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Fight

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To Nathan Hunt, honesty is anything but the best policy. Telling the truth has gotten him nothing but heartache and pain; so lying about who he is and what he wants seems to be the only path to job security and friends. Hell, it even brings him a hollow kind of happiness.

Except, that's not much of a life for any man. Especially one with Nathan's passions. Desperate to cure his self-made misery, Nathan agrees to go along with a con that will score cash for Nathan to start over. There's just one lying is getting harder by the day. And a con who can't lie, is a con who gets caught.

Nathan's attempts to distract himself from his moral quandary lead him to a mysterious, intoxicating man named Fury. The Mixed Martial Arts fighter knows a thing or two about lies and pasts better left buried. He and Nathan have something else in common – they both want to be with someone who lets them be themselves.

Together, they undertake a journey that proves honesty is more dangerous and more difficult than either of them could have imagined. And as they combat addiction, thugs, guns, and their own inner demons, Nathan and Fury can only hope that their battle to be together will be worth the bitter fight.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2014

5 people are currently reading
590 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Wyre

14 books150 followers
Kelly enjoys reading and writing all manner of fiction, ranging from horror to romance. She used to work in advertising but is now happily chained to her writing desk. Kelly enjoys the soft and cuddly and the sharp and bloody with equal amounts of enthusiasm. She's a coffee addict, a workaholic, a chronic night owl, and loves a good thunderstorm. Currently Kelly resides in the southeastern United States.

She only bites when asked. Nicely.

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Profile Image for Optimist ♰King's Wench♰.
1,822 reviews3,973 followers
September 3, 2016
I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK!
LOVED IT!
COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN AND WAS SAD WHEN IT WAS OVER.

Not convinced?

Try this:
A 6'4" tattooed Native American MMA fighter with a mohawk?
A closeted blonde who's clawed his way out of the trailer park and is funny, witty and smart?
Two flawed protags who have overcome some hard knocks?
Some angst thrown in for good measure?
Some fuckhot pancake sex?
A plot line that keeps you on the edge of your seat?


No? Still nothing?

Tough crowd. Alright hard sell it is then.

Any book that starts off with an anonymous bathroom stall bang gets my attention with a quickness. And p.s. it was a kinda angry anonymous bathroom-stall-at-a-club kind of bang. Hellllllooooo! It only got better from there.

I'm Southern. This book takes place in Knoxville. These characters are real to me. I've had this boss before. I work with these people now, the ones that claim to not be homophobic but get their panties in a twist about a business owner refusing to photograph a commitment ceremony because it's their business! The ones who will use a racial slur as a punch line "for the sake of a joke", but really aren't bigots. So, yeah, I probably over-identified. I'd venture to guess that some derivation of these characters the author has encountered herself and she did an excellent job of translating them to the page.

Fight is about complicated situations that life throws at us. Sometimes we get backed into a corner through our decisions or indecision. An escape that doesn't involve some sort of collateral damage is unlikely, so we let it ride. Some of us handle these situations better than others, some drink too much, some lose themselves in anonymous sex, some do drugs, some work out like demons, some fight, some isolate, some become angry and bitter, but most cling to the irrational hope that somehow the situation will magically rectify itself. A pipe dream. Human frailty gets me every time.

Both Nathan and Fury are child abuse survivors. If that's a trigger for you, you've been warned. What I liked most about what Ms. Wyre did with both of them is portray them as idiosyncratic rather than cray cray. No one escapes childhood abuse unscathed, but it doesn't have to define a person. Nathan and Fury have their foibles but who doesn't? She also made their oppression credible within a Southern context. They've both been dealt a shitty hand which makes them kindred spirits, gives them an innate understanding of one another, one that is grounded in acceptance.

Nathan has masks in place to keep people at a distance and to remain in the good graces of his boss and colleagues. He's erected this defense system to prevent himself from being hurt or disappointed by rejection when what he really wants is to share his life with someone, to connect, to be seen. He's also gotten himself into a pickle and is starting to self-destruct. That closet is getting more claustrophobic by the day and his conscience is screaming at him. Loyalty is a motherfucker I tell ya. Then he meets Fury and… sometimes fate does play a hand in life.

Nathan is adorable. He word vomits when he's nervous whereas Fury is analytical and observant. Nathan is floundering whereas Fury is fairly well adjusted. They both have their own demons, but they're both intelligent and insightful. I don't buy into the love heals all ethos and Ms. Wyre did a fantastic job of making this relationship lifelike. When you love someone you want to be better for them, your best self and sometimes in order to do that you have to make adjustments, compromise. Not for the other person per se, but for the betterment of yourself so you can live up to that person's vision of you. That I can believe and, more importantly, I can believe that makes for a lasting relationship. Fight delivers that.

"If I could do anything else, I'd work to be the guy you think I could be."


I read a lot of erotica. A lot. The sex in Fight was some of the hottest I've ever read. Period. I've put a lot of thought into why that was and maybe it was simply that I loved both these characters and their relationship. Maybe it's because they've both been oppressed and shamed for being gay for far too long and both want and deserve each other so much. I'm not sure. What I can say is Ms. Wyre's writing of these scenes was visceral. She made me feel like a voyeur from the way they sound to how they see each other to how much they want each other to how they feel about each other and the simplicity of being able to physically show the person you love just how much you do and all the insensible things we say in the heat of the moment. She put it all on the page and God bless her for wrapping all of that up in pancake sex, biting and tiny bit of kink. To ask for more would be greedy.

The dialogue is fresh and authentic though some of the conversations were probably superfluous. I didn't care since they were so genuine. The climatic event kept me guessing. It may have been a tad over the top and a couple points weren't explained all that well. It's most certainly violent, but it's fiction. I went with it. The conflict between Nathan and Fury was credible for which I am infinitely grateful. There's nothing I hate more than a conflict that leaves me with a fart smelling look on my face.

That's all I got. My best hard sell. Highly recommend. Kudos to Ms. Wyre for Fight. I'll definitely read something else by her and I'll re-read this 4.5 Star gem.

Reviewed for



I would like to thank Loose ID for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,583 reviews1,123 followers
April 19, 2014
3.5 stars

Buddy read with Jen.

So this was dirty and angsty and all kinds of fucked up. These boys were in over their heads with the lies and deceit. But they found each other, and together they were sexy as hell.

There was love and tenderness. And rimming. And blow jobs in a public shower. And hard-core, no-holds-barred fucking.

And stuff about rich daddies and lesbians and drug deals and seedy pasts and...let this be a lesson to you: Not all the bad guys are bad, but some are worse.

Got it? OK.

The plot was a little convoluted; certain elements just didn't make sense.

But the important part?

Fury and Nathan. I liked them. I liked them a lot.
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
April 28, 2014
4.5--Sex, Drugs and Lies.....OH MY--Stars

Wowzers, this one was action packed.

There were....
Lesbians
Drugs
Cons
A preacher
Bathroom hookups
An MMA fighter
2 in the closet gays
Shower sex
Bombs
Some kinky fuckery




Pretty much couldn't stop reading this one once I started. It was almost like two different storylines--both Fury's and Nathan's--that sort of came together.

I loved Nathan's character--he had a sarcastic sense of humor. Nathan is buried deep in the closet. He was ridiculed his whole life for being gay, beat by his father for it. After graduating college and starting a job with the Moore Agency, Nathan lands himself in a bit of a situation.



Nathan uses drugs and hook ups to escape. He's spiraling out of control really. The reality of what he's gotten himself in to slowing starting to sink in.

Nathan meets Fury at the gym. Fury is a mohawk wearing, tattoo covered, huge MMA fighter. Nathan and Fury are like oil and water...on the outside. But on the inside, they aren't so different.

Fury has is own problems. He's had an even worse past then Nathan. But for whatever reason, these two find comfort in each other.



Fury was like a gentle giant you just wanted to hug. I really loved Fury and Nathan together.

There was a lot going on in this one....and I don't want to give anything away....as that's a lot of what kept me reading. I wanted to see how everything would play out.

But I would definitely recommend this one and I'll be checking out other books by this author, as this was my first time reading anything by her!
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,480 reviews810 followers
May 4, 2017

***3.75 Stars***

This book didn't end up being what I expected when I picked it up. I don't know what I thought, but the amount of dreariness, grit and sadness was not it. But, it still ended up being an enjoyable read. When our MC's meet and get together a sense of hope was added to the bleakness, which kept me glued to my kindle.

Nathan is a man so deeply in the closet he's practically a part of the wall. He's also in deep with a grand scheme he's working with his fake fiance. Any trysts with men are concealed in seedy clubs and bathrooms, made bearable by drugs and alcohol and clouded in self-loathing.

Nothing said upstanding, righteous citizen like emotional repression, illegal drugs, and meaningless sex.


Nathan wishes he didn't have these cravings, this need for men. He wishes he could be the man people thought he was...a God loving man who adored his fiance and worked hard for the perfect life.

Maybe he'd stop in the middle of a crowded street one day and be straight, conservative, Christian, and godly, and he'd realize it'd been years since there'd been a club, a boy, or a fresh line of mind-numbing powder. He wouldn't want to wake up next to a slumbering bear of masculinity, but rather the soft suppleness of a woman, with whom he could have children and a life safe from the disdain of outside influences.

And at any moment, Nathan was going to sprout a curly pink tail, a snout, and wings and fly out the window oinking wee-wee-wee all the way to the gay bar down the street.


When Fury comes into Nathan's life, he shakes up the ugly cycle Nathan has been living in....and he realizes that everything he wants is right there in front of him in the form of Fury. But Fury's world isn't any brighter than Nathan's. Fury has a dark past and obligations. Nathan's darkness hides in bathroom stalls, while Fury deals with his issues by fighting.

There was no order, no rule...One guy went down, and another one went in. Money flew. People yelled. Fists connected. Bodies piled.


Although so unlike them, Nathan and Fury trust each other almost upon meeting. There was a real connection between them. A deeper understanding that bonded them instantly.

Nathan and Fury were exactly themselves, both scrambling for acceptance, even if only for a few furtive moments.


I won't give any more away because the twists and turns must be experienced firsthand. I will say one thing....I was rooting for Nathan and Fury from the second they meet. I really loved seeing how at ease Nathan was with Fury...and the sense of belonging that Nathan gave Fury. The two of them together were a bright light in a story that had a dark cloud hanging over it.

The chemistry and passion between these two was fantastic. Their insatiable need for each other was intense...almost to the point of desperation. And I loved every single second of it. Big shout out to the shower scene. WOW!

"You act like you never been touched when I put my hands on you. I know how that goes. What that's like."


However, this book did have a very slow start for me. It took me quite a while to get into it. And at times the author's prose would get in the way. Too descriptive and at times peppered with one too many flowery over-enhancements. No need to force it or try too hard.

Also, I didn't like Laura, nor could I understand her actions. The author didn't sell me on her disdain for her father and the reasoning behind the big scheme. In the end, I think it cost her greatly and a lot of unhappiness could have been avoided.

Even with the huge, dark cloud hanging over my head while reading, there were moments of tenderness and love. Moments that gave me hope for something better for both of these guys. And in the end, I was left with a smile on my face. What else could I ask for?
Profile Image for Kade Boehme.
Author 37 books1,045 followers
March 26, 2014
This. Holy shit. This. Fury and Nathan FTW! From where they started where it was so fucking gritty and bleak to where they ended where it was hope and all that, I just loved it. Every fuckin' word.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,385 reviews156 followers
March 18, 2014

4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.

Wow, this turned out to be quite different than what I was expecting. From reading the blurb, I had it in my mind that it was going to be a certain way, and kept waiting for that to happen. This started out a little slow for me pretty much until you really get a feel for what’s going on with Nathan.

He clearly has some major issues, but I certainly wasn’t prepared for what was really going on. He is engaged to be married to his boss’ daughter, though he struggles with upholding the façade of being straight. At first, it seems he is fighting himself and the whole actually being gay deal, but as the story progresses, we find that really doesn’t seem to be the case at all. As I said, the beginning was slow, just about until more details are given about the actual scam going on, of which Nathan plays a huge role.

In the middle of this, Nathan meets Fury, a fighter and all-around rough and tough dude. But, he is not what he seems either, in that he is a really sweet, good hearted guy. When these guys actually give in to their attraction, this story took off for me, as this became the focus. Nathan really comes into himself through his relationship with Fury, and I loved watching him transform. Fury is not without his own issues, however, and eventually, they each must address them in order to be together. I really loved Fury, and especially Nathan and Fury together. There is so much emotion and chemistry between them, and I was really hoping they could make things work.

This was very well written. It is a bit edgy at times, mostly in the beginning when Nathan is really fighting his demons, but I loved the gritty feel and loved how vivid the scenes were. I had no trouble picturing anything happening and felt like I was right there with them. Nathan struggled so much with everything, from hiding his sexuality to lying about the marriage. I so wanted him to be at the point where everything worked out in his favor and he was able to really enjoy what he had with Fury. These guys have various issues, but when they work through them and are together, they are hot stuff. I’m highly recommending this to those who want a little something different with a tiny bit of mystery and intrigue, hot sex and sensual/emotional loving.
Profile Image for Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews.
1,215 reviews66 followers
April 15, 2014
description


4.5 All is Right in Their World Stars

I’m so glad I gave this book a go. It was the right everything IMO.

Just enough angst. I mean I can never have enough angst. But this book hit my good feelz angst factor.

The chemistry was off the charts.

The sex scenes left me breathless.

The ending soothed my HEA soul.

The road the redemption and happiness is not a smooth paved street. It is a long stretch of highway with millions of pot holes, dead carcasses and pit stops along the way.

Nathan & Fury

description

^^^^ such yumminess wrapped up in those names ^^^^

“Fury’s eyes closed, and tenderness tried to stop Nathan’s heart. It was always easy, being with Fury. Bound or unbound, done or doing, Fury was Nathan’s bliss.”

I love when I get taken away from reality, and lost in a world that I enjoy so freaking much and given the good feelz.

The struggles, the sacrifices, the stories, the past, the present and the future.

“Now I know the whole world’s a jungle. Sometimes you hide. Sometimes you fight. But it’s always out there.”

This book has it all.

It is written so well, that you feel the FEELINGS oozing off the pages.

There is mystery and intrigue. There are lies and deception. There’s hiding and coming out.

There is so much wrapped up in 200+ pages and it flowed. Flowed so well. I wanted to see how it ended, I couldn’t wait to see how it ended.

Kelly Wyre~ Thank you for taking me out of my book slump with this great read!!!

Mare~Slitsread



Profile Image for Jess-i-ca .
792 reviews771 followers
August 6, 2016
4- Fight for it - Stars

So what do you get when you have a closeted gay guy engaged to a closeted lesbian but getting it on with a hot MMA bad boy fighter?



I LOVE IT!



Nathan is a closet gay and currently engaged to be married to Laura.

 photo tumblr_n0qu1pz3a71qbf083o1_500_zps439f0edc.gif

She wants to get married to get money from her father.



Because money will solve all their problems!

 photo i-want-my-money-o_zpsea3f848f.gif

Nathan sees Hale Fury every time he goes to the gym. Needless to say he has a little crush.



Fury is a HOT Native American MMA fighter who rocks a mohawk.

 photo 82558-Toby-Turner-hothothot-gif-4bJX_zpsf445ccd7.gif

And guess what! Fury is GAY!!! and he likes Nathan!

gay photo 8580812_zpsb580b8c1.gif

in case you didn't know

 photo guy-love_zps15a0238b.gif

Anyways, They fall for each other but they have a shit ton of stuff that is getting in the way of them being together. You know the usual, engagements, fights, drug deals, bombs and gunfights.



Final note: Good enjoyable read! Check it out!
Profile Image for Elizabetta.
1,247 reviews34 followers
May 31, 2014

Good god, Nathan Hunt is in a world of trouble and hurt. He is another case of a messed up childhood with a homophobic dad who did such a number on him that he’s grown up shut down and buried in the closet. But Good. Booze, drugs, and quick tricks in filthy bathroom stalls are how Nate deals with the pain and denial. He’s got his beard, too. His fiancée, Laura, and he are planning a wedding. They have a mutual understanding. And Laura is hiding just as much as Nate.

I wanted to read Fight because I’m looking for more M/M romance stories based around fighters, UFC, mixed martial artists (MMA), brawlers… guys who use their bodies and fists to sort things out. Mixed martial arts and ultimate fighting make for some good story lines too. Throw in a little Fight Club action and, hey, fun to be had. More of that, please.

Hale Fury is the fighter. And, like Nathan, he’s learned to hide his own world of hurt. But he uses his body and fists to sort things out, to get out all that aggression. The two guys work out at the same gym and have been kind of eyeing each other at a distance. When Nate decides, one night, to take in one of Fury’s MMA matches things start to get hot and heavy between them. Nate likes the sweaty, cut, big and silent Fury, and Fury is drawn to Nate’s clean-cut prep-boy appeal. I guess this is a case where opposites really do attract. (And don’t worry about cheating, here. Remember, Nate and Laura’s ‘arrangement’ is only for show, they are each of them free to have other hook-ups.)

Throw in some criminal activity going down at Fury’s fight club— drug running, don’t you know— and the story gets some gory violent action. The two guys are dragged right in the middle of it, too. We find out about Fury’s family and background and how his past can come back to haunt him.

This was an entertaining read, I really like the author’s voice. I like Nate’s dark broodiness and snarky self-deprecation. Fury is a tricky character. He could have easily fallen into the big, dumb hulk stereotype, but the author never allows that to happen. We get some nice glimpses into the gentle sweetness beneath the beefy brawn. Of course, the sex is steamy-hot— it’s desperate and volcanic, these guys are so parched for love— but it never overwhelms the story. There is a nice balance of plot to romance to sex. I would have liked more of the fight action, more of Fury’s training and fighting, but what was there was fun. Now, I’m thinking I really need to read more of Ms. Wyre’s stuff. And, hey, if any of you out there know of some great M/M romances around a ‘boxing/wrestling/MMA/fight club/brawler’ theme… let me know.

Or add your picks to my fight list on Goodreads---> Elizabetta's fight list


For this and other great reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:


Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
January 8, 2020
This was building up to be one hell of a heart-breaking, rage inducing, angsty read and then it took a left turn toward crazy-town - only to shoot well past that off-ramp heading straight (*snort*) into WTFville...and I still couldn't put it down. Pretty great character growth here in Nathan; even though his was unsavory as it wasn't his truth to tell, what he was involved in, his part in everything, was and I can't see him coming clean without revealing that detail.

And I love the way KW wrote some of the characters, calling out some of the blatant hypocrisy by the Bible-thumpers and yet showing, there at the end - in certain circumstances, and heavily dependent on the person - that just knowing someone, caring about them, respecting them and their integrity? Well, that can be the first step toward accepting them for who they are.

Huh, I guess that was sort of an underlying theme of the book when you also consider Fury & Nathan's relationship...and Izzie...and Dennis. Damn, that just hit me. Nothing like having a book make you think about it hours after finishing it!
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,497 reviews239 followers
May 1, 2017
"No," Nathan whispered, and Fury's eyes widened. "Stay," Nathan ordered, hoarsely. "Stay...and kiss me.

Beginning was great, well done. Then lapsed into telling his history. But that was really the only place.

Nice subtle tell about their world when he asks how a girl's game was and she was the cheerleader. We were supposed to make the assumption she was playing, but the reality was that girls in that subculture just cheer the boys on. (Not to say that cheerleading isn't a sport--it is--but the vast majority of cheerleaders aren't the sporting level and aren't boys.)

Excellent descriptions/presentation. These guys are exactly what you found in the sales floor of the last corporation I worked for (but my company didn't have the religion and homophobia).

Sweet, angsty romance.
Fury could go from wise old man on the mountain to overgrown boy whom Nathan wanted to tuck in at night in less than two seconds flat. It was enough to break Nathan's heart and offer up the pieces.
Sentence explains the complexity that is Fury and it is done really well, each piece fitting without seeing two completely different people like he has a personality change. They mesh together well.

Many character's say, "the hell's wrong with you," instead of "what the hell's wrong with you." As this isn't standard form, they shouldn't all say it. Even if it's regional, the wealthy people aren't going to use the same colloquialisms as the working class. It's very noticeable and it pulls me out of the story and reminds me that one person is writing all the characters.

Why don't people assume he's bi rather than hiding the fact that he's gay? He is bi not gay or he wouldn't have ever been able to have sex with his fiancé (in the past) let alone regularly. He wouldn't get really turned on when she tied him up and did things to him.

It's not just poor people who abuse their kids, especially sexually. Violence begets violence so someone living in a violent community will find it easier and less upsetting to hit those around them and unfortunately violent communities tend to be poor communities. Sexual abuse, however, is never socially acceptable and isn't motivated by survival and desperation, so the incidences are believed to be in all demographics in equal percentages.

The scene where Fury has hurt and been hurt and Bate rushes home from the engagement party is sweet and intense and all peril-y.

Sex is really hot. Really emotional, unique, varied. Made nipple clamps hot and made me curious which is downright bizarre considering my aversion in the past.

They wear condoms to have sex but will stick their hands straight in a gaping bloody hole in a drug dealing scumbag who has sex with men.

He didn't have the right to out .

These are really complex characters. Believable and interesting, not completely good or bad. The father's reaction, for example, wasn't stereotypical but believable and realistic.

I loved this and can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Kristan.
379 reviews41 followers
October 7, 2015
Fight is not what you're thinking. It's less MMA and more a fight to be true to who you are. The fight to be a better person, to be honest, and to overcome your demons.

This was a very well paced book. The writing was really well done and the chemistry between Hale/Fury and Nathan was so hot. Fury is this gentle giant with a surprisingly insightful soul. He's so raw and sincere that I just want to hug him. I don't want to say anything more about him because as his story unfolds he opens up, you begin to understand him and I wouldn't want to spoil that. He does find a kindred soul in Nathan, who lies to everyone, including himself. In fact the only one Nathan can be honest around is Fury himself. This sparks an avalanche of motivation and healing along the road to redemption. These two characters were gritty and raw but beautiful.

Be warned though; this book is solely from Nathans point of view and there are things he lets slide when it comes to Fury. Fury is not one to tell something if he doesn't want to and he's definitely not one for long conversations, so there are times you're going to want to know information but you won't. If Nathan loves him enough to let it slide, so can you.

This book could have been longer as well. There is a lot that happens here but half the fun was trying to figure out along with Nathan what the heck was going on. I do wish the book had a little bit more of just Nathan and Fury dealing with everything (homophobia, childhood demons, coming clean, coming out) Don't get me wrong, these two guys definitely worked hard for their HEA, I just would have liked being there in the trenches with them a little longer.

Great read and a definite recommend.

Profile Image for A.F. Henley.
Author 39 books215 followers
March 10, 2014
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, with characters that are endearing and believable, and a story-line that goes far beyond mere boy-meets-boy, FIGHT is now officially my Kelly Wyre fave publication of all times.

One of the best things about Kelly's writing is Kelly's ability to build a world – and what a world one finds in the pages of FIGHT. It's gritty, it's hard, it's drugs and pain, and bodies being dealt hard blows with unforgiving brutality. It's REAL and HONEST: set up smoothly, described intently, and the scenes are accurate, explicit, and entertaining. But understand, I don't just mean the fighting that takes place in the rings or the blood-smeared, boot-trampled floors of smarmy venues. Hell, no. There are darker and harder battles being fought in the pages of this novel than any fist could ever combat.

That's what makes this read so damn intense – the emotion. The hurt. The resolve. This is a story about finding peace with who you are, why you are, and what you need to do to get where you need to be. It's about how much of a miracle love can be when you let it help define the path you take to get there. And how much an obstacle it can become if it's ignored.

True to its name, FIGHT takes its reader through every round of this romance, artfully dodging and jabbing, building intensity in a culmination of plot that has its audience off their feet and rooting the heroes on, right up to the moment they take their victory walk up the aisle.

Awesome novel. Steaming hot sex. Fantastic characters. Very highly recommended.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,163 reviews47 followers
February 1, 2015
This was not what I was expecting. It was a much darker read than I anticipated. It seemed like the entire book was cloaked in a giant shadow. And that's not a bad thing at all. It was gritty and uncomfortable and hot and sexy and painful and hopeful and really, really good. It felt very "real" to me and none of it was trite or silly or formula...at all. It seemed like the characters in the book were all just trying to survive in their own fucked-up way. Nathan and Fury were beyond hot together and the shower scene was just, oh my! Great book if you're in the mood for a darker, non-fluffy read.
Profile Image for Kelly Wyre.
Author 14 books150 followers
Read
March 5, 2014
Thanks to any and all for their interest and for reading.

Have an extra snippet:

***

Nathan registered the look of dulled shock in Duke’s eyes, and a presence manifested next to them. Nathan shoved Duke away but didn’t do anything else. He was too busy staring up at Fury and fighting for control.

Fury leveled a gaze on Nathan but didn’t say a word or lift a hand. He had on jeans, a checkered shirt, and a long coat that was stretched taut across his shoulders.

“Oh, hey…hey, Fury.” Duke straightened his clothing, but he was the rabbit cornered in the hunt. “Didn’t… Man, I didn’t see you.”

Fury swiveled his head and glowered. Duke backed up, smart enough to read a cold trail. “We cool, man. We all cool, here. Nate? You know where to find me if you need me, right?”

Nathan struggled to make his vision stop bleeding red and didn’t answer.

“Cool. It’s cool.” Duke smacked his lips and jogged off in the other direction.

Nathan would have sighed in relief and slumped against the wall, but Fury returned his focus to Nathan, who suddenly had sympathy for those insects pinned to boards for display.

“Ah…” Nathan cleared his throat. He wiped his palms on his jeans and tried to think straight. “Um…hey.”

Fury still said nothing, and Nathan tensed so he wouldn’t squirm. “You had a great fight. Earlier, I mean. Inside…in the…not out… Right.”

Fury blinked. Slowly. His eyelashes were so dark and thick, it looked like the guy wore mascara. He wasn’t exactly an attractive man in the traditional sense. Too much forehead, eyes too close together, big, crooked nose…

“Duke’s an asshole,” Nathan babbled. “Harmless, usually. Just fucked up tonight.” Nathan had no idea why on God’s green earth he was defending Duke. Or maybe he was defending himself. Trying to be smooth after a tweaked-out piece of shit cornered him in a parking lot, and Nathan had to tamp down the urge to kill Duke with his bare hands? Christ, what was wrong with him? Nathan took anger out on himself, not others.

