Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.
I read Devil is Fine last year and was blown away. After reading this, I cannot understand why John Vercher isn’t better known. This book packs a punch and will stick with me for a long time. The main character, Xavier, is an MMA fighter and suffers from CTE. The trauma he suffers in this book is tough to read.
Xavier tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and has been suspended for a year. That year is almost up, and Xavier wants to enter the ring again. However, his brain fog, memory loss, and inability to self-regulate are getting the best of him. His white father is dying, has dementia, and his racist true self is attacking Xavier. He’s estranged from his Black mother and only has his sketchy MMA trainer/manager cousin in his corner. When a new fight lands in his lap, he can’t pass up the opportunity.
However, his cousin has gotten them into hot water and asks Xavier to do the unthinkable. As the book progresses, the reader is led down an emotional journey with Xavier as he comes to terms with his current life. This book just blew me away. I have no interest in MMA fighting, but that didn’t matter. The characters were so dynamic and engaging. I loved this book.
Pleasant Nights 