Book Recommendation and Review of Fighting for Flight (Fighting #1) by J.B. Salsbury

What happens when in order to win, you’re forced to lose?

The only daughter of an infamous Las Vegas pimp, Raven Morretti grew up an outsider. Liberated from the neglectful home of her prostitute mother, she finds solace as a mechanic. With few friends, she’s content with the simple life. Flying under the radar is all she knows, and more than she expects.

Until she catches the eye of local celebrity, UFL playboy Jonah Slade. 

Weeks away from his title fight, Jonah is determined to stay focused on everything he’s trained so hard to achieve. Undefeated in the octagon, he’s at the height of his career. But resisting Raven’s effortless allure and uncomplicated nature is a fight he can’t win. 

Jonah trades in his bad-boy reputation and puts his heart on the line. But when her father contacts her, setting in motion the ugly truth of her destiny, Jonah must choose. In a high-stakes gamble where love and freedom hang in the balance, a war is waged where the price of losing is a fate worse than death.

Will the hotheaded Jonah be able to restrain his inner fighter to save the woman he loves? 

Or will Raven be forced into a life she’s been desperate to avoid?

Overall Rating:  4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆

Fighting for Flight by J.B. Salisbury is the first book in the Fighting series and it began my obsession with mixed martial arts romance.  J.B. draws the reader to each character she creates and the anticipation for the outcome is unbearable at times.  The story begins with a naive heroine, Raven Moretti and a hunky fighter hero, Jonah Slade.  This is their journey.

Raven spent her formative years yearning for acceptance and love from her parents.  She always felt like the odd ball out.  She is beautiful inside and out.  Her mentor, Guy, taught her all she knows about engines...she's a mechanic and really good at what she does.

When Jonah Slade decides to rebuild his newest purchase, he encounters someone that takes his breath away.  Jonah is known for his playboy lifestyle in Las Vegas and he has no desire to change until he meets Raven.  There is chemistry from the beginning between them and a deep connection forms.  Obstacles are put in their path trying to prevent them from reaching their HEA.

The plot of this story is not at all what I expected as I read it.  The camaraderie between the fighters adds another level of development to the spiraling dilemma the couple encounters.  There are several unexpected twists that allows for the buildup and it does not let you down.  If you are looking for a good read, look no further.  This is another great addition to my library and yours.

Hero: Jonah Slade 4.5 stars
Heroine: Raven Moretti 4.5 stars
Plot:  4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger:  No