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Knights of Boston #2
The Boxer
He was my first crush. My forever crush. He was the reason I discovered my true self.
Ferguson
I met Jack Hogan at fifteen years old when my dad took me to watch him box in an underground fight run by the mob. I was instantly drawn to the older man and the reason I discovered I was gay. But that was my secret and burden to bear. A year later, tragedy hit when my parents were murdered, leaving me gutted. And losing my father, who had taught me how to box since I was big enough to throw my first punch, turned me bitter and angry. Jack quickly took up the mantle as a father figure and my best friend while I used boxing to blow off my rage. I also had to earn much-needed money since my sister and I were left alone. Years later, Jack pushed me to get out of the underground scene and go pro with him as my manager. After my first win, I finally got to have a taste of Jack, and while it strained our friendship, I craved more. One taste wasn’t nearly enough.
Jack
Ferguson Mulligan thought he could hide his attraction for me. I had known it for years but kept it to myself. I was emotionally unavailable, clinging to another man whom I thought loved me. As nine years progressed, Fergs grew into a man with an amazing talent for boxing. I knew he could succeed at it, so I got him out of the illegal fight scene and into the professional world of boxing. After a night of celebration and too many drinks, I dropped my walls and went to a place I shouldn’t have. I hadn’t been ready to be with anyone else intimately, especially with my best friend. Plus, I was his manager. It was a bad idea all around. But that night awakened something in me, allowing me to see Fergs beyond a boxer and my best friend. I just wasn’t ready. He deserved all of me, not broken pieces.
The two men eventually let go of their fears to grow something deep and meaningful. But could their relationship survive when Fergs finally learned who killed his parents? With a need for vengeance and his temper out of control, it could destroy all they had worked for.
Tropes: Second chances, slow burn, boxing, best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, age gap, pining, one that nearly got away, close proximity, work together, fighter/trainer. (While this has boxing, it's not quite a sports romance)
Knights of Boston is a three-book subseries from Kings of Boston, filled with fan-favorite secondary characters. Each book will work as a standalone and the characters will not mingle with each other. Each one will be its own story.
Triggers: Internalized homophobia (not the MCs), grief, explicit sex, violence, and language.
Ferguson
I met Jack Hogan at fifteen years old when my dad took me to watch him box in an underground fight run by the mob. I was instantly drawn to the older man and the reason I discovered I was gay. But that was my secret and burden to bear. A year later, tragedy hit when my parents were murdered, leaving me gutted. And losing my father, who had taught me how to box since I was big enough to throw my first punch, turned me bitter and angry. Jack quickly took up the mantle as a father figure and my best friend while I used boxing to blow off my rage. I also had to earn much-needed money since my sister and I were left alone. Years later, Jack pushed me to get out of the underground scene and go pro with him as my manager. After my first win, I finally got to have a taste of Jack, and while it strained our friendship, I craved more. One taste wasn’t nearly enough.
Jack
Ferguson Mulligan thought he could hide his attraction for me. I had known it for years but kept it to myself. I was emotionally unavailable, clinging to another man whom I thought loved me. As nine years progressed, Fergs grew into a man with an amazing talent for boxing. I knew he could succeed at it, so I got him out of the illegal fight scene and into the professional world of boxing. After a night of celebration and too many drinks, I dropped my walls and went to a place I shouldn’t have. I hadn’t been ready to be with anyone else intimately, especially with my best friend. Plus, I was his manager. It was a bad idea all around. But that night awakened something in me, allowing me to see Fergs beyond a boxer and my best friend. I just wasn’t ready. He deserved all of me, not broken pieces.
The two men eventually let go of their fears to grow something deep and meaningful. But could their relationship survive when Fergs finally learned who killed his parents? With a need for vengeance and his temper out of control, it could destroy all they had worked for.
Tropes: Second chances, slow burn, boxing, best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, age gap, pining, one that nearly got away, close proximity, work together, fighter/trainer. (While this has boxing, it's not quite a sports romance)
Knights of Boston is a three-book subseries from Kings of Boston, filled with fan-favorite secondary characters. Each book will work as a standalone and the characters will not mingle with each other. Each one will be its own story.
Triggers: Internalized homophobia (not the MCs), grief, explicit sex, violence, and language.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2023
46 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
41 books1,093 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
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She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 4, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
I wanted to feel him still inside me for days when he’d look back and regret this night.
I don’t really know what came over me when I picked up this ARC, but I think my brain saw the ‘childhood crush’, ‘age gap’ and ‘boxer/trainer’ tropes and I must’ve blacked out or something to completely ignore the dreaded ‘second chance’. But I’m glad it happened. I didn’t realize this book would contain both the first and second chance, so it was definitely more relationship-angsty than I would normally go for, but I was so freaking invested in these characters that I couldn’t put it down. I really needed to see them get that second chance. I realize that all of that didn’t necessarily sound positive, but I enjoyed the book a lot.
I dated now and then, but they weren’t my Jack. I understood I had an obsession, but I didn’t give a shit. It was hard to push him out of my life when he was in it, day in and day out.
Both MCs were definitely flawed, but they weren’t cruel at heart, even if they did hurt each other at different moments. When one MC has been in love with and pining for the same man for 9 years, and the other is still hung up on the ex boyfriend who never loved him back, you know it’s going to hurt a little (a lot).
Happiness in Fergs was as fleeting as a last breath. If you didn’t look quickly enough, you’d miss it.
I was so happy for these men when they finally reached a healthier space individually and together, and I’m glad therapy was a part of it. This next part might be a little spoilery, so I’m gonna hide it:
I was definitely reading outside of my comfort zone for this one, but I don’t regret it. It was entertaining, and I couldn’t put it down even though it was a bit heavy on the relationship angst for me, as well as my least favorite trope being a big part of the book. I think that’s a good sign.
Jack was a part of my life, regardless. There was no running from him. I’d have to continuously face what I could never have for the rest of my life.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap, second chance, pining, boxer/manager, anger issues, best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, slow burn (after the first hookup)
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
Homophobia
Binge drinking
Graphic violence
Attempted murder
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past murder (parents)
Internalized homophobia (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes. One MC starts a relationship with someone else after the MCs sleep together. The ‘first’ and second chance are both shown in the book. The MC and the other boyfriend kiss on-page, but nothing more.
Third-act breakup: Not really
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Every time Jack touched me, I was zapped with longing and need, followed by a wave of depression. I had been in love with him since I was fifteen years old, showing up at the underground fights with Dad. Jack had been thirty-one at the time and way out of my age range and league, but I pined after him anyway. He was the very reason I knew I was gay. He was my first crush. My forever crush.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wanted to feel him still inside me for days when he’d look back and regret this night.
I don’t really know what came over me when I picked up this ARC, but I think my brain saw the ‘childhood crush’, ‘age gap’ and ‘boxer/trainer’ tropes and I must’ve blacked out or something to completely ignore the dreaded ‘second chance’. But I’m glad it happened. I didn’t realize this book would contain both the first and second chance, so it was definitely more relationship-angsty than I would normally go for, but I was so freaking invested in these characters that I couldn’t put it down. I really needed to see them get that second chance. I realize that all of that didn’t necessarily sound positive, but I enjoyed the book a lot.
I dated now and then, but they weren’t my Jack. I understood I had an obsession, but I didn’t give a shit. It was hard to push him out of my life when he was in it, day in and day out.
Both MCs were definitely flawed, but they weren’t cruel at heart, even if they did hurt each other at different moments. When one MC has been in love with and pining for the same man for 9 years, and the other is still hung up on the ex boyfriend who never loved him back, you know it’s going to hurt a little (a lot).
Happiness in Fergs was as fleeting as a last breath. If you didn’t look quickly enough, you’d miss it.
I was so happy for these men when they finally reached a healthier space individually and together, and I’m glad therapy was a part of it. This next part might be a little spoilery, so I’m gonna hide it:
I was definitely reading outside of my comfort zone for this one, but I don’t regret it. It was entertaining, and I couldn’t put it down even though it was a bit heavy on the relationship angst for me, as well as my least favorite trope being a big part of the book. I think that’s a good sign.
Jack was a part of my life, regardless. There was no running from him. I’d have to continuously face what I could never have for the rest of my life.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap, second chance, pining, boxer/manager, anger issues, best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, slow burn (after the first hookup)
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
Homophobia
Binge drinking
Graphic violence
Attempted murder
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past murder (parents)
Internalized homophobia (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes. One MC starts a relationship with someone else after the MCs sleep together. The ‘first’ and second chance are both shown in the book. The MC and the other boyfriend kiss on-page, but nothing more.
Third-act breakup: Not really
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Every time Jack touched me, I was zapped with longing and need, followed by a wave of depression. I had been in love with him since I was fifteen years old, showing up at the underground fights with Dad. Jack had been thirty-one at the time and way out of my age range and league, but I pined after him anyway. He was the very reason I knew I was gay. He was my first crush. My forever crush.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
dnf
September 11, 2023DNF 44%
No rating. I just can’t with a lot of books that are coming out. The writing is fine but it just isn’t it for me.
No rating. I just can’t with a lot of books that are coming out. The writing is fine but it just isn’t it for me.
September 9, 2023
What a great Boxing book! Sometimes when you read a sports book you don’t actually get sports, but in this one it’s detailed and I loved it! I’m a big fan of fighting.
We have Ferguson who is a boxer, he was brought up fighting in the underground, nothing legal, his parents worked for the Irish mob until they were killed. Ferguson grew up with his sister and is fiercely protective over her, whilst trying to find out who killed his parents and ignoring the fact that he’s in love with his trainer.
Jack is in his 40’s, lived on the streets whilst he was young till he tried to steal from the wrong person and ended up in the hands of the Irish mob. But it worked out for him in the end, working the underground fight scene and ending up a trainer to a young hot shot wanting to make the big time. He knew Ferg had some feelings for him but ignored them because he thought he was in love with someone else.
I loved Ferg!! His fighting spirit, his protectiveness but also his vulnerability, loosing parents is hard, but not knowing what happened to them caused his heart to ache. He’d been in love with Jack for years and it hurt my heart that he was yearning for Jack but was pushed away.
But I did love the friendship they had, the bond created between two men with past trauma. Courtney knows how to make you love her men!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warning in book
🥊Second chances
🥊Slow burn
🥊Boxing
🥊Best friends to lovers
🥊Hurt/Comfort
🥊Age gap
🥊Pining
🥊One that nearly got away
🥊Close proximity
🥊Work together
🥊Fighter/trainer
We have Ferguson who is a boxer, he was brought up fighting in the underground, nothing legal, his parents worked for the Irish mob until they were killed. Ferguson grew up with his sister and is fiercely protective over her, whilst trying to find out who killed his parents and ignoring the fact that he’s in love with his trainer.
Jack is in his 40’s, lived on the streets whilst he was young till he tried to steal from the wrong person and ended up in the hands of the Irish mob. But it worked out for him in the end, working the underground fight scene and ending up a trainer to a young hot shot wanting to make the big time. He knew Ferg had some feelings for him but ignored them because he thought he was in love with someone else.
I loved Ferg!! His fighting spirit, his protectiveness but also his vulnerability, loosing parents is hard, but not knowing what happened to them caused his heart to ache. He’d been in love with Jack for years and it hurt my heart that he was yearning for Jack but was pushed away.
But I did love the friendship they had, the bond created between two men with past trauma. Courtney knows how to make you love her men!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warning in book
🥊Second chances
🥊Slow burn
🥊Boxing
🥊Best friends to lovers
🥊Hurt/Comfort
🥊Age gap
🥊Pining
🥊One that nearly got away
🥊Close proximity
🥊Work together
🥊Fighter/trainer
August 27, 2023
Courtney W. Dixon does no wrong in my book. I fell in love with her writing when I met Jose and Jonas in “The Healer” and was DYING to get my hands on Jack and Ferguson’s story! We meet them throughout the Kings of Boston series and now they have their own series, the Knights of Boston, and it’s incredible! Obsessed!
“The Boxer” is a very slow burn, high angst love story. I mean, we get a peek into the spice right at the top but gotta get through a lot of character growth to start on the train to the HEA. This book deals with topics that are super sensitive, like parental death, but Dixon does them justice and with respect. Ferguson, our sexy boxer MC, lost his parents tragically and all throughout the book he battles the loss of them and hones in on getting revenge on those who unalived them. He uses alcohol to quiet the noise and again, Dixon doesn’t take that lightly. Yes, it’s Fergs coping mechanism but she uses the other characters, especially our other MC Jack, to support Fergs versus walking away. I appreciate that about Dixon.
When we meet Ferguson, “Fergs,” he is pinning over his childhood crush and the reason he knew he was gay, Jack, who is now his boxing manager. Fergs met Jack when he was too young to do anything about it considering Jack is 14 years older than Fergs. Jack fell in love with a younger man he saves off the streets and when it ends tragically, Fergs wanted to shoot his shot. After many beers and shots, the two men giving into their attraction to one another and fall into bed. The problem is they Fergs is in love with Jack, even tells him so, and Jack cannot reciprocate those feelings. It seemed like it was over before or started. But as we move through Fergs getting a new boyfriend (who majorly sucked) and Jack letting go of his ex (which he couldn’t seem to do for a long time), their feelings for one another grow into something special. They are there for each other in the darkest of times and hold on to each other for dear life. They get their HEA, and it’s beautiful.
I fell in love with Ferguson almost immediately. I could TOTALLY relate to loving someone you know you can’t have but holding into hope that one day you’ll have them. I mean, I never got my man but he sure did and I was so happpppppy he did 😂 Jack is over the top and I could picture him clear as day as I was reading. He’s affectionate and borderline gaudy but what’s wrong with wanting the finer things in life!? Nothing! That’s what! Dixon took us through it with these two but I’ll y’all what, this book was one of the best displays of character development I have seen. I was impressed with how Dixon did this — it was so seamless from start to finish!
Buckle up y’all, because once the spice hits … it’s GAME OVER! and it’s hot, that’s for dang sure 🥵🥵
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🥵
Tropes:
🥊 MM Romance
💎 Boxer MMC
🥊 Boxer Managed MMC
💎 Slow burn romance
🥊 Age gap
💎 Revenge plot
🥊 Irish mob
Triggers:
💥 Alcohol abuse (binge drinking)
💥 Intense grief (parental death)
💥 Graphic violence
💥 Attempted unaliving
💥 Homophobia
“The Boxer” is a very slow burn, high angst love story. I mean, we get a peek into the spice right at the top but gotta get through a lot of character growth to start on the train to the HEA. This book deals with topics that are super sensitive, like parental death, but Dixon does them justice and with respect. Ferguson, our sexy boxer MC, lost his parents tragically and all throughout the book he battles the loss of them and hones in on getting revenge on those who unalived them. He uses alcohol to quiet the noise and again, Dixon doesn’t take that lightly. Yes, it’s Fergs coping mechanism but she uses the other characters, especially our other MC Jack, to support Fergs versus walking away. I appreciate that about Dixon.
When we meet Ferguson, “Fergs,” he is pinning over his childhood crush and the reason he knew he was gay, Jack, who is now his boxing manager. Fergs met Jack when he was too young to do anything about it considering Jack is 14 years older than Fergs. Jack fell in love with a younger man he saves off the streets and when it ends tragically, Fergs wanted to shoot his shot. After many beers and shots, the two men giving into their attraction to one another and fall into bed. The problem is they Fergs is in love with Jack, even tells him so, and Jack cannot reciprocate those feelings. It seemed like it was over before or started. But as we move through Fergs getting a new boyfriend (who majorly sucked) and Jack letting go of his ex (which he couldn’t seem to do for a long time), their feelings for one another grow into something special. They are there for each other in the darkest of times and hold on to each other for dear life. They get their HEA, and it’s beautiful.
I fell in love with Ferguson almost immediately. I could TOTALLY relate to loving someone you know you can’t have but holding into hope that one day you’ll have them. I mean, I never got my man but he sure did and I was so happpppppy he did 😂 Jack is over the top and I could picture him clear as day as I was reading. He’s affectionate and borderline gaudy but what’s wrong with wanting the finer things in life!? Nothing! That’s what! Dixon took us through it with these two but I’ll y’all what, this book was one of the best displays of character development I have seen. I was impressed with how Dixon did this — it was so seamless from start to finish!
Buckle up y’all, because once the spice hits … it’s GAME OVER! and it’s hot, that’s for dang sure 🥵🥵
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🥵
Tropes:
🥊 MM Romance
💎 Boxer MMC
🥊 Boxer Managed MMC
💎 Slow burn romance
🥊 Age gap
💎 Revenge plot
🥊 Irish mob
Triggers:
💥 Alcohol abuse (binge drinking)
💥 Intense grief (parental death)
💥 Graphic violence
💥 Attempted unaliving
💥 Homophobia
September 1, 2023
Courtney did an amazing job with her first sports romance book. I thought we received a well written story with a good balance of the boxing world and romance. Ferguson is our boxer who is working to get out of the underground boxing world into the professional world and has his long-time friend/manager Jack to help him along the way. Fergs has been crushing on Jack for a long time and has been waiting for it to be their time together. This is definitely a love story filled with pining and some hurt feelings. I mean, this is a second chance romance. The way their relationship unfolds is not easy, and it's filled with a lot of emotions for the characters and us as the reader. But when these two find their way into each other's arms and commit, oh man, it is full of passion and heat. I absolutely loved the multifaceted relationship Ferguson and Jack have throughout this book. They become close friends when Jack helps after the loss of Fergs parents, then fills the role of manager/trainer with his underground boxing, then it turns into lovers who will always be there for each other. Now, it isn't always easy for them, but they never give up or stop supporting each other. Which, in my opinion, makes them a couple with a strong foundation that can survive anything.
I recommend that you check your trigger warnings, and if you are all good, then enjoy. I definitely think you should give Jack and Ferguson a chance to share their journey with you.
Tropes
🥊 Second chances
🥊 slow burn
🥊 boxing
🥊 best friends to lovers
🥊 hurt/comfort
🥊 age gap
🥊 pining
🥊 one that nearly got away
🥊close proximity
🥊 work together 🥊 fighter/trainer
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recommend that you check your trigger warnings, and if you are all good, then enjoy. I definitely think you should give Jack and Ferguson a chance to share their journey with you.
Tropes
🥊 Second chances
🥊 slow burn
🥊 boxing
🥊 best friends to lovers
🥊 hurt/comfort
🥊 age gap
🥊 pining
🥊 one that nearly got away
🥊close proximity
🥊 work together 🥊 fighter/trainer
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2023
“After all those years of pining for him, hoping, dreaming, and fantasizing, it actually happened, and I had never been happier. And he didn’t run this time or make excuses. He stayed with me as we continued to build something special…”
Me before reading: “Oh a nice light hearted sports romance.”
Me after reading: “WHY ARE MY EYES LEAKING!” 🥹😭🥹
Courtney this book had EVERYTHING you could ever want in a romance novel. It had humor, it had pinning, it had sports, it had SPICE! This book had me in my feels more times than I can count. The relationship between Jack and Fergs was everything I could have hoped for and more. There’s nothing better than a friends to lovers in my opinion and the pinning in this book was top tier! This is the best book you have EVER written and it’s in my list of top books for the year. I’ve been waiting YEARS (only 2 but still) for Jack and Fergs and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I’m obsessed ⭐️: ♾️/5 🌶️: 3.5/5
Me before reading: “Oh a nice light hearted sports romance.”
Me after reading: “WHY ARE MY EYES LEAKING!” 🥹😭🥹
Courtney this book had EVERYTHING you could ever want in a romance novel. It had humor, it had pinning, it had sports, it had SPICE! This book had me in my feels more times than I can count. The relationship between Jack and Fergs was everything I could have hoped for and more. There’s nothing better than a friends to lovers in my opinion and the pinning in this book was top tier! This is the best book you have EVER written and it’s in my list of top books for the year. I’ve been waiting YEARS (only 2 but still) for Jack and Fergs and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I’m obsessed ⭐️: ♾️/5 🌶️: 3.5/5
August 29, 2023
𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
Thank you, Courtney, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in The Knights of Boston series, but these characters also feature in the Kings of Boston series.
I wanted this story as soon as I met these characters in The Healer. Dixon does not disappoint. I truly felt all the emotions even though a HEA was promised. Jack and Fergs have not had an easy life and a true friendship is formed, I desperately wanted them to have a happy life together from the beginning. This wouldn't be a Dixon book if it was that simple.
The character of Richard nearly made me through my Kindle across the room... This is Dixon's first sports romance, and she did a superb job from underground to professional. I won't lie I struggled to write this review without spoilers, so trust me, just read it .
Thank you, Courtney, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in The Knights of Boston series, but these characters also feature in the Kings of Boston series.
I wanted this story as soon as I met these characters in The Healer. Dixon does not disappoint. I truly felt all the emotions even though a HEA was promised. Jack and Fergs have not had an easy life and a true friendship is formed, I desperately wanted them to have a happy life together from the beginning. This wouldn't be a Dixon book if it was that simple.
The character of Richard nearly made me through my Kindle across the room... This is Dixon's first sports romance, and she did a superb job from underground to professional. I won't lie I struggled to write this review without spoilers, so trust me, just read it .
September 3, 2023
4.5 stars. Very refreshing to have a book about a boxer turned pro where there wasn't the typical stress about coming out. Lots of violence (not only in the ring) and fairly dark second chance romance, where the first "chance " was also in this story, which was also interesting. I also enjoyed a number of characters from previous books managing to separate their lives from the mob. I have read only the mm books in the previous series but that works well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
August 29, 2023
The plot and the characters will completely suck you into this story. I wasn't sure how I would do reading this one having not read the original series or The Healer (but I'm definitely going to be reading that asap now), but I really enjoyed this. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I'll be honest and say that there were moments where I wished I had read Ferguson's sister's story (at least). The characters all felt cemented and were referenced enough that it felt like I would have been more invested if I knew their backstory better. It did not have much of an effect on the relationship aspect of the story, but I do think it would have helped with the side characters are some parts in the plot.
Ferguson is a boxer that is working on going professional. He's been struggling with his anger and temper ever since losing his parents. He's also been crushing on Jack for the better part of 9 years.
Jack is his manager and been his friend for years. He's older and struggling to get over his ex. He's known about Ferguson crushing on him but has always kept things professional and friendly and never crossed that line. One night, after celebrating a bit, the walls are dropped, and they hook up. The next morning things do not go well. Ferguson decides to try to move on and gets in a relationship. When things start to get serious Jack starts to feel like he may have missed his chance. The angst of these two finding their HEA is there but not suffocatingly so. It felt realistic to have the back and forth and uncertainty from both sides. Feelings were raw, blurted out, kept hidden, and it all just felt so very organic for me. I wanted to yell at both characters at times so just let something go, or to try. Basically, it felt real.
Both characters are definitely flawed. Jack couldn't let go of the ex at first and he kept himself a bit closed off. Ferguson had to let go of his anger and parent's death. I liked that he eventually went to therapy to get help. He absolutely needed it. I also loved that despite his stubbornness at times he was not only supported but that they looked out for him to the point and stopping him when he went into downward spirals; as best as they could anyway.
The HEA was hard earned. The characters, their issues, and their communication felt realistic. The steamy scenes were pant worthy and when the two of them finally get together, the romance is beautiful. This was a solid 4.5 for me. I just wish I had read Ferguson's sister's book prior so I could feel more of a connection to the side characters in this story and had a better understanding of her husband and his family since they were mentioned so much here.
