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Fighter
True love sounds great until it shows up on your doorstep wrapped in a warning label. When Tristan walks back into my life, he’s not the childhood friend I remember. He’s harder, dangerous, angry. But he’s gentle with me. And he wants to know why I gave up my dreams of being an artist. An underground fighter with a track record of leaving is the worst person I could fall for. But he keeps showing up at my door, telling me that my paintings are amazing and I’m even better. My head says, “No,” but my heart says, “Yes.” He thrives on violence. I’m desperate for security. He’s angry and lost. I know exactly what I want, if only I dared reach for it. He’s on a dark, self-destructive spiral. I’ve already lost one person. I refuse to do it again. Wonderfully written and delivered with remarkable love! I adored it. - Elsie, booksprout Will the passion they’ve found together burn out in the light of day? Or can they change enough to find real happiness?
210 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2021
89 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 4, 2021
Ahhhh, mixed feelings here! I felt like the story was a little all over the place, fast-paced without proper character building. I couldn't connect with either one of them.
Tristan's anger was unjustified, frankly, he seemed ungrateful for all he had. He was confused and rebellious towards his extremely supportive parents. Maybe if one of them had a menacing intend then I could've understood it.
Sure, I understand that the author wanted Kaia and Tristan to be childhood friends, that was a sweet intent, but it raised so many questions. Maybe if she had built more upon their past? I don't think I could instantly recognize someone I hadn't seen in ten years, especially when I was a child. It felt a little too far-fetched for me.
Why mention the "bear" tattoo without any significance to it? It frustrated me when Tristan sort of ignored that part of the conversation.
Although, it wasn't all so bad. I liked the ending. I did like the touch upon mental and emotional health, that was really good. Her writing was a good effort, would like to see more of Anna's word in the future.
I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blog review: https://periwinklepens.wordpress.com/...
Tristan's anger was unjustified, frankly, he seemed ungrateful for all he had. He was confused and rebellious towards his extremely supportive parents. Maybe if one of them had a menacing intend then I could've understood it.
Sure, I understand that the author wanted Kaia and Tristan to be childhood friends, that was a sweet intent, but it raised so many questions. Maybe if she had built more upon their past? I don't think I could instantly recognize someone I hadn't seen in ten years, especially when I was a child. It felt a little too far-fetched for me.
Why mention the "bear" tattoo without any significance to it? It frustrated me when Tristan sort of ignored that part of the conversation.
Although, it wasn't all so bad. I liked the ending. I did like the touch upon mental and emotional health, that was really good. Her writing was a good effort, would like to see more of Anna's word in the future.
I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blog review: https://periwinklepens.wordpress.com/...
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February 26, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/20/2021)! 🎁
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
April 1, 2021
3.75 stars-- FIGHTER by Anna Ray is a contemporary, new adult, Bad Boy College romance. This is eighteen year olds, underground MMA fighter Tristan Walker, and art student Kaia Brooks’ story line.
NOTE: FIGHTER contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaia and Tristan) FIGHTER follows in the aftermath of an illegal fight that almost took the life of our story line hero. Two and half years earlier, Tristan Walker came upon a secret that sent him spiralling out of control, and into the illegal underground world of the MMA. A fight almost cost him his life and in the ensuing time Tristan continued to struggle with what was and what will never be but a woman’s screams found Tristan rescuing his best friend from childhood, a young woman who stirred something deep within our story line hero. Enter eighteen year old, art student Kaia Brooks. What ensues is the rekindling friendship, and romance between Kaia and Tristan, and the potential fall-out as Kaia struggles with Tristan’s choices, and Tristan struggles with his life at home.
Tristan Walker was an angry young man, who needed an outlet for his aggression and pain, and the underground world of illegal MMA was the perfect vehicle to work on his anger but a vehicle that was both ugly and dangerous for everyone concerned. Reconnecting with Kaia Brooks meant something beautiful in a life of ugliness and pain but Tristan battled between head and heart knowing his life would only get uglier, reflecting upon the woman with whom he was falling in love.
The relationship between Kaia and Tristan is a childhood friends to lovers romance that struggles in the face of perceived betrayal, and Tristan’s need to fight alone. Kaia has only ever wanted to be an artist but the life of a starving artist was never what she had in mind. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Tristan’s parents Caleb and Alice Walker; his friends and roommates Brody and Alex : Kaia’s grandmother Ruth, her best friend Pilar; mean girl Becca; and fight promoter Jake Miller.
FIGHTER is a story of secrets and lies; family and relationships; second chances and love. The premise is dark and gritty; the romance is realistic and edgy; the characters are broken, flawed and tragic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: FIGHTER contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaia and Tristan) FIGHTER follows in the aftermath of an illegal fight that almost took the life of our story line hero. Two and half years earlier, Tristan Walker came upon a secret that sent him spiralling out of control, and into the illegal underground world of the MMA. A fight almost cost him his life and in the ensuing time Tristan continued to struggle with what was and what will never be but a woman’s screams found Tristan rescuing his best friend from childhood, a young woman who stirred something deep within our story line hero. Enter eighteen year old, art student Kaia Brooks. What ensues is the rekindling friendship, and romance between Kaia and Tristan, and the potential fall-out as Kaia struggles with Tristan’s choices, and Tristan struggles with his life at home.
Tristan Walker was an angry young man, who needed an outlet for his aggression and pain, and the underground world of illegal MMA was the perfect vehicle to work on his anger but a vehicle that was both ugly and dangerous for everyone concerned. Reconnecting with Kaia Brooks meant something beautiful in a life of ugliness and pain but Tristan battled between head and heart knowing his life would only get uglier, reflecting upon the woman with whom he was falling in love.
The relationship between Kaia and Tristan is a childhood friends to lovers romance that struggles in the face of perceived betrayal, and Tristan’s need to fight alone. Kaia has only ever wanted to be an artist but the life of a starving artist was never what she had in mind. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Tristan’s parents Caleb and Alice Walker; his friends and roommates Brody and Alex : Kaia’s grandmother Ruth, her best friend Pilar; mean girl Becca; and fight promoter Jake Miller.
FIGHTER is a story of secrets and lies; family and relationships; second chances and love. The premise is dark and gritty; the romance is realistic and edgy; the characters are broken, flawed and tragic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 18, 2021
I will be honest it was the cover that caught my attention when I saw this on NetGalley. I have always been a sucker for an MMA fighter. Having read many over the years, this one was an okay college romance, and friends to lovers read.
Tristan, your typical bad boy fighter and Kaia, your typical good girl and childhood best friends who lose touch when Tristan moves away and when they meet up years later, both are facing their own challenges. They rekindled their friendship, and soon, when feelings come into play, their friendship quickly turns to more.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this one! Tristan and Kaia were sweet together, but they did frustrate me at times with their lack of communication. I felt parts of the story were rushed, so I didn’t connect with them as much as I would have liked to. However, with that being said, I did like the ending, and so I did swipe the last page with a smile on my face.
Tristan, your typical bad boy fighter and Kaia, your typical good girl and childhood best friends who lose touch when Tristan moves away and when they meet up years later, both are facing their own challenges. They rekindled their friendship, and soon, when feelings come into play, their friendship quickly turns to more.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this one! Tristan and Kaia were sweet together, but they did frustrate me at times with their lack of communication. I felt parts of the story were rushed, so I didn’t connect with them as much as I would have liked to. However, with that being said, I did like the ending, and so I did swipe the last page with a smile on my face.
April 18, 2021
A story about Kaia and Tristan, a childhood friends to lovers romance, an angry young man and a girl that is starving artist.
