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Beautiful Boxers #2
In Her Corner
Katie Clark can't wait to get the heck out of Walton. Practically eaten alive at the end of high school, she was ecstatic to head off for college, but had no choice about coming back to make money for vet school. When her old crush, the one who put her at the center of the bullseye a few years back, starts coming around the diner where she works, it’s like he’s poking at an old wound. That is until her feelings for him begin to surface, threatening to tarnish her life-long dream. Even though she’s counting the seconds until she can leave, the idea is starting to feel as impossible as Katie thought staying would be.
Mike Russo just sold his company for a nice chunk of change and has only 11 months of consulting before he can cash that whopping final check. With one of the best coaches in the nation, and the time to finally start focusing on his dream of becoming a professional boxer, Mike is on his way. Until he falls for the woman whose life he all but destroyed in high school. Before she heads halfway across the country in a few days, how will he find a way to make things right and convince her to give them a chance?
In Her Corner a sweet, steamy romance and is a standalone short read, the second in Beautiful Boxers, a small-town New England romance series. If you love possessive, strong men, curvy women and racy love scenes all wrapped up in a sweet (and sometimes sizzling) story then pour yourself a cup of tea and curl up in your favorite spot, because this one is for you.
Mike Russo just sold his company for a nice chunk of change and has only 11 months of consulting before he can cash that whopping final check. With one of the best coaches in the nation, and the time to finally start focusing on his dream of becoming a professional boxer, Mike is on his way. Until he falls for the woman whose life he all but destroyed in high school. Before she heads halfway across the country in a few days, how will he find a way to make things right and convince her to give them a chance?
In Her Corner a sweet, steamy romance and is a standalone short read, the second in Beautiful Boxers, a small-town New England romance series. If you love possessive, strong men, curvy women and racy love scenes all wrapped up in a sweet (and sometimes sizzling) story then pour yourself a cup of tea and curl up in your favorite spot, because this one is for you.
- GenresRomance
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
51 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Willow James
3 books10 followersFor readers seeking sexy romance filled with possessive men, curvy women, and a guaranteed happily ever after, Willow James delivers. If you want to escape with hot, steamy romance novels or novellas that deliver yummy vibes and oodles delight, Willow's work may be just what your psyche ordered.
Willow loves reading books that help balance the hard things in life, bringing laughter, smiles, joy and hope. And, of course, happy endings are not optional!
She devours books by Shannon Stacey and and Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. Books to make her laugh and indulge her romantic and forever optimistic spirit. She aspires to provide some of the same joy and pleasure those authors and books deliver every day.
Living in upstate New York, Willow loves spending time with her wheaten terrier pup, being in nature, and finding the miraculous in the mundane.
To stay up to date on new releases, giveaways and happy, uplifting posts, copy and paste this link to a new window and sign up for Willow's Newsletter.
Willow loves reading books that help balance the hard things in life, bringing laughter, smiles, joy and hope. And, of course, happy endings are not optional!
She devours books by Shannon Stacey and and Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. Books to make her laugh and indulge her romantic and forever optimistic spirit. She aspires to provide some of the same joy and pleasure those authors and books deliver every day.
Living in upstate New York, Willow loves spending time with her wheaten terrier pup, being in nature, and finding the miraculous in the mundane.
To stay up to date on new releases, giveaways and happy, uplifting posts, copy and paste this link to a new window and sign up for Willow's Newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 10, 2020
This was an amazing second chance romance by Willow James. Katie is determined to get out of her small town as soon as she can but thankfully she runs into Mike before she leaves. Mike is one of the main reasons she is so eager to leave. Years ago she was humiliated at the prom and she blames Mike. Seeing Katie again, he is determined to prove to her he is not the same guy he used to be. When the time comes, will Katie still leave town or will she stay and give them a chance?
November 13, 2020
Lately, it’s been sort of a hit or miss with the books I read. This one was definitely a hit! I loved both Katie and Brodie, how their story developed, and how their love for each other grew. It may feel to some like everything happened too fast. But you have to remember that this is a novella, so you’re going to get the gist of everything at a higher speed than the norm. This is a very good author, I love her writing style, and I wish she’d bite the bullet and move away from short stories and jump into full novels.
April 5, 2021
Quick and pretty stereotypical steamy novella, but still a good read. 3+ stars.
Mike (H) is best friend and training partner to Brodie (H in book 1, Knock Out). He enjoys his single life, his attention totally focused on making it as a professional boxer. Until he stops one night to help Katie (h) with a flat tire. His charm is wasted, though, because (a) she leaves town in two weeks to move across the country for veterinary school and wants to leave their town completely in the rear view, and (b) his high school pranks exacerbated her bullying in high school - part of why she wants to leave town completely. And yeah, she still hates him for it. Does he have the patience to make amends and change her mind?
It's a novella. Longer than the first one, but still less than 150 pages. There's only so much character development you can squeeze in. Compared to the first book, though, those extra pages count- while still instalove, there's more growth here. And from both leads too: Katie faces her anger, and Mike takes responsibility for his actions as a teenager. Was really nice to see both.
My biggest complaint was with Katie's anger. I can understand wanting to leave that town behind (I'd be wanting to leave it in my dust too), and having a relationship tying her there was not something she was looking for. What I struggled to understand was how angry she was at Mike specifically. Yes, he did something stupid. Yes, she was affected by it. Yes, the fallout was pretty painful and long-lasting. But he never targeted her. He hadn't even realized that she'd been affected by one of his high school pranks. Her bullies were the Mean Girls in their class, and it didn't sound like he was even part of that clique. He was just a dumb high school kid, not a malicious one. But she still was angry at him as if he had been her bully, instead of an oblivious prankster. Yes, she should be angry at him, but the type of anger felt off somehow. But maybe that's just me?
On the bullying note... It would have been nice to have some Mean Girl closure. Or any closure from Katie about the rest of town. She faces her anger about Mike, but it felt still open-ended with how she felt about the town, with how she felt about her actual bullies. We don't meet the Mean Girls at all, and (like I said above), they should have been the more intense focus for Katie's anger, and we don't get closure on that end of things. But again, it's only a novella.
We get a glimpse of Brodie and Tabitha from book one. Nice to see a little update a year down the road.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama. At parts, straightforward and fairly stereotypical 'steamy alpha athlete, curvy woman instalove romance novella,' with some enemies-to-lovers thrown in. But sometimes the stereotype's familiarity is what you're looking for. There's some good growth, though, and a nice look at growing up from who we were in high school. I enjoyed it, and my questions about Katie's anger are what kept it from rounding up to 4 stars. HEA, no cliffhangers, and brief look down the road. Like the first book, there's a separate epilogue that you can sign up to download.
Would I read more in the series? By this author? Yes. It was well written, especially for a new indie author. This one's already improving from the first in the series, and it will be interesting to see if she continues to improve with experience.
Mike (H) is best friend and training partner to Brodie (H in book 1, Knock Out). He enjoys his single life, his attention totally focused on making it as a professional boxer. Until he stops one night to help Katie (h) with a flat tire. His charm is wasted, though, because (a) she leaves town in two weeks to move across the country for veterinary school and wants to leave their town completely in the rear view, and (b) his high school pranks exacerbated her bullying in high school - part of why she wants to leave town completely. And yeah, she still hates him for it. Does he have the patience to make amends and change her mind?
It's a novella. Longer than the first one, but still less than 150 pages. There's only so much character development you can squeeze in. Compared to the first book, though, those extra pages count- while still instalove, there's more growth here. And from both leads too: Katie faces her anger, and Mike takes responsibility for his actions as a teenager. Was really nice to see both.
My biggest complaint was with Katie's anger. I can understand wanting to leave that town behind (I'd be wanting to leave it in my dust too), and having a relationship tying her there was not something she was looking for. What I struggled to understand was how angry she was at Mike specifically. Yes, he did something stupid. Yes, she was affected by it. Yes, the fallout was pretty painful and long-lasting. But he never targeted her. He hadn't even realized that she'd been affected by one of his high school pranks. Her bullies were the Mean Girls in their class, and it didn't sound like he was even part of that clique. He was just a dumb high school kid, not a malicious one. But she still was angry at him as if he had been her bully, instead of an oblivious prankster. Yes, she should be angry at him, but the type of anger felt off somehow. But maybe that's just me?
On the bullying note... It would have been nice to have some Mean Girl closure. Or any closure from Katie about the rest of town. She faces her anger about Mike, but it felt still open-ended with how she felt about the town, with how she felt about her actual bullies. We don't meet the Mean Girls at all, and (like I said above), they should have been the more intense focus for Katie's anger, and we don't get closure on that end of things. But again, it's only a novella.
We get a glimpse of Brodie and Tabitha from book one. Nice to see a little update a year down the road.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama. At parts, straightforward and fairly stereotypical 'steamy alpha athlete, curvy woman instalove romance novella,' with some enemies-to-lovers thrown in. But sometimes the stereotype's familiarity is what you're looking for. There's some good growth, though, and a nice look at growing up from who we were in high school. I enjoyed it, and my questions about Katie's anger are what kept it from rounding up to 4 stars. HEA, no cliffhangers, and brief look down the road. Like the first book, there's a separate epilogue that you can sign up to download.
Would I read more in the series? By this author? Yes. It was well written, especially for a new indie author. This one's already improving from the first in the series, and it will be interesting to see if she continues to improve with experience.
November 12, 2020
I wrote this review once and something happened to my computer anyways let me begin again. This is the story of these two young people from Walton, somewhere in New England because they really don't say where but it doesn't matter. It is a small town. Mike Russo was a gorgeous young man who was in training to win the title of New England Golden Gloves, he had about 11 months. His best friend Brodie was who he trained with in Carlson's Boxing Gym. In fact Brodie was his boxing buddy and one of his best friends. Mike was Walton High's star corner back and had the most beautiful cornflower beautiful eyes. Then we have Katie Clark, Auburn hair and brown eyes. She was Valedictorian of their class. They were in class together. She is working at Moxie's dinner and she is assistant to the local vet and she volunteers at the local animal shelter. She and Mike met when he met her on the side of road where her car was pulled over because she had a flat tire. She turned around and she instantly knew who he was but it did not register to him who she was. So he helped her change the tire and they carried on a conversation but he still had no idea who she was and so she finally let him know that she knew he was the star corner back for Walton High and she told him, as he was looking like he should know her, that she was Valedictorian of Walton. Her saying this did not still click to him that he should know her but she was acting as if he should and was kind of hostile to him. Mike tells his friend about what happened with this girl and that she had invited him to Moxie the diner that she worked at to thank him for helping her with her tire, but Mike had other plans, but his friend Brodie told him why Katie was so angry with him and said he was surprised she even talked to him. Mike didn't remember her but he remembered playing the prank, setting up a bucket of paint to fall on this guy, but it not only fell on him but fell on his date to which happened to be Katie. Katie didn't even want to go to the prom but she had been bullied by the so called click that were suppose to be the cool girls, she even got to the point that she had to cut out the only girl that was suppose to be her girlfriend because it got that bad. Anyways even though she was not treating him well he decided to go to the diner and then he decided to go back and then he decided to go back because he was learning about her and he could feel chemistry between them. This story is actually a pretty good short story. It doesn't have time to develop the characters but that is why it is a short story and that is why I gave it four stars instead of five stars but I did enjoy the story and felt like it was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Mike’s friend was introduced to readers in the first book of the series. If you haven’t had a chance to read Knock Out yet than you may want to do that first. The author has picked up some momentum since Brodie’s story. It’s sweet with heat – emphasis on the heat.
Mike is a good example of how people can change their high school behavior. Katie is a good example of someone who has been affected by that bad behavior. She’s let it direct how she’s going to live her life. If you were one of those bullies, I hope you can see that there are ways to make amends.
I know this is pure fiction but it does give a voice to those that may have been on the receiving end of your anger/pranks. It shows that there are people who rise above how they were treated and are able to find the right person to love. Cruelty can have long-lasting effects but love can help in getting a frown to turn upside down.
This was a great follow-up to book one in the series but I’m not sure how the author can do any better with book three. I guess it will be a matter of just having to wait to find out. The most frustrating thing is that I will have to wait until next summer – needless to say, I’ve added it to my calendar so that I don’t forget. Will also have to watch out and see if she has plans for other books. If you’re looking for a new author to discover, she would be a great choice.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Mike’s friend was introduced to readers in the first book of the series. If you haven’t had a chance to read Knock Out yet than you may want to do that first. The author has picked up some momentum since Brodie’s story. It’s sweet with heat – emphasis on the heat.
Mike is a good example of how people can change their high school behavior. Katie is a good example of someone who has been affected by that bad behavior. She’s let it direct how she’s going to live her life. If you were one of those bullies, I hope you can see that there are ways to make amends.
I know this is pure fiction but it does give a voice to those that may have been on the receiving end of your anger/pranks. It shows that there are people who rise above how they were treated and are able to find the right person to love. Cruelty can have long-lasting effects but love can help in getting a frown to turn upside down.
