Thank you, Brit Benson. Thank you, Brit Benson. Thank you, Brit Benson. Words cannot express how happy I was to start reading this book and become immersed once again in the Next Life world. I had barely started the Prologue and I was already mad, sad, shocked (well, given Sam’s family, not really shocked but appalled), and then crying because her relationship with Lennon is the lifeline they both so desperately need – and the only one either of them had for a time. Let me stop right here and tell you that if you haven’t already read the first two books in the Next Life series you should do it now. The Love You Fight For is wonderful as a standalone but all three books? Amazing. You don’t want to miss a word of the backstories.

Just when we think we know all there is to know about Samantha Harper, another facet appears. When we first met her she was the spoiled little rich girl, wild, reckless, spiteful and in a sometimes and mostly for convenience relationship with bad boy Macon Davis. A relationship desperate and destructive for both of them, but all either of them could manage over the hurt and rejection they both felt. Then somehow, unpredictably, Sam and good girl Lennon Capri Washington form an unbreakable bond at the time of Macon’s overdose. When we last saw Sam, everybody was getting along, and hometown boy Christopher Casper was part of the group.

So what happened? There was a little hint, just a feeling maybe, that odd as it might be given how opposite Chris and Sam are there might be a spark there, someday something might become a flame. But now? Now they speak, but there’s no warmth in it, more like needling and provocation. Their paths only cross because Chris is Macon’s best friend and Sam and Lennon still have that bond.

Sam never seemed like a very happy girl, and she doesn’t seem like a very happy woman. She’s still working for her father the mighty Senator but it’s obvious she hates him. She seems to be waiting for something, but for what? And how long is she going to have to wait? Her family is the dictionary definition of dysfunctional. Parenting? What’s that? Senator Harper is powerful, ruthless, misogynistic, using people as pawns and so much more evil than we even imagined. He raised a son, Chase, to be just like him. Chase is always being shipped off to some corner of the world on “business” but really to dry out or escape the consequences of his actions. Their mother? Out of the picture except for the occasional command performance, otherwise living her life away from the husband and children she so obviously cares nothing for.

Which brings us to Chris. As TLYFF unfolds we realize how little we really knew about him. Good guy or bad guy? Good family or bad family? What is he besides the guy Macon can always depend on? Well, he’s a lot more. Good guy, good close family, hard worker, ambitions, dreams – and some little nagging feelings for Samantha Harper. Good feelings or bad feelings? Can’t be sure yet. When whatever happened that drove him and Sam apart as even casual friends, he entered a relationship and proposed. When we first see Chris again Sable has just laughed in Chris’ face over the proposal, and Macon is helping him burn everything that reminds him of Sable. He feels played, used, unwanted, unappreciated, pessimistic about his future.

So when we reenter the Next Life world in TLYFF and reunite with possibly our two favorite characters ever – Macon and Lennon, who else – we long for Sam to find peace, contentment, someone that can just be hers, someone she can be herself with – and to be out of the danger that seems to surround her as this new campaign starts. We also long for Chris to achieve his dreams and to find that special someone he deserves. Being the romantic readers that we are and knowing what an expert author Benson is at working those HEAs we are holding our breath for the Sam & Chris moment. As we get more glimpses into the Sam of now we realize how strong she is and that she has a plan. A dangerous plan but one that just might give her what she needs. And Chris continues to surprise. Benson does such a magical job of making Chris a study in contrasts, but contrasts that complement and balance. He seems to hold back and be a little unsure around Sam, but at the same time pulls no punches. As the story continues he becomes more forceful, more protective, not afraid to show his feelings and back up his feelings with action. He pushes harder and harder for her to open up, and amazingly she does. And in intimate moments there is nothing at all unsure about Chris. Is this marvelous or what?

I could probably write a review as long as the book just telling you everything I love about the book, but you really need to experience it yourself. It’s emotional, angsty, sad, funny, and has a bit of mystery. I love Macon and am not ashamed to admit having more Macon made my heart go pitter-patter. Claire – the eternally evil one – is mentioned just enough that I’m worried I might have to actually feel sorry for her one of these days. But not yet, this is Sam and Chris’ time in the spotlight.

Don’t forget the beautiful, beautiful book covers that go along with the beautiful, beautiful words. And if you have the opportunity to listen to TLYFF do it – Benson’s books always have the most amazing narrators that will transport you to that Next Life world. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of The Love You Fight For as part of the ARC team. I started reading in the afternoon, and after that astounding Prologue knew I wouldn’t put it down until I was finished – and I was right. You won’t be able to stop turning the pages, either. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. ( )

I am glad to see Sam get a guy like Chris. A "real" man who knows how to treat Sam and not just like a princess but with all of his heart. Ooh and the pierced d!ck was a nice addition. It took me by surprise.

Every time that these two got together, the scenes got steamier and steamier. Also, you could see the love growing between them get stronger and stronger as well. Chris is great for Sam. She bloomed with him around and became a stronger woman for it.

I found this book to be a very fast read. I do want more. Looking forward to reading the next book. ( )