One of the things that makes me crazy about books is when an author takes too many elements, character issues if you will, and tries to cram them all into the same story. Almost always the story comes across as sort of bi-polar. Is it a story about a girl with abandonment issues? Is it a story about a guy with tremendous guilt he can't let go of? Do they love each other or not? ACK! I have whiplash!
That's what makes JB Salsbury stand out against the rest. She can take all the issues listed above, add in concern about an age difference, some brain damage, death and bullying, and still make it work. Her writing and ability to incorporate all those elements is virtually seamless. And it stays very true-to-life in how those elements really do intertwine in every day interactions.
Here's the synopsis as seen on Amazon:
"The toughest fighters aren't created in the octagon but are born of necessity. When life delivers blow after punishing blow, you fight back or get destroyed.
Eve Dawson has had her fill of bad luck. A string of unhealthy relationships has left her angry, bitter, and frustrated. She's given up on being happy and settles for content.
Swearing off men, she repels advances and makes herself a challenge to even the most persistent suitors. After all, how much can the fragile human heart take? But life isn't finished with her, and when things can't possibly get worse...they do.
Stay on your feet.
It's Cameron Kyle's motto, but with his fighting career ripped from his grasp, a child he wasn't strong enough to save, and a marriage that even the brawn of a heavyweight couldn't hold together, it's getting harder and harder to stay upright. He takes on the position of CEO of the UFL, intent on hiding his biggest weakness in order to forge a path that leads him back into the octagon.
When an old rival mysteriously gets wind of Cameron's plan to fight again, he comes out of retirement to settle old debts, but secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to deliver the death-blow. The distraction of a sass-mouthed girl seventeen years his junior is the last thing he needs until a tragic accident shatters the firm foundation of his resolve and he realizes just how far he's fallen.
Will they risk it all and fight to be together?
Or does defeat lie within the fall?"
This book had me feeling for both Cameron and Eve from the very beginning. I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed at least a couple of tears from the emotions that gripped me. I just wanted to hug them both.
Plus, it's hot. Really hot. And I don't just mean because the story is set in Las Vegas. No...Ms. Salsbury can write sexual tension like no other.
My only real big critique is the scene and follow up regarding our hero's horrific guilt. I expected more conversation when he finally confesses to the heroine. I expected her to ask questions instead of jumping to a massive conclusion so quickly. The resolution of that seemed a bit quick to me as well.
But it didn't take away from my overall love of the book, and this series. It is a fantastic addition to the "Fighting Series" which you can get for $.99 by clicking here. Yep. It's the entire box set for that price. And you'll be happy to know, they can all be read as stand alones. Even though, you won't want to read just one.
"Fighting the Fall" goes live tomorrow. In the meantime, you can pre-order by clicking here. If you love a good alpha male and love a story about MMA style fighters, you won't be disappointed.
Once again, JB Salsbury finds herself in a winning situation and earns
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