Undefeated (Wayward Fighters, #3)

by J.C. Valentine

[Risa Nichols]

Spencer Bradley ruins everything he touches. Addicted to gambling, he’s lied, cheated, and stolen to get what he wants. Now, in order to protect those he cares for, he’s keeping his distance. Rehab’s taught him a lot, but when his time runs out and he finds himself with nowhere to turn, he seeks help from the one person he’s capable of destroying.

Olivia Carter fell in love the day she met Spencer Bradley. Despite him being responsible for the downfall of his best friend’s career and landing himself in rehab, she can’t bring herself to stay away—even if it means risking her own recovery. (GoodReads 2015)


I have to start this post out by stating when I read the first two books in the Wayward Fighters series, I couldn't stand Spencer. I thought he was overly arrogant, rude, and honestly just a no-good jerk. I thought Liv was too forgiving and didn't try hard enough for herself to look for a better option... But that was before I read the third installment, which focuses on Spencer and Olivia's romance, as well as the demons they're both fighting individually and as a couple.

The story begins with Spencer in rehab for his gambling addiction, and the sessions we peek into between him and his therapist are raw and challenging. It was very interesting and refreshing to me to be able to see this side of Spencer as he is normally so cocky and self-assured. While in rehab, he is insecure, anxious, angry, and riddled with guilt.

Away from Spence, Liv misses him terribly. She is in love with him, always has been, and she knows she always will be, despite the cautions from her best friend, Ally. Liv is caught between anger and hurt at the man who took advantage of her kindness and the love and devotion she feels to the one whom she believes to be her other half. It's interesting to see Olivia's growth in this book as she learns more about herself and how to handle the challenges she's been facing.

This is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and it deals with a few inner demons I even struggled with, which was highly emotional for me as I was reading it. J. C. has a fantastic style of writing, and she certainly does not disappoint with every description and detail she wrote in Spencer and Olivia's story.

After reading this book, I can honestly say it's my favorite in the series. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. Highly recommend!

(Original review: http://alatedbibliophile.weebly.com/blog/undefeated-by-j-c-valentine)