The Love You Fight For

Next Life, Book 3

By: Brit Benson

Narrated by: Desiree Ketchum, Austin Stone

The mask she wears for the world is flawless.

But I want the mess that she hides underneath.

Samantha Harper is untouchable.

She's the closest thing we have to royalty in my small town.

Daughter of a senator.

Richer than sin.

Classy, elegant, and Ice cold.

She's my polar opposite.

And unfortunately, She's exactly my type.

Too bad royalty doesn't fraternize with peasants.

Until one night, Samantha Harper finds herself at my mercy, and the temptation to dirty up her flawless façade is too great.

When her perfect mask slips, It's not an ice princess I find beneath, But a warrior in war-torn armor.

A snake in queen's clothing.

All it takes is one night, and I'm determined.

She will never have to fight another battle alone.

***The Love You Fight For is the third book in the Next Life world.

It has a guaranteed HEA.

While The Love You Fight For can be enjoyed as a standalone, it is recommended that you first listen to the Next Life duet to fully appreciate the story.

A detailed list of Content Warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2024 Brit Benson (P)2024 Brit Benson

AMAZING! Felt everything!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Perfection.
This book was addictive! I love Brit Bensons style of writing. Amazing story! Loved Samantha. She was so strong and fought so hard! Chris was so freaking amazing. Fighting for her standing by her side. He could see who she really was. Not just some rich girl! This whole book was a roller coaster. I felt so much emotion through. Hurt. Love. The pain. The loss.

These two narrators. Desiree Ketchum and Austin Stone did fu€king AMAZING!!!

Chapter 10 and 11 are freakin 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The ending was epic!

Welcome back to Next Life world - beautiful

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.

I read the book, and then I was lucky enough to get an advance audiobook. Wonderful reads and even more wonderful listens: amazing narrators that will transport you to that Next Life world and so much more emotional and impactful when listening. You are pulled immediately into the story; you feel everything – the pain, the fear, the humiliation. Listening makes the tears come faster and the joyful moments even warmer. Desireé Ketchum’s performance is spot on, exactly as you have imagined Sam – her pain, her horror, her strength. Ketchum voices the Sam we’ve already met and this Sam we are just learning about. Austin Stone – what a voice, so commanding - turns Chris the sidekick into a man who has come into his own, who fills this book with his presence and personality. Bonus: Desireé /Sam and Austin/Chris play off each other perfectly. Double bonus: duet narration. Makes hearing Benson’s magical stories even more magical.

Thanks to Home Cooked Books for providing an advance listening copy of The Love You Fight For. So happy to discover so much more about Sam and Chris and continue with characters we already know and love. It was nearly impossible to take out my earbuds. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Duet and both narrators are AMAZING?!? 🔥🔥🔥

Where to start. I finished this book on March 4th and I’m still processing.
Chris and Sam are perfection. Absolute perfection. Sam is the bada$$ FFM that dominates the room as soon as she enters. She’s been through some tough shiz but she doesn’t let that stop her from achieving her goal. Unfortunately she doesn’t know how to care for herself the way she truly needs it. Enter Chris Casper. Chris is a small town man with the biggest heart. He cares for so many people and he cares for them deeply. He sees Sam for who she is and isn’t scared of the patience and work he will have to put into their relationship. He sees that she is strong enough to fight her battles but knows she shouldn’t have to. They were made for each other.

Okay now onto the book. This book was so damn funny. I laughed so much. I need a blue ridge alligator sicker immediately. The banter was spot on. The dirty talk, THE DIRTY TALK. It was so darn good!! Best I’ve read in a hot minute! Ugh this man could pour bourbon on me any day.
If you’ve read Brit’s books you know her books are emotional, this was no different. I only cried a few times but I found the tears were more so for how beautiful the scene was. How vulnerable the characters had to make themselves.

If you haven’t read the Next Life Duet PLEASE READ IT FIRST!!! You’ll understand Sam better and you’ll understand why Macon and Lennon are so important.

I cannot recommend this book enough ♥️

I loved this book before it even came out and I’m here to tell you the narration in this audiobook makes it an even more enjoyable experience!! Austin Stone is perfection. Desiree brings Sam to life! Cannot recommend this duet audio enough!

Light the match, princess.

I loved this book so much that I couldn’t wait for the audio. And it more than delivered. It’s an emotional story that deals with a lot of past—and present—darkness, and both Desiree and Austin did a bang-up job. I was enthralled.

Sam has had it rough. Her story is heartbreaking. She wears a mask—and it’s a good one that took her years to build. The real Sam is there under the layers of makeup and fancy clothes, under years of fake smiles.
Even Chris doesn’t see her at first… But it doesn’t take him long to turn his sarcastic “princess” moniker into a loving one. And it’s even better in audio!

Sam is the daughter of a senator, and Chris is a common guy. She comes from money, he doesn’t. There are more than enough reasons for them not to be compatible. But Chris can’t quite get away from the hold she has on him, even when they bicker, which is often.

The famous Chapter 10. The couch. The bourbon. They are both deliciously dirty and swoony at the same time, and Chris is hot—favorite position and all—while being loving just the same. If you’re wondering if Austin delivers, oh yes, he does. 100%.
And Sam—this wonderfully strong, resilient, determined girl—falls for Chris. Or, better yet, they fall together.

There are twists and turns in this story, but the way it’s been constructed pulls you in and keeps you there. I found myself staying inside the car just to listen a bit more. I’m not sure if my boss is happy about that, though.

I love Desiree, and I knew she’d be perfect as Sam. She showcased Sam’s vulnerability and strength just as amazingly as she gave me Sam’s fear and tears. She shone in the darker moments of this book just as much as she did in their (hard-won) happily ever after.
And Austin matches her, just like Chris matches Sam. His voice conveys whatever the heroine needs at that time, and it makes this duet special.

If you want an audiobook that shows you the magic of finding someone who loves you and is there for you whatever happens, go for this one.

Intense Character Journey, Powerful Performances

Brit has done it again. This is book 3 in the Next Life Series (following the duet for Lennon & Macon) and it really does need to be read in sequence. Sam’s evolution, her relationship with Lennon, Macon and her hero Chris build out of those high school foundations. Also, for anyone that has read all of Brit’s works, there are little treats for you to happy dance over, if you’re sharp enough to spot them (I love when authors do this BTW).

Sam is so complex of a character. She has so many facets to her personality, so many masks that she wears in her life. It seems like no one ever sees the real her. But Chris starts to see her, he starts to crave seeing under the mask of perfection, the armour that Sam wears to go into her daily battles.

I love the way Chris sees her and won’t let her shut him out. He falls so hard, so fast and works endlessly to show her that he cares. He wants to be the one that she can let it all go with and just be “Sam”, to care for her body and spirit.

The journey in this story is intense at times and so layered. Sam is on a mission and it’s draining to see her start to crack under this pressure she’s imposed upon herself. But when she’s with Chris, I love the way he coaxes her to relax and just be still, at peace for as long as possible. These two are so very opposite in so many ways, but so essentially perfect for each other. Like pieces of a puzzle, they just fit.

The audiobook is performed in Duet style by Desireé Ketchum & Austin Stone. These two bring the characters to life so perfectly. Desireé ran me through Sam's emotional range from Ice Princess, to Masked Warrior to vulnerable and real with Lennon and eventually Chris. She build the walls into her voice and when the crashed down, the pain, the torment, the anguish, it was all there making me all teary and sick. Austin has such skill with his vocal expression. He made me swoon and melt with Chris, the dirty talk, the caretaking, the support for Sam, the little laughs and smirks, I could just hear it all in his voice. But then he gave me the characters and voices that made my skin crawl. I didn't need to know who they were (but once I did it made it worse, because I KNEW), I heard the slimy, scummy nature of those men in the choices Austin made. I'm blown away.

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the ebook and the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

Absolutely Brilliant

If you have enjoyed the Next Life Duet (book 1 & 2) then you will understand when I say Samantha has redeemed herself and became a favorite in, The Love You Fight For (book 3), and if you haven’t i definitely recommend you listen to those audiobooks. There were also amazing cameos from our past favorites, Lennon and Macon in this book. You can enjoy The Love You Fight For as a stand-alone and get to know Samantha and all she has been through to make her the badass that she is. This book takes you on an emotional and inspiring journey, one that teaches you that even with all the dark days, the lies, the secrets, and the horrible people that you call “family”, there are still people out there that care and will protect you, even if you don’t think you deserve it. Samantha has been let down immensely by her family, the people who are supposed to be there for you no matter what, for that Sam is cold, closed off, and has only let Lennon, her best friend in. Chris Caspar has known Samantha since they were kids, when she comes back into his life as adults he finally sees past the fake assumptions he’s placed on her, and sees Sam in a different light, a connection deeper than the rich girl facade she puts up. Chris gives her comfort when she is alone and ultimately gives her that sense of found family she is in desperate need of, happily ever after or not, he is going to be there for her. Chris is now a top tier book boyfriend for me, not only was he a man of his word, he was sweet, thoughtful, funny, had the sexiest way with words and made Samantha feel cared for all while she was navigating so many personal demons. Sam has been through the unimaginable, and when she lets Chris in, together they let the truths free.
Let’s not forget about the perfect narrator casting for this audiobook too, Desiree Ketchum and Austin Stone were absolute gems narrating this story in duet. I related to Samantha in so many ways and Desiree brought her to life, she had me feeling every ounce of her bad girl, take charge attitude, to her vulnerability and the sadness she was masking. Austin Stone nailed this performance as Chris, with each little chuckle he incorporated making me grin from ear to ear with his sexy growl and playful ways as well as when things got serious he added that bit of flare to show not to mess with his girl or else.
I absolutely loved this book, as well as the duet and would recommend to anyone interested in an angsty love story with all the fun twist and turns that keep you hooked.

Thank you home cooked For the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook

I loved this fierce heroine and swoony MMC!

audiobook review🎧: the love you fight for by brit benson

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟 4.75 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW⚠️: sexual assault, mention of rape
Audiobook narrators: Desiree Ketchum & Austin Stone in duet
• This was an amazing duet performance! This was my first time listening to Austin, and his slow southern inflection for Chris was like warm honey. Desiree was flawless and fierce as Sam. They were perfect as a duo!

• Summary:
From the outside, Samantha Harper appears to have a perfect life. A senator father, obscene wealth, riches and glamour. No one knows that behind her red lips and designer sunglasses is a woman on a war path for vengeance. The sins of Samantha’s family have haunted her, and she’s determined to make them all pay. To seek justice, she’ll do whatever it takes, even become a monster herself. She’s convinced the world that she is just another political elite, but she’s not fooling Chris Casper. He sees through her icy exterior and knows there is more to the girl he grew up with.

• My thoughts:
In case it’s not obvious, I am all in on this series. As a follow up book to the Next Life duet, I was so excited to listen to Sam’s story. Sam had so much growth in the first two books, and I loved how her character went from villain to heroine. Sam is a force to be reckoned with. She is fierce to a fault, and fueled by pain and rage. She has only ever let Lennon see her true self, but Chris brings those walls crumbling down. Chris is so pure hearted. He is protective and adoring, he is humble and kind. While Sam may be war incarnate, Chris is her peace. The two have a beautiful chemistry you can feel in your bones. The spice in this book is electrifying. Sam is pristine, and Chris is downright dirty. Chris’s words, his mouth, his piercing… it is enough to make you melt.🫠🔥

This was such an emotional story of fiery vengeance and soothing peace. I loved Chris and Sam’s attraction of opposites, was once again emotionally captivated by this world Brit Benson has created. All three of these books were stunning!

