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Love in the Ring #1
Love Against the Ropes
A fighter. A lover. One ultimate matchup where love just might be the main event.
Former boxing champion Janna Fresno trades her belt for a boxing gym in her sleepy hometown. She’ll go toe-to-toe with anyone, but can’t figure out how to knock out a six-figure business loan.
Enter Blake Knox, professional impulse follower, video app darling, and antagonizer of one famous Irish boxer. His ever-running mouth means he needs to learn how to box to save face. And fast.
The only person willing (and desperate) enough to train him? Janna.
It’s love at first sight for Blake, a contender for her heart. Janna’s unimpressed at his chaos and camera antics. But round after round, she finds his goofiness and surprising dedication begin to punch cracks in her defenses.
Can Blake go the distance as a boxer? Will Janna lower her guard enough to let him in?
Love Against the Ropes is a romantic comedy with heart, haymakers, and hilariously bad decisions. This closed-door romance stays above the belt, and can be read as a standalone.
Former boxing champion Janna Fresno trades her belt for a boxing gym in her sleepy hometown. She’ll go toe-to-toe with anyone, but can’t figure out how to knock out a six-figure business loan.
Enter Blake Knox, professional impulse follower, video app darling, and antagonizer of one famous Irish boxer. His ever-running mouth means he needs to learn how to box to save face. And fast.
The only person willing (and desperate) enough to train him? Janna.
It’s love at first sight for Blake, a contender for her heart. Janna’s unimpressed at his chaos and camera antics. But round after round, she finds his goofiness and surprising dedication begin to punch cracks in her defenses.
Can Blake go the distance as a boxer? Will Janna lower her guard enough to let him in?
Love Against the Ropes is a romantic comedy with heart, haymakers, and hilariously bad decisions. This closed-door romance stays above the belt, and can be read as a standalone.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2025
About the author
Karen Landry
4 books36 followersKaren Landry loves laughter, romance, goofballs, and closing the door to give her characters a little privacy. What happens next is between them.
She has degrees in theater and English, and lives in Maryland with her husband, children, and whatever pets the kids finally convinced her to get.
She has degrees in theater and English, and lives in Maryland with her husband, children, and whatever pets the kids finally convinced her to get.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2025
Love Against the Ropes is my first read from author Karen Landry. Entertaining storyline, narrated by both main characters Janna and Blake. Janna was a hard nut to crack trying to be successful in a primarily male dominated sport, but I liked her. She loved her sister and she loved her sport. She was a straight shooter. Needing money for her gym, she agrees to helping larger than life influencer Blake, who got himself into a pickle. At first Blake was hard for me to pin down. Literally he was bouncing all over the place throughout the book and only settled down 75%ish in. I get that he’s an influencer and is expected to always be “on” for content, but for me it got old. I liked the evolution of their love story and hard won HEA, just wish Blake’s personality was more my style.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC in lieu of my opinions.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC in lieu of my opinions.
July 27, 2025
TLDR: a fun, closed-door romcom with enough character development and mostly realistic relationship building that it turned out to be a page-turner for me.
When I first started, I could not STAND Blake’s character. On page 1, I actually wondered if the story was starting from when he was 12 because his inner dialogue sounded like a twelve year-old. I thought that I might not be able to finish the book.
But I kept reading. (Like I tell my students, you have to give a book a fair shot, which is at least a chapter or two.)
Then, I didn’t like how much the two brothers constantly put their whole life on social media. Ugh. I somehow missed that part as I was skimming the book blurb. And don’t we have enough social media in the world already?
But I kept reading.
And when Blake finally began to get some sense knocked into him - quite literally at times - I started to enjoy it more.
The author did a great job showing Blake’s character development from irresponsible flight risk to still-spontaneous, but far more disciplined and responsible adult. It was satisfying to follow his progress and the growing relationship that, apart from one unplanned, passionate kiss, was kept not-physical while Blake and Janna trained. The author did a great job being inside both of their heads. I mean, how does one person imagine being like Blake and then switch hats so we understand who Janna is too? Since I’m not a novel writer, I’m not sure, but she did a great job.
Was I a big fan of the boxing part of the story? Not really. I don’t like people hitting other people, even if they both agree to it. However, I do understand the gratification of training hard and seeing progress. And while boxing played a big part, it also wasn’t so full of details that someone like me wouldn’t enjoy it.
If you want a slightly ridiculous, comical, and sweet story, pick this one up!
P.S. - I loved all the boxing puns that were in the book blurb.
When I first started, I could not STAND Blake’s character. On page 1, I actually wondered if the story was starting from when he was 12 because his inner dialogue sounded like a twelve year-old. I thought that I might not be able to finish the book.
But I kept reading. (Like I tell my students, you have to give a book a fair shot, which is at least a chapter or two.)
Then, I didn’t like how much the two brothers constantly put their whole life on social media. Ugh. I somehow missed that part as I was skimming the book blurb. And don’t we have enough social media in the world already?
But I kept reading.
And when Blake finally began to get some sense knocked into him - quite literally at times - I started to enjoy it more.
The author did a great job showing Blake’s character development from irresponsible flight risk to still-spontaneous, but far more disciplined and responsible adult. It was satisfying to follow his progress and the growing relationship that, apart from one unplanned, passionate kiss, was kept not-physical while Blake and Janna trained. The author did a great job being inside both of their heads. I mean, how does one person imagine being like Blake and then switch hats so we understand who Janna is too? Since I’m not a novel writer, I’m not sure, but she did a great job.
Was I a big fan of the boxing part of the story? Not really. I don’t like people hitting other people, even if they both agree to it. However, I do understand the gratification of training hard and seeing progress. And while boxing played a big part, it also wasn’t so full of details that someone like me wouldn’t enjoy it.
If you want a slightly ridiculous, comical, and sweet story, pick this one up!
P.S. - I loved all the boxing puns that were in the book blurb.
July 10, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Love Against the Ropes by @karenlandrywrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Janna is a badass female boxer 🥊 who puts her career on pause to open a gym in her small Ohio hometown—only to find herself struggling to keep the doors open. Enter Blake: viral internet sensation, chaotic goofball, and completely unprepared to step into a boxing ring. 😅📱
When Blake accepts a challenge to fight a pro boxer (yikes), he turns to Janna for a crash course in surviving the ring. What neither of them expects? That sparks will fly faster than a left hook. 💥❤️
As much as I didn’t want to, I loved Blake. His brand of internet celebrity isn’t something I’m generally a fan of, but he has such enthusiasm and good intentions that it was impossible not to fall for him. His insta-love for Janna was adorable, and his attempts to woo her via “crow presents” were endearing. 🐦💌 He is the epitome of golden retriever energy, blending positive energy with real heart.
Janna is my girl. She is a badass champion boxer, something I haven’t seen in romance before, with determination and a whole lot of grit. I love that she is multi-dimensional: tough boxer, serious businesswoman, playful prankster, and loving sister.
This is a sweet, kisses-only, feel-good romance with just the right touch of silly. Perfect as a palate cleanser between more angst-filled reads. I’ll absolutely be picking up book two featuring Van (Blake’s brother/cameraman) and Bea (Janna’s sister/fellow trainer)! 👀💕
For fans of:
🥊 Female athletes
💘 Golden retriever x tough girl
😂 Internet fame shenanigans
💋 Kisses-only romance
👯♀️ Sibling dynamics
🧼 Low-angst, feel-good vibes
#LoveAgainstTheRopes #KarenLandry #RomComReads #KissesOnlyRomance #SweetRomance #BoxerRomance #GoldenRetrieverEnergy #RomanceReview #Bookstagram #FeelGoodReads #RomanceBooks #IndieRomance #FighterRomance #SwoonyReads
Love Against the Ropes by @karenlandrywrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Janna is a badass female boxer 🥊 who puts her career on pause to open a gym in her small Ohio hometown—only to find herself struggling to keep the doors open. Enter Blake: viral internet sensation, chaotic goofball, and completely unprepared to step into a boxing ring. 😅📱
When Blake accepts a challenge to fight a pro boxer (yikes), he turns to Janna for a crash course in surviving the ring. What neither of them expects? That sparks will fly faster than a left hook. 💥❤️
As much as I didn’t want to, I loved Blake. His brand of internet celebrity isn’t something I’m generally a fan of, but he has such enthusiasm and good intentions that it was impossible not to fall for him. His insta-love for Janna was adorable, and his attempts to woo her via “crow presents” were endearing. 🐦💌 He is the epitome of golden retriever energy, blending positive energy with real heart.
Janna is my girl. She is a badass champion boxer, something I haven’t seen in romance before, with determination and a whole lot of grit. I love that she is multi-dimensional: tough boxer, serious businesswoman, playful prankster, and loving sister.
This is a sweet, kisses-only, feel-good romance with just the right touch of silly. Perfect as a palate cleanser between more angst-filled reads. I’ll absolutely be picking up book two featuring Van (Blake’s brother/cameraman) and Bea (Janna’s sister/fellow trainer)! 👀💕
For fans of:
🥊 Female athletes
💘 Golden retriever x tough girl
😂 Internet fame shenanigans
💋 Kisses-only romance
👯♀️ Sibling dynamics
🧼 Low-angst, feel-good vibes
#LoveAgainstTheRopes #KarenLandry #RomComReads #KissesOnlyRomance #SweetRomance #BoxerRomance #GoldenRetrieverEnergy #RomanceReview #Bookstagram #FeelGoodReads #RomanceBooks #IndieRomance #FighterRomance #SwoonyReads
August 17, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Love Against the Ropes, but I loved it! The chemistry and tension between our MCs is electric—like, I could feel the sparks flying off the page. Janna (our fierce, focused FMC) is all grit and guarded strength, while Blake (our charming, impulsive MMC) is the kind of guy who makes you laugh one minute and clutch your heart the next. Their dynamic is everything. I especially adored how Blake’s playful nature contrasts with Janna’s seriousness—it makes those rare moments when he drops the jokes and gets real feel so intimate and swoon-worthy. I melted. Multiple times.
The emotional stakes are high, and the author doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of love, ambition, and healing. The scenes in the ring are just as gripping as the ones outside it. You can tell the author did their homework—everything feels authentic without ever overshadowing the romance.
Also, the side characters? Loved them. They added depth and warmth, and I’m looking forward to a spin-off or two (just saying 👀).
Whether you're a fan of sports romance or just looking for a story that hits hard and loves harder, Love Against the Ropes delivers. It’s heartfelt, sexy, and full of fight—in every sense of the word. Highly recommend!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Love Against the Ropes, but I loved it! The chemistry and tension between our MCs is electric—like, I could feel the sparks flying off the page. Janna (our fierce, focused FMC) is all grit and guarded strength, while Blake (our charming, impulsive MMC) is the kind of guy who makes you laugh one minute and clutch your heart the next. Their dynamic is everything. I especially adored how Blake’s playful nature contrasts with Janna’s seriousness—it makes those rare moments when he drops the jokes and gets real feel so intimate and swoon-worthy. I melted. Multiple times.
The emotional stakes are high, and the author doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of love, ambition, and healing. The scenes in the ring are just as gripping as the ones outside it. You can tell the author did their homework—everything feels authentic without ever overshadowing the romance.
Also, the side characters? Loved them. They added depth and warmth, and I’m looking forward to a spin-off or two (just saying 👀).
Whether you're a fan of sports romance or just looking for a story that hits hard and loves harder, Love Against the Ropes delivers. It’s heartfelt, sexy, and full of fight—in every sense of the word. Highly recommend!
July 13, 2025
This is my first Karen Landry book and my first book around boxing, I hate boxing and was slightly put off at first. Absolutely no need to have worried, the story revolves more around the training than the actual boxing itself and is the fight it not as big a part of the story as i thought it would be.
Blake is an internet celebrity/influencer and films 99% of his life, he is always on and has managed to talk himself into a fight that he has no business being involved in.
Enter Janna an ex professional boxer who now lives in a small town running a gym. A lifestyle that could not be further away from what Blake and his brother Van are used to. This is not so much enemies to lovers as I think they are both similar. They are both passionate about everything they do and like to do things properly. Blake just has a more laid-back approach to things which eventually breaks down Jenna’s walls.
I found the first part and the end good, just slightly dipped in the middle but overall, this is a good entertaining read.
I will be looking at Karen’s previous books and look forward to Bea and Van’s story when published.
I would like to thank Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
#LoveAgainsttheRopes #NetGalley
Blake is an internet celebrity/influencer and films 99% of his life, he is always on and has managed to talk himself into a fight that he has no business being involved in.
Enter Janna an ex professional boxer who now lives in a small town running a gym. A lifestyle that could not be further away from what Blake and his brother Van are used to. This is not so much enemies to lovers as I think they are both similar. They are both passionate about everything they do and like to do things properly. Blake just has a more laid-back approach to things which eventually breaks down Jenna’s walls.
I found the first part and the end good, just slightly dipped in the middle but overall, this is a good entertaining read.
I will be looking at Karen’s previous books and look forward to Bea and Van’s story when published.
I would like to thank Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
#LoveAgainsttheRopes #NetGalley
July 11, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Love against the Ropes”, by Karen Landry, is a different and very pleasant story with a charismatic and charming hero and a heroine thriving in a tough, usually male dominated sport.
Blake and Janna are great characters and the evolution of their relationship is so fun to watch.
The hero is an impulsive man child, full of craziness and living the life of an internet celebrity, almost always in exposure mode.
He becomes a compelling character when we, readers, realize that beneath that goofiness lies a gem of a person. And the “blond bane” of Janna’s existence.
Some scenes are hilarious. The sense of humor is great.
Blake is a great crazy and sweet hero, full of mischief, with an “explosive boyish energy”, whose life often seems to be “a series of videos”. He’s a pistol, really.
But Blake is also an intelligent man, aware of the limits between the public/internet persona and the real person.
He’s sensitive and vulnerable, too, with that tendency for falling in love easily and wearing his heart in a sleeve. And he’s not ashamed or afraid of losing his virility by enjoying Janna’s tough, strong side.
I liked the dedication Janna shows to the sport and teaching it. She and Blake are great together.
I appreciated the honesty and compassion in both leads.
I liked the training, the interactions and relationships with the other characters, the caring for the turtle.
I also enjoyed being surprised while reading.
“Love against the Ropes”, by Karen Landry, is a different and very pleasant story with a charismatic and charming hero and a heroine thriving in a tough, usually male dominated sport.
Blake and Janna are great characters and the evolution of their relationship is so fun to watch.
The hero is an impulsive man child, full of craziness and living the life of an internet celebrity, almost always in exposure mode.
He becomes a compelling character when we, readers, realize that beneath that goofiness lies a gem of a person. And the “blond bane” of Janna’s existence.
Some scenes are hilarious. The sense of humor is great.
Blake is a great crazy and sweet hero, full of mischief, with an “explosive boyish energy”, whose life often seems to be “a series of videos”. He’s a pistol, really.
But Blake is also an intelligent man, aware of the limits between the public/internet persona and the real person.
He’s sensitive and vulnerable, too, with that tendency for falling in love easily and wearing his heart in a sleeve. And he’s not ashamed or afraid of losing his virility by enjoying Janna’s tough, strong side.
I liked the dedication Janna shows to the sport and teaching it. She and Blake are great together.
I appreciated the honesty and compassion in both leads.
I liked the training, the interactions and relationships with the other characters, the caring for the turtle.
I also enjoyed being surprised while reading.
October 17, 2025
This book was such a good time! Love Against the Ropes gives you a grumpy ex-boxing champ trying to save her gym and a charming, slightly ridiculous internet guy who talks himself into needing boxing lessons. The setup is gold, and the chemistry is even better.
Janna is tough, smart, and totally not here for Blake’s goofy energy at first—but he grows on her, and honestly? He grew on me too. He’s chaotic in the most lovable way, and watching him actually try (and struggle) to learn how to box while slowly winning Janna over was super sweet.
There are lots of laughs, some great emotional moments, and a slow-burn romance that feels really natural. It’s closed-door, so no steam, but the tension and connection are definitely there. Also, the small-town gym vibes and side characters? Loved them.
If you're into rom-coms with a strong female lead, a golden retriever love interest, and a few laugh-out-loud training scenes, this one's worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Janna is tough, smart, and totally not here for Blake’s goofy energy at first—but he grows on her, and honestly? He grew on me too. He’s chaotic in the most lovable way, and watching him actually try (and struggle) to learn how to box while slowly winning Janna over was super sweet.
There are lots of laughs, some great emotional moments, and a slow-burn romance that feels really natural. It’s closed-door, so no steam, but the tension and connection are definitely there. Also, the small-town gym vibes and side characters? Loved them.
If you're into rom-coms with a strong female lead, a golden retriever love interest, and a few laugh-out-loud training scenes, this one's worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 12, 2025
This is a sweet feel good romance that is a quick easy read.
Blake is a total golden retriever who does crazy things for his internet fame. Well he next crazy thing is accepting a challenge to fight a pro boxer so what is he to do, enlist a boxer to train him. He just so happens to ask Janna for help to at least survive in the ring with a pro.
Janna is a badass former boxing champion who opens her own gym in her hometown. Janna is struggling to keep her gym afloat, the willingness to help Blake could help the business. But the sparks that fly between the two, especially Blake right from the start. It was like insta-love for Blake which made for some of the best moments because he was totally trying to get her just as interested in him. This was a fun read, I definitely need to know what happens next with Bea and Van.
Thank you NetGalley and Sea Foam Press for the advance copy, all my opinions are my own.
Blake is a total golden retriever who does crazy things for his internet fame. Well he next crazy thing is accepting a challenge to fight a pro boxer so what is he to do, enlist a boxer to train him. He just so happens to ask Janna for help to at least survive in the ring with a pro.
Janna is a badass former boxing champion who opens her own gym in her hometown. Janna is struggling to keep her gym afloat, the willingness to help Blake could help the business. But the sparks that fly between the two, especially Blake right from the start. It was like insta-love for Blake which made for some of the best moments because he was totally trying to get her just as interested in him. This was a fun read, I definitely need to know what happens next with Bea and Van.
Thank you NetGalley and Sea Foam Press for the advance copy, all my opinions are my own.
July 19, 2025
Now that sports romances have grown to include every sport (chess! lacrosse! Formula One!), it shouldn't be a surprise that boxing is getting a turn. What is a surprise is that Love Against the Ropes is such a cozy example of the genre. Youtube star Blake (who feels borrowed from a far, far kinder version of Jake Paul) thinks it would be great content to record him training for a boxing match, isolated at his trainer's rural gym in Ohio...until he falls in love at first sight with his trainer, ambitious boxer Janaa.
I read a lot of golden retriever MMCs, but Blake has a POV which really emphasises his sweet and goofy nature. I thought it was a particularly well done version of the character type. I also really loved Janaa's ambition. This is a cozy romance which is perfect for relaxing after a stressful day. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
I read a lot of golden retriever MMCs, but Blake has a POV which really emphasises his sweet and goofy nature. I thought it was a particularly well done version of the character type. I also really loved Janaa's ambition. This is a cozy romance which is perfect for relaxing after a stressful day. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
August 14, 2025
This was my first boxing romcom and it didn't disappoint! Janna is a boxing boxing champion and instructor who is supposed to whip Blake, a social media personality and turtle saver, into shape for a boxing match in three months after he goaded a world champion boxer into a match. 😅 Many hijinx ensue "for the gram" but feelings also grow- not just between Janna and Blake but their trusty sidekicks Bea and Van as well (will have to see what happens in the next book!) I will admit, however, that Blake's lack of awareness of others and Janna's unwillingness to effectively communicate drove me nuts at times. But, I think that just stemmed from the grumpy/sunshine dynamic that Janna and Blake had going on! Overall, this was a really sweet story with an unexpected ending. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you BookSirens and Karen Landry for an advance readers copy of this book!
July 10, 2025
This was my first book with boxing!
I loved this book.
I enjoyed the relationship between the two MCs, Janna and Blake.
Blake - always the guy ending up in a wild situation.
Janna - our boxer, who is a major type A. I could relate to her.
I thought both of these characters were so well-developed and relatable. Strong FMCs are one of my favorite tropes, and Janna was written as such a strong woman!
Blake was our sweet teddy bear of a man. Swoon.
The plot was structured well, and the pace was great. No lagging or slow burn - thank goodness!
This was a quick read, well written, and had characters I loved.
A perfect book for your summer TBR! A beach read or poolside read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Happy Reading!
I loved this book.
I enjoyed the relationship between the two MCs, Janna and Blake.
Blake - always the guy ending up in a wild situation.
Janna - our boxer, who is a major type A. I could relate to her.
I thought both of these characters were so well-developed and relatable. Strong FMCs are one of my favorite tropes, and Janna was written as such a strong woman!
Blake was our sweet teddy bear of a man. Swoon.
The plot was structured well, and the pace was great. No lagging or slow burn - thank goodness!
This was a quick read, well written, and had characters I loved.
A perfect book for your summer TBR! A beach read or poolside read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Happy Reading!
July 13, 2025
Janna is a former boxing champion who agrees to train Blake, a viral internet star. Add lots of antics for the camera and a chicken coop, and you've got a cute, fun story to read. Boxing is not what I immediately think of with a sports romance, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy that I read. All of the opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy that I read. All of the opinions are my own.
July 21, 2025
This felt like a book that was written just to say you wrote a book. The writing was choppy and unpolished. The storyline was poorly timed and disjointed. I debated DNF'ing the book every 10% but wanted to complete it to count toward a current reading challenge. The romance and storyline both felt forced, the banter was poor, and the characters weren't that lovable.
August 4, 2025
Love the strong FMC and am a sucker for a quality closed-door romance. This book was funny/goofy with a lot of heart. 3.5 stars rounded up. *I received a complimentary e-ARC from the author/publishing company. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
Review to come
July 1, 2025
5 ⭐️ 0 🌶️
Janna and Blake’s story was adorably amusing and worth the read. Blake is an interesting character, constantly being the butt of the joke and putting himself in crazy situations while Janna is the calculative boxer who needs to be in control at all times. One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong FMC with a golden retriever MMC which was a nice change of pace from some other books in the same genres as this one.
Karen Landry did a great job showing the differences in characters through her writing style as well as making the reader feel like they were in the story with Janna and Blake! I will admit, I struggled a bit to get into the story at the beginning but the more I read, the more captivated I was with the story overall!
Janna and Blake’s story was adorably amusing and worth the read. Blake is an interesting character, constantly being the butt of the joke and putting himself in crazy situations while Janna is the calculative boxer who needs to be in control at all times. One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong FMC with a golden retriever MMC which was a nice change of pace from some other books in the same genres as this one.
Karen Landry did a great job showing the differences in characters through her writing style as well as making the reader feel like they were in the story with Janna and Blake! I will admit, I struggled a bit to get into the story at the beginning but the more I read, the more captivated I was with the story overall!
July 1, 2025
3.5
RTC
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest
RTC
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews