For readers of the Anna Davis series, no doubt Fierce Girl had been highly anticipated. However, as you read the pages of this book, you will find that it does well as a standalone novel. As the story begins Anna comes across as a strong woman. A woman who managed to survive a dangerous boyfriend - to the point that she almost lost her life. Now she is in a good relationship with Freddie Tyler, who runs a very successful criminal organization. Freddie loves Anna to distraction.

However, her best friend Tanya has managed to survive an awful attack. Barely. She is still in a coma and her only visitor was Anna. Anna is devastated by what happened to Tanya. So much so that she closes off her her heart to Freddie, keeping him at arm's length. Meanwhile, Tanya's mother Rosie shows up at the hospital and reinserts herself in Tanya's life after years of estrangement.

Rosie has a plan. A disastrous one as far as Anna is concerned. Rosie decides that she should be part owner to Club Anya - a club both Tanya and Anna own. The dynamic at this point in the book is nothing less than shocking. This puts a strain on Anna and Tanya's relationship, and by extension, Freddie's and Anna.

I found this book to be rather tragic. I felt, as I have in every single book in this series, very drawn to Anna. She is a warrior and is indeed the perfect mate to Freddie. However, in the pages of this book her trauma, and ultimate coping, is very dramatic and even made me draw tears. Freddie, however much he didn't understand what was happening, proved to be the strong hero he has always been.

The emotional edge of this story is finely balanced with the never-ending danger and spell-binding action that presents itself to Freddie and his family. Their enemies have nothing to hide and nothing to lose, proving that they will do anything they can to take Freddie down, no matter who gets hurt.

The first three books are Dangerous Girl, Runaway Girl and Boss Girl. Each book in the series is compelling and explores the pasts of Anna, Freddie and Tanya. As a true fan of Emma Tallon I definitely recommend not only this book, but each and every one prior to this. Fierce Girl is just the sort of book you must read from cover-to-cover, in one sitting, no matter what life throws at you. I look forward to the next book in this captivating series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )