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Heartland Heroes #1
Heavyweight
In this corner, meet Dirk. Up-and-coming boxer, confirmed bachelor, and lover of curves....belonging to his coach's little sister.
In the other corner, meet Beth. Recent college grad, with curves and sass for days, and an over-protective older brother.
I'm a boxer. Undefeated. Boxing is the only thing I know and the only thing I thought I'd ever have to my name.
The moment Beth comes back to town, I realized the feelings that started during our fling last summer are still raging in me. We'd agreed it was a summer fling and nothing more. Even then, I knew Beth was special, but I tried to ignore how I felt. Her sweet curves have filled my dreams for months.
Now, I want more. I want forever with her. Seeing her again makes me realize I can't ignore my feelings anymore. There's a reason I couldn't forget her.
Beth is working to make her way in the world. She's not convinced I'm capable of settling down. My coach, who happens to be her big brother, wants to throw me out of the gym.
The odds are stacked against me, but I'm a fighter and a winner. Winning her heart will be the toughest fight of my life, but Beth is worth fighting for. I'll take on her brother and anyone else, because I'm not stopping until I win her heart.
Heavyweight is the first in the new series, Heartland Heroes. If you like small-town romance, featuring bad boy alpha men, and the curvy women they can't live without, get ready for a series you'll fall in love with. HEAs guaranteed, no cheating, no ex-drama -- just two people who can't resist each other forging a new and loving future together.
In the other corner, meet Beth. Recent college grad, with curves and sass for days, and an over-protective older brother.
I'm a boxer. Undefeated. Boxing is the only thing I know and the only thing I thought I'd ever have to my name.
The moment Beth comes back to town, I realized the feelings that started during our fling last summer are still raging in me. We'd agreed it was a summer fling and nothing more. Even then, I knew Beth was special, but I tried to ignore how I felt. Her sweet curves have filled my dreams for months.
Now, I want more. I want forever with her. Seeing her again makes me realize I can't ignore my feelings anymore. There's a reason I couldn't forget her.
Beth is working to make her way in the world. She's not convinced I'm capable of settling down. My coach, who happens to be her big brother, wants to throw me out of the gym.
The odds are stacked against me, but I'm a fighter and a winner. Winning her heart will be the toughest fight of my life, but Beth is worth fighting for. I'll take on her brother and anyone else, because I'm not stopping until I win her heart.
Heavyweight is the first in the new series, Heartland Heroes. If you like small-town romance, featuring bad boy alpha men, and the curvy women they can't live without, get ready for a series you'll fall in love with. HEAs guaranteed, no cheating, no ex-drama -- just two people who can't resist each other forging a new and loving future together.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
91 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 13, 2023
Oh dear lord! 🙈
Cheesy ☑️
Cringe ☑️
Editing mistakes ☑️
Funny yet still enjoyable quick read ☑️
Cheesy ☑️
Cringe ☑️
Editing mistakes ☑️
Funny yet still enjoyable quick read ☑️
December 2, 2023
Dirk and Beth had a summer fling a year prior, but Dirk didn't want to commit to a relationship and broke Beths heart. Now Beth is back and the cocky boxer finally sees what he missed out on and now tries to get a second chance with his trainers sister. Second chance, sweet, short , fun to read, romantic and safe (I think there weren't others in the time apart 🤷🏻♀️) with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍😍
February 16, 2025
Heavyweight - Heartland Heroes - Book 1 by Lana Love
Beth Hopkins is the leading female character and we first met her in the book titled Sweet Temptation. Her character was the best friend of the leading female character in that story Renee. Beth had been having a summer fling with a guy who she met at her brothers gym. Dirk Walden was training to become a fighter but didn't take it as seriously as he should and was easily distracted by a pretty face but no one got his attention like Beth did and that scared him more than he was prepared to admit. This was a great story, with a second chance at romance for Beth and Dirk which was lovely to see build and heat page after page. I also enjoyed Beth finding her confidence in herself and how she navigated her relationship with her elder brother Champ, who also runs the gym within the story and is very protective of his younger sister Beth. I can't wait for his story to come that's for sure! This was a shorter read but still very enjoyable with lots to look forward to within the future books of the series hopefully. Happy Reading.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Beth Hopkins is the leading female character and we first met her in the book titled Sweet Temptation. Her character was the best friend of the leading female character in that story Renee. Beth had been having a summer fling with a guy who she met at her brothers gym. Dirk Walden was training to become a fighter but didn't take it as seriously as he should and was easily distracted by a pretty face but no one got his attention like Beth did and that scared him more than he was prepared to admit. This was a great story, with a second chance at romance for Beth and Dirk which was lovely to see build and heat page after page. I also enjoyed Beth finding her confidence in herself and how she navigated her relationship with her elder brother Champ, who also runs the gym within the story and is very protective of his younger sister Beth. I can't wait for his story to come that's for sure! This was a shorter read but still very enjoyable with lots to look forward to within the future books of the series hopefully. Happy Reading.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
March 26, 2023
Fabulous, absolutely love this one. A nice quick short read.
