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Bristol Island #1
The Fight for Us
When Isaiah moves his teenage daughter Natalie to a new town, there is little doubt he’s running away from the past. But what should have been a fresh start for them ends up fraught with pain and heartache when Natalie becomes the victim of intense bullying at her new school.
When Joss is called to a meeting with the high school principal to discuss her daughter Harper’s involvement in the bullying of a new student, she’s shocked to say the least. Her daughter can’t possibly be that child.
It’s a rocky start for Joss and Isaiah as they try to set their daughters on the right path. But there is more to Joss’s and Isaiah’s connection than just two teenage girls. Joss’s and Isaiah’s attraction to one another is undeniable, regardless of their fractious start. But his soul is broken, and as much as he’s drawn to her, he’s equally terrified of what that means.
Is Isaiah strong enough to let her get close to him?
Life sometimes forces you to make those choices whether you’re ready to or not. And when Joss’s life is turned upside down, Isaiah has to decide if he’s ready to leave his past behind and live again, or if he’s going to watch what he’s come to care so much for slip away. Isaiah’s fight is profound. Joss’s is too. And their strength to withstand it all is brutally tested.
Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.
When Joss is called to a meeting with the high school principal to discuss her daughter Harper’s involvement in the bullying of a new student, she’s shocked to say the least. Her daughter can’t possibly be that child.
It’s a rocky start for Joss and Isaiah as they try to set their daughters on the right path. But there is more to Joss’s and Isaiah’s connection than just two teenage girls. Joss’s and Isaiah’s attraction to one another is undeniable, regardless of their fractious start. But his soul is broken, and as much as he’s drawn to her, he’s equally terrified of what that means.
Is Isaiah strong enough to let her get close to him?
Life sometimes forces you to make those choices whether you’re ready to or not. And when Joss’s life is turned upside down, Isaiah has to decide if he’s ready to leave his past behind and live again, or if he’s going to watch what he’s come to care so much for slip away. Isaiah’s fight is profound. Joss’s is too. And their strength to withstand it all is brutally tested.
Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.
345 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2014
About the author
Elizabeth Finn
20 books1,181 followersElizabeth Finn is a multi-published contemporary romance author. Her passion is creating stories packed full of angsty believable conflicts, characters who leave you rooting for them, and romance that might just short-circuit your e-reader. She likes her characters flawed and scarred, but they always find the best part of themselves on their journey, and her readers find themselves devoted to her authentic, honest and heartfelt voice.
Visit Elizabeth at ElizabethFinnFiction.com, Facebook.com/ElizabethFinnFiction or email to Eliza@ElizabethFinnFiction.com. She would love to hear from you.
Visit Elizabeth at ElizabethFinnFiction.com, Facebook.com/ElizabethFinnFiction or email to Eliza@ElizabethFinnFiction.com. She would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 24, 2016
3.5 clittery stars....
It might have been a 4 star review if it hadn’t been for the “Clitathon” .
I swear to god I had fucking CLITORITIS by the time I was finished reading the bloody book…
Yes, yes, I hear you say, Mo is off on a fucking rant again….
Other than that it was a good read. I got to about 40% and for the next 20% it was all just sex, sex and more sex…. I wanted the story.
There he goes, searching for her clit…
I liked Isaiah, he was a bit of a dick throughout most of the book.
She annoyed me a little bit
If the book had been 20% shorter it might have made the 4 star mark for me…
It might have been a 4 star review if it hadn’t been for the “Clitathon” .
He stroked her clit,
He pushed his thumb against her clit,
He trailed his thumb over her clit,
His hardness was right on the bud of her clit,
He stroked GENTLY over her clit,
He licked around her clit,
He pushed his tongue under the hood of her clit,
He brushed past her cleft, nearly stroking her clit,
He let his skin tickle her clit,
His thumb once again brushed over her clit,
He moved back up to her clit,
He placed his tongue on her TIGHT little clit,
He found her clit,
He pushed the pad of his thumb against her clit,
He paused long enough to push against her clit,
He played with the tight little peak of her clit,
He plucked at her clit,
He toyed with her clit.
I swear to god I had fucking CLITORITIS by the time I was finished reading the bloody book…
Yes, yes, I hear you say, Mo is off on a fucking rant again….
Other than that it was a good read. I got to about 40% and for the next 20% it was all just sex, sex and more sex…. I wanted the story.
That’s my girl!
There he goes, searching for her clit…
I liked Isaiah, he was a bit of a dick throughout most of the book.
She annoyed me a little bit
It was still snowing outside…
If the book had been 20% shorter it might have made the 4 star mark for me…
May 13, 2014
4.5 Stars
What a fantastic book from Elizabeth Finn. This is probably my favorite book by her that I've read to date. The story, the characters, the steam, the side characters, I don't think there was one thing I disliked about it. But my favorite part? The thing that ultimately sealed the deal for me was Isaiah. You just don't get better than him.
If I even had the slightest doubt (which I didn't), but IF I did, this quote by him at 25% absolutely did me in.
Now I ask you, how do you not love him?
I'm a huge fan of the hate to love trope, and by huge I mean HUGE. To say that Isaiah and Natalie start off on the wrong foot would be an understatement.
Natalie is getting over a horribly abusive marriage to a man that continues to manipulate her even 5 years later. She's just trying to make ends meet and support herself and her teenage daughter. So when she gets a call from the high school principal about her daughter, Harper, being in trouble, the last thing she expects to hear is that she is responsible for bullying one of her classmates. The classmate also happens to be the daughter of the very pissed off man also present in the meeting, Isaiah.
Miss Finn did a brilliant job in writing this book with the division into 4 parts; The Fight, His Fight, Her Fight, Fight for Us. YOu get to know more about Isaiah and Natalie and their struggles with fighting for their own happiness. Both of them have been through so much, I really didn't know who my heart hurt for more
Their struggle with the attraction to one another, moving on from their past and finally forming a connection was also written in a wonderful way. You really feel and see what drives them. You feel their pain, what's holding them back from each other. It wasn't a quick 180 where they go from hate to lust. It was definitely a slow burn. But when they finally do get there, boy was it satisfying
You really just can't help but fall for Isaiah. He spends a good amount of the book being a grade A asshole. But as much as you want to hate him for it and his treatment of Natalie at times, your heart hurts for him at the same time. His struggle of feeling guilt about his past, his struggle about possibly having a future with Natalie...
I really loved Natalie's character as well. She was damaged but she wasn't broken. She definitely still had a very big core of strength to her. And the fact that Elizabeth Finn painted a picture of both of their inner struggles perfectly just made this book that much better.
On the subject of Natalie's ex husband, I only have one thing to say
Damn but the woman can write one fucked up sociopath of a villain, and Todd was one sadistic fucker. Gawd but I hated him.
I don't want to give much away, so I'll cut myself off. But if you're looking for an emotional and erotic read that has a great plot, fantastic characters, HOT as hell sex, and swoon worthy hero, you really should look no further than this book.
And the epilogue? Perfection
A huge rec from me. I've been a big fan of Elizabeth Finn's for a while, but I think this book is in a different category of it's own. Just fantastic. Read it! You won't be disappointed.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.
What a fantastic book from Elizabeth Finn. This is probably my favorite book by her that I've read to date. The story, the characters, the steam, the side characters, I don't think there was one thing I disliked about it. But my favorite part? The thing that ultimately sealed the deal for me was Isaiah. You just don't get better than him.
If I even had the slightest doubt (which I didn't), but IF I did, this quote by him at 25% absolutely did me in.
Now I ask you, how do you not love him?
I'm a huge fan of the hate to love trope, and by huge I mean HUGE. To say that Isaiah and Natalie start off on the wrong foot would be an understatement.
Natalie is getting over a horribly abusive marriage to a man that continues to manipulate her even 5 years later. She's just trying to make ends meet and support herself and her teenage daughter. So when she gets a call from the high school principal about her daughter, Harper, being in trouble, the last thing she expects to hear is that she is responsible for bullying one of her classmates. The classmate also happens to be the daughter of the very pissed off man also present in the meeting, Isaiah.
Miss Finn did a brilliant job in writing this book with the division into 4 parts; The Fight, His Fight, Her Fight, Fight for Us. YOu get to know more about Isaiah and Natalie and their struggles with fighting for their own happiness. Both of them have been through so much, I really didn't know who my heart hurt for more
Their struggle with the attraction to one another, moving on from their past and finally forming a connection was also written in a wonderful way. You really feel and see what drives them. You feel their pain, what's holding them back from each other. It wasn't a quick 180 where they go from hate to lust. It was definitely a slow burn. But when they finally do get there, boy was it satisfying
"What? Where are we going?"
"Upstairs. Your bedroom."
"Why?"
"Because obviously you need more convincing, and I'm not going to run the risk of getting caught eating your pussy in the living room. Certain things are inappropriate when you have children, and that's definitely one of them."
You really just can't help but fall for Isaiah. He spends a good amount of the book being a grade A asshole. But as much as you want to hate him for it and his treatment of Natalie at times, your heart hurts for him at the same time. His struggle of feeling guilt about his past, his struggle about possibly having a future with Natalie...
I really loved Natalie's character as well. She was damaged but she wasn't broken. She definitely still had a very big core of strength to her. And the fact that Elizabeth Finn painted a picture of both of their inner struggles perfectly just made this book that much better.
On the subject of Natalie's ex husband, I only have one thing to say
Damn but the woman can write one fucked up sociopath of a villain, and Todd was one sadistic fucker. Gawd but I hated him.
I don't want to give much away, so I'll cut myself off. But if you're looking for an emotional and erotic read that has a great plot, fantastic characters, HOT as hell sex, and swoon worthy hero, you really should look no further than this book.
And the epilogue? Perfection
A huge rec from me. I've been a big fan of Elizabeth Finn's for a while, but I think this book is in a different category of it's own. Just fantastic. Read it! You won't be disappointed.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
May 10, 2014
Joss and Isaiah don’t have the ideal meeting. It is not love at first sight, if anything they might loathe each other. Isaiah is new to town. After a family tragedy, he and his daughter Natalie decide for a fresh start. Move away from the past that is full of pain. Unfortunately, this new start isn’t exactly what they expected.
When Joss gets called into her daughters principal’s office, she is stunned. There is no way her daughter, her sweet and caring daughter could be one of the girls bullying the new girl. Isaiah’s daughter. Joss is beside herself. She’s going through a lot right now with work, her terrible (and I mean terrible ex.) She does not need this too. Joss works hard to make sure Natalie isn’t being bullied by her daughter. By doing that, little by little, she slowly wins Isaiah over. But they could never be together? Could they?
Joss and Isaiah’s relationship wasn’t easy. They both had very complicated pasts and their family situations weren’t ideal. Still, you could feel the connection between them. It’s almost as if they couldn’t fight it, even if they wanted to. That’s what this story is about. The fight. Fighting to overcome their pasts, fighting for their daughters, their families. Most importantly, fighting for each other. Dealing with pasts make their relationship difficult... but anything worth having is worth fighting for.
Isaiah started off a bit jerky, which I loved! He may have been a little harsh with Joss, but it just showed how much he loved and cared for his daughter. He would do anything for her. Such a devoted parent and a stand up guy. Isaiah was able to show Joss, who had been through the most dysfunctional and awful relationship, what it was like to be loved and cherished. Joss. My heart broke for her. Hearing about her past and the things she still endured today for the sake of her daughter. It was hard to read about. Even though all her choices weren’t wise, I admired her for the way she handled Harper. The way she reached out to Natalie and never gave up on Isaiah.
The Fight for Us is a journey. Two beautiful and broken people, two beautiful and broken families coming together. I adored the family dynamic in this story. The way both of the MC’s were with their daughters won me over early on. Tackling something like bullying and self harm aren’t easy subjects to write about, but she did it well.
As always, Elizabeth Finn’s writing is incredible. I love all the feelings I experienced while reading this. There were a few tears (don’t worry, not too many), some smiles and laughs, and of course, some steamy parts! By the end, especially that epilogue, my heart was full! This is a wonderful story of love, second chances and healing that I very much enjoyed.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
February 11, 2015
”Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.”
Joss’ hideous ex, Todd is still making her life miserable five years after she divorced his crazy ass. Her world gets thrown further for a loop when she is called up to her daughter Harper’s high school to address accusations of bullying against Natalie, a new girl to the Bristol Island.
Some choice words are exchanged between her and Natalie’s father, Isaiah and tons of sparks fly at this encounter. Isaiah is struggling to hold his daughter’s life together since the death of his wife and felt like the Island would be a good place to get a fresh start.
Elizabeth Finn did a magnificent job of writing Isaiah. I felt much more connected to him than the heroine. He came across as a no excuse type father who struggles with his attraction to Joss. Isaiah is broken from his loss and doesn't think he has enough strength to be what Joss needs.
”I’m not strong enough for you. It takes everything I have to be strong enough for Nat, and most of the time, I don’t think I am.”
These two were well written from enemies to lovers. They had some hot chemistry and Isaiah sure knew what he was doing in the bedroom.
” “I’m kind of obsessed with you. You realize that, right?”
Sadly, Todd won’t go away and causes so much pain for Joss.
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The story takes flight once Isaiah decides to fight for Joss and their blended family. I must mention that I just loved Isaiah’s plan to trap Todd it was very clever and pretty bad ass and made me fall completely for this DILF!
Overall, the story was a bit on the long side perhaps a tad drawn out in areas but still a great grown up story that was sweet, hot and action packed.
”I love you – every flaw, every mistake, every imperfection. You are so worthy, so fight for this.”
*Copy provided by the author, Elizabeth Finn in exchange for an honest review*
April 29, 2014
Book – The Fight for Us
Author – Elizabeth Finn
Publication Date – May 14, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Adult, Suspense
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I guess I don’t have to keep repeating that Ms. Finn NEVER lets me down with her books. This one though – this one really tugged at my heart and kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I found myself crying a few times, laughing many times, getting pissed a lot and falling in love with all the characters in the story….well, except for one…no that’s two…..well shit….I guess 2 characters and 2 mentioned bitches. The good thing though is that each of them got their just punishment – and that left me with my heart feeling happy and light.
Oh and I must add that Ms. Finn has gotten very very steamy in her sex scenes….Isaiah – WHEW….he takes dominance to a new level – Ms. Finn had the ability to take beautiful love making scenes and incorporate a bit of submission….so not only are you *aww’ing* and “ohhh’ing” but damn – you will need a panty change. She keeps the Alpha Male personality in Isaiah limited to the bedroom and uses it in a very realistic way. I find it hard to explain how she mastered this and can only advise that you read it for yourself in order to understand what I am getting at.
She took a very sensitive subject in our world today and flipped it to grow into something beautiful and heart-warming – I can’t even begin to mention all the emotions she is able to pull from the reader from this story. Her writing is just so “REAL” – these aren’t fairy tales with knights in shining armor or perfect princesses, instead each of her characters have flaws and are far from perfect – they fight their own demons and through time help each other to climb over hurdles and make it through the many obstacles life continues to throw at them.
Recap
We start out with Joss trying to get custody of her daughter and away from her abusive ex-husband – it ends with Joss making a deal with him – in this review he will not have a name…he will be referred to as A-Hole!
Fast forward about 5 years and Joss is called into her daughter’s school because Harper has been bullying a new student. Here is her chance meeting with Isaiah and damn…they really get off on the wrong foot with each other.
Neither Joss nor Isaiah know about each other’s past and the demons they deal with on a daily basis but as time progresses, Harper realizes that being friends with the popular girls isn’t worth bullying other students that they enjoy so much. Harper chooses Natalie over the popular clique and the two start to become good friends while Joss and Isaiah are battling with the attraction they feel toward each other.
It’s those pesky demons from the past that continue to make a relationship between the two of them hard to hold on to. Isaiah isn’t ready for ‘fight’ for Joss and Joss is too scared of her past demons to fight for her future.
Throw in a mentally unstable, abusive ex-husband along with a dead wife….and what do you get? You get a couple that has a bunch of bullshit to sort through before a HEA can happen…..and that’s even if it can….
Oh, and did I mention that the sex is OFF THE ROOF??
Wrap-Up
This will be added to my list of ‘top reads’ for 2014 – and again Ms. Finn…my hats off to another winning story!!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Elizabeth Finn
Publication Date – May 14, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Adult, Suspense
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I guess I don’t have to keep repeating that Ms. Finn NEVER lets me down with her books. This one though – this one really tugged at my heart and kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I found myself crying a few times, laughing many times, getting pissed a lot and falling in love with all the characters in the story….well, except for one…no that’s two…..well shit….I guess 2 characters and 2 mentioned bitches. The good thing though is that each of them got their just punishment – and that left me with my heart feeling happy and light.
Oh and I must add that Ms. Finn has gotten very very steamy in her sex scenes….Isaiah – WHEW….he takes dominance to a new level – Ms. Finn had the ability to take beautiful love making scenes and incorporate a bit of submission….so not only are you *aww’ing* and “ohhh’ing” but damn – you will need a panty change. She keeps the Alpha Male personality in Isaiah limited to the bedroom and uses it in a very realistic way. I find it hard to explain how she mastered this and can only advise that you read it for yourself in order to understand what I am getting at.
She took a very sensitive subject in our world today and flipped it to grow into something beautiful and heart-warming – I can’t even begin to mention all the emotions she is able to pull from the reader from this story. Her writing is just so “REAL” – these aren’t fairy tales with knights in shining armor or perfect princesses, instead each of her characters have flaws and are far from perfect – they fight their own demons and through time help each other to climb over hurdles and make it through the many obstacles life continues to throw at them.
Recap
We start out with Joss trying to get custody of her daughter and away from her abusive ex-husband – it ends with Joss making a deal with him – in this review he will not have a name…he will be referred to as A-Hole!
Fast forward about 5 years and Joss is called into her daughter’s school because Harper has been bullying a new student. Here is her chance meeting with Isaiah and damn…they really get off on the wrong foot with each other.
Neither Joss nor Isaiah know about each other’s past and the demons they deal with on a daily basis but as time progresses, Harper realizes that being friends with the popular girls isn’t worth bullying other students that they enjoy so much. Harper chooses Natalie over the popular clique and the two start to become good friends while Joss and Isaiah are battling with the attraction they feel toward each other.
It’s those pesky demons from the past that continue to make a relationship between the two of them hard to hold on to. Isaiah isn’t ready for ‘fight’ for Joss and Joss is too scared of her past demons to fight for her future.
Throw in a mentally unstable, abusive ex-husband along with a dead wife….and what do you get? You get a couple that has a bunch of bullshit to sort through before a HEA can happen…..and that’s even if it can….
Oh, and did I mention that the sex is OFF THE ROOF??
Wrap-Up
This will be added to my list of ‘top reads’ for 2014 – and again Ms. Finn…my hats off to another winning story!!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 15, 2014
4.5--I Hate Todd--Stars!!
No really, Todd...
The Fight:
Isaiah and Joss don't exactly meet under the best circumstances. Joss gets called to school where her daughter, Harper is being accused of bullying Isaiah's daughter Natalie. And Isaiah is not happy.
Isaiah and Joss have this really hot love-hate thing going on.
The whole bullying thing was just a big misunderstanding, but it kind of bonded Isaiah and Joss together.
But Isaiah and Joss both come with baggage. Ex-related baggage.
By the way, Todd....
His Fight:
Isaiah lost his wife and Natalie lost her mother 18 months ago. Isaiah moves them to the small island town to get away, to start over.
But despite what Isaiah feels for Joss, he still harbors guilt for what happened to his wife. He struggles to move on and give in to what he feels for Joss.
Isaiah will have to let go of his past if he wants to have a future with Joss.
Hey Todd...
Her Fight:
Joss divorced her husband Todd five years ago, but he's like that nasty itch that just won't go away. Joss was abused by him physically and emotionally and was willing to do ANYTHING to protect her daughter Harper from him.
For reals Todd...
Todd thrives on making Joss and Harper's life miserable. And if Joss wants to move on with Isaiah, she will have to get rid of him once and for all.
Isaiah was so awesome. He was patient with Joss, he was there for her when she needed him. He supported her, he fought for her and he loved her.
Fight For Us:
Isaiah and Joss' relationship was tested and tested and tested some more. But they fought. For themselves, for each other and for their kids.
And my final parting words to Todd....
And just because....my favorite Isaiah quote:
No really, Todd...
The Fight:
Isaiah and Joss don't exactly meet under the best circumstances. Joss gets called to school where her daughter, Harper is being accused of bullying Isaiah's daughter Natalie. And Isaiah is not happy.
Isaiah and Joss have this really hot love-hate thing going on.
The whole bullying thing was just a big misunderstanding, but it kind of bonded Isaiah and Joss together.
But Isaiah and Joss both come with baggage. Ex-related baggage.
By the way, Todd....
His Fight:
Isaiah lost his wife and Natalie lost her mother 18 months ago. Isaiah moves them to the small island town to get away, to start over.
But despite what Isaiah feels for Joss, he still harbors guilt for what happened to his wife. He struggles to move on and give in to what he feels for Joss.
Isaiah will have to let go of his past if he wants to have a future with Joss.
“I love you—every flaw, every mistake, every imperfection. You are so worthy, so fight for this.”
Hey Todd...
Her Fight:
Joss divorced her husband Todd five years ago, but he's like that nasty itch that just won't go away. Joss was abused by him physically and emotionally and was willing to do ANYTHING to protect her daughter Harper from him.
For reals Todd...
Todd thrives on making Joss and Harper's life miserable. And if Joss wants to move on with Isaiah, she will have to get rid of him once and for all.
Isaiah was so awesome. He was patient with Joss, he was there for her when she needed him. He supported her, he fought for her and he loved her.
“We’re worth it. We were then, we are now, and we always will be. I understand that now. I understand it, because you convinced me of it. I will always fight for us.”
Fight For Us:
Isaiah and Joss' relationship was tested and tested and tested some more. But they fought. For themselves, for each other and for their kids.
“Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.”
And my final parting words to Todd....
And just because....my favorite Isaiah quote:
“Your choice. Cunt or pussy, but so help me God, if you say some lame ass word like flower or lady garden you'll pay for it later, because I don't fuck gardens or flowers any more than I have a love sword attached to my groin.”
May 17, 2014
LIVE !! Live !!! Live !!!!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fight-Us-El...
THE FIGHT
Joss receives a call from her daughter Harper's principal. There's been incidents of bullying at the high school and her daughter is one of the parties bullying. Isaiah also receives a similar call but his daughter is the one being bullied. This does not make for a love match. This does however, makes for a delicious and sensual story between two people who do not LIKE each other. In fact Isaiah is a part of that breed of jerk-assholes-you-can't-help-but-love. On your knees boy ! Fist pump! My favorite breed!
Joss is devastated to know that her daughter has been bullying a sweet and tender girl like Natalie. She immediately sets out to right some wrongs. Isaiah is slow to win over and right here is the cue for when your ovaries will start singeing. Let the slow burn begin! You've been warned ! You know Elizabeth Finn can deliver!
HIS FIGHT
Isaiah uprooted Natalie and himself after a family tragedy. He moved to a the small remote town in hopes to have a fresh start for them. He built a hedge of protection around Natalie and he was hesitant to let Harper and Joss in. He had no intentions of falling for Joss. But boy did he fall. His fight was initially for his family but it soon turned to his fight to resist Joss.
HER FIGHT
Joss'a story just about wrecked me. I hate,hate, hate creepy forces of ex evil that turns up at every corner. She was broken and there was only one way that she was able to keep peace and stay partially afloat. Although this was not ideal, she did this all for her daughter. So no judging here since I walked about 1/4 mile in her shoes.
THEIR FIGHT
It was time. Time to live again.
You are so worthy, so fight for this.
I will fight for you everyday for the rest of my life.
Thank you for fighting.
I will always fight for us.
Join these two on an amazing journey of recovery, healing, intensity, and love.
This book holds a special place in my heart because I had the privilege to be a beta reader for this amazing love story. I felt like I was there every step of the way during their fight ! Once again, Elizabeth Finn does not disappoint ! You will have this book hit all your love buttons and then some ! And if you're like me, you will relate to this book and you will laugh, cry, swoon, sigh and full-out melt.
I am convinced that Elizabeth Finn writes for the romance reader in all of us. We are everyday people that are not always chasing butterflies in a green meadow. Real life happens .... Hearts break ...... Hopes shatter..... But with love .....Dreams can happen..... Happily ever afters can happen....anything can happen. She has convinced me❤️
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fight-Us-El...
THE FIGHT
Joss receives a call from her daughter Harper's principal. There's been incidents of bullying at the high school and her daughter is one of the parties bullying. Isaiah also receives a similar call but his daughter is the one being bullied. This does not make for a love match. This does however, makes for a delicious and sensual story between two people who do not LIKE each other. In fact Isaiah is a part of that breed of jerk-assholes-you-can't-help-but-love. On your knees boy ! Fist pump! My favorite breed!
Joss is devastated to know that her daughter has been bullying a sweet and tender girl like Natalie. She immediately sets out to right some wrongs. Isaiah is slow to win over and right here is the cue for when your ovaries will start singeing. Let the slow burn begin! You've been warned ! You know Elizabeth Finn can deliver!
HIS FIGHT
Isaiah uprooted Natalie and himself after a family tragedy. He moved to a the small remote town in hopes to have a fresh start for them. He built a hedge of protection around Natalie and he was hesitant to let Harper and Joss in. He had no intentions of falling for Joss. But boy did he fall. His fight was initially for his family but it soon turned to his fight to resist Joss.
He thought for a moment, staring at her mouth as he did. “I meant it when I said I was distracted by you at the house.” His attention finally moved up to her eyes. “I’m distracted by you every time I see you. When I’m with you, I think about kissing you, touching you, tasting you—” He paused for a moment as his jaw tensed. “—fucking you—a whole mess of things I can’t seem to stop thinking about.
HER FIGHT
Joss'a story just about wrecked me. I hate,hate, hate creepy forces of ex evil that turns up at every corner. She was broken and there was only one way that she was able to keep peace and stay partially afloat. Although this was not ideal, she did this all for her daughter. So no judging here since I walked about 1/4 mile in her shoes.
Isaiah had made her want more from her life, and while she had nothing to show for it, the want for something had taken root.
THEIR FIGHT
It was time. Time to live again.
I need you to love yourself as much as I love you, and I need you to let me love you too. I need you to share your hurt with me, not try to protect me from it or hide it from me. I need you to understand just how worthy you are, because if you're not, then I'm sure as hell not either. I need you to forgive yourself for your past, and I swear to God I'll forgive myself for mine too if you will. And more than anything, I need you to fight. I won't fail you the way I failed others in the past. But you can't hate yourself for your past any more than you hate me for mine.
You are so worthy, so fight for this.
I will fight for you everyday for the rest of my life.
Thank you for fighting.
I will always fight for us.
Join these two on an amazing journey of recovery, healing, intensity, and love.
This book holds a special place in my heart because I had the privilege to be a beta reader for this amazing love story. I felt like I was there every step of the way during their fight ! Once again, Elizabeth Finn does not disappoint ! You will have this book hit all your love buttons and then some ! And if you're like me, you will relate to this book and you will laugh, cry, swoon, sigh and full-out melt.
I am convinced that Elizabeth Finn writes for the romance reader in all of us. We are everyday people that are not always chasing butterflies in a green meadow. Real life happens .... Hearts break ...... Hopes shatter..... But with love .....Dreams can happen..... Happily ever afters can happen....anything can happen. She has convinced me❤️
March 6, 2015
THREE AND A HALF TO FOUR STARS!
I always applaud authors who tackle tough subject matters that affect women greatly in their books, especially if it's written in a way that I believe doesn't belittle the struggles of women who are in similar situations. Elizabeth Finn is of course no exception, and I commend her for incorporating the issue of domestic violence against women in The Fight for Us.
Joselyn Verna has always thought of herself as the "stupid girl." She has made choices that she isn't proud of and has had to walk a difficult path because of them. But as bad as her choices have been, they were hard choices that always centered around her daughter Harper and her desire as a parent to provide her with the best that her circumstances has allowed.
I'd never been so glad to read an epilogue before. It was pure perfection and well-deserved and my heart received some much-needed balm. Couldn't be any happier. A recommended read to all.
Whilst Joss's story is indeed fictional, the abuse is a real phenomena that women experience and I believe that domestic violence retains it's power through silence and an unwillingness to act. Working in women's health, I will never forget how confronting it was to see a victim of domestic violence with my own eyes. It's something that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I truly hope that more authors tackle this subject tastefully in the bid to spread more awareness and to help empower future female generations.
Wear a white ribbon in November. For more information, see http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/.
I always applaud authors who tackle tough subject matters that affect women greatly in their books, especially if it's written in a way that I believe doesn't belittle the struggles of women who are in similar situations. Elizabeth Finn is of course no exception, and I commend her for incorporating the issue of domestic violence against women in The Fight for Us.
Joselyn Verna has always thought of herself as the "stupid girl." She has made choices that she isn't proud of and has had to walk a difficult path because of them. But as bad as her choices have been, they were hard choices that always centered around her daughter Harper and her desire as a parent to provide her with the best that her circumstances has allowed.
"I'm so ashamed." Her face scrunched up as her lips pulled back in a grimace as she spoke those words, and then she did sob. "If Harper ever knew...how disgusting I am..."Isaiah Henry is new in town and looking for a place for him and his daughter Natalie to start anew from their horrifying past. But his hope to find a home in Bristol Island is threatened when Natalie is bullied at school by Harper and her friends. Needless to say, Isaiah and Jocelyn's initial meeting does not go down well.
"Get your fucking hand of me." He snarled, and her hand instantly retracted as she balked from at him. "You tell your daughter to stay the hell away from Natalie."What follows is a great enemies to lovers story that I enjoyed. As expected, there was the constant push and pull between the H/h, and whilst it was understandable considering their individual issues, I did find it a bit tiring. I did, on the other hand, appreciate the slow development of their intimate relationship as I felt it depicted a realistic view of older adults saddled with the every day responsibilities of being a single parent to a teenage girl embarking on a new romance. I also enjoyed the touching family moments in the book. I'm such a sucker for books that showcases a close bond between families and this one definitely got to me.
"That's just it, Harp. It was wrong of me to allow your dad to stay in my life. And..." Joss shook her head for a moment. "...it set a really bad example for you. I want to set the right example."What really got to me the most would be the last 25% of the book. My heart trembled with anxiety and I really didn't know if I could handle how real all the action was. And the horror that Joss goes through? It hurt. It hurt so much to read.
Joss's eyes were tearing again.
But so were Harper's. "You're the only parent I have. You're the only one who ever took care of me-who ever loved me. You think that's the wrong example?"
I'd never been so glad to read an epilogue before. It was pure perfection and well-deserved and my heart received some much-needed balm. Couldn't be any happier. A recommended read to all.
Whilst Joss's story is indeed fictional, the abuse is a real phenomena that women experience and I believe that domestic violence retains it's power through silence and an unwillingness to act. Working in women's health, I will never forget how confronting it was to see a victim of domestic violence with my own eyes. It's something that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I truly hope that more authors tackle this subject tastefully in the bid to spread more awareness and to help empower future female generations.
Wear a white ribbon in November. For more information, see http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/.
May 17, 2014
★★★★ 4 Stars!
“Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.”
The Fight for Us by Elizabeth Finn is a beautiful, gut-wrenching, heart warming story about two people who had given up the fight to live a happy and carefree life but who together, help each other to overcome their fears and realize life and love are still worth fighting for.
Joselyn "Joss" Verna and Isaiah Henry are both single parents with a fourteen year old daughter. Joss and Isaiah's first meeting takes off with a rocky start when Joss gets called into the principal's office because her daughter Harper is being accused of bullying Isaiah's daughter Natalie. Naturally, this leads to a lot of tension and even some anger between the two parents, but when they keep running in to each other and they start getting to know each other better, this anger start to turn into respect and an undeniable sexual attraction, which they are both, for their own reasons, reluctant to act upon at first.
Isaiah and Joss have both been through a lot in their life and while Isaiah's late wife is no longer in the picture, Joss's ex-husband Todd comes back to taunt her time and again. From the prologue I already knew what a horrible person he was, but throughout the story Todd just became more and more vicious in his attempts to hurt Joss and that provided for a lot of tension and drama. Throughout the first half of the book, Isaiah pissed me off sometimes with his lack of willingness to fight for Joss, but luckily he got it together and became the strong-willed source of support Joss needed in order to fight her ex.
"We're stronger when we're together."
Individually they might have been moving miserably through life, but together they give each other strength. They each had to overcome their own obstacles and fight their own battles before they were ready to fight for each other and through alternating POV's the author managed to give a perfect insight in how both of them evolved and became stronger throughout the story.
All in all, this was a wonderfully written, drama-filled, emotional and sensual read with a very swoon-worthy read and some very entertaining side characters. I especially liked their daughters Harper and Natalie and the role they played in bringing Joss and Isaiah even closer together. This was only my second book by Elizabeth Finn but it was once again a winner so I already know it won't be my last!
Highly recommend romantic standalone novel.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
May 16, 2014
3.5 STARS
This was a great story about the choices we make in life and coming to terms with the choices others make in their own lives. It was sad, often times heavy and dramatic, but it was also very sweet and made me laugh a few times...anyone in need of a love sword to mend their lady garden? Lol!
Joss was a woman living with the consequences of having made bad decisions. I did feel for her but also questioned why she let someone like her douche of an ex-husband call the shots for so long.
Isaiah was for the most part, a great guy. He pissed me off at first with his assholish tendencies and lack of restraint, but eventually I came to love him and what he represented for Joss and her daughter. Still, there were times his reactions were completely unjustified. The relationship between his daughter, Natalie, and Joss's daughter, Harper, was sweet and one of the best parts of this book. Those two were like sisters and they definitely added depth to the story.
Let's not forget the prick king of assholeland, Joss's ex. That guy was pure sociopath. So glad he got what was coming. The story flowed very well and I liked the pseudo-suspenseful aspect to it all. But there were a few things that prevented me from rating it higher. EF writes scorching sex scenes, and the shower scene was pretty hot, but sex scenes that were literally pages and pages was too much. I think compressing sex scenes gives them a more erotic feel, makes you appreciate them more. Also, the book could have been a tad shorter. One thing I kept thinking about was Joss's parents. They're described as wealthy, so why did that not factor in for Joss? Many of her issues with her ex stem from lack of resources, so...I was left with a few questions.
Overall, this was a good book. It was sweet and handled difficult subjects well. Isaiah was a tortured man that found redemption and the ability to move on in a woman finding the same thing in him. The epilogue was nice, rounded out the ending really well. Loved the girls, loved Steph--what a great friend! And really liked how Isaiah's and Joss's past finally gave way to their fateful present and future.
** Copy provided by Elizabeth Finn for an honest review **
May 21, 2014
3.5 ★'s
Isaiah and Joss don't meet under the best circumstances. Especially when those circumstances are in the principal's office with Joss' daughter being accused of bullying Isaiah's. Angry feelings aside, there's something between the two of them. They just have to be willing to see what it is.
There were things I liked about Joss and things I didn't. I really didn't like seeing how she was treated and most importantly, let herself be treated. But...she did start standing up for herself which is a good thing.
Isaiah was pretty interesting but OMG, the things that came out of his mouth. We do sort of get his POV so it was great getting the "why's" of some of the things.
And of course with these two starting off with being angry and attracted to each other, the sex is pretty explosive. Isaiah loves to talk too and likes to try lots of different things! ;)
I really enjoyed the relationship between their two daughters, Harper and Nat. It was great seeing how close they became and how they were there for each other.
There is some drama going on with Joss' ex husband, Todd, who is a jerk. I really felt for Harper the most! And Isaiah has some drama in his past as well.
I'm not sure why but the book just felt l-o-n-g! And believe it or not, the sex scenes were almost too much or maybe it was all the "mewling" going on that I couldn't handle!
Thankfully, the book ends well and we get an epilogue which I always am happy to get especially with this being a standalone.
Favorite quotes
♥ “They’re totally going to make out.” Harper’s small little voice trailed out to them as Joss’s eyes bulged in mortification.
“I know. It’s disgusting. They’re so old,” came his daughter’s voice.
♥ "You realize I still haven't seen your love sword, right?"
♥ "There's my girl."
♥ "You're neutered, so I suppose you can stay."
♥ “I love you—every flaw, every mistake, every imperfection. You are so worthy, so fight for this.”
♥ "I will fight for you every day for the rest of my life."
*BR w/Melissa*
Isaiah and Joss don't meet under the best circumstances. Especially when those circumstances are in the principal's office with Joss' daughter being accused of bullying Isaiah's. Angry feelings aside, there's something between the two of them. They just have to be willing to see what it is.
There were things I liked about Joss and things I didn't. I really didn't like seeing how she was treated and most importantly, let herself be treated. But...she did start standing up for herself which is a good thing.
Isaiah was pretty interesting but OMG, the things that came out of his mouth. We do sort of get his POV so it was great getting the "why's" of some of the things.
And of course with these two starting off with being angry and attracted to each other, the sex is pretty explosive. Isaiah loves to talk too and likes to try lots of different things! ;)
I really enjoyed the relationship between their two daughters, Harper and Nat. It was great seeing how close they became and how they were there for each other.
There is some drama going on with Joss' ex husband, Todd, who is a jerk. I really felt for Harper the most! And Isaiah has some drama in his past as well.
I'm not sure why but the book just felt l-o-n-g! And believe it or not, the sex scenes were almost too much or maybe it was all the "mewling" going on that I couldn't handle!
Thankfully, the book ends well and we get an epilogue which I always am happy to get especially with this being a standalone.
Favorite quotes
♥ “They’re totally going to make out.” Harper’s small little voice trailed out to them as Joss’s eyes bulged in mortification.
“I know. It’s disgusting. They’re so old,” came his daughter’s voice.
♥ "You realize I still haven't seen your love sword, right?"
♥ "There's my girl."
♥ "You're neutered, so I suppose you can stay."
♥ “I love you—every flaw, every mistake, every imperfection. You are so worthy, so fight for this.”
♥ "I will fight for you every day for the rest of my life."
*BR w/Melissa*
May 15, 2014
4.5 Stars
The fight
Isaiah and Joss are both parents of teenagers. One day Joss gets called to school because her daughter bullied a new at her school. At school she gets confronted by Isaiah, the father of the bullied girl. Of course Isaiah is furious about the fact that his daughter was bullied by Joss' daughter.
His fight
Isaiah is grieving about the death of his wife. He decided to move to Bristol and start a new life with his daughter. Over the last 1 and a half year he and his daughter Natalie have
gone through a lot. He is very angry that Natalie was bullied. But he is even angrier about the fact that he can't stop thinking about Joss.
Her fight
Joss is divorced for 5 years and is living with her 14 year old daughter Harper.
She escaped an abusive marriage. But unfortunately the abuse hasn't stopped after the divorce. Her ex husband Todd the
is still very present in her life. Joss puts up with him just to protect her daughter.
Fight for us
There are not enough gifs in the world to describe how much I hate Todd
Every time he appeared I was like
I think I could go on for hours so let's move on to Isaiah.
Isaiah...
He was really a great and swoon-worthy male character. I also can't complain about Joss. She was likeable too. The girls were are adorable.
How Harper treated Natalie in the beginning was SOOO
But I loved what she did in the end for Natalie
The fight
Isaiah and Joss are both parents of teenagers. One day Joss gets called to school because her daughter bullied a new at her school. At school she gets confronted by Isaiah, the father of the bullied girl. Of course Isaiah is furious about the fact that his daughter was bullied by Joss' daughter.
His fight
Isaiah is grieving about the death of his wife. He decided to move to Bristol and start a new life with his daughter. Over the last 1 and a half year he and his daughter Natalie have
gone through a lot. He is very angry that Natalie was bullied. But he is even angrier about the fact that he can't stop thinking about Joss.
Her fight
Joss is divorced for 5 years and is living with her 14 year old daughter Harper.
She escaped an abusive marriage. But unfortunately the abuse hasn't stopped after the divorce. Her ex husband Todd the
is still very present in her life. Joss puts up with him just to protect her daughter.
Fight for us
There are not enough gifs in the world to describe how much I hate Todd
Every time he appeared I was like
I think I could go on for hours so let's move on to Isaiah.
Isaiah...
He was really a great and swoon-worthy male character. I also can't complain about Joss. She was likeable too. The girls were are adorable.
How Harper treated Natalie in the beginning was SOOO
But I loved what she did in the end for Natalie
July 23, 2016
4.5 Second-Chances-At-Love Stars!
“Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.”
The Fight
Joss meets Isaiah Henry in not the best circumstances. She gets called into her daughter Harper's principal office being accused of bullying Natalie, Isaiah's daughter. Joss is late to the meeting and Isaiah is anything but cordial. Joss is defensive, not believing her daughter would hurt another person. The banter begins...
His Fight
Isaiah quit his job and moved he and Natalie to this quiet island community to escape the events from Chicago. He's a widower and on a bit of a sabbatical from work. His first priority is Natalie and her happiness so when he finds out his daughter has been bullied at school, he puts his foot down. But when the mother of the bully walks in, late at that, he finds he both dislikes her and wants her at the same time. He doesn't WANT to want her though.
Her Fight
Joss' life can't get any worse when that call comes in. She's just about to land a huge commission on a house sale that she now has to give to her business partner fucking Randall to meet this principle. She's a single mom with a total douche of ex-husbands. But her day does get worse when the dad of Natalie glares at her in the meeting...making her feel like a terrible failure of a mother and her daughter a terrible person.
Fight For Us
Isaiah's walls begin to break where Joss is concerned. She clearly is struggling with life and is trying to make things right by Natalie. He finds it hard to dislike her. Granted, he was a Class A Asshole to her, but she's taken it with stride and he can't help but give her credit as a single mom.
His past year and a half of being without a wife, without a romantic relationship is becoming difficult. Natalie and Harper begin a friendship, further drawing he and Joss together. Two single parents struggling to survive teen-daughters. Does he have anything left of himself to give to Joss? Does Joss want to risk her heart again for a man?
I really liked this book. The struggles both parents have with parenthood, grief and healing is at the forefront. Joss' ex Todd is beyond horrible. He's abusive, both emotionally and physically and it doesn't take Isaiah long to determine he DOES have something left within himself to fight for Joss. To fight for their happiness...a future.
The book has to be one of the hottest Elizabeth Finn books I've read. Isaiah was such an ass in the beginning and I loved his transformation throughout the book.
Why not five full stars? I felt it was a bit long, too drawn out. I think we could've cut back about 20% of it and not lost story. My book ADD was starting to set in around 80% thinking it could be done now...but Ms. Finn wasn't done with us apparently.
There was also an event in the book that didn't add up for me...Joss' reaction to the event mainly. Do not click the spoiler if you haven't read the book.
Looking forward to more from this author! Not the first book I've read by her and definitely won't be the last.
And I thank you!
May 19, 2014
5 Stars !! Another Elizabeth Finn winner!
Elizabeth Finn is one of those authors that I know when I read one of her stories, I'm not likely to want to put it down. Whether its the highly erotic sexy moments, the angst, the drama....I know going in that I'm going to be entertained. The Fight For Us was no different.
To me, although it still had Elizabeth's trademark super sexy times.... this one was much more intense and emotionally nerve racking than most of her others. I'd compare this one more to Unforgiven as far as the drama level goes.. but this one went a step further than Unforgiven. I think some of the scenes in Fight For Us were so much more.. grittier, intense, and more moving. My heart ached and my temper flared throughout most of the story... wondering how the characters could possibly get their HEA with all the obstacles thrown their way.. but have no fear ;)
This is the story of Isaiah and Joss .. a widowed father with an emotionally teenage girl and a divorced single mom with a sweet handful of a teenage girl.
To say that Joss and Isaiah started off on the wrong foot is putting it mildly.
Her eyes flashed to Isaiah’s dark furious ones as he snapped at her. She was guessing he was handsome, but at the moment he looked a bit too much like he wanted to kill her for her to appreciate the aesthetics.
“Your daughter is a bully!” “Call her that one more time. I dare you.”
“Fine! She’s a bitch! Is that better?”
With all of this hostility towards each other..they were still very attracted to each other. They both hated that fact and that made things even more intense between them..
“I’m distracted by you every time I see you. When I’m with you, I think about kissing you, touching you, tasting you—” he paused for a moment as he tensed his jaw “—fucking you—a whole mess of things I can’t seem to stop thinking about.”