PHENOMENAL story and duet narration!!! Obsessed!!

Absolutely OBSESSED with this book on audio!!!! It’s one of those magical performance that makes you feel like you’re watching it all play out like a movie with how will the book was acted out. Desiree Ketchum and Austin Stone were just so perfectly casted for these characters and completely captured the essence of their characters bringing this whole story to life and elevating it even more!

Austin Stone...a new to me narrator who just made himself one of my top favorites! He is an incredible actor who not only brought out all the feelings of Chris but also used multiple distinct voices for each male character in this book that made it feel like it was a full cast of male narrators. From a gruff tone for Sam’s dad, a creepy older man voice in the prologue that gave me chills and a fantastic southern accent for Ashton. And his voice for Chris? Pure sultry perfection and he completely captured Chris and his personality. I also might have swooned every time he laughed…it is so damn adorable!

Desiree Ketchum was outstanding in this audio as Sam!! She gave so much fierceness to Sam’s personality but on the flip side had so much passion in her voice for all the hard emotional moments as well. And her delivery of that emotion…impeccable!! From the yelling in anger, to the soft tone of sadness and hurt…I felt every note of her delivery as she narrated. Truly outstanding acting!!

All that to say…this audiobook is worth every dime and credit!!! A flawless performance by both narrators as they delivered Brit Benson’s remarkable storytelling. This right here is an audio that will be listened to again and again and again!!!

🧲Opposites Attract
💋Friends With Benefits
🥰He Falls First
💁‍♀️Strong, Independent FMC
💕Found Family

📖 Sam is the daughter of a politician helping with her father’s campaign while Chris is a bar owner and works at a car shop in their small town. They know each other from childhood but come from two different social classes and couldn’t be more opposite. When she comes back to town and runs into Chris at the bar, you can already feel the tension and chemistry between them. Their journey is complex and not easy but this story will keep you captivated until the end!!

Wonderful story and fantastic audio!

Book Title: The Love You Fight For, Next Life book 3
By: Brit Benson
Narrates by: Desiree Ketchum & Austin Stone

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

Duet
Steamy
Childhood friends
Small-town
Who did this to you
Pierced MMC
**Check TW

📚Story Summary and Review📚
Blurb:
Samantha Harper is flawless and untouchable and hides her messy reality beneath her perfect facade and bright red lipstick. Chris is her polar opposite and is drawn to her despite their differences. When Sam finds herself vulnerable one night, Chris sees past her icy exterior to discover a fighter within, determined to stand beside her as things burn down around her.

Review:
Oh Brit! Where have you been all my life with your fantastic storylines and wonderfully written characters!? A little suspense, great plot, spicy spice (such good use of bourbon! SO GOOD!), and characters you love and hate, all wrapped up in a fantastic listen that I wish I could hear again for the first time. I was so here for it!

I loved the warrior strength that gushed from Sam as we learned about her past, struggles, and story. Chris was a perfect light to her dark. I loved his heart, dirty mouth, and the way he showed up for her. All around great guy that Sam deserved.

🎧❤️Audiobook Review❤️🎧
Desiree is easily one of my favorite narrators and was excited to hear her in this one and boy did she deliver! She had such fire and ferocity in her delivery for Sam, so well done.

Austin was a new narrator for me and I thought he crushed every voice he brought to this story! He made me love Chris and I loved his chuckles! His performance just oozed the good in his character. I want to know how he got so much slime-bag into the voices for a few other characters, hate so good! I thought they both went full send on this one. No notes ❤️

Thank you to Brit Benson and Home Cooked Books for the listen. It was my pleasure!

**These are my own honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

I’ll be careful with your heart

I’m a huge fan of duet narration and Desiree Ketchum and Austin Stone did an incredible job bringing Chris and Sam’s turbulent journey to life. I love when a book has the ability to make you feel raw and vulnerable and this storyline did just that.