Charlie is everything I want and didn’t realize I need. It’s clear to me now that the woman I met at the club is only one layer of the woman I’m falling for. I’m a fixer by nature, but for the first time I wouldn’t fix a thing. I want her just the way she is. Broken pieces and all. Who needs the fairy tale when we can have the reality. Tristan is everything I want, yet don’t deserve. He’s loving, … He’s loving, protective, smart, an amazing father, and he’s onto me. That’s why I need to speed this story up and tell him everything, so we can flip to the end of the book, and he and his daughter can move on to the next story. One where they get a happily ever after. Because there’s no story I’m a part of that ends in any way but tragedy.
Clinched can be read as a standalone
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I don’t know if I have the right words to describe how much I loved this book, but I am going to try!
I have so much love in my heart for Tristan. I just, this man is everything! My heart broke for him in Tapping Out and I really wanted him to get a happily ever after, he so deserved it. He is that special kind of guy that we all dream about meeting and spending our lives with. He is the real deal, a prince! If his personality isn’t enough, his relationship with his little Lexi for sure had ovaries exploding world wide!!!!
And Charlie, I fan girled so hard for Charlie!!! She is the type of leading lady I want to be friends with. She is a special kinda girl and was pure perfection for Tristan. There were so many times I wished I could leap into my ipad just to hug her. She was just perfect for Tristan.
These two fit together so flawlessly! They were both such good people that have had bad things happen to them, but yet they didn’t give up and together they powered through.
This book was everything I wanted for Tristan and so much more. I loved it!!!!
This book was SO good!! So many feels.
I have always liked Tristan because he’s so loyal and loves hard. When we first meet Charlie I want to hug her for days! She is such a strong woman and I loved being part of her journey in finding her strength.
What a twist!!!!! Like, I hoped that would happen but I thought no way will it work out like that. So good!!
This may be the best book of the entire Fighting Series.
Cannot wait for Takedown!
Just like with all of Nikki Ash’s other books, I didn’t want to put it down. I had to force myself to put it down, so I wouldn’t read it so fast. But then I would get upset because I didn’t want to put it down, I wanted to read and know what happens. Then I got mad when I got to the end, because IT WAS OVER! It couldn’t be over, I needed more. Then I saw the light. With the little piece at the end that says, there is another book. MASON’S book!! Hallelujah!!!
I first fell in love with Nikki’s work with her Fighting Series. Those couples, those stories lines, AMAZING! Then came this spinoff series, Fighting Love, about the kids from the original series. And let me just tell you, I thought I loved their parents’ stories and drama, I honestly think these kids, now grown, will hold a bigger and better place in my heart. Having watched them actually grow and move onto their own lives and struggle to find and keep their own love, is amazing.
These stories hold my heart captive and don’t let go, because I still think of them long after I’m done with the book. I love stories and characters that grip me like these do. It is an amazing experience.
Tristan deserves the world. He has had his heart ripped apart by his best friend, who he thought he would be with to a raise a family. But when life took a major turn, he was left with a bunch of uncertainties so he lost himself in liquor. Which led to the night that would change his life forever. That night led to him becoming a father. A single father at that. His daughter quickly moves up to being the most important person in his life. He hopes one day he can find someone to have the white picket fence dream with. Little did he know that his dream would come in the form of a broken woman. A broken woman who would keep most of herself and her past from him. Because what an ugly past it is.
Charlie has lived in darkness for almost a year. Until the day a dark blue eyed little girl introduces herself. Then her life is once again changed forever. Having been emotionally and physically abused, she is cautious to get close to a man. Having had her world ripped apart, it’s hard for her to face the little girl who can’t help but be drawn to her. But she finds the strength to do both and she soon realizes they will be the light in her darkness. They will save her life. They will lead her to being whole again.
This story….I honestly don’t even know what to say. I can say it was awesome, but that wouldn’t explain it enough.
Charlie’s life and heart break, broke my heart. And then the part where….OH MY LANTA!! LIKE WHAT THE HECK?!?! WHO DOES THAT?!?! LORD HAVE MERCY! Yea, I’m sure you can tell how I felt about THAT!
I was so glad Tristan FINALLY got everything he deserved. Happiness. Love. A family. If anyone deserved it, it was definitely him. His selfless love he hands out, help he doesn’t mind giving. He is loyal to a fault and earned it all. All his heartbreak, all his pain, led to this. So worth it!
Now to sit and patiently wait for Mason’s wreck of a story. That boy I have a feeling is gonna have a mess on his hands. Oh my word, I can’t even imagine, but I can’t wait to read it. I love Mason, his silliness, and his loyalty to the ones he loves. We will finally get to hear about his myserious past. Bring it on Nikki Ash. I know you won’t disappoint!!
I am hooked on this series. When I started the book I wasn’t sure how much time I had to read it but I wanted to get an idea of what I was starting. Then I read a paragraph, a page, a chapter, and pretty soon I was 1/2 way through the book and wondering when I could get back to it. There were times I found myself sneaking away to read a few more pages, finish a chapter, or just read a couple paragraphs. Tristan and Charlie are characters that I was invested in. They were characters I needed to know would be okay and together.
While Tristan and Charlie are wonderful the secondary characters were equally enthralling. Each had their own story to tell, each were there without question for their friends/family, and each were realistic. I’m excited to go and read the rest of this series, find out who these characters really are and how they play into the story.
Tristan and Charlie are both characters with rough pasts. Tristan has been burned by past girlfriends but wants to picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a loving wife. Charlie is running from her past and it haunts her. Immediately upon their meeting each other I could feel the attraction, hear the sizzle, and see the sparks. They are meant to be but can they both, especially Charlie, trust again?
Clinched is a hot, steamy, romantic, loving, and real story. I recommend picking up your copy.
Tristan has had so much happen to him in his short life, his bio dad was abusive to his mom, the love of his life lied and fell in love with his friend, and the mother of his child left both of them without a word. He will do anything to protect the most important person in his life his daughter Lexi. Charlie has known nothing but hate and pain from men in her life. She is holding some heavy secrets that are breaking her over and over again. She doesn’t trust anyone but Tristan is someone she can’t seem to stay away from. When you have two people who are so broken by their pasts can they come together and heal each other? WOW! I cannot say enough good things about this book. It has a story that moved me to tears more than once. These characters are so strong yet vulnerable. I felt so bad for Tristan in Tapped Out, Bella broke not only his heart but mine as well. So I was looking forward to this book and Tristan’s story and I was not disappointed. This is definitely a book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! MUST READ!!!
I am still reeling in the swoonfulness goodness that is Tristan and the belle of the ball, Ms Lexi. Yes, Nikki is making me make up words to try and do justice on this ovary explosion that is Clinched! Charlie really pulled at my heartstrings and had me already bawling at only 25% in. This book!! I read it in one sitting and had to reread Tristan and Charlie all over again because I couldn’t get into anything. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear I was a hormonal pregnant woman turning page after page. All I know is that I need Mason’s book soon! I love that man and I don’t care he’s fictional! Lol!
Right from page one, you can’t help fall in love with Tristan and even more with 5 year old Lexi. His fatherly protective side and her blunt innocence will get to you in the best way. Plus two men living with a 5 year old little girl, you know you’ll have you’re big LOL moments. Charlie was an amazing heroine for Tristan. You could feel her strength and sadness. Both together learn to find themselves again a day at a time and slowly overcome their own darkness clouds from the past. Their story will take you to unexpected twists that’ll keep you turning page after page.
Clinched is the second book in the Fighting Love series but can be read as a standalone. Amazingly written in dual POV with its own HEA and epic epilogue. Definitely left me craving for Mason’s book, Takedown! You know he’ll be one dirty talker… (sigh). Both book one and two are must reads, but totally recommend to go back where it all started with Fighting for a Second Chance. Always look forward to what Nikki Ash will come up with next!
Omg this book – Breathtakingly beautiful! It was everything and I absolutely adored Tristan and Charlie’s story and I could not put it down once I started reading it!
Tristan is every woman’s dream! Sexy, devoted, loyal, the best Dad – the list goes on. I love that Lexi comes first above anyone else.
Charlie was an amazing person. Very brave and also mysterious, but she had her reasons. My heart broke for her but it was lovely to see her start to open up once she felt comfortable with Tristan.
I was laughing and crying along with them so make sure you have the tissues ready!
You will love their story! I’m loving this series and never want it to end!
I also fell in love with Mason in this book and am eagerly awaiting his book!!
Thanks Nikki, yet again another brilliant story.
I loved this book! It was my first book by this author. I was captivated and couldn’t put the book down. It does have some hard content for some people but it was made the book for me. Charlie has come from a difficult life. Shes running from life. Her past is is making life in general difficult but when she meets Lexi the adorable little girl her life brightens just the perfect amount. Children have the effect on is. Tristan has had a rough past. He’s scared to put his heart out there but meeting Charlie he starts to feel for the first time in a long time. This book made me see a different perspective on life and i can see this happening in real life. I read this book voluntarily for an honest review. It is a stand alone but it leads to the next book in the series and I can’t wait for the next book!!! Enjoy!
She didn’t know tenderness and was being eaten by guilt. He is jaded and raising his daughter on his own with his best buddy. His best buddy Mason is a man whore but also his support. Lexi is just plain old adorable and sounds just like a girl raised by men. Put it all together and you have an amazing cast that keep you all up in your emotions. Between the lies and pain and twisted garbage from Charlies past and the fears Tristan has of making the same mistake with women over and over it’s a serious roller coaster ride. Charlie’s story will grab you and twist your emotions, as she reveals pieces of her past and shows her strength in the end.
This author does it well. There is just enough angst and passion to draw you into the story. There’s enough past and present, guilt and healing to make it all worth the read. I loved it and can’t wait to read Mason’s story next.
4.5 “Bring Back the Colors” Stars
Omg! Clinched was such an amazing read with the perfect balance between adorable, steamy and emotional. The book being a single dad romance had me absolutely giddy because there’s just something about this trope that clicks with me. Nikki Ash gave Tristan the most exquisite romance that put butterflies in the stomach.
I was truly sad for the guy after Tapping Out and the way Bella treated their friendship. I couldn’t wait to meet the woman who would steal Tristan’s heart. There is another little Miss in his life though; his daughter! Let me tell you how precious Lexi is. I was grinning at her cuteness and obsession with anything art all read long. It’s not easy to raise a little girl being a single dad, but he has the support of his best friend Mason. Their friendship is seriously one of the aspect I loved the most about this novel. These men have such a strong bond and they’re more like brothers. The way they care for Lexi is truly magnificent and sweet! Some moments are so hilarious too! Tristan is such a great dad and the father-daughter duo has a lovely dynamic that put hearts in my eyes!
” , . ’ ’ .”
Charlie is a mysterious heroine at first with something haunting her with the sadness she exudes. Tristan is determined to peel her layers and discover what she hides under this hurt and distance she tries to put between them. The pace of their romance is slow, but its progression so delightful. Charlie is reticent to open up to Tristan, but with his natural charm and good guy vibe she can only fall for him. Not only she connects with him , but also with Lexi. It’s so cute to see the little girl so easily forging a friendship with Charlie through their love for arts.
Overall, this book checked all the box of a good romance! I was invested in this couple’s journey. The supporting characters were as always a huge plus in this novel. Mix with all the romantic stuff, the mystery surrounding Charlie’s past made this book unputdownable! I’m now thrilled about Mason’s book, Takedown. I have a hunch that it’s going to be my favorite in the Fighting Love Series.
This story will clinch your heart and not let it go! It’s tragic, heartwarming, devastatingly beautiful, and full of some much unconditional love!! Tristan is easy on the eyes and has sexy abs, but it’s his gorgeous heart and dynamite love for his daughter that will have you swooning. Charlie is sweet, but broken and anyone would be lucky to have her in their life. You need to read this book for Lexi, the coffee shop, the art contest, and Vegas alone. I adore Tristan for his sweet disposition and how his unwavering strength brings Charlie out of her devastation and reminds her how amazing she is. This story solidifies exactly why Nikki Ash should write love stories for years to come.
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
This was a page-turner! I stayed up until 4 a.m. finishing it. I am going to keep this review brief because I don’t want to spoil it for you. It is a must-read. This is Book 2 in the Fighting Love series but it is a standalone with a HEA.
Tristan is everything! Although I love a good alpha-hole, Tristan was refreshing. He was caring, sweet, sexy, fine as hell, and a wonderful friend, father, and lover. He is all of these things in spite of what he’s been through. What more could you ask for? He is just yummy goodness!!!
Charlie is damaged but strong. She has been through things no one should have to endure. She is resilient, talented, and caring in spite of what she has had to endure. I admired her strength and ability to persevere.
This was an amazing book! It is very well-written with a great plot and wonderful, addicting characters. It was funny, sexy, swoony, heartbreaking, steamy, with a touch of suspense, and I know that it will stay with me for some time to come. I highly recommend reading this book! I’m glad that I did.
Charlie & Tristan have a GREAT story!! I loved the way they met & the way their relationship progressed. Charlie is going through a really rough time, and we get to know her past through flashbacks. I normally really don’t like flashbacks, but these were done perfectly – the right information & length to them so they didn’t take me out of the present story, only enhanced it. Thumbs up to this author for that!
The way these two are as parents, the way their daughters are written, also get the thumbs up from me. This story has a lot of humor, some heartache as well, the right amount of sexy times, some twists that are perfectly timed (and resolved, as well)… All of it together made an enjoyable read!
Also, I had another story next on my list to read, but Mason & Mila’s story so intrigued me that I bought that to read next! : )
I was so mad with Tristan for knocking up Gina. But I was so happy that she was out of his life. Charlie was a perfect fit. I loved her character and back story. How it all came together at the end made my heart happy too.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Charlie and Tristan….ahhh!!! That’s the best review for this book. Just “Ahhhh!!”!!!! This is my first book by this author, but I promise it won’t be my last.
They both come from troubled relationship histories. Charlie doesn’t want anyone to get close to her. Tristan is tired of not having someone close to him. However, no one could pass up on Tristan’s swoonworthiness and Charlie succumbed, but that left her to deal with her history as well. Together they were a perfect partnership.
The story was well-paced and every page I read made me want to keep reading so much so that I could hardly put the book down once I started it. (If I didn’t kids demanding my attention, I think it would have been a one-shot read!) I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in this series.
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
Oh my heart ached for every hint that Charlie had to go trough. At times this book wasn’t easy to read. Both of these characters go through so much and have their own internal issues that they have to work through but I enjoyed seeing them come out of their shells. I loved Tristen in the last book, so seeing him get his own HEA (even with how hard it was) was an experience all in its own. I laughed, I had tears, I wanted to scream….. but at the end I just knew that I was happy I enjoyed the wild ride. I can’t wait to get masons book! He is my favorite in this series. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Oh, Tristan… I love you.
I just want to cuddle with him on the couch while watching Disney movies with his girls. He’s such a good daddy. I adore him!
Wow! This story is just wow! I was holding off as long as I could to read this because I wanted to binge read this one and be able to go right in to Takedown (releasing at the end of July) afterwards. I am SO glad I couldn’t wait! This story grabs u at all your emotional heartstrings! I couldn’t put it down, I was reading every spare second I could muster up, because I couldn’t go another second without knowing what was going to happen with Tristan, Lexi and Charlie. Being a parent of a 4 year old, I think these types of stories always hit me deep. I absolutely LOVED the mystery of it all, the playfulness, the love and devotion! A big change from the normal Alpha jerks I love to read about. I need Tristan in my life like now! Seeing the light after betrayal, heartbreak and tragedy, everything comes together beautifully in this wonderful story!
Wow I absolutely loved this book …
Alpha male or something else I can tell u this much is Edge wants me to get on the back of his bike I wouldn’t hesitate…. so bloody hot
So many twists and turns and a few shocks along the way and the ending oh my god the ending …..
A must read I can’t wait for the next book in this action packed series !
I loved this book! I just feel in love with Charlie and Tristian especially Charlie! I loved getting to see into Tristian life after all that happened to him and how he is as a father! I love the strength both main character showed!! I couldn’t get enough!!!!