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Counterpunch #2
Owen
What do you do when you've kept a secret for so long it starts to bite you in the arse?
Eight years ago, I made a deal with a man I thought I knew in order to protect the one person who would do the same for me. I hoped I’d have been able to dig my way out by now, but I'm still in the shit and still lying to everyone—something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up.
Turns out I'm not the only one keeping secrets.
One by one all the lies have started to unravel, putting everyone I care about in jeopardy.
Getting close to Devon had never been on the cards for me, but somehow, someway, she’s broken down my walls and climbed into my heart, embedding herself there.
With her by my side, I need to fight for the both of us. I think it will be enough, but it turns out that the people who I’ve betrayed are the only ones who can help me clear up my mess.
But is time on my side?
Eight years ago, I made a deal with a man I thought I knew in order to protect the one person who would do the same for me. I hoped I’d have been able to dig my way out by now, but I'm still in the shit and still lying to everyone—something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up.
Turns out I'm not the only one keeping secrets.
One by one all the lies have started to unravel, putting everyone I care about in jeopardy.
Getting close to Devon had never been on the cards for me, but somehow, someway, she’s broken down my walls and climbed into my heart, embedding herself there.
With her by my side, I need to fight for the both of us. I think it will be enough, but it turns out that the people who I’ve betrayed are the only ones who can help me clear up my mess.
But is time on my side?
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 31, 2022
What an incredible story! After reading Isaak, I was hoping that Owen would get his own book, and this certainly doesn’t disappoint! It’s not just about a boxer, it’s about a man who will do anything to protect those he loves even if it means keeping secrets and telling lies to protect them.
Owen has always been a bit of a player, but when Devon comes all bets are off. She is young and beautiful and while Owen wants her, he doesn’t want her to ever find out his secret. But life doesn’t always go to plan, does it. Devon wants Owen in her life and will do anything to show him that she is the one for him. But when she finds out something about her family, will Owen understand? Will he believe she never knew?
Quite a bit goes on in this story. Yes, boxing is a big part but there is also mystery and suspense. Along with lust and even love. My heart hurt for Devon and Owen with all that they had to go thru and I rooted for them throughout. Their chemistry is sizzling!
I also loved how this author interspersed the characters from Isaak and introduced new ones that I hope more books will come from this series. A definite must read!
Owen has always been a bit of a player, but when Devon comes all bets are off. She is young and beautiful and while Owen wants her, he doesn’t want her to ever find out his secret. But life doesn’t always go to plan, does it. Devon wants Owen in her life and will do anything to show him that she is the one for him. But when she finds out something about her family, will Owen understand? Will he believe she never knew?
Quite a bit goes on in this story. Yes, boxing is a big part but there is also mystery and suspense. Along with lust and even love. My heart hurt for Devon and Owen with all that they had to go thru and I rooted for them throughout. Their chemistry is sizzling!
I also loved how this author interspersed the characters from Isaak and introduced new ones that I hope more books will come from this series. A definite must read!
October 8, 2021
Oh damn.
I’m so glad Owen got his story! Even the little snippet of Owen and Devon together in Mr and Mrs brookes wasn’t enough to stop me wanting more!
Owen is Isaaks right hand man always protecting him, even when isaak didn’t know, but now years later it’s coming back to bite Owen. He wants out. He wants out of the best decision he made when he was 18. But the twists and turns come from all angles, which end up involving all the people he was trying to protect.
Devon. She is a bad ass, but never wanting to trust too many people she falls and falls hard for Owen even though he is holding her at arms length!
These two have such great chemistry, and the story kept me reading, it had the twists you expect and then bam in comes the unexpected.
I can’t wait for the next stories in this series, all the side characters that deserve their own story!
I’m so glad Owen got his story! Even the little snippet of Owen and Devon together in Mr and Mrs brookes wasn’t enough to stop me wanting more!
Owen is Isaaks right hand man always protecting him, even when isaak didn’t know, but now years later it’s coming back to bite Owen. He wants out. He wants out of the best decision he made when he was 18. But the twists and turns come from all angles, which end up involving all the people he was trying to protect.
Devon. She is a bad ass, but never wanting to trust too many people she falls and falls hard for Owen even though he is holding her at arms length!
These two have such great chemistry, and the story kept me reading, it had the twists you expect and then bam in comes the unexpected.
I can’t wait for the next stories in this series, all the side characters that deserve their own story!
December 5, 2021
Omg, I thought the previous two books were amazing but this one has topped it.
It has everything, and we finally get some questions answered about Owen's past. I don't want to give too much of the story away as it is best read and experienced first hand. It will have you hooked. I loved the chemistry and relationships in this story.
I can't wait to find our more about Saxon, he seems very mysterious. Highly recommend this book and series and the amazing author.
It has everything, and we finally get some questions answered about Owen's past. I don't want to give too much of the story away as it is best read and experienced first hand. It will have you hooked. I loved the chemistry and relationships in this story.
I can't wait to find our more about Saxon, he seems very mysterious. Highly recommend this book and series and the amazing author.
December 12, 2021
We first meet Owen in Isaak’s book, and the snippets we got of him in that story definitely left me wanting to know his whole tale, and it does not disappoint! The brief glimpses we got into Owen’s life are fully answered in this book, which will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Devon is his perfect match, a bada$$ in her own right, and their chemistry fairly sizzles.
Besides needing a more thorough proofread, this is thoroughly entertaining story!
Devon is his perfect match, a bada$$ in her own right, and their chemistry fairly sizzles.
Besides needing a more thorough proofread, this is thoroughly entertaining story!
May 20, 2022
4.5 stars
Owen is book 2 in the Counterpunch series and what we know about him form those little mentions in Isaak (book 1) is barely nothing. This book has something more and be ready for an emotional ride.
Owen is book 2 in the Counterpunch series and what we know about him form those little mentions in Isaak (book 1) is barely nothing. This book has something more and be ready for an emotional ride.
October 12, 2023
Wow! What a rollercoaster ride that was!
I loved Owen, and I’m so glad he got his happy ever after with Devon, although it didn’t come easy. I couldn’t read that ending fast enough. The action, the drama, all of it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved it!
I loved Owen, and I’m so glad he got his happy ever after with Devon, although it didn’t come easy. I couldn’t read that ending fast enough. The action, the drama, all of it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved it!
September 25, 2021
Eesks this is my favourite character in this series which leads this to being my favourite book from KJ Ellis.
KJ makes each character unique with very different personalities.
Owen is the cheeky chappie with alot to say.
His character made me laugh throughout all 3 books so far. But Owen has another side to him which we see in his book.
Surprise revelations get revealed and i didnt see them coming.
Devon is a girl that knows what she wants and when she knows she wants it she does go after it. I love how her character is strong will fiesty and will stand up for herself.
She sees something in Owen that know one else does.
The pair get on great but KJ has other ideas for their so called simple love affair.
If you dont read any of KJ Ellis first 2 books of the series (i hope you do. You need to have the full picture in my eyes tho its not an essential thing.) thenni hope you take a chance on Owen.
This is classed as a sports romance and while there is a eliment of fighting in this book its not overly sporty which i enjoyed as it fits well.
I give Owen 5 stars because it has everything I like in a book.
Plenty of content and detail.
The shock factor.
A sweet romance.
Strong willed characters that are individual.
But most of all it has passion between every word. You can clearly tell that the author loves what she does.
KJ makes each character unique with very different personalities.
Owen is the cheeky chappie with alot to say.
His character made me laugh throughout all 3 books so far. But Owen has another side to him which we see in his book.
Surprise revelations get revealed and i didnt see them coming.
Devon is a girl that knows what she wants and when she knows she wants it she does go after it. I love how her character is strong will fiesty and will stand up for herself.
She sees something in Owen that know one else does.
The pair get on great but KJ has other ideas for their so called simple love affair.
If you dont read any of KJ Ellis first 2 books of the series (i hope you do. You need to have the full picture in my eyes tho its not an essential thing.) thenni hope you take a chance on Owen.
This is classed as a sports romance and while there is a eliment of fighting in this book its not overly sporty which i enjoyed as it fits well.
I give Owen 5 stars because it has everything I like in a book.
Plenty of content and detail.
The shock factor.
A sweet romance.
Strong willed characters that are individual.
But most of all it has passion between every word. You can clearly tell that the author loves what she does.
August 4, 2021
Thank you to K.J for sending over this book to us.
Well, this was an excellent read, I really enjoyed this book. After reading Issak and Mr & Mrs Brooke’s, this is the third instalment in the counterpunch series and has not disappointed me. It's full to the brim of twists, turns, action, emotional content and sexual chemistry by the bucket load. At every turn of the page, you are meeting your every need. I also enjoyed that throughout the series we also get to see all the characters progress throughout each book.
This book follows Owen and Devon. Owen is a bit of love them and leaves them kind of guy and he never goes back for seconds but when he spent a night with Devon one night suddenly wasn’t enough even when he fights it. Devon has a soft spot for Owen and wants more but he’s doesn’t. Unbeknownst to her, he’s also fighting feelings for her but he’s also fighting a big secret that he’s been keeping from their group of friends for many years.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Overall Rating 💋💋💋💋💋
Passion Rating 💋💋💋💋
Well, this was an excellent read, I really enjoyed this book. After reading Issak and Mr & Mrs Brooke’s, this is the third instalment in the counterpunch series and has not disappointed me. It's full to the brim of twists, turns, action, emotional content and sexual chemistry by the bucket load. At every turn of the page, you are meeting your every need. I also enjoyed that throughout the series we also get to see all the characters progress throughout each book.
This book follows Owen and Devon. Owen is a bit of love them and leaves them kind of guy and he never goes back for seconds but when he spent a night with Devon one night suddenly wasn’t enough even when he fights it. Devon has a soft spot for Owen and wants more but he’s doesn’t. Unbeknownst to her, he’s also fighting feelings for her but he’s also fighting a big secret that he’s been keeping from their group of friends for many years.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Overall Rating 💋💋💋💋💋
Passion Rating 💋💋💋💋
July 28, 2021
Ok so this is book 2 in the Counterpunch Series and we met Owen in book 1 as he's best friends with Issak... I hoped prayed and begged for Owen to get a book but this is far more than I ever thought it would be!
I was kept hooked on the drama and gripping story that is Owen and Devon!
There was serious twists at every angle when you least expected them so it kept you guessing what was going to happen and when something else was going to switch up on us.
Owen and Devon have some serous chemistry but due to his secret life Owen doesn't want Devon or anyone else for that matter involved and knowing the danger but these pair just keep getting drawn to each other time and time again giving us some steamy lust filled scenes!
Loved seeing snippets of other characters in the series and honestly can't wait for the next story involved with them.
Kj Ellis you smashed it woman and made this reader very happy with Owen and his story so thank you!
I was kept hooked on the drama and gripping story that is Owen and Devon!
There was serious twists at every angle when you least expected them so it kept you guessing what was going to happen and when something else was going to switch up on us.
Owen and Devon have some serous chemistry but due to his secret life Owen doesn't want Devon or anyone else for that matter involved and knowing the danger but these pair just keep getting drawn to each other time and time again giving us some steamy lust filled scenes!
Loved seeing snippets of other characters in the series and honestly can't wait for the next story involved with them.
Kj Ellis you smashed it woman and made this reader very happy with Owen and his story so thank you!
July 28, 2021
Oooo Owen you filthy boy! The temperature has risen considerably with this book and I am loving it!
Owen is tough, and it would seem much tougher than Isaak, taking part in underground fight rings for the infamous Uncle Benny.... Who also happens to be Devons dad! Although she doesn't know about all the darkness the surrounds her life!
The pair start out as frenemies, then a new, and much steamier arrangement is formed.
This book has had me gripped. The romance aspect was always going to be Devon and Owen but the absolute chaos that surrounds them is what makes this book amazing! As the story progresses the anticipation of whats to come is so intense, you can almost taste it. It has had me gripping the edge of my seat and devouring the story and chasing the end to find out what will happen!
Fantastic book. KJ Ellis's best work so far.
Owen is tough, and it would seem much tougher than Isaak, taking part in underground fight rings for the infamous Uncle Benny.... Who also happens to be Devons dad! Although she doesn't know about all the darkness the surrounds her life!
The pair start out as frenemies, then a new, and much steamier arrangement is formed.
This book has had me gripped. The romance aspect was always going to be Devon and Owen but the absolute chaos that surrounds them is what makes this book amazing! As the story progresses the anticipation of whats to come is so intense, you can almost taste it. It has had me gripping the edge of my seat and devouring the story and chasing the end to find out what will happen!
Fantastic book. KJ Ellis's best work so far.
November 14, 2021
Wow what a story.
Throughout this whole story I’ve been left gripped, wanting to know what was going to happen. The twists and turns in the story, leaving you not knowing which way this author was going to take the story.
I absolutely loved Owen’s character, I love his bad boy ways but loved how Devon tamed him. How they were just meant to be together and you could see the romance blossoming in the words of the story.
This story is undoubtedly a five star read, one that leaves just me wanting more. The author was able to pull me and keep me hooked. I felt captivated by the story, by the characters and how this story was very intense and had me on the edge of my seat, right until the very end.
I can’t wait for more in this series from this author.
Throughout this whole story I’ve been left gripped, wanting to know what was going to happen. The twists and turns in the story, leaving you not knowing which way this author was going to take the story.
I absolutely loved Owen’s character, I love his bad boy ways but loved how Devon tamed him. How they were just meant to be together and you could see the romance blossoming in the words of the story.
This story is undoubtedly a five star read, one that leaves just me wanting more. The author was able to pull me and keep me hooked. I felt captivated by the story, by the characters and how this story was very intense and had me on the edge of my seat, right until the very end.
I can’t wait for more in this series from this author.
October 21, 2021
K. J. Ellis you have out done yourself again with another amazing book!!!!
Omg I love this book!!! It made me Laugh and cry all at the same time...after reading Isaak book I wanted Owen to have his own story...
What a story it was .. the things Owen had done to keep his best friend and the ones he call family safe is an eye opener....
The love devon has for Owen is a love that forever lasting.. Devon is a strong amazing woman I can't explain how proud I felt reading this book espically with all the question I had going through my and and I wanting answer well I got them and so much more....
Honestly I cannot eat for Saxon to get his happy ever after!!! Bring on his book.
Omg I love this book!!! It made me Laugh and cry all at the same time...after reading Isaak book I wanted Owen to have his own story...
What a story it was .. the things Owen had done to keep his best friend and the ones he call family safe is an eye opener....
The love devon has for Owen is a love that forever lasting.. Devon is a strong amazing woman I can't explain how proud I felt reading this book espically with all the question I had going through my and and I wanting answer well I got them and so much more....
Honestly I cannot eat for Saxon to get his happy ever after!!! Bring on his book.
August 13, 2021
Hot sexy and Dangerous
Secrets never stay hidden for long. And when they come to light, they leave a wake of destruction behind.
Get ready for a hot ride. Broody Owen holds everyone, even lived ones at an arms length, then Devon wiggles her way in and he doesn't know where to start. Devon is making a new start, throwing away her controlling father to make her own path. But once these two meet, the secrets surrounding them explode, leaving a destructive wave along the way.
Each step of this book solves one answer and give you three more things to try and figure out.
Secrets never stay hidden for long. And when they come to light, they leave a wake of destruction behind.
Get ready for a hot ride. Broody Owen holds everyone, even lived ones at an arms length, then Devon wiggles her way in and he doesn't know where to start. Devon is making a new start, throwing away her controlling father to make her own path. But once these two meet, the secrets surrounding them explode, leaving a destructive wave along the way.
Each step of this book solves one answer and give you three more things to try and figure out.
February 1, 2022
This was an actioned packed second book of the series.
Owen was clearly hiding something, and when that something comes to light it opens a can of worms no one expected.
Devon can’t help herself when it comes to Owen, she knows he’s a player but just can’t stop going back for more.
When Benny starts to cause trouble the secrets have to be revealed, with some major surprises for everyone.
Great storyline, quite the rollercoaster, giving us glimpses of Saxons world, I can’t wait for his book.
Owen was clearly hiding something, and when that something comes to light it opens a can of worms no one expected.
Devon can’t help herself when it comes to Owen, she knows he’s a player but just can’t stop going back for more.
When Benny starts to cause trouble the secrets have to be revealed, with some major surprises for everyone.
Great storyline, quite the rollercoaster, giving us glimpses of Saxons world, I can’t wait for his book.
August 1, 2021
Omg! This book was so good! I met Owen and Devon in book 1, which is Issak's story, and was impatiently waiting for this book to be released, lol. I was NOT disappointed! This book had everything I look for in a book, angst, passion, a solid plot, friends to lovers, suspense, and so much 🔥. I was hooked from the first pages and all the twists and turns kept me eager for more, ignoring the world while I devoured this book! KJ Ellis has written another AMAZING book!
August 7, 2021
ACTION PACKED!!!
KJ Ellis writes one suspenseful, action packed story you're bound to love. While this story may be full of secrets and lies that must kept to protect loved ones, those secrets are bound to come out sooner rather than later as time runs out. This story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you won't see coming. This story does end in a cliffhanger that will have you anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series.
KJ Ellis writes one suspenseful, action packed story you're bound to love. While this story may be full of secrets and lies that must kept to protect loved ones, those secrets are bound to come out sooner rather than later as time runs out. This story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you won't see coming. This story does end in a cliffhanger that will have you anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series.
September 5, 2021
Eeeek I absolutely loved this book. I was on the edge of my bed while reading. The story line was fast paced and had sooo much gripping drama*without being too much*. Seeing a different side to Owen was amazing and k.j did him justice. The ending holy shit woman it nearly killed me*haha*. I'm uber excited to get my hands on sax's book I can't wait to see what bought him to where he is now.
October 14, 2021
Thank you so much for writing Owens story, I loved Isaak and now I love Owen as well. Definitely recommend you read both theses books it would be worth it.
E J Ellis please keep writing, and I’ll keep reading your stories. I was so excited to read this book and you definitely didn’t let me down.
Wow, wow and wow
E J Ellis please keep writing, and I’ll keep reading your stories. I was so excited to read this book and you definitely didn’t let me down.
Wow, wow and wow
August 6, 2021
Owen's story is gripping and suspenseful. It's intense and completely attention-grabbing. I loved seeing the other characters again from Isaak and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 25, 2021
Absolutely loved the book!! So beautifully written ! I couldn’t put it down, stayed up all night to read it.
KJ is a fabulous author & I can’t wait for part 3!
Would highly recommend this series to anyone.
KJ is a fabulous author & I can’t wait for part 3!
Would highly recommend this series to anyone.
November 14, 2021
For being the 3rd book in this series it's my favourite. I LOVED getting to know Owen and getting more back story and history about all the characters. I'm normally pretty good at guessing what's going to happen in a story and thus book gave me some unexpected surprises in the best way possible.
August 10, 2022
Owen might be my favorite
Another amazing story by K.J. Ellis! Owen is every woman’s dream, whether we admit it or not. Sexy bad boy with a soft side. Every single chapter kept me reeling for more! I can’t wait to read Saxon now, let’s see if he can outdo Owen or Isaak!
Another amazing story by K.J. Ellis! Owen is every woman’s dream, whether we admit it or not. Sexy bad boy with a soft side. Every single chapter kept me reeling for more! I can’t wait to read Saxon now, let’s see if he can outdo Owen or Isaak!
August 5, 2021
Every book from this author gets better and better, I loved getting to see Isaak and Remmie's story continue while reading Owens atory. This book had all the suspense and surprises I really needed.
January 3, 2022
It’s been a while since a book give me goosebumps!!
Full review to follow!
Full review to follow!
February 20, 2023
KJ Ellis does it again! After reading Isaak and Mr. And Mrs. Brooks I could not wait to get my hands on Owen and dive into learning more about him…and Devon!
We got some good snippets in Isaak and Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, but Owen has his own story to tell. Reading the changes he made for himself and through falling for Devon was heartwarming and reminded me of my own young adult escapades. Owen is loyal, devoted and STEAMY!
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!
We got some good snippets in Isaak and Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, but Owen has his own story to tell. Reading the changes he made for himself and through falling for Devon was heartwarming and reminded me of my own young adult escapades. Owen is loyal, devoted and STEAMY!
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!
December 6, 2025
So good!!!!!!!!!
We caught glimpses of Owen in Isaak’s book, but now we get to see the real man……………
Owen, is off doing things that leave him bruised and battered, but why?????
Devon, has had a couple of ‘nights’ with Owen, but will she be the one to tame him???????
BUT……..what is going on in the background??????
This is a steamy 🥵🤤😜 read with passion in every aspect 😉
We caught glimpses of Owen in Isaak’s book, but now we get to see the real man……………
Owen, is off doing things that leave him bruised and battered, but why?????
Devon, has had a couple of ‘nights’ with Owen, but will she be the one to tame him???????
BUT……..what is going on in the background??????
This is a steamy 🥵🤤😜 read with passion in every aspect 😉
August 12, 2023
This kept me on the edge of my seat and the pages turning! Loved Owen and Devon together and so many secrets unearthed! My heart was in my mouth at one point! I'm off to read Saxon 💛💙
September 17, 2025
Owen and Devon
Amazing read with phenomenal characters who battle through lies and secrets with a non-stop build, emotion, wit and sizzling chemistry.
Amazing read with phenomenal characters who battle through lies and secrets with a non-stop build, emotion, wit and sizzling chemistry.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews