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With Her Fists: A Thriller
Clarice "Shocker" Ares retired from a sensational pro-boxing career to focus on her family and growing mechanic business.
In an instant, everything she has worked for is shattered, when the police find a shipment of drugs in their shop, and wrongfully send Clarice and her husband to prison. Incarcerated and desperate after court appeals are denied, Clarice must become the Shocker once more, challenging rival convicts in a deadly prison fight ring to finance her escape.
Battling alongside her, armed with his brilliant electronics wizardry, Clarice's husband Ace manipulates the court system to arrange a daring prison break. When their abilities are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to exact their revenge - and regain freedom?
In an instant, everything she has worked for is shattered, when the police find a shipment of drugs in their shop, and wrongfully send Clarice and her husband to prison. Incarcerated and desperate after court appeals are denied, Clarice must become the Shocker once more, challenging rival convicts in a deadly prison fight ring to finance her escape.
Battling alongside her, armed with his brilliant electronics wizardry, Clarice's husband Ace manipulates the court system to arrange a daring prison break. When their abilities are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to exact their revenge - and regain freedom?
- GenresThriller
639 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2019
9 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Henry Roi
21 books5 followersHenry Roi was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and still finds his inspiration in its places and people.
As a GED tutor and fitness instructor, working both face to face and online, he is an advocate of adult education in all its forms. His many campaigning and personal interests include tattoo art, prison reform and automotive mechanics.
He currently works in publishing, as an editor and publicist. He particularly focuses on promoting talented indie writers - arranging reviews, delivering media campaigns, and running blog tours.
If you're not lucky enough to catch him fishing round the Biloxi Lighthouse or teaching fitness in your local gym, he can usually be found on Twitter or Facebook @HenryRoiPR.
As a GED tutor and fitness instructor, working both face to face and online, he is an advocate of adult education in all its forms. His many campaigning and personal interests include tattoo art, prison reform and automotive mechanics.
He currently works in publishing, as an editor and publicist. He particularly focuses on promoting talented indie writers - arranging reviews, delivering media campaigns, and running blog tours.
If you're not lucky enough to catch him fishing round the Biloxi Lighthouse or teaching fitness in your local gym, he can usually be found on Twitter or Facebook @HenryRoiPR.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 27, 2019
This very exciting novel, by for me a new author who goes by the name, Henry Roi, was my first encounter with this author and this book was certainly an amazing reading experience.
It's a very well structured novel, set in three parts, with a great storyline and it's filled with fast-paced action-packed dramatical occurrences from start to finish.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, for the author brings the American justice system come alive with all its corruption and briberies, and he's establishing the fact to make this story into a fast-flowing crime-story with very believable figures within this thrilling tale.
The book starts off on March 16, 2010 and it will end in April, 2012, and first of all in that period Clarice Ares Carter, formerly Shocker the Fighter, and her husband, Ace Carter, are framed by corrupt police officers, Jimmy Wallace and Hector Velazquez, they being responsible for the murder of Jose, Lieutenant of a Mexican drugkartel and close friend of El Maestro (The Teacher), while repairing a car for two Mexicans in their garage and finding out it carries cocaine, and due to those corrupt police officers Clarice and Ace are arrested and convicted to a long-time jail sentence.
From within the jail system which is also invested with corruption and deadly danger Clarice and Ace, who's a genius hacker, will have to do all they can to escape their respective prisons but also always lurking in the background with bribes and threats from Juarez, Mexico, is the one and only El Maestro.
What is to follow is a genius escape from their respective prisons, which is action-packed first against police forces but later on with their deadly enemies Hector Velazquez and especially the maniac Jimmy Wallace, until a final countdown will establish the outcome of this thrilling entertaining crime-story.
Very much recommended, for if you like a fast-paced and action-packed crime-story accompanied with passion and love, look no further and grab this great book, and that's why I want to call it: "A Powerful First-Class Crime-Story"!
**Thank you to the author for my digital copy of his book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review!**
It's a very well structured novel, set in three parts, with a great storyline and it's filled with fast-paced action-packed dramatical occurrences from start to finish.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, for the author brings the American justice system come alive with all its corruption and briberies, and he's establishing the fact to make this story into a fast-flowing crime-story with very believable figures within this thrilling tale.
The book starts off on March 16, 2010 and it will end in April, 2012, and first of all in that period Clarice Ares Carter, formerly Shocker the Fighter, and her husband, Ace Carter, are framed by corrupt police officers, Jimmy Wallace and Hector Velazquez, they being responsible for the murder of Jose, Lieutenant of a Mexican drugkartel and close friend of El Maestro (The Teacher), while repairing a car for two Mexicans in their garage and finding out it carries cocaine, and due to those corrupt police officers Clarice and Ace are arrested and convicted to a long-time jail sentence.
From within the jail system which is also invested with corruption and deadly danger Clarice and Ace, who's a genius hacker, will have to do all they can to escape their respective prisons but also always lurking in the background with bribes and threats from Juarez, Mexico, is the one and only El Maestro.
What is to follow is a genius escape from their respective prisons, which is action-packed first against police forces but later on with their deadly enemies Hector Velazquez and especially the maniac Jimmy Wallace, until a final countdown will establish the outcome of this thrilling entertaining crime-story.
Very much recommended, for if you like a fast-paced and action-packed crime-story accompanied with passion and love, look no further and grab this great book, and that's why I want to call it: "A Powerful First-Class Crime-Story"!
**Thank you to the author for my digital copy of his book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review!**
December 24, 2019
Clarice ‘The Shocker’ is a boxer, a mechanic, tattooist and mother. When a car is brought into her shop for diagnosed repair, she gets to work but what she finds hidden in a seat turns her life into a nightmare.
Clarice is a strong woman who tries to make the most of a horrific situation using her wits and determination.
At its heart this is a crime novel with drug cartels, corrupt cops and the dark US prison system. There is also boxing with plenty of fights and tough injuries. This is a tale of right and wrong, of honesty and corruption with sheer greed that rules some people’s lives. An action and emotion packed tale and a thoroughly entertaining read.
Thank you to the Author, Henry Roi, for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Clarice is a strong woman who tries to make the most of a horrific situation using her wits and determination.
At its heart this is a crime novel with drug cartels, corrupt cops and the dark US prison system. There is also boxing with plenty of fights and tough injuries. This is a tale of right and wrong, of honesty and corruption with sheer greed that rules some people’s lives. An action and emotion packed tale and a thoroughly entertaining read.
Thank you to the Author, Henry Roi, for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
December 31, 2023
Boxing, prison, prison breaks, a strong female lead! I enjoyed this one. I did listen to it on audible, it took me a while to get used to the narrator, I will admit at 1st she annoyed me, but once I got used to her it was fine.
January 7, 2020
Uneven but generally enjoyable -- the label "popcorn movie" fits it well. It reminds me a little of the '80s cult film "Buckaroo Banzai" -- but here, instead of a male neurophysicist/test pilot/rock musician, we have a female boxer/mechanic/driver/tattoo artist. It's a mélange of story lines, and the tone swings wildly from violence to ultraviolence to goofy humor. There is a fair amount of good stuff in it, though. The scene that stood out for me was the construction and use of the homemade tattoo machine behind prison walls.
January 5, 2020
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: With Her Fists
Subtitle:
Author: Henry Roi
Genre: Crime/Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
In this book we meet Clarice. Clarice is also known as ‘Shocker’, a champion female boxer. Now retired, Clarice wishes to spend time in her garage and tattoo parlour while spending time with her husband and young son. Fate has a different view. In come the baddies in the form of two corrupt police officers and a drug cartel. Clarice and her husband are arrested and prisoned for a substantial time for a crime they didn’t commit. Ace and Clarice do not leave matters at that and during the novel, we follow their experiences in prison, the planning of their escape and the exploits of the drug cartel and the corruption within the police force and prison.
What I liked about the book:
I liked the story and after the first few chapters, it became difficult to put the book down.
What I didn’t like about the book:
However, the description in the first chapters were too flowery and felt a little forced. I was pleased to see this soon changed.
My favourite bits in the book:
Any scene where Clarice and Ace came out on top and couldn’t be pulled down.
My least favourite bits in the book:
When a favourite character died.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I am not aware of any plans for a series for this book although I would love to know what happens to Ace, Clarice and their family and friends next.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a book which can be compared to some other crime novels.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like crime novels, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Clarice "Shocker" Ares retired from a sensational pro-boxing career to focus on her family and growing mechanic business.
In an instant, everything she has worked for is shattered, when the police find a shipment of drugs in their shop, and wrongfully send Clarice and her husband to prison. Incarcerated and desperate after court appeals are denied, Clarice must become the Shocker once more, challenging rival convicts in a deadly prison fight ring to finance her escape.
Battling alongside her, armed with his brilliant electronics wizardry, Clarice's husband Ace manipulates the court system to arrange a daring prison break. When their abilities are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to exact their revenge - and regain freedom?
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: With Her Fists
Subtitle:
Author: Henry Roi
Genre: Crime/Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
In this book we meet Clarice. Clarice is also known as ‘Shocker’, a champion female boxer. Now retired, Clarice wishes to spend time in her garage and tattoo parlour while spending time with her husband and young son. Fate has a different view. In come the baddies in the form of two corrupt police officers and a drug cartel. Clarice and her husband are arrested and prisoned for a substantial time for a crime they didn’t commit. Ace and Clarice do not leave matters at that and during the novel, we follow their experiences in prison, the planning of their escape and the exploits of the drug cartel and the corruption within the police force and prison.
What I liked about the book:
I liked the story and after the first few chapters, it became difficult to put the book down.
What I didn’t like about the book:
However, the description in the first chapters were too flowery and felt a little forced. I was pleased to see this soon changed.
My favourite bits in the book:
Any scene where Clarice and Ace came out on top and couldn’t be pulled down.
My least favourite bits in the book:
When a favourite character died.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I am not aware of any plans for a series for this book although I would love to know what happens to Ace, Clarice and their family and friends next.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a book which can be compared to some other crime novels.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like crime novels, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Clarice "Shocker" Ares retired from a sensational pro-boxing career to focus on her family and growing mechanic business.
In an instant, everything she has worked for is shattered, when the police find a shipment of drugs in their shop, and wrongfully send Clarice and her husband to prison. Incarcerated and desperate after court appeals are denied, Clarice must become the Shocker once more, challenging rival convicts in a deadly prison fight ring to finance her escape.
Battling alongside her, armed with his brilliant electronics wizardry, Clarice's husband Ace manipulates the court system to arrange a daring prison break. When their abilities are put to the ultimate test, will they be able to exact their revenge - and regain freedom?
About the Author:
February 14, 2022
WITH HER FISTS by Henry Roi
A razor-thin line separates Heaven from Hell. But only the Unfortunate can truly understand the pain that follows when the uncaring Universe shoves them head-first into the Abyss. Unsuspecting retired boxer Clarice “The Shocker” Ares is living the American Dream in coastal Biloxi, MS with her husband Ace and their young son Nolan. But their lives transform to nightmares when a pair of criminals drop in for car repairs at Clarice’s auto shop—
Thanks to the unwanted courtesies of drug dealers, dirty cops, and a callous incompetent judge, Clarice finds herself imprisoned at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for women in Pearl, MS. Meanwhile her husband Ace is schlepped to the South Mississippi Correctional Facility in Leaksville. One hundred and forty miserable miles separate the mystified husband and wife … while a dark gulf separates them from their son Nolan.
The term “Correctional Facility” proves a blatant oxymoron. Shades of popular movies like The Gladiator and The Shawshank Redemption certainly spring to mind as MS author Henry Roi masterfully paints a crushing picture of modern daily prison life—and its financial workings.
Abuse takes many forms. If you’re like me? Abuse sparks anger. So I’m not surprised many of the guards and inmates I met in With Her Fists left me as enraged as desperate Clarice Ares. Knowing every imprisoned moment could prove their last? Clarice and her computer genius husband Ace hatch plans to escape. A cryptic Mexican cartel boss known as The Professor and El Maestro offers his assistance … but streetwise Clarice doesn’t trust his motives—leaving her at the mercy of a wicked female prison guard who blackmails The Shocker into fighting other woman.
Despite the dark and dangerous prison environs, Roi also evokes humor, compassion, kindness, and friendship—as well as the passion and ingenuity of the human spirit. If a movie like The Shawshank Redemption moves you? I suspect you’ll enjoy this taut-tense thriller.
May you find the strength you need to survive all your Life’s journeys,
Crime Writer Mick Rose
A razor-thin line separates Heaven from Hell. But only the Unfortunate can truly understand the pain that follows when the uncaring Universe shoves them head-first into the Abyss. Unsuspecting retired boxer Clarice “The Shocker” Ares is living the American Dream in coastal Biloxi, MS with her husband Ace and their young son Nolan. But their lives transform to nightmares when a pair of criminals drop in for car repairs at Clarice’s auto shop—
Thanks to the unwanted courtesies of drug dealers, dirty cops, and a callous incompetent judge, Clarice finds herself imprisoned at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for women in Pearl, MS. Meanwhile her husband Ace is schlepped to the South Mississippi Correctional Facility in Leaksville. One hundred and forty miserable miles separate the mystified husband and wife … while a dark gulf separates them from their son Nolan.
The term “Correctional Facility” proves a blatant oxymoron. Shades of popular movies like The Gladiator and The Shawshank Redemption certainly spring to mind as MS author Henry Roi masterfully paints a crushing picture of modern daily prison life—and its financial workings.
Abuse takes many forms. If you’re like me? Abuse sparks anger. So I’m not surprised many of the guards and inmates I met in With Her Fists left me as enraged as desperate Clarice Ares. Knowing every imprisoned moment could prove their last? Clarice and her computer genius husband Ace hatch plans to escape. A cryptic Mexican cartel boss known as The Professor and El Maestro offers his assistance … but streetwise Clarice doesn’t trust his motives—leaving her at the mercy of a wicked female prison guard who blackmails The Shocker into fighting other woman.
Despite the dark and dangerous prison environs, Roi also evokes humor, compassion, kindness, and friendship—as well as the passion and ingenuity of the human spirit. If a movie like The Shawshank Redemption moves you? I suspect you’ll enjoy this taut-tense thriller.
May you find the strength you need to survive all your Life’s journeys,
Crime Writer Mick Rose
September 6, 2020
Firstly, let me start by saying a big thank you to Henry Roi for sending me a digital copy of this book and also an apology for taking so long to read it.
With Her Fists is a crime novel full of police corruption, drug cartels and an interesting US prison system, which I found interesting to read about.
This was a well written fast paced book, with lots of action to keep you turning the pages. I really liked the in depth descriptions throughout the book, however, at times they do get a little too lengthy and this is where my concentration wavered a little. The main repetition came when it came to describing Clarice’s prep to fights and her actual fights.
I really enjoyed the storyline in regards to the corrupt police and the US legal/prison system but I struggled with the boxing part. I’m not a huge Boxing fan so this might explain my feelings toward this section.
One thing I struggled with the most was with some of the terminology used. I did have to look up a few things as I didn’t know what they meant. This was not to do with the writing style but more to do with the fact that it was the American terminology that I haven’t heard before.
Overall a good read and I’m definitely up for trying more books from Henry Roi in the future.
This book is definitely worth reading if you’re a Boxing enthusiast.
With Her Fists is a crime novel full of police corruption, drug cartels and an interesting US prison system, which I found interesting to read about.
This was a well written fast paced book, with lots of action to keep you turning the pages. I really liked the in depth descriptions throughout the book, however, at times they do get a little too lengthy and this is where my concentration wavered a little. The main repetition came when it came to describing Clarice’s prep to fights and her actual fights.
I really enjoyed the storyline in regards to the corrupt police and the US legal/prison system but I struggled with the boxing part. I’m not a huge Boxing fan so this might explain my feelings toward this section.
One thing I struggled with the most was with some of the terminology used. I did have to look up a few things as I didn’t know what they meant. This was not to do with the writing style but more to do with the fact that it was the American terminology that I haven’t heard before.
Overall a good read and I’m definitely up for trying more books from Henry Roi in the future.
This book is definitely worth reading if you’re a Boxing enthusiast.
February 9, 2021
With her Fists is a gritty, action-packed thriller featuring a strong female lead. The author clearly knows his stuff when it comes to boxing. Themes of police corruption, sadistic prison guards, drug cartels and one female boxing champ determined to take on whatever she's dealt and exact revenge are woven into a narrative laced with violence and a healthy dose of wit. Puts prison fiction into a class of its own.
January 5, 2020
It was nice and refreshing to finally see a female lead written without any stereotypes or made to appear inferior. Clarice is a really strong character mentally and especially physically. I enjoyed following her and her husband as they attempted to prove their innocence after being framed by corrupt cops.
December 29, 2019
This starts off with a female boxer Clarice “ Shocker” Ares fighting her last fight-retiring! Because of corruption in the police force her and her husband are arrested and sent away on drug charges. Putting his electronic wizardry to good use he manipulates the system so they are able to escape and exact revenge on the two officers that started this nightmare!
This is a book that the action continues throughout the story! Great characters who fight to get their life back! There were a few parts that I felt were a little too descriptive. I felt the author went into too much detail about things and it became repetitive to me and I felt the need to hurry through these parts! Overall a good story from this new-to-me author!
This is a book that the action continues throughout the story! Great characters who fight to get their life back! There were a few parts that I felt were a little too descriptive. I felt the author went into too much detail about things and it became repetitive to me and I felt the need to hurry through these parts! Overall a good story from this new-to-me author!
December 16, 2019
Wrong time, wrong place and a system riddled with corruption.
Champion boxer, tattoo artist and business woman, Clarice "Shocker" Ares has her life torn apart. She’s wrongly accused and incarcerated, when her only mistake was trying to be a good citizen. Despite overwhelming odds, she’s not ready to yield. She relies on her developed skills: her wits, strength & speed, to confront the worst that the new community she finds herself in, can throw at her.
Henry Roi’s portrayal is accomplished. It’s skilfully written, with graphic portrayal of fight scenes. ‘With Her Fists’ wasn’t the easiest of reads for an ‘elderly Brit’, new to some on the language and terminology, but it was an effort well rewarded by Roi’s scene portrayal and storytelling.
Champion boxer, tattoo artist and business woman, Clarice "Shocker" Ares has her life torn apart. She’s wrongly accused and incarcerated, when her only mistake was trying to be a good citizen. Despite overwhelming odds, she’s not ready to yield. She relies on her developed skills: her wits, strength & speed, to confront the worst that the new community she finds herself in, can throw at her.
Henry Roi’s portrayal is accomplished. It’s skilfully written, with graphic portrayal of fight scenes. ‘With Her Fists’ wasn’t the easiest of reads for an ‘elderly Brit’, new to some on the language and terminology, but it was an effort well rewarded by Roi’s scene portrayal and storytelling.
February 15, 2020
If you are an avid reader with an insatiable hunger for a prison fiction that pumps your adrenaline, then With Her Fists wouldn't fail to surprise you. As a début novel, Henry Roi creates scruples and quasi-moments, making you itch and question the realistic nature of the character's circumstance. One must take a stand as this read isn't for sensitive readers who find gang life, drugs, religious discrimination, and profane language intolerable.
Segregated into 3 parts, it consists of 26 chapters written chronologically. Creating a 3rd world theme, Henry Roi takes you to the heart of Latin America. The narrative implores on the Spanish culture and language while keeping its foothold on North America. If you are looking for fight-or-flight situations with the underlying genres of mystery, suspense, thriller, and action, then this read wouldn't fail to punch right back at you.
Written across 381 pages between the year of 2010-to-2012 is a plot-driven, fast-paced novel with adequate potential. Approached from a third point-of-view, the structure focusses on three perspectives to bring forth the plot. The content paints a distinct picture mostly focus on the day-to-day life spent in imprisonment. You can come across the nature of abuse and harassment exchanged among jailers and inmates. As the plot flows with heated activities, you can feel the constant change of tone from doom-laden actions to goofy humor. But you may find the content somewhat descriptive taking the narrative mysticism off the hook, ultimately resulting in you brushing through the pages. Focused on the outer dialog, you can observe the use of Spanish conservation and profane language to support its theme.
Henry prodigiously introduces hard-bitten outlaws and gun-toting cronies that pavé the way for a hard-gripping action to take place. He eloquently carves an unflinching, tough female protagonist with multifaceted personalities: from a daughter, wife, mother, and career woman's perspective. While Henry's dexterity is evident through Clarice, the content further supports the simultaneous correlation between the protagonist's emotional-rows and the stated situation.
Ending on a satisfying note, Henry left little for your imagination by concluding every characters' support story. There were minimal grammatical and punctuation hindrances, but a through proofreading session would help to enhance your reading experience. There are no barriers or blockade to pause your reading. If you are an intense fan of Prison Break or Boyka: Undisputed, intrigued by its prison experience and nature, I believe this read is for you.
Segregated into 3 parts, it consists of 26 chapters written chronologically. Creating a 3rd world theme, Henry Roi takes you to the heart of Latin America. The narrative implores on the Spanish culture and language while keeping its foothold on North America. If you are looking for fight-or-flight situations with the underlying genres of mystery, suspense, thriller, and action, then this read wouldn't fail to punch right back at you.
Written across 381 pages between the year of 2010-to-2012 is a plot-driven, fast-paced novel with adequate potential. Approached from a third point-of-view, the structure focusses on three perspectives to bring forth the plot. The content paints a distinct picture mostly focus on the day-to-day life spent in imprisonment. You can come across the nature of abuse and harassment exchanged among jailers and inmates. As the plot flows with heated activities, you can feel the constant change of tone from doom-laden actions to goofy humor. But you may find the content somewhat descriptive taking the narrative mysticism off the hook, ultimately resulting in you brushing through the pages. Focused on the outer dialog, you can observe the use of Spanish conservation and profane language to support its theme.
Henry prodigiously introduces hard-bitten outlaws and gun-toting cronies that pavé the way for a hard-gripping action to take place. He eloquently carves an unflinching, tough female protagonist with multifaceted personalities: from a daughter, wife, mother, and career woman's perspective. While Henry's dexterity is evident through Clarice, the content further supports the simultaneous correlation between the protagonist's emotional-rows and the stated situation.
Ending on a satisfying note, Henry left little for your imagination by concluding every characters' support story. There were minimal grammatical and punctuation hindrances, but a through proofreading session would help to enhance your reading experience. There are no barriers or blockade to pause your reading. If you are an intense fan of Prison Break or Boyka: Undisputed, intrigued by its prison experience and nature, I believe this read is for you.
