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Holly
Growing up, I was treated like a Princess.
But everyone knows, to get your happily ever after, you have to fight for the fairy-tale.
And I’d certainly endured more than my fair share of fights.
Relentlessly bullied at boarding school, my brothers brought me home to help me heal.
But I was scarred by the secrets I harboured, both inside and out.
Being home though, means risking everyone finding out my ugly truth.
And I can’t let that happen.

Jack
My family's a mess.
It's probably why I spend more nights asleep in my ute, than I do in my own bed.
I don't have the time or the energy to deal with anything more.
One day at a time is all I can handle right now.
Yet when I see her, the broken girl sitting alone in the dirt, I can't simply drive past.
Before I know what's happening my life's tangled with my tortured, beautiful neighbour.
And there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2018

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About the author

Rebecca Barber

52 books285 followers
Rebecca is a clumsy, introverted, bubble bath loving, chocoholic who'd rather read a book than go shopping. And don't even mention shoe shopping!

Rebecca is a lucky girl - one of four kids to school teacher parents. Wife to a football obsessed husband. Aunt to the most crazy/adorable little girls. And sister to two very determined sisters and one easy going brother.

Rebecca lives in Canberra Australia and spends way too many hours a day working the day job.

She is a book whore who can easily (and happily) read a book from start to finish in one sitting and spends her spare time writing.

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5 stars
39 (50%)
4 stars
26 (33%)
3 stars
11 (14%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
April 17, 2018
This book put me through the wringer. Heartbreakingly bringing something so many face right to the forefront. I applaud the author for doing this. We need more people to stand up against bullying, especially now when you can no longer escape it in your own home with social media. So why the two stars? Ok, this part is hard.

I hate when I can’t rate a book higher. I know how much heart and soul an author puts into each and every book. The reason I can’t rate this book higher despite the wonderful writing and heartfelt story may even seem small to some people, but to me it’s not. See, this book about how hard Holly worked to overcome the horrific bullying she endured contained something perhaps even the author doesn’t realize is hypocritical.

The regular use of slurs against disabled people. I know, I know. You may not even realize how offensive these little words are but to anyone who’s ever loved someone with a disability words like the R word and the same word replaced with an F in the beginning are heartbreaking. I don’t think for one moment this author intended to use these words so casually as an insult against people with disabilities, but it doesn’t take away the fact that’s exactly what they are. I’m stepping down off my soapbox now and going back to my regularly scheduled positive self.

**EDITED TO CLARIFY**
I am referring to the use of these words by the main character & her family and friends. I am not referring to these words being used in the acts of bullying against Holly, truthfully the ONLY characters who did not use these words were the bullies.
Profile Image for Tina Morgan.
1,050 reviews12 followers
April 27, 2018
4 Stars

Wow!! What an emotional book!! Like this book is so emotional it can almost feel like you are drowning in the feels of it. And it’s very poignant and serious and will no doubt touch everyone in some way. I mean who has not been bullied at some point in their life? But for this type and for this far is just so sad and wrong. And the way it is written is exactly the truth when someone should be brave enough to stand up and put a stop to it and help. But some doesn’t realize their actions have consequences. And the ones being bullied doesn’t know that sometimes there is a rainbow at the end. To just find their strength and they always have people that love them and would support them. And this book represents this beautifully and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,151 reviews22 followers
May 2, 2018
This is a beautifully written book about bullying, told in absolute and brutal honesty.

Fighting Back picks up right where Picturing Perfect finished, and we get to stay with our favourite characters in the McIntyre Family as they each go through a watershed moment of their own. I have to say that while each book is written as a stand-a-lone, there is every reason to start with Beau’s book, where we are then lead into Gage’s story, which culminates with Holly’s crisis at school. This throws the world of her four brothers into a chaos of anger and helplessness as they try to come to grips with the fall-out of Holly’s ultimate and almost fatal cry of anguish.

Shit, I felt angry and helpless going with Holly as she was just trying to get through each day, one at a time. And, I just wanted to wade in and beat some heads, dishing out a large platter of revenge, especially when I read through the book and discovered just what had been going on in her life at boarding school. As I said, absolute and brutal honesty.

As for our hero, how Rebecca Barber managed to get into the head of Jack, a teenage boy, which his typical foul mouth of diatribe was nothing short of amazing. He is going through his own unsettled and soul-destroying family drama where his parents did everything to verbally knock each other around, and I felt like I was right there with him. Among all this, he is drawn to Holly, and sees the vibrancy beneath her façade, and he is a true hero in my book. I adored his young bolshy character, and Ms. Barber’s written language sounded exactly like me and the teenage boys I started my trade training with, back in the day.

I really want to emphasise, that as bad as it sounded for Holly, I am rapt that it was not diluted one bit. Being from New Zealand, I’m ashamed to say that we not only have the highest youth suicide rate in the world, but the bullying in our schools is out of control.

Kudos, Rebecca Barber for your beautifully written and highly emotional book that shows it is possible to fight back and heal from what was the most untenable of situations for a young teenage girl. 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Margaret Neal.
238 reviews
May 4, 2018
It's taken me some time to write this review, not because I don't like it but because it hit home with me big time. I cried right along with Holly, I felt every ounce of pain she felt.

See, this book shows you that bullying doesn't just affect you while it's happening but how the scars, both mental and physical can stay with you for much, much longer.

Anyone that has been bullied will relate to Holly's story on such a deep level because they KNOW the feelings Holly is feeling first hand, but Holly is a survivor she just needs to heal a little.

My wish is that every person that has bullied someone could read this book and maybe, just MAYBE feel a little bit of the pain, hurt and confusion that every victim feels
My second wish is tbat every victim could read this book and see that there is light at the end of that long dark tunnel, and you won't feel the way you are feeling now forever.
This book will stay with me for a very long time.
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,758 reviews57 followers
April 14, 2018
Wow! Make sure you've stocked up on tissues before you read this book.
Rebecca Barber makes you want to protect Holly, but it's not til near the end you really find out what happened to her.
It is a completely gut wrenching read but one that makes you love the McIntyres even more.......oh and Jack
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews348 followers
May 5, 2018
description
A love to fight for…

I was eager to pick up Holly’s story, even knowing this book would not be featherly light. Bullying and what it does to everyone involved is complicated and devastating. What happened to Holly was uniquely her own and, while fiction, held so much truth that the words delivered a brutal punch….

Holly was back home, quietly dealing with what had happened to her. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say not dealing. Her family surrounded her but her feelings about them, about everything were not straightforward. They loved her, she didn’t doubt that, but that didn’t mean it made it easier. Just the opposite in fact.

Jack was struggling with the battle zone that was his own family yet Holly called to him in a way that he’d never felt before. It was drama on drama at every turn but Holly’s pain soon became his pain and her healing was going to be his biggest goal…

“Completely and utterly gone. Holly McIntyre could have asked me for the world and I would have given everything I was to make it hers.”

While I struggled with the story’s delivery at times as it circled around and around in spots, that didn’t take away from the honest voices and loving hearts that make up this family. There are more siblings to come and with an epilogue that definitely caught my attention I will happily revisit the McIntyres anytime…
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
1,924 reviews49 followers
April 30, 2018
3.5 Stars-Not For Me

While I applaud Rebecca Barber for tackling a haeavy subject, I had a hard time connecting with the main character and feeling sympathetic for her. Sounds harsh, I know.

Holly seemed like a little girl lost. Back in her hometown after a horrible incident at her boarding school and now trying to fit in once again. She is surrounded by family, however still feels alone. There is a lot she needs or work out in her head before she can project the strength she needs.
Jack isn’t in the happiest of homes either and feels an instant connection to Holly. He senses her troubles and wants to help her.

Honestly, it seemed like everybody wanted to help Holly and she had trouble accepting it. She’s use to fending for herself and doesn’t seem to know what to do when a person shows they care. I get it, but it got old after a while. Instead of feeling sorry for Holly, I started to resent her as I read, which isn’t a good sign.

The book is well written from dual points of view. Along with Holly and Jack, we are introduced to her brothers and his parents. Fighting Back is book three in the Meet the McIntyers series and I did feel a little lost with the surrounding story lines, as I haven’t read the first two books.

Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,500 reviews241 followers
May 5, 2018
Wow!! What an emotional book!! Like this book is so emotional it can almost feel like you are drowning in the feels of it. And it’s very poignant and serious and will no doubt touch everyone in some way. I mean who has not been bullied at some point in their life? But for this type and for this far is just so sad and wrong. And the way it is written is exactly the truth when someone should be brave enough to stand up and put a stop to it and help. But some doesn’t realize their actions have consequences. And the ones being bullied doesn’t know that sometimes there is a rainbow at the end. To just find their strength and they always have people that love them and would support them. And this book represents this beautifully and I highly recommend it. - By Tina
July 6, 2018
I started this McIntyre family series with Taking Charge and then read Picture Perfect. I think I made a mistake when I read Fighting Back. You see, the next book in the series Breaking Free does not release for several weeks and I want it now.

In Fighting Back, you meet Holly McIntyre, sister to Beau (Taking Charge) and Gage (Picture Perfect). Holly has recently changed schools and is dealings with some heavy stuff for a high school student. At her new school, she meets Jack and their friendship and mutual trust is pretty much instant.

This book follows their friendship as it grows and develops along and as their relationship grows, you learn more about Holly and about Jack and their families.

This story sucked me in and held me tight until I finished and pairs nicely with the other books in this series.

Reviewed by: Lauren L.
Profile Image for Sandra Loves Reading.
730 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2018
This is the third book in the McIntyres, and it's totally different from the first two.
This is Holly's story, she's the baby of the family and adored by her four older brothers.
She comes home from boarding school under sad circumstances. A victim of bullying. Bearing the physical and mental scars that it caused.
Feeling desperate and alone she's collapsed on the side of the road, where Jack, from a neighbouring farm, finds her.
Jack befriends her and becomes her protector.
Their friendship is precious. She learns to trust. And he learns her awful truths.
Beautifully written. I think this may be my favourite of the books so far, simply because it was about friendship and trust and not about sexual relationships.
Beautifully written.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
462 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2018
Another great trip to visit the McIntyre’s. Fighting Back is an amazing story. This story reveals more about Holly, the only sister to the McIntyre brothers. In the past books, we find out something terrible has happened to her, but we don’t know exactly what and we don’t know why. This book was very important to this series.
The plot of this book is different than the other books. The other books focus mainly on the romance. While there is a slight bit of romance in this book, it is not what this book is about, which is a good thing. This book is about overcoming trauma. If I had to pick a theme of this book, it would be that with good people who care about you by your side, you can make it through the storm and come out the other side with a better outlook on life.
Holly is a mess. Even more so than I imagined in the other books. While she is a mess, she is also incredibly strong. Some might not see her that way, but I do. She is a strong person who has a good heart. Jack is my hero. He is such a kind soul. He has his own issues, but he sets them aside to help someone in need. He is the type of person I wish there was more of in the world.
Usually I would talk about heat, but this book isn’t about that. This book is about finding friendship in the most unexpected places. I went ahead and left this section empty on the ratings because it does not apply.
The writing style of this book is good. I won’t lie, this book was hard for me to read. Not because of the writing style or because the book wasn’t great. It was hard to read because this book covers some very serious topics. While they were hard at times, they also added just what the story needed. It added a level of shock to create understanding in the readers.
Overall, this was an amazing story. It was not like most romance stories. This book is more about friendship and overcoming hardships rather than finding the love of your life. That might sound bad, but its not. It is exactly what the character and story needed. I love that this story is so authentic.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: N/A
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,814 reviews164 followers
May 3, 2018
This is my first book by Rebecca Barber and it made my heart bleed. Bullying is a horrible subject to read about but I feel that it is necessary for the topic to be in your face to give you some empathy for anyone who may be suffering from this situation. It would be nice to think that this kind of thing never happens but, the reality is far from perfect. This book manages to get your emotions stuck in your throat and make wet stuff fall down your face.

Although this is book three of a series I feel like I know this family of Holly's very well. I love all four of her protective, loving, loyal brothers; they have got my interest and love.

Jack is a pupil at the school Holly has just moved to; I love Jack. He is a sixteen year old boy who has a much older, more mature head on his shoulders for his years. He has family problems to deal with but he is such a lovely boy that he can't help but take Holly under his wing.

This is a fantastic, emotional read and I am certainly going to be reading more from Rebecca Barber, starting with the first two books in this series.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews191 followers
August 16, 2018
This story broke my heart. It was heart wrenching but full of so much love. A story about how love from family and friends can help you heal and help you to begin to live the life that you deserve.

Holly was away at boarding school while her family was slowly falling apart. However, she was living in her own personal hell. Bully, tormented, totured, abused. It broke my heart.

She kept all of it to herself. Not wanting to burden anyone, she just let it eat away at her until all she wanted was for to stop.

This is Holly’s story of coming home. She not only has to face the ruin that has become of her family and home, she has to tell everyone what happened. Fortunately she finds a friend in Jack. He’s a good guy. He becomes her person to lean on and he protects her fiercely.

This story evoked so many emotions; anger, sadness, hate, love. The McIntyre’s are a force and their love is undeniable. Holly lost so much, but she is so strong. And the love and support of family and friends is just what she needed.

I hope we get to continue to hear her story because she deserves her own HEA.

Profile Image for Jenni Crawford.
152 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2018
***I voluntarily reviewed this book for Katsindiebookblog, and I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book.*** This is such a great book that shows a lot of what society is going through these days. Holly is home from boarding school, and no one really knows why, other than something terrible had happened to her. Her family and brothers are trying to give her the space and time she needs, but is there really a time frame on that? Being pushed back into school, she runs into a boy named Jack. Jack seems like a great guy, however he seems like the catch for all the other girls in the school. What most people don't know, Jack is going through his own personal issues.
Two lost souls seem to collide together, possibly mending each other's hearts.
This story was greatly written. Expect a few tears here and there. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews83 followers
May 5, 2018
Holly headed off to boarding school excited and full of dreams but after the brutal bullying she endured she has returned home tormented and damaged. Her family is supportive and do everything they can to help but they must also deal with their own guilt about how it got so far before they knew.

Jack is her neighbor and this family life is traumatic to say the least. Even with all he has going on in his own life he sees inside of her and will do anything to help her return to the outgoing happy person that she used to be.

This is an emotional story about healing from the far reaching effects that bullying has on the person at the receiving end as well as everyone else in their lives. I enjoyed both these characters as their strength shone through time after time. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amanda  B Gillespie.
512 reviews14 followers
May 5, 2018
Rebecca is good at bringing the real issues to the table and forcing you to get involved and daring you to look away. You can't. You know it's a train wreck about to happen but she hooks you in, and you have no choice but to collide head-on with the issues. This time it is an issue that hits close to home for me. Bullying. There is never an excuse for it, and it destroys people. The idea of suicide may seem so far out there, but when you read the extent that Holly went through, you begin to see why some people feel they are so alone and how they can quickly forget they have people willing to take over and carry them through the tough times. This family will give you hope at the same time they break you down.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,501 reviews87 followers
April 20, 2018
A remarkable read!!

Fighting back, showcases the effects of bullying and the extreme mental and physical trauma one has to endure, long after the bullying has ceased.
Holly has returned home from boarding school, and although she is no longer near the people who tormented her both mentally and physically, the mental scars still remain.
Rebecca Barber has written a remarkable story, which will have you feeling somewhat emotional, whether that is anger, sadness or hope!!
The McIntyre family, make the story come to life, although each character seems very different, there goal is very simple, and they all strive for the same thing.....to protect Holly.

Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,094 reviews10 followers
May 9, 2018
Another great book by Rebecca Barber.

This book was emotionally raw and really hit home for me as a bullied person when I was in high school.
I cried and laughed through Holly's story and it is a great reminder that things get better, maybe not today or tomorrow but eventually they do get better.

I cannot wait to read more from this series and from Rebecca. 💖

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review by Sweet Treats Book Blog 💖

Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know is going through a rough time and need help there are services and places you can go to or call.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Profile Image for Kathryn Dee at CLiK Books.
773 reviews24 followers
April 11, 2018
Fighting Back - Book #3 - Meet the McIntyres

A wonderful addition to this emotionally charged series.

This story focuses on Holly McIntyre.
Having returned to the family farm from her boarding school, she’s lost, feeling alone and emotionally crippled by the relentless bullying she was subjected to at the hands of cruel tormentors.

Unable to handle her future without dealing with her past first, she seeks solace in her friendship with Jack.
Jacks family is far from normal, more a strained version of a family relationship but his connection with Holly was simple, sweet and yet complex at the same time.

Rebecca Barber takes great care in the way she handles the delicate subject of bullying but still delivers an uplifting story, full of hope and belief in a brighter future for her characters.

Holly’s story is extremely emotional and definitely poignant in these current times but the entire Meet the McIntyres series, so far, has been an amazing journey with this family.
Every member of the family, every girlfriend, significant other and supporting character just adds more reader enjoyment.

Can’t wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series.

I wonder which McIntyre we will meet next?
Profile Image for R yatsko.
800 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2018
This book is about Bullying..
...it is painstakingly honest, doesn’t sugar coat it

Holly, a victim of being bully, who finds unlikely hero
..who helps her find her inner strength.

This book will take you on emotional journey...
..as you read, you can’t help but feel all the emotions that Holly goes through..
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,087 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2018
Ok this has major bullying in it and how strong most are when they get past it.

This book picked right up where Picturing Perfect left off.
Holly is trying to deal with life and it is not easy and luckily Jack is drawn to Holly and is there for her .
The emotions in this book are so strong that I could not help but feel every single one of them.

I love this book.
Profile Image for LLS.
762 reviews20 followers
May 5, 2018
This was the third book in the series and they just keep getting better and better! Holly... Oh Holly. My heart ached for you. I thought I knew what was coming, but it was much more intense than I expected. I am glad she had her family and Jack to he there for her.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done! ❤️
930 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2018
Loved it, I couldn't put it down, It makes you feel like your in the book and you are going through what she did, this is a must read series.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,000 reviews39 followers
April 22, 2018
Rebecca has really wrote a great book. such a great story about bullying. Theres not many authors who would write a story like this. she nailed it
Profile Image for Laura Watson.
428 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2018
I really liked this heart breaking story!! I could not put it down, the reason I wasn’t able to give it a full 5 stars is there a few instances where I wanted more information and some where less was needed. I really look forward to reading more about the McIntyres
23 reviews
April 17, 2018
Loved Holly’s story!
It really had me hooked in chapter 1, and I had to keep reading til the end!
Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,760 reviews32 followers
May 7, 2018
I want to give this more than 5 stars. There's pain, bullying, friendship, Family and Heartbreak.

If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be spectacular, book 3 in the series sees Holly at home after tragedy at her boarding school but unfortunately it has followed her home.

Jack has his own issues with his parents, and on top of that being friends with Holly is how all her trouble comes back and also affects him to.

You really need to read this powerful, lovin9, heartaching, heartbreaking, and so truthful.
Profile Image for Elle.
541 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2018
I started this McIntyre family series with Taking Charge and then read Picture Perfect. I think I made a mistake when I read Fighting Back. You see, the next book in the series Breaking Free does not release for several weeks and I want it now.

In Fighting Back, you meet Holly McIntyre, sister to Beau (Taking Charge) and Gage (Picture Perfect). Holly has recently changed schools and is dealings with some heavy stuff for a high school student. At her new school, she meets Jack and their friendship and mutual trust is pretty much instant.

This book follows their friendship as it grows and develops along and as their relationship grows, you learn more about Holly and about Jack and their families.

This story sucked me in and held me tight until I finished and pairs nicely with the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Tracie Simister.
719 reviews30 followers
October 30, 2018
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s
Title: Fighting Back
Series: Meet The McIntyres Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Family Saga
Author: Rebecca Barber
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: May 5, 2018

I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions and am choosing to leave a review.
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Character’s Descriptions:
Holly McIntyre has returned from boarding school feeling alone and lost due to being bullied.
Jack is Hollys best friend but is having his own struggles.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: This is a very emotionally charged story about bulling and abuse. It will make you laugh and cry in the same chapter.
Profile Image for Becca Whaley.
1,240 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2018
This book is about something way too many kids have to deal with now days.... It’s heartbreaking the things Holly holds in... Jack even tho his life isn’t sunshine and roses, all he wants to do is help Holly overcome all of her demons... I cried big ugly tears more than once , all I could do was picture one of my kids going through these horrific things... Holly has the strength of ten men even tho she doesn’t see it...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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