FIGHTING TO FORGIVE (Fighting #2) by JB SALSBURY

Gitte: Wow, how hard did we fall for Blake Jenny? This guy is LUSH, we kind of knew his story would be fab though didn’t we, as we both fell for him in the previous book. I wasn’t expecting such an emotional read though, and I have to say I thought Blake’s story was really well written and so very heart-wrenching; his past, his childhood, his struggles, well it broke my heart. This guy is not only a gorgeous alpha UFC fighter, he’s funny, protective and has a huge heart.

I loved the first half of the story, I don’t think I put it down once, then it got a tad over the top and predictable, but it soon picked up again. I have to say, one scene BROKE me and that was all Layla our heroine, poor girl. Wow, I did not see that coming!

‘There’s no denying this chick does something to me. Her strength and attitude call to me on a physical level. And there are moments when she forgets to reinforce her tough-girl exterior and leaves herself exposed. Fuck if those glimpses don’t make me want to possess her and become the man she needs.’ – Blake

So yeah, loved this second instalment, I think this Author has really polished up her writing, she reminds me a lot of Kristen Ashley from her earlier work. You thought the same didn’t you Jenny?

Jenny:  I did Gitte and ummm yeah we certainly fell pretty damn hard for Blake. In fact I think our entire conversation when we started it consisted of “oh my god, how much do you love Blake?” I loved Blake’s story.

‘He’s a fighter, born and bred to defend, to settle wrongs with punches. To submit the enemy until they give up. This is him, strong and caring, poetic in a way that cramps my chest.’ – Layla

The prologue broke my heart and from that moment on I was hooked. So much I wanted to know and couldn’t wait to delve deep into this story.  There were so many layers to this Blake and Layla and peeling them back and getting to the nitty gritty of it all was certainly heart breaking at times. Both for Layla and Blake. These two damaged people really deserved some happiness and love in their lives that’s for sure!

Gitte: Blake was such a male slut, he was a bit of a cock actually but a lovable one. The women fall at his feet as he blinds them with his cheekiness, his fab sense of humour and the ummm obvious!! I fell in complete love with this kick arse guy and he’d be hard to beat for me in this series.

‘I’ve always loved fighting, the power that surges through my body with every punch. It’s addicting.’ – Blake

Though I have to say, he pissed me off greatly in one scene where he should’ve known better, I actually thought his character was given a disservice as I don’t believe he would have ‘reacted the way he did’ in said situation!! It didn’t seem in keeping with the story and the nature of their relationship nor his character!!

“I want them. They’re mine.” – Blake

As for Layla, wow, this woman’s sure been through the mill. Her past is shocking, her present is scary and emotional. Our girl truly deserves her second chance at life and love. Layla has strength and conviction and fights to give her daughter a better life, all commendable qualities. I have to say that I’m in two minds about Layla in parts of this story. I’m not entirely convinced that her jealousy, assumptions and behaviour weren’t too over the top making me think her to be more irrational and annoying than sensible and lovable. So many of her actions towards the latter part of the story were quite over the top in my opinion. I did really feel for her, what she’s been through and yeah one scene had me in shock and tears.

“I know it sounds silly. But, everyone needs someone fighting in their corner, Blake. I’ve never had that and neither have you. You own my heart, and everything that comes with it.” – Layla

So, Layla and Blake were both multifaceted well written characters and they brought out the best in each other, they were soul mates. They’ve had such tragedy and hurt in their lives that they are perfect for each other in more ways than one. They have passion, vulnerability and their story was really quite beautiful in places. I really enjoyed their story and it’s my favourite in this series so far! I loved Blake…like really really loved Blake and I love the writing style of this Author. Bring on book #3; Fighting to Forget!!!!

Jenny: Blake was definitely the love ’em and leave ’em type guy but considering his background and upbringing I can understand why he was hesitant to give his heart away or believe in love happily ever after.  I knew I’d love Blake after meeting him in Fighting for Flight, and never had any doubt he’d win me over, but he really was a revelation in Fighting To Forgive. There was so much to this cocky, gorgeous man and he had me laughing at his straightforwardness, admiring his strength, loving his wit and losing my heart to all that was Blake.

“Last night, what you said? You were right, I’m broken.” …..”You’d only hurt me.”

Layla was so selfless, always putting everyone else’s happiness before her own and wow had this woman been dealt a cruel blow in life. She had definitely suffered at the hands of a cold, unloving man and for her Blake provided the love, protection and support she had always craved and needed.  Layla had so many emotional walls built up around her that only a man with the determination and tenacity of Blake was ever going to break through.

‘I feel desired. Worshipped. Cared for.’ – Layla

The revelations as they unfolded about Blake and Layla’s pasts were at times shocking, especially for Layla. I did NOT see that coming and it broke my heart thinking of her having to experience the pain she was forced to confront.

“Just me and you, Mouse. No one from the past. When we’re like this, it’s us. Only us.” – Blake

I really did enjoy this instalment Gitte. Fighting to Forgive was heading towards a 4.5 Star rating for me until around 75%. Up until that point I was swept away with the passion, the banter, the emotion and the romance of the story, but then THAT scene came along and we were on the phone straight away discussing it because we felt that after everything we had been through, after believing so much that these two were going to push through and make this work….for him to react that way? Well, I was annoyed to be honest because it really was out of character and it felt as if everything we had invested in them was thrown away.  But…..it did recover quickly and so I forgave readily and loved Blake and Layla’s story.

“It means you fight. Anything worth having in this life, you fight to get. And you don’t stop fighting until you get it.”

I loved Blake’s voice in this story and think JB Salsbury knocked it out the park with both POV’s.  This author sure does write one hot alpha MMA and I can’t wait for more of this series down the track!

‘The only thing that means anything is lying beneath me, eyes closed, and a soft smile, on her lips. And she’s all fucking mine.’ – Blake