Dirk meets Beth at her brother Champ's gym, Dirk is a boxer. Beth is home for the summer and they have a summer fling before she went back to college she wanted more from Dirk but he didn't. Beth is home now and looking for a job while she helps with her bothers books at his gym. Dirk helps her move into her new apartment and he tries to start a relationship with Beth but she doesn't want just a fling. Dirk sees her and now can't stop thinking about their summer together. Beth gets the job she's always wanted at the bank, while Dirk gets to represent the gym in a charity boxing match. Beth's brother warms Dirk to stay away from his little sister but Dirk doesn't listen. Dirk finds Beth and tells her he loves her and he wants her in his life but he doesn't know how to do a relationship. Dirk wins the boxing match and they head home to celebrate, it's the only place they wants to be.
Dirk meets Beth at her brother Champ's gym, Dirk is a boxer. Beth is home for the summer and they have a summer fling before she went back to college she wanted more from Dirk but he didn't. Beth is home now and looking for a job while she helps with her bothers books at his gym. Dirk helps her move into her new apartment and he tries to start a relationship with Beth but she doesn't want just a fling. Dirk sees her and now can't stop thinking about their summer together. Beth gets the job she's always wanted at the bank, while Dirk gets to represent the gym in a charity boxing match. Beth's brother warms Dirk to stay away from his little sister but Dirk doesn't listen. Dirk finds Beth and tells her he loves her and he wants her in his life but he doesn't know how to do a relationship. Dirk wins the boxing match and they head home to celebrate, it's the only place they wants to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
I don't usually go for sports romance, but I decided to pick this one up because the hero, Dirk, was a boxer. Dirk was pretty afraid of commitment, causing him to reject Beth, the heroine of this story, about a year before the book takes place. For her part, Beth was strong and wanted independence, so she had quite a few arguments with her very overprotective brother. As Beth's will to be her own person grew, Dirk learned that he had to fight for both his place in the boxing world, and for the woman he never got over after he turned her down. This was a quick and easy second chance romance, with a likable heroine. Sometimes the writing was a bit repetitive, but that's okay. This is a one-sitting read, so if you're after a boxer hero, why not give this a shot?
October 22, 2022
Hoping for a second chance
This book is about Beth and Dirk. They had a hot fling last summer, and when Beth thought she might want more with him, Dirk broke her heart. Now she’s back home and working in her brother Champ‘s gym, where she’s continually bumping into Dirk. Their mutual attraction is obviously still there, so will they act on the feelings that have never really left?
It’s a fun read, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series. Also, Beth has also spotted her friend Opal checking out her brother. However, her twin brother is Champ’s arch nemesis in the ring, so it might not happen. But I’m hoping there’s a story there too! I give this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is about Beth and Dirk. They had a hot fling last summer, and when Beth thought she might want more with him, Dirk broke her heart. Now she’s back home and working in her brother Champ‘s gym, where she’s continually bumping into Dirk. Their mutual attraction is obviously still there, so will they act on the feelings that have never really left?
It’s a fun read, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series. Also, Beth has also spotted her friend Opal checking out her brother. However, her twin brother is Champ’s arch nemesis in the ring, so it might not happen. But I’m hoping there’s a story there too! I give this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2022
Dirk and Beth had a summer fling and then she went back to complete her final year at college. She thought they could be long distance but he broke up with her. She was heartbroken. Now she is back and Dirk wants a second chance. He knows he messed up and hasn’t been able to move on or get her out of his mind. Beth still has feelings for Dirk but resists his attempts to date her as she doesn’t won’t her heart broken again. Dirk is determined to show her she is the love of his life and he wants forever with her. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry and a lovely HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2022
Beth works at her brothers gym between semesters at college and has a steamy trust with one if his trainees whoke there. Disks breaks it off before she keaves as he says he is not a relationship guy. When she returns after she graduates he has rethinked his stance and realizes that Beth is all he wants. Will he be able to get to her or will she give him the cold shoulder? Does she feel the same? Does he feel up to tangling with her overprotective brother if thi gs work out? Is he the staying kind? Second Chance romance with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
Heavyweight: A BBW &Bad Boy Romance.
What a good short story. Loved the main characters Dirk and Beth. Had to read this book in one sitting. Could not put it down. Can not wait to read about the others mentioned in the book. Lana knows how to keep her audience hooked to her books and just wants you coming back for more. Beth is strong woman and knows how to stand up for her rights and for her own dream's. Although Dirk took a bit longer to know what he wanted he soon realized that he also needs to fight for his own happiness. They let no one stand in their way of true love.
What a good short story. Loved the main characters Dirk and Beth. Had to read this book in one sitting. Could not put it down. Can not wait to read about the others mentioned in the book. Lana knows how to keep her audience hooked to her books and just wants you coming back for more. Beth is strong woman and knows how to stand up for her rights and for her own dream's. Although Dirk took a bit longer to know what he wanted he soon realized that he also needs to fight for his own happiness. They let no one stand in their way of true love.
October 17, 2022
Dirk and Beth had a summer fling years prior before he broke her heart by rejecting a relationship with her. When they end up meeting again, their connection is still just as strong and their chemistry explosive. Beth’s older brother also happens to be Dirk’s coach, and forbids them to be together causing a lot of angst between him and his sister. With a charity fight against the gym’s enemies at the fire station, will Dirk be able to train and get his head in the game to win? Will Dirk and Beth stand their ground against her brother when he threatens to kick him out of the gym for good?
November 29, 2022
He is willing to fight for love
Heavyweight is the first book in the Heartland Heroes series and it is a knockout romance. This was a really lovely story about Beth Hopkins and Dirk Walden. She has graduated college and moved back home and in with her overprotective brother. He is an up and coming boxer who is coached by her brother. Dirk has a lot to lose both in and out of the ring if he gets tangled up with Beth, but he is willing to put it all on the line to go for the knock out punch in love.
Heavyweight is the first book in the Heartland Heroes series and it is a knockout romance. This was a really lovely story about Beth Hopkins and Dirk Walden. She has graduated college and moved back home and in with her overprotective brother. He is an up and coming boxer who is coached by her brother. Dirk has a lot to lose both in and out of the ring if he gets tangled up with Beth, but he is willing to put it all on the line to go for the knock out punch in love.
April 9, 2023
Bad boy gets the girl💞💞
I love this story! It was engaging, intriguing and interesting. Dirk wants the girl and the career now. He is a playboy, good looking, and a boxer. When he see the one that got away is back he is all in. Beth is a woman that knows what she wants. She is smart, beautiful, and sweet. She can't stop thinking about him. Their journey was fire up in chemistry and their love was too powerful. The writing was done phenomenal. I have no quills about it. The story was really good and you should definitely pick this up. Amazing work Lana Love😘😘
I love this story! It was engaging, intriguing and interesting. Dirk wants the girl and the career now. He is a playboy, good looking, and a boxer. When he see the one that got away is back he is all in. Beth is a woman that knows what she wants. She is smart, beautiful, and sweet. She can't stop thinking about him. Their journey was fire up in chemistry and their love was too powerful. The writing was done phenomenal. I have no quills about it. The story was really good and you should definitely pick this up. Amazing work Lana Love😘😘
October 14, 2022
This is Book 1 of Heartland Heroes the story of boxer Dirk and college grad Beth. I loved this story. It holds a story that shows you sometimes what you want is sometimes right in front of you. I loved Beth's older brother he will have you shaking your head. I can not wait to see what the next book holds in store for the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2022
Beth and Dirk had a summer fling before she went back to college for her final year. She thought that they would carry on the relationship long distance but he broke up with her.
Now she's back and determined to keep him at arms length but he's realised what he's been missing.
Will Beth give Dirk the chance to redeem himself?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read from Lana
Now she's back and determined to keep him at arms length but he's realised what he's been missing.
Will Beth give Dirk the chance to redeem himself?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read from Lana
October 17, 2022
Ms. Lana is back with another awesome second chance romance. I really enjoyed Dirk and Beth together with their intense and strong connection. These two had a summer fling the year before but either one could get the other out of their minds. Dirk scared of getting hurt while Beth wants a relationship and a future with a man. These two have some things to work out but they get a really sweet HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
Dirk and Beth have some unfinished business. Last summer, they had a fling. When Beth asked for more, Dirk unceremoniously dumped her. Now that Beth is back having graduated college, Dirk is starting to wonder if he made a huge mistake last summer. He has a lot of groveling to do if he is going to get Beth back!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
Heavyweight was a quick and steamy read by Lana Love. Its book 1 in the new Heartland Heroes series and its Dirk and Beth's story. Beth and Dirk had a flint last summer that ended when he broke her heart and Beth left for college. Now she is home and working at her brother's gym and is forced to see Dirk every day. Can Dirk convince Beth to give them a second chance and will Beth's overprotective brother keep them apart?
