Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s

by Pernille Hughes

The knock out romantic comedy of the year!

This brilliant, funny love story is perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane and Sally Thorne.

True love packs a punch…

Tiffanie Trent is not having a great week. Gavin, her boyfriend, has dumped her unceremoniously on their tenth anniversary, leaving her heartbroken and homeless.

Frank Black, the owner of Blackie’s boxing gym and where Tiff has been book-keeper for the last decade, has dropped dead. He's not having a great week either.

And if that wasn’t enough, Mike ‘The Assassin’ Fellner, boxer of international fame and Tiff’s first love, is back in town and more gorgeous than ever. Tiff can’t seem to go anywhere without bumping into his biceps.

When she discovers Blackie has left her the gym, Tiff, with her saggy trackies and supermarket trainers, is certain she’ll fail. Can Tiff step up and roll with the punches, or will she be down and out at the first round?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Adult, Second Chance, Contemporary

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

For a FREE short Story from Pernille click here https://pernillehughes.com/free-short...
Pernille Hughes is a RomCom author and mum, with three novels published to date TEN YEARS, PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (formerly published as Sweatpants At Tiffanie's).
Previously her writing has been printed in The Sunday Times and the fabulous SUNLOUNGER summer anthologies. Find out about her new books at www.pernillehughes.com and follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/perni...

Pernille (pronounced Pernilla) studied Film & Literature at uni and took her first job in advertising,having been lured by the temptation of freebies, but left when Status Quo tickets was as good as it got. After a brief spell marketing Natural History films, she switched to working in Children's television which for a time meant living in actual Teletubbyland, sharing a photocopier with Laa-Laa.

Now, she lives in actual England, sharing a photocopier with her husband and their four spawn. While the kids are at school she scoffs cake and writes RomCom stories in order to maintain a shred of sanity.

Find her on Twitter @pernillehughes ,on Instagram @Pernillehughes, on Facebook at her Pernille Hughes author page, or on her website www.pernillehughes.com

Reviews

[TrulyDeeplyBookishly_708456 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: ❤❤❤❤ of 5!

 

Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't compensated in any way and all thoughts and opinions are completely my own!

 

This book is scheduled to be released on the 3rd of August 2018!

 

Tiffanie Trent is settled in her life with her boyfriend of 10 years, Gavin. So, when he dumps her at the restaurant where they went to celebrate their milestone anniversary, Tiff feels the rug being pulled out from under her. Gavin is leaving town for 2 weeks, conveniently the very next day, so just one more night together and then he'll be out of Tiff's hair, so she can pack up and leave in peace. Because yes, this catch of a man is not only kicking her to the curb, he's also kicking her out. So much for being an English gentleman.

How does Tiff deal with this? She immediately thinks of ways to get back the lovely Gav. Desperate times and all that, makes Tiff decide that the best way to re-kindle their love is to have another romp in the sack. The next morning Tiff wakes up, alone, and finds a note on his side of the bed:

 

Didn't we go out with a bang?

That was the perfect closure.

Thanks and all the best.

Gavin.

 

Definitely a keeper, no?

Within the same week, Tiff finds her boss and friend, Blackie, dead. The funeral places her face to face with her first love, a world champion boxer, Mike "The Assassin” Fellner. The reunion is neither sweet nor heartfelt. Actually, Tiff exercises her lunge capacity when she tells yells at him and informs him of what's what. And how he's unwelcome in her life and gym. Yes, Blackie surprisingly left his gym and money to Tiff. In doing so, he bypassed his employee, ex-wife and stepson. As you can probably imagine, that doesn't go down too well.

It turns out that Tiff had suggested that Blackie turned the boxing club into a unisex gym. A fancy one with a bar, classes etc. He hadn't wanted to go for it, but now she has the chance to do it, and she feels she has his blessing since he knew of her ideas and left it all to her. Tiff sets out to make the changes and in doing so, she's slowly but steady finding herself again.


Pernille have given Tiff such a funny and snarky vocabulary, which is hard not to appreciate. Seriously, the dry British humour is through the roof.

 

She'd been up and down like a tart's knickers

Personal note: I need to start using this phrase more often!
 

On top of that, she is very much a poster girl for any "how-to-get-your-confidence-back-after-a-break-up" self help book. But despite the humour, I did have my ups and downs with this leading lady. I really HATE when characters have falling outs, just because they're "too afraid" to be honest. Because of the clear motivational factor in this book, I didn't expect this to be an issue. How WRONG I was, because it's what causes the majority of problems.

I think I found it particularly frustrating, because Tiff creates almost all the problems herself.

- When someone threatens her, she doesn't tell anyone. - seriously, why?
- When she receives weird phone calls and mail, she doesn't tell. - again, why?
- When a certain someone asks for advise for the future, she pushes him away. - sigh.
- When a certain someone asks her not to go out with her ex, she does exactly that. - I'm sorry, how old are you again?

I don't think anyone expects any 27 year old to have all the answers, that wouldn't be fair. But throwing teenage like tantrums and taking ridiculous stands, just to cross people. That's a little too immature for my liking. At times it even felt like Tiff WANTS to be the victim. Like it's easier to nurse a broken heart, than telling people how you feel.

I do understand the whole "woman on a mission", and I'll admit that it is somewhat cool and empowering. But I really dislike when characters create more problems for themselves, just because they don't want to speak their mind - and then to top it off, acts like a victim. The fact that Tiffanie strives so much on denial, that it's spelled with a capital D in most of the book is also a bit too much. I don't think that's a mistake, I think Pernille honestly gave Tiffanie Denial as a companion. I she'd given her the ability to laugh at herself instead, I would have enjoyed that a lot more.
 

Personally, I'm over the moon with all the other characters! It's almost like they're divided into categories of "helpers" and "opponents". There's not really any room for being in the middle. It's very "either you're with me or against me". Now, in the interest of being fair I should mention, that's not Tiff's doing. Actually, it's thanks to the dead guy. His loyal coach and ex-family are not ready to help Tiff achieve her dream, they're more into seeing her fail.

On team Tiff we have Mike, Shelby & Natalie. Mike the swoon worthy "Assassin" does take a lot of heat from Tiff, and for whatever reason, he's putting up with it. He's not the most interesting character, but there' something about him! Natalie is Tiff's protege. While rebuilding her own confidence, she helps Nat finding hers.

But who's over the top interesting, is Tiff's BFF Shelby. I adore her! She's like a no-nonsense taking nympho.


If it hadn't been for the humour and secondary characters (seriously, I love Tiff's friends), I would probably have rated this book at 3 or maybe even 2 hearts. Because Tiff's tantrums and reality twists are not worth more than that. However, the remaining characters totally backed it up. If I used the "half" system, I would have given this book 4.5 hearts. But as I don't, I'll give it 4.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was good enough.

Nothing I haven't read before but it had the relevant structure.

However a lot of it just fell flat for me. The romance, the main character Tiffanie and even the weird small town she lived in. There really could have been a lot more dramatic arcs especially to do with the relationship she had with her parents.

Plus it got to a point where it all all felt really dragged out and like I was reading the same thing again and again.

The only thing I did really like was when she finally stuck it to two different guys in the book - that was incredibly satisfactory.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I let this book slip through my fingers for so long. I have been keen to read it from the moment it was announced, and having now finally devoured it, I can see my instincts were spot on. I loved this book.

Tiffanie is fabulous, I can't understand why she was ever with Gavin though, the initial chapter where he's breaking up with her on their 10th Anniversary shows just what a knob he really is, and when you read it, you will see just why I think that!

I loved that Tiffanie was unexpectedly inheriting a boxing club, despite no interest in the sport, but when you start hearing her ideas, I couldn't help but be in awe so long as she could pull them off.

Nothing is plain sailing, there is another ex-boyfriend at centre stage, someone else who clearly has a grudge against her, a boxing trainer who is a chauvinistic pig, but thankfully Tiff has the support of her friends to boost her confidence and start to build something really special.

There are plenty of laughs to be had in this, as well as some action, plus plenty of fitness scenes and classes which all sounded painfully fun, but I'm still not going to give them a go myself!

I loved this fun debut novel and really looking forward already to Pernille Hughes' next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and pleasant short read. It kept me entertained throughout the whole story and I was eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. Undeniable British humour, I must say. I loved it! It was funny, fresh and the main heroine, Tiffanie, has my utter respect. Found myself rooting for her all the way through the book and it's the first book in a while that I've stayed awake long past my usual bedtime so I could finish it. Just what I needed to read at the moment, light, funny, touching etc. It was a cute chic-lit, but somehow I was missing something, like a grand gesture or such, that's why 4 and not 5 stars. Overall it was somewhat predictable but very, very enjoyable.

***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Karschtl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiffanie Trent isn't the obvious choice when it comes to who could run a boxing club. Her being the stereotype of a 'plain Jane' who does accounting for a living. But for once in her life Tiff is feeling adventurous. She rejects the offer to sell the club she inherited and instead wants to turn it into a new gym for both the male and female population of the town. Of course, it's always easier to write down ideas on paper than turning them into a reality.

I liked it that Tiffanie takes on the challenges mostly on her own. Although she was used to relying on Gavin for so many years, now she takes matters in her own hand and does not hide behind a man (or need his help). Wheater it is overseeing the reconstruction of the gym, dealing with threats to her business or an illoyal ex-employee, or confronting her ex-boyfriend Gavin. Although her first lover, who recently returned to town, would willingly help her out where he can.

I enjoyed the character of Tiffanie, but also Mike and Shelby were wonderful. Together with Tiff they both delivered some pretty funny lines of dialogue. Even Natalie grew on me, and it was great to see how "Tiffanie's" not only changed the live of the owner, but of several ppl in town.

Very nice british chick-lit, in an unusal setting and with the focus clearly being Tiffanie and her new business, but with a little romance on the side as well.

[Tiffany M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the title is not the best and the cover art is a little lacking…the book is quite funny and entertaining. From the very beginning of the book you feel for Tiffanie and just want to run and save her. On the other hand, I also wanted to slap her so she wakes up and realizes the true jerk Gavin is. The book is a little predictable and you know there will be a happily ever after. However, what happens before that happily ever after you do not see coming. Throughout this book, I felt sorry for Tiffanie, rooted and cheered for her, got made at her, but by the end I was proud of the person she became. Tiffanie quickly figured out who she is and that her past is the past. She was able to stand on her own two feet and did things for herself. This made me feel a little empowered that no matter who you are, or where you come from, if you dream it and want it bad enough you can achieve it.

Being that I am not British, at times I had trouble understanding some of the slang words. However, thanks to Google I quickly understood what the words meant and understood the story. I was very impressed by the author, Pernille Hughes, and the fact that included actual snacks and places-like scampi fries and Greggs. Some authors would just make places or things up but Pernille held true to the area and what could be found there.

Sweatpants at Tiffanies was a great, quick read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to feel empowered and optimistic. I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. Tiffanie's boyfriend of ten years breaks up with her, her employer dies, and her first love is back in town. Then she inherits the boxing gym from her employer. This book was fun and fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and would read more books by this author.

[Ess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s is the aforementioned Tiffanie’s journey of enlightenment and maturing. After being dumped ceremoniously on her anniversary, Tiffanie’s world comes to a crashing halt. From here forward Tiffanie must learn to navigate her life by herself (with the help from her quirky friends alongside).

The first half of the novel read as women’s fiction, and the second half of the story is when the romantic interlude took place, so if you are looking for straight romance or straight women’s fiction, know that this story has both.
While I had many moments of incredulity throughout Tiffanie’s personal embarkment due to her lack of confrontation to people in her life (girl needs to learn to stand up for herself!), I realized that her change happens within a 2-month parameter and change is hard, but more-so when that change is forced upon you.

This is a wordy novel, with some moments that tapered off too long. During my reading, I had flashes of thought that perhaps this is book was part of a series and I didn’t read the prior book. I mainly thought this way because the characters’ dialogue would bring up things from the past that the author never touched upon in the novel before that moment.
It would have helped the reader connect better to Tiffanie and even Mike if the book opened up 10 years ago so that we could have seen Tiffanie’s transformation from strong teenager to meek, dependent woman.