Ferguson is a boxer that is working on going professional. He's been struggling with his anger and temper ever since losing his parents. He's also been crushing on Jack for the better part of 9 years.
Jack is his manager and been his friend for years. He's older and struggling to get over his ex. He's known about Ferguson crushing on him but has always kept things professional and friendly and never crossed that line. One night, after celebrating a bit, the walls are dropped, and they hook up. The next morning things do not go well. Ferguson decides to try to move on and gets in a relationship. When things start to get serious Jack starts to feel like he may have missed his chance. The angst of these two finding their HEA is there but not suffocatingly so. It felt realistic to have the back and forth and uncertainty from both sides. Feelings were raw, blurted out, kept hidden, and it all just felt so very organic for me. I wanted to yell at both characters at times so just let something go, or to try. Basically, it felt real.
Both characters are definitely flawed. Jack couldn't let go of the ex at first and he kept himself a bit closed off. Ferguson had to let go of his anger and parent's death. I liked that he eventually went to therapy to get help. He absolutely needed it. I also loved that despite his stubbornness at times he was not only supported but that they looked out for him to the point and stopping him when he went into downward spirals; as best as they could anyway.
The HEA was hard earned. The characters, their issues, and their communication felt realistic. The steamy scenes were pant worthy and when the two of them finally get together, the romance is beautiful. This was a solid 4.5 for me. I just wish I had read Ferguson's sister's book prior so I could feel more of a connection to the side characters in this story and had a better understanding of her husband and his family since they were mentioned so much here.
August 28, 2023
▪️About this book:
-Second chances
-Slow burn
-Best friends to lovers
-Hurt/comfort
-Age gap
-Close proximity
-Fighter/trainer
-HEA
▪️Thoughts:
The Boxer made me feel so many emotions for Ferguson and Jack. Ferguson's character broke my heart many times. The yearning for someone who doesn't love you back and the longing of wanting to be with them but it's never the right time it was difficult for him. Ferguson is such an amazing strong fighter but he has not grieved the death of his parents. This makes him spiral into an even more difficult situation where the unresolved issues are overwhelming.
Jack 🥺 is so loyal and such a great friend. I understood his way of thinking of how he needed to be all of himself and not bring pieces into a relationship especially when his friendship with Ferguson was so special. It's built upon years of Jack always wanting the best for Ferguson. In the end it was all worth it to see them together, Jack always knew how amazing Ferguson was.
I also loved the jealousy in this book 👀 yeah that was fun to read because sometimes you just need that little push to get the ball rolling!
Overall, it was a great book and I'm so happy Jack got a book after reading In Retribution he needed his HEA. I was a bit nervous because of his feelings for Charles, but this relationship between Jack and Ferguson worked out perfectly they helped and understood each other so well.
The Boxer is a second chance age gap romance and also the second book of Knights of Boston series, it can be read as a standalone.
▪️Quotes:
💬 Now, it was all I could think about. Now that I was feeling better, I could see the gift that Fergs was. My best friend. My partner. My anchor.
💬 “I understand your fears, Jack. But… I haven’t left you. I’ve been here the entire time.” His blue eyes gleamed, and his brows softened when he looked at me. “You have, haven’t you? Not once have you ever turned away from me.”
💬“Thank you,” he whispered in my ear. I lifted my head to look at him. His blue eyes were soft and gentle and full of love. “For what?” “For loving me. For your infinite patience.” “You’re easy to love, sweetheart.” “And I’ve loved you for over nine years.”
I received this book as an ARC, all of this is my honest opinion.
-Second chances
-Slow burn
-Best friends to lovers
-Hurt/comfort
-Age gap
-Close proximity
-Fighter/trainer
-HEA
▪️Thoughts:
The Boxer made me feel so many emotions for Ferguson and Jack. Ferguson's character broke my heart many times. The yearning for someone who doesn't love you back and the longing of wanting to be with them but it's never the right time it was difficult for him. Ferguson is such an amazing strong fighter but he has not grieved the death of his parents. This makes him spiral into an even more difficult situation where the unresolved issues are overwhelming.
Jack 🥺 is so loyal and such a great friend. I understood his way of thinking of how he needed to be all of himself and not bring pieces into a relationship especially when his friendship with Ferguson was so special. It's built upon years of Jack always wanting the best for Ferguson. In the end it was all worth it to see them together, Jack always knew how amazing Ferguson was.
I also loved the jealousy in this book 👀 yeah that was fun to read because sometimes you just need that little push to get the ball rolling!
Overall, it was a great book and I'm so happy Jack got a book after reading In Retribution he needed his HEA. I was a bit nervous because of his feelings for Charles, but this relationship between Jack and Ferguson worked out perfectly they helped and understood each other so well.
The Boxer is a second chance age gap romance and also the second book of Knights of Boston series, it can be read as a standalone.
▪️Quotes:
💬 Now, it was all I could think about. Now that I was feeling better, I could see the gift that Fergs was. My best friend. My partner. My anchor.
💬 “I understand your fears, Jack. But… I haven’t left you. I’ve been here the entire time.” His blue eyes gleamed, and his brows softened when he looked at me. “You have, haven’t you? Not once have you ever turned away from me.”
💬“Thank you,” he whispered in my ear. I lifted my head to look at him. His blue eyes were soft and gentle and full of love. “For what?” “For loving me. For your infinite patience.” “You’re easy to love, sweetheart.” “And I’ve loved you for over nine years.”
I received this book as an ARC, all of this is my honest opinion.
August 23, 2023
This is author’s first sports romance, though it is hard to believe it because of how authentic the boxing side of it sounded. Even though I am hardly a fan of this gruesome sport I was happy to learn a thing or two about it. It also helped me to understand Ferguson a little better. He has become so good at boxing because it connects him to dad who taught him how to throw punches, and at the same time it helps him channel his anger towards the people who took away his parents but he never learned who did it.
The only constant in Fergs’ life is Jack, who has been his father’s friend and now he’s his trainer, manager, best friend and a secret crush that turned into unrequited love over the years. There’s 16 years between them, but it’s not the age difference that stops Jack from reciprocating Fergs’ feelings. He cares about him deeply but at times he’s like an infamous Buridan’s donkey who dies of starvation because he can’t decide which hay pile to choose. Although we can’t really blame him for his abandonment issues, because we know his life growing up was far from perfect. Jack doesn’t want to return a younger man’s love, and at the same time he feels hurt and jealous when Ferguson is trying to move on and date other men. Nevertheless, no matter what happens in their lives they’re always there for each other, shoulder to shoulder.
I really loved that the two men had friendship before anything else. Courtney touches difficult subjects still, but she also gives hope that pain and sadness will fade away some day once you find the right people in your corner. My heart was breaking for Ferguson, a giant of a man, when he gave in to his grief and anger trying to find some relief at the bottom of a whiskey bottle, and I was also laughing so hard at all the ways Jack would cringe when Ferguson, covered in blood and sweat after the fight, would try to hug him in his expensive Ralph Lauren suit. It’s a well-balanced story with no loose ends and plenty of sexy times, tender family moments and big gestures.
The only constant in Fergs’ life is Jack, who has been his father’s friend and now he’s his trainer, manager, best friend and a secret crush that turned into unrequited love over the years. There’s 16 years between them, but it’s not the age difference that stops Jack from reciprocating Fergs’ feelings. He cares about him deeply but at times he’s like an infamous Buridan’s donkey who dies of starvation because he can’t decide which hay pile to choose. Although we can’t really blame him for his abandonment issues, because we know his life growing up was far from perfect. Jack doesn’t want to return a younger man’s love, and at the same time he feels hurt and jealous when Ferguson is trying to move on and date other men. Nevertheless, no matter what happens in their lives they’re always there for each other, shoulder to shoulder.
I really loved that the two men had friendship before anything else. Courtney touches difficult subjects still, but she also gives hope that pain and sadness will fade away some day once you find the right people in your corner. My heart was breaking for Ferguson, a giant of a man, when he gave in to his grief and anger trying to find some relief at the bottom of a whiskey bottle, and I was also laughing so hard at all the ways Jack would cringe when Ferguson, covered in blood and sweat after the fight, would try to hug him in his expensive Ralph Lauren suit. It’s a well-balanced story with no loose ends and plenty of sexy times, tender family moments and big gestures.
September 4, 2023
Reading Courtney again was like coming home, reading Fer and Jack's story was a roller coaster ride and I'll tell you why: They are best friends, besides that Jack is Fer's trainer and manager and has been with him for a good 8 years, Fer has been attracted to Jack since then, you could say he fell in love with him, now Jack is much older, about 15 years if my calculations are correct and we already have the first reason why he does nothing, now well all this goes to have a night of passion and the next day it counts as a mistake by Jack, Fer devastated decides to move on and this is where the real story begins and let me tell you that one of the best! !! that jealousy, that feeling of having lost everything but at the same time having everything so close, how Jack and Fer manage to be together, how Jack is very aware of Fer's boxing career is something to admire. The representation of the book? I loved it! There was a part where I thought they were going to turn their backs on Fer, but no, and it was the best. A not so light read, with a touch of mystery and a romance between two best friends that is totally worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Volver a leer a Courtney fue como volver a casa, leer la historia de Fer y Jack fue una montaña rusa y les dire el porque: ellos son amigos, los mejores además de que Jack es el entrenador y manager de Fer y a estado con el por unos buenos 8 años, Fer siente atracción por Jack desde ese momento se podría decir que cayo enamorado de el ahora Jack es mucho mayor, unos 15 años si mis cálculos no me fallan y ya tenemos la primera razón por la que no hace nada, ahora bien todo esto va a que tienen una noche de pasión y al otro día cuenta como erros por parte de Jack, Fer destrozado decide seguir adelante y aquí es donde la verdadera historia comienza y déjenme decirles que de las mejores!!! Esos celos, esa sensación de tener todo perdido pero a la vez tener todo tan cerca, como Jack y Fer logran estar juntos, como Jack esta muy al pendiente de la carrera de boxeo de Fer es algo de admirar ¿la representación de este libro? ¡Me encanto! hay una parte donde pensé que le iban a dar la espalda a Fer pero no, y fue de lo mejor. Una lectura no tan ligera, con un toque de misterio y un romance entre dos mejores amigo que vale completamente la pena de leer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
---
Volver a leer a Courtney fue como volver a casa, leer la historia de Fer y Jack fue una montaña rusa y les dire el porque: ellos son amigos, los mejores además de que Jack es el entrenador y manager de Fer y a estado con el por unos buenos 8 años, Fer siente atracción por Jack desde ese momento se podría decir que cayo enamorado de el ahora Jack es mucho mayor, unos 15 años si mis cálculos no me fallan y ya tenemos la primera razón por la que no hace nada, ahora bien todo esto va a que tienen una noche de pasión y al otro día cuenta como erros por parte de Jack, Fer destrozado decide seguir adelante y aquí es donde la verdadera historia comienza y déjenme decirles que de las mejores!!! Esos celos, esa sensación de tener todo perdido pero a la vez tener todo tan cerca, como Jack y Fer logran estar juntos, como Jack esta muy al pendiente de la carrera de boxeo de Fer es algo de admirar ¿la representación de este libro? ¡Me encanto! hay una parte donde pensé que le iban a dar la espalda a Fer pero no, y fue de lo mejor. Una lectura no tan ligera, con un toque de misterio y un romance entre dos mejores amigo que vale completamente la pena de leer.
September 1, 2023
🥊 ARC Review - The Boxer by Courtney W. Dixon
The Boxer is the second book in the Knights of Boston Series.
To say that I have been looking forward to reading this book since I finished The Healer a few months ago… Understatement!
Courtney is on a fast-track to becoming one of my go-to authors and with Jack & Ferguson’s story she once again solidifies why.
I really, really loved this book and it ticked so many boxes for me:
❤️🩹 I just love a sports romance where there’s actual sports in it. The boxing scenes were so well-written with an authentic feel to them
❤️🩹 Second Chance: I love this trope. It’s one of my faves. And Courtney did it so well. All the doubts and fears that Jack went through were so relatable and realistic.
❤️🩹 Age-Gap: yes! Again, a top tier trope. Jack was just such a great friend and support to Feguson which made it even more hot & steamy when their relationship turned into a physical one.
❤️🩹 Past trauma: Again, it was so freaking relatable and realistic. We’ve all lost someone we love and we all deal with traumatic experiences in diffferent ways.
❤️🩹 The pining was chef’s kiss: Ferguson crushing on Jack since he was 15. And then Jack being so afraid to trust again that they nearly missed their chance at love 🥹🥹
Just like the Healer, this was a super sweet and heartwarming book. Courtney may write a lot of darker, angstier books, but she also does sweet oh so well ❤️
Plot: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 😨😨
Swoon: 🫠🫠🫠🫠
Bonus points: endearments! I just love them and Jack is the King of endearments 😍😍
Congrats, my friend, on a wonderful book. I hope it gets all the recognition, it deserves ❤️❤️
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
The Boxer is the second book in the Knights of Boston Series.
To say that I have been looking forward to reading this book since I finished The Healer a few months ago… Understatement!
Courtney is on a fast-track to becoming one of my go-to authors and with Jack & Ferguson’s story she once again solidifies why.
I really, really loved this book and it ticked so many boxes for me:
❤️🩹 I just love a sports romance where there’s actual sports in it. The boxing scenes were so well-written with an authentic feel to them
❤️🩹 Second Chance: I love this trope. It’s one of my faves. And Courtney did it so well. All the doubts and fears that Jack went through were so relatable and realistic.
❤️🩹 Age-Gap: yes! Again, a top tier trope. Jack was just such a great friend and support to Feguson which made it even more hot & steamy when their relationship turned into a physical one.
❤️🩹 Past trauma: Again, it was so freaking relatable and realistic. We’ve all lost someone we love and we all deal with traumatic experiences in diffferent ways.
❤️🩹 The pining was chef’s kiss: Ferguson crushing on Jack since he was 15. And then Jack being so afraid to trust again that they nearly missed their chance at love 🥹🥹
Just like the Healer, this was a super sweet and heartwarming book. Courtney may write a lot of darker, angstier books, but she also does sweet oh so well ❤️
Plot: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 😨😨
Swoon: 🫠🫠🫠🫠
Bonus points: endearments! I just love them and Jack is the King of endearments 😍😍
Congrats, my friend, on a wonderful book. I hope it gets all the recognition, it deserves ❤️❤️
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
August 26, 2023
Another great book in the Knights of Boston series. Already can’t wait for the next one!
Ferguson is on his way up in the boxing world but all he really wants is his manager and best friend Jack. Jack sees Ferguson longing but doesn’t know if the risk is worth it or if his heart is ready. These two men have a lot of hurt to overcome but maybe the best way is to do it together…
It may have taken Jack some time to realize what was right I front of him but once his did he was all in. I love how Courtney’s men stand up for and fight for their relationship, they don’t pout and run at the first sign of hard times. They stand by their man when he’s struggling. Fergs accepted that Jack wasn’t ready and tried to move forward with his love life but wasn’t going to let it change their friendship. Jack understood the hurt and pain Fergs had inside and accepted him as he was but wasn’t going to let that hurt damage their love or friendship.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I don’t want to try with you, Fergs. I want you to be mine if you’ll still have me.”
Ferguson is on his way up in the boxing world but all he really wants is his manager and best friend Jack. Jack sees Ferguson longing but doesn’t know if the risk is worth it or if his heart is ready. These two men have a lot of hurt to overcome but maybe the best way is to do it together…
“Just being with you makes my heart beat a little faster. It’s like that all the time now. This moment with you has made it all worth the wait. I’m not normally romantic or sappy, but it’s kind of how I’m feeling right now”
It may have taken Jack some time to realize what was right I front of him but once his did he was all in. I love how Courtney’s men stand up for and fight for their relationship, they don’t pout and run at the first sign of hard times. They stand by their man when he’s struggling. Fergs accepted that Jack wasn’t ready and tried to move forward with his love life but wasn’t going to let it change their friendship. Jack understood the hurt and pain Fergs had inside and accepted him as he was but wasn’t going to let that hurt damage their love or friendship.
“I couldn’t let him slide now. I wasn’t just his lover but his partner in all ways.”
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2023
Have you ever picked up a book or a series that just 100% captivated you in a way no other has in a very long time ? That had the ability to play on all your emotions to the point that one minute you would just be utterly speechless and then the next you would be yelling and so frustrated you almost threw your iPad right across the room . Well The Boxer did All of the above and so much more . It’s so beautifully written and extremely emotional that there were times I actually felt like my heart was being ripped right outta my chest with tears streaming down my face . But then Courtney somehow put it right back together and I was smiling, and rooting so freaking hard . I simply adored every single thing about both Fergs and Jacks characters- they simply had my heart from page one and refused to let go . This is a journey about a friendship that turns to so much more . It’s dark and raw and gritty , it’s filled with angst and humor and witty banter , secrets , second chances , love , passion , drama , tragedy, obstacles, family , friendships, twists and turns, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, and some of the most wonderfully written characters you’ll ever meet . The Boxer is a M/M Boxing/ Age Gap, best friends to lovers romance that you absolutely need to read . Courtney W Dixon delivers every single time and The Boxer is the perfect example of just why she’s one of my top ten favorite authors
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August 30, 2023
This was a wonderful Rockyesque type of love story that takes place in the “boxing” world which is the second book in the “Knights of Boston” series by Courtney W. Dixon. If you haven’t read the first one, “The Healer”, I strongly suggest you do so although these are stand-alone stories. With lots of Dixon’s stories, they are pretty intense! Of course they will tear you into pieces and rebuild you back as the story flows. My time reading this story was very well-spent! I’d give this one more than 5 allocated stars because I couldn’t expect less from her stories!
The story focuses on Ferguson (Ferg), a boxer who had dreams of becoming a boxer like Rocky. He had a tragic childhood. That’s for you to find out why. While he was growing up, he had been crushing so hard for his manager, Jack who was his father’s best friend. Jack isn’t your normal manager. He loves to dress real nice and abhors anything that would transport germ (sweat, dirt, etc) which is pretty strange for a boxing manager where sweat is a normal occurrence. The thing is Jack had been pining over his ex who left him for a family member who was a part of this big mafia operation in the Boston area. Jack knew Ferg was pining over him but chose not to act on it just because he was not over the break-up with his ex. I’m just going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens. An intense reading!!!
The story focuses on Ferguson (Ferg), a boxer who had dreams of becoming a boxer like Rocky. He had a tragic childhood. That’s for you to find out why. While he was growing up, he had been crushing so hard for his manager, Jack who was his father’s best friend. Jack isn’t your normal manager. He loves to dress real nice and abhors anything that would transport germ (sweat, dirt, etc) which is pretty strange for a boxing manager where sweat is a normal occurrence. The thing is Jack had been pining over his ex who left him for a family member who was a part of this big mafia operation in the Boston area. Jack knew Ferg was pining over him but chose not to act on it just because he was not over the break-up with his ex. I’m just going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens. An intense reading!!!
August 27, 2023
Good grief the absolute FEELS with this book were insane!
From the beginning, we meet Ferguson (a.k.a. Fergs) who is an up and coming boxer trying to go pro. After his parents were murdered when he was fifteen for being involved with the Irish mob, his father's best friend Jack Hogan comes into his life to finish up raising him and being his boxing mentor since Fergs was in a very dark headspace for wanting to avenge his parent's deaths for years.
Fergs has been pining for Jack all of this time and thinks that Jack has no idea, but Jack hasn't missed the looks of pining or Fergs signs of attraction. Jack doesn't want to ruin their friendship, working relationship or Fergs chances of completely going pro in the boxer world so he tries hard not to give in. After a hot, drunken night together, tensions are at an all-time high when Jack regrets it the next morning. After telling him to leave, Fergs decides to call his obsession over Jack quits or tries to, by meeting a new man that is definitely not his type that doesn't last long but does annoy Jack to no end anytime he sees them together.
Once these two finally get their crap together, all bets are off and the spice is definitely spicy!
HEA guaranteed!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the beginning, we meet Ferguson (a.k.a. Fergs) who is an up and coming boxer trying to go pro. After his parents were murdered when he was fifteen for being involved with the Irish mob, his father's best friend Jack Hogan comes into his life to finish up raising him and being his boxing mentor since Fergs was in a very dark headspace for wanting to avenge his parent's deaths for years.
Fergs has been pining for Jack all of this time and thinks that Jack has no idea, but Jack hasn't missed the looks of pining or Fergs signs of attraction. Jack doesn't want to ruin their friendship, working relationship or Fergs chances of completely going pro in the boxer world so he tries hard not to give in. After a hot, drunken night together, tensions are at an all-time high when Jack regrets it the next morning. After telling him to leave, Fergs decides to call his obsession over Jack quits or tries to, by meeting a new man that is definitely not his type that doesn't last long but does annoy Jack to no end anytime he sees them together.
Once these two finally get their crap together, all bets are off and the spice is definitely spicy!
HEA guaranteed!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2023
Love me some Fergs and Jack.
Courtney is a phenomenal writer. I love the story lines she comes up with! I knew nothing about boxing going in, and yet she describes it in a way that makes it sound so exciting to where now I want to watch it lol
This one follows our big guy Jack, who got into the boxing world because of his father. He looses his parents at the hands of someone else really young and only has his sister and dads former friend Jack to rely on while he grieves. Fergs had a huge crush on Jack since Jack came along when Fergs was a teen. Our poor Jack loves the boxing scene, helping Fergs in his journey to become pro, but Jack had it rough as a child so he's got abandonment issues due to his parents and loving a man who didn't have the same feelings for him.
I love the agegap! I love the endearments between the two. Jack's dislike with sweat and blood and cleaness was funny to me. I'd probably agree with him 😂 when Jack realizes Fergs has always had feelings for him and that he just might have the same feelings back all along, the story just takes off. It's very steamy. The plot is exciting while Fergs mourns his parents and never knowing who took them from him. When they both realize the other person is what they were needing in life, the HEA is everything! Love this book!
Courtney is a phenomenal writer. I love the story lines she comes up with! I knew nothing about boxing going in, and yet she describes it in a way that makes it sound so exciting to where now I want to watch it lol
This one follows our big guy Jack, who got into the boxing world because of his father. He looses his parents at the hands of someone else really young and only has his sister and dads former friend Jack to rely on while he grieves. Fergs had a huge crush on Jack since Jack came along when Fergs was a teen. Our poor Jack loves the boxing scene, helping Fergs in his journey to become pro, but Jack had it rough as a child so he's got abandonment issues due to his parents and loving a man who didn't have the same feelings for him.
I love the agegap! I love the endearments between the two. Jack's dislike with sweat and blood and cleaness was funny to me. I'd probably agree with him 😂 when Jack realizes Fergs has always had feelings for him and that he just might have the same feelings back all along, the story just takes off. It's very steamy. The plot is exciting while Fergs mourns his parents and never knowing who took them from him. When they both realize the other person is what they were needing in life, the HEA is everything! Love this book!
September 2, 2023
The wait for Jack and Ferguson's story was worth the wait and surpassed all my expectations, just like all the other books by this author. You will be sure to feel all the emotions as if you were right there with them, all while rooting for their HEA.
Ferguson is a boxer trying to build up a career as a pro and is a man in love with his best friend and manager, Jack. But at the same time Fergs is also having to deal with the pain of losing his parents and the love he feels for Jack. Jack is a man who isn't over a past love and who refuses to persue Fergs for fear of losing their beautiful friendship. He has always wanted what was best for Ferguson, so I understood his fear and way of thinking when it came to their age gap and not wanting to only offer his broken pieces if he was to get into a releationship with Fergs.
That is until Ferguson decides to start dating someone, and the jealousy kicks in. Even if it took Jack some time to come to terms with what he truely wanted and give in, I loved seeing how he was ready to give his all for their relationship to work once he finally did. And man was it hot!
Dixon once again created yet another amazing story that had me unable to put the book down! I can't wait to find out what else she has planned in the furture!
Ferguson is a boxer trying to build up a career as a pro and is a man in love with his best friend and manager, Jack. But at the same time Fergs is also having to deal with the pain of losing his parents and the love he feels for Jack. Jack is a man who isn't over a past love and who refuses to persue Fergs for fear of losing their beautiful friendship. He has always wanted what was best for Ferguson, so I understood his fear and way of thinking when it came to their age gap and not wanting to only offer his broken pieces if he was to get into a releationship with Fergs.
That is until Ferguson decides to start dating someone, and the jealousy kicks in. Even if it took Jack some time to come to terms with what he truely wanted and give in, I loved seeing how he was ready to give his all for their relationship to work once he finally did. And man was it hot!
Dixon once again created yet another amazing story that had me unable to put the book down! I can't wait to find out what else she has planned in the furture!
April 6, 2025
How did I finish this book so quickly? It took me, maybe, 4 hours to read, which is NOT my typical speed for a book. Even when I'm locked in, I tend to take my time. This book had me in a trance from the very beginning, and somehow time slowed down enough for me to devour it in one sitting.
Fergs and Jack doing their best to gauge the line between "best friends and coworkers" vs love was quite a spectacle. Their chemistry was off-the-charts, and the longing persisting over several months during the span of the story was DELICIOUS. For both claiming to be tops, they sure were very eager to offer their submissive side to each other...which was an absolute delight. (And insanely frequent in the back half of the book!)
I had no problem with Richard (basically) prying them apart from each other so that they could learn to be honest about their feelings. The mental health rep toward the end of the book was particularly satisfying as well. I'm glad that Fergs and Jack learned that they could lean on each other, but that their relationship would be stronger by letting professionals step in to help.
Overall, a surprisingly quick read and an unsurprisingly touching story that I'm happy to say has rightfully earned itself a place on the spice-heavy shelf of my bookcase.
Fergs and Jack doing their best to gauge the line between "best friends and coworkers" vs love was quite a spectacle. Their chemistry was off-the-charts, and the longing persisting over several months during the span of the story was DELICIOUS. For both claiming to be tops, they sure were very eager to offer their submissive side to each other...which was an absolute delight. (And insanely frequent in the back half of the book!)
I had no problem with Richard (basically) prying them apart from each other so that they could learn to be honest about their feelings. The mental health rep toward the end of the book was particularly satisfying as well. I'm glad that Fergs and Jack learned that they could lean on each other, but that their relationship would be stronger by letting professionals step in to help.
Overall, a surprisingly quick read and an unsurprisingly touching story that I'm happy to say has rightfully earned itself a place on the spice-heavy shelf of my bookcase.
September 4, 2023
I was a bit leery when I started reading this because I'm not a huge fan of violence. However, despite Fergs being a boxer, I was able to focus on the love story between Jack and Fergs. A 16-year age gap meant nothing to 15-year-old Ferguson's heart when he'd laid eyes on Jack and known exactly where he fell on the rainbow flag—and who he wanted to love.
Now, that's not to say that there's no drama, no pain, and no heartache. Jack, who wants to be loved but doesn't realize that it's right in front of him, and Fergs, who lost his parents and wants to know who took them from him, but still has his sister, Finny, and Jack. Always Jack. When true love finds you, you should be golden. It should be the best time of your life, but that isn't always the case/
Courtney knows how to bring you low and then take you high, all while her guys fall in love. There's always some levity (trying to get a quickie in while gloves are being tied), some heat (the celebration after a boxing match), and some heartache (who is behind the loss of Fergs' parents), but we always wind up with our hearts mended, though still a bit tender.
Now, that's not to say that there's no drama, no pain, and no heartache. Jack, who wants to be loved but doesn't realize that it's right in front of him, and Fergs, who lost his parents and wants to know who took them from him, but still has his sister, Finny, and Jack. Always Jack. When true love finds you, you should be golden. It should be the best time of your life, but that isn't always the case/
Courtney knows how to bring you low and then take you high, all while her guys fall in love. There's always some levity (trying to get a quickie in while gloves are being tied), some heat (the celebration after a boxing match), and some heartache (who is behind the loss of Fergs' parents), but we always wind up with our hearts mended, though still a bit tender.
September 15, 2023
ARC Review
Ferguson has had a "secret" crush on Jack since he was a teenager learning to box from his father, who was unfortunately murdered along with his mother.
Jack later became his best friend and manager in underground and pro fighting.
But after a drunken night of confessions and leering, they almost end up ruining their friendship.
The fact is that nothing was ever the same since that event because everything that had been hidden was now out there and there was no return.
Final thoughts:
Like Courtney's other books, this was an easy, enjoyable read that I found myself immersed in the entire time because
Also, I liked the fact that the characters always supported each other no matter what happened.
Another part I really enjoyed was the flashbacks because they helped me better understand what Fergs and Jack went through in their early years because these two didn't have it easy.
For example, Jack was kicked out of his home for being gay and then had to live on the streets until the Irish mob took him under their protection.
Finally, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fluffy, medium angst stories.
Ferguson has had a "secret" crush on Jack since he was a teenager learning to box from his father, who was unfortunately murdered along with his mother.
Jack later became his best friend and manager in underground and pro fighting.
But after a drunken night of confessions and leering, they almost end up ruining their friendship.
The fact is that nothing was ever the same since that event because everything that had been hidden was now out there and there was no return.
Final thoughts:
Like Courtney's other books, this was an easy, enjoyable read that I found myself immersed in the entire time because
Also, I liked the fact that the characters always supported each other no matter what happened.
Another part I really enjoyed was the flashbacks because they helped me better understand what Fergs and Jack went through in their early years because these two didn't have it easy.
For example, Jack was kicked out of his home for being gay and then had to live on the streets until the Irish mob took him under their protection.
Finally, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fluffy, medium angst stories.
September 16, 2023
'My heart beat a little too fast, hearing his truth out loud for the first time. I had always known, but it was the first time he had come clean. And I was completely unprepared for it. Mind blown. My brain warred with itself, dealing with the initial explosion. I struggled between taking his face and claiming him in a kiss, while trying not to flee and pretending this never happened.'
I loved this book. I loved both Jack and Ferguson. Fergs has had feelings for Jack for years, but kept quiet. Jack still cares for his ex despite having broken up. His ex moved on, but he hasn't. One night after too much drinking, Fergs' feelings come out, and they spend the night together. And the chemistry between these too was scorching! But Jack is regretful and not ready for more. These two have such a strong relationship. Jack is figuring things out, but when he realizes how he feels, will it be too late? The boxing portion of this story was interesting (this is the first book I've read with a boxer), as was Ferguson's parents' murder. I liked the supporting characters, too. I couldn't put this book down. 5 stars
I loved this book. I loved both Jack and Ferguson. Fergs has had feelings for Jack for years, but kept quiet. Jack still cares for his ex despite having broken up. His ex moved on, but he hasn't. One night after too much drinking, Fergs' feelings come out, and they spend the night together. And the chemistry between these too was scorching! But Jack is regretful and not ready for more. These two have such a strong relationship. Jack is figuring things out, but when he realizes how he feels, will it be too late? The boxing portion of this story was interesting (this is the first book I've read with a boxer), as was Ferguson's parents' murder. I liked the supporting characters, too. I couldn't put this book down. 5 stars
August 29, 2023
This is book 2 in the Knights of Boston series. We have our boxer, Fergs and his manager, Jack. Fergs has been in love with Jack since the first time he met him when he was 15. Jack is 16 years older than Fregs but the age difference is just background noise. Jack was in a 4 year relationship with someone who didn't reciprocate his love. He held onto feelings for the other guy after they split which in turn made him not pursue Fergs, even through he knew Fregs liked him.
Poor Fergs goes through every emotion. Between the grief and anger of losing his parents and the frustration of not having Jack, his emotions are put through the ringer! He concentrates on his boxing and starts dating a guy who has Jack very jealous. It took awhile but eventually Jack got his act together and their love was perfect! They realized how much they really needed eachother!
The friends to lovers was perfect and the pinning lead to some HOT spicy scenes!! Overall this is a great book and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!
Poor Fergs goes through every emotion. Between the grief and anger of losing his parents and the frustration of not having Jack, his emotions are put through the ringer! He concentrates on his boxing and starts dating a guy who has Jack very jealous. It took awhile but eventually Jack got his act together and their love was perfect! They realized how much they really needed eachother!
The friends to lovers was perfect and the pinning lead to some HOT spicy scenes!! Overall this is a great book and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!
September 5, 2023
Honestly, I almost stopped reading this one because I was so frikkin frustrated with Jack and wanted to shake him so hard, but I couldn't stop reading it. I just couldn't because I knew there was NO WAY this guy was going to stay so frikkin obliviously wrapped up in the bs of his past relationship; right?? The way he inadvertently hurt Ferguson made me not want to be on team Jack, but honestly, he's a great character. They both are. This is--to my recent memory--one of the single most well-developed character healing, total growth, maturing, working on themselves, and building a healthy relationship stories I've read. It's beautifully done; well-written, engaging, and utterly compelling. I love how they both did the work separately and together, despite the rocky road they'd started down and the diverging paths they took for awhile. So, while I was immensely frustrated for a good portion of the story, I was also overwhelmed and compelled to see how it all ended up, and I am so very glad I did.
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.
September 6, 2023
There's something about the way she writes that's as warm and inviting as the taste of hot chocolate and the soft touch of a knitted blanket on a chilly rainy autumn day, when you know winter is inevitably coming, as it does every year, but you're still desperately clinging to the last remnants of hot summer nights. The Boxer gives me just such vibes - full of sweet comfort and bitter sadness mixed in a cocktail of so many different emotions - the crippling pain, the deep sense of loss, the overwhelming sadness , the rough edges of regret, the hot rage bubbling just beneath the surface, the unsettling sense of unease and enveloping it all the strongest bond of love. Love in all its colourful variety - the love of friendship that resists hardship and challenge, the love of surviving siblings/like Ferg and his sister/ who stand by each other at every turn, the love and loyalty of family found.
I haven't read all of this author's books, but of the ones I know, this one has the strongest emotional impact so far. It is heartfelt, thoughtful and unforgettable. And the pinnacle of all the emotional turmoil packed into the book is the relationship between Ferg and Jack. When they finally let go, these two truly knew how to love with every cell of their bodies, every fiber of their beings, every drop of their blood. It wasn’t easy and every one of them had their own insecurities and struggles, but they had a rock solid friendship to give them a flying start.
Their relationship was based on the kind of deeply realized and mature love that is the fruit of overcoming extremely traumatic events in 1 person's life; the kind of events that leave a soul scarred, distrusting and closed off.
It wasn’t just a book, it was a bone deep feeling of satisfaction when they found their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven't read all of this author's books, but of the ones I know, this one has the strongest emotional impact so far. It is heartfelt, thoughtful and unforgettable. And the pinnacle of all the emotional turmoil packed into the book is the relationship between Ferg and Jack. When they finally let go, these two truly knew how to love with every cell of their bodies, every fiber of their beings, every drop of their blood. It wasn’t easy and every one of them had their own insecurities and struggles, but they had a rock solid friendship to give them a flying start.
Their relationship was based on the kind of deeply realized and mature love that is the fruit of overcoming extremely traumatic events in 1 person's life; the kind of events that leave a soul scarred, distrusting and closed off.
It wasn’t just a book, it was a bone deep feeling of satisfaction when they found their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
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Do you like a slow burn with epic levels of pinning? The Boxer is the perfect choice then.
Whether you’ve read other books in this series/world or not, you’ll enjoy this boxer and manager story. Ferguson has been in love with Jack since he was 15, and ever since the boxer has had to settle for being friends and watching Jack love someone else.
Witnessing Jack finally realize what was right in front of him was fantastic. All while helping Fergs achieve his boxing dreams. It could be super complicated, or incredibly right.
This has its darkness, they’re associated with the Irish mob after all, and they both have demons and pain that have fueled them over the years, but’s also a swoony and sexy best-friends-to-lovers story.
Do you like a slow burn with epic levels of pinning? The Boxer is the perfect choice then.
Whether you’ve read other books in this series/world or not, you’ll enjoy this boxer and manager story. Ferguson has been in love with Jack since he was 15, and ever since the boxer has had to settle for being friends and watching Jack love someone else.
Witnessing Jack finally realize what was right in front of him was fantastic. All while helping Fergs achieve his boxing dreams. It could be super complicated, or incredibly right.
This has its darkness, they’re associated with the Irish mob after all, and they both have demons and pain that have fueled them over the years, but’s also a swoony and sexy best-friends-to-lovers story.
August 28, 2023
The Boxer is the second book in the Knights of Boston series, this is Jack and Ferguson story. This is an age gap, boxer/manager romance, poor Ferguson he really goes through a lot of emotions, he is pinning for his best friend/manager since he was young, but after all his time not giving in on his emotions he always know that Jack is for him. Jack is affair of what would happen if he gives in and get involved with Fergs, he would lost his friend and someone he cares not just the age gap between them, I like how both of them have a great friendship but Fergs wants more, the first time together was so hot!!! I understand how Fergs feels because he finally get a time with Jack and it’s everything for him, even for Jack he just don’t want to accept until is almost to late. Once Jack finally accept his feelings for Fergs …swoon these two together were perfect together!!! The journey between these two and the fighting career Fergs is trying to builds was very exciting, he grift in Fergs is also very strong and he can’t let go and that’s something that could make him lost everything. Great read! Looking forward to more of this serie!
August 30, 2023
“ He was my first crush. My forever crush.”
Ferguson has wanted Jack for a long. But Jack instead fall in love with another young guy who will leave him heartbreaking. Meanwhile Fergs falls to drinking and other things to block out his feelings for him. Until one night they give into their attraction to each other and he finally admit his feelings to Jack only to realize he doesn’t leave him the same way. Now he moves on with a jerk and Jack is finally able to letting go of his ex and the hurt he caused. To see their journey together and apart is incredible. The issues they face are hard and to see them move it through is amazing. But the question after everything they go through will they be able to find their HEA? You have to read to discover if their hearts will find their other half.
Ferguson has wanted Jack for a long. But Jack instead fall in love with another young guy who will leave him heartbreaking. Meanwhile Fergs falls to drinking and other things to block out his feelings for him. Until one night they give into their attraction to each other and he finally admit his feelings to Jack only to realize he doesn’t leave him the same way. Now he moves on with a jerk and Jack is finally able to letting go of his ex and the hurt he caused. To see their journey together and apart is incredible. The issues they face are hard and to see them move it through is amazing. But the question after everything they go through will they be able to find their HEA? You have to read to discover if their hearts will find their other half.
September 8, 2023
I couldn’t wait to read Fergs book after reading In Preservation. Courtney did an amazing job weaving Finley and Callum as well as Charles into The Boxer. This is a second chance, close proximity, boxer/trainer romance. Fergs has his fair share of trauma after losing his parents as a teen. He’s wanted nothing more than to find out who did it. Along the way, he’s pines for Jack, 16 years older than him, someone his dad introduced to him through boxing. Jack has his own insecurities and fears after loving Charles and losing him to Brady. Fergs and Jack work so well together, Jacks patience towards Fergs is insurmountable. Truly a riveting story of Fergs leaving the mob underground boxing arena, turning pro all with Jack by his side. Full of love, trauma, grief, spice, family, healing, hope, patience, chemistry, strength, angst and so much more. I can’t wait for Courtney’s next book!
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