Counterpunch (Belonging, #2)

Nov 23, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cried-like-a-baby, fave-authors, favorites, lmao, love-conquers-all, loved-it, m-m, troubled-past

Will the real Brooklyn Marshall please stand up?

Brooklyn Marshall had a life before, he was a husband, a cop, a boxer, he was free. That life was taken away from him, except he can still fight. He still WINS, but does it matter? Does anyone even care?

We find Brooklyn at the end of a fight, revved up and buzzing with his win. But also knowing that he needs to get ready to go service whatever John his owners have lined up for him. He doesn't care, he'll do what he has to, after all that's what he...more

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Dec 18, 2011 Lenore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, favourite-authors, bdsm, toys, sports, 2011, reviewed-by-yours-truly, money-matters, blood-sweat-and-tears, hh-bisexual

I should start by saying I'm not sure how to rate this book. And, as usual with A. Voinov's books, I can't write a proper review; too many thoughts coursing through my mind and a turmoil of emotions in my chest.

My general feeling is that the book should be longer. At least I wish it were. Brooklyn is an amazing character. He comes across with exceptional clarity and almost surgical precision. He had me at hello and he already holds that special place in my heart I reserve for the fictional char...more

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Feb 27, 2012 ♥Laddie♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who's in the Bloodthirsty Bitches Club

Shelves: excon-convict-hero, hero-abused-in-past, mm-lawyer-hero, mm-ruthless-hero, mm-sports-hero, wealthy-hero, bloodthirsty-bitches-club

It's Not A Sport Unless Someone Gets Hit In The Face: The Most Vicious Fairy Tale

For a really good fairy tale you need an underdog
Meet Brooklyn. Brooklyn's a cop who, after accidentally killing a young girl, gets sold into slavery. An up and comer on the slave boxing circuit, Brooklyn vents his rage in the ring. The boxing scenes in this book are visceral and I could all but smell the blood and sweat. I could all but hear the bloodthirsty crowds and feel the frenetic energy that vibrated under t...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Vio rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, highly-recommended, wonderful, disturbing

4.5 stars

I am ashamed to admit this is my first Aleksandr Voinov novel and thankfully it wasn't as intimidating or confronting as I first thought it is dark and quite violent but wow Brooklyn he is one sexy hunk of a man. I love him and I was immediately drawn to him, strong and determined with such a will to succeed despite all the sh%t he has to endure, you can't help but cheer him on, he is amazingly courageous. This will not appeal to everyone, all I can say is give it a chance you might be...more

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Feb 08, 2013 rameau rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lgbt, bdsm, read-in-2013, stalker-alert, recommending, alternative-universe, fantasy, contemporary

This review can also be found on Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell-blog.

Imagine a modern Britain where at least two or three decades ago the politicians gave up on trying to keep up with the ever-growing prison population, chucked the fourth article of the Universal Declaration of Human rights, and started to commute life sentences into slavery. Now people are both born and condemned to it. And it’s not just in Britain, it’s all around the world.

Brooklyn Marshall was born free and worked hard to build...more

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Nov 18, 2011 DarienMoya rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those who want a knockout story, set in a crazy believable if impossible world

Shelves: 2011-reads, fave-books-of-2011, fave-m-m-characters, my-m-m-lovin, piss-of-books-of-2011, tie-me-up-and-use-me, pants-off-reviews

^^ A SOLID KNOCKOUT!^^

More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

4.5

I was excited to read this, not only for the awesmazing cover (count those abs) but because this would be my first book by Aleksandr Voinov. I had previously read a short story by him that was a part of an anthology; clearly, it was just a small slice of something big. Counterpunch had me freaking out, and I can say I was not disappointed. Mr Voinov has just become a must read author by me, I love his gritty writing s...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Val Kovalin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Val by: Lady*M

4.5 out of 5.0 stars

SHORT REVIEW:

TITLE: Counterpunch

AUTHOR: Aleksandr Voinov

PUBLISHER: Storm Moon Press

GENRE: Science Fiction (Alternate Universe), Slave fiction

LENGTH: 55,000 words

SETTING: London, England

THEMES: slavery, freedom, prostitution, boxing, rich man poor man, love between social classes

TONE: dark, intense, gritty

VIEWPOINT: one third-person viewpoint (Brooklyn)

SUMMARY: Book blurb - Brooklyn Marshall used to be a policeman in London, with a wife and a promising future ahead of him. The...more

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Nov 18, 2011 ❂ Endless rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is my 3rd book by Aleksandr Voinov and by now I think, I've gotten used to his gritty way of writing. Writing something different, having his own unique spin on a tale is what makes this boxer's story charming. That's one of things that attracted me to the story and held my attention all the way through to the end. I like the unpredictable twists and turns in the plot that keeps one guessing. Even some of the character traits are unexpected and non-stereotypical!

I like how this is complete...more This is my 3rd book by Aleksandr Voinov and by now I think, I've gotten used to his gritty way of writing. Writing something different, having his own unique spin on a tale is what makes this boxer's story charming. That's one of things that attracted me to the story and held my attention all the way through to the end. I like the unpredictable twists and turns in the plot that keeps one guessing. Even some of the character traits are unexpected and non-stereotypical!

I like how this is completely focused on Brooklyn and the book is entirely from his pov. This way the author keeps us intrigued about Nathaniel and his intentions. The boxing world is vividly exemplified complete with its jargon but, the reader's never left in the dark about what is what. I absolutely love it when a book reads like a movie running in my head. That's just testament to how well written and developed this book really is. I loved how i could see London and those British mannerisms and i could see and feel the heat of the Caribbean...Evocative!

There is one brutal scene in there but it's like the author is almost trying to protect his readers from seeing it in vivid detail...it's like he's saying, "you know, this is a brutal world with actions and consequences and punishments - and they happen!". But, care is taken to not shock or horrify the readers for the heck of it, which I appreciated a lot.

I like how the ending is packed with surprises...but there are also some unanswered questions...or maybe i need to read the ending again to get the answer to my question (view spoiler)

Ummm...did i mention this book is hot? Some of the scenes are sizzling like (view spoiler).

(view spoiler)

This is my niggler of all time - the fact that this level of slavery is depicted in our current timeline is unsettling for me. That's perhaps my only issue with this book...

The blurb tells us that Brooklyn was a cop who turned into a slave due to circumstances. But during the course of the book the author doesn't hold that fact in your face. In fact the first time it's even mentioned is when we are like half way through the book. These little nuances just make it unique. Nice!

Recommended!(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 LisaT - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog LisaT131 rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: m-m, boxing, sports, slavery

Shelves: adult, kindle, m-m-romance

~~~

No spoilers -- Just some quotes.

Go look this up before reading this book:

"What's my name, Ernie?"
-------------------- Muhammad Ali to Ernie Tyrell

**** I feel it is important to note that you do not need to be a boxing fan or aficionado to understand and ultimately love this book. Voinov carefully places you into this world and guides you effortlessly, so, the experience is completely full, rich and most of all, enlightening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walls closing in with no way to escape, is a feeling t...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Heller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, dystopian, m-m, sports

4.75

This was a brutal read. Set in an alternative universe with a very layered and complicated slave society that juxtaposes the freeman one. Did I say brutal? Despite the violence I never found it gratuitous. It was there, it was a part of Brooklyn's life and he dealt with it.

Brook was a former cop and freeman who after accidentally killing a young girl was railroaded by her family and sold into slavery. An amateur boxer prior to his incarceration he is sold to a conglomerate and begins boxing...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, m-m, violence

I like stories and movies about boxing. I like stories about tough men. It stands to reason that I enjoyed this story as well. There was one plot element I could have done without but I won't mention it so that I don't give anything away. I also prefer being shown, rather than told, that something happened. That said this was an enjoyable read from an author that I've come to really like and have begun seeking out his books.

I'm not a fan of fantasy or sci fi but this was more a story in an alter...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Edina Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

The story of great boxer, how he got to the top and how he found love. Or the story of a free man turned slave, an ordinary man turned champion, a lonely man who found love. Brooklyn's story.

It takes place in London in the boxing (under-)world and slavery is an institution. There are born slaves and "made" slaves. Brook is one of the latter.

Typical Voynov's story, it is full of rough stuff. But strangely, it was lighter than I expected. Though there was sexual violence, it was not desc...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Joy (joyous reads) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: boyswholoveboys, in-my-kindle

Counterpunch is a novel set in an alternate universe where slavery is an acceptable trade and punishment for criminals. We meet Brooklyn, who was a former cop, charged for the murder of an MP's daughter. The world in itself is sort of hard to explain; but I keep seeing a visage of a decrepit world ruled by thugs and corrupt government officials. There were abusive slave handlers who took advantage of their ward and the punishments ranged from being caged like animals, severe beating and rape.

Br...more Counterpunch is a novel set in an alternate universe where slavery is an acceptable trade and punishment for criminals. We meet Brooklyn, who was a former cop, charged for the murder of an MP's daughter. The world in itself is sort of hard to explain; but I keep seeing a visage of a decrepit world ruled by thugs and corrupt government officials. There were abusive slave handlers who took advantage of their ward and the punishments ranged from being caged like animals, severe beating and rape.

Brooklyn was sold to slavery and had become a prize fighter. That in itself, was the kicker for me. As soon I saw those words, I'm sold. There is something fierce, scary and beautiful about the violence he unleashes on the ring. It's hard to figure out his state of mind. He's overwrought with guilt for the crime he committed and yet he's like madman when he's fighting. He loses all his compassion and sense of right and wrong. He's fearless and strong and very much a submissive to his Master, fate. He thinks he deserved all he gets but he at the same time he never loses hope of being free. I have spoken of Aleksandr's diverse characters before; more often, authors tend to create one that's an echo of a previous work. But this author continue to amaze me with men of differing personalities.

As usual, Aleksandr's prowess remain his ability to create something beautiful in the ugliest of situations. Here, the slavery is brought to the extreme. But there's something so sublime about finding love in the darkest underbelly of London's society. And seriously, the best thing about his books is the feeling that this is not just your ordinary Erotica read. He writes so much more than just filthy sex and temporary gratification. This book for one, is a short read by anybody's standards and I've said it before that it will not leave you with questions but a want for more.

I could go on and on about Mr. Voinov but I fear words will fail me every single time. Keep cranking those gears in your head, Aleksandr. I'm dying to meet more of your men!
(less)

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May 07, 2012 Future Slayer Girl (aka: kitten) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bom-bdsm-april-group-read, bom-bdsm-group-read, bdsm, m-m, anal-play, aleksandr-voinov, 5-stars, dubious-consent, erotic, glbt, kindle-loan, light-bondage-play, kinky-book-reviews, recommended-read, series-read

I am a somewhat newbie to the whole M/M erotic genre. I used to just turned away from anything that had to do with M/M, I read one story awhile back, and I felt that I was reading about a man and woman. That put me off. Although, I know that is the stereo type to most M/M relationships, for some reason it just doesn’t do it for me when I am reading about intimacy with two males. I want masculine, I want fire, I want heat, I want some dirty talk. I want two sweat, hot, delicious pieces of men get...more I am a somewhat newbie to the whole M/M erotic genre. I used to just turned away from anything that had to do with M/M, I read one story awhile back, and I felt that I was reading about a man and woman. That put me off. Although, I know that is the stereo type to most M/M relationships, for some reason it just doesn’t do it for me when I am reading about intimacy with two males. I want masculine, I want fire, I want heat, I want some dirty talk. I want two sweat, hot, delicious pieces of men getting it on for my wicked reading pleasure. But I need story too. For some reason I have this sick need to read a good plot with my smut. Call me an old fashion kind of girl, but I need meat to my reading. Even if I am reading the genre of fiction most people go “Oh, you read THOSE kinds of books.”

Well, I hate to break it to the haters, but this was one of the best books I have read so far this year. Not only did it give me grit, guts, and passion. It left me wanting to rail at some of the characters in the book. I was engulfed, imprisoned in this pseudo reality where punishment for crimes can mean jail time or to become slaves. I have to say, the men might just have it better than the women in this world. Women seem to be, like always, just breeders or sex objects. And although Brooklyn was subjected to sexual slavery, he was a warrior in his own right. Brooklyn is the type of male I hope to read about in a M/M book. He is strong, clever, witty, and yet he holds a key vulnerability that put me on his side the entire time I was reading this book. It was both impressive and intoxicating to read.

Every inch of this story drew me, consumed me, and I had a hard time putting it down to get other tasks done around the house. The story had a smooth plot that didn’t jerk me or jar my reading. In fact, it was like watching a movie in my mind. I could see this on the big screen or sitting in my room watching it late at night. I feel in love with Brooklyn, if I was in that world he would be my hero. I would also want to free him, which to be honest, I don’t think I would fall into the 1% of that time period. The story had some very light BDSM elements that wetted my appetite for a little D/s. I wouldn’t really call this a ‘romance’, for me the plot was so intricate, so well done that it was just a great story to read.

Nathaniel was a character we all fell in love with. He was masculine and sensitive and we all wanted fall into his arms. Even if he didn’t swing towards the ladies, he was a man you wanted to admire, and at the same time you just couldn’t understand some of his actions, which were all sorted out in the end. The villain element was brilliantly executed. Not only did I want to kill them, but I wanted to subject them to the same torment that Brooklyn was after an incident in the book(trying to not spit out spoilers). I have to say, from beginning to end the book was a very satisfying read, and even if you aren’t sure about a M/M read, I would take a chance on this book. Well written, fantastically executed, I recommend this to all readers!(less)

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Nov 19, 2011 Dee Wy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, m-m, slave-captive-prisoner, will-read-again, favorites, sci-fi-futuristic-alt-universe

If you are looking for a sweet romance, you will not find it here. However, if you are looking for a richly plotted story that focuses on the strength of the human spirit in the face of an unkind fate, then you will be well rewarded with Brooklyn's journey.

Early on I felt Brook lacked emotion, but I came to understand that if he allowed himself to think too much, or feel too much he could well have been unable to keep going. As an owned slave, Brooklyn has few choices other than to do what he's...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Blaine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, m-m-romance, novel, quiltbag

Counterpunch is a BRILLIANT read. It's intense, gripping, gritty and so bloody real, I just couldn't put it down.

I wasn't going to read it, to be honest. I can't read slavefics, they give me nightmares and haunt me for days (and NOT in a good way), but I was persuaded when someone gave me the book as a present. (You know who you are, Mister!!)

Once I started… well, I wrote it above, couldn't put it down. As scared as I was about the slavery, I was pleasantly surprised that my normal hick-ups didn...more

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Jan 13, 2013 SueM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, prisoner-slave, dub-con_non-con, abuse-assault-rape-torture, cop-agent-military-pi, futuristic, alternate-worlds-au, bdsm, betrayal

4.5 stars.
Those familiar with Voinov's darker style will immediately recognize his voice in this novel. Brooklyn, a former cop found guilty of killing a rioter, is sentenced to slavery for life. He no longer is married, he has no possessions beyond his clothes, and he must act on the whims of his owners. Mostly, those whims are based on boxing, and he is well on his way to champion status. But on occasion, those whims also demand him to provide sexual service to whomever he is sold to - male, fe...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Adara rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a completely different look at the Belonging universe than Anchored or Where He Belongs gives us. This story looks at things from the POV of a freeman who was sold into slavery after being made an example of and sentenced to life for the accidental death of a protestor while serving as a riot guard. In this story, Brooklyn, or Brooklyn Marshall when he is referred to by his freeman name, resents having his freedom taken away and being treated like a slave, being abused by guards, and bei...more This is a completely different look at the Belonging universe than Anchored or Where He Belongs gives us. This story looks at things from the POV of a freeman who was sold into slavery after being made an example of and sentenced to life for the accidental death of a protestor while serving as a riot guard. In this story, Brooklyn, or Brooklyn Marshall when he is referred to by his freeman name, resents having his freedom taken away and being treated like a slave, being abused by guards, and being sold for sex to the highest bidder. He also takes boxing from a hobby to pro heavyweight status to make money for his co-owner collective, known simply as the Management.

Brooklyn wants to fight the freeman heavyweight champion, Dragan Thorne, but the freemen don't have to fight against slaves, and most of them are so out of shape they couldn't take him on anyway. So he aspires for the slave heavyweight champion and calls out Thorne along the way. He catches the eye of the Management, and also of Nathaniel Bishop, who buys Brooklyn immediately after the fights, and forces pleasure on him instead taking it from him, confusing Brooklyn in the process. They reach an understanding of sorts while Brooklyn is training, slowly falling for each other, despite their circumstances and unequal status.

One of the things which captivated me so much about Anchored was the really strong emotions evoked by Daniel's slave circumstances. Brooklyn's are no less emotion-evoking. His thoughts throughout the story center around bringing freemen to their knees by forcing them to celebrate a slave boxer, his prowess and heart in the ring being the only thing they can't take away from him. But he might lose it anyway when he accidentally kills an opponent during a match. So, will that break Brooklyn's spirit and keep him from achieving his goal of beating Thorne, or will he be defeated by something more personal? By a reminder of what life was like when he was free? By Nathaniel?

One of the things that I tend to despise is when stories stop too quickly and don't follow through enough on the epilogue details. Even though I think this story stopped short of what I would usually prefer in the way of clean-up, I don't think that it was wrong to do so in this case. It was somewhat abrupt, but the way in which the details were presented made me feel that I wasn't cheated.

This is a fabulous addition to the Belonging universe with very different emotions due to very different circumstances. It's an awesome ride, just like Anchored was, but in a very different way.

So, I'm giving this 4.5 stars, rounded down until I determine re-readability. =)(less)

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Jan 19, 2012 Marina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, m-m

If I had in mind that it would be easy to write a review for one of A. Voinov books I was just kidding myself.

The thing that shocked me to my core is Slavery!

When man is given power over another man that turns him into the meanest beast!

HUGE SPOILERS

The theme of this book was something I haven’t encounter up to now, turning a man into a slave instead of imprisoning him as a way of punishment, the whole foundation of society which accepts slaves and freemen, slaves sold and traded as pieces of e...more

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Dec 14, 2011 karlakolumna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, mm-paranormal-scifi-fantasy, mm-rough-bdsm-slaves

This was my first "slave genre" read.
Well,to be honest, before Counterpunch I started reading Counterpoint by Rachel Haimowitz which has some kind of slave plot as well. I didn't finish it, I just couldn't get into it, but I guess I'll try again when I'm in the mood for some fantasy/slave elves plot ;)

As I said, it was more or less my first book in this genre and I didn't expect it to be that good. I actually decided to read it, because I recently started reading the Special Forces Series by th...more This was my first "slave genre" read.
Well,to be honest, before Counterpunch I started reading Counterpoint by Rachel Haimowitz which has some kind of slave plot as well. I didn't finish it, I just couldn't get into it, but I guess I'll try again when I'm in the mood for some fantasy/slave elves plot ;)

As I said, it was more or less my first book in this genre and I didn't expect it to be that good. I actually decided to read it, because I recently started reading the Special Forces Series by this author (i.a.) which I liked very much.
I guess, without the "author bonus" I wouldn't have bought it ;) - which I certainly didn't regret. The book is entertaining and captivating. Both MCs are likable, although I must admit that I have ambivalent feelings toward Nathaniel. He talks about the discrepancies in a society, in which some people are mere objects, without a free will, without a free life. On the other hand, he owns a not insignificant number of slaves himself. And while he is trying to free Brooklyn (view spoiler), he didn't once seem to think about the others. And his endeavour/effort to free those two isn't really due to some altruistic reasons, but rather due to selfish ones.
If I remember correctly, he never says that a society with slaves is totally wrong. He rather wants slaves to have the chance to earn money and to be able to become free after some time; he draws a comparison with the Roman Empire, where/when e.g. gladiators were able to fight for their freedom in the arena, which would be fairer/more just.
I know, it's fiction, thank God.

Besides that, I really enjoyed the British English (instead of the usual American English). It's nice to read words written the "right way" again, e.g. "behaviour" instead of "behavior", as I've learned at school (BE is taught in German schools).
And luckily I'm a huge fan of British televison (I simply love the black humour) so that I actually didn't have any trouble with the sometimes colloquial language ;)

Unfortunately, the ending felt somewhat abrupt/sudden. And the slave-to-freeman solutuion was very, erm, convenient?, or rather fast. I don't know, I guess, I was hoping for more? Hmm.

Boy, when re-reading my review one could get the impression that I didn't like the book that much at all. But I assure you, it's really worth your while (and money). The fact that I have mixed feelings about a MC doesn't neccessarily make a book bad or good. I actually prefer my "heroes" with flaws. Noone is entirely good or bad in real life, and I rarely enjoy a book with perfect MCs. Boring.
I really like the darker atmosphere in this book.

All in all I give Counterpunch 4.5 stars.

I really recommend it, even to those who wouldn't usually pick a slave plot ;)(less)

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Feb 12, 2012 orannia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

Four and three quarter stars. I loved how this book started out so bleak, to reflect Brooklyn's circumstances and outlook and then gradually changed as Brooklyn did. The world-building was fascinating, and after reading Bryce Courtney's The Power of One and Tandia in my early 20s the art of boxing has always intrigued. The only downside to this book (for me) was the name and product placement. (It's my personal bugbear.) Neither was required (except for Ali) and IMHO they date the book. I know w...more

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view all 4 comments

Aleksandr Voinov LOL - no problem, I agree that that heavy-handed use of product names is a bit weird and not actually helpful. I was hoping to go for the sleek, styli...more
updated Feb 12, 2012 11:13am

orannia You definitely weren't heavy handed at all with the product names. (That series I mentioned in my last comment - that has heavy handed product use.) I...more
Feb 12, 2012 08:46pm

Sep 18, 2012 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, m-m, bdsm, novella, slave

The plot is so smooth and logical. Everything makes sense in the book. Love the characters too.

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Nov 06, 2011 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don’t like boxing. Really. Two guys beating the hell out of each other while the crowd cheers/boos? And, the sound of the glove and the sweat and blood flying as it makes contact usually sickens me. But, what choice did I have? I knew if I wanted to read this story, I’d have to pull up my big girl pants and deal with it or skim over the gore.

Very quickly, I realized this is not a story where skimming is possible; every scene is necessary. Hell, every word is necessary. The plot is tight, the...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Gwen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: alphabet-soup, science-fiction-double-feature

My first attempt at reading Voinov by himself. There's even echoes of Special Forces scattered around, which given that that series still manages to claim an idle thought in my head, was rather nice.

This here is well done. I'm rather indifferent towards boxing, but the inclusion of it wasn't overbearing for me. I actually thought there was just enough to move the story along without making a non-sports fan's eyes start to glaze over. I liked the conclusion too, how it didn't end with the MCs in...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-gay, dubcon-noncon, read-it-or-manu-will-kick-my-ass

"The moment the slave resolves that he will no longer be a slave, his fetters fall. Freedom and slavery are mental states.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Yes, Gandhi certainly was right. And this book story is an example. Why?

Simple, meet Brooklyn, a slave... a boxer slave.

Imagine a society where slavery is again allowed. Depending on the crime, you can be a slave. No way back... one time a slave, you know it's how you end your days.

I think in this story what most made me stop and think is not the erotic s...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Cat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, e-books, m-m, review, sports

WOW. I am bowing down and taking my hat off to you Alek. This was a wonderfully written book. Brooklyn was great I don't know what else to say. I felt his hurt and pain. Boxing was his way of staying sane in the situation that he was in and Nathaniel while a mystery to his motives and who and what he really is at first becomes the light in Brooklyn's dark world. In the beginnig of the book you did not know exactly what put Brooklyn in the place of a slave. but as the story unfolds you begin to s...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Brenda Cothern rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, m-m

A gritty look into the world of boxing as only Aleks can give. Where the sport is comprised of slaves and freed-men (as much as the society is) whose paths rarely cross. Brooklyn (once a freeman but now a slave) is another conflicted and strong character who pulls you into not only his physical but mental struggles. Counterpunch is a page turner but if you are a fan of Aleks, then you can expect nothing less!

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Aug 30, 2012 Akansha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british-m-m, slaves, m-m

A wonderful setting and a brilliant protagonist in the form of the beautiful, volatile, complex and sexy Brooklyn. Voinov draws you in with his superb characterization of Brooklyn and Brooklyn's grim plight.

My only complaint is that the ending is too neatly and sweetly wrapped up. After everything that Brooklyn has gone through,it's just a little anticlimactic. Not that he doesn't deserve his HEA but I think the resolution would have worked better with a few more pages. But apart from that tiny...more

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May 05, 2013 LiveYourLife BuyTheBook rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: voinov, verra-good, guestreviewer

4 Stars

You commit a crime and you get convicted. You get convicted to life and you lose your freedom. You lose your freedom and you become a slave.

As horrible as it seems I can’t stop admiring the brilliancy of this world wherein this story lives and breathes. And if you’re looking for the typical boxing story I’d suggest you leave it now and go look elsewhere. This book is so much more.

In a world where you can lose your freedom in a matter of seconds and your life is no longer in your hands Bro...more

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Apr 11, 2013 ARe Cafe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: are-top-picks, vals-picks

This intensely compelling and dark story takes place in the third-person viewpoint of Brooklyn, who is a slave in an alternate-universe version of our contemporary world. The story opens in London as Brooklyn fights in a boxing match. He is rising through the ranks, seeking to become heavyweight champion of the world – in the slave leagues.

After each of his matches, the holding company that owns him rents him out as a prostitute to wealthy men or women. It is through this demeaning practice that...more This intensely compelling and dark story takes place in the third-person viewpoint of Brooklyn, who is a slave in an alternate-universe version of our contemporary world. The story opens in London as Brooklyn fights in a boxing match. He is rising through the ranks, seeking to become heavyweight champion of the world – in the slave leagues.

After each of his matches, the holding company that owns him rents him out as a prostitute to wealthy men or women. It is through this demeaning practice that Brooklyn meets the mysterious Nathaniel, a powerful and wealthy freeman with many secrets. Infatuated with Brooklyn, Nathaniel puts into motion a plan to free him. However, the plan encounters significant problems with the results of Brooklyn’s next two boxing matches. When Brooklyn finds himself in trouble, he doubts he can trust a man like Nathaniel who is both secretive and manipulative.

Counterpunch (Belonging 3), written as a stand-alone novel, shares the alternate-universe world of slavery first created in two books by Rachel Haimowitz: Anchored (Belonging 1), andWhere He Belongs (Belonging 2). You don’t need to have read those books to understand this one. Counterpunch (Belonging 3) is dark and intense and alludes to violent acts.

However, it doesn’t show the reader any graphic violence, and it does feature a traditional love story, so it may hold the widest appeal for the readers of all the books in the Belonging series. My one reservation about the story (and it’s tiny) is that I couldn’t quite see Nathaniel as a worthy love interest for a character such as Brooklyn, and this could be due to Nathaniel not getting a viewpoint.

Otherwise, the story was just about perfect for me. Brooklyn is an unforgettable character – tragic, heroic, likable, believable, and charismatic. The writing is pared down, powerful, and vivid. Best of all, the boxing scenes read like the real thing. Take this passage:

“From out of nowhere, something hit him like lightning against the temple and eye, and Brooklyn staggered back. The punch-and where on earth had that come from?-shook him down to the back leg, and he completely lost focus, lights spinning, and the terrible, feral growl of the audience made his heart race with panic. He hit the ground, but scrambled to his feet unaware of any counting from the ref. Everything hurt; strength ran out of him like blood. He shook his head, unaware even of his opponent. The knockdown zinged like an ice-cold shock through him. His eyes blurred and stung.”

I’m a huge fan of boxing, and I’m thrilled to get fight scenes like this that engage all my senses. The author is especially gifted at writing action scenes, and I could read an infinite number of scenes like this. But don’t worry if you don’t know anything about boxing. As with Out in the Field (see below) and its depiction of baseball, you will not be overwhelmed by boxing scenes in this book. The author has a perfect sense for how much is enough to flavor this compulsively readable novel.(less)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11292786-counterpunch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310369453l/11292786.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11292786-counterpunch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Counterpunch by Aleksandr Voinov[/url]

Counterpunch (Belonging #2)

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