Fighter

A dual-narrator account of finding yourself and facing your fears with the help of a caring love interest. Kaia and Tristan were once childhood friends who have now rekindled their friendship as college students.

Kaia is an artist who prefers the comforts of her cozy art studio trailer and Tristan hashes out his internal battles in an underground fight club. Can they find a way to work through their own insecurities to become a happy couple?

**I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Got to love the bad boys! I loved the fighting and the romance in it! I identify a lot to the main character, because she was looking for security and fell in love with someone who lives on the edge, not great, but leads to a very good story.

I received a Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I love a good fighter romance but to be honest this fell a little short. Tristan is a lil immature and troubled through the whole book. There was no depth to Tristan and Kaia just that they were best friends when they were kids. I would have liked it better if they had more depth more response to their feelings.

Fighter is the most recent new adult romance book (with a bit of friends-to-lovers in the mix too) by Anna Ray.

It follows Tristan and Kaia, childhood best friends who haven't seen each other in ten years, until a few poor decisions lead Tristan back to Santa Rosa, and constant encounters with Kaia. But they're both so much different than the people they used to be, and both are in seemingly impossible situations.
Tristan knows he can't do what he wants to do, what he loves to do, because it just might end up killing him and hurting the ones he loves. Kaia's a talented artist, but she knows it's a tricky business, and she can't afford to follow her dreams.

Written in a simple, colloquial and rather beautiful style, this is an exciting and lovely story of two people finding each other, finding love, understanding, and sometimes just some much needed peace and quiet with each other.

I absolutely adored them both, I loved the ending (I cried quite a few times), and I really enjoyed this book! With that being said, I rate this book 4 - 4.5 ☆.

A story about Kaia and Tristan, a childhood friends to lovers romance, an angry young man and a girl that is starving artist.
After being badly injured, Tristan and his family move back to his childhood home to be away from the bad influences. His new friends take him to an underground fight one night and again Tristan gets involved. At the same time he meets his childhood best friend Kaia and they quickly goes from friends to lovers.
The storyline was ok, I liked the plot also. Character building was ok done since she worked on themes like mental health, addiction, anger and assault, but it was just a surface, there is a lot more to do there. All in all I enjoyed reading it and I will definitely read other works by this author.

TW: violence, drug use mentioned, overdose, assault, alcohol use,
Fighter by Anna Ray is a childhood friends turned lovers underground fighting romance told from a dual POV.

Newly graduated from high school, Tristian is the textbook mother cycle riding, brooding, bad boy who thrives on violence and pain to mask the internal turmoil he’s dealing with. Years after finding out he was adopted, Tristian takes up underground fighting to let off some steam. After a fight gone wrong and a short stay in the hospital, his parents decide to move back to Santa Rosa in hopes to counter Tristians self destructive behavior. After moving back to his home town, Tristian runs into a childhood friend that makes him question his life decisions and stirs up feelings he tries to fight back.

Kaia is an aspiring artist that goes to the community college Tristian attends. She’s soft, nurturing, independent, and introverted. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s overdose, Kaia struggles living up to her grandmothers expectations. Kaia wants to paint and make art, while her grandmother wants her to get a job, make a living, and find her happily ever after. Kaia isn’t so sure she wants a happily ever after. Kaia is strong willed and knows what she wants from life, but will Tristian make her question everything she thought she knew about herself?

I really loved this story. Just within the first few chapters the characters were really fleshed out and unique. They were relatable and realistic. The pace of this book was consistent and didn’t feel rushed or drug out. The fact that this book is written from both Tristian and Kaia’s points of view adds so much to the story and how it made me feel. Tristian is what I like to call the grump character. He’s rough, tough, and closed off, but being able to read his inner thoughts about Kaia gave me butterflies. “Girls shouldn’t be allowed to be so soft.” 🥺🥵

The spicy scene was perfect. It wasn’t kinky or anything, but it was good. Sweet and sensual. And it didn’t feel forced like many I’ve read before. The characters kept their personalities throughout the scene, which was refreshing since some of the books I’ve read, the characters tend to turn into different people completely during sex scenes.

I read other reviews that didn’t understand why Tristian had so much anger towards his parents, but honestly, I get it. He was a teenage boy who had his world flipped upside down when he found out that he was adopted. Being a hormonal teenager is hard enough without finding out everything you thought you knew about yourself wasn’t exactly as it seemed. He felt lied to, betrayed, and it’s clear that his family didn’t exactly deal with his feelings when he found out. Along with that, his parents are trying to mold him into who they want him to be. Who they expect him to be. He’s rebelling and dealing with his feelings in the only way that makes sense to him.

The only complaint, that really isn’t a complaint, I have is that I didn’t agree with some of the word choices the author made. Some words felt out of place, but perhaps the author and I have different vernaculars. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on this author.

Side note, I would be super interested in reading a story about Becca. Her character really stood out.

I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. I am leaving a voluntary review and this review is based on my own thoughts and feelings.

I received this arc for an honest review.
This story has drug use, violence, and the wanting to destroy one’s self through fighting. Tristan finds out that he was adopted before graduating high school and he allows this information to control his path to self-destruction. Starting to fight in underground fights he becomes good and full of himself to the point of beating men older than him. Until one night the man he beat has come back and has beaten him to the point of Tristan is in the hospital.
Needless to say, his relationship with his parents is not good especially with his father, so after leaving the hospital he moves to another town and starts community college. Turns out his family lived in this town when he was younger and he runs into an old friend Kaia. She has her own struggles and though she wants to be an artist she is studying to be an accountant.
Together the story shifts and really becomes more edgy and even dark at times if that is even possible. Really though after reading about it and thinking about it the author has captured life on the streets or even from the fringe where you are barely making it knowing at any moment your world can get worse than it is at this very moment. That is really what makes this story and what kept me going with the characters. You must read this book to see what happens with Tristan and Kaia for the journey the author takes you on with these characters is worth the read.

4.5 Stars

Anna Ray's Fighter is a great new adult read. This Anna Ray story is all bad the bad boy Tristan. He struggles with some family issues and ends up as an underground fighter. And damn, there are some scary scenes.

With Kaia, things get interesting. He finds someone worth fighting for, worth becoming a better person for.

The author deals with some tough issues and does so in a great manner.

This is a story that reminds up that not everything is as they seem. This is a story that reminds us that we are more than just our mistakes.

Everything kept me intrigued and the romance is good. I definitely enjoy the twists and turns. And the character growth is fabulous!

The story follows Kaia Brooks and Tristan Walker, former childhood friends who are reunited when starting college.

Kaia is an artist, raised by her grandparents ever since her mum died of overdose. She dreams about studying art but is in college studying economics so she can get a safe job and eventually provide money for herself. 
Tristan Walker is an underground fighter, mad at his parents about keeping his heritage a secret. After a brutal fight, that led him to a hospital bed, he is back at home to visit community college and get his mind straight.

When Kaia and Tristan met again their friendship continued to grow. With helping each other about their life choices they grow even closer, but is there love means to be,or will their fear stop them from enjoying their dreams?



So when I read the summary of this story I  knew I had to give this book a go. So there I was reading it and not long into it I was thinking '' Wow, this is such a Wattpad story.'' and in my eyes that's the best way to describe it.
I guess that if you are like me, who loved reading Wattpad stories late into the night, I would say give this book a go.

I think this aurthor is just getting started and will provide amazing books in the future.

Epic read!! Kept me up all night so I could finished it. I really liked everything about the book and characters. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

My best way of describing this is as a really well written Wattpad book. Which is a bonus for me as I love Wattpad books.

It was slightly predictable in places, but not so much that it takes away from the enjoyment of watching the characters develop and the story unfold.

I enjoy that the difficult issues that are raised in this book were raised with a delicate and respectful manner.

I was definitely intrigued by the plot line and the twists were something I was not anticipating!

Highly recommend.

(I was provided an arc by netgalley, so thank you to them and the publishers). This book really was an emotional rollercoaster, I laughed, cried, was happy, annoyed and so much more. I really enjoyed the character development of Tristan as he didn’t want to disappoint (which he thought he was) anyone so wanted to find ways not to. The bond between him and his family was amazing to see change and develop.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tristan and Kaia and how it developed throughout the story. There was also a bit of spice in this book so this is definitely 18+. I was amazed by the different aspects of fighting within this book and the tension that came with it. I also really related to Kaia as I’m also an artist and so how she felt about her art is something that I’ve experienced myself.

Kaia also had a harsh past that she mentions throughout this book and it was really nice but heartbreaking to see what she has went through. But it allowed me to see how strong she has become because of it but still has times of heartache.

I’m really glad I was given the opportunity to read this book I can’t wait to read more by this author. Definitely recommend.

Tw: Overdose, death, and graphic violence.

Received a advance copy via Netgalley and publishers.. <--Thank You!!

LOVE me some MMA bad boys.. add in second chance.. Yes Please.

Please know.. this book deals/talks about violence, drugs, assault ect.. So if you have triggers... please be forewarned.

Kaia and Tristan were childhood friends.. Friends that haven't seen each other quite a few years.. Some not so good turn of events lands Tristan back home .. back with Kaia..

Kaia has been raised by her grandparents after her mom passed due to a overdose. She dreams of going to art school but know its not in the cards if she is wanting to make ends meet..

Tristan is an underground fighter - after some dealings with his parents and a fight that almost cost him his life.. he returns home.. hoping to clear his head..

This was a wonderful book.. both the characters are amazing.. Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to read this.

This was a quick, enjoyable read for me. I liked seeing Kaia and Tristan both grow and support each other by the end of the book. Although it starts off as a bad boy romance, you can tell that there is more to Tristan right away. He kind of pushes Kaia’s boundaries, but in a good way. It’s nice to see them there for each other even through some difficult situations.
Although I really enjoyed the book, there were parts that didn’t quite work. The first smut scene in the book does not seem very realistic, considering it’s her first time. It also seemed like each of the main characters hobbies and the struggles with them, the painting and the fighting, were the main driving factors. It was everything good and bad in their relationship for both of the careers/hobbies.

Tristan is mad at the world and takes his anger out in the boxing ring. After a bad fight, his parents move him out of LA back to his old hometown. He is supposed to start community college. There, he gets drawn back into the ring.
Kaia is really good at art but can’t afford art school. She’s attending the same college as Tristan. After being let go from her job, a group of men approach her. After she screams, Tristan comes to her rescue. Kaia’s feelings for her former best friend get mixed when she realizes how good he looks.
Opinion
This book is fast paced and engrossing. The childhood connection between Tristan and Kaia is charming and helps to muddle the emotions of the characters. I personally enjoyed the imagery the author gave throughout.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this. I can never get enough of some alpha male hard ass who find a girl who makes his heart soft. Not only was this book good, I felt like it was super real, like all the drama, and miscommunication and love was real. Tristan is such a bad boy hottie, and I loved to watch his growth with his parents and Kaia. I just loved everything about this story. It was awesome to see Kaia also grow into her self and stop self sabotaging and do what she loves. Ugh such a good read.

I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is getting 4.5 stars from me! This is also a definite must-read!!! The missing 0.5 star is danger...add danger and oh gosh, I'll literally will d*e or happiness! Haha

With Anna Ray (the author) I truly see with every book I've read so far how her writing just escalates and gets better and better! I truly have to say I loved this book the most.

I loved the whole plot of the book. Normally I'd feel like the romance in the book was rushed, but because they were once best friends and now they have reunited it didn't feel rushed, because they knew each other once.

Sometimes destiny is a tricky thing...this book showed how a lost best friend can sometimes come crashing to your life and change the course of it.

Kaia (I love the name!) is our artist, quiet and beautiful soul trying to find her way in life that hasn't dealt the best cards.
Tristan is our moody hot fighter and he's so damn lost...his life might seen "perfect" from the outside word, but the inside is very different.

My feelings and emotions with this book were all over the place in a good way! My heart was constricted so many times because there were parts when I was hurting for them both or I thought my heart would explode. Also my stomach? I didn't feel butteflies but dread, because it was just all too much.

Overall my thoughts are: This is THE best book by Anna Ray and you need to read this story! It will suck you in and you won't have any other choice than to finish it!

4 STARS for the Fighter by Anna Ray

ARC received from Netgalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

A lot to like about this book :

Cover
Young adult romance
Friends to lovers
Real life relatable problems for the characters
Great chemistry
HEA

Everything I have read by author Anna Ray I have enjoyed - great read !

~ 3.5 Stars Review ~

I did overall enjoy Fighter by Anna Ray. It was a first book I read by this author so I went in blindly which I love to do. I had some mixed emotions with the story and felt like the story was just a little off its axis. Maybe if we got a quick prequel Novella on the character's past, it would answer some question that kept popping up for me. So it was a slow start for me.

Towards the end, the story picked up. That is when I could not put the book down. The ending had me smiling that these two could over come it all. I always enjoy a good "fighter" book.

This book was so good. My heart was really going hard and soft for everyone. Second chances turned into a 3rd chance but so well worth it. This is a definite must read. Keep a couple tissues next to you just in case.

I enjoyed this slow burn/ bad boy romance, it was a really lovely read, once I picked it up you didn’t want to put it down. The chemistry is amazing, not only that but so emotional as you go through the tears of the characters, or maybe that’s just me. Brilliant twists and turns, great romance and growth, everything you could want.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I really loved Tristan and Kaia and their story!A must read. I highly recommend reading. A great HEA. I highly recommend.