After being badly injured, Tristan and his family move back to his childhood home to be away from the bad influences. His new friends take him to an underground fight one night and again Tristan gets involved. At the same time he meets his childhood best friend Kaia and they quickly goes from friends to lovers.
The storyline was ok, I liked the plot also. Character building was ok done since she worked on themes like mental health, addiction, anger and assault, but it was just a surface, there is a lot more to do there. All in all I enjoyed reading it and I will definitely read other works by this author.
After being badly injured, Tristan and his family move back to his childhood home to be away from the bad influences. His new friends take him to an underground fight one night and again Tristan gets involved. At the same time he meets his childhood best friend Kaia and they quickly goes from friends to lovers.
The storyline was ok, I liked the plot also. Character building was ok done since she worked on themes like mental health, addiction, anger and assault, but it was just a surface, there is a lot more to do there. All in all I enjoyed reading it and I will definitely read other works by this author.
January 15, 2024
TW: violence, drug use mentioned, overdose, assault, alcohol use,
Fighter by Anna Ray is a childhood friends turned lovers underground fighting romance told from a dual POV.
Newly graduated from high school, Tristian is the textbook mother cycle riding, brooding, bad boy who thrives on violence and pain to mask the internal turmoil he’s dealing with. Years after finding out he was adopted, Tristian takes up underground fighting to let off some steam. After a fight gone wrong and a short stay in the hospital, his parents decide to move back to Santa Rosa in hopes to counter Tristians self destructive behavior. After moving back to his home town, Tristian runs into a childhood friend that makes him question his life decisions and stirs up feelings he tries to fight back.
Kaia is an aspiring artist that goes to the community college Tristian attends. She’s soft, nurturing, independent, and introverted. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s overdose, Kaia struggles living up to her grandmothers expectations. Kaia wants to paint and make art, while her grandmother wants her to get a job, make a living, and find her happily ever after. Kaia isn’t so sure she wants a happily ever after. Kaia is strong willed and knows what she wants from life, but will Tristian make her question everything she thought she knew about herself?
I really loved this story. Just within the first few chapters the characters were really fleshed out and unique. They were relatable and realistic. The pace of this book was consistent and didn’t feel rushed or drug out. The fact that this book is written from both Tristian and Kaia’s points of view adds so much to the story and how it made me feel. Tristian is what I like to call the grump character. He’s rough, tough, and closed off, but being able to read his inner thoughts about Kaia gave me butterflies. “Girls shouldn’t be allowed to be so soft.” 🥺🥵
The spicy scene was perfect. It wasn’t kinky or anything, but it was good. Sweet and sensual. And it didn’t feel forced like many I’ve read before. The characters kept their personalities throughout the scene, which was refreshing since some of the books I’ve read, the characters tend to turn into different people completely during sex scenes.
I read other reviews that didn’t understand why Tristian had so much anger towards his parents, but honestly, I get it. He was a teenage boy who had his world flipped upside down when he found out that he was adopted. Being a hormonal teenager is hard enough without finding out everything you thought you knew about yourself wasn’t exactly as it seemed. He felt lied to, betrayed, and it’s clear that his family didn’t exactly deal with his feelings when he found out. Along with that, his parents are trying to mold him into who they want him to be. Who they expect him to be. He’s rebelling and dealing with his feelings in the only way that makes sense to him.
The only complaint, that really isn’t a complaint, I have is that I didn’t agree with some of the word choices the author made. Some words felt out of place, but perhaps the author and I have different vernaculars. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on this author.
Side note, I would be super interested in reading a story about Becca. Her character really stood out.
I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. I am leaving a voluntary review and this review is based on my own thoughts and feelings.
Fighter by Anna Ray is a childhood friends turned lovers underground fighting romance told from a dual POV.
Newly graduated from high school, Tristian is the textbook mother cycle riding, brooding, bad boy who thrives on violence and pain to mask the internal turmoil he’s dealing with. Years after finding out he was adopted, Tristian takes up underground fighting to let off some steam. After a fight gone wrong and a short stay in the hospital, his parents decide to move back to Santa Rosa in hopes to counter Tristians self destructive behavior. After moving back to his home town, Tristian runs into a childhood friend that makes him question his life decisions and stirs up feelings he tries to fight back.
Kaia is an aspiring artist that goes to the community college Tristian attends. She’s soft, nurturing, independent, and introverted. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s overdose, Kaia struggles living up to her grandmothers expectations. Kaia wants to paint and make art, while her grandmother wants her to get a job, make a living, and find her happily ever after. Kaia isn’t so sure she wants a happily ever after. Kaia is strong willed and knows what she wants from life, but will Tristian make her question everything she thought she knew about herself?
I really loved this story. Just within the first few chapters the characters were really fleshed out and unique. They were relatable and realistic. The pace of this book was consistent and didn’t feel rushed or drug out. The fact that this book is written from both Tristian and Kaia’s points of view adds so much to the story and how it made me feel. Tristian is what I like to call the grump character. He’s rough, tough, and closed off, but being able to read his inner thoughts about Kaia gave me butterflies. “Girls shouldn’t be allowed to be so soft.” 🥺🥵
The spicy scene was perfect. It wasn’t kinky or anything, but it was good. Sweet and sensual. And it didn’t feel forced like many I’ve read before. The characters kept their personalities throughout the scene, which was refreshing since some of the books I’ve read, the characters tend to turn into different people completely during sex scenes.
I read other reviews that didn’t understand why Tristian had so much anger towards his parents, but honestly, I get it. He was a teenage boy who had his world flipped upside down when he found out that he was adopted. Being a hormonal teenager is hard enough without finding out everything you thought you knew about yourself wasn’t exactly as it seemed. He felt lied to, betrayed, and it’s clear that his family didn’t exactly deal with his feelings when he found out. Along with that, his parents are trying to mold him into who they want him to be. Who they expect him to be. He’s rebelling and dealing with his feelings in the only way that makes sense to him.
The only complaint, that really isn’t a complaint, I have is that I didn’t agree with some of the word choices the author made. Some words felt out of place, but perhaps the author and I have different vernaculars. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on this author.
Side note, I would be super interested in reading a story about Becca. Her character really stood out.
I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. I am leaving a voluntary review and this review is based on my own thoughts and feelings.
April 14, 2021
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of Tristan who tries to manage his anger issues over being adopted by participating in underground fighting. After being badly injured his family move away, back to his childhood home to remove the bad influences. His new friends surprise him by taking him to an underground fight one night and again Tristan gets involved. At the same time he meets his old best friend Kaia and they quickly form a relationship. She doesn’t like him fighting and manages to stop him getting badly hurt when his dad takes ill. Following that point he tries to turn his life around and get on the right track.
For me the story line was good but the plot was lacking in emotional depth and character building. I felt the author skimmed the surface of mental health, addiction, anger and assault and didn’t dive deep enough into these issues and the emotions that can result. I never got a feeling about who Tristan was other than a kid who was angry that he had been adopted and liked to fight. Kaia was another kid whose mother died of an overdose that had no self confidence in herself. Tristans dad is mentioned as saying Walker men are strong and always get back up however, I didn’t get this opinion of him from the actions in the story.
There was no connection for me to either the MCs or the side characters of Alex, Brody and Becca.
The story had a few inconsistencies for me as well such as Kaia asked Tristan about the bear tattoo and this was never answered. Kaia was prepping dinner with her grandma and when Tristan came to the door she just left and went and spent the night with him. It took a long time for Kaia to think about the guy who had offered money for her paintings and get back to him, especially since she was short of cash. There were also quite a number of typos and grammatical errors through the book.
I enjoyed what I read but it could have been better with the presence of the emotional connection with the characters, more detail of who they were as people and a little more depth on the situations.
#NetGalley #Fighter
This book tells the story of Tristan who tries to manage his anger issues over being adopted by participating in underground fighting. After being badly injured his family move away, back to his childhood home to remove the bad influences. His new friends surprise him by taking him to an underground fight one night and again Tristan gets involved. At the same time he meets his old best friend Kaia and they quickly form a relationship. She doesn’t like him fighting and manages to stop him getting badly hurt when his dad takes ill. Following that point he tries to turn his life around and get on the right track.
For me the story line was good but the plot was lacking in emotional depth and character building. I felt the author skimmed the surface of mental health, addiction, anger and assault and didn’t dive deep enough into these issues and the emotions that can result. I never got a feeling about who Tristan was other than a kid who was angry that he had been adopted and liked to fight. Kaia was another kid whose mother died of an overdose that had no self confidence in herself. Tristans dad is mentioned as saying Walker men are strong and always get back up however, I didn’t get this opinion of him from the actions in the story.
There was no connection for me to either the MCs or the side characters of Alex, Brody and Becca.
The story had a few inconsistencies for me as well such as Kaia asked Tristan about the bear tattoo and this was never answered. Kaia was prepping dinner with her grandma and when Tristan came to the door she just left and went and spent the night with him. It took a long time for Kaia to think about the guy who had offered money for her paintings and get back to him, especially since she was short of cash. There were also quite a number of typos and grammatical errors through the book.
I enjoyed what I read but it could have been better with the presence of the emotional connection with the characters, more detail of who they were as people and a little more depth on the situations.
#NetGalley #Fighter
March 27, 2021
3 stars
~mild spoilers~
I couldn't connect with the characters therefore I didn't fully enjoy the story.
The book is fast paced and entertaining but since I couldn't understand why Tristan was so angry at everything and everyone I find myself having to take breaks while reading this.
Our heroine has everything in her life to be angry and chose not to be but instead took what little she had and worked with it, still she left me wanting more from her.
Now, Tristan was the opposite. He had amazing supportive parents and when he find out about "a lie" his parents told him, he decided to rebelled and started fighting which for me made no sense. If you told me he had an abusive childhood or something like that, I'd be like oh I get it but he had everything, including very supportive and loving parents so this rebellious phase made no sense. Again if this was our heroine it'd make sense she was angry at life but she isn't so... I kept asking myself why he was so angry and by the end I still didn't get an answer so I feel like that stopped me from liking this fully.
Still, steamy scenes were well done. And the chemistry between our main characters was there and it felt like their connection was real.
I think if you like new adult/around college type books you might like this more than I did, because it was overall an enjoyable book.
TW: lost of a love one, mentions of drugs and drug abuse, attempting of sexual Assault and blood/injuries (since it's an underground fighting book)
Thank you to the author and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
~mild spoilers~
I couldn't connect with the characters therefore I didn't fully enjoy the story.
The book is fast paced and entertaining but since I couldn't understand why Tristan was so angry at everything and everyone I find myself having to take breaks while reading this.
Our heroine has everything in her life to be angry and chose not to be but instead took what little she had and worked with it, still she left me wanting more from her.
Now, Tristan was the opposite. He had amazing supportive parents and when he find out about "a lie" his parents told him, he decided to rebelled and started fighting which for me made no sense. If you told me he had an abusive childhood or something like that, I'd be like oh I get it but he had everything, including very supportive and loving parents so this rebellious phase made no sense. Again if this was our heroine it'd make sense she was angry at life but she isn't so... I kept asking myself why he was so angry and by the end I still didn't get an answer so I feel like that stopped me from liking this fully.
Still, steamy scenes were well done. And the chemistry between our main characters was there and it felt like their connection was real.
I think if you like new adult/around college type books you might like this more than I did, because it was overall an enjoyable book.
TW: lost of a love one, mentions of drugs and drug abuse, attempting of sexual Assault and blood/injuries (since it's an underground fighting book)
Thank you to the author and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2021
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is getting 4.5 stars from me! This is also a definite must-read!!! The missing 0.5 star is danger...add danger and oh gosh, I'll literally will d*e or happiness! Haha
With Anna Ray (the author) I truly see with every book I've read so far how her writing just escalates and gets better and better! I truly have to say I loved this book the most.
I loved the whole plot of the book. Normally I'd feel like the romance in the book was rushed, but because they were once best friends and now they have reunited it didn't feel rushed, because they knew each other once.
Sometimes destiny is a tricky thing...this book showed how a lost best friend can sometimes come crashing to your life and change the course of it.
Kaia (I love the name!) is our artist, quiet and beautiful soul trying to find her way in life that hasn't dealt the best cards.
Tristan is our moody hot fighter and he's so damn lost...his life might seen "perfect" from the outside word, but the inside is very different.
My feelings and emotions with this book were all over the place in a good way! My heart was constricted so many times because there were parts when I was hurting for them both or I thought my heart would explode. Also my stomach? I didn't feel butteflies but dread, because it was just all too much.
Overall my thoughts are: This is THE best book by Anna Ray and you need to read this story! It will suck you in and you won't have any other choice than to finish it!
Thank you Anna for this amazing masterpiece!
This book is getting 4.5 stars from me! This is also a definite must-read!!! The missing 0.5 star is danger...add danger and oh gosh, I'll literally will d*e or happiness! Haha
With Anna Ray (the author) I truly see with every book I've read so far how her writing just escalates and gets better and better! I truly have to say I loved this book the most.
I loved the whole plot of the book. Normally I'd feel like the romance in the book was rushed, but because they were once best friends and now they have reunited it didn't feel rushed, because they knew each other once.
Sometimes destiny is a tricky thing...this book showed how a lost best friend can sometimes come crashing to your life and change the course of it.
Kaia (I love the name!) is our artist, quiet and beautiful soul trying to find her way in life that hasn't dealt the best cards.
Tristan is our moody hot fighter and he's so damn lost...his life might seen "perfect" from the outside word, but the inside is very different.
My feelings and emotions with this book were all over the place in a good way! My heart was constricted so many times because there were parts when I was hurting for them both or I thought my heart would explode. Also my stomach? I didn't feel butteflies but dread, because it was just all too much.
Overall my thoughts are: This is THE best book by Anna Ray and you need to read this story! It will suck you in and you won't have any other choice than to finish it!
Thank you Anna for this amazing masterpiece!
March 27, 2021
All the feels!
This is the story of Kaia and Tristan, two old childhood friends who get reunited after he disappoints his parents with his bad choices. Each of them struggle with finding their footing into the world as young adults, from choosing a career to handling family issues.
There is profound writing, with great psychological insights, to all this college romance and each character is actually pretty complex. There is some drama involved here, as it usually happens in this stage of life. There are hot scenes, a lot of chemistry, funny moments (that brush throwing fit was adorable :) and wonderful supporting characters.
Truly there was nothing un-likeable about this book. While this isn't exactly my favorite trope, the book was so well written I wanted to keep learning more about the hero and the heroine. Their story glides nicely and there are many heartfelt moments, like the conversation Tristan has with his dad. In the end, more than a hot romance, this book is a celebration of the in-between, of the work in progress, of trying to get better, of taking chances. Just lovely!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Kaia and Tristan, two old childhood friends who get reunited after he disappoints his parents with his bad choices. Each of them struggle with finding their footing into the world as young adults, from choosing a career to handling family issues.
There is profound writing, with great psychological insights, to all this college romance and each character is actually pretty complex. There is some drama involved here, as it usually happens in this stage of life. There are hot scenes, a lot of chemistry, funny moments (that brush throwing fit was adorable :) and wonderful supporting characters.
Truly there was nothing un-likeable about this book. While this isn't exactly my favorite trope, the book was so well written I wanted to keep learning more about the hero and the heroine. Their story glides nicely and there are many heartfelt moments, like the conversation Tristan has with his dad. In the end, more than a hot romance, this book is a celebration of the in-between, of the work in progress, of trying to get better, of taking chances. Just lovely!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2021
** Thankyou you Netgalley and Anna Ray for this ARC **
Boy was this an arc I enjoyed reading! It’s more of a 3.75 than a 3 !!
Tristan is an underground fighter, he had a chip in his shoulder and is back in the town where he grew up when he bumps into his old best friend Kaia. Kaia is a loner who loves to paint and needs some confidence that she’s good enough. The two have instant chemistry and the story is about their struggle to find a balance and be able to let each other fall in love with the other.
I loved Tristan’s conflicted heart. He is so hurt and confused. I felt like he really needed a big hug! And I wouldn’t have hesitated to give him one!
Kaia was a bit too quick to judge the fighting for me. I wanted her to fight a bit more for what she wanted.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I would have liked a little more of the romance side, and maybe a little more depth to Tristan and Kaia’s relationship from when they were kids together. That would have pushed it to a 4 star for me.
Boy was this an arc I enjoyed reading! It’s more of a 3.75 than a 3 !!
Tristan is an underground fighter, he had a chip in his shoulder and is back in the town where he grew up when he bumps into his old best friend Kaia. Kaia is a loner who loves to paint and needs some confidence that she’s good enough. The two have instant chemistry and the story is about their struggle to find a balance and be able to let each other fall in love with the other.
I loved Tristan’s conflicted heart. He is so hurt and confused. I felt like he really needed a big hug! And I wouldn’t have hesitated to give him one!
Kaia was a bit too quick to judge the fighting for me. I wanted her to fight a bit more for what she wanted.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I would have liked a little more of the romance side, and maybe a little more depth to Tristan and Kaia’s relationship from when they were kids together. That would have pushed it to a 4 star for me.
March 27, 2021
I liked Tristen and Kias story. These two her being an artist and looking for a way just to get through the next day and the day after. Struggling with her moms addiction and trying to keep afloat. Tristen looking for a way to channel his feelings and doing the only thing he knew to do release all that deranged feeling he kept a tight lid on. Dealing with the fact that he had been lied to his entire life. These two were magnificent and faulted. It takes a whole village is the saying that is coming to mind. They both knew that it was each other for them. It just took a beating to figure it out. The way these two played off each other shown that these two were all each other needed. Wonderfully written and delivered with remarkable love! I adored it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2021
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tristan is not living the best moment of his live. He is involved in underground fights. And his adopted parents have decided to move in order to save him from all the chaos around him.
So now he lives in Santa Rosa and attends the community College there.
Kaia is there, too. They used to be friends as kids, until Tristan and his family moved away.
Both are trying to figure out their future. But it's not that easy, right?
Nice book about first loves and taking decisions when you nineteen.
I liked it. It's sweet, although a little bit slow in the beginning.
Tristan is not living the best moment of his live. He is involved in underground fights. And his adopted parents have decided to move in order to save him from all the chaos around him.
So now he lives in Santa Rosa and attends the community College there.
Kaia is there, too. They used to be friends as kids, until Tristan and his family moved away.
Both are trying to figure out their future. But it's not that easy, right?
Nice book about first loves and taking decisions when you nineteen.
I liked it. It's sweet, although a little bit slow in the beginning.
January 7, 2026
This one was pretty good! A little bit on the shorter side. Kinda gave me Tijan "Pine River" vibes but with less detail. Old childhood friends. I'd have liked it to be longer and have had the relationship more fleshed out and in depth because at one point she says something about "even though we're broken up" and I was thinking "Umm, when were you ever officially together?" 😂 But I did think this was a good read where I really felt both characters frustrations and reason for their actions, even if they were sometimes flawed. Definitely one of the better "fighter" books I've read recently.
May 12, 2021
Fun quick read
This was a fun and easy read... characters I cared about overcoming their inner demons to find their place in the world
This was a fun and easy read... characters I cared about overcoming their inner demons to find their place in the world
June 12, 2021
(I was provided an arc by netgalley, so thank you to them and the publishers). This book really was an emotional rollercoaster, I laughed, cried, was happy, annoyed and so much more. I really enjoyed the character development of Tristan as he didn’t want to disappoint (which he thought he was) anyone so wanted to find ways not to. The bond between him and his family was amazing to see change and develop.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tristan and Kaia and how it developed throughout the story. There was also a bit of spice in this book so this is definitely 18+. I was amazed by the different aspects of fighting within this book and the tension that came with it. I also really related to Kaia as I’m also an artist and so how she felt about her art is something that I’ve experienced myself.
Kaia also had a harsh past that she mentions throughout this book and it was really nice but heartbreaking to see what she has went through. But it allowed me to see how strong she has become because of it but still has times of heartache.
I’m really glad I was given the opportunity to read this book I can’t wait to read more by this author. Definitely recommend.
Tw: Overdose, death, and graphic violence.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tristan and Kaia and how it developed throughout the story. There was also a bit of spice in this book so this is definitely 18+. I was amazed by the different aspects of fighting within this book and the tension that came with it. I also really related to Kaia as I’m also an artist and so how she felt about her art is something that I’ve experienced myself.
Kaia also had a harsh past that she mentions throughout this book and it was really nice but heartbreaking to see what she has went through. But it allowed me to see how strong she has become because of it but still has times of heartache.
I’m really glad I was given the opportunity to read this book I can’t wait to read more by this author. Definitely recommend.
Tw: Overdose, death, and graphic violence.
September 19, 2025
I didn't see the college tag line or I wouldn't have read this book. I think I'm getting old but the inane college dialogue and immaturity of the characters grated on my nerves. Not my trope, but the author is a decent writer and I'll try some other books in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
TW: violence, drug use mentioned, overdose, assault, alcohol use,
Fighter by Anna Ray is a childhood friends turned lovers underground fighting romance told from a dual POV.
Newly graduated from high school, Tristian is the textbook mother cycle riding, brooding, bad boy who thrives on violence and pain to mask the internal turmoil he’s dealing with. Years after finding out he was adopted, Tristian takes up underground fighting to let off some steam. After a fight gone wrong and a short stay in the hospital, his parents decide to move back to Santa Rosa in hopes to counter Tristians self destructive behavior. After moving back to his home town, Tristian runs into a childhood friend that makes him question his life decisions and stirs up feelings he tries to fight back.
Kaia is an aspiring artist that goes to the community college Tristian attends. She’s soft, nurturing, independent, and introverted. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s overdose, Kaia struggles living up to her grandmothers expectations. Kaia wants to paint and make art, while her grandmother wants her to get a job, make a living, and find her happily ever after. Kaia isn’t so sure she wants a happily ever after. Kaia is strong willed and knows what she wants from life, but will Tristian make her question everything she thought she knew about herself?
I really loved this story. Just within the first few chapters the characters were really fleshed out and unique. They were relatable and realistic. The pace of this book was consistent and didn’t feel rushed or drug out. The fact that this book is written from both Tristian and Kaia’s points of view adds so much to the story and how it made me feel. Tristian is what I like to call the grump character. He’s rough, tough, and closed off, but being able to read his inner thoughts about Kaia gave me butterflies. “Girls shouldn’t be allowed to be so soft.” 🥺🥵
The spicy scene was perfect. It wasn’t kinky or anything, but it was good. Sweet and sensual. And it didn’t feel forced like many I’ve read before. The characters kept their personalities throughout the scene, which was refreshing since some of the books I’ve read, the characters tend to turn into different people completely during sex scenes.
I read other reviews that didn’t understand why Tristian had so much anger towards his parents, but honestly, I get it. He was a teenage boy who had his world flipped upside down when he found out that he was adopted. Being a hormonal teenager is hard enough without finding out everything you thought you knew about yourself wasn’t exactly as it seemed. He felt lied to, betrayed, and it’s clear that his family didn’t exactly deal with his feelings when he found out. Along with that, his parents are trying to mold him into who they want him to be. Who they expect him to be. He’s rebelling and dealing with his feelings in the only way that makes sense to him.
The only complaint, that really isn’t a complaint, I have is that I didn’t agree with some of the word choices the author made. Some words felt out of place, but perhaps the author and I have different vernaculars. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on this author.
Side note, I would be super interested in reading a story about Becca. Her character really stood out.
I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. I am leaving a voluntary review and this review is based on my own thoughts and feelings.
Fighter by Anna Ray is a childhood friends turned lovers underground fighting romance told from a dual POV.
Newly graduated from high school, Tristian is the textbook mother cycle riding, brooding, bad boy who thrives on violence and pain to mask the internal turmoil he’s dealing with. Years after finding out he was adopted, Tristian takes up underground fighting to let off some steam. After a fight gone wrong and a short stay in the hospital, his parents decide to move back to Santa Rosa in hopes to counter Tristians self destructive behavior. After moving back to his home town, Tristian runs into a childhood friend that makes him question his life decisions and stirs up feelings he tries to fight back.
Kaia is an aspiring artist that goes to the community college Tristian attends. She’s soft, nurturing, independent, and introverted. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s overdose, Kaia struggles living up to her grandmothers expectations. Kaia wants to paint and make art, while her grandmother wants her to get a job, make a living, and find her happily ever after. Kaia isn’t so sure she wants a happily ever after. Kaia is strong willed and knows what she wants from life, but will Tristian make her question everything she thought she knew about herself?
I really loved this story. Just within the first few chapters the characters were really fleshed out and unique. They were relatable and realistic. The pace of this book was consistent and didn’t feel rushed or drug out. The fact that this book is written from both Tristian and Kaia’s points of view adds so much to the story and how it made me feel. Tristian is what I like to call the grump character. He’s rough, tough, and closed off, but being able to read his inner thoughts about Kaia gave me butterflies. “Girls shouldn’t be allowed to be so soft.” 🥺🥵
The spicy scene was perfect. It wasn’t kinky or anything, but it was good. Sweet and sensual. And it didn’t feel forced like many I’ve read before. The characters kept their personalities throughout the scene, which was refreshing since some of the books I’ve read, the characters tend to turn into different people completely during sex scenes.
I read other reviews that didn’t understand why Tristian had so much anger towards his parents, but honestly, I get it. He was a teenage boy who had his world flipped upside down when he found out that he was adopted. Being a hormonal teenager is hard enough without finding out everything you thought you knew about yourself wasn’t exactly as it seemed. He felt lied to, betrayed, and it’s clear that his family didn’t exactly deal with his feelings when he found out. Along with that, his parents are trying to mold him into who they want him to be. Who they expect him to be. He’s rebelling and dealing with his feelings in the only way that makes sense to him.
The only complaint, that really isn’t a complaint, I have is that I didn’t agree with some of the word choices the author made. Some words felt out of place, but perhaps the author and I have different vernaculars. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on this author.
Side note, I would be super interested in reading a story about Becca. Her character really stood out.
I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. I am leaving a voluntary review and this review is based on my own thoughts and feelings.
March 27, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tristan Walker was self destructing. He has an anger deep down and chose to be an underground fighter. One bad fight almost killed him. His parents grasping at straws move him back to their smaller hometown for him to heal. Unfortunately community college just reinforced that he was not cut to be a "normal" student. He is bored and doesn't make the grades. Tristan turns to underground fighting as a way to support himself.
Kaia Brooks had been Tristan's best friend as a kid. She never left the hometown they grew up in. Her passion is her painting but her grandparents have her convinced she needs the stability that an office job could provide. After all she wouldn't want to want to end up like her mother, who OD'd.
Late one night walking to her car Kaia is accosted. Tristan hears her scream and comes to her rescue. They end up talking into the night, catching up. Tristan keeps being drawn back to Kaia. He is at war with himself and feels he is not a good man. He is angry and likes to fight. Kaia dreams of Tristan and paints him as she sees him.
Tristan is a man who is struggling to find his way in life. He needs to find a way that works for him, to give him a way to feel worthy of love. Kaia's issue is that she is afraid of trying. If she never puts herself out there she won't be hurt. She's an artist who is afraid to show her art because the paintings show her soul. Together the two are able to call the other out. They point out the fears behind their actions. Will Tristan figure out his path? Will Kaia take a chance?
Fighter by Anna Ray is a story that I think most can relate to. We all, at least I have, felt afraid to show myself. The characters are young (19). Not knowing where to go to fulfill you dreams is tough. Tristan's conversation with his father speaks so much truth. Tristan never felt he measured up to his father. His father tells him of his missteps when he was Tristan's age. He tells him it is ok to make mistakes, just keep getting back up when you are knocked down.
This story has a lot of emotions as to the reasons for Tristan's and Kaia's motives but they are able to find their way to a happy ending. The story shows the real struggle we have, young and old alike, to find our path and the chaos the unknown can give us. Anna Ray's story digs deep into this common issue. She shows there is not necessarily an easy answer and pain is a part of growing. Well done.
Tristan Walker was self destructing. He has an anger deep down and chose to be an underground fighter. One bad fight almost killed him. His parents grasping at straws move him back to their smaller hometown for him to heal. Unfortunately community college just reinforced that he was not cut to be a "normal" student. He is bored and doesn't make the grades. Tristan turns to underground fighting as a way to support himself.
Kaia Brooks had been Tristan's best friend as a kid. She never left the hometown they grew up in. Her passion is her painting but her grandparents have her convinced she needs the stability that an office job could provide. After all she wouldn't want to want to end up like her mother, who OD'd.
Late one night walking to her car Kaia is accosted. Tristan hears her scream and comes to her rescue. They end up talking into the night, catching up. Tristan keeps being drawn back to Kaia. He is at war with himself and feels he is not a good man. He is angry and likes to fight. Kaia dreams of Tristan and paints him as she sees him.
Tristan is a man who is struggling to find his way in life. He needs to find a way that works for him, to give him a way to feel worthy of love. Kaia's issue is that she is afraid of trying. If she never puts herself out there she won't be hurt. She's an artist who is afraid to show her art because the paintings show her soul. Together the two are able to call the other out. They point out the fears behind their actions. Will Tristan figure out his path? Will Kaia take a chance?
Fighter by Anna Ray is a story that I think most can relate to. We all, at least I have, felt afraid to show myself. The characters are young (19). Not knowing where to go to fulfill you dreams is tough. Tristan's conversation with his father speaks so much truth. Tristan never felt he measured up to his father. His father tells him of his missteps when he was Tristan's age. He tells him it is ok to make mistakes, just keep getting back up when you are knocked down.
This story has a lot of emotions as to the reasons for Tristan's and Kaia's motives but they are able to find their way to a happy ending. The story shows the real struggle we have, young and old alike, to find our path and the chaos the unknown can give us. Anna Ray's story digs deep into this common issue. She shows there is not necessarily an easy answer and pain is a part of growing. Well done.
April 9, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
So firstly Anna Ray is a new to me author, I enjoyed the book and its pace so I am sure I will be reading more of her work. When I saw the description 'A bad boy college romance' I don't think I was expecting something quite so gritty or adult. Underground fighter Tristan Walker returns to his home town after ending up in hospital after one of this fights. His parents scared, try to keep him out of trouble, but Tristan is angry with the world, and his parents when he finds out he is adopted. Struggling academically he wants to give us his education and find a job or continue fighting which earns him good money.
Our female lead is Kaia Brooks, the pair were best friends when they were children but now as young adults are finding their paths have taken them in very different directions. Kaia is studying hard and working hard to save money for her education. She is a budding artist and hopes to enrol in art college. She has been brought up and lives with her grandparents who raised her when her mother died.
I really liked Kaia characters she has been through a lot of battles but keeps plodding on without complaint, on the other hand Tristans bad attitude stopped me warming to his character, I am not really sure why he was so angry and horrible at times towards the people who chose to adopt, love and raise him as their own.
When they meet up again it is under very different circumstances but their friendship is still strong. The relationship quickly moves into lovers territory, I found the first encounter a little awkward. She having dinner with her grandparents, there is a knock at the door she disappears and doesn't come back until morning as she is shaking up with him, but her grandparents don't check where she had gone?!
All in all I enjoyed the book.
So firstly Anna Ray is a new to me author, I enjoyed the book and its pace so I am sure I will be reading more of her work. When I saw the description 'A bad boy college romance' I don't think I was expecting something quite so gritty or adult. Underground fighter Tristan Walker returns to his home town after ending up in hospital after one of this fights. His parents scared, try to keep him out of trouble, but Tristan is angry with the world, and his parents when he finds out he is adopted. Struggling academically he wants to give us his education and find a job or continue fighting which earns him good money.
Our female lead is Kaia Brooks, the pair were best friends when they were children but now as young adults are finding their paths have taken them in very different directions. Kaia is studying hard and working hard to save money for her education. She is a budding artist and hopes to enrol in art college. She has been brought up and lives with her grandparents who raised her when her mother died.
I really liked Kaia characters she has been through a lot of battles but keeps plodding on without complaint, on the other hand Tristans bad attitude stopped me warming to his character, I am not really sure why he was so angry and horrible at times towards the people who chose to adopt, love and raise him as their own.
When they meet up again it is under very different circumstances but their friendship is still strong. The relationship quickly moves into lovers territory, I found the first encounter a little awkward. She having dinner with her grandparents, there is a knock at the door she disappears and doesn't come back until morning as she is shaking up with him, but her grandparents don't check where she had gone?!
All in all I enjoyed the book.
April 2, 2021
Anna Ray does it again with bringing us hot bad boys and the women who can love them the best. I love that she is branching out to new tropes although I have to admit that the her Mafia books are still my favorite.
This book is still filled with the angst and emotion that I have been drawn to with her other books. Admittedly, the college age romance books are not my favorite. However, that being said, I saw that Anna Ray wrote it so I was all in. She has quickly become one of my new favorite authors.
Tristan and Kaia are great characters, however that being said, there was almost too much angst. It was almost too palpable. And I am all about a great angsty book. I feel like a lot of what was going on with Tristan and Kaia and Tristan and his parents could have been dealt with just by having the conversation they have at the end, at the beginning.
So many times we are our own worst enemies and I feel like that is the message for this story. I thought everything else was really great though. Her writing as usual is fantastic. My one criticism is that she uses God's name in vain. She did in her other books to but it wasn't but once or twice. This did use it a lot more so hard to move past that. Other than that, no complaints.
The romance fit the college age theme where there is a lot more back and forth because nobody knows who they are or what they really want at that age and I thought she showed that perfectly.
The ending was the best part for me, not just because it was a happy ending, but because everything tied together so well. I loved the book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a bad boy story, especially one that has fighting in it. I really love that.
I was given this ARC by BookSirens. All my thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and are completely honest.
This book is still filled with the angst and emotion that I have been drawn to with her other books. Admittedly, the college age romance books are not my favorite. However, that being said, I saw that Anna Ray wrote it so I was all in. She has quickly become one of my new favorite authors.
Tristan and Kaia are great characters, however that being said, there was almost too much angst. It was almost too palpable. And I am all about a great angsty book. I feel like a lot of what was going on with Tristan and Kaia and Tristan and his parents could have been dealt with just by having the conversation they have at the end, at the beginning.
So many times we are our own worst enemies and I feel like that is the message for this story. I thought everything else was really great though. Her writing as usual is fantastic. My one criticism is that she uses God's name in vain. She did in her other books to but it wasn't but once or twice. This did use it a lot more so hard to move past that. Other than that, no complaints.
The romance fit the college age theme where there is a lot more back and forth because nobody knows who they are or what they really want at that age and I thought she showed that perfectly.
The ending was the best part for me, not just because it was a happy ending, but because everything tied together so well. I loved the book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a bad boy story, especially one that has fighting in it. I really love that.
I was given this ARC by BookSirens. All my thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and are completely honest.
April 9, 2021
Tristan, an angsty 19 year old underground fighter, ends up moving back to his hometown with his adoptive parents after a bad fight left him in the hospital for months. He is supposed to be going to community college and straightening his life out, but something about fighting just keeps drawing him in.
Artist, Kaia, loses everyone. Her childhood best friend moved away when she was ten, her mom died of an overdose, and her high school best friend moved to Oregon to go to her dream college. Meanwhile, Kaia is stuck in her hometown, working towards a degree she doesn't want, with no friends or social life.
What happens when her childhood friend comes back into town and challenges everything she thought that she should be doing? He's definitely not the same kid who ghosted her ten years ago.
Overall, I liked this book and would read it again. It is a cute, quick read that took me about 2 hours.
Pros - The characters are likeable, but flawed. They are interesting and have their own lives outside of each other. Both main characters have a solid background story that explains what motivates them. The sex scenes were descriptive without being cringe filled. The ending was satisfying and nothing important was left unanswered.
Cons - They went from long lost friends to head-over-heels in love way too quickly. They went from cold to hot in an instant. There was no real build up, even though they did not get together until about halfway through the story. It is hard to understand how such strong feelings happened in overnight. I wish that there were more scenes establishing a connection and building towards something more before both characters jumped in head first.
Artist, Kaia, loses everyone. Her childhood best friend moved away when she was ten, her mom died of an overdose, and her high school best friend moved to Oregon to go to her dream college. Meanwhile, Kaia is stuck in her hometown, working towards a degree she doesn't want, with no friends or social life.
What happens when her childhood friend comes back into town and challenges everything she thought that she should be doing? He's definitely not the same kid who ghosted her ten years ago.
Overall, I liked this book and would read it again. It is a cute, quick read that took me about 2 hours.
Pros - The characters are likeable, but flawed. They are interesting and have their own lives outside of each other. Both main characters have a solid background story that explains what motivates them. The sex scenes were descriptive without being cringe filled. The ending was satisfying and nothing important was left unanswered.
Cons - They went from long lost friends to head-over-heels in love way too quickly. They went from cold to hot in an instant. There was no real build up, even though they did not get together until about halfway through the story. It is hard to understand how such strong feelings happened in overnight. I wish that there were more scenes establishing a connection and building towards something more before both characters jumped in head first.
April 29, 2021
I received this arc for an honest review.
This story has drug use, violence, and the wanting to destroy one’s self through fighting. Tristan finds out that he was adopted before graduating high school and he allows this information to control his path to self-destruction. Starting to fight in underground fights he becomes good and full of himself to the point of beating men older than him. Until one night the man he beat has come back and has beaten him to the point of Tristan is in the hospital.
Needless to say, his relationship with his parents is not good especially with his father, so after leaving the hospital he moves to another town and starts community college. Turns out his family lived in this town when he was younger and he runs into an old friend Kaia. She has her own struggles and though she wants to be an artist she is studying to be an accountant.
Together the story shifts and really becomes more edgy and even dark at times if that is even possible. Really though after reading about it and thinking about it the author has captured life on the streets or even from the fringe where you are barely making it knowing at any moment your world can get worse than it is at this very moment. That is really what makes this story and what kept me going with the characters. You must read this book to see what happens with Tristan and Kaia for the journey the author takes you on with these characters is worth the read.
I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com
This story has drug use, violence, and the wanting to destroy one’s self through fighting. Tristan finds out that he was adopted before graduating high school and he allows this information to control his path to self-destruction. Starting to fight in underground fights he becomes good and full of himself to the point of beating men older than him. Until one night the man he beat has come back and has beaten him to the point of Tristan is in the hospital.
Needless to say, his relationship with his parents is not good especially with his father, so after leaving the hospital he moves to another town and starts community college. Turns out his family lived in this town when he was younger and he runs into an old friend Kaia. She has her own struggles and though she wants to be an artist she is studying to be an accountant.
Together the story shifts and really becomes more edgy and even dark at times if that is even possible. Really though after reading about it and thinking about it the author has captured life on the streets or even from the fringe where you are barely making it knowing at any moment your world can get worse than it is at this very moment. That is really what makes this story and what kept me going with the characters. You must read this book to see what happens with Tristan and Kaia for the journey the author takes you on with these characters is worth the read.
I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 24, 2021
*Thank you to Books Go Social, Anna Ray and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Tristan Walker is an underground MMA fighter. He is angry and impulsive and his last fight landed him in a hospital for two months with every bone broken in his body. His adoptive parents decide to move back to the smaller town of Santa Rosa from Los Angeles so he can heal and also put distance between him and fighting. He starts community college and makes new friends. One night his new roommates bring him to an underground fight and he is once again attracted to the dangerous sport. He meets with the manager and agrees to one fight, though one turns into many and he is trapped by the unscrupulous manager.
Kaia Brooks lives with her grandparents and has an art studio in a trailer on their property. Kaia grew up with Tristan before he moved to Los Angeles. When Kaia is attacked in the parking lot of the Diner she works in, Tristan comes to her rescue. They easily reignite their friendship and find a passion for each other that is unexpected.
Fighter is a quick read. There are many good things about the book. Tristan's story really pulls you in; his relationship with his adoptive parents, his anger at them for not telling him he was adopted, his love of fighting and balancing that with being safe. I enjoyed the complexity of his character. I also enjoyed seeing him transform with Kaia's love. I did not like their lack of communication and consistent misunderstandings. I felt there could have been a great story with just them overcoming the challenges they faced.
Tristan Walker is an underground MMA fighter. He is angry and impulsive and his last fight landed him in a hospital for two months with every bone broken in his body. His adoptive parents decide to move back to the smaller town of Santa Rosa from Los Angeles so he can heal and also put distance between him and fighting. He starts community college and makes new friends. One night his new roommates bring him to an underground fight and he is once again attracted to the dangerous sport. He meets with the manager and agrees to one fight, though one turns into many and he is trapped by the unscrupulous manager.
Kaia Brooks lives with her grandparents and has an art studio in a trailer on their property. Kaia grew up with Tristan before he moved to Los Angeles. When Kaia is attacked in the parking lot of the Diner she works in, Tristan comes to her rescue. They easily reignite their friendship and find a passion for each other that is unexpected.
Fighter is a quick read. There are many good things about the book. Tristan's story really pulls you in; his relationship with his adoptive parents, his anger at them for not telling him he was adopted, his love of fighting and balancing that with being safe. I enjoyed the complexity of his character. I also enjoyed seeing him transform with Kaia's love. I did not like their lack of communication and consistent misunderstandings. I felt there could have been a great story with just them overcoming the challenges they faced.
April 6, 2021
Ugh mixed feelings about this book!! I felt like it had such promise and could have really been amazing, but the author just rushed through it too quickly.
Tristan and Kaia were best friends were they were kids, but then he moved away. He is now back and they are both at the same college. Tristan is going through a rough time, he loves to fight in illegal underground fights and is not getting along with his parents after learning a secret. Kaia wants to pursue art and become an artist, but her grandmother wants her to do something with her life that is more stable.
The two of them re-met when he saves her from a group of guys harassing her. They try to do the friend thing, but they are just too attracted to each other. Their relationship lasts for a day before she realizes she can't handle him fighting. So he has to chose what does he love more? Kaia or fighting?
Here's my problem with this book...they don't have any real conversations. They tell each other things but there is no response, it is like okay I can handle that let's kiss. Also, Tristan is really angry and I really didn't understand why he was so mad at the world. I also felt like the author relied to much on them being close as kids and that is why they are so close now, but that was 10 years ago. I just could not really connect to either character and why they loved each other so much.
Tristan and Kaia were best friends were they were kids, but then he moved away. He is now back and they are both at the same college. Tristan is going through a rough time, he loves to fight in illegal underground fights and is not getting along with his parents after learning a secret. Kaia wants to pursue art and become an artist, but her grandmother wants her to do something with her life that is more stable.
The two of them re-met when he saves her from a group of guys harassing her. They try to do the friend thing, but they are just too attracted to each other. Their relationship lasts for a day before she realizes she can't handle him fighting. So he has to chose what does he love more? Kaia or fighting?
Here's my problem with this book...they don't have any real conversations. They tell each other things but there is no response, it is like okay I can handle that let's kiss. Also, Tristan is really angry and I really didn't understand why he was so mad at the world. I also felt like the author relied to much on them being close as kids and that is why they are so close now, but that was 10 years ago. I just could not really connect to either character and why they loved each other so much.
April 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this story from Anna Ray. This is the story of Tristan and Kaia. Tristan is a young, troubled, self-destructing, struggling man who found out his parents lied to him and decided to rebel. Tristan has some darkness in him because he felt like no one understood him. Kaia was the childhood friend of Tristan when they were younger until Tristan’s family moved. Kaia ended up staying in her home town and was struggling because she wanted to be an artist but didn’t really get the support she needed from home to give her the confidence to try.
Kaia and Tristan run into each other one night when Kaia is almost assaulted and Tristan saves her. From that moment on, both Tristan and Kaia are attracted to each other, but don’t act on it. Tristan believes Kaia needs someone who is better than him and can be what she needs him to be. Kaia has always had a thing for Tristan and she struggles to get him to realize he is exactly what she is looking for. Great story with wonderful characters that included action, drama, deception, lots of emotions (roller coaster ride!), insecurities, demons, and passion. I felt like I could connect with these characters and found myself holding my breath, brushing away tears and smiling throughout the book. I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kaia and Tristan run into each other one night when Kaia is almost assaulted and Tristan saves her. From that moment on, both Tristan and Kaia are attracted to each other, but don’t act on it. Tristan believes Kaia needs someone who is better than him and can be what she needs him to be. Kaia has always had a thing for Tristan and she struggles to get him to realize he is exactly what she is looking for. Great story with wonderful characters that included action, drama, deception, lots of emotions (roller coaster ride!), insecurities, demons, and passion. I felt like I could connect with these characters and found myself holding my breath, brushing away tears and smiling throughout the book. I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
Got totally roped in by the cover with this one.
Tristan is a moody, sulky, spoilt bad boy who loves to fight. It’s underground fighting, tough, dirty, no holds barred kind of fighting. It’s not honest and it’s not the way he was brought up to be. Tristan was adopted and blames his adoptive parents for pretty much everything.
Kaia is a talented young artist, kind, gentle for the most part, and lives in a trailer out the front of her grandparents. She’s at community college but wants to go to art school but isn’t financially able.
Tristan and Kaia cross paths while Tristan is there for five minutes (failing) - they’re childhood friends but haven’t seen each other for 10 years. The attraction is there, and you cha tell the road’s going to be a rocky one.
I struggled with this - Tristan is really a spoiled brat with a poor me attitude that’s incredibly painful. Kaia whilst an attempt is made to have her depicted as stronger, is pretty blind to his failings. I guess reading this it pays to remember they’re supposed to be 18 and 19. There were some good bits here but there were lots of conversations where the dialogue felt forced, some typographical and grammatical things that didn’t help, and I kept thinking Kaia should run not walk away from this kid.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read a free reading copy.
Tristan is a moody, sulky, spoilt bad boy who loves to fight. It’s underground fighting, tough, dirty, no holds barred kind of fighting. It’s not honest and it’s not the way he was brought up to be. Tristan was adopted and blames his adoptive parents for pretty much everything.
Kaia is a talented young artist, kind, gentle for the most part, and lives in a trailer out the front of her grandparents. She’s at community college but wants to go to art school but isn’t financially able.
Tristan and Kaia cross paths while Tristan is there for five minutes (failing) - they’re childhood friends but haven’t seen each other for 10 years. The attraction is there, and you cha tell the road’s going to be a rocky one.
I struggled with this - Tristan is really a spoiled brat with a poor me attitude that’s incredibly painful. Kaia whilst an attempt is made to have her depicted as stronger, is pretty blind to his failings. I guess reading this it pays to remember they’re supposed to be 18 and 19. There were some good bits here but there were lots of conversations where the dialogue felt forced, some typographical and grammatical things that didn’t help, and I kept thinking Kaia should run not walk away from this kid.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read a free reading copy.
March 28, 2021
Anna Ray has written so much emotion into this story that Tristan's hurt is almost palpable.
When Tristan Walker found out at the age of nineteen that he was adopted and that Caleb, the father that he had looked up to, and Alice, the mother who had nurtured him, had lied to him for all those years he pushed the self destruct button.
Tristan turned to illegal, underground fighting, and he was good at it , he fought to rid himself of the frustration and bitterness of his tortured life, even when he was beaten half to death and ended up unconscious in hospital it didn't stop him.
When Alice and Caleb moved location in an attempt to make a new life for Tristan he went completely off the rails, he gave up college and his life was a mess but he carried on fighting even tough he hated the unscrupulous boss that he fought for.
Could meeting up with Kaia, a talented but hard up, artist who had been Tristan's best friend when they were children, change his ways ? was the love that blossomed between them enough to save Tristan from self destruction? This is a darkly emotional, but beautiful story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Tristan Walker found out at the age of nineteen that he was adopted and that Caleb, the father that he had looked up to, and Alice, the mother who had nurtured him, had lied to him for all those years he pushed the self destruct button.
Tristan turned to illegal, underground fighting, and he was good at it , he fought to rid himself of the frustration and bitterness of his tortured life, even when he was beaten half to death and ended up unconscious in hospital it didn't stop him.
When Alice and Caleb moved location in an attempt to make a new life for Tristan he went completely off the rails, he gave up college and his life was a mess but he carried on fighting even tough he hated the unscrupulous boss that he fought for.
Could meeting up with Kaia, a talented but hard up, artist who had been Tristan's best friend when they were children, change his ways ? was the love that blossomed between them enough to save Tristan from self destruction? This is a darkly emotional, but beautiful story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Instead of attending his high school graduation, Tristan was in the basement of bar fighting in a ring. Underground fighting took his mind off everything - being dumped by his girlfriend, his best friend thinking he was in too deep and definitely not the adoption papers he found in his dad's filing cabinet.
Kaia is painting in the small trailer that sits in her grandparents's driveway. She can't believe that she and her mother used to live here before she died. Now it's a converted painting studio thanks to her granddad. As she is trying to concentrate on finishing a painting the girl across the street is starting to party out front with her friends. She recognizes a few and sees a new guy that hasn't been around before. When he turns around she realizes it is Tristan. The boy who was her best friend until his family moved away ten years ago.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery for both Kaia and Tristan. The characters are amazing and fully developed. The storyline is great and seamlessly brings Tristan's life on the dark side into the rest of the story. Kaia and Tristan are just smoking hot together. I highly recommend this book and Anna Ray. She brings the characters to life right through the pages.
Instead of attending his high school graduation, Tristan was in the basement of bar fighting in a ring. Underground fighting took his mind off everything - being dumped by his girlfriend, his best friend thinking he was in too deep and definitely not the adoption papers he found in his dad's filing cabinet.
Kaia is painting in the small trailer that sits in her grandparents's driveway. She can't believe that she and her mother used to live here before she died. Now it's a converted painting studio thanks to her granddad. As she is trying to concentrate on finishing a painting the girl across the street is starting to party out front with her friends. She recognizes a few and sees a new guy that hasn't been around before. When he turns around she realizes it is Tristan. The boy who was her best friend until his family moved away ten years ago.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery for both Kaia and Tristan. The characters are amazing and fully developed. The storyline is great and seamlessly brings Tristan's life on the dark side into the rest of the story. Kaia and Tristan are just smoking hot together. I highly recommend this book and Anna Ray. She brings the characters to life right through the pages.
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April 6, 2021Instead of attending his high school graduation, Tristan was in the basement of bar fighting in a ring. Underground fighting took his mind off everything - being dumped by his girlfriend, his best friend thinking he was in too deep and definitely not the adoption papers he found in his dad's filing cabinet.
Kaia is painting in the small trailer that sits in her grandparents's driveway. She can't believe that she and her mother used to live here before she died. Now it's a converted painting studio thanks to her granddad. As she is trying to concentrate on finishing a painting the girl across the street is starting to party out front with her friends. She recognizes a few and sees a new guy that hasn't been around before. When he turns around she realizes it is Tristan. The boy who was her best friend until his family moved away ten years ago.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery for both Kaia and Tristan. The characters are amazing and fully developed. The storyline is great and seamlessly brings Tristan's life on the dark side into the rest of the story. Kaia and Tristan are just smoking hot together. I highly recommend this book and Anna Ray. She brings the characters to life right through the pages.
Kaia is painting in the small trailer that sits in her grandparents's driveway. She can't believe that she and her mother used to live here before she died. Now it's a converted painting studio thanks to her granddad. As she is trying to concentrate on finishing a painting the girl across the street is starting to party out front with her friends. She recognizes a few and sees a new guy that hasn't been around before. When he turns around she realizes it is Tristan. The boy who was her best friend until his family moved away ten years ago.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery for both Kaia and Tristan. The characters are amazing and fully developed. The storyline is great and seamlessly brings Tristan's life on the dark side into the rest of the story. Kaia and Tristan are just smoking hot together. I highly recommend this book and Anna Ray. She brings the characters to life right through the pages.
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