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Muscle: A novella
One fight.
Anything goes.
Everything to lose.
Everything Frankie Collins has in life depends on his ability to fight.
So when he gets drawn into a feud with a violent gangster, he decides to settle things the old fashioned way – with a one-on-one street fight.
But as the day of reckoning approaches and the pressure starts to take its toll, Frankie realises that the real fight isn’t with the gangster, but with himself.
Anything goes.
Everything to lose.
Everything Frankie Collins has in life depends on his ability to fight.
So when he gets drawn into a feud with a violent gangster, he decides to settle things the old fashioned way – with a one-on-one street fight.
But as the day of reckoning approaches and the pressure starts to take its toll, Frankie realises that the real fight isn’t with the gangster, but with himself.
101 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2021
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 27, 2026
A fantastic and realistic quick read that reminded me of a Guy Ritchie movie. Fast paced and very well written and that ending…
July 14, 2024
This novella is lean and mean. Neat and tidy. Problem, solution, rising tension and an ending like a punch to the gut. Damn effective.
Frankie is just one of those characters that absolutely would choose the old-school one-on-one fight to settle matters. As a reader, you’re planted right into his mind to recognize and witness his strength, his wishes and his fears. And it is definitely so that with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom amplify the fears. But Frankie does what has to be done. There is his standing and status on the line, and everything rides on that – it’s a pride thing. Yes, it’s a bit primal, but look, whilst we may walk on two legs, we’re not far from the rest of animal kingdom in that sense.
No offense to men, but they’re pretty simply creatures. Hardly ever do they complicate things. Men say something once, only ever give them a solution if they ask for it, otherwise you’re a sounding board, and just let them at it. They’ve got this. They’ll solve shit their own way. So, the relationship Frankie has with Chloe is like a textbook scenario. Frankie wants to not make Chloe worry, whilst at the same time hiding his fears and shame because as a man he’s surely not meant to show any sign of weakness. Chloe takes Frankie’s aloofness as a sign of no longer being wanted, and perhaps even being cheated on.
So, yeah, there’s quite the bit of human condition in this short and punchy novella, on a personal level as well as within a relationship dynamic. Damn well delivered to the page, too.
As to the other aspect of this story – the gangster, the fight – let me put it this way: it’s on a perfect balance with Frankie’s headspace musings. In this novella, Frankie’s state of mind can’t happen without the external conflict. Probably the best thing about reading this novella is that it doesn’t stretch belief. It could easily be a a crime report, you know.
Make no mistake, this novella is male, through and through. So, roll your shoulders, take a deep breath, and dive in. It does stay in your head for a while. At least, it has been lingering in my head for a while. I think it’s that damn ending.
Anyway, get this, it’s a super fast read and it pairs well late at night with a cold bottle of beer.
Frankie is just one of those characters that absolutely would choose the old-school one-on-one fight to settle matters. As a reader, you’re planted right into his mind to recognize and witness his strength, his wishes and his fears. And it is definitely so that with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom amplify the fears. But Frankie does what has to be done. There is his standing and status on the line, and everything rides on that – it’s a pride thing. Yes, it’s a bit primal, but look, whilst we may walk on two legs, we’re not far from the rest of animal kingdom in that sense.
No offense to men, but they’re pretty simply creatures. Hardly ever do they complicate things. Men say something once, only ever give them a solution if they ask for it, otherwise you’re a sounding board, and just let them at it. They’ve got this. They’ll solve shit their own way. So, the relationship Frankie has with Chloe is like a textbook scenario. Frankie wants to not make Chloe worry, whilst at the same time hiding his fears and shame because as a man he’s surely not meant to show any sign of weakness. Chloe takes Frankie’s aloofness as a sign of no longer being wanted, and perhaps even being cheated on.
So, yeah, there’s quite the bit of human condition in this short and punchy novella, on a personal level as well as within a relationship dynamic. Damn well delivered to the page, too.
As to the other aspect of this story – the gangster, the fight – let me put it this way: it’s on a perfect balance with Frankie’s headspace musings. In this novella, Frankie’s state of mind can’t happen without the external conflict. Probably the best thing about reading this novella is that it doesn’t stretch belief. It could easily be a a crime report, you know.
Make no mistake, this novella is male, through and through. So, roll your shoulders, take a deep breath, and dive in. It does stay in your head for a while. At least, it has been lingering in my head for a while. I think it’s that damn ending.
Anyway, get this, it’s a super fast read and it pairs well late at night with a cold bottle of beer.
January 11, 2026
A nightclub security manager grapples with the reality of aging and a need to maintain his reputation. If he loses it, he might lose everything, but plagues by doubt he knowns that he either shows up or loses out. But, for all his worry, for all his straining to stay on stop, some things just can't be controlled.
MUSCLE is a quick, gritty, and brutal commentary on life and what people find themselves forced to do, or imagine they have to do, to keep theirs. Parts of the story are reminiscent of scenes from ROCKY and RAGING BULL with a dark, almost criminal air of SNATCH without the sardonic overtones.
Davies does a good job of building his characters in so few pages, and there is full immersion. Well worth the read.
MUSCLE is a quick, gritty, and brutal commentary on life and what people find themselves forced to do, or imagine they have to do, to keep theirs. Parts of the story are reminiscent of scenes from ROCKY and RAGING BULL with a dark, almost criminal air of SNATCH without the sardonic overtones.
Davies does a good job of building his characters in so few pages, and there is full immersion. Well worth the read.
January 3, 2026
Had an empty afternoon and filled it with this tasty treat. The writing is great, not a word wasted, and pairs perfectly with the matter-of-fact brutality of the story. Make no mistake, however. This isn’t mindless violence—though that aspect is very well done, with evocative descriptions of the body’s response to stress and conflict—but an astute and brilliantly realised character study. Excellent stuff.
February 20, 2025
I tend to favor stories that really tap into human emotion and how those emotions can alter and drive behavior while showing what makes us who we are. This is exactly where Muscle shines. It's a reality of life that men often struggle communicating our emotions, even to the ones closest to us. Muscle shines a light on that internal struggle for Frankie and his fight to stay relevant, loved, and to not lose himself.
Come for the badass fighting and brutal prose, stay for the hard look at a masculine reality that surrounds us more than we know.
7.46/10
4/5 ⭐️
Come for the badass fighting and brutal prose, stay for the hard look at a masculine reality that surrounds us more than we know.
7.46/10
4/5 ⭐️
December 27, 2024
For a novella, this book really packs a punch! Pun intended. We follow the story of Frankie Collins, an aging doorman, who finds himself gearing up for a "straightener" with a young ruffian who wants to put Frankie in his place.
Pride is at stake here, and Davies really fleshes out Frankie's vulnerability and doubt. He may appear rough on the outside, but inside there's turmoil, fear, and humiliation. It's really an excellent character study, and I absolutely loved the fitting slang throughout.
This story is as gripping as it is visceral, and I was intrigued the whole way through. It led to a surprising ending that left me pondering at what lengths proving yourself is worth it.
An engaging read that I highly recommend!
Pride