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nkthomas720's review
5.0
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book.
So many emotions in one story! I set out thinking this book would be your typical romance novel and boy was I wrong. Fit for love will make you fall in love with Aiden, Mak, Ryder and of course Nonna. Just be sure to have your tissues ready for this emotional roller coaster of emotions! It will definitely pull on your heartstrings.
So many emotions in one story! I set out thinking this book would be your typical romance novel and boy was I wrong. Fit for love will make you fall in love with Aiden, Mak, Ryder and of course Nonna. Just be sure to have your tissues ready for this emotional roller coaster of emotions! It will definitely pull on your heartstrings.
dlparrott's review against another edition
5.0
Makenna Ross had a traumatic childhood that has left her emotionally scarred. It's something that has left her not wanting to get attached to anyone. Having her son shows her that she doesn't need a man to be happy she just needs her son and her mother. So when she helps out a guy that she just so happens to punch in the face, by pretending to be his fiance for his grandma that is in the hospital. MaKenna is a songwriter who has a pushy, jealous, baby fathers who just so happens to be a famous singer. He also wants to come back into both of their lives. So not only does Aiden get help from her but he helps Makenna out.
Aiden Alesini is a fitness trainer who is trying to save enough money to open up his own gym. New Year's Eve brings many changes. First he gets punched in the face by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Next he gets a phone call that has turned his life completely upside down. There's nothing he wouldn't do for his grandma she has raised him to be the man he is today. He didn't have a fabulous childhood but his grandmother is the only constant in his life. When he bags MaKenna to be his pretend fiance his grandma is beside herself with joy.
They slowly start to build a relationship that may have started out on a lie but form into something solid. When it starts to get serious though Makenna tries to push Aiden away. He does everything in his power to show her then he is in it wholeheartedly it's not just pretend for him. Can she really trust another man not to hurt her or will it be too late?
This book pulled at my heartstrings from page 1. Aiden he is a unique man he has a goal and his life that nothing will stop him from achieving. He loves wholeheartedly and it's hard happens to want Makenna. Now Makenna is a great mom. Yeah her childhood was not pleasant after reading about it yeah I would have tough time with that also. I thought they were the perfect match for each other. I loved them from page 1. How they met that is unique, I don't think I have read a book today that had a couple start off like they did.
Aiden Alesini is a fitness trainer who is trying to save enough money to open up his own gym. New Year's Eve brings many changes. First he gets punched in the face by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Next he gets a phone call that has turned his life completely upside down. There's nothing he wouldn't do for his grandma she has raised him to be the man he is today. He didn't have a fabulous childhood but his grandmother is the only constant in his life. When he bags MaKenna to be his pretend fiance his grandma is beside herself with joy.
They slowly start to build a relationship that may have started out on a lie but form into something solid. When it starts to get serious though Makenna tries to push Aiden away. He does everything in his power to show her then he is in it wholeheartedly it's not just pretend for him. Can she really trust another man not to hurt her or will it be too late?
This book pulled at my heartstrings from page 1. Aiden he is a unique man he has a goal and his life that nothing will stop him from achieving. He loves wholeheartedly and it's hard happens to want Makenna. Now Makenna is a great mom. Yeah her childhood was not pleasant after reading about it yeah I would have tough time with that also. I thought they were the perfect match for each other. I loved them from page 1. How they met that is unique, I don't think I have read a book today that had a couple start off like they did.
theestherhadassah's review
5.0
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest review.
Eee! First off, Aiden's Nonna scenes were beautiful and funny. Her character made the story, in my opinion. I love Italian grandmothers, who are hopeless romantics. My own Italian genetics were very happy with the turnout.
Though this book follows 2 books prior, it is a stand-alone and follows its own set of characters. Aiden is a fitness trainer. Nuff said.
Makenna (Mak) is a song writer, single mother, and a singer, but she doesn't think of it that way. She is a headstrong, 'don't mess with me' kind of woman, and this is one of the reasons Aiden is attracted to her. Nonna is just like that and he loves her.
I can never get enough of guys with little kids and babies. Makenna has a three year old son, Ryder, and Aiden tries to become friends with him. It is so cute! There is a part where Ryder doesn't want Aiden to go anywhere, and he warms up to him eventually. It just . . . my sister and I fawn over such topics all the time. The toddler in this picture may not be 3, but I can finally use it!
This book has taken up position amongst the books that tough my heart. I most definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a story about finding true love.
Eee! First off, Aiden's Nonna scenes were beautiful and funny. Her character made the story, in my opinion. I love Italian grandmothers, who are hopeless romantics. My own Italian genetics were very happy with the turnout.
Though this book follows 2 books prior, it is a stand-alone and follows its own set of characters. Aiden is a fitness trainer. Nuff said.
Makenna (Mak) is a song writer, single mother, and a singer, but she doesn't think of it that way. She is a headstrong, 'don't mess with me' kind of woman, and this is one of the reasons Aiden is attracted to her. Nonna is just like that and he loves her.
I can never get enough of guys with little kids and babies. Makenna has a three year old son, Ryder, and Aiden tries to become friends with him. It is so cute! There is a part where Ryder doesn't want Aiden to go anywhere, and he warms up to him eventually. It just . . . my sister and I fawn over such topics all the time. The toddler in this picture may not be 3, but I can finally use it!
This book has taken up position amongst the books that tough my heart. I most definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a story about finding true love.
kelli513's review
4.0
Four Stars.
Aiden, a physical trainer and beloved only grandson meets and falls in love with Makenna, a single mom and devoted only daughter. Seems to be a pretty cut and dry story, but there are a lot of obsticals and most of them because of the indecisive Makenna.
Makenna blames herself for her fathers death and therefore doesn't believe she deserves love or to be happy outside of her little circle of herself, her son and her mother. Makenna is the queen of excuses. Excuses as to why she can't and why she shouldn't. She isn't a risk taker, she doesn't want to do anything out of the ordinary due to the fear that she will let her mother or her son down.
Aiden believes in soulmates and true love. He has been drawn to Makenna since he first laid eyes on her and wants to be with her forever yet how does he do this without scaring her off.
This was a good book, the characters were well written. I think that the reason I gave this four stars and not five is because Makenna reminds me just a bit too much of myself. Negative. Seeing the bad in everything instead of being able to open her heart and mind and let in the positive and good things. Having been hurt and blaming herself for her fathers death she doesnt want her mother or son to have to feel as if she has let them down so to over compensate for that she does everything for them and does very little for herself.
This was a good read and there is a happy ending, even through it all. Brinda Berry is a very good author.
katie_83's review
5.0
5 star review
Fit for Love is a romance novel in the Stand By Me series by Brinda Berry – it is a standalone book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The author has a lovely, relaxed writing style that made it easy to read and she also created characters that were very easy to fall in love with.
The story is about Aiden Alesini, a bar tender, fitness trainer and fake fiancé. One minute he’s kissing a complete stranger at midnight New Year’s Eve and the next he’s engaged to her but it’s only to appease his Grandmother. His Nonna’s dying wish is for Aiden to find someone and settle down. Songwriter Makenna Ross is perfect for Aiden and she’s also the hottest woman he’s ever met – thankfully she agrees to go along with the fake engagement but the longer he knows and the closer Aiden gets to Makenna the more he falls for her – and also her little boy. Makenna doesn’t do commitment and Aiden knows that she is hiding something from him because the harder he chases her - the faster she runs.
I just totally loved these characters. I have to admit the model on the cover (who is extremely HOT by the way) is actually how I imagined Aiden to look. The way he loved his Nonna melted my heart, then he started to pursue Makenna and he melted my heart again and just when I thought he couldn’t do anything else when he started to try and build a relationship with Makenna’s son I was gone - he stole my already melted heart and ran away with it - he has also set up camp on my book boyfriend list!
Makenna is a great character too – she has a lot of love to give but something is stopping her and once I found out what it was my heart broke for her. Luckily she had Aiden there to break down the walls she had erected around her heart and show her that she is ‘Fit for Love’
A really lovely story - full of romance and swoon worthy moments. I give Fit for Love 5 beautiful stars!
Fit for Love is a romance novel in the Stand By Me series by Brinda Berry – it is a standalone book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The author has a lovely, relaxed writing style that made it easy to read and she also created characters that were very easy to fall in love with.
The story is about Aiden Alesini, a bar tender, fitness trainer and fake fiancé. One minute he’s kissing a complete stranger at midnight New Year’s Eve and the next he’s engaged to her but it’s only to appease his Grandmother. His Nonna’s dying wish is for Aiden to find someone and settle down. Songwriter Makenna Ross is perfect for Aiden and she’s also the hottest woman he’s ever met – thankfully she agrees to go along with the fake engagement but the longer he knows and the closer Aiden gets to Makenna the more he falls for her – and also her little boy. Makenna doesn’t do commitment and Aiden knows that she is hiding something from him because the harder he chases her - the faster she runs.
I just totally loved these characters. I have to admit the model on the cover (who is extremely HOT by the way) is actually how I imagined Aiden to look. The way he loved his Nonna melted my heart, then he started to pursue Makenna and he melted my heart again and just when I thought he couldn’t do anything else when he started to try and build a relationship with Makenna’s son I was gone - he stole my already melted heart and ran away with it - he has also set up camp on my book boyfriend list!
Makenna is a great character too – she has a lot of love to give but something is stopping her and once I found out what it was my heart broke for her. Luckily she had Aiden there to break down the walls she had erected around her heart and show her that she is ‘Fit for Love’
A really lovely story - full of romance and swoon worthy moments. I give Fit for Love 5 beautiful stars!
lisa01's review
4.0
Fit for Love by Brinda Berry rated 4 stars
Makenna Ross, who is a songwriter, has a child and a rock star ex not counting childhood baggage. Aiden Alesini has a wonderfully pushy grandmother and a deep interest in learning about all things Makenna. Makenna Ross is doing a friend a favor, on New Year's Eve, singing onstage. Aiden Alesini was filling in as bartender that night. He sees Makenna and instantly wants to know her better but first there is that delicious midnight kiss they share. Makenna goes on stage and a fight breaks out. Aiden rushed up to defend her. Little did he know she threw a heck of a punch and clocked him in the eye. Feeling bad Makenna offers to take him home and clean him up. This coincidental meeting is the start of a wonderfully real relationship.
Aiden worries about meeting Ryder, Mckenna's son. He wonders what to do to make sure Ryder likes him. There are some funny scenes on the first get together for all three of them. Ryder has quite the stare and it unnerves Aiden so he feels like he is enemy number one to him. Eventually Aiden and Ryder become pals. The relationship between Makenna and Aiden only progresses because Aidan's grandmother swears she is his other half. Somehow Makenna get talked into being Aiden's fake fiancée to make his grandmother happy. The problem with a fake relationship is the couple spends so much time together they start liking each other. When Mckenna's ex , also Ryder's dad, shows up he tries to break up the happy fake couple. Makenna has a habit of running from relationships. Will she be able to overcome her past and stop running? Will Aiden be strong enough to overcome her fears?
This was a easy to read romance. There were quite a few cute scenes with Ryder that I could imagine happening in real life. Also I don't want to forget to mention the songwriting that is throughout the book. One of my favorites was:
One little promise
Two to make mistakes
Three to start a family
Four can make it break
Makenna Ross, who is a songwriter, has a child and a rock star ex not counting childhood baggage. Aiden Alesini has a wonderfully pushy grandmother and a deep interest in learning about all things Makenna. Makenna Ross is doing a friend a favor, on New Year's Eve, singing onstage. Aiden Alesini was filling in as bartender that night. He sees Makenna and instantly wants to know her better but first there is that delicious midnight kiss they share. Makenna goes on stage and a fight breaks out. Aiden rushed up to defend her. Little did he know she threw a heck of a punch and clocked him in the eye. Feeling bad Makenna offers to take him home and clean him up. This coincidental meeting is the start of a wonderfully real relationship.
Aiden worries about meeting Ryder, Mckenna's son. He wonders what to do to make sure Ryder likes him. There are some funny scenes on the first get together for all three of them. Ryder has quite the stare and it unnerves Aiden so he feels like he is enemy number one to him. Eventually Aiden and Ryder become pals. The relationship between Makenna and Aiden only progresses because Aidan's grandmother swears she is his other half. Somehow Makenna get talked into being Aiden's fake fiancée to make his grandmother happy. The problem with a fake relationship is the couple spends so much time together they start liking each other. When Mckenna's ex , also Ryder's dad, shows up he tries to break up the happy fake couple. Makenna has a habit of running from relationships. Will she be able to overcome her past and stop running? Will Aiden be strong enough to overcome her fears?
This was a easy to read romance. There were quite a few cute scenes with Ryder that I could imagine happening in real life. Also I don't want to forget to mention the songwriting that is throughout the book. One of my favorites was:
One little promise
Two to make mistakes
Three to start a family
Four can make it break
bwagner's review
4.0
Fit for Love by Brinda Berr is the third novel in the “A Stand By Me” series. This story is about two people learning to trust each other. This book will make you happy, mad and cry all at the same time. This story will show you that it is possible for two people to form a relationship and turn it into something more.
Makenna “Mak” Ross is a woman who writes music and is a mommy. She suffered a traumatic situation with her father and blames herself for it. One night she is about go on stage to fill in for a band when a fight occurs and that's when she meets him. She accidentally hits him in the eye and offers to take him home. Once there he gets a call that his grandmother is in the hospital. She goes with him to the hospital and finds herself pretending to be his fiancee. Will she continue this pretending game? Will she let him into her heart?
Aiden Alesini is a man who works at a gym as a trainer and is a health nut. Its New Years Eve and he is filling in at the bar for a friend when she comes up to the bar. He finds her attractive from the start. His grandmother always said that the person you kiss at midnight is who you will end up with. Will he kiss her? Is what his grandmother always said true? Will he convince her to play the part of his fiancee for the sake of his grandmother? Will he win her over?
Mak and Aiden's story is an up and down relationship and will keep you wanting to find out what will happen with them. Will they be able to overcome Mak's tragedy? Will they turn their friendship into a relationship? Will Mak trust Aiden with her heart?
This is a first read for me by Brinda Berr. Brinda lives with her family in the United States. She likes to spend time on sandy beaches, new technology, Kings of Leon and cairn terriers. She enjoys chocolate and stories that take her away from reality. This is a easy fast read and these characters make it that way. It makes you want to see if they end up together. I suggest everyone read this book as they will find it as enjoyable as I did.
Makenna “Mak” Ross is a woman who writes music and is a mommy. She suffered a traumatic situation with her father and blames herself for it. One night she is about go on stage to fill in for a band when a fight occurs and that's when she meets him. She accidentally hits him in the eye and offers to take him home. Once there he gets a call that his grandmother is in the hospital. She goes with him to the hospital and finds herself pretending to be his fiancee. Will she continue this pretending game? Will she let him into her heart?
Aiden Alesini is a man who works at a gym as a trainer and is a health nut. Its New Years Eve and he is filling in at the bar for a friend when she comes up to the bar. He finds her attractive from the start. His grandmother always said that the person you kiss at midnight is who you will end up with. Will he kiss her? Is what his grandmother always said true? Will he convince her to play the part of his fiancee for the sake of his grandmother? Will he win her over?
Mak and Aiden's story is an up and down relationship and will keep you wanting to find out what will happen with them. Will they be able to overcome Mak's tragedy? Will they turn their friendship into a relationship? Will Mak trust Aiden with her heart?
This is a first read for me by Brinda Berr. Brinda lives with her family in the United States. She likes to spend time on sandy beaches, new technology, Kings of Leon and cairn terriers. She enjoys chocolate and stories that take her away from reality. This is a easy fast read and these characters make it that way. It makes you want to see if they end up together. I suggest everyone read this book as they will find it as enjoyable as I did.
shannonlovesbooksandreading's review
5.0
Fit for Love by Brinda Berry is A Stand by Me Novel, it’s actually book 3 but can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading anything and everything by Brinda Berry! She has a way with words that makes you fall in love with her characters, their feelings and their situations.
Fit for Love made my heart soar and drop and soar again! Aiden is a hard working, hot looking, swoony kind of guy. He has plans, dreams and goals. And he loves his Nonna. Makenna is a single mom, just trying to raise her son right. She had a tragic past that has made her strive to keep all things bad from her young son, Ryder. Which means protecting her heart and his. But after a chance meeting between Makenna and Aiden, on New Year’s Eve, some plans can change.
“My heart says you’re my match, more than I ever expected, more than I ever dreamed. I’m not going anywhere.”
Even after a few misunderstandings, more tragedy and a crazy ex, Aiden and Makenna believe in each other. Now they just need to prove to each other that they are fit for love.
“Everything and nothing. It boils down to the simple fact that we both want to make each other happy. Baby, you and I together…we’re exactly what we deserve.”
This is a great story. I absolutely loved it. It made me laugh out loud, sigh with longing, and hoping for that happily ever after. And as with real life, Berry takes us for a ride that leaves our heart filled.
Fit for Love made my heart soar and drop and soar again! Aiden is a hard working, hot looking, swoony kind of guy. He has plans, dreams and goals. And he loves his Nonna. Makenna is a single mom, just trying to raise her son right. She had a tragic past that has made her strive to keep all things bad from her young son, Ryder. Which means protecting her heart and his. But after a chance meeting between Makenna and Aiden, on New Year’s Eve, some plans can change.
“My heart says you’re my match, more than I ever expected, more than I ever dreamed. I’m not going anywhere.”
Even after a few misunderstandings, more tragedy and a crazy ex, Aiden and Makenna believe in each other. Now they just need to prove to each other that they are fit for love.
“Everything and nothing. It boils down to the simple fact that we both want to make each other happy. Baby, you and I together…we’re exactly what we deserve.”
This is a great story. I absolutely loved it. It made me laugh out loud, sigh with longing, and hoping for that happily ever after. And as with real life, Berry takes us for a ride that leaves our heart filled.
angelahayes's review
5.0
5 Stars
Fit For Love is the third book in the Stand By Me series by Brinda Berry. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful book. It is the second book of Ms. Berry’s that I have read so far, and I have really loved each one.
Makenna Ross (Mak) is a really talented and successful songwriter- she is also a single mother and is determined to do the best she can, for her 3 year old son Ryder. Tragedy marred her childhood and the trauma of it has haunted her ever since. Her experience has had such a lasting effect that Makenna won’t allow herself to get attached to anyone, except her son and her mother. She has built up pretty solid defences around her heart. It’s going to take someone special to break through them!
Aiden Alesini is single, twenty-four years old and works as a personal trainer in a gym, and also does some part time bar tending. He dreams of opening his own Gym one day and is saving as much as he can to put towards achieving his goal.
On New Year’s Eve Aiden is working at his friends bar, when he notices the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. She had an ethereal, almost other worldly quality about her, with stunning red hair, green eyes and porcelain skin. She and Aiden end up sharing a sizzling, knee trembling kiss to welcome in the New Year, both are left reeling from the powerful chemistry that surges between them. Suddenly, a bar fight breaks out and Aiden rushes to her aid, but ends up getting socked in the eye in the process and receives a nasty gash.
Makenna offers to patch him up and then drive him home. Along the way, Aiden gets a call to let him know his beloved Grandmother has been rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack. They hurry to the hospital and Makenna accompanies him inside, as she doesn’t want him to be alone if something bad has happened.
Once inside, his Grandmother mistakes Makenna as Aiden’s Fiancée and is so happy that he has finally found someone to share his life with, that neither Aiden nor Makenna have the heart to tell her the truth. So they play along for her benefit. The problem is, Aiden really would like for it to be true, now all he has to do is win over Makenna and convince her that this is meant to be and he is worth her affections.
Again, Ms. Berry has produced a beautiful love story with a great plot and a captivating storyline. Added to that were her wonderful, fully developed characters- the combination of these pulled me into the story and wrapped me up in its warm embrace. I was so completely emotionally invested in every detail. I couldn’t put it down, reading it in one session.
Aiden was so adorable and the way he loved his Grandmother was so sweet. I loved his interactions with Ryder, they were so cute together. Nonna was a darling- quite feisty, very loving and says what she thinks. I hope to be like her when I’m eighty-nine years old. Makenna was so strong and yet vulnerable. Makenna’s ex showing up in the picture, causes some trouble as he is pushy and jealous.
This is a reasonably quick, easy read. It can be read as a standalone and ends in a H.E.A.
Ms. Berry manages to instil a lot of charm, heart, soul and feeling into her stories and character. I really recommend this book- you’ll love it and won’t regret getting it. Just be prepared to fall in love with Ms. Berry’s work!
I can’t wait to jump into her next book!
Thank you Ms. Berry.
Fit For Love is the third book in the Stand By Me series by Brinda Berry. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful book. It is the second book of Ms. Berry’s that I have read so far, and I have really loved each one.
Makenna Ross (Mak) is a really talented and successful songwriter- she is also a single mother and is determined to do the best she can, for her 3 year old son Ryder. Tragedy marred her childhood and the trauma of it has haunted her ever since. Her experience has had such a lasting effect that Makenna won’t allow herself to get attached to anyone, except her son and her mother. She has built up pretty solid defences around her heart. It’s going to take someone special to break through them!
Aiden Alesini is single, twenty-four years old and works as a personal trainer in a gym, and also does some part time bar tending. He dreams of opening his own Gym one day and is saving as much as he can to put towards achieving his goal.
On New Year’s Eve Aiden is working at his friends bar, when he notices the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. She had an ethereal, almost other worldly quality about her, with stunning red hair, green eyes and porcelain skin. She and Aiden end up sharing a sizzling, knee trembling kiss to welcome in the New Year, both are left reeling from the powerful chemistry that surges between them. Suddenly, a bar fight breaks out and Aiden rushes to her aid, but ends up getting socked in the eye in the process and receives a nasty gash.
Makenna offers to patch him up and then drive him home. Along the way, Aiden gets a call to let him know his beloved Grandmother has been rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack. They hurry to the hospital and Makenna accompanies him inside, as she doesn’t want him to be alone if something bad has happened.
Once inside, his Grandmother mistakes Makenna as Aiden’s Fiancée and is so happy that he has finally found someone to share his life with, that neither Aiden nor Makenna have the heart to tell her the truth. So they play along for her benefit. The problem is, Aiden really would like for it to be true, now all he has to do is win over Makenna and convince her that this is meant to be and he is worth her affections.
Again, Ms. Berry has produced a beautiful love story with a great plot and a captivating storyline. Added to that were her wonderful, fully developed characters- the combination of these pulled me into the story and wrapped me up in its warm embrace. I was so completely emotionally invested in every detail. I couldn’t put it down, reading it in one session.
Aiden was so adorable and the way he loved his Grandmother was so sweet. I loved his interactions with Ryder, they were so cute together. Nonna was a darling- quite feisty, very loving and says what she thinks. I hope to be like her when I’m eighty-nine years old. Makenna was so strong and yet vulnerable. Makenna’s ex showing up in the picture, causes some trouble as he is pushy and jealous.
This is a reasonably quick, easy read. It can be read as a standalone and ends in a H.E.A.
Ms. Berry manages to instil a lot of charm, heart, soul and feeling into her stories and character. I really recommend this book- you’ll love it and won’t regret getting it. Just be prepared to fall in love with Ms. Berry’s work!
I can’t wait to jump into her next book!
Thank you Ms. Berry.
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