“Nina was a thief, technically, although she never defined herself that way. Stealing was sponsorship. Fighting was the passion.” Street-fighter Nina Black lives by her fists in Denver, stealing wallets and taking advantage of men who try to take advantage of her. This symbiosis is upended when one of her marks, a cop and MMA comeback contender, wants his wallet—and his dignity—back. Avoiding retribution is difficult enough alone, but it becomes impossible once Nina gets unexpected custody of an orphaned eight-year-old niece she didn’t know existed, accompanied by her long-lost (and ever-vigilant) childhood flame, Isaac. When the situation implodes, only one person can help Nina earn back her life, and prepare her for the fight that might end it. An "Outstanding Mixed-Martial-Arts-Female-Comedy-Philosophy Novel," Contenders shocks and awes with a kickass protagonist who can literally kick ass. The novel is a deep exploration of fight culture, interwoven with a love story that is both desperate and hilarious at the same time. Hailed by authors such as Madison Smartt Bell, Percival Everett, and Margot Livesey, Contenders is a smart, action-packed, brutally funny story.