This is a series of interconnected standalones.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 …
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.
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Read: 5/29/16
Fighting Shadows is the second book of the On the Ropes series by Aly Martinez. True to Martinez’s style, it was emotional and eventful.
Flint Page was the hero in Fighting the Silence, taking a bullet to save Eliza Reynolds and his brother’s unborn child; however, it left him paralyzed. He’s become the brooding loner that had to get away from his family and figure out life on his own. Ultimately he made his way back to his family, but it was a heartbreaking adventure that led him back there.
In the meantime, he met Ash Mabie, the beautiful, funny, quirky and unpredictable hellion that taught him how to enjoy life and gave him hope. Ash was kindred spirits with Flint, having horrendous family circumstances; yet she learned to be positive, happy and find the good in everything. Ash was the polar opposite of Flint.
Martinez took us through the budding relationship and the tumultous challenges presented to Flint and Ash. She also provided another strong cast of characters through the Page and the On The Ropes family. They were prominent in the action and provided an additional depth and substance to the storyline.
True to the series, Martinez set the stage for Quarry’s story in the next book of the series, Fighting Solitude. It promises to be just as adventurous and heartbreaking as we’ve come to expect from the series.
A beautifully heartfelt, humorous, sincere, and poignant journey to go on with Flint and Ash. Although they had some bumps in the road, their connection, amazing friendship, and undeniable chemistry held them together. I absolutely loved, and adored this story.
I read this via ku and am leaving my review voluntarily. This is book 2 of a 3 book connected series and can be read alone but it’s better to start with book 1.
Triggers:
**spoilers**
Flint, the middle brother. Fighter until his career is cut short by a bullet.
Ash, she’s at the mercy of an uncaring father. Struggling to hold onto dreams of a better life.
These two meet and are drawn to one another but harsh words split them up.
Eventually they find their way back together. HEA
Grab your tissues. This author knows how to bring all the feels. I love that I can truly visualize the story happening in real time.
Fighting Shadows is the story of Flint and Ash. This was an incredible book! I loved all the angst and emotion poured into every word. Aly Martinez is a master storyteller and this book was no exception. There was drama and heat and swoony moments that took my breath away. I loved the characters from the first book in this series as well as the new ones that were introduced. The storyline was a good steady pace that had me mesmerized from the very beginning! I can not wait for the next book in this series!
While I had already read *almost* all of Aly Martinez’s books, the On the Ropes series was one I hadn’t tackled before. I’m sad to say, I wish I had followed everyone’s advice. This series is so much more than boxing.
Flint Page didn’t have a good upbringing. But thanks to his older brother, Till, is improved significantly in his teens (Till’s book is Fighting Silence, the first book in this series). Ash Mabie had a rough upbringing, too. Her step-dad raised her to be a criminal, but she was so much more than that. He was jaded as all get-out, much having to do with his childhood, him becoming paralyzed, and an unrequited love. She was a bright light, always joking and looking at things a little differently. She saw past the wheelchair, and saw so much more to Flint that his “wheels”.
While I absolutely loved Flint from the beginning, it took a while for me to warm up to Ash. I had trouble with her pickpocketing days- on the surface, it seemed like she enjoyed doing this and didn’t have much regret. Once I recognized that in her, I was able to move past her past, and see the potential for Flint and Ash.
As usual, Ms. Martinez has crafted a story that is original and grabs me from the beginning. I love how she writes flawed characters and moves them into something so much more. I definitely recommend reading Fighting Shadows (I also recommend that you read Fighting Silence before- while you could skip it and still get the gist of Flint’s backstory, it’s much more complete if you’ve read from the beginning).
The second book in the series did no disappoint! I absolutely enjoyed Flint’s journey with Ash. The way that Aly writes makes reading her books a joy. I especially like how years go by through the book without making you feel like you missed a chunk of the characters lives or story and at the same time making the entire world she created with the characters more believable. Nothing about her books, especially this one, feels rushed or out of reach. This book took me to the brink of tears a few times but ultimately created a fantastic story about how love can change and evolve, especially if it’s meant to be.
Wow… this was one emotional ride with two broken people trying to survive the best they could with the hand they were dealt. Flint and Ash were frustrating, riveting, compelling and I just couldn’t get enough of their story! If your a fan of Aly’s writing then you definitely need to read this amazing read!
What a great series! So well written, great character and world building!! I love that the characters talk to each other and not just have angst driven conversation in their heads!! And I really really loved her birthday!! Very much looking forward to Quarry’s story!!
Another amazing read from this author, it didn’t dissapoint! Loved it from beginning until end. A funny, heartwarming loving story. Really loved the relationship between Ash and Flint. Couldn’t get enough. Just fell hard for this series and will definitely read the next one in this series!
Flint’s legs paralyzed after being shot. When he leaves his brother Till’s house, he leaves for six months with no contact. Until he hears that his younger brother Quarry has to go with his abandoning Mother. When he picks up Quarry is when he meets Ash. Know that he knows Ash he cannot get her out of his mind. Great read. I couldn’t put down till finished.