Fighting Shadows (On the Ropes #2) by Aly Martinez

I come from a family of fighters. I always thought I’d follow in their shadows, becoming unstoppable in the ring. That changed the day I saved the life of a woman I loved, but could never have.

My brother hailed me as a hero, and my reward was a wheelchair.

Paralyzed, my life became an inescapable nightmare.

Until I met her.

Ash Mabie had a heart-stopping smile and a laugh that numbed the rage and resentment brewing inside of me. She showed me that even the darkest night still had stars, and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting the shadows of our past.
Fighting to reclaim my future.
Fighting for her. 

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Review by Amanda

Fighting Shadows is the story of Flint and Ash; it is book number 2 in Aly Martinez’s On The Ropes Series.  Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, however, I would definitely recommend reading Fighting Silence first as the characters do cross over.

Nothing in Flint’s life has ever come easy – to call him a fighter, would be an understatement.  He has fought in the gym, he showed as much promise as his brother Till, but his career was cut short due to a tragic occurrence.  He struggles with his feelings for Eliza and what that means for his relationship with his brother.  He also becomes quite withdrawn and sullen, and begins alienating those that love him the most.

Until he meets Ash Mabie – the beacon in an other wise dark world.  Ash is the light to his darkness, and although the two may seem an unlikely duo they do bring out the best in each other.  However, as circumstances would have it, nothing is at it seems with Ash and when the truth comes out, Flint does what he does best, he ices her out.

Once he realizes his mistake, he does his utmost to find her – but will it be too late to fight the shadows of the past?  Will Ash be able to look past his feelings for Eliza?  Will Flint finally be given his happy ending.?

Overall, this is a wonderful story and I would recommend to anyone. The point of view althernates throughout between Flint and Ash, which is really interesting – from a brooding alpha male to a damaged pick pocket with a heart of gold.

I loved that we got to see this dark side of Flint, in the first book, although life wasn’t easy, he did seem quite upbeat and the optimist of the family.  I enjoyed that Aly wrote this dark and twisty soul and I loved watching his character develop.  I have to say Aly outdid herself with this novel.

The character of Ash is a breath of fresh air – initially we meet her as this pick pocket helping her thieving father and we are not sure how to feel about her, but as the story develops we begin to understand her reasons for doing things, and we also see the softer side of her.  I fell in love with the character of Ash Mabie – a gentle soul with so much love to give, but one who has also endured so much pain.

This is another magnificent 5 star read for me, Aly Martinez you are a literary goddess and I cannot wait to read all about Quarry’s story, I know that one is going to leave me absolutely devastated.

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Meet Aly Martinez

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

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