Fight to Forgive

By j. leigh bailey

Recent college grad Aaron Elliott is a pro when it comes to avoiding conflict. So when he hears his mother and stepfather plan to sell the family's rambling summer retreat, it takes everything in him to object. The lake house is where he feels closest to his late father. It's where he fell in love with his best friend…and it's where he let family pressure decide his future rather than following his heart.A combat injury has sailor James "Freddie" Fredrick dry-docked, possibly for good. But the pain in his shoulder is nothing like the hurt he feels when he sees Aaron back in town. It's been four years since the love of his life left without a word—and though Freddie would give anything to deny it, the heat between them hasn't faded.Once upon a time, Aaron let Freddie go without a fight. He won't screw up their second chance to have a happy ending. But unless he makes peace with the past, Freddie won't be able to face their future.Book three of Letting GoThis book is approximately 67,000 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carina Press
• Release date: Mar 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781459290310

Reviews for Fight to Forgive

[crtsjffrsn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After suffering a combat injury, James "Freddie" Fredrick has returned to a place he doesn't want to spend much time: home. There were many reasons he joined the Navy and left four years before. It's not something he wants to talk about with anyone and he never has. But when his sister picks him up from the airport and tells him she's buying Elliott House, it seems he just can't get away. Aaron Elliott is right back at the front and center of his life. Aaron who selfishly left him without a word four years ago. And things get even more complicated when he learns Aaron is back in town.
Aaron Elliott has avoided conflict all his life. If he can get through something without making waves, he will. But when he learned his mother and stepfather were planning to sell his father's house, he knew he had to speak up. Aaron's father left that house to him, and though a legal technicality has put his ownership in question, Aaron believes his father's wishes should be carried out. So he halts the sale and decides to spend a summer at Elliott House. He just doesn't expect to run into Freddie. The feelings come rushing back, but Aaron tells himself he has to let them go. After all, Freddie destroyed anything the two of them could have had four years ago.

As the two live in proximity again, their past eventually becomes a big enough elephant in the room that it can't be avoided. Though both are committed to never going back down that road, can their collective willpower hold out? And what exactly is the truth of their breakup? Is it possible all could be forgiven?

I've been a fan of this series of stories by j. leigh bailey since the first one. The stories they tell are so rich and dynamic, I always have a hard time putting the books down. And the story of these two is certainly no exception. The value of communication and trust is clear in how this story plays out. And it reminds us that it's also so important to meet another person where they are. You can't hold someone to expectations that are outside of their nature--especially if you never communicate those expectations to them.

Strong recommendation on this one!

[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]