Books
Fight Like Hell: Love, Politics, and the Will to Live
Released on October 14, 2025 | Buy It Now
How do you convince a woman—already widowed once—that she won’t have to bury another husband?
That’s the question then-Representative Lorenzo Sierra faced as he looked at his wife, Rhonda Cagle, over FaceTime from his bed in the emergency room. Moments before being placed on a ventilator, he made her a promise: he would fight like hell to come back.
In this deeply personal memoir, Sierra shares the harrowing reality of his public battle with COVID-19, the toll it took on his body and spirit, and the weight of trying to survive—for love, for family, and for country. He also recounts Rhonda’s courageous fight against late-stage breast cancer, and the way their bond deepened in the face of unimaginable odds.
Fight Like Hell is a story of survival and devotion—an unflinching look at two people who refused to give up on each other, or the ideals they believe in. It’s a tribute to resilience, public service, and the kind of love that makes you choose hope again and again.
Praise for "Fight Like Hell"
Kirkus Review
Sierra chronicles his career and life, including a harrowing struggle with Covid-19.
In his debut memoir, the author, a former Arizona state representative, recounts the highlights and low points of an
eventful life, including his wife Rhonda’s battle with breast cancer and his own nightmarish experience with Covid-19.
Sierra describes himself as a classic “retail politician,” someone who regularly cuts ribbons or appears in parades. “I like
getting to know people,” he writes, “shaking hands, and giving hugs.” He asserts that his wife was an invaluable help in “cultivating” his finer qualities. “I’m not saying it was an Eliza Doolittle scenario,” he quips, referring to My Fair Lady, “but it was pretty much an Eliza Doolittle scenario.” His wife had fought cancer and won a few years ago, and everything looked
rosy for the future when the fateful year 2020 came along. Suddenly, all of the good feelings and the upward trajectory of Sierra’s burgeoning career in Arizona politics came to a sudden halt. “I know I’m not the only person to have that experience in March 2020,” he recalls, “and it sucked for all of us.”
In a statement that garnered national attention at the
time, Sierra observed of the pandemic, “This enemy has no lands to invade, no ideology to defeat.” In the book’s dramatic
high point, that enemy strikes Sierra severely: He tested positive for the virus and soon found himself on a ventilator. He
writes about love, heartbreak, national events (like the pandemic and the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg), and even his nerdy love of Star Trek with an unaffected directness and storyteller’s skill. It’s a touchingly human account, and Sierra’s aura of affection somehow even extends to the cutthroat world of politics. The nuanced result reads
far more believably than most political memoirs.
The emotional story of that rare thing: a good man in politics.
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, author of They Called Us 'Lucky:' The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq War's Hardest Hit Unit
Fight Like Hell is a powerful testament to Lorenzo's strength, resilience, and impactful career in public service. His story is a moving reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have to fight like hell for the things we believe in.
Laurie Notaro, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Murderess
"'Fight Like Hell' is a resounding narrative that testifies in times of challenges, poor odds and immense suffering, the connection of family and love is stronger than the universe itself."
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Rep. Sierra has never backed down from a fight. He has demonstrated perseverance, strength, and courage, as long as I’ve known him.
Michael Shandler, author of Karma & Kismet —A Spiritual Quest Across Continents, Cultures, and Consciousness
Lorenzo Sierra’s Fight Like Hell is a love letter from the edge. His promise to survive for his wife—while she battled cancer and he fought for breath—struck a deep chord in me. As someone who clawed my way back from the wreckage of abuse, I know what it means to hold on when everything wants to break you. This book is a testament: love anchors, purpose heals, and survival is a quiet act of defiance.
Matt Grodsky, author of Righteous Might: How Democrats Turned Arizona Blue and How You Can Flip Your Battleground State
Fight Like Hell is a powerful memoir of survival, love, and resilience told by political veteran and former state representative Lorenzo Sierra. Sierra shares his political triumphs and struggles, and recounts his near-fatal battle with COVID-19 alongside his wife's courageous fight against late-stage breast cancer. This is not only a story of politics but also a story of two people who refused to give up on each other or on hope.
Avondale, Arizona Councilwoman Maxine White
This book is an amazing love story that covers a modern interracial relationship, marriage, the blending of two families and Rhonda’s and Lorenzo’s challenging journey together. Lorenzo has a strong story telling ability which allows him to share the most vulnerable parts of his journey with a bit of self-deprecation and cute quips to keep me from crying.
David Martinez, author of Bones Worth Breaking
In his powerful story of love and loss and love again, Lorenzo Sierra reminds us that while the Americas we’re born into are not the same or equal, we have the ability, when united, to change our world for the better. His depictions of growing up Latino and poor, his dedication to his wife through health and sickness, as well as his own battle with COVID that almost killed him, inspire and remind us that while the world around us may at times look grim, we can overcome if we’re willing to Fight Like Hell.
Kathy Bauernfeind, author of Don’t Give In! (You’re Not Just Getting Old)
Fight Like Hell by Lorenzo Sierra could not be more aptly titled. It is a testament to determination, hope, and profound love. Filled with honest self-reflection, deep insight, and the power of mutual support, it is engaging, inspiring, and poetic at times. While Sierra’s journey is deeply personal, it is also the story of community: how we serve those we love - and those we might not even know.
Marie Newman, author of A Life Made From Scratch
Fight Like Hell is a wonderful testimony to the magical nature of human will. Tragedy after tragedy, did not deter the author from public service and being a great father and husband. It just made him stronger and a better public servant. While it is mostly a love story, you will enjoy the stories of utter desperation being turned into great accomplishment. For all those reasons, folks that have the lived experience of understanding everything from poverty to the art of forgiveness, make great leaders. Touching and a great reminder to all that life is truly a miracle.
Paul Weigel, author of Iron Dad
Lorenzo Sierra's touching memoir, Fight Like Hell is an amazing testimony about living life to its fullest while knowing what's most important. Readers will be inspired and touched with his love story to his wife Rhonda, and how that power of LOVE has carried him through some of the most challenging times. And in spite of it all...including cancer and COVID, he continues to thrive and dream of an amazing future. A must read on so many different fronts. Five stars!
Ruben Rosthenhausler, author of Book of Yeshua
I have known Lorenzo since high school where we kept our choir teacher on his toes with our antics (he loved us). I have always said that Lorenzo is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He truly cares for others. That's why I know this book came out of a source of caring, giving and a hope to help others. Not only is this story incredible, but the way it is told is captivating. Once I started reading Fight Like Hell I couldn't put it down. Well, not true, I did put it down to grab tissues when I was crying or laughing my butt off. I pray that this book gets a chance to do what it was meant to do - offer a seed of hope to many!
Kirkus Review
Sierra chronicles his career and life, including a harrowing struggle with Covid-19.
In his debut memoir, the author, a former Arizona state representative, recounts the highlights and low points of an
eventful life, including his wife Rhonda’s battle with breast cancer and his own nightmarish experience with Covid-19.
Sierra describes himself as a classic “retail politician,” someone who regularly cuts ribbons or appears in parades. “I like
getting to know people,” he writes, “shaking hands, and giving hugs.” He asserts that his wife was an invaluable help in “cultivating” his finer qualities. “I’m not saying it was an Eliza Doolittle scenario,” he quips, referring to My Fair Lady, “but it was pretty much an Eliza Doolittle scenario.” His wife had fought cancer and won a few years ago, and everything looked
rosy for the future when the fateful year 2020 came along. Suddenly, all of the good feelings and the upward trajectory of Sierra’s burgeoning career in Arizona politics came to a sudden halt. “I know I’m not the only person to have that experience in March 2020,” he recalls, “and it sucked for all of us.”
In a statement that garnered national attention at the
time, Sierra observed of the pandemic, “This enemy has no lands to invade, no ideology to defeat.” In the book’s dramatic
high point, that enemy strikes Sierra severely: He tested positive for the virus and soon found himself on a ventilator. He
writes about love, heartbreak, national events (like the pandemic and the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg), and even his nerdy love of Star Trek with an unaffected directness and storyteller’s skill. It’s a touchingly human account, and Sierra’s aura of affection somehow even extends to the cutthroat world of politics. The nuanced result reads
far more believably than most political memoirs.
The emotional story of that rare thing: a good man in politics.
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, author of They Called Us 'Lucky:' The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq War's Hardest Hit Unit
Fight Like Hell is a powerful testament to Lorenzo's strength, resilience, and impactful career in public service. His story is a moving reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have to fight like hell for the things we believe in.
Laurie Notaro, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Murderess
"'Fight Like Hell' is a resounding narrative that testifies in times of challenges, poor odds and immense suffering, the connection of family and love is stronger than the universe itself."
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Rep. Sierra has never backed down from a fight. He has demonstrated perseverance, strength, and courage, as long as I’ve known him.
Michael Shandler, author of Karma & Kismet —A Spiritual Quest Across Continents, Cultures, and Consciousness
Lorenzo Sierra’s Fight Like Hell is a love letter from the edge. His promise to survive for his wife—while she battled cancer and he fought for breath—struck a deep chord in me. As someone who clawed my way back from the wreckage of abuse, I know what it means to hold on when everything wants to break you. This book is a testament: love anchors, purpose heals, and survival is a quiet act of defiance.
Matt Grodsky, author of Righteous Might: How Democrats Turned Arizona Blue and How You Can Flip Your Battleground State
Fight Like Hell is a powerful memoir of survival, love, and resilience told by political veteran and former state representative Lorenzo Sierra. Sierra shares his political triumphs and struggles, and recounts his near-fatal battle with COVID-19 alongside his wife's courageous fight against late-stage breast cancer. This is not only a story of politics but also a story of two people who refused to give up on each other or on hope.
Avondale, Arizona Councilwoman Maxine White
This book is an amazing love story that covers a modern interracial relationship, marriage, the blending of two families and Rhonda’s and Lorenzo’s challenging journey together. Lorenzo has a strong story telling ability which allows him to share the most vulnerable parts of his journey with a bit of self-deprecation and cute quips to keep me from crying.
David Martinez, author of Bones Worth Breaking
In his powerful story of love and loss and love again, Lorenzo Sierra reminds us that while the Americas we’re born into are not the same or equal, we have the ability, when united, to change our world for the better. His depictions of growing up Latino and poor, his dedication to his wife through health and sickness, as well as his own battle with COVID that almost killed him, inspire and remind us that while the world around us may at times look grim, we can overcome if we’re willing to Fight Like Hell.