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Fighting Chances
An opportunity to put his hands around his enemy's... neck.
What can a man do when the spark of hate ignites the fire of passion? Can desire bridge the gap between two men on opposite sides of a fence? A kitchen isle? What about a war?
Can love heal years of resentment and little hurts? And is the line between hate and love really all that thin?
In these 10 stories by well-loved M/M authors united by a common cause, you can find men in conflict with each other and with themselves... ready to give love a fighting chance.
ALL PROFITS TO BE DONATED TO PROJECT CHILDREN ALCOY.
What can a man do when the spark of hate ignites the fire of passion? Can desire bridge the gap between two men on opposite sides of a fence? A kitchen isle? What about a war?
Can love heal years of resentment and little hurts? And is the line between hate and love really all that thin?
In these 10 stories by well-loved M/M authors united by a common cause, you can find men in conflict with each other and with themselves... ready to give love a fighting chance.
ALL PROFITS TO BE DONATED TO PROJECT CHILDREN ALCOY.
ebook
First published August 17, 2019
About the author
N.J. Lysk
97 books245 followersN.J. Lysk (pronouns: whatever) is a queer one—in almost every sense of the word—for whom stories have always been their one true home. She studied linguistics and literature (which is to say, someone offered him a genuine excuse to read professionally) and ended up teaching, but writing is their one true love.
Addicted to angst, enamoured of mpreg and always ready to try a new kink (in a book, that’s it!) she became hooked into the Omegaverse through fanfic (but he doesn't have the patience to write other people's characters) and has recently expanded from werewolves to hockey players.
Check out my shelves if you want some recommendations, including books that inspired me ;)
Books can be acquired directly from the website at a reduced rate—new releases also become available there earlier.
Get episode 1 of "Cracking Ice" for free here: https://smarturl.it/FreeCrackingIce
At https://www.njlysk.com you can find stories at 0.50c and other discounts as well.
Join my newsletter to get news about releases & sales!
English: https://smarturl.it/njLYSKnews
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Français : https://smarturl.it/NJFrench
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Castellano: http://eepurl.com/c3MYLT
Check out the pretty people and covers: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/njlysk/
And come play on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/23457...
Or twitter: https://twitter.com/NjLysk
Addicted to angst, enamoured of mpreg and always ready to try a new kink (in a book, that’s it!) she became hooked into the Omegaverse through fanfic (but he doesn't have the patience to write other people's characters) and has recently expanded from werewolves to hockey players.
Check out my shelves if you want some recommendations, including books that inspired me ;)
Books can be acquired directly from the website at a reduced rate—new releases also become available there earlier.
Get episode 1 of "Cracking Ice" for free here: https://smarturl.it/FreeCrackingIce
At https://www.njlysk.com you can find stories at 0.50c and other discounts as well.
Join my newsletter to get news about releases & sales!
English: https://smarturl.it/njLYSKnews
Deutsche Mailingliste: https://smarturl.it/NJGerman
Italiano: https://smarturl.it/NJItaly
Français : https://smarturl.it/NJFrench
Portugues: http://eepurl.com/dB9r9L
Castellano: http://eepurl.com/c3MYLT
Check out the pretty people and covers: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/njlysk/
And come play on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/23457...
Or twitter: https://twitter.com/NjLysk
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 28, 2019
Overall not bad but there are multiple stories with a lot of issues. Issues like switching POV within the wrong POV chapter, editing issues, and grammar. If you don't care about that kind of stuff then this is fine. Enemies to lovers which is great and a good mix of storylines. If your a stickler for editing then STAY AWAY.
August 21, 2019
A must read
Great anthology. I loved it. Enemies to lovers is such a great trope. Thank you to all the participating authors. Great cause for the fundraiser.
Great anthology. I loved it. Enemies to lovers is such a great trope. Thank you to all the participating authors. Great cause for the fundraiser.
September 6, 2019
2.5ish 🌟 A mixed bag of stories which most of these are new authors for me (marked with a*) Some stories where Not For Me or written a way I couldn't connect with them. Errors and editing are included. I read most of the stories but I'm calling it on the rest.. Its a case of finding a jewel in a haystack Anthology
*1. Hooked by the bell- Tanya Chris 💖😂 Love is a battle field is a perfect fit for Matt and Harper. A great twist end.
*2. Saving the Dragon- Alicia Graybill. PASS a big plot hole included.. pretty sure you can't drive handcuffed to another person while in a car chase. DNF
3.Turning over a new leaf- Kat Cassidy. 👌 Miles and Logan fighting over trees.
*4. Neve- Emily Alter. 💖Tim and Derek definitely hate each other.. Derek needs help. Possible triggers- abuse
5. The Wedding Party-EM Leya 💖💖 A beautiful story for Ross and Karl. This one I loved.
*6. Frustration and Fireworks- JD Light. Right off the blurb names don't match the book. Not for me.. written in a way I couldn't connect with who was speaking. 1 &3 pov???Blurb does match the book in MCs names. Hudson is not Houston..grr.
*7.Going Down- Corie Rosling. Half-a-heart.. Damm I was just getting into the story and it ends abruptly.
*8.Six Months- BL Maxwell
*9. Don't mean a thing- Riley Ashby
*10.The Dawn Singer- KK Pieza
*1. Hooked by the bell- Tanya Chris 💖😂 Love is a battle field is a perfect fit for Matt and Harper. A great twist end.
*2. Saving the Dragon- Alicia Graybill. PASS a big plot hole included.. pretty sure you can't drive handcuffed to another person while in a car chase. DNF
3.Turning over a new leaf- Kat Cassidy. 👌 Miles and Logan fighting over trees.
*4. Neve- Emily Alter. 💖Tim and Derek definitely hate each other.. Derek needs help. Possible triggers- abuse
5. The Wedding Party-EM Leya 💖💖 A beautiful story for Ross and Karl. This one I loved.
*6. Frustration and Fireworks- JD Light. Right off the blurb names don't match the book. Not for me.. written in a way I couldn't connect with who was speaking. 1 &3 pov???Blurb does match the book in MCs names. Hudson is not Houston..grr.
*7.Going Down- Corie Rosling. Half-a-heart.. Damm I was just getting into the story and it ends abruptly.
*8.Six Months- BL Maxwell
*9. Don't mean a thing- Riley Ashby
*10.The Dawn Singer- KK Pieza
August 21, 2019
A anthology with 10 authors and 10 separate enemies to lovers stories. Each author brought different stories to life. Some had humor, romance, kinks and many more. I enjoyed this anthology and it is for an amazing cause.
August 21, 2019
Wonderful stories
I really enjoyed reading each short but wonderful story. I applaud the authors who wrote their stories for a wonderful cause....
I really enjoyed reading each short but wonderful story. I applaud the authors who wrote their stories for a wonderful cause....
September 8, 2019
It was ok. I really enjoyed 2 of the stories - Hooked by the Bell and Turning over a new leaf. The others were just not the type of stories I enjoy. Editing could be better.
August 18, 2020
Great stories
I really liked this anthology. There is short stories for every taste. Some with a lot of hate or dislike and great fights. Others that were more subtle but still great ennemies to lovers.
I discovered some new to me author through this and really enjoyed it
I really liked this anthology. There is short stories for every taste. Some with a lot of hate or dislike and great fights. Others that were more subtle but still great ennemies to lovers.
I discovered some new to me author through this and really enjoyed it
August 18, 2019
This anthology has some amazing pieces that allowed me to read predominately new to me authors. Not only that but it goes towards a very important charity, Project Children Alcoy. I’ll review each story but overall this is 5 star anthology that gives to those in need and offers some compelling reads.
Hooked by the Bell by Tanya Chris – 5 Stars
This is one of my favorites. Tanya Chris delivers on a humorous and original enemies to lovers story. Although often humorous, it delivered on all the feels as well. I loved both Matt and Harper and the secondary character Wendy is perfect. The world building was definitely on point and the storyline kept my interest completely. It’s uniquely done and the ending especially made this a favorite.
Don’t Mean a Thing by Riley Ashby – 4 stars
While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t quite meet the trope for me personally. However, it was an enjoyable story and well worth the read. It has May-December relationships and that’s always a plus for me.
Saving the Dragon by Alicia Graybill – 4 stars
This story definitely was different. I think it will benefit if the author goes and extends it, adding more depth. As it’s an anthology piece word count constraints make it move fast. I would have preferred to see some better character development though.
Turning Over a New Leaf by Kat Cassidy – 5 stars
This is an excellent enemies to lovers story. I loved the depth Kat Cassidy poured into it, both the characters and the plot. For an anthology piece, this exceeds my expectations. I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work!
Nerve by Emily Alter – 4.5 stars
This held me emotionally captive. I went through so many emotions with this piece. It is a must read. The only thing I needed was some additional world building.
The Wedding Party by E.M. Leya – 4.5 stars
I really love the thought behind this and I could tell the author really poured emotions into it. It had excellent tension to it and kept me engaged. The main characters definitely had chemistry. This is another piece I feel if it weren’t constrained by word count would really hit everything. The resolution was just a bit too fast and easy.
Frustration and Fireworks – J.D. Light – 4.5 stars
This is an incredibly cute story. I don’t feel it meets the enemies to lovers trope, but the way the author tells the story made me fall in love with it. It really hit home on the feelings.
The Dawn Singing by K.K. Pieza – No rating
This is an instance where as a reader I can’t rate the story because it’s not a style that fits for me. I respect the author for taking part in the anthology and appreciate the author’s hard work.
Going Down by Corie Rosling – 5 stars
Love this! It’s incredibly humorous and I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the work. I typically don’t go for this genre but the author has sold me on it. I can’t wait to read more.
Six Months by BL Maxwell – 5 stars
This piece definitely elicited emotions from me and I was fully immersed in the story. There was so much here that it stole my heart. I love the main characters and the secondary. It had an excellent depth to it and really went along well. It’s a great addition to this anthology.
Hooked by the Bell by Tanya Chris – 5 Stars
This is one of my favorites. Tanya Chris delivers on a humorous and original enemies to lovers story. Although often humorous, it delivered on all the feels as well. I loved both Matt and Harper and the secondary character Wendy is perfect. The world building was definitely on point and the storyline kept my interest completely. It’s uniquely done and the ending especially made this a favorite.
Don’t Mean a Thing by Riley Ashby – 4 stars
While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t quite meet the trope for me personally. However, it was an enjoyable story and well worth the read. It has May-December relationships and that’s always a plus for me.
Saving the Dragon by Alicia Graybill – 4 stars
This story definitely was different. I think it will benefit if the author goes and extends it, adding more depth. As it’s an anthology piece word count constraints make it move fast. I would have preferred to see some better character development though.
Turning Over a New Leaf by Kat Cassidy – 5 stars
This is an excellent enemies to lovers story. I loved the depth Kat Cassidy poured into it, both the characters and the plot. For an anthology piece, this exceeds my expectations. I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work!
Nerve by Emily Alter – 4.5 stars
This held me emotionally captive. I went through so many emotions with this piece. It is a must read. The only thing I needed was some additional world building.
The Wedding Party by E.M. Leya – 4.5 stars
I really love the thought behind this and I could tell the author really poured emotions into it. It had excellent tension to it and kept me engaged. The main characters definitely had chemistry. This is another piece I feel if it weren’t constrained by word count would really hit everything. The resolution was just a bit too fast and easy.
Frustration and Fireworks – J.D. Light – 4.5 stars
This is an incredibly cute story. I don’t feel it meets the enemies to lovers trope, but the way the author tells the story made me fall in love with it. It really hit home on the feelings.
The Dawn Singing by K.K. Pieza – No rating
This is an instance where as a reader I can’t rate the story because it’s not a style that fits for me. I respect the author for taking part in the anthology and appreciate the author’s hard work.
Going Down by Corie Rosling – 5 stars
Love this! It’s incredibly humorous and I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the work. I typically don’t go for this genre but the author has sold me on it. I can’t wait to read more.
Six Months by BL Maxwell – 5 stars
This piece definitely elicited emotions from me and I was fully immersed in the story. There was so much here that it stole my heart. I love the main characters and the secondary. It had an excellent depth to it and really went along well. It’s a great addition to this anthology.
September 7, 2019
Fighting Chances anthology has ten MM enemies to lovers stories inside it. All profits are going to be donated to Project Children Alcoy. There is a great explanation of that charity, what it does, and just how your donation helps.
What I truly love about anthologies is I get to find a new to me author inside usually. I found a few in this one I would love to keep reading. The authors and stories are as follows:
Emily Alter: Nerve
Riley Ashby : Don’t Mean a Thing
Kat Cassidy: Turning Over a New Leaf
Tanya Chris: Hooked by the Bell
Alicia Graybill: Saving the Dagon
E.M. Leya: The Wedding Party
J.D. Light: Frustration and Fire Works
BL Maxwell: Six Months
K.K. Pieza : The Dawn Singer
Corie Rosling: Going Down
I am going to pick my two favorites to talk about in this review. They are all well worth the read though.
Hooked by the Bell by author Tanya Chris
This story starts off the anthology. Told in dual pov. Matt and Harper are the modern-day Hatfield and McCoy’s of their generation. They have been friends forever, and always their families have fought over a tiny piece of land. No one wants to give in. when Matt and Harper get their family homes will this feud continue? Well, these two reminded me of two kids fighting over the same toy. They were funny as heck. The chemistry makes it pure adult though. They have a lot of underlying tension. Might just be what this feud needs for it to stop. I always say make love, not war.
The next story I am going to talk about is The Wedding Party by author E.M. Leya.
This was a very powerful read for me. I think this short story deals with a lot of heavy themes done in a beautiful way. After his parents die Ross ends up raising his sister. She is his world. He has given up all of his dreams to make hers come true. Now she is getting married. There are a couple of things Ross needs to get past, one her best friend Karl. And the fact Ross is finally going to have to start living for himself.
Karl has a feminine side, was kicked out of his family home as a teen. He lived with Ross and his sister. But something happened and Karl thinks Ross hates him. Will Tess getting married bring these two together?
What these two needed to do was grow up a ton and learn to talk to each other. Once they do woooohooo there is smoke and fire. I loved this story and I would love to visit these characters again sometime.
Overall Fighting Chances is a must-read. I was not disappointed in any story in this anthology. All are well-done well-rounded stories that I really loved. I now even have some new to me authors to follow. If you love enemies to lovers as much as I do and want to donate to a great cause too, I highly recommend this anthology.
Five Stars and Reviewer's Choice Award
August 19, 2019
"Fighting Chances" is an entertaining combination of "enemies to lovers" adult gay romance stories that showcase the writing talents of ten talented authors. The fact that the proceeds are being donated to a worthy cause is just icing on the cake.
I particularly enjoyed the hijinks in Tanya Chris' "Hooked by the Bell," as two men continue the bitter feud between their families over a strip of land that separates their respective properties...until they rediscover there are more important things to have in common. A particularly hilarious (to me) scene takes place in their childhood treehouse that is NOT soundproof, lol.
Kat Cassidy's "Turning Over a New Leaf" gives a new perspective on the fight between fellers (who cut down trees) and environmentalists who go to extremes to protect nature and I felt a connection to both main characters immediately and will definitely be looking for other works by this author as well.
Corie Rosling's "Going Down" taught me that omegas can be pretty feisty, lol, and I enjoyed the lesson on what can be done with shrink wrap.
BL Maxwell's "Six Months" made me hungry, although I wanted to smack one of the main characters (always good when they resonate enough with you to make you annoyed, I guess, lol). A slow burn romance.
Some of the stories in the anthology are not for the faint of heart, so make sure to read the warnings that accompany descriptions. I read an ARC, so I am hopeful that the story that had quite a few errors has been revised. Overall, the book was engaging, (mostly) easy to read, and covers a wide spectrum of gay romance.
A copy of this story was provided for review
I particularly enjoyed the hijinks in Tanya Chris' "Hooked by the Bell," as two men continue the bitter feud between their families over a strip of land that separates their respective properties...until they rediscover there are more important things to have in common. A particularly hilarious (to me) scene takes place in their childhood treehouse that is NOT soundproof, lol.
Kat Cassidy's "Turning Over a New Leaf" gives a new perspective on the fight between fellers (who cut down trees) and environmentalists who go to extremes to protect nature and I felt a connection to both main characters immediately and will definitely be looking for other works by this author as well.
Corie Rosling's "Going Down" taught me that omegas can be pretty feisty, lol, and I enjoyed the lesson on what can be done with shrink wrap.
BL Maxwell's "Six Months" made me hungry, although I wanted to smack one of the main characters (always good when they resonate enough with you to make you annoyed, I guess, lol). A slow burn romance.
Some of the stories in the anthology are not for the faint of heart, so make sure to read the warnings that accompany descriptions. I read an ARC, so I am hopeful that the story that had quite a few errors has been revised. Overall, the book was engaging, (mostly) easy to read, and covers a wide spectrum of gay romance.
A copy of this story was provided for review
August 17, 2019
This Anthology contains 10 enemies to lovers story and mostly from new authors. I read 7 stories and liked 5 from them. I think i'll read the 3 stories too, but not now.
I love this trope, but not everyone can write good stories about it. This trope needs to be fueled with anger and hate-sex and it needs to be steamy! So far only a few was this good.
So the Anthology was a good read, i loved all the hate-sex and anger, loved the new characters and situations and i loved to met new authors. The first two and the last two were the best.
more on my blog: https://readingundertherainbow.blogsp...
I love this trope, but not everyone can write good stories about it. This trope needs to be fueled with anger and hate-sex and it needs to be steamy! So far only a few was this good.
So the Anthology was a good read, i loved all the hate-sex and anger, loved the new characters and situations and i loved to met new authors. The first two and the last two were the best.
more on my blog: https://readingundertherainbow.blogsp...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews