but the reality is she’s got ties with Wolfe and Jace as well. It’s like he’s dealing with this harem, or even more complicated dynamics, and trying to figure out where he stands. The whole situation with Wolfe being so assertive and Jace entering the mix late just makes things messier. It’s not just about personal feelings anymore—it’s a tangled web of relationships and rivalries. Apollo’s role in constantly reassuring Kora is really touching. Every time she’s uncertain or feeling like a burden, he’s there to remind her that the decisions being made are on his terms, not anyone else’s. It’s clear he’s deeply committed to protecting her, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. His insistence that they weren’t going to abandon her and that it was a joint decision shows he’s trying to take some of the weight off her shoulders and share the burden. His protective nature is evident in his words and actions. Telling her to put the idea of abandonment out of her head and urging her to eat is more than just physical care; it’s about emotional reassurance. He’s essentially saying, “We’re in this together, and I’m here for you.”

[Ares]

“Did you send Apollo to the Hell Hounds knowing he’d be targeted?”

“Kora. No.” He brushes hair away from my face. “If I wanted Apollo out of the way, I would’ve sent him to my father without you.”

Wolfe’s got some serious scheming going on. So, he sends Apollo into enemy territory knowing he’s gonna get his butt kicked because he’s not going to fight his friends. It’s like he’s playing this twisted strategy game to get what he wants—Kora. Yeah, Wolfe’s tactics are pretty intense. He’s clearly playing a long game with all these manipulative moves. Challenging Jace to earn a favor, which he plans to use to get Kora, is such a calculated play. It’s like he’s weaving this complex web to get what he wants. On one side, yeah, he might be outsmarting himself—if his schemes get exposed or things don’t go as planned, it could totally blow up in his face. The risk is high. But if he’s as sharp as he seems and manages to stay ahead of everyone, he could actually pull this off and get what he wants. Honestly, it’s one of those situations where the stakes are so high. It’s almost like he’s treating this whole situation as a game he’s determined to win. If the stakes are high, he’s all in, and he’s not playing games or holding back. His actions show that he’s fully committed to claiming Kora and making sure everyone knows it. It’s also a bit of a reality check for Kora. She’s seeing that the people around her are making huge sacrifices and taking on serious risks, and it’s overwhelming for her.

Kora’s definitely in a tough spot with enemies all around. The boys are scrambling to figure out how to get her out of her deal with Cerberus, but nothing seems to be working. It’s like every time they try to solve one problem, another one pops up, making everything more complicated. And then there’s the whole dynamic with the boys. It feels like they’re constantly at odds about how to handle her situation. At times, it seems like they’re not even on her side because they’re so wrapped up in their own conflicts and secrets. Especially Jace—he’s got this confusing vibe where he seems distant one moment and then shows interest the next. It’s hard to get a read on him, and it makes it tough to invest in any romantic development between them.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

Honestly, the lack of romantic focus is kind of a relief in a way because the plot is so gripping. The whole mystery of why everything is happening and who the real threat is keeps you hooked. It’s like the romance takes a backseat to the intrigue, which I think is working in the story’s favor right now.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kora, Jace, Wolfe, + Apollo

-dark college romance
-mfmm why choose
-greek myth parallels
-underground fighting
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-book 2/4

omgomgomg im getting anxiety hardcore!! i’m loving this group dynamic so much & the plot is THICKKKKK!! jacey baby being the last asshole to fall but having the biggest dick…hehehe classic!

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels 4
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Stephanie

After those jaw dropping cliffhangers we were left with at the end of Thief, I was desperate to see where the author would take this book. OMG, she did not disappoint...not one bit. I am literally OBSESSED with this series. S. Massery gives us dark RH the way it’s supposed to be done and I, for one, can’t get enough.

“ Angry girl. Invisible girl. Flower. Chaos.”

Fighter unceremoniously tosses us right back into the total fucking chaos of Sterling Falls along with Kora and her Greek Gods. So much happened in book one. I needed answers but it seemed for every answer I thought we had a new mystery comes along. Leaving another trail of unanswered questions. There were times I felt completely lost and utterly confused. Usually in a book that would drive me crazy, but it somehow worked with this one. The author definitely keeps us guessing the entire way through.

“This city has filled many into dust. And some, it’s carved into weapons. I think It’s up to you who you want to become.”

I loved Kora in book one but sometimes I wanted to throat punch her. In this book, her character growth was fantastic. It was still Kora but a more kick ass version of her. I liked this one much better and all thoughts of throat punching vanished. And the guys, what can I say about the guys. Jace is still a mystery to me, and I don’t really know if I like him. I desperately need to know what he’s hiding and the sexual tension between these two is insane! I love Apollo. He’s loyal, sexy and will protect Kora at all costs. But Wolfe? Wolfe is intense. The scenes between him and Kora were so damn hot...and the jealousy. I loved the jealousy and the possessiveness. I think it’s safe to say I am obsessed with Wolfe. He is by far my favorite. They will do anything to protect Kora, but will it be enough?

“Once she joined us, there was never a possibility of leaving.”

It should probably come as no surprise but this one also ends on a cliffhanger. I did not see that ending coming at all. I honestly am not sure how I feel about it. I have so many questions and need answers. Who is the mystery masked man? What the hell are Jace, Marley, the sheriff, Kora’s parents, the list could go on and on...what are they all hiding? Marley and her whole little group are sketchy as hell. They’re obviously jealous of Kora, but there is more there. What about Kronos? And Wolf’s Dad? There are so many dangers, secrets and mystery surrounding Kora and Sterling Falls. I can’t wait for Rebel to find out what happens next!

[Erica Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up right where Thief left off. Kora is in trouble with no reasonable resolution in sight. She is constantly being challenged and having the world thrown at her. She just can’t catch a break. What she can catch though is three spicy hot guys!

I love the development we’re getting not just with Kora but with the guys as well. There’s so much story surrounding all of them and their situations. It’s crazy chaos but in the best way. You find yourself clinging to favorites at this point or even second guessing yourself and switching some up.

This is just the mid point at the end… and S Massery doesn’t skimp on the cliffhangers. Multiple cliffhangers, something any fan of her series writing will come to find as common now. They are always shocking moments that you don’t know how they will turn out. It’s the best when your really left clueless and not predicting everything.

You know you love a book when you willingly consume it multiple times. I read through as an alpha but also after it was finished being edited and planning on diving into the audio as well soon. I love this series being in duet narration.

I’m nervous and excited for what’s to come with Rebel.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the what just happened? My heart and soul has just been ripped from me and destroyed. Fighter picks up right where Thief left us off and my mind is spinning! The rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper with Kora finding herself wrapped up into this world she never asked for. Emotions for these men she never wanted. Followed by being stuck in the middle of a war she never really asked to be a part of. The layers and levels of complexity just blows my mind with what Massery has given us with this installment of the series. It was sizzling, passionate and intense. It was twisted and just utterly mind blowing. We see Kora being used as a pawn, we see the boys being pitted against each other in some ways and fighting their emotions for Kora in the same breath. There is so much that happens and that ending just was what?? I never expected that to come and I am dying to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens! This series is just everything and I am living for every moment of it!

[Read What I Like Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIGHTER (STERLING FALLS BOOK TWO)

Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [ ]YES [X]NO
Author: S. Massery
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Multiple; first person
Main Characters: Kora, Jace (?), Apollo & Wolfe
Favorite Character: Kora (I will stick with her because I’m shameless and I wouldn’t be able to choose just one guy)
Tropes: Dark new adult romance; reverse harem (it sounded more like a love/square triangle most of the times); antiheroes; captivity

Review:

What is this series? I had liked the first book, but the second was even better!
What you’ll find here: mystery, action, scorching hot scenes, romance, testosterone filled passages, villains, jealousy, friendship, envy, love.
You’ll find pretty much everything to keep you entertained for 300 pages. You’ll definitely also find a hell of a cliffhanger…
I guess the only thing I can do is to wait for Rebel to be released…

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a large part of me that hopes it’s just lights out. Boom, gone. Our consciousness dies with our bodies.
That's the only way to free ourselves of the trauma we go through in life, isn't it? Because I can't picture a man in the sky absolving me of my sins and me letting it go. No, if there is life after death, then all the sins I've committed will haunt me for eternity.

Hoooooooly shit y’all when I tell you the gasp I gulped for the twist at the end?! I cannot EVEN. My heart is broken and I’m absolutely shook right now 😩

I need to know how Kora plays into all of the Sterling Falls gang drama. What does literally everyone but her seem to know about her past?

Also I’m sorry but PARKER BEING BACK?! Absolutely fucking not. I hope he fucks around and finds out asap bc he can get wrecked 😡

Wasn’t planning on starting Rebel tonight but here we are bc I need to know what’s next 🥹😂

[JL Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay Miss Massery. The cliffs of these books keep getting higher and higher. Damn. That ending was just WOW! I so was not expecting that but, if possible, things are just heating up even more. I have no idea where this series is going or how it will end but I will follow wherever it goes. Especially if Jace, Apollo, and Wolfe will be there. So in love with all three of these guys. And Kora I don't even know what to say. I loved her in the first book. The embodiment of a survivor but for me in this one she kinda just floated along. She had her moments where it seemed like she was gonna push through and be all BA but then it seems like she just gives in to all the crazy around her. She has lost hope. I get it there is a lot of bad going down. I'm just hoping she finds her inner BA and kicks the crap out of all her demons.

[Celeste · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I had to sum up my dislike for this book and this series as a whole really, I can do it in one word... Kora.

A more ineffectual, whiny Mary Sue I could not imagine. Theoretically, she's an abuse survivor, so you think yesss a strong female lead. Except Kora spends all her time on useless inner monologs about her feelings than actually doing anything.

I kid you not. There's a character that gets tortured for 5 months as opposed to Koras single branding and nearly dies and with way less whining.

I just could not with her. And the fact that she says nothing to her parents when she should have so she could make sure Jace was safe. Wtf was that?

Not sure what the point of this entire book was tbh as there was very little in terms of plot progression.

Weirdly enough the writing style was fine. It's just the characters that fell short for me.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Oh boy there is so much going on in this book!! We start with Kora waking up in the hospital after that doozy of an ending to book one. Cerberus won the auction making her his property but he really only wants control of the guys which leads to all sorts back end deals, secrets, and surprise twists. Just when you think you know what is going on we get something else thrown as making us question everything. This leads to another cliff hanger ending that will have you wanting more. Kora is really coming into her own by this point and I cannot wait to see what this brings in the future. Makes for fabulous read that I totally loved so I give it 5/5 stars.

[Cecilia East · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️
2.75 🌶️ (RH Trope)

I will say the main FMC annoyed me a lot more in this book. I felt she was very flip-floppy with how she was responding to different situations and just overall how she was acting, one minute she would be a bada$$ FMC who could do whatever she wanted, and then the very next page she would be this crumbling girl who couldn't think through a situation to save her life. While we got a bit more steam with this book, I felt it was at the sake of character relationship builds, it felt like some of the smut scenes were plopped in just to have smut scenes, not because it made sense to have them. I will be reading book 3 but I am a tad nervous after finishing this book.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighter
Sterling Falls Series Book 2
S. Massery

Kora & Apollo, Hades & Ares
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

This was so great
Fantastically addicting
So angsty

“Stop crying. You hear me?” I shake her once, willing the fight to find her again. “We do. Not. Bend. And we certainly don’t break.”

Kora has been through so much

“See you around, angry girl.” Angry girl. Invisible girl. Flower. Chaos. I press my palms to my eyes. I’ve only ever wanted to be one person. Me. And yet, I’m constantly under siege by people pulling me in opposite directions.

Love how she is getting her power !

“We’ll work on it, flower. We can help you become someone they fear.”

“You enjoyed me kissing you. That’s why I did it, you know. Because I see the way you look at me when the others aren’t watching. I see everything you want to hide.”

Eek what cliffhangers and ways to end books!

Can’t wait for the next book

[Chrissy Busick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I didn't think things in Sterling Falls could get any more intense, S Massery whips out this baby. Sit down, grab a stiff drink and prepare to shut out the world while you join Kora, Wolfe, Jace and Apollo on another wild ride.

In Fighter we learn a little more about some of our favorite Sterling Falls characters, and are left with some questions about some of them as well. We meet a few new faces too.

Fighter is a wonderful follow up to Thief, and it will leave you wanting more. SO MUCH MORE!!!

[bersabea giudice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non posso dire che sia un brutto libro, ma mi ha annoiata tantissimo, mi ha annoiata anche il primo in verità, ma ancora pensavo che la serie alla fine mi avrebbe catturata, non lo ha fatto.
Credo che molto dipenda dalla protagonista, non amo le damigelle in pericolo e Kora è decisamente una che ha bisogno di essere protetta, di contro gli MMC non sono poi così infallibili nel proteggerla, anzi, sono addirittura un pò dei perdenti.
Non è comunque una serie che mi sento di sconsigliare, è scritta bene e ha del potenziale.

[Anelise | 2kidsandagoodbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did I just read?!?!? S Massery has a way of keeping you on your toes until you are lulled into a fall sense of knowing what happens. Then bam a twist comes out of nowhere. So much happens in this book and because of it the development between Kora and the guys is kind of slow but if it was faster it would feel forced. So there aren’t a lot of smexy scenes but the scenes that are there are hot🔥 I’m dying to know where things go in the next book seeing how I did not expect the ending. That cliffhanger has me speechless.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 40%, how does this have so many 5 star ratings? Do I keep finding series that only new readers are consuming? This was not a good book lol.

Things went off the rails so fast, but I held on hoping things would turn around. They didn’t.

Everything happened so out of sync, like multiple people wrote a part of the book and they just threw it all together at the end. Everyone is TSTL and doing stupid shit so often that it makes the whole plot so completely unbelievable. None of the characters feel like real people making real choices.

The killing blow was the FMC not calling her parents for weeks, even if just to keep them thinking she’s ok. I’m supposed to believe that the “strong”, “resilient”, and “independent” FMC is so caught up in getting dicked down by strangers that she’s given up her entire life? Made zero sense.

Pretty bummed because the overall story had such potential, but I think the author was too ambitious for their skill level.

[Claire Letnic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25+⭐️’s but rounded down.

That cliffy has me SO mad at myself for not looking into how far along the series is… because I want to know what happens!! Dang it!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now it keeps getting to be more and more. Still a great series.

Again the trigger warning is not enough. Mmf