*Personal issue with author’s who write death scenes* Also, in the beginning of the book when Blackie died and Tiffanie was in the small room with him for THREE HOURS and did not check on him at all was completely unrealistic. Not only because he was choke/gasping but because in real death situations, the body releases the bowels as well as other fun situations which occur with the body. I.e it would have smelled horrid in that room, and Tiffanie would have definitely investigated the source. I.e. Completely unrealistic portrayal of a death scene.

If you are interested in a quick read of personal growth, past loves come home to roost, and a pinch of death and drama intermixed, pick up Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s for your daily dose of emotional outpouring.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Randa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is hilarious! I laughed so hard that I cried. It reminded me of a Sofia Kinella or Marian Keyes novel. Anything that can go wrong did. Tiffanie Trent is having a rough week--her boyfriend of ten years dumps on their anniversary at the same restaurant that they had their first date and since they lived together at his place--she's now homeless. Tiff has more bad news--her longtime friend and father figure, Frank Blackie dies. Frank was her first bookkeeping client and was a prominent figure throughout her life. To add the icing to her crap-tastic cake--her childhood boyfriend and first love Mike "The Assassin" Fellner returned for Blackie's funeral looking more gorgeous than ever while Tiff has gained a few pounds and feels worse about herself than ever.

At the will reading, Tiff finds out that Blackie has left his most precious gift to her--his boxing gym. Blackie's assistant coach, Ron makes numerous sexist remarks that Tiff isn't cut out to run the gym since she's a woman--and making a remark about her weight. Her ex-boyfriend Gavin tries to talk her into selling it because he think she doesn't have the motivation or business sense to run a business with employees. Tiff is determined to prove them both wrong. With the help of her best friend, Shelby and Natalie, a Blackie customer's wife--the three are determined to upgrade the gym into a full service experience for all genders. Tiff runs into some trouble beginning with the fact that she is secretly living in one of the gym's storage rooms. She is also receiving haunting crack calls, mail with dog poo, and the gym is vandalized. Oh and Blackie's ex-wife and step-son feel that they should have been given the gym. The more Tiff works on the gym the more she comes in contact with Mikey. Mikey keeps coming back to the gym for nostalga or so he says. All of her old feelings for Mikey are starting to resurface especially after the spend the night together. But Mikey is offered a job in LA--a once in a lifetime opportunity. Tiff doesn't want to get in his way. Gavin has returned when he sees that Tiff is turning things around with the gym. What will Tiff do? Will Mike take the offer or move back home?

[The Glass House Online Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about having the courage to step out of your comfort zone with a little help from your friends.
I love the feeling of finishing a book that you have enjoyed. Often there is a little bit of adrenaline but also a deep contentedness. For me, Sweatpants at Tiffanie's evoked this feeling. It was a good read and it made me smile.

The story was fun and drew me in but at the same time made me reflect a little on my own life.

For over twelve years my job has been to manage the Walker household. It is a role I feel secure and comfortable in. I know I'm good at it but now the kids are older, I do occasionally see job vacancies and wonder whether I should apply for them.

Doubts quickly surface though because it is much simpler to stick with what you know rather than striking out and believing in your own abilities. It is daunting to step outside of your safe zone.

For this reason, although Tiffanie's situation is very different to mine, I quickly felt a certain affinity with her. She was dealt a bad hand by her parents, which has prompted her to settle for routine and security in the form of a smarmy and domineering boyfriend. She lacks self-confidence but feels she is jogging along fairly happily.

All this changes when she inherits a boxing club where she has worked as a bookkeeper for many years. She knows nothing of boxing or even fitness. She definitely isn't part of the lycra brigade. Plenty of people, assuming she will make a mess of the club, offer her an easy way out. They make it very clear that she will fall flat on her face if she tries to run it herself.

Tiffanie is full of self-doubt and often shaken by confrontation both with the doubters, and with those who just mean her harm. She wants to grasp this new opportunity but is scared. Luckily though she has a few good friends and an ex-boyfriend who encourage her to dream big.

For anyone who has a challenge to face, and isn't sure if they can do it, this book is for you.

Reviewed by Ali Walker for The Glass House Book Club

[B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun take on the romance-novel trope of a heroine who starts out the novel by losing her boyfriend. Tiffanie’s long-term boyfriend is so obnoxious and self-satisfied that you know right away that she must have severe self-confidence and self-esteem issues to have stuck with him for so long. She has enough baggage to fill an airplane’s cargo hold. After losing her boyfriend, one of her clients, Blackie, who owns a boxing gym dies. She is his bookkeeper and is shocked to learn that he left her the gym and enough money for her to remake the sweaty old gym into a co-ed exercise gym.

While she’s working to do that, she also has to deal with her first boyfriend, a world champion boxer, Mike ‘The Assassin” Fellner, who is back in town and keeps popping up. It’s clear that there are still sparks between them. But she also has to deal with someone who is trying to sabotage her new gym.

Tiffanie starts out as such a pitiful loser, but what I enjoyed was how she grew in strength and self-confidence as the book goes on. She also helps others who soon start working with her to gain their own self-confidence. There is a lot in this book about how friendship can help you get through the hard times. And the growing relationship between her and Mikey is sweet and interesting. Mike has do deal with having to retire and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Luckily, he’s run across Tiffanie at just the right juncture in his life. And luck also for her.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

[Ashleyjayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so quickly I couldn't stop it was such an enjoyable read, I've sat waiting to review this book and struggled as I don't want to give to much away.
Tiffany started out as a pitiful loser, getting dumped by her boyfriend of ten years on there aniversary then her client Blackie dying her self esteem and confidence is low.Tiffany is shocked when Blackie who she book keeps for leaves her his boxing gym and money to remake the sweaty old boxing gym , she doesn't believe in herself but with her friends to encourage her and helping new friends grow in confidence she takes on the challenge of going against people who dont believe in her plans to turn the sweaty boxing gym into a co-ed exercise gym.

Tiffany's antics constantly brought a smile to my face throughout the book, her character throughout the book was fun and enjoyable to follow. I loved the passion between Tiffany and Mikey ( her first love).I loved Mikey's character throughout the book, he's a boxer at the end of his carer and is at a crossroad with which path to take. What I loved most about this book is between Tiffany and her friends they help each other and you can see there confidence grow throughout the book.
5 out of 5 hearts ❤❤❤❤❤

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for a honest review, I would like to thank the publisher Harper Impule and Killer reads and the author for allowing me to read and review.

[thecoffeeqween · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This was a quick and fun read. When I first started reading it I was not sure if it was going to be a book that was my usual type of romance read. By chapter 3 I was starting to change my mind. Tiffanie is having the worst week ever, her boyfriend breaks up with her on their anniversary, her boss dies, and her first love returns after ditching her 10 years ago. As if things couldn't get any worse, Tiffanie inherits the gym where she works as a book keeper having no idea how to run it, with employees and family members feeling snubbed, she desperately needs to find a way to make it work. Filled with cute little quirks and fumblings of second chances, this book turned out to be sweet and charming. I personally lean towards, smart mouthed, confident women in romance books. The struggle I had in the beginning was with Tiffanie herself. She seemed a little too shy for me. But as I read on I found myself rooting for her and invested in her finding her voice. The other characters also added to the theme of finding your way and it flowed effortlessly. There was just enough drama to make it interesting without being over the top. It truly is a book about second chances in life and love. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. One of the other reviewers mentioned that Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s is a combination of both women’s fiction and romcom. You get a bit of romance, a bit of mystery, some humor, witty friends, annoying exes, and a hot MMA fighter.

The book opens with Tiffanie’s boyfriend breaking up with her. His thought process portrayed during every interaction with Tiff is hilarious and you can’t help but shake your head and roll your eyes. Tiffanie is an interesting character. At first I wanted to shake her for wanting her ridiculous boyfriend back. However, she evolves into a strong woman who sets her sights high. She inherits a boxing gym from her old employer and has brilliant ideas on how to make things work. However, she has doubts of making it a success and those doubts grow as others telling her that she can’t do it. Part of what makes her a strong character is that she accepted her insecurities and pushes ahead anyway. There is a bit of mystery of who is trying to sabotage her effects and the gym.

The book is well written. Tiffanie is a well developed, likable character and the supporting characters are entertaining. The book moves at a great pace.


I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s times when you read a blurb and it catches you by surprise and you go ‘geney mac I have to read that!’ And so it was with this, a book about Tiffanie, who is living with a guy who is probably one of the best literary examples of an idiot that there is (!), dumping her. Tiffanie is shocked but doesn’t quite see what we’re seeing and is set on winning him back. Struggling on, we are hit with another shock, Blackie, the owner of the gym Tiffanie works at as a bookkeeper, dies. It is very wrong to think ‘oh well done’ to the way he dies, but as a writer, I’m afraid I did nod and think that (what is wrong with me?!)

I really enjoyed this book. ‘Laugh out loud’ was exactly how to describe it as there was indeed a number of moments where I actually spluttered! It deals with, as you would guess, a male dominated area where a number of men, in particular one who thinks he has designs on the gym, try to force Tiffanie out. I loved her ideas for the gym and the way not everyone was against her, there were a number of lovely characters that were brilliant in their support. The romance and heat was very well done and I read this in one sitting at the fire with a box of Pringles (just setting the scene!) and really enjoyed (both book and Pringles). Thanks so much to Bookouture and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While eating dinner on their ten year anniversary at the restaurant of their very first date, Tiffanie Trent is thrown for a loop when her longtime boyfriend breaks it off instead of proposing to her. Her week only gets worse when her boss, and close family friend, unexpectedly passes away, leaving his prize gym to her. To top it off, her handsome first love comes to town, seemingly rubbing in her face his vast success. Realising her dissatisfaction with the way her life is going, she decides to take the opportunity given to her, and make the best of it. Thus begins a wonderful tale of self-growth and mending past mistakes.

Sweatpants at Tiffanie's was one-part women's fiction, one-part romantic comedy, and all heart. Tiffanie's antics never failed to bring a smile to my face, and her story was incredibly fun to follow. She had a ridiculous amount of chemistry with Mike, and I loved the dynamic between the two. Hughes did a great job with character development, making Tiff's growth believable and compelling. Romance fans will rejoice at this fresh, emotional, and sweet novel of second-chances. I would easily recommend this novel, and am eager for more from this author!

5/5

[Angela Mellor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweatpants At Tiffanie’s is a hard one to rate as I liked parts of this book but it never fully held my attention.
This is supposed to be a humorous and romantic read and I have to be honest after reading some of the other reviews I feel a bit weird as this didn’t make me laugh at all and the romance doesn’t really kick in until the last third. Tiffanie although she gets one over two blokes in this which was a good thing I still felt she was a weak lead character and so much more could have been done with her especially her relationship with her parents. Her best friend since school personally I didn’t find her likeable at all. I did enjoy this book but it didn’t totally hold my attention and it didn’t have anything in it that made it stand out from others of the same genre for me to remember it in a few weeks time.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! When Tiff starts out here, she is at a restaurant expecting to get a ring and love from her 10 year long relationship. Nope. Instead she gets dumped by the prat. Takes her a long time to get over him though, which shows her depth of feelings, although didn't see what she saw in him anyway. As a small time bookkeeper, she was working with Blackie at his boxing gym, when he had a heart attack and died. Invited to the will reading she didn't know what to expect, but getting the gym and his money (minus the boxing ring) was not what she expected. Nor seeing her ex from her teenage years, Mike, show up was not expected either. I really liked this story, and the characters. Fun read and hard to put down. Good HEA as well. Would highly recommend this book and author.

