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House of Pain #1
Stone Cold Knockout
Big Jimmy’s House of Pain is an old-school boxing gym in Manhattan, run by an old-school guy named – what else? – Big Jimmy. He’s charismatic, loud, and loving. For the last 25 years, he’s also been a foster father, taking in the worst behaved children in the New York City system and reforming them through the love of the sport of boxing. This series will follow the members of Big Jimmy's rag tag family of outcasts, as they find out the meaning of love – whether they feel like they deserve it or not.
When Gennifer Rodriguez meets Mikhail, a recent transplant to New York City, at Big Jimmy’s House of Pain, sparks immediately fly. When he bests her in the ring, he tells her exactly what he wants from her. Gennifer agrees, on one condition--that he train her for an upcoming competition.
But when Gennifer’s match takes a violent turn, Mikhail reveals his own dark side. The stone cold Russian is out for blood…but at what cost?
Contains a sexy Russian Alpha, a Dominicana who can hold her own, and a hard-won, Elvis-approved HEA.
When Gennifer Rodriguez meets Mikhail, a recent transplant to New York City, at Big Jimmy’s House of Pain, sparks immediately fly. When he bests her in the ring, he tells her exactly what he wants from her. Gennifer agrees, on one condition--that he train her for an upcoming competition.
But when Gennifer’s match takes a violent turn, Mikhail reveals his own dark side. The stone cold Russian is out for blood…but at what cost?
Contains a sexy Russian Alpha, a Dominicana who can hold her own, and a hard-won, Elvis-approved HEA.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
10 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Lavender Parker
9 books98 followersLavender Parker is an avid reader of romance novels and erotica. Having grown tired of the predictable and often white-washed mainstream romance novels available, she decided to try her hand at writing the kind of stories she wanted to read. Lavender's hot heroes and heroines come in all shades and all ethnicities! She recently completed her first novel in the St. James Family series, Kiss of Ice.
Lavender currently lives with her long-term boyfriend and slightly neurotic dog in the colorful New York City borough of Queens. When on break from her day job in reality television, she also likes to write screenplays and produce low-budget films.
Contact Lavender Parker:
email: parker.lavender@gmail.com
twitter: @lavender_parker
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavenderparker
Lavender currently lives with her long-term boyfriend and slightly neurotic dog in the colorful New York City borough of Queens. When on break from her day job in reality television, she also likes to write screenplays and produce low-budget films.
Contact Lavender Parker:
email: parker.lavender@gmail.com
twitter: @lavender_parker
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavenderparker
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2014
The only other book by this author that I have read, Kiss of Fire, I very much enjoyed. Enjoyed enough to keep the author's name in my mental 'keep in mind' file.
With this book, the author has now advanced to my mental 'actively be on the look-out for' file.
When we first meet Gennifer in this novel she at a gym fighting. It is one of those old skool, no frills boxing gyms that is owned by a tough talking no nonsense guy named Jimmy and is populated by serious fighter types. Gennifer is a woman who grew up out of tragedy, has a few anger issues but has made a good productive life for herself.
Her goal is to be able to compete in a big boxing tournament that happens each year, but he owner of the gym (also the man she considers her father figure) refuses to consider it. He is over protective, for good reason as we learn in the course of the story.
But a new guy at the gym catches Gennifer's eye. He is Mikhail, a handsome Russian of very few words. He has great fighting technique and agrees to train her.
The two of them are immediately attracted to each other and fall into a hotly sexual and oddly sweet relationship during their training.
A lot happens to Gennifer and her 'Misha', which I won't spoil because the story hits some great plotting & character beats.
The book is unabashedly sexy. I enjoy how much Gennifer owns her own sexuality. The author is able to tread the line where Gennifer comes across as confident and proactive in having her desires met without feeling off-puttingly aggressive.
But even through the sexy times, you watch as they build an interesting, at times, intense relationship where their connection is well constructed and their chemistry is well developed.
As in any romance novel the conflict that the author chooses to create is often times the thing that drives the romantic tension and the plot. I loved the little spanner the author threw in the works mid-way through the book. It wasn't cliche at all and created a believable obstacle that kept our hero/heroine apart. This is they type of constructive storytelling I am thirsty for in IR romance that is very often missing.
Good story. Good characters. Good romance.
Much recommended.
With this book, the author has now advanced to my mental 'actively be on the look-out for' file.
When we first meet Gennifer in this novel she at a gym fighting. It is one of those old skool, no frills boxing gyms that is owned by a tough talking no nonsense guy named Jimmy and is populated by serious fighter types. Gennifer is a woman who grew up out of tragedy, has a few anger issues but has made a good productive life for herself.
Her goal is to be able to compete in a big boxing tournament that happens each year, but he owner of the gym (also the man she considers her father figure) refuses to consider it. He is over protective, for good reason as we learn in the course of the story.
But a new guy at the gym catches Gennifer's eye. He is Mikhail, a handsome Russian of very few words. He has great fighting technique and agrees to train her.
The two of them are immediately attracted to each other and fall into a hotly sexual and oddly sweet relationship during their training.
A lot happens to Gennifer and her 'Misha', which I won't spoil because the story hits some great plotting & character beats.
The book is unabashedly sexy. I enjoy how much Gennifer owns her own sexuality. The author is able to tread the line where Gennifer comes across as confident and proactive in having her desires met without feeling off-puttingly aggressive.
But even through the sexy times, you watch as they build an interesting, at times, intense relationship where their connection is well constructed and their chemistry is well developed.
As in any romance novel the conflict that the author chooses to create is often times the thing that drives the romantic tension and the plot. I loved the little spanner the author threw in the works mid-way through the book. It wasn't cliche at all and created a believable obstacle that kept our hero/heroine apart. This is they type of constructive storytelling I am thirsty for in IR romance that is very often missing.
Good story. Good characters. Good romance.
Much recommended.
October 27, 2014
Ms Parker is one of my favourite authors I love the way she writes!
Gennifer and Mikhail (aka Misha) story!
It took me a while to warm up to Gennifer because I did not understand why she had so MUCH attitude. I loved that she was tough and did not want any man to run over her, totally respected that but I did not understand why she was holding Misha aT arms length when he made it totally clear he was attracted to her.
Just as I begin to understand Gennifer and start routing for the couple tragedy strikes and has poor old Misha fighting to stay in her life. At this point I will admit that I disliked all the minor characters in her family with the exception of Tate because he tried to help Misha get just for Genneifer. The rest of them were a total waste of space and I just wanted to smack them all.
The Gennifer makes Misha desperate by pushing him away and thus forcing him to go back into the boxing ring because of the torture she is putting him through. Even though I understand it was really hard for her the situation she found herself in, she could have met him half-way and he would have done all in his power to help her overcome the huge incident that happened in her life.
The story was intense but I was rooting for Misha I wanted him to be happy I thought he deserved it! Ms Parker has yet to write a story that I did not like. This was a great read.
Keep them coming Ms Parker!
Gennifer and Mikhail (aka Misha) story!
It took me a while to warm up to Gennifer because I did not understand why she had so MUCH attitude. I loved that she was tough and did not want any man to run over her, totally respected that but I did not understand why she was holding Misha aT arms length when he made it totally clear he was attracted to her.
Just as I begin to understand Gennifer and start routing for the couple tragedy strikes and has poor old Misha fighting to stay in her life. At this point I will admit that I disliked all the minor characters in her family with the exception of Tate because he tried to help Misha get just for Genneifer. The rest of them were a total waste of space and I just wanted to smack them all.
The Gennifer makes Misha desperate by pushing him away and thus forcing him to go back into the boxing ring because of the torture she is putting him through. Even though I understand it was really hard for her the situation she found herself in, she could have met him half-way and he would have done all in his power to help her overcome the huge incident that happened in her life.
The story was intense but I was rooting for Misha I wanted him to be happy I thought he deserved it! Ms Parker has yet to write a story that I did not like. This was a great read.
Keep them coming Ms Parker!
May 29, 2015
I need a "boxers" shelf, apparently. I really enjoyed Lavender Parker's style and boxing gym setting. I also loved Gennifer's big patchwork family of adopted kids and their importance to Gennifer's life.
Sometimes I wasn't so fond of Gennifer though. She was much more combative than was justified at a few points -I didn't like the twist because of this- and Mikhail was sexist occasionally, e.g. calling her "little girl." Most of the time they were two strong, resilient people, however. Mikhail did have a sweetness and vulnerability, and he was frank about his romantic feelings for Gennifer. He was never afraid to bare his soul, so points for the guts. Donnie's "everyday" brand of villainy worked, despite his sparse face time in the book. I also liked Hector and Erica as a counterpoint relationship, and the racial dynamics explored very subtly in Knockout.
I checked out Parker's other series, but this one was best written. Plus, I was really intrigued by Tate in this one, so I'm excited to hear his book's next! Between three and four stars, I'll round up!
Sometimes I wasn't so fond of Gennifer though. She was much more combative than was justified at a few points -I didn't like the twist because of this- and Mikhail was sexist occasionally, e.g. calling her "little girl." Most of the time they were two strong, resilient people, however. Mikhail did have a sweetness and vulnerability, and he was frank about his romantic feelings for Gennifer. He was never afraid to bare his soul, so points for the guts. Donnie's "everyday" brand of villainy worked, despite his sparse face time in the book. I also liked Hector and Erica as a counterpoint relationship, and the racial dynamics explored very subtly in Knockout.
I checked out Parker's other series, but this one was best written. Plus, I was really intrigued by Tate in this one, so I'm excited to hear his book's next! Between three and four stars, I'll round up!
October 22, 2014
It was well written and a good story. I especially liked that Ms. Parker knows New York City. I can't tell you how much it bugs me when people set books in NY and have no idea what they are talking about.
Ms. Parker, now that you have gotten this book out of your system, please turn your attention to the St.James family. Thank you very much :-)
Ms. Parker, now that you have gotten this book out of your system, please turn your attention to the St.James family. Thank you very much :-)
November 1, 2014
This was good I was so into it! Loved Misha to the root!
June 11, 2015
4.2
Did me in.
Did me in.
October 3, 2021
The set up and specific situations are hot for a romance novel. But the protagonists can't hold a good conversation with one another. It's a combination of the H's language issue, stoic personality, and the author seemingly not being able to really write those. Across the handful of different works of hers I've read, the chemistry that results from extreme situations is #1 in driving the romance.
July 19, 2017
2.5☆
I just didn't care much for Gennifer.
I just didn't care much for Gennifer.
June 4, 2020
Will read the next book in this series, it was a really good read
September 28, 2014
Gennifer Rodriques is very complex 28 year old. Orphaned at the age of 8 after a life threatening incident claimed the life of both her parent and almost hers, she land in the arms of Papa Bear Big Jimmy. After years of being the towel girl at Big J's gym, House of Pain, Gennifer decides that she too wants to be a boxer.
One night she meets a Russian who also frequents House of Pain, Mikhail. Mikhail is tall, sexy, and intense. From their first sparring encounter he wants her. Secretly she Santa him to.
After watching Mikhail box or a while, Gennifer comes up with the idea of asking him to train her for a competition called Bout It which Big J is totally against. Not only does he think that boxing is no sport or a woman, but especially not for Gennifer due to her past.
Gennifer trains anyway with Mikhail and they become closer. So close that they began seeing each other outside of tea ring you the objection of Big J and some of Gennifer's adoptive brothers.
Gennifer and Mikhail's relationship is not without secrets. They both have issues from the past that could not only threaten their relationship but their livelihood also.
Can their love for one another withstand their past or will it keep them from a future together?
One night she meets a Russian who also frequents House of Pain, Mikhail. Mikhail is tall, sexy, and intense. From their first sparring encounter he wants her. Secretly she Santa him to.
After watching Mikhail box or a while, Gennifer comes up with the idea of asking him to train her for a competition called Bout It which Big J is totally against. Not only does he think that boxing is no sport or a woman, but especially not for Gennifer due to her past.
Gennifer trains anyway with Mikhail and they become closer. So close that they began seeing each other outside of tea ring you the objection of Big J and some of Gennifer's adoptive brothers.
Gennifer and Mikhail's relationship is not without secrets. They both have issues from the past that could not only threaten their relationship but their livelihood also.
Can their love for one another withstand their past or will it keep them from a future together?
November 18, 2016
Just got around to finishing this book, started it sometime last year, shelved it, then forgot about it, but I didn't completely forget about it.
Would have loved to have given it a five star rating but it didn't always grab my attention. Gennifer, hmmm sometimes I found it hard to like her. It was like sometimes she was likeable then other times she's almost ready to duel with you.
Mikhail (Russian boxer) was her love interest, they meet at the boxing club. They become close, when Gennifer asks Mikhail, if he can train her for an upcoming fight. Something happens, that brings their budding romance to a halt for a while. I don't want to give too much away because this is a big part of what the story is about.
Loved Gennifer's family, all the food she mentioned in the book made me hungry, Had a look at YouTube to see what these foods were. Yummy - Looking forward to reading Tate's story
Would have loved to have given it a five star rating but it didn't always grab my attention. Gennifer, hmmm sometimes I found it hard to like her. It was like sometimes she was likeable then other times she's almost ready to duel with you.
Mikhail (Russian boxer) was her love interest, they meet at the boxing club. They become close, when Gennifer asks Mikhail, if he can train her for an upcoming fight. Something happens, that brings their budding romance to a halt for a while. I don't want to give too much away because this is a big part of what the story is about.
Loved Gennifer's family, all the food she mentioned in the book made me hungry, Had a look at YouTube to see what these foods were. Yummy - Looking forward to reading Tate's story
March 7, 2015
I really liked this book.
Gennifer and Mikhail are two explosive characters who have a love of boxing. They both have painful histories which leads them to the boxing ring as a way to deal with their pain.
Lavender Parker uses their pain as a plot device but doesn't turn their tragedies into a 'woe is me' story.
The background characters are really interesting. Big Jimmy, the boxing club owner and father figure was one of my favourite secondary characters.
The only thing I didn't like was the boxing match between Gennifer and Mikhail which resulted in Mikhail punching Gennifer in the face. The incident was treated as a minor issue but for me, there's nothing minor about getting hit in the face by a man, even if I did ask to spar. Still Gennifer is no wimp and gave as good as she got.
All round a hot sexy and in places poignant read.
Gennifer and Mikhail are two explosive characters who have a love of boxing. They both have painful histories which leads them to the boxing ring as a way to deal with their pain.
Lavender Parker uses their pain as a plot device but doesn't turn their tragedies into a 'woe is me' story.
The background characters are really interesting. Big Jimmy, the boxing club owner and father figure was one of my favourite secondary characters.
The only thing I didn't like was the boxing match between Gennifer and Mikhail which resulted in Mikhail punching Gennifer in the face. The incident was treated as a minor issue but for me, there's nothing minor about getting hit in the face by a man, even if I did ask to spar. Still Gennifer is no wimp and gave as good as she got.
All round a hot sexy and in places poignant read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It featured a Dominican heroine and a Russian hero, both boxers in New York who get to know one another as they train for a fighting competition. I liked the setting of the old school gym and that Gennifer was tough, both mentally and physically. I thought Gennifer and Mikhail truly connected despite the obstacles in their path and that their HEA was well earned. The book was scorching hot too! A negative was that the book had a lot of typos scattered throughout (as did the last one I read, Flower in the Desert) and it distracted from the story at times, particularly when the wrong character name was used after a line of dialogue, confusing me as to who was actually speaking.
September 11, 2015
Total Knockout!
Jennifer and Mikhail, what a memorable couple! This book will definitely be a reread. Loved the storyline and especially the characters personalities, which dominated the book. The interaction between the two was just so intense the words burned the pages. I loved it! The sex was a major part of the story but believe me, it is not your everyday, run of the mill stuff, oh no. The imagination Ms. Parker exhibits thru her extremely exciting well written stories are remarkable. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Great job!
Jennifer and Mikhail, what a memorable couple! This book will definitely be a reread. Loved the storyline and especially the characters personalities, which dominated the book. The interaction between the two was just so intense the words burned the pages. I loved it! The sex was a major part of the story but believe me, it is not your everyday, run of the mill stuff, oh no. The imagination Ms. Parker exhibits thru her extremely exciting well written stories are remarkable. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Great job!
October 10, 2014
Good storyline and interesting mix of characters. The Gennifer/Hector thing was a bit confusing to me, and I wasn't crazy about the Hector/Erica relationship, although I liked Erica as a friend for Gennifer. Curious to see what she's gonna do with the rest of the series. So far, I'm enjoying the author's work.
October 21, 2015
Great story
I was on the fence about reading it. I kept putting it for. I couldn't relate to G. Glad I shoved my thought aside. Glad I finally read it. It was a great read and great characters. Looking forward to reading next book.
I was on the fence about reading it. I kept putting it for. I couldn't relate to G. Glad I shoved my thought aside. Glad I finally read it. It was a great read and great characters. Looking forward to reading next book.
November 25, 2014
Gennifer was like a mixture of Michelle Rodriguez in Girlfight and Zoe Saldana in Colombiana, very tough and sassy.
October 7, 2014
Loved it!!!!!
February 13, 2015
Wow
I loved it. Every women needs a Russian man in her life. There were some grammar errors but not enough to irritate me. I am now officially a fan of Lavender Parker.
I loved it. Every women needs a Russian man in her life. There were some grammar errors but not enough to irritate me. I am now officially a fan of Lavender Parker.
August 24, 2015
Freaking awesome
5 stars freaking awesome. Great main characters and the loving was hot, sexy and dirty, just perfect. Excellent storyline
Charo
5 stars freaking awesome. Great main characters and the loving was hot, sexy and dirty, just perfect. Excellent storyline
Charo
October 16, 2015
Best story
I truly loved this book. The story was convincing and the characters all had me interested wanting more. Definitely reading the next installment. Highly recommend!!!
I truly loved this book. The story was convincing and the characters all had me interested wanting more. Definitely reading the next installment. Highly recommend!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews