Review: A Great Story About What/Who's Worth Fighting For
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 7, 2014
I love MMA fighter stories. The heroes are dominant alpha males who take who and what they want without exception. They usually fall in love with a woman who doesn’t quite fit their lifestyle, so they fight their attraction, hoping to get past what they believe will likely end badly for both themselves and the girl. Fight For Me by Bethany Bazile fits the category quite aptly, but Bazile also makes sure that her text goes a bit deeper, delving into the main characters’ back stories and providing an emotional connection between them that has existed for quite some time. But the past that Ryder and Lexi share is full of turmoil, and despite their attraction to one another, becoming a couple is not easy, especially when there is so much to lose for both of them.Ryder has finally reached his dream of becoming a UFC champion; his first chance at the title occurred three years earlier, but it ended quickly due to his need to save Lexi when her life spiraled out of control due to both betrayal and tragedy. Now, in order to keep his uncle’s gym, Ryder has to interact with a father he no longer calls dad because he left Ryder’s mother for Lexi’s. While reconnecting with his father is a necessary evil, Ryder having to interact with Lexi and keep her at an arm’s length is no longer easy to do. He wants her; he’s always wanted her, and his resistance to her at this point is futile, but how does Ryder stay true to his goals as a fighter when his head and heart are at odds?Lexi’s life came to a screeching halt when it was torn apart with a heartbreaking loss; she doesn’t know how to move on nor does she want to, and because of her actions during that time, everyone around her his worried of what she may do next. Ryder reenters her life at just the right time, and even though she knows, he may break her heart, she’s too in love with him not to risk it. But can she fight for their relationship when for so long, she couldn’t even fight for herself?Fight For Me provides great insight into what it takes to overcome tragedy when the future seems so bleak. It’s about one’s willingness to fight for what s/he wants regardless of what may be standing in the way. Ryder may come off as a selfish ass at times, but when something or someone truly matters to him, he is loyal to a fault and steps up and fights like hell to ensure everything turns out okay.I really enjoyed Fight For Me. Bethany Bazile does a good job of showing what a tragedy can do to someone…how s/he stops fighting because it doesn’t seem worth it. By offering both Ryder and Lexi’s point of views, readers understand why Ryder tried to stay away from Lexi for all these years as well as why he’s done fighting it. We also are exposed to Lexi’s take on things and are able to witness her taking back the life that she truly wants to live. What I found a bit problematic were the pacing of the storyline as well as the development of Ryder and Lexi’s present day connection. I wanted a clearer vision of how it all unfolded by witnessing it first hand; at times, I felt like it was told to me instead, which slightly lost my interest. But despite my few concerns, it really is a great read; there’s a great mix of steamy scenes, witchy women, and angst filled situations that will keep readers invested until the end.I was provided with a complimentary copy of the text by the author in exchange for an honest review.4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)