[M. Vess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this comedy/romance. In the opening scene Tiffanie is dumped by Gavin, her boyfriend of 10 years, on their anniversary. At times, I felt Gavin’s character was a little far fetched, but I really felt sorry for Tiffanie. As she’s coping with the break-up, her bookkeeping client, Blackie, dies and leaves her his boxing gym. The book is a roller coaster of emotions as Tiff tries to finally stand on her own two feet. I enjoyed the relationship banter with her snarky best friend, and the romance that blooms with her ex-highschool sweetheart, who comes back into the picture at Blackie’s funeral. I related a lot to all of Tiff’s self-doubt and enjoyed the journey of her change from codependent to independent. Punch Drunk Love is a light, pacey read with a romantic happy ending.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free arc of this book through NetGallery....this is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
While I was entertained with parts of this book, it just didn't hold my interest. The main character, Tiffanie, just seemed too docile for me. She actually started to get on my nerves. Though I have to say, toward the end of the book, her character did improve.
The other main character, Mike, is Tiffanie's first boyfriend from years ago. He doesn't really play a part in the book until way late in the book.
There is humor in the book and romance.
I didn't find the book unreadable but it didn't engage me to want to finish it though I did.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, sweet, slow burn, second chance romance. I liked that Tiffany had the guts to realize her dream of improving the gym she inherited from her friend despite the discouragement and harassment of other men who wanted the gym for themselves. Mikey is strong, sweet guy who gives her the strength and encouragement she needs to keep the gym going . I enjoyed their interactions. It felt easy and natural. Definitely recommend as a must read!
*I received a copy of this novel through Netgallery in exchange for an honest review *

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure about this book, but it was great. At the beginning Tiffanie was kind of pathetic and her boyfriend Gavin was a huge jerk. Thankfully Gavin is not the hero in this story. Tiff learns to live on her own, and becomes strong in every way. And, she figured out Mike is the right guy for her.

Great adventure and character development. Loved Tiff and Mikey, their were definitely on the same path.

Warning for some violence/battery on Tiff.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoyed this book. It's not my usual read as it's contemporary and advertised as a comedy. I did find the first half amusing with many laugh out loud lines, the later half was more serious as I learned of Tiffanies history and the actions of others that had affected her life.

I'd definitely recommend this book and I may look out for other stories by this author.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Roy McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant enough bit of chick lit with an unusual inheritance for Tiffanie, the MC, the backdrop. Strangely I found the other characters more interesting than Tiff who veered between agonising silently and bursting into unlikely and lengthy soliloquies. This changed with the fight scene between Tiff and Aaron which was very well done. An easy read, a somewhat predictable outcome. For me that fight scene shifted the score from a 3 to a 4.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiffanie Trent is not having a great week. Gavin, her boyfriend, has dumped her unceremoniously on their tenth anniversary, leaving her heartbroken and homeless.
This was a decent enough story. It had a not-quite-standard plot and it kept my interest enough to keep reading, but that’s about it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Kelcy Boettcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite good!

This was a great book, I loved Tiff and her progression through the book. Mikey was adorable & the chemistry between them felt real. Wish the sex scenes had been a little more in depth but it didn't take away from the relationship by any means. Looking forward to more by this author!

[Sage Gordon-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is funny, heartwarming, and real. An absolute boon to the genre, with a good amount of tension and a great HEA! I could barely put it down, and got in trouble for reading at work more than once! My only regret is that there isn't more of it!

[Jenelle Rodenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing i wish was different is a physical description of the characters. I kept switching my feeling about what the characters looked like as i read. Otherwise it makes you smile, some clean sex scenes, and violence that is not graphic. Enjoyed reading it!!

[Rhoda Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as all her life plans are unravelling, Tiff unexpectedly inherits a boxing ring. Everyone, including her ex boyfriend (git) and the club's trainer (another git) thinks she should sell up, or let a man run it. Tiff decides to make a go of it herself.
In the meantime, Mikey, who broke her heart when she was a teenager (not a git) comes back to town.

I read this book over a weekend. I liked Tiff and the way she failed to recognise her own strengths until midway through the book. Her support network that eventually forms around her is lovely. I really enjoyed the way she reacted to the appalling sexism she faced from the boxing fraternity.

This is a funny and charming rom com. I had great fun reading it.

[M Hew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the unique premise of this book. The heroine is initially overwhelmed with her life and claws her way back out. Her character really grows over the course of the book. What I enjoyed the most of the book is how the hero doesn’t just swoop in and save the day.