The Fight Within

Title: The Fight Within

Author: Andrew Grey

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-401-5

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

When his fiancé died, Bryce Morton was devastated. A year later, Bryce is still spending most of his time alone and his friends, Jerry Lincoln and John Black Raven are worried. When they finally convince him to accompany them on a camping trip to the Sioux Reservation, they’re thrilled. Bryce doesn’t expect the trip to change his life but that’s what happens when he meets Paytah Stillwater.

Paytah was abused as a child, leaving him angry and withdrawn, and he doesn’t trust the motives of outsiders. That means he and Bryce get off to a rocky start. It’s not until he sees Bryce’s concern for the needy kids on the reservations that he begins to believe that Bryce really cares. It’s all his heart needs to open up for the first time in his adult life. When his abuser returns, putting the reservation boys in danger, Paytah and Bryce must work together to stop him.

The Fight Within is the second release in Andrew Grey’s The Good Fight series. Since John and Jerry from the previous book play important roles, the books should be read in order.

I’m always apprehensive with second books in any series—even when they’re written by an author I adore. I needn’t have worried, because the uber-talented Andrew Grey has wowed me again with his love story, set amongst the harsh life on a Native American Indian Reservation.  The rich details of Indian culture make the world of the native peoples come alive. On the other hand, the blatant issues of financial mismanagement, poverty and the lack of hope suffered by those same people infuriate me because I know it’s an active problem. I applaud Mr. Grey for tackling such weighty issues because he handles it with skill, care and sensitivity—and does it well. 

There’s a lot going on in this story. Bryce is dealing with the death of his fiancé and is angry and depressed. Paytah’s had years of fear, anger and dealing with the aftermath of being abused. These two are great characters and Mr. Grey’s done a wonderful job developing their personalities. Getting them together seemed impossible at first but it’s done in a believable manner.

As you can guess there are plenty of subplots. I’m happy to say they flow smoothly into the main one without hindering the pace. The emotions of Bryce and Paytah are intense but don’t expect an excessive amount of sex—remember Paytah’s abusive past. No more rambling. I enjoyed this release and I’m looking forward to the next one. If you enjoy non-fluffy books that make you think and feel, I suggest you give this series a try.