This was a great follow-up to book one in the series but I’m not sure how the author can do any better with book three. I guess it will be a matter of just having to wait to find out. The most frustrating thing is that I will have to wait until next summer – needless to say, I’ve added it to my calendar so that I don’t forget. Will also have to watch out and see if she has plans for other books. If you’re looking for a new author to discover, she would be a great choice.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 11, 2020
Willow James is a new to me author, and frankly, In Her Corner was a short story that packed a sweet with heat punch that I couldn't get enough of. Poor Katie, what those mean kids in high school were doing to her led to what happened on prom night, which Mike was involved in, making her senior year all but impossible to deal with. It's some years later when they come face to face, and he didn't even recognize her which was salt in a wound that hasn't healed yet. Dudes are so clueless at times. He learns what happened, and not only does he want to make up what happened, but he also wants to explore things with her, but there's one big issue, she's on her way out of town to attend vet school, so you know, things may or may not go his way. Will he be able to make her see that there's something worth exploring?! Hit those one click buttons to find out since I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
November 13, 2020
Mike and Kate have a sweet story thanks to being able to spot a good thing when you see it. They knew each other as kids but traveled in different circles, now thanks to a flat tire Mike is intrigued by Kate and makes the effort to get to know her. Persistence pays off and a romance is the result. I wish it wasn't a novella as there were parts of the story that just never really developed or were told in particular with Mike. It was nice though to read a story that wasn't insta-love and insta-sex. Though the time frame was still rather brief I appreciate that Willow James allowed the H/h to develop a friendship first. Hoping she moves on to full length novels in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this series of quick read novellas and is Mike and Katie’s story. Katie just wants to get out of town and is practically counting the minutes, while Mike is back in town to follow his dream of becoming a professional boxer. Mike seems to be oblivious of what he did to Katie in high school, and how it affected her going forward in life, and he is desperate to make amends and get her to give him a chance. This is a well written quick read, which is sweet and steamy, and is an all-consuming and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author, and I recommend this for all.
November 10, 2020
💟 Short and Sweet Love Story 💟
Katie and Mike is a short Enemies to Lover romance. Mike and Katie went to the same school and there was a incident that happened at high school during prom. Mike is trying to fix his past mistake and show her he is a sweet guy and take a chance with him.
Mike is training to be a professional boxer
Katie going to college to be a veterinarian
Katie and Mike is a short Enemies to Lover romance. Mike and Katie went to the same school and there was a incident that happened at high school during prom. Mike is trying to fix his past mistake and show her he is a sweet guy and take a chance with him.
Mike is training to be a professional boxer
Katie going to college to be a veterinarian
November 11, 2020
The second book in the Beautiful Boxers series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Katie Clark and Mike Russo's story of enemies to lovers. I enjoyed reading this is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2024
Heyy
And another great story!! These boys are the highlight of every story and I love it. And they all get pregnant and I can't wait to find out what happens.. there gonna be such wonderful families.
And another great story!! These boys are the highlight of every story and I love it. And they all get pregnant and I can't wait to find out what happens.. there gonna be such wonderful families.
November 8, 2020
Definitely a quick and sweet read. I enjoyed Katie and Mike's story.
Katie, a girl who wants to leave town as fast as she can after what she experienced in high school. Then, there's Mike who is oblivious to what he had done that had affected Katie. Before he never look at her way, but now he just wants to see her to make it up to her.
I loved that Mike's trying to woo her subtlely. And Katie doesn't really passive aggresively reject him which I love. Overall, this is a sweet read.
Katie, a girl who wants to leave town as fast as she can after what she experienced in high school. Then, there's Mike who is oblivious to what he had done that had affected Katie. Before he never look at her way, but now he just wants to see her to make it up to her.
I loved that Mike's trying to woo her subtlely. And Katie doesn't really passive aggresively reject him which I love. Overall, this is a sweet read.
November 29, 2020
I enjoyed Mike & Katie's book. It was an intriguing & heartfelt read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 4, 2021
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book is a quick afternoon read. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is the second book in the Beautiful Boxers series and this story tells Mike and Katie's story. We met both of these characters in the first book. Mike followed his dream at the time after high school and now he is following his true dream of becoming a boxer. Katie is a waitress at Moxie's and now she is finally getting out of Walton to follow her dream of being a vet, this town has not treated her very well. I loved the push and pull of Katie and Mike's romance.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book is a quick afternoon read. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is the second book in the Beautiful Boxers series and this story tells Mike and Katie's story. We met both of these characters in the first book. Mike followed his dream at the time after high school and now he is following his true dream of becoming a boxer. Katie is a waitress at Moxie's and now she is finally getting out of Walton to follow her dream of being a vet, this town has not treated her very well. I loved the push and pull of Katie and Mike's romance.
May 22, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews