Fighting Shadows

by Aly Martinez

[Risa Nichols]

BLURB

I come from a family of fighters. I always thought I’d follow in their shadows, becoming unstoppable in the ring. That changed the day I saved the life of a woman I loved, but could never have.

My brother hailed me as a hero, and my reward was a wheelchair.

Paralyzed, my life became an inescapable nightmare.

Until I met her.

Ash Mabie had a heart-stopping smile and a laugh that numbed the rage and resentment brewing inside of me. She showed me that even the darkest night still had stars, and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting the shadows of our past.
Fighting to reclaim my future.
Fighting for her.

Wow. Truthfully, I'm not completely sure I know how to express my feelings on this novel. It was beautifully written; honest, heartbreaking, exciting, sweet, heartwarming, and just plain fun to read. The characters were raw and real, and the storyline moved along well without going too fast. I can't decide if I like this one just as much as Fighting Silence, or if I liked it more.

Flint definitely sees himself as damaged goods. He's angry and bitter and hates his life situation--something that has given him a cold exterior to all he comes in contact with. Flint believed to be in love with the woman he couldn't have, and he has to get out of his current living situation. He begins to spiral into self-doubt, yet completely immerses himself in college classes. During this time he meets Ash Mabie, and she turns his world upside-down and helps bring new meaning to his life. Ash shows him he is truly worthy of all the love in the world, though he doesn't understand why she thinks that way. They fall head over heels for each other and begin to learn how to get over their pasts by beginning a new future with each other. These two completely different people have to overcome prejudices, physical difficulties, new love, and insecurities. Their relationship certainly is not perfect, but they somehow make it work, and watching these two grow and develop over the years is fascinating and so enjoyable. I'm going crazy waiting for the third book!

5/5 stars

(Original review source: Alated Bibliophile )