It wasn't very long before they started spending a little more time together as their daughters started getting past their differences and becoming friends.. they both want more from each other but both are afraid to make things serious... Isaiah is loaded down with emotional baggage from the death of his wife.. and Joss.. poor Joss has an ex that is absolutely horrible. The prologue introduces you to him right away..this guy is pure asshole of epic proportions. But he's more than that.. he's entitled and mean.. he's abusive and cruel.. and he hurt Joss so much in the past. Even though they are divorced, he wont get out of her life and leave her alone.
As Joss begins to fill the spot in Isaiah's heart, Joss's life starts to unravel as her ex will do anything to hurt her... It's up to Isaiah to try to put her back together.. it's a hard road for her and Isaiah definitely has a lot to deal with.. whether he's trying to help his daughter heal from the death of her mother and her own emotional problems.. or being there for Joss as she goes though some of the most horrible things.....
“I feel stupid. I’m just the stupid girl all over again,” she muttered. “I’ve always been the fucking stupid girl.” She shook her head, letting her focus shift away from him again. “I’ve never thought of you that way—not ever.”
Isaiah was such a great dad and an amazing man..once he finally put his past where it belonged and gave himself to Joss.. it was a beautiful thing. Throw in two sweet and funny teenage girls and poor Isaiah had trouble keeping up at times.. but he did... wow, did he ever.
I honestly loved every single minute of this book. By the end of the prologue I already figured this was going to be a great story... after Joss and Isaiah's first meeting I was completely hooked. They were both perfectly damaged and were really perfect for each other..
A story with love and cruelty, beauty and tragedy.. a cast of characters that I fell in love with, and a plot that kept me turning the pages far into the night unwilling to put this story down.. and that epilogue.. so good...
I loved it!
Elizabeth Finn is one of those authors that I know when I read one of her stories, I'm not likely to want to put it down. Whether its the highly erotic sexy moments, the angst, the drama....I know going in that I'm going to be entertained. The Fight For Us was no different.
To me, although it still had Elizabeth's trademark super sexy times.... this one was much more intense and emotionally nerve racking than most of her others. I'd compare this one more to Unforgiven as far as the drama level goes.. but this one went a step further than Unforgiven. I think some of the scenes in Fight For Us were so much more.. grittier, intense, and more moving. My heart ached and my temper flared throughout most of the story... wondering how the characters could possibly get their HEA with all the obstacles thrown their way.. but have no fear ;)
This is the story of Isaiah and Joss .. a widowed father with an emotionally teenage girl and a divorced single mom with a sweet handful of a teenage girl.
To say that Joss and Isaiah started off on the wrong foot is putting it mildly.
Her eyes flashed to Isaiah’s dark furious ones as he snapped at her. She was guessing he was handsome, but at the moment he looked a bit too much like he wanted to kill her for her to appreciate the aesthetics.
“Your daughter is a bully!” “Call her that one more time. I dare you.”
“Fine! She’s a bitch! Is that better?”
With all of this hostility towards each other..they were still very attracted to each other. They both hated that fact and that made things even more intense between them..
“I’m distracted by you every time I see you. When I’m with you, I think about kissing you, touching you, tasting you—” he paused for a moment as he tensed his jaw “—fucking you—a whole mess of things I can’t seem to stop thinking about.”
It wasn't very long before they started spending a little more time together as their daughters started getting past their differences and becoming friends.. they both want more from each other but both are afraid to make things serious... Isaiah is loaded down with emotional baggage from the death of his wife.. and Joss.. poor Joss has an ex that is absolutely horrible. The prologue introduces you to him right away..this guy is pure asshole of epic proportions. But he's more than that.. he's entitled and mean.. he's abusive and cruel.. and he hurt Joss so much in the past. Even though they are divorced, he wont get out of her life and leave her alone.
As Joss begins to fill the spot in Isaiah's heart, Joss's life starts to unravel as her ex will do anything to hurt her... It's up to Isaiah to try to put her back together.. it's a hard road for her and Isaiah definitely has a lot to deal with.. whether he's trying to help his daughter heal from the death of her mother and her own emotional problems.. or being there for Joss as she goes though some of the most horrible things.....
“I feel stupid. I’m just the stupid girl all over again,” she muttered. “I’ve always been the fucking stupid girl.” She shook her head, letting her focus shift away from him again. “I’ve never thought of you that way—not ever.”
Isaiah was such a great dad and an amazing man..once he finally put his past where it belonged and gave himself to Joss.. it was a beautiful thing. Throw in two sweet and funny teenage girls and poor Isaiah had trouble keeping up at times.. but he did... wow, did he ever.
I honestly loved every single minute of this book. By the end of the prologue I already figured this was going to be a great story... after Joss and Isaiah's first meeting I was completely hooked. They were both perfectly damaged and were really perfect for each other..
A story with love and cruelty, beauty and tragedy.. a cast of characters that I fell in love with, and a plot that kept me turning the pages far into the night unwilling to put this story down.. and that epilogue.. so good...
I loved it!
August 12, 2016
4.5 to 5 Isaiah stars!
The Fight For Us is another winner for me. Sometimes, you just find an author whose stories almost always work for you and Elizabeth Finn is like that for me.
The Fight for Us tells the story of two parents each of them broken by what happened to them in the past. They've known each other as adversaries first before they became friends and then later on lovers.
I loved the sensuality of this book. It helped that both Isaiah and Joss were older than the usual romance MCs. Isaiah was such a well-drawn character and his backstory was just heartbreaking. I loved, loved his interactions with Natalie.
Joss, was an okay heroine for me. She became quite weepy for most of the book although I quite understand why she would be. Her ex is the biggest douche ever. I hated him. My heart broke for Joss and what she had to go through and the things that she did. While I didn't agree with her decisions regarding her ex husband, I still felt like I understood where she was coming from.
Again, Joss and her daughter's relationship was a big part of this book. And I felt that the author did a great job of portraying teenagers and portraying a couple that has to deal with their respective offspring and trying to make a relationship work in spite of that.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book. And that epilogue was just a wonderful addition and brought closure to the story. And yes, if anyone is wondering, Isaiah is my favorite Elizabeth Finn hero to date. ♥
That epilogue and Isaiah totally made this a five-star read for me!!
Full review to come soon...
Got my ARC!!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Fight For Us is another winner for me. Sometimes, you just find an author whose stories almost always work for you and Elizabeth Finn is like that for me.
The Fight for Us tells the story of two parents each of them broken by what happened to them in the past. They've known each other as adversaries first before they became friends and then later on lovers.
I loved the sensuality of this book. It helped that both Isaiah and Joss were older than the usual romance MCs. Isaiah was such a well-drawn character and his backstory was just heartbreaking. I loved, loved his interactions with Natalie.
Joss, was an okay heroine for me. She became quite weepy for most of the book although I quite understand why she would be. Her ex is the biggest douche ever. I hated him. My heart broke for Joss and what she had to go through and the things that she did. While I didn't agree with her decisions regarding her ex husband, I still felt like I understood where she was coming from.
Again, Joss and her daughter's relationship was a big part of this book. And I felt that the author did a great job of portraying teenagers and portraying a couple that has to deal with their respective offspring and trying to make a relationship work in spite of that.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book. And that epilogue was just a wonderful addition and brought closure to the story. And yes, if anyone is wondering, Isaiah is my favorite Elizabeth Finn hero to date. ♥
That epilogue and Isaiah totally made this a five-star read for me!!
Full review to come soon...
Got my ARC!!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2015
Another brilliantly written story from Elizabeth Finn! This was book #1 in the Bristol Island series, and it is about Isaiah; a widower and Joss; a divorced mother. They each have teenage daughter's. The interesting part of how they meet is at their daughter's high school. Joss's daughter is caught bullying Isaiah's daughter. Needless to say, the parents do not get off to a good start!
This is a story of two broken people who find each other and learn that life can still be a joy to live when you have the right person to share it with. The book is very wisely titled, because this story is about the challenges that life brings to the couple. They do not have it easy; but through it all they find the strength to endure a lot of the speed bumps that come their way. I loved how not only did Isaiah and Joss fight for their family; but the girls did too. The four of them may have had an extremely hard past; but finding each other has made their present so much happier and fullfilling. I know I am being cryptic; but I never like to give anything away. I always feel the reader should experience the story for themselves.
Elizabeth Finn is an author whom I definitely have fallen in love with!!! I think her work is brilliant..Her stories offer a realistic view of falling in love and learning to live to the best of their ability. Not only does she introduce the readers to small town living in Bristol Island; but she showcases friendship, loyalty, oh...and let us not forget about the blazing hot sex!!! Joss and Isaish burned up the sheets pretty good I must say. Or maybe not the sheets...considering there were a few unconventional places they found themselves getting it on!!! LOL Ah, I loved every minute of it! Like that last book I read of Ms. Finn's..I once again could be caught stealing time in the parking lot at the store reading---just one more chapter!!! (Two hours later, hubby calls wondering where I am!!!)
I highly recommend this series, and especially anything written by Elizabeth Finn is a must to check out. I know I will be on the look out for her new work, as well as checking out her old work! She has been a bonus find for me! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
This is a story of two broken people who find each other and learn that life can still be a joy to live when you have the right person to share it with. The book is very wisely titled, because this story is about the challenges that life brings to the couple. They do not have it easy; but through it all they find the strength to endure a lot of the speed bumps that come their way. I loved how not only did Isaiah and Joss fight for their family; but the girls did too. The four of them may have had an extremely hard past; but finding each other has made their present so much happier and fullfilling. I know I am being cryptic; but I never like to give anything away. I always feel the reader should experience the story for themselves.
Elizabeth Finn is an author whom I definitely have fallen in love with!!! I think her work is brilliant..Her stories offer a realistic view of falling in love and learning to live to the best of their ability. Not only does she introduce the readers to small town living in Bristol Island; but she showcases friendship, loyalty, oh...and let us not forget about the blazing hot sex!!! Joss and Isaish burned up the sheets pretty good I must say. Or maybe not the sheets...considering there were a few unconventional places they found themselves getting it on!!! LOL Ah, I loved every minute of it! Like that last book I read of Ms. Finn's..I once again could be caught stealing time in the parking lot at the store reading---just one more chapter!!! (Two hours later, hubby calls wondering where I am!!!)
I highly recommend this series, and especially anything written by Elizabeth Finn is a must to check out. I know I will be on the look out for her new work, as well as checking out her old work! She has been a bonus find for me! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
May 12, 2023
The blurb sets this one up, Isaiah and Joss get off to a bad start when they’re both called into the school office because her daughter is bullying his. They start out with an angry/attraction tension push-pull sort of thing that grows into more.
Both mc’s have emotional baggage and are single parents. Isaiah is a widow trying to raise his traumatized daughter, and Joss has a very abusive ex that has nothing to do with the daughter but won’t leave her alone.
IMO, the H was the better (more developed) character. (he saved the book for me) He does almost all the emotional heavy lifting and is the only one with a brain. He’s dedicated to healing after his wife’s death and supporting his daughter. He takes care of Joss and her daughter, and in the end saves the day using his heart and brain.
Joss was a lot to take at times, she’s closed off emotionally which is understandable but killed a lot of feels. Her personality was also confusing, she’s portrayed as being very sassy/feisty/speaking her mind to everyone, but totally meek with the ex. I felt like the author needed to be consistent, you either have a backbone or you don’t. It shouldn’t flip-flop to manipulate the plot-IMHO.
Joss is in a bad situation but does nothing to get out of it. To me, she came off a little dumb, and I felt her being so complacent made her a terrible role model for her daughter.
Bottom Line- Ok but not great. I loved Isaiah and the girls. I LOVED seeing her ex-Todd get what he had coming. I just needed more emotion/more feels which kept getting waylaid by sex. And I needed about 65-70 less pages because the book was way too long for the depth of the plot.
Both mc’s have emotional baggage and are single parents. Isaiah is a widow trying to raise his traumatized daughter, and Joss has a very abusive ex that has nothing to do with the daughter but won’t leave her alone.
IMO, the H was the better (more developed) character. (he saved the book for me) He does almost all the emotional heavy lifting and is the only one with a brain. He’s dedicated to healing after his wife’s death and supporting his daughter. He takes care of Joss and her daughter, and in the end saves the day using his heart and brain.
Joss was a lot to take at times, she’s closed off emotionally which is understandable but killed a lot of feels. Her personality was also confusing, she’s portrayed as being very sassy/feisty/speaking her mind to everyone, but totally meek with the ex. I felt like the author needed to be consistent, you either have a backbone or you don’t. It shouldn’t flip-flop to manipulate the plot-IMHO.
Joss is in a bad situation but does nothing to get out of it. To me, she came off a little dumb, and I felt her being so complacent made her a terrible role model for her daughter.
Bottom Line- Ok but not great. I loved Isaiah and the girls. I LOVED seeing her ex-Todd get what he had coming. I just needed more emotion/more feels which kept getting waylaid by sex. And I needed about 65-70 less pages because the book was way too long for the depth of the plot.
March 7, 2015
“I will fight for you every day for the rest of my life.”
4.5 stars
OMG, I loved this book! I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did, or to feel as much as I did while reading, it totally took me by surprise, and I love that! It’s an absolutely beautiful story about two damaged people coming together, and fighting hard to create something very special. It’s slow moving with lots of detail and every little moment is dripping with chemistry, sexual tension and emotion. I was captivated from the very beginning and got completely swept up in the story.
Joss is a single mother with a bastard ex-husband and she has worked hard to create a good life for her and her daughter on the small and remote Bristol Island. Isaiah is a single father who has escaped to Bristol Island with his daughter for a fresh start a year and a half after the tragic death of his wife.
Isaiah and Joss meet when they are called to the local high school to discuss their 14 year old daughters – specifically, Joss’ daughter, Harper’s involvement with a group of girls that are bullying Isaiah’s daughter, Natalie. Understandably, both are protective of their girls, and the meeting does not go well with both of them being immediately and intensely antagonistic towards each other despite Joss’ apologies. But in such a small community, Isaiah and Joss continue to run into each other over the coming weeks, and as much as they may not want it, they can’t deny that they are attracted. And as the situation with their daughters starts to smooth itself out, their frequent encounters lead to friendship.
And friendship very quickly leads to something more…
I loved watching Isaiah and Joss come together. The slower pace of the story allows us to see every little moment between them, and the build-up is sensational! There is epic sensual tension, but more than that, you can see real feelings developing, and I was completely swept up in their story.
They both have serious baggage – Isaiah is still recovering from the tragic death of his wife, and while supporting his daughter through a very hard time, he is learning how to let go and move on. And Joss has made bad choices in her life, and lives with the consequences and the guilt of that, but she is also trying to put it behind her. And despite their difficult beginning, they fall and fall hard for each other.
Let me take a moment to swoon over all that is Isaiah. We already know that he’s highly protective of the people that he loves. He is determined to be there for his girls, and he is infinitely supportive and caring, and will do anything for his family. He’s also a bit of an alpha and I loved seeing that side of him come out. Isaiah is a sexy, sexy man with a very dirty mouth and the steamy time in this book is absolutely sizzling! Hot and descriptive, it had me fanning myself, but it’s an important part of their relationship, and there is a lot of emotion that goes along with it.
This is a very functional, highly passionate relationship, and the actual ‘together’ part is easy - they want to be together, and they are. It’s all of the other stuff they have to deal with that brings the drama. But through it all they are there for each other, they support each other unconditionally, and they settle into a life together with their daughters. They are open and honest about what they are facing, and they strand strong in the knowledge that together they can overcome their pasts
I loved the addition of Natalie and Harper into the story. They are both wonderful characters who bring so much to the book – moments of lightness with their teenage dialogue and antics, and the element of family drama ties in beautifully with their relationship as they become a family, and I particularly loved Natalie’s journey as Isaiah and Joss help her through all that she goes through. Isaiah in the role of loving Dad is so, so, gorgeous!
But as wonderful and functional as they are together, there are still battles to overcome and what brought this book down for me was the excessive drama at the end. Thankfully, it’s external to the relationship and only goes to further strengthen the bond between Isaiah and Joss, but for me it was just overdone . It seemed like it was put in there just to create drama, and it wasn’t needed! The book was more than enough without it, and it dragged down what was, up until that point, a 5 star read for me.
But putting that aside, I absolutely adored this story. It’s beautifully written with lots of emotion, and a love story that is deep, passionate and all-consuming. I was completely swept away.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
4.5 stars
OMG, I loved this book! I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did, or to feel as much as I did while reading, it totally took me by surprise, and I love that! It’s an absolutely beautiful story about two damaged people coming together, and fighting hard to create something very special. It’s slow moving with lots of detail and every little moment is dripping with chemistry, sexual tension and emotion. I was captivated from the very beginning and got completely swept up in the story.
Joss is a single mother with a bastard ex-husband and she has worked hard to create a good life for her and her daughter on the small and remote Bristol Island. Isaiah is a single father who has escaped to Bristol Island with his daughter for a fresh start a year and a half after the tragic death of his wife.
Isaiah and Joss meet when they are called to the local high school to discuss their 14 year old daughters – specifically, Joss’ daughter, Harper’s involvement with a group of girls that are bullying Isaiah’s daughter, Natalie. Understandably, both are protective of their girls, and the meeting does not go well with both of them being immediately and intensely antagonistic towards each other despite Joss’ apologies. But in such a small community, Isaiah and Joss continue to run into each other over the coming weeks, and as much as they may not want it, they can’t deny that they are attracted. And as the situation with their daughters starts to smooth itself out, their frequent encounters lead to friendship.
He stopped next to her and held the box of popcorn he’d grabbed at concessions out to her. She looked at it for a moment and then back up to him.
“Peace offering.” He took a deep breath as he waited for her to say something.
“Did you poison it?” She watched him coolly. He deserved that.
“No. I’ll share it with you. If you die, I die. We’ll be all Romeo and Juliet about it.”
And friendship very quickly leads to something more…
“I’m distracted by you every time I see you. When I’m with you, I think about kissing you, touching you, tasting you—” he paused for a moment as he tensed his jaw “—fucking you—a whole mess of things I can’t seem to stop thinking about.”
I loved watching Isaiah and Joss come together. The slower pace of the story allows us to see every little moment between them, and the build-up is sensational! There is epic sensual tension, but more than that, you can see real feelings developing, and I was completely swept up in their story.
“I’m ready for you.” There was no truer statement ever made. “I’m so fucking ready for you.”
They both have serious baggage – Isaiah is still recovering from the tragic death of his wife, and while supporting his daughter through a very hard time, he is learning how to let go and move on. And Joss has made bad choices in her life, and lives with the consequences and the guilt of that, but she is also trying to put it behind her. And despite their difficult beginning, they fall and fall hard for each other.
“I’m falling in love with you. You should know that.” His voice was serious and calm, but her heart sped.
She smiled. “Good. Because I’m pretty sure I’m long past the falling part and well into the love part.”
Let me take a moment to swoon over all that is Isaiah. We already know that he’s highly protective of the people that he loves. He is determined to be there for his girls, and he is infinitely supportive and caring, and will do anything for his family. He’s also a bit of an alpha and I loved seeing that side of him come out. Isaiah is a sexy, sexy man with a very dirty mouth and the steamy time in this book is absolutely sizzling! Hot and descriptive, it had me fanning myself, but it’s an important part of their relationship, and there is a lot of emotion that goes along with it.
“I love you—every flaw, every mistake, every imperfection. You are so worthy, so fight for this.”
This is a very functional, highly passionate relationship, and the actual ‘together’ part is easy - they want to be together, and they are. It’s all of the other stuff they have to deal with that brings the drama. But through it all they are there for each other, they support each other unconditionally, and they settle into a life together with their daughters. They are open and honest about what they are facing, and they strand strong in the knowledge that together they can overcome their pasts
“I told you you were going to have to fight for us now … I don’t require or need you to be perfect in order to move forward. I know you’re struggling right now, and you may for some time. But we’re stronger when we’re together. Hell, our daughters are too.”
I loved the addition of Natalie and Harper into the story. They are both wonderful characters who bring so much to the book – moments of lightness with their teenage dialogue and antics, and the element of family drama ties in beautifully with their relationship as they become a family, and I particularly loved Natalie’s journey as Isaiah and Joss help her through all that she goes through. Isaiah in the role of loving Dad is so, so, gorgeous!
“I need to make room for someone else in my life.” His eyes were tearing over already, and at the sight of it, Nat’s did too as a quiet whimper escaped her. “I can’t hold onto these things and let go of her at the same time, and I need to let go if I’m going to give myself to someone else.”
But as wonderful and functional as they are together, there are still battles to overcome and what brought this book down for me was the excessive drama at the end. Thankfully, it’s external to the relationship and only goes to further strengthen the bond between Isaiah and Joss, but for me it was just overdone . It seemed like it was put in there just to create drama, and it wasn’t needed! The book was more than enough without it, and it dragged down what was, up until that point, a 5 star read for me.
But putting that aside, I absolutely adored this story. It’s beautifully written with lots of emotion, and a love story that is deep, passionate and all-consuming. I was completely swept away.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
May 25, 2014
3.5-4 She Belonged In His World Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
Isaiah Henry is a 42 yr. old widowed man with a daughter named Natalie. Isaiah leaves his job as an FBI agent in Chicago, and moves with his teenage daughter to a small coastal town located on Lake Superior called Bristol Island. Isaiah is running away from his past, and searching for a new beginning with his daughter.
Isaiah enrolls his daughter at Bristol High School, and Natalie joins the volleyball team. Right away Natalie becomes a victim of bullying at her new school by three popular girls. Isaiah is called to the school to discuss the issue, and meets Joselyn Verna. Joselyn is the mother of Harper, one of the girls accused of bullying Natalie.
Joselyn Verna aka Joss is a 36 yr. old divorced single mom struggling to make ends meet. She works as a real estate agent in Bristol. She has a hard time dealing with her ex husband and his issues to still control her. Joselyn is stressed as it is, and the last thing she needs is to be called to the office at her daughter's school to have to handle the wrath of an angry parent. She is told her daughter was being a bully, but she doesn't really believe what she's being told at first.
Isaiah and Joselyn don't get off to the best start since they both are trying to defend their daughter's. Eventually Joselyn realizes her daughter is guilty and tries to fix the situation. Circumstances continue to put Isaiah and Joss around each other and they both are extremely attracted to one another. Isaiah is scared of this connection they share. As they get to know each other, they find they have plenty in common, and they can't deny their growing feelings for each other.
-Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.
-She was just a bit too incredible not to trade his sanity for.
-She just needed to stay in his life, so he could keep this peace and calm. He was sure in that moment that this was exactly where he was supposed to be and she was exactly who he was supposed to be with.
-"I'm kind of obsessed with you. You realize that, right?"
-I will fight for you every day for the rest of my life."
(BR with Sharon)
Isaiah Henry is a 42 yr. old widowed man with a daughter named Natalie. Isaiah leaves his job as an FBI agent in Chicago, and moves with his teenage daughter to a small coastal town located on Lake Superior called Bristol Island. Isaiah is running away from his past, and searching for a new beginning with his daughter.
Isaiah enrolls his daughter at Bristol High School, and Natalie joins the volleyball team. Right away Natalie becomes a victim of bullying at her new school by three popular girls. Isaiah is called to the school to discuss the issue, and meets Joselyn Verna. Joselyn is the mother of Harper, one of the girls accused of bullying Natalie.
Joselyn Verna aka Joss is a 36 yr. old divorced single mom struggling to make ends meet. She works as a real estate agent in Bristol. She has a hard time dealing with her ex husband and his issues to still control her. Joselyn is stressed as it is, and the last thing she needs is to be called to the office at her daughter's school to have to handle the wrath of an angry parent. She is told her daughter was being a bully, but she doesn't really believe what she's being told at first.
Isaiah and Joselyn don't get off to the best start since they both are trying to defend their daughter's. Eventually Joselyn realizes her daughter is guilty and tries to fix the situation. Circumstances continue to put Isaiah and Joss around each other and they both are extremely attracted to one another. Isaiah is scared of this connection they share. As they get to know each other, they find they have plenty in common, and they can't deny their growing feelings for each other.
-Sometimes the willingness to fight for another is all a person has left to give. And sometimes the fight is the most important gift of all.
-She was just a bit too incredible not to trade his sanity for.
-She just needed to stay in his life, so he could keep this peace and calm. He was sure in that moment that this was exactly where he was supposed to be and she was exactly who he was supposed to be with.
-"I'm kind of obsessed with you. You realize that, right?"
-I will fight for you every day for the rest of my life."
July 20, 2014
3.5 stars, great story I just felt like it dragged a bit...
May 20, 2014
4.5 fight stars!
Lovely and heart wrenching story...
Story about family, love and loyalty, about fighting for your love, fighting to put the past behind no matter how hard it is ...
Isaiah is a strong true alpha male who lost his wife, and has a teen daughter who was bullied at new school ...
Joss is a divorced single mum who also has a teen daughter, but her daughter is the one who harasses a new student ...
When she meets Isaiah, there is a hate relationship at first, but soon attraction sparks between them ...
Isaiah was amazing, even when he was struggling with his own guilt from the past, he was there when Joss needed him the most, he was her strength ...
“I need you to love yourself as much as I love you, and I need you to let me love you too. I need you to share your hurt with me, not try to protect me from it or hide it from me. I need you to forgive yourself for your past, and I swear to God I'll forgive myself for mine too if you will. And more than anything, I need you to fight.”
Sex scene between them were hot, hot ... wet panties hot ...
Todd, Joss’s ex-husband is one sick bastard, I have no words how to describe my hatred for him ...
Epilogue was beautiful, I enjoyed this story very much ...
Lovely and heart wrenching story...
Story about family, love and loyalty, about fighting for your love, fighting to put the past behind no matter how hard it is ...
Isaiah is a strong true alpha male who lost his wife, and has a teen daughter who was bullied at new school ...
Joss is a divorced single mum who also has a teen daughter, but her daughter is the one who harasses a new student ...
When she meets Isaiah, there is a hate relationship at first, but soon attraction sparks between them ...
Isaiah was amazing, even when he was struggling with his own guilt from the past, he was there when Joss needed him the most, he was her strength ...
“I need you to love yourself as much as I love you, and I need you to let me love you too. I need you to share your hurt with me, not try to protect me from it or hide it from me. I need you to forgive yourself for your past, and I swear to God I'll forgive myself for mine too if you will. And more than anything, I need you to fight.”
Sex scene between them were hot, hot ... wet panties hot ...
Todd, Joss’s ex-husband is one sick bastard, I have no words how to describe my hatred for him ...
Epilogue was beautiful, I enjoyed this story very much ...
March 27, 2017
.
Loving Isaiah…..
“Is this that whole bit about teaching our girls to wait until they’re old enough to have sex? ’Cause I’m forty-two, and I have no problem saying I’m plenty old to make love to the woman I love.”
From the author’s page: Her passion is creating stories packed full of angsty believable conflicts, characters who leave you rooting for them, and romance that might just short-circuit your e-reader. She likes her characters flawed and scarred, but they always find the best part of themselves on their journey, and her readers find themselves devoted to her authentic, honest and heartfelt voice.
Well I can say that Ms. Finn met her objectives 100% in this book. Fight for Us is real. It’s not fantasy and, it’s not insta-love or insta-lust. It’s about real people facing real problems and dealing with them in a way that we see in everyday life. It’s a slow build up to true love and there is no doubt that the H and the h truly love each other when the reader gets their HEA. It’s about dealing with death, suicide, single parenting, mental and physical spousal abuse, guilt and forgiveness for past mistakes.
The story begins with a confrontation between Isaiah and Joss at the high school where Joss’ daughter is accused of bullying Isaiah’s daughter. The girls are both 14 and they are the product of heart wrenching circumstances beyond their control. Isiah and Joss have altered their entire life to protect their daughters and shield them from hurt. Isaiah has a heavy burden of guilt on his shoulders because his wife committed suicide. Two months later his daughter attempts suicide. He feels he put his job first and should have seen the depression his wife suffered. And to that the fact that he and his wife really loved each other. So he quits his job and moves to a small town to try and make his daughter’s life more stable. Let’s talk about suicide. Having experienced it in my family, it comes with guilt because the ones left behind feel like they should have seen, should have done something and if they had the suicide would have been prevented. Not necessarily true but the feelings are real. Isaiah fights against the attraction he feels for Joss but it’s a losing battle. When he realizes he must let his dead wife go in order to move on to Joss, he sheds many tears. He takes all of the mementos from his dead wife that he has guarded with his heart and gives them to his daughter with the following heart wrenching words.
Because…I need to make room for someone else in my life.” His eyes were tearing over already, and at the sight of it, Nat’s did too as a quiet whimper escaped her. “I can’t hold onto these things and let go of her at the same time, and I need to let go if I’m going to give myself to someone else.”
One thing I loved about this author’s writing is that she can write a total alpha male that has no problems expressing his emotions.
Joss comes into the relationship with so much emotional baggage from her ex-spouse’s abuse. The ex-spouse is still in the picture but Joss literally hates him but at the same time is afraid of him and what he could do to hurt their daughter. She has made some really bad decisions in her life and feels totally unworthy. Just when you think the fight is over, Joss has a setback due to a particularly violent event and falls into a state of depression that makes her further doubt her self-worth. Isaiah shows the depth of his love for Joss when he says……………………
I love you, and I need you to let me love you too. I need you to share your hurt with me, not try to protect me from it or hide it from me. I need you to understand just how worthy you are, because if you’re not, then I’m sure as hell not either. I need you to forgive yourself for your past, and I swear to God I’ll forgive myself for mine too if you will. And more than anything, I need you to fight. I won’t fail you the way I failed others in the past. I promise. But you can’t hate yourself for your past any more than you hate me for mine.”
There is no doubt at the end of this story that Isaiah or Joss are holding on to their past. They are completely and totally committed to each other and their daughters. One other thing about this book that I love is that Ms. Finn can write some of the hottest and best sex scenes I have ever read.
I would classify this book as one of the best I have read this year based on the fact that the author was able to wring so many emotions out of me. I laughed and I cried but I never quit cheering and rooting Isaiah and Josh to keep pushing. The emotions they experienced were so real and so touching. I highly recommend this book to romance readers who like a believable story that ends with true love and happiness that was hard won by the characters.
Loving Isaiah…..
“Is this that whole bit about teaching our girls to wait until they’re old enough to have sex? ’Cause I’m forty-two, and I have no problem saying I’m plenty old to make love to the woman I love.”
From the author’s page: Her passion is creating stories packed full of angsty believable conflicts, characters who leave you rooting for them, and romance that might just short-circuit your e-reader. She likes her characters flawed and scarred, but they always find the best part of themselves on their journey, and her readers find themselves devoted to her authentic, honest and heartfelt voice.
Well I can say that Ms. Finn met her objectives 100% in this book. Fight for Us is real. It’s not fantasy and, it’s not insta-love or insta-lust. It’s about real people facing real problems and dealing with them in a way that we see in everyday life. It’s a slow build up to true love and there is no doubt that the H and the h truly love each other when the reader gets their HEA. It’s about dealing with death, suicide, single parenting, mental and physical spousal abuse, guilt and forgiveness for past mistakes.
The story begins with a confrontation between Isaiah and Joss at the high school where Joss’ daughter is accused of bullying Isaiah’s daughter. The girls are both 14 and they are the product of heart wrenching circumstances beyond their control. Isiah and Joss have altered their entire life to protect their daughters and shield them from hurt. Isaiah has a heavy burden of guilt on his shoulders because his wife committed suicide. Two months later his daughter attempts suicide. He feels he put his job first and should have seen the depression his wife suffered. And to that the fact that he and his wife really loved each other. So he quits his job and moves to a small town to try and make his daughter’s life more stable. Let’s talk about suicide. Having experienced it in my family, it comes with guilt because the ones left behind feel like they should have seen, should have done something and if they had the suicide would have been prevented. Not necessarily true but the feelings are real. Isaiah fights against the attraction he feels for Joss but it’s a losing battle. When he realizes he must let his dead wife go in order to move on to Joss, he sheds many tears. He takes all of the mementos from his dead wife that he has guarded with his heart and gives them to his daughter with the following heart wrenching words.
Because…I need to make room for someone else in my life.” His eyes were tearing over already, and at the sight of it, Nat’s did too as a quiet whimper escaped her. “I can’t hold onto these things and let go of her at the same time, and I need to let go if I’m going to give myself to someone else.”
One thing I loved about this author’s writing is that she can write a total alpha male that has no problems expressing his emotions.
Joss comes into the relationship with so much emotional baggage from her ex-spouse’s abuse. The ex-spouse is still in the picture but Joss literally hates him but at the same time is afraid of him and what he could do to hurt their daughter. She has made some really bad decisions in her life and feels totally unworthy. Just when you think the fight is over, Joss has a setback due to a particularly violent event and falls into a state of depression that makes her further doubt her self-worth. Isaiah shows the depth of his love for Joss when he says……………………
I love you, and I need you to let me love you too. I need you to share your hurt with me, not try to protect me from it or hide it from me. I need you to understand just how worthy you are, because if you’re not, then I’m sure as hell not either. I need you to forgive yourself for your past, and I swear to God I’ll forgive myself for mine too if you will. And more than anything, I need you to fight. I won’t fail you the way I failed others in the past. I promise. But you can’t hate yourself for your past any more than you hate me for mine.”
There is no doubt at the end of this story that Isaiah or Joss are holding on to their past. They are completely and totally committed to each other and their daughters. One other thing about this book that I love is that Ms. Finn can write some of the hottest and best sex scenes I have ever read.
I would classify this book as one of the best I have read this year based on the fact that the author was able to wring so many emotions out of me. I laughed and I cried but I never quit cheering and rooting Isaiah and Josh to keep pushing. The emotions they experienced were so real and so touching. I highly recommend this book to romance readers who like a believable story that ends with true love and happiness that was hard won by the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2021
Joss and Isaiah hate each other at first conversation in the high school principal’s office, while discussing their teenage daughters. There is a small spark between them, but it takes a few weeks before they start to realize there might be a physical pull that is undeniable.
Elizabeth Finn ranks up there with some of my other favorite authors like Cara McKenna, Shay Savage, and Autumn Jones Lake for writing these uber-masculine characters that have that perfect combination of sensitive alpha-male and have zero shame about it.
These characters feel authentic. They have real emotions, real reactions to those emotions. Joss and Isaiah will piss you off at different parts of the story, but that’s part of why I liked it so much. The story isn't perfect, and there are parts that could have been phrased better, but some of those steamy scenes are burned into my brain FOREVER. And it gave me a chuckle or two.
Elizabeth Finn ranks up there with some of my other favorite authors like Cara McKenna, Shay Savage, and Autumn Jones Lake for writing these uber-masculine characters that have that perfect combination of sensitive alpha-male and have zero shame about it.
“Come on then."The level of STEAM in this story is ridiculous. Isaiah is an alpha, but he asks ‘please’…so he’s not too overbearing. Hah. This story is a perfect blend of suspense (Joss’ ex), emotional angst (all those secrets they keep from each other), and flaming, smokin hot sexual chemistry (erotica/kink).
"What? Where are we going?"
"Upstairs. Your bedroom."
"Why?"
"Because obviously you need more convincing, and I'm not going to run the risk of getting caught eating your pussy in the living room.”
“I’m distracted by you every time I see you. When I’m with you, I think about kissing you, touching you, tasting you—” he paused for a moment as he tensed his jaw “—fucking you—a whole mess of things I can’t seem to stop thinking about.”I’d forgotten the heavy subjects in this story because the steam is so steamy, but it also deals with some really tough topics. I’ll spoiler tag them in case you have triggers or want to go in blind
These characters feel authentic. They have real emotions, real reactions to those emotions. Joss and Isaiah will piss you off at different parts of the story, but that’s part of why I liked it so much. The story isn't perfect, and there are parts that could have been phrased better, but some of those steamy scenes are burned into my brain FOREVER. And it gave me a chuckle or two.
“Your choice. Cunt or pussy, but so help me God, if you say some lame ass word like flower or lady garden you'll pay for it later, because I don't fuck gardens or flowers any more than I have a love sword attached to my groin.”I absolutely loved this story.
June 13, 2015
After hearing nothing but great things about this book I finally gave it a try, and while I liked it it wasn't all I hoped it would be. There was a little too much of the hero being wishy washy, and why I completely understood it I wanted the hero to take a stand way sooner than he did. He wasn't horrible and I do believe he loved the heroine I'm just not sure he loved her as much as I wanted him to. And yes I know he lost his wife which I can't imagine but in my book I want the hero to love the heroine more than anyone ever and while I do believe he loved her I"m not sure he loved her more than his wife(again this is fiction and I understand that life isn't always pretty and or cut and dry, but I like what I like in my books). The author is a really great writer. She had me interested from the beginning she created a amazing world that made me want to visit it and she created characters that weren't one dimensional, she really did a nice job with this one. In the end I'm not sure if I would rate this a 3 1/2 or a 4.
May 24, 2014
This is an honest romance--no melodrama, no whiny virginal heroines, no emotionally-detached muscle-bound heroes. This is heartache and real-life. A courageous fight for what matters most: family, friendship, and love. Add to that steamy sex and constant suspense pacing at the edges, and you have a book that's impossible to put down.
May 16, 2014
4.5 Isaiah loving stars!!
Isaiah def made this book for me. I loved everything about him. Such a good dirty talker!!
I wasn't that thrilled with Joss. I can't say I agreed or even respected all her decisions. Isaiah did though so I guess thats what matter.
Good read!
Isaiah def made this book for me. I loved everything about him. Such a good dirty talker!!
I wasn't that thrilled with Joss. I can't say I agreed or even respected all her decisions. Isaiah did though so I guess thats what matter.
Good read!
December 20, 2014
Wow! Just wow!
Full of suspense and romance, this was an amazing novel that I loved so much I couldn’t put it down. A quarter of the way in and I knew that I didn’t want it to end. This is a story of two single-parent adults, divorced mom Joss (36), and widower Isaiah (42). Many accusations, assumptions, and heated words are exchanged when they first meet, but over time as they keep running into each other Isaiah finds himself thinking of Joss more and more.
Elizabeth Finn (“Finn”) does a terrific job weaving a brilliant and well-developed story with the most complex characters that made everything come across as real and genuine. I loved both Joss and Isaiah, two people who have some serious issues that are plaguing them both. I love when a story is told from both the H/h’s POV and Finn does just that with both Joss and Isaiah. Divorced and raising a teenage daughter (Harper), Joss never thought she deserved anything good or would be free of the devil – her ex. Her ex, Todd, is a real sleaze as his one and only goal is to torture Joss every which way he possibly can. His tactics are evil and just when you think he can't get any lower, he reaches new depths to humiliate and shame Joss that are quite shocking. It’s only with the help of Isaiah that Joss finds the confidence within her to deal with her problems, whether it be her ex or her job.
While some may think Isaiah to be “alpha-male,” I didn’t think he was in the traditional sense. I didn’t find him to be arrogant, narcissistic, demanding, or an asshole. Instead, he’s a male that knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. This is true of him in the bedroom making him even more sexy and attractive than I already thought he was. Instead of being pushy and demanding, he patiently lets Joss know exactly what he wants, in turn leads her to discover and awaken her suppressed sexual desires that she didn’t think she possessed. I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it is about him that makes him so sexy. Is it the confidence he shows in the bedroom, knows what he wants, or both? I just couldn’t get enough of him.
“He studied her eyes calmly. “Because I want to take you home with me. Make the bed, and then fuck you on it.” He spoke just as calmly and casually as he was looking at her, but he added a smirk.”
I say take me now.
As a father with a teenage daughter (Natalie), it was interesting to read how he didn’t think he had it in him to fight for a relationship with Joss as he was forever fighting his guilty feelings about his late wife. When he did admit to himself that he had strong feelings for Joss and wanted a relationship with her, he then had to convince Joss that this was something she wanted too and like him, she deserved it. Again, I loved reading the POV of both Joss and Isaiah, but it was Isaiah’s POV that really captured me, reading his thoughts and feelings on pretty much everything from Joss, to his daughter, his former life, and his late wife.
Finn being the talented writer she is, she gives her readers’ steamy and erotic sexcapades that will sure to leave you very hot and bothered. Even better, there was always something a little different with each interlude so as to not become tediously boring. Different from a lot of the mainstream erotic novels out there, part of me wanted my husband to read this novel just to pick up some pointers. (Shhhhhhh….you didn’t hear that from me.)
I fell in love with Joss and Isaiah (yeah, okay more Isaiah than Joss), and fell in love with the story. If you love reading novels that are about adults, are suspenseful, romantic and erotic, and includes a very sexy and talented man, “The Fight For Us” is a novel I highly recommend.
Full of suspense and romance, this was an amazing novel that I loved so much I couldn’t put it down. A quarter of the way in and I knew that I didn’t want it to end. This is a story of two single-parent adults, divorced mom Joss (36), and widower Isaiah (42). Many accusations, assumptions, and heated words are exchanged when they first meet, but over time as they keep running into each other Isaiah finds himself thinking of Joss more and more.
Elizabeth Finn (“Finn”) does a terrific job weaving a brilliant and well-developed story with the most complex characters that made everything come across as real and genuine. I loved both Joss and Isaiah, two people who have some serious issues that are plaguing them both. I love when a story is told from both the H/h’s POV and Finn does just that with both Joss and Isaiah. Divorced and raising a teenage daughter (Harper), Joss never thought she deserved anything good or would be free of the devil – her ex. Her ex, Todd, is a real sleaze as his one and only goal is to torture Joss every which way he possibly can. His tactics are evil and just when you think he can't get any lower, he reaches new depths to humiliate and shame Joss that are quite shocking. It’s only with the help of Isaiah that Joss finds the confidence within her to deal with her problems, whether it be her ex or her job.
While some may think Isaiah to be “alpha-male,” I didn’t think he was in the traditional sense. I didn’t find him to be arrogant, narcissistic, demanding, or an asshole. Instead, he’s a male that knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. This is true of him in the bedroom making him even more sexy and attractive than I already thought he was. Instead of being pushy and demanding, he patiently lets Joss know exactly what he wants, in turn leads her to discover and awaken her suppressed sexual desires that she didn’t think she possessed. I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it is about him that makes him so sexy. Is it the confidence he shows in the bedroom, knows what he wants, or both? I just couldn’t get enough of him.
“He studied her eyes calmly. “Because I want to take you home with me. Make the bed, and then fuck you on it.” He spoke just as calmly and casually as he was looking at her, but he added a smirk.”
I say take me now.
As a father with a teenage daughter (Natalie), it was interesting to read how he didn’t think he had it in him to fight for a relationship with Joss as he was forever fighting his guilty feelings about his late wife. When he did admit to himself that he had strong feelings for Joss and wanted a relationship with her, he then had to convince Joss that this was something she wanted too and like him, she deserved it. Again, I loved reading the POV of both Joss and Isaiah, but it was Isaiah’s POV that really captured me, reading his thoughts and feelings on pretty much everything from Joss, to his daughter, his former life, and his late wife.
Finn being the talented writer she is, she gives her readers’ steamy and erotic sexcapades that will sure to leave you very hot and bothered. Even better, there was always something a little different with each interlude so as to not become tediously boring. Different from a lot of the mainstream erotic novels out there, part of me wanted my husband to read this novel just to pick up some pointers. (Shhhhhhh….you didn’t hear that from me.)
I fell in love with Joss and Isaiah (yeah, okay more Isaiah than Joss), and fell in love with the story. If you love reading novels that are about adults, are suspenseful, romantic and erotic, and includes a very sexy and talented man, “The Fight For Us” is a novel I highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
May 19, 2014I.RECEIVED.MY.COPY...........
It's easy to ask!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I`m freaking out with this whole dam of EXCITEMENT....
gotta finish The Resistance PRONTO so I can grab hold of Isaiah ;)
It's easy to ask!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I`m freaking out with this whole dam of EXCITEMENT....
gotta finish The Resistance PRONTO so I can grab hold of Isaiah ;)
July 23, 2016
It's been too long since I read this so I can't remember much...It was a decent book with a decent story line. Points were deducted for the words bulbous head and stricture used as terminology in the book. But I would still recommend. :)
May 25, 2016
Reread May 2016 still a great read. Not sure why I thought it was slow the first go. Enjoyed it just as much if not more this time.
Original review. May 2014
4.5 Although a little slow at times, with few exceptions, I loved this read.
Original review. May 2014
4.5 Although a little slow at times, with few exceptions, I loved this read.
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