Fight for Me

Declan! *sigh*

No one does angst like Corinne Michaels! This book absolutely slayed me. Make sure you one-click if you, like me, are a huge romance lover.

“Two planets colliding couldn’t hold a candle to the way we connect.”

I could not wait to get hold of Fight For me , since I fell in love with the four Arrowood brothers in Come Back For Me.

I had a feeling I was going to have to brace going into this book and I was soooooooo right!
Corinne Michaels has written an emotionally charged enthralling story that just pulled me in from the start and threw a few sucker punches my way too.

Sydney and Declan’s story is a second chance love story that made me cry, swoon and forget to breath. I even had to take a 5 minutes emotional break.
As I continued reading this heartfelt and learned more and more of each of their stories I was drawn so far into this book that I was gasping out loud, talking to them as if Sydney and Declan were standing right in front of me and just wanted to hug Bean and tell her it was all going to be okay. Love always wins, doesn’t it? Well it is never that easy with CM.

Declan has a pain inside of him that has brought a darkness so deep into his soul – all of this since this night 8 years ago that change his life, his future and more. He is the strong, brooding type that has a dark past in which trauma has affected his entire outlook on life and love.

“Had. I don’t want past tense. I want you—all of you. I want the broken parts and the loving parts, the ones that are afraid of me and the ones that will fight for me.”

Syd is loyal, fierce, determined and strong and yet she had her weaknesses. One being DECLAN ARROWOOD.
“Declan has somehow branded me, forcing my body, soul, and heart to know him as though we are one.”

CM’s writing is captivating and seamless allowing us, readers to become part of the story. The storyline of this dialogue driven tale is captivating. They both captured my heart and lead me through their journey. It’s raw, and it’s rough at times. They are both struggling and breaking, and we are experiencing and feeling their choices, their actions, and their pain. I was a wreck, I am not going to lie and angry too. IT is obvious that they both have never stopped loving each other but it is not enough for one of them. Will they get the HEA that they deserved?

This is Corinne Michaels at her BEST.

„A true second shot will split the first arrow and create a solid path.”

When I was reading the first book in the Arrowood Brothers series and got tiny snippets about Sydney and Declan, I just knew that their story would be an emotional rollecoaster. I wasn’t wrong. Fight For Me hit me right in the feels. This story was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I needed tissues at hand, because I wasn’t able to stop the tears. This second chance romance is filled to the brim with heartbreak, angst, hope and love.

My heart was breaking for Declan, because he was the only one of the Arrowood brothers who had his whole life figured out when the tragedy struck and swept away all his plans and dreams. On the one hand I admired his determination and persistence to protect the woman he loved and his family, but on the other I wanted to jump into this book and shake him to make him understand that it was time to come to terms with the past and reclaim what was always his. He’s kindhearted, caring and loving, but also stubborn as a mule.

Sydney is the embodiment of a good girl with a fiery side. When Declan left, her heart broke into a million pieces, but she didn’t let it destroy her life. She achieved a lot, built a career and was always there for her loved ones. Even though her mind had repeatedly told her that it was time to move on, her heart couldn’t let Declan go. She’s understanding, patient and compassionate.

These childhood sweethearts were through a lot, but their hearts always beat only for each other. I could feel the longing and regret pouring from the pages of their story. Their chemistry was palpable and so strong that at times I almost felt physical pain. Declan and Sydney are true soulmates and their love was written in the stars.

Fight For Me striked me in a very emotional way. Corinne Michaels has such a way with her words that you can feel literally everything deep to the bone. Sydney and Declan’s story broke my heart and made it sing. I cried, I swooned and I laughed during this read. This book definitely falls under my top reads this year!

Fight For Me is a childhood friends–to–lovers and second chance love story that will tear your heart to pieces, then slowly mend it back together again. Although it’s a standalone, you will understand the four Arrowood brothers’ backstory best if you read book one first, Come Back For Me.

Book two features Sydney Hastings who loved Declan Arrowood since she was ten years old. Due to personal reasons that he does not disclose to Sydney, he decides to abrubtly leave her heartbroken, ending their relationship right before they were to head off to college. The author goes into painstaking detail about the anguish he and his three brothers experienced at the hand of their father growing up, and the mixed emotions he feels as an adult now that he is dead.

In his final cruel act, the father wills his four sons the family farm provided they return home and each live on the property for six months. Connor did his stint in book one, and now it’s Declan’s turn. Declan is a successful financier and businessman in NYC and reluctantly returns home to fulfill his obligation. While close in heart, the four brothers have been living separate lives, and this series lovingly intertwines them reconnecting and building a relationship of empathy, forgiveness, and trust.

Sydney and Declan had the storybook romance when they were younger. Their hearts only beat for each other and that is what makes this slow burn so emotional. It’s angsty with so many feels including tears! While Sydney moved on and earned her Law degree, she has never forgotten Declan and remained in the small town of Sugarloaf that she loves having taken over her family farm while also working as an attorney. She is best friends with Ellie, who is engaged to Connor, and when she runs into Declan at their house almost a decade later, all of the old feelings resurface. She so desperately tries to remain strong, and with all the grace and dignity she can muster, seeks the closure and answers she needs as to why he left.

Their push and pull, her honesty when she bears her soul, and her unwavering support makes her a true heroine in my eyes. She is selfless, realizes he has demons, and is so patient as he works through his emotions. He is so conflicted and the author poignantly delves into his torment, while at the same time, letting the reader know just how much he loves and desires Sydney.

She is no pushover, realizes her self-worth, and when the unthinkable happens, she deals with her situation with maturity and class. I love her relationship with her girlfriends, sister, and mom, and how their lives are all interconnected.

Even though Declan and Sydney are trying to work things out for half of the book, their chemistry and natural gravitational pull is undeniable and there are lots of steamy sexy times! There are so many tender moments, especially when he leaves his comfort zone and fights for her with all that he has. Their love and devotion to each other was never an issue, and Declan’s big grand gesture at the end that will have you swooning! From the first page to the last, there is tremendous character growth throughout their beautiful love story. Will they finally focus on the future and put the past behind them, or will he continue to deny himself a life of true love and happiness?

Fight for Me is the second book in the Arrowood Brothers Series by Corinne Michaels. It can be read as standalone but I highly recommend reading the first book since it’s amazing. Connor was first to fall and now it’s Declan’s turn…

Eight years. It was eight years ago when not only the oldest Arrowood brother left but all four of them and they vowed to never return to their hometown. That was the plan anyway until their father dies and now they each have to stay in town for six months if they want to sell the farm. The farm where so many good and bad memories are held. For Declan it’s hard to be there because of his father but even more so because he will be seeing his own regret around town. He knew he loved her when he was only ten years old and twelve years after that day he left her and never looked back. He knew he didn’t deserve her back then and he knows he doesn’t now. They want different things.

Sydney has always loved Declan and never stopped. She knows it. He knows it. Seeing him again has brought back all the memories. The good. The bad. The ugly. She asks him to stay clear of her. She can’t be friends with him without wanting the life he promised at sixteen. It’s too hard. But he is always there but she knows at the end of the six months he will be back in New York. He will never stay in Sugarloaf. He will never want to get married or have children. She also knows Declan better than anyone and she knows he is pushing her away while standing still.

Sydney and Declan’s relationship is both complicated and easy. The love is there. The passion is there. Just something is keeping them apart. Stubbornness. Haha.

It’s a beautiful story full of emotions. I mean all of them. I was frustrated. I was heartbroken. I was hot and bothered. I cried. I laughed. I wanted to slap them both then hug them. It was definitely a rollercoaster. It was awesome catching up with Connor and family. The Arrowood brothers and to get a glimpse into the next story. Oh man, it’s going to be good.

Quotes:

“I couldn’t hurt you again. I couldn’t … I had to stay away. But now … now, I can’t.” “Now you have to,” I remind him.

“I don’t know you anymore. I don’t know this man who doesn’t want to love or can’t love. That wasn’t who you were.”
“It’s who I had to become.”

“I may be an asshole, but I’m always a gentleman.”

I finished this book today and I could not love these
Arrowood brothers more. Declan and Syd fought tooth and nail for their HEA and I could not be happier with how this story unfolded.

I love these characters, this family, these women and of course love the men. Yes, there’s a story that creates adversity, but you truly have to understand where these men are coming from to determine their worth. And I love them for what they did. Mostly. Declan truly is no exception.
Declan and Sydney are meant to be together, from day one. Things happen and Declan tries to be the bigger person, but fails miserably. He has to 1- determine his internal worth and 2- fight for her. But does he want that? And will she be willing to forgive. Must read to find out. DEFINITELY worth it. I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author.

4.5 stars
“A true second shot will split the first arrow and create a solid path,” I say without thinking about it.
“Because I usually screw up the first time and need the second shot.”

Declan Arrowood. Oh my, talk about a broken boy turning into a tortured man. Sydney was the love of his life even at a young age, but one night ruined all of his plans. He is the oldest brother and protector, and in order to save them all, he had to make sacrifices. They all left Sugar Loaf and their abusive father, but now after his death, the four of them are required to take 6 month turns at the family farm in order to get what he owes them. So Declan is about to face all of his ghosts and demons.

Sydney Hastings is the girl he left behind breaking both of their hearts. She has taken over her own family’s farm, is a lawyer, and a volunteer EMT. She as everything going for her, but still has a void in her life. One visit from Declan and they find themselves acting on their attraction but it also has consequences she is not prepared for.

Months later, he is back for his temporary stay. But no matter how much she pushes him, chases him or begs, he just won’t break. She has a secret and she sees no other choice but to run away from the pain. He’s got his own secrets, guilt, unresolved issues, and does not feel worthy. And she can only fight so long to make him see what he is giving up.

Oh, the angst in this one is so intense. Back and forth and back again. The fight or flight is a real issue and it is almost overwhelming. These two are so strongwilled and have such strong feelings. But they are hurt so deeply and keep making mistakes. Their communication runs hot and cold sometimes saying a lot but not always admitting the most important things. Declan’s protective instincts are so great that they cause him to sacrifice their chance at happiness again and again. She is a fighter but everyone has a breaking point.

But eventually, he will have to either let her go forever or finally begin to fight for everything. But will it be too late?

This is an angsty, fiery, emotional second-chance love story years in the making. It plays with your emotions and frustrates you. I was glad to get dual points of view to see their internal struggles. I loved getting more with his brothers and friends in Sugar Loaf. Their relationships and backstories are so intertwined. The brothers’ vow to each other and tragedies of their youth have affected all of them differently and caused them to push people away. It takes strong women with a lot of patience to reign these men in. They have been through hell but still seem to have to battle their way towards happiness often fighting themselves. But when these men love, they love hard. I am looking forward to Sean and Jacob’s books. Sean’s story has been teased already and I am already interested in them as a couple. I also enjoyed some cameos from other Corinne Michaels books in this one.

* A review copy was provided by the author *

~ 3.5 Bean Stars ~

OMG!!! If you are a fan of an angsty second chance romance then this is the book for you.

I learned one thing after reading this book….I am not a huge fan of this much angst. I love a second chance romance and this one was enjoyable and entertaining, but I thought there was too much angst….at least for me.

This book would’ve been a 5 star read for me had it not taken the whole book for Sydney and Declan to figure their stuff out. I truly wanted to smack them upside their heads by about the 50% mark and after that, it just old for me. They just kept dancing around each other and I wanted to yell at them to just sit down and talk!!!

I know I am probably in the minority here with this review, but it is what it is. I wish I could’ve liked this more, because I loved the first book. I was also looking forward to Declan and Sydney’s story. I did find the story enjoyable and I would recommend the book to other romance readers, but I would definitely let people know they have to like angst in their stories, because otherwise I don’t think this is the book for them.

Fight For Me is the second book in the Arrowood Brothers series by Corinne Michaels. It is a standalone novel, although I think these books should be read in order, because a lot of the story for these brothers is told in book 1. It is told in Dual POV. I thought the flow and pace of the story was well written.

I loved see more of Connor, Ellie and Hadley (that little girl knows how to make someone laugh). I also loved getting to know the other brothers better. I look forward to reading their books in the future.

Now because this book wasn’t a 5 star read, doesn’t mean you won’t completely enjoy it. So don’t just take my word for it, pick this one up and give it a try. If you like second chance romances with lots of angst and push and pull, then this is the book for you!!