“He sells some decent weed, if that’s your thing,” Nathan tried to joke, laughing feebly. Fury only had three inches of height on Nathan, but Fury might as well be the size of skyscrapers.

“It’s not,” Fury said in his characteristic growl. “My thing.”

“Oh.” Nathan coughed. Of course, he would try to push weed on a teetotaler. That was Nathan’s style, right there. Smooth. “Well. Sure. Not with what you do for a living, right? Can’t be good for the—”

“I got other things.”

Nathan shut his mouth with an audible clack of teeth. Fury still studied Nathan, hands loose at his sides, shoulders at ease, expression neutral. If the fighting thing ever failed, Fury had a bright future in poker. “That right?” Nathan asked.

Fury nodded, and again, it was slow. “Yeah.” Fury looked Nathan up and down, just like he had after Nathan had spotted him on the weight bench. Must be trying to place him. No way was it anything else.

“You were at the gym,” Fury said at last.

With the threads of recognition in Fury’s tone, Nathan’s logic died, and he got sucker punched by hope. Stupid, untimely, insipid, teenager-with-a-crush hope. “I…uh, yeah, I was. I think.”

“You think?” Fury asked with what might have been amusement.

“I do. Think,” Nathan replied with more assurance. It was easier to come by when he told himself this conversation wasn’t really happening.

Fury finally quit inspecting Nathan and glanced around the parking lot. “You headin’ back inside?”

“I…I don’t think so.”

Fury stared at something far away. “You interested in some more action?”

“Always.” The answer flew from Nathan’s lips before he could catch it. The symptoms of the panic returned, but they hurt a little less. “What you got?”

Fury shoved his hands into his pockets. “I got somewhere to be.” He took a few steps toward the row of cars, and he paused, raising his eyebrows at Nathan. “You comin’?”

***

Light and love!
--Kelly
Profile Image for S.
191 reviews
March 12, 2014
This is one of those occasions I wish GR allowed half stars. The prose is great, the characters are compelling, the sex is hot (although awkwardly worded in a couple places), but there is so much going on with the plot that this book could have been much longer. Some of the pivotal emotional moments felt rushed. And, oh god, there was some real potential for emotional depth in this. Fury is a great character. The way Nathan discovers himself through the gentile giant is unexpected. What they find in each other is truly beautiful (thus the bump up to four stars). I just needed more detail to their emotional journey. Still worth the read and I'll be checking out what this author puts out next!!
Profile Image for Eladio.
44 reviews4 followers
Read
June 7, 2014
4.5 stars

Minuses – nothing.

Pluses – A real urgent sense of emotion and things spiraling out of control. Nathan and Fury have hot chemistry together. Their problems are real and interesting. This book kept me turning the pages both to find out Fury’s past and to see Nathan and Fury work for their ideal future.

I received a free copy of this book via Hearts on Fire Reviews, where there is a longer version of this review, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews135 followers
December 28, 2014
3.5 Stars

I liked this. I really did, but for me I think it lacked something. Yet, I can't figure out exactly what.

This story is told from Nathan's POV, maybe I was missing Fury's? Nathan's head was a crazy place to be. At first I wondered why he was doing what he was doing. However, for being in the closet he was sure up front with a lot of people. Did anybody else notice that?

GAH! I loved Fury. He made me swoon at some of things he did/said. He was so big and badass, yet so sweet.

I liked them together, but I wanted more of the relationship. I wanted to see it. We heard about it, but maybe that's what I was missing. Yeah, they were good together, but I needed more of it.



Overall, this was good, but I was kind of hoping for more.

Profile Image for Eve.
443 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2014
Why, why, why do I pick up these angsty reads during my most emotional week of the month?!?!?!?! I end up crying on subway trains. Smh. But wow this one was good. The imagery was great, the angst was palpable, the hotness was soooo hot, the tenderness was even better. This story of the abused kid-turned closeted man on the path of self-destruction & the abused kid turned MMA fighter quickly went straight to my faves chart.

There is drama, there is angst, there is intrigue, plotting, hiding, secrets, tenderness, more secrets, a crazy beard relationship, and course a HEA that spans two chapters and brings you to tears.

Profile Image for Dee Wy.
1,455 reviews
October 19, 2014
This was one of those books that made me feel like it was written just for me. No contrived or overused reasons for angst, just real men dealing with their demons and confused about what is really important to them.

The heat between Nathan and Fury was enough to break thermometers - they sizzled together with their emotions raw and intense. Supporting characters were also very interesting and flawed. The writing flowed so well I took notice of how well done it was. I simply loved reading this story!

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lea.
226 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2014
I delayed going past the 20th page for more than a week and started up again last night then continued on reading until this morning. The self-destructive behaviour in the beginning put me off a bit but with appearance of Fury (could there be a more awesome name, idts) any hesitation I had in continuing just sizzled from the sparks coming off the page. This book is ridiculously addictive. I'd absolutely love to see more of Fury and Nathan's story.
Profile Image for Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥.
1,224 reviews146 followers
May 7, 2014
Hale Fury you were amazing. Nathan, you never have up on him. I really love this book. I can't even think straight.I'll come back with a better review I promise.
Profile Image for Dani Elle Maas.
1,011 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2014
great book thoroughly enjoyed this!
great characters , good story , hot sex!
I wouldnt mind to see more of nate and fury!
Profile Image for Harshini.
310 reviews24 followers
July 3, 2016
2 people who have been through shit, find each other, understand & trust each other, great characters plot & some excellent prose will try & add some quotes later
Profile Image for LiveYourLife BuyTheBook.
616 reviews58 followers
July 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

I loved this book!!! From the very first page you’re put in the mindset of Nathan. He’s had a troubled past and he’s deep in the closet. You feel his desperation and disgust with himself for who he’s allowed himself to become from the very beginning. Fight starts off gritty and slowly turns into this love story full of hope and heartache. Neither guy is perfect but that just adds to their real appeal. A lot of people get turned off by guys in the closet stories, I’m not one of them, but I thought Nathans reasoning was very understandable. He’s decided he’s going to make a success out of himself no matter what. Even if that means marrying the bosses daughter. No worries. She knows he’s gay and hooks Nathan into a scheme to get her inheritance. She’s probably the most unlikable person in the book. She has her moments though. When you almost think she’s decent. Nathan’s dirty secret of sneaking off to clubs for hard and anonymous sex isn’t working anymore however. It’s not relieving any stress and is making him feel worse. That all changes when he meets Fury.

The one who steals the show in this story is Fury. OMG the man is so sexy! I don’t know if you’ve read either book but he reminds me a little of Terrible from the Chess Putnam series and a little Z from Zero At the Bone. I’m a sucker for a tortured hero and just mentioning these names has a big effect on me, so he’s in great company on my list of fiction fantasy men. Fury has a horrible past that just won’t let him go. It’s still haunting him. People see him as this big tough king of the fighter pit but he’s vulnerable and self-conscious. And wise! He has some of the most honest, stop you in your track lines in this book. It’s so unexpected because at first you see him as everyone else does. You don’t expect him to be so deep and need love so badly. I fell so hard for him right along with Nathan. Fury sees a need for real human affection. Nathan is completely gobsmacked by Fury. He’s so enamored he slips in his usual straight guy routine. Fury sees right through it and recognizes something in Nathan that calls to him. Makes Fury need to reach out and connect. They’re so perfect for each other despite coming from very different pasts and having very different stations in life. They’re love story is hard, with some ugly secrets bared and dangerous situations to face. Obstacles created by people close to them they don’t know how to escape.

Although the love story is heartbreaking and intensely beautiful, there is a very uplifting theme of picking yourself up and climbing out of the dark theme that builds from the moment these two meet. The rest of the book is great too. Two different worlds with so many lies. Fury because it’s mostly full of violent criminal types. Nathan because he is essentially living a lie with the rich and famous types. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I’m so mad at myself for putting off reading it for so long. I was completely consumed by this story.

22 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2014
Immediately, on the first pages of her awesome novel, Kelly Wyre sets the tone for her novel. It is going to be gritty. No unicorns and no rainbows. Set in today’s southern US, her characters have to manage with what life is dealing them and only on rare occasions it will be nice.

I have to admit, I had my doubts first when reading the title and the first pages. Will I like the rough, unvarnished nature of this story? The answer is an honest yes! Because very soon it becomes obvious that Kelly Wyre did not choose this mood for her story just to write something raw and blunt. This is the way life sometimes is. And I love how she described it with so much honesty. People get hurt, not just emotionally but also physically. They have to endure blows, setbacks, dealing with lies, blood and abuse. Life is a fight to find some peace and love that everyone deserves.

On some level Kelly Wyre even seems to interact with the reader. She introduces Nathan, a man who is hiding his true self behind a mask and a wall of lies, and Fury, who has an outside appearance that first made me feel sure that I do not even want to cross his path at full daylight in a crowded place.

Wyre presents you those characters and then seems to look at you with a dare-judge-my-boys-prematurely glare. And you better not. Because they are very likeable guys who had to fight their entire life for their place in society that too often defines what is right and wrong in black and white, not allowing any shades in between.

And here comes another very clever move by Wyre. Her characters do not only have to deal with what life is throwing at them. They also have to live with the choices they made in their lifes as well as outside pressure from a society that can be unforgiving when you deviate from what they consider „normal“.

Reading how the characters fight their way through all this trouble makes this novel so exciting and hard to put aside! The lecture here also is that perfect solutions, while minding morale, to life’s problems are an illusion. At some point you can not avoid to hurt someone even when it is temporarily and for the reason to make things work out in the end.

All the characters and the world they have to live in are absolutely convincing and believable as well as carefully developed. This goes especially for Fury. That what makes this story so great to read. This is one oft he many strong aspects of Kelly Wyre’s novel. The story is well paced, never boring and the intimate moments between Nathan and Fury are freaking hot and mindblowing!

It is impossible not to highly recommend this fantastic novel.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
July 10, 2014
Cheyenne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


Nathan was protecting himself, he had to do what he needed to do to survive. But, by doing that he was also quickly racing down a path of self-destruction and was quickly approaching a brick wall that once he crashed into it, would end his life. From the start I was worried about Nathan, you could tell that he had such deeply hidden secrets and pain, that you wanted him to be happy. When the whole truth comes out you are like okay, now it makes more sense as to why he is doing what he is doing.
Fury, is the big bad MMA fighter who also happens to be gay, he’s not ashamed of who he is, but also doesn’t throw his sexuality out there. Fury has his own past demons, ones that could consume him and hurt anyone that he cares for if he isn’t careful. He is this intimidating guy, but underneath all the rough and tough is a sweet and caring guy. I loved Fury’s character, to me he was the perfect one for Nathan, they balanced each other out and kept each other’s demons at bay when needed.
Now the sex scenes between Nathan and Fury? Let me just say this, I thought the heat in Texas was scorching hot, these scenes were hotter. I needed cold showers, ice baths and alone time with my husband, do you get my point? They were H.O.T. hot and we will just leave it at that shall we.
With everything that happens in this book, you would start to wonder if a happily ever after for Nathan and Fury would happen. A lot of things can tear a new relationship apart, but when two people are willing to fight and do whatever it takes to make a relationship work, even if it means pain at times, well then it is worth fighting for.
When I first requested to review this book I thought I was just going to get a book about two gay men, one who was an MMA fighter and the other being a normal in the closet type of guy. What I didn’t expect, was all that this book ended up being, which for me was a damn good read. It was sexy as hell, angsty, loving and showed that what people show on the outside isn’t necessarily what is true on the inside. I look forward to reading more from Kelly Wyre in the future.
Profile Image for Kim Gee.
29 reviews
March 26, 2014
Fight was an amazing read from start to finish. Wyre does an amazing job of making believable characters in realistic situations. Nathan is a relatable character with his sarcastic wit and positive persona, who deep down really just wants to be accepted and loved for who he is. Fury is quiet, reserved, and seems like the kind of guy who puts more stock in doing than telling. The two of them strike a perfect balance together, because above all else they both just want to be seen for who they are.

There were several scenes I loved in this book, my favorite being Nathan and Fury in the shower. Don’t get me wrong the scene was amazingly hot, I mean I definitely had to put the book down and fan myself. But more than the sexiness of the scene the intimacy of it made my heart hurt. Nathan’s desperation, Fury’s determination, and the fact that by the end of the scene you can tell both man are craving that same level of connection, someone to trust with their true selves.

Another amazing scene for me was when Fury came back after two weeks and found out about Nathan slipping up and falling back to drugs. When Fury says “I ain’t your reason to get sober…not the only one. I can’t be.” I found that so powerful. Because by the end of the book we see that Nathan has to get clean and sober for himself. Fury was the catalyst, but in the end Nathan has to do that work all on his own. It worked he same way for Fury, meeting Nathan made him want to get his life on track and work harder towards that goal.

I think Fight tells an amazing story that manages to cover radical topics like homophobia, abuse, drug addiction, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. But in the midst of tackling these major topics it also tells a story of love and how finding someone who truly loves and sees you can be the first step down a path to true happiness.
Nathan and Fury didn’t find love and then immediately all their problems vanished, they had to fight for it. They had to battle family, friends, enemies, and more importantly themselves in order to obtain it.

I was relieved they got their happy ending, I don’t know if I’ve ever known two characters who deserve it more.
Profile Image for Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥.
1,842 reviews211 followers
July 6, 2014
This review will post at http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...

Nathan was protecting himself, he had to do what he needed to do to survive. But, by doing that he was also quickly racing down a path of self-destruction and was quickly approaching a brick wall that once he crashed into it, would end his life. From the start I was worried about Nathan, you could tell that he had such deeply hidden secrets and pain, that you wanted him to be happy. When the whole truth comes out you are like okay, now it makes more sense as to why he is doing what he is doing.

Fury, is the big bad MMA fighter who also happens to be gay, he’s not ashamed of who he is, but also doesn’t throw his sexuality out there. Fury has his own past demons, ones that could consume him and hurt anyone that he cares for if he isn’t careful. He is this intimidating guy, but underneath all the rough and tough is a sweet and caring guy. I loved Fury’s character, to me he was the perfect one for Nathan, they balanced each other out and kept each other’s demons at bay when needed.

Now the sex scenes between Nathan and Fury? Let me just say this, I thought the heat in Texas was scorching hot, these scenes were hotter. I needed cold showers, ice baths and alone time with my husband, do you get my point? They were H.O.T. hot and we will just leave it at that shall we.

With everything that happens in this book, you would start to wonder if a happily ever after for Nathan and Fury would happen. A lot of things can tear a new relationship apart, but when two people are willing to fight and do whatever it takes to make a relationship work, even if it means pain at times, well then it is worth fighting for.

When I first requested to review this book I thought I was just going to get a book about two gay men, one who was an MMA fighter and the other being a normal in the closet type of guy. What I didn’t expect, was all that this book ended up being, which for me was a damn good read. It was sexy as hell, angsty, loving and showed that what people show on the outside isn’t necessarily what is true on the inside. I look forward to reading more from Kelly Wyre in the future.
Profile Image for Sandra Ramirez.
381 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2014
This book was recommended to me by my Goodreads friend Elizabetta. Why I didn't read is sooner I have no clue. She's a great judge of great books. This will be places among some of my faves. So Nathan is so in the closet the poor dude is lost in Narnia, he gets to come out sometimes but not often enough. However, when he does he lets loose he's like a wild cannon, and boy is he on self distruct mode. Then we have Fury, who's childhood is so messed up you would think he's be insane, however no matter how many times life knocked him down he found people that helped him along the way. Not that his life was not a little crazy what with his crazy ass hell sister, but at least he was more stable than one would imagine. To me he was awesome he made Nathan want to be a better man, he made Nathan open his eyes to see the damage Nathan was inflicting on himself. They rescued each other when both were in way over their heads. I loved this guys and I wonder if there could be a sequel?!?! I would read it. It was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading her again.
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