Read
March 5, 2020DNF – I hate not finishing a book - it pains me to no end - but it does happen, unfortunately.
WITH HER FISTS - I wanted to love this book, you have no idea how much I wanted to love this book!!
The book opens with an intense scene with a wee bit of corruption and then moves onto the protagonist - pro-boxer, Clarice ‘Shocker' Ares, who kicks ASS! during her last televised fight on HBO - Yeeessss! Roi does an excellent job describing the fight scene; it felt like I was actually there.
Unfortunately, that is where my joy of this book ends.
The way the Clarice is portrayed later is off-putting to me, and I just could not get past it and decided not to continue. I may give it a second chance, but for right now, I am putting this one aside.
I am, however, looking forward to reading what Roi comes up with next.
Thank you, author Henry Roi for providing me with an eBook of WITH HER FISTS in exchange for an honest review.
WITH HER FISTS - I wanted to love this book, you have no idea how much I wanted to love this book!!
The book opens with an intense scene with a wee bit of corruption and then moves onto the protagonist - pro-boxer, Clarice ‘Shocker' Ares, who kicks ASS! during her last televised fight on HBO - Yeeessss! Roi does an excellent job describing the fight scene; it felt like I was actually there.
Unfortunately, that is where my joy of this book ends.
The way the Clarice is portrayed later is off-putting to me, and I just could not get past it and decided not to continue. I may give it a second chance, but for right now, I am putting this one aside.
I am, however, looking forward to reading what Roi comes up with next.
Thank you, author Henry Roi for providing me with an eBook of WITH HER FISTS in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
With Her Fists is a brutal crime thriller, featuring a corrupt, unjust system and a family that comes out fighting and refuses to go down.
Clarice Ares is a devoted wife and mother, a skilled mechanic, a dedicated and creative tattoo artist, and – under the name ‘Shocker’ – a prize-winning fighter. So, she was never going to go quietly when framed as a drug dealer and thrown into prison. Separated from her husband and son, Clarice has to call on all of her strength – physical and mental – to survive her ordeal and get her own rough justice for her treatment.
Fight fans will find this story packed with action and adrenaline, as the author clearly knows his stuff when it comes to boxing and really brings the bouts to life. Similarly, fans of prison fiction (Bad Girls, Prison Break) will enjoy the dark, gritty depiction of the prison scenes and the clever ways which Clarice and Ace play the game and survive the system.
I found the main characters quite difficult to connect and empathise with, however. Other than the aggressive ‘Shocker’ persona, Clarice seems a little flat and detached, rarely thinking much about her parents or son unless directly faced with their existence. It was hard for me to imagine a loving mother being able to switch off her maternal, protective emotions, even under the circumstances which Clarice finds herself in. And while the thrill of intimately experiencing her professional fights is undeniable, her apparent joy in and thirst for violence outside the ring is a little unsettling – although, I suppose, very understandable in the context.
This explosion of action, testosterone, rage and adrenaline will be perfect for many thriller fans looking for prison life and prison escapes, and Roi also explores some interesting moral questions of issues of justice and legality throughout the story, ending with a neat and satisfying conclusion to the story. Whilst this wasn’t my personal cup of tea as a book, I could see it making a great action movie or gritty TV drama.
The walls vibrated with the crowd’s energy, towering resonators that shook her little bones with immeasurable power and buzzed her head with sensations that mirrored her thoughts and intentions for the upcoming battle.
Hyper thoughts. Violent intentions.
Her mouth was suddenly dry, her bladder full. Symptoms a soldier experiences before going into a deadly war she knows she may not make it out of in one piece. That feeling of High Risk that takes the mind into an alternate reality where instincts do all the driving and leave all the drama and whiny emotions in the dust. A nervous want. A fear of blood loss and a desire for blood lust.
A Sweet Science.
The strategy of Hurt and Not Get Hurt. The strategy of You Better Fucking Win Because There Is No Second Place.
She wanted it.
Her monster wanted it, the fight junkie dwelling in her head.
“I want it,” she told Eddy.
– Henry Roi, With Her Fists
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
With Her Fists is a brutal crime thriller, featuring a corrupt, unjust system and a family that comes out fighting and refuses to go down.
Clarice Ares is a devoted wife and mother, a skilled mechanic, a dedicated and creative tattoo artist, and – under the name ‘Shocker’ – a prize-winning fighter. So, she was never going to go quietly when framed as a drug dealer and thrown into prison. Separated from her husband and son, Clarice has to call on all of her strength – physical and mental – to survive her ordeal and get her own rough justice for her treatment.
Fight fans will find this story packed with action and adrenaline, as the author clearly knows his stuff when it comes to boxing and really brings the bouts to life. Similarly, fans of prison fiction (Bad Girls, Prison Break) will enjoy the dark, gritty depiction of the prison scenes and the clever ways which Clarice and Ace play the game and survive the system.
I found the main characters quite difficult to connect and empathise with, however. Other than the aggressive ‘Shocker’ persona, Clarice seems a little flat and detached, rarely thinking much about her parents or son unless directly faced with their existence. It was hard for me to imagine a loving mother being able to switch off her maternal, protective emotions, even under the circumstances which Clarice finds herself in. And while the thrill of intimately experiencing her professional fights is undeniable, her apparent joy in and thirst for violence outside the ring is a little unsettling – although, I suppose, very understandable in the context.
This explosion of action, testosterone, rage and adrenaline will be perfect for many thriller fans looking for prison life and prison escapes, and Roi also explores some interesting moral questions of issues of justice and legality throughout the story, ending with a neat and satisfying conclusion to the story. Whilst this wasn’t my personal cup of tea as a book, I could see it making a great action movie or gritty TV drama.
The walls vibrated with the crowd’s energy, towering resonators that shook her little bones with immeasurable power and buzzed her head with sensations that mirrored her thoughts and intentions for the upcoming battle.
Hyper thoughts. Violent intentions.
Her mouth was suddenly dry, her bladder full. Symptoms a soldier experiences before going into a deadly war she knows she may not make it out of in one piece. That feeling of High Risk that takes the mind into an alternate reality where instincts do all the driving and leave all the drama and whiny emotions in the dust. A nervous want. A fear of blood loss and a desire for blood lust.
A Sweet Science.
The strategy of Hurt and Not Get Hurt. The strategy of You Better Fucking Win Because There Is No Second Place.
She wanted it.
Her monster wanted it, the fight junkie dwelling in her head.
“I want it,” she told Eddy.
– Henry Roi, With Her Fists
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
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December 13, 2023
Several steps outside my comfort zone here - first with the genre and second with the audio book format.
I tend to stick mainly to crime / thriller books and although, of course, the justice (?) system features heavily here, the focus is very much from the inside - as in the prison "inside". Usually I am firmly on the side of the police and this story takes the reader / listener into some very grey areas. Do the ends ever justify the means? It was this uncomfortable thread running through the book that made it most interesting for me.
The areas of expertise of the main characters - boxing, tattooing, and car mechanics (to say nothing of hacking) - are things of which I know nothing, but it seems like the author knows his stuff. These parts were explained well enough for a novice like me to understand what was going on.
I am new to audiobooks, in an attempt to squeeze yet more books into my life by multitasking, but it is a slow transition for me. I still prefer to read the words myself. The narrator for this book was very energetic and animated, which best suited the more high action moments.
All in all, an interesting change of scene for me, and I'd be interested in checking out more by the author.
Thanks to the author, and Black Tide Book Tours for the audiobook and eARC of this book.
I tend to stick mainly to crime / thriller books and although, of course, the justice (?) system features heavily here, the focus is very much from the inside - as in the prison "inside". Usually I am firmly on the side of the police and this story takes the reader / listener into some very grey areas. Do the ends ever justify the means? It was this uncomfortable thread running through the book that made it most interesting for me.
The areas of expertise of the main characters - boxing, tattooing, and car mechanics (to say nothing of hacking) - are things of which I know nothing, but it seems like the author knows his stuff. These parts were explained well enough for a novice like me to understand what was going on.
I am new to audiobooks, in an attempt to squeeze yet more books into my life by multitasking, but it is a slow transition for me. I still prefer to read the words myself. The narrator for this book was very energetic and animated, which best suited the more high action moments.
All in all, an interesting change of scene for me, and I'd be interested in checking out more by the author.
Thanks to the author, and Black Tide Book Tours for the audiobook and eARC of this book.
December 16, 2023
Clarice Ares, a retired boxer, has settled into a nice life with her family in Biloxi, Mississippi. She runs a successful auto repair shop and enjoys being a tattooist as well. But her and her husband’s lives are turned upside down when they cross paths with a drug cartel and are both convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.
I love a fierce FMC and Clarice is definitely strong, not only in body but mind and spirit. She refuses to go down without a fight, whether in the ring or out, and meets everything she faces with force. Her determination to triumph over the prison hierarchy, corrupt police, and Latin American drug cartels is genius. It’s a gritty, action packed thriller that really captured my attention.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t address the audio though, which unfortunately did not work for me at all. The narrator was a bit overly dramatic, with a tone that made me pause a few times. Once I found the right speed, it was much better. So save the listen, but grab a copy of Roir’s novel instead.
Thank you Henry Roi PR for the Audible copy.
I love a fierce FMC and Clarice is definitely strong, not only in body but mind and spirit. She refuses to go down without a fight, whether in the ring or out, and meets everything she faces with force. Her determination to triumph over the prison hierarchy, corrupt police, and Latin American drug cartels is genius. It’s a gritty, action packed thriller that really captured my attention.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t address the audio though, which unfortunately did not work for me at all. The narrator was a bit overly dramatic, with a tone that made me pause a few times. Once I found the right speed, it was much better. So save the listen, but grab a copy of Roir’s novel instead.
Thank you Henry Roi PR for the Audible copy.
January 27, 2020
This book is about Clarice ‘The Shocker’ Ares and her husband, Ace, who are wrongfully imprisoned by corrupt cops, who work for a drug cartel.
I enjoyed the parts of the book that depicted Clarice’s boxing career and her preparations for fights.
Unfortunately, the majority of this book follows the main characters when they are in prison. It doesn’t seem such a bad place. They make friends, easily get illegal contraband and Clarice makes a professional quality tattoo machine and goes into business giving the inmates safe, sanitary and stunning ink.
I am not a fan of prison fiction. I’ve never seen the appeal of the popular movies and tv shows centered around this storyline. Therefore, this novel was not for me. I’m sure fans of The Shawshank Redemption or Wentworth would find it more appealing.
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed the parts of the book that depicted Clarice’s boxing career and her preparations for fights.
Unfortunately, the majority of this book follows the main characters when they are in prison. It doesn’t seem such a bad place. They make friends, easily get illegal contraband and Clarice makes a professional quality tattoo machine and goes into business giving the inmates safe, sanitary and stunning ink.
I am not a fan of prison fiction. I’ve never seen the appeal of the popular movies and tv shows centered around this storyline. Therefore, this novel was not for me. I’m sure fans of The Shawshank Redemption or Wentworth would find it more appealing.
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
December 15, 2023
*BOOK REVIEW*
BOOK: With Her Fists
AUTHOR; Henry Roi
PLOT: Clarice Ares is a retired boxer and she's married to Ace. She leaves boxing in order to focus on her marriage, growing mechanic business, and family and things seem to be looking up for her. That is until the police find a shipment of illegal drugs in their shop. They are wrongly arrested and charged with this crime and are put in prison. There's an illegal fighting ring in the prison, and Clarice decides to become the Shocker again in order to potentially get out of prison and get the revenge Ace and her deserve for this wrongful conviction. This book was action packed, at times extremely brutal. All-in-all a great book. There were points where it went a little slowly and was hard to get through, but for the most part, it was a pretty fast read and it was a roller coaster.
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
BOOK: With Her Fists
AUTHOR; Henry Roi
PLOT: Clarice Ares is a retired boxer and she's married to Ace. She leaves boxing in order to focus on her marriage, growing mechanic business, and family and things seem to be looking up for her. That is until the police find a shipment of illegal drugs in their shop. They are wrongly arrested and charged with this crime and are put in prison. There's an illegal fighting ring in the prison, and Clarice decides to become the Shocker again in order to potentially get out of prison and get the revenge Ace and her deserve for this wrongful conviction. This book was action packed, at times extremely brutal. All-in-all a great book. There were points where it went a little slowly and was hard to get through, but for the most part, it was a pretty fast read and it was a roller coaster.
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 16, 2023
We all know the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well in this case, when corrupt police officers frame you for having illegal lemons, do your best to make legal lemonade!
Clarice retires from a phenomenal career in boxing to spend time with her friends and family in their successful mechanic business. However, her life turns upside down when the police uncover a large amount of drugs in a car they are working on. Clarice and her husband Ace find themselves facing a long prison sentence. Both have an extraordinary set of skills, can they use these skills to get justice and regain their freedom?
This was so much fun to read! A fascinating plot, a lot of humour and brilliant characters. The sort of people you want in your corner (apologies for the pun!) A story pitting the power of friendship and love over the power of corruption!
Clarice retires from a phenomenal career in boxing to spend time with her friends and family in their successful mechanic business. However, her life turns upside down when the police uncover a large amount of drugs in a car they are working on. Clarice and her husband Ace find themselves facing a long prison sentence. Both have an extraordinary set of skills, can they use these skills to get justice and regain their freedom?
This was so much fun to read! A fascinating plot, a lot of humour and brilliant characters. The sort of people you want in your corner (apologies for the pun!) A story pitting the power of friendship and love over the power of corruption!
December 13, 2023
A thrill a minute, fast paced thriller about good guys vs. bad guys. Clarice and her husband Ace, framed for the murder of a Mexican drug Kingpin, must fight for the ultimate prize: survival. This is a well written, action packed story with larger than life dynamic characters. The story is told in three different parts, which is the perfect way to tell this story. Clarice and Ace make a fabulous team. They are brave, courageous and intelligent;they have to be in order to prove their innocence and take down corrupt police and the Mexican drug cartel. This book is perfect for crime and thriller fans. It’s full of twists and page turning excitement! I highly recommend it!
December 6, 2023
I received an audio copy for an honest review
The story, itself, wasn't that bad, if you're looking for quick mindless action, but don't feel like putting on an 80s Stallion flick.
There were two major things that made this book not good at all. 1) the audio narrator was insufferable. Was this an AI voice, because the inflection was like a 50s radio news broadcast. 2) I refuse to believe that in 2019, someone thought it was a good idea to use some of the language that was used. The only save grace is that there was at least a slur for every possible group of people.
The story, itself, wasn't that bad, if you're looking for quick mindless action, but don't feel like putting on an 80s Stallion flick.
There were two major things that made this book not good at all. 1) the audio narrator was insufferable. Was this an AI voice, because the inflection was like a 50s radio news broadcast. 2) I refuse to believe that in 2019, someone thought it was a good idea to use some of the language that was used. The only save grace is that there was at least a slur for every possible group of people.
February 23, 2020
An exhilarating read from beginning to end.
Clarice "Shocker" was set up and sent to prison for a crime she didn't commit. The book details the preparation and some other miscellaneous details of a prison life. With help of a geek husband who was able to hack into the communication system, she managed to get out and has her eyes on retribution.
Great character and plot development, recommended.
Clarice "Shocker" was set up and sent to prison for a crime she didn't commit. The book details the preparation and some other miscellaneous details of a prison life. With help of a geek husband who was able to hack into the communication system, she managed to get out and has her eyes on retribution.
Great character and plot development, recommended.
January 14, 2020
Intriguing and thought provoking
This is the first book I've read by Henry Roi. With Her Fists is a complex and I think, well written story of overcoming adversity and a crooked legal system that can make a case against the innocent. I won't say anything else, lest I spoil it. I'm glad I made the time to read it. There's always time for a good read, you simply need to take it.
This is the first book I've read by Henry Roi. With Her Fists is a complex and I think, well written story of overcoming adversity and a crooked legal system that can make a case against the innocent. I won't say anything else, lest I spoil it. I'm glad I made the time to read it. There's always time for a good read, you simply need to take it.
December 20, 2023
With Her Fists by Henry Roi is a gritty thriller that packs a powerful punch. This novel is a knockout blend of suspense, drama, and unyielding action, making it a must-read for fans of intense, character-driven stories.
January 30, 2020
Wow!!!
Thank you for a great book...I loved the characters...wow..:) I will be watching for other books that are written....wow!! I recommend this to anyone..😊
Thank you for a great book...I loved the characters...wow..:) I will be watching for other books that are written....wow!! I recommend this to anyone..😊
December 16, 2023
Boxing, cars, action. Strong female character. Straightforward writing, where every word matters, well edited. Fast-paced. And real. Very real... You feel like you were there. 10 stars out of 5. Love it!
December 14, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of With Her Fists in exchange for an honest review.
Before you pick up this book, brace yourself. It's a gritty and wild thriller. Roi takes us into the violent world of prisons and drug cartels, corrupt police and sadistic prison guards and aggressive ex-boxers with nothing (and everything) to lose. It gets violent. Pack your bullet-resistant and stab-proof vest just in case. And stay alert. You don't want to be on the receiving end of Clarice Ares's fists.
Clarice is unrelentingly aggressive, sometimes at her own expense. There's a reason her nickname was "The Shocker": dealing with her is akin to a shock from an electrical outlet. Sometimes I wanted to shove a bottle of Valium down her throat and say calm down, girl.
Of all the characters, though, my favorite was El Maestro, the Mexican businessman/cartel kingpin. (Take your pick). Despite his softer side, but it's clear that he'll go to great lengths to avenge the death of a friend. He'll go to equally long lengths to correct injustice.
Roi is good at showing the structure of the prison hierarchy. The guards. A sadistic "Emergency Response Team." Various gangs, all with their own power structures. And the people who end up alone and brutalized.
This hierarchy makes it possible for the strong to abuse the weak, often in humiliating ways. At one point, Clarice thinks about a woman stripped naked in front of her peers by the ERT, with her property torn up. The guards give the same treatment to any who protest this degradation. And this is supposed to be justice?
It's no wonder that some prisoners choose to stay drugged up on various anti-psychotic meds or weed or soap operas. Reality isn't safe.
It's clear that Roi knows the boxing world. There are plenty of details about fights, warm-ups, and practices that only someone who's lived in this world would know. (Or someone who's done a lot of research.) This gives us the inside scoop on a world I know nothing about (and hope I never know from first hand experience. I'm not that tough!)
Some parts became repetitive, such as the many times Clarice fights or prepares for a fight while in prison. I'm not a boxer, nor did I find this the most compelling aspect of the story. But to be honest, most fictional action scenes leave me simultaneously confused (who is where in relation to whom and what the heck did they just DO?) and impatient (can we get back to the touchy-feely personal stuff now?) So that's a me-issue! But it did make certain parts difficult to get through, unfortunately.
I also found it curious that Clarice doesn't think about her son very much while in prison. She thinks about him a bit at first when her parents visit, and then during her escape; but she seems to spend much of the time ignoring her son's existence. This may be a defense against pain, but it didn't feel real to me.
Sometimes the tone was a bit uneven, and the sexual banter between Clarice and Ace didn't work for me, either. (It rarely does in novels. Again, a me-issue.) I also never warmed to Ace, the hacker-turned-prisoner-turned-hacker-again.
Still, though, I really appreciated Roi's exploration of crime and prisons.
There's an underlying thread about justice and injustice running through this book. The line between the two isn't always clear. Nor is the difference between corruption and virtue always clear-cut. Is it wrong for Clarice and Ace to lie, steal, or cheat a system as they make their escape? Is justice always served with a prison sentence or can illegal activities be a form of justice, too? The questions haunt the book.
This thriller would be a good pick for anyone who likes prison stories/prison escape stories.
Before you pick up this book, brace yourself. It's a gritty and wild thriller. Roi takes us into the violent world of prisons and drug cartels, corrupt police and sadistic prison guards and aggressive ex-boxers with nothing (and everything) to lose. It gets violent. Pack your bullet-resistant and stab-proof vest just in case. And stay alert. You don't want to be on the receiving end of Clarice Ares's fists.
Clarice is unrelentingly aggressive, sometimes at her own expense. There's a reason her nickname was "The Shocker": dealing with her is akin to a shock from an electrical outlet. Sometimes I wanted to shove a bottle of Valium down her throat and say calm down, girl.
Of all the characters, though, my favorite was El Maestro, the Mexican businessman/cartel kingpin. (Take your pick). Despite his softer side, but it's clear that he'll go to great lengths to avenge the death of a friend. He'll go to equally long lengths to correct injustice.
Roi is good at showing the structure of the prison hierarchy. The guards. A sadistic "Emergency Response Team." Various gangs, all with their own power structures. And the people who end up alone and brutalized.
This hierarchy makes it possible for the strong to abuse the weak, often in humiliating ways. At one point, Clarice thinks about a woman stripped naked in front of her peers by the ERT, with her property torn up. The guards give the same treatment to any who protest this degradation. And this is supposed to be justice?
It's no wonder that some prisoners choose to stay drugged up on various anti-psychotic meds or weed or soap operas. Reality isn't safe.
It's clear that Roi knows the boxing world. There are plenty of details about fights, warm-ups, and practices that only someone who's lived in this world would know. (Or someone who's done a lot of research.) This gives us the inside scoop on a world I know nothing about (and hope I never know from first hand experience. I'm not that tough!)
Some parts became repetitive, such as the many times Clarice fights or prepares for a fight while in prison. I'm not a boxer, nor did I find this the most compelling aspect of the story. But to be honest, most fictional action scenes leave me simultaneously confused (who is where in relation to whom and what the heck did they just DO?) and impatient (can we get back to the touchy-feely personal stuff now?) So that's a me-issue! But it did make certain parts difficult to get through, unfortunately.
I also found it curious that Clarice doesn't think about her son very much while in prison. She thinks about him a bit at first when her parents visit, and then during her escape; but she seems to spend much of the time ignoring her son's existence. This may be a defense against pain, but it didn't feel real to me.
Sometimes the tone was a bit uneven, and the sexual banter between Clarice and Ace didn't work for me, either. (It rarely does in novels. Again, a me-issue.) I also never warmed to Ace, the hacker-turned-prisoner-turned-hacker-again.
Still, though, I really appreciated Roi's exploration of crime and prisons.
There's an underlying thread about justice and injustice running through this book. The line between the two isn't always clear. Nor is the difference between corruption and virtue always clear-cut. Is it wrong for Clarice and Ace to lie, steal, or cheat a system as they make their escape? Is justice always served with a prison sentence or can illegal activities be a form of justice, too? The questions haunt the book.
This thriller would be a good pick for anyone who likes prison stories/prison escape stories.
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