October 19, 2022
Dirk is an undefeated boxer training Champ. Last summer he hooked up with Champ's sister, Beth, when it was over she went back to college and he broke it off. Now that she is back, he wants her more than ever, he does not feel like it was a hook up. Can he get her to give him another chance? He is looking for forever with her. Or will Champ get in the way?.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
October 19, 2022
Another great story from Mrs. Love...she is easily one of my favorite authors and I've never been disappointed with any of her books. Beth and Dirk are wonderful characters, along with Beth's overprotective brother Champ and the story is even better. As with every couple, there's ups and downs but you'll have to read to find out how it all works out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2022
Dirk finds that he really want a second chance with Beth. He was scared of commitment at first but he doesn't want to lose Beth. The storyline was good and the connection between Beth and Dirk was really hot. Dirk had to learn to buckle down and focus on his boxing and his love for Beth. Was a short, quick, spicy story. Enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2022
Working for her brother at his gym. Last summer she had a fling with his best fighter, he broke her heart. Now she's back and Beth keeps on bumping into Dirk, her fling. Unfortunately their is still an obvious attraction between the two. This short stories fast passed and full of great characters. Can't wait for new books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2022
Heavyweight is Dirk and Beth's story. It is an easy fast read with a strong woman with goals in mind and a man that finds his heart only belongs to one.
Beth and Dirk had a fling when she was home for college, when she left she also left Dirk mind spinning, now that she is back, he wants more, but will she?
Perfect read for a lazy afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beth and Dirk had a fling when she was home for college, when she left she also left Dirk mind spinning, now that she is back, he wants more, but will she?
Perfect read for a lazy afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2023
Not bad.
I much preferred this to the other short romance I finished today. I actually liked the story and that it wasn’t insta-love (since they’d already met the previous year). However, that’s the only explanation we’re given: Dirk and Beth had a summer romance the year before. They broke it off because Dirk (at the time), wasn’t a commitment kinda guy and she wanted to settle down. I feel like we could’ve had a bit of a prologue about that part of their story.
I much preferred this to the other short romance I finished today. I actually liked the story and that it wasn’t insta-love (since they’d already met the previous year). However, that’s the only explanation we’re given: Dirk and Beth had a summer romance the year before. They broke it off because Dirk (at the time), wasn’t a commitment kinda guy and she wanted to settle down. I feel like we could’ve had a bit of a prologue about that part of their story.
October 17, 2022
This was a good second chance romance. I liked the connection between Dirk and Beth. The story had a good flow but I did feel that the ending was a little bit rushed. But it was a good story and I’m curious to see where the series is heading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
Heavyweight: A BBW & Bad Boy Sports SHORT Romance (Book 1 of Heartland Heroes) by Lana Love. Entertaining and enjoyable short story featuring mild drama, heated chemistry, and witty banter. Dirk and Beth bring all the feels with this charming story of forbidden love and fight for the HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
Quick read of missing what you had until it’s gone. Good storyline of sassy new college graduate not willing to fall again and be hurt by the upcoming boxer who broke her heart last summer when they had a fling. Liked how Beth stood up to Dirk and her brother that she has a mind of her own, and make her own decisions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
October 20, 2022
I absolutely loved this story and could not get enough of these two.
What was once a summer fling which Dirk never wanted a serious relationship soon realizes he made a huge mistake with stopping what he had with Beth. He is truly in love with her and now will do whatever he can to fix his mistakes.
What was once a summer fling which Dirk never wanted a serious relationship soon realizes he made a huge mistake with stopping what he had with Beth. He is truly in love with her and now will do whatever he can to fix his mistakes.
October 28, 2022
Beth and Dirk had a summer fling until she went back to college leaving them both thinking about the other. Now she's back and the spark is still there and he's determined to win her heart back forever. Heavyweight is book one and a great start to the Heartland Heroes series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 14, 2024
She’s the one to settle him down!
Cute story of a hunky playboy boxer and the curvy trainers sister. After a failed summer fling, they both were left heartbroken or unsatisfied. I love the idea that Dirk settles down with Beth and she’s a curvy girl. I felt like this could have been more somehow, a longer book with more buildup to their acceptance, but it was a cute read.
Cute story of a hunky playboy boxer and the curvy trainers sister. After a failed summer fling, they both were left heartbroken or unsatisfied. I love the idea that Dirk settles down with Beth and she’s a curvy girl. I felt like this could have been more somehow, a longer book with more buildup to their acceptance, but it was a cute read.
October 15, 2022
At first I didn't think I was going to like this but they did grow on me. I ended up enjoying this and I'm looking forward to the other stories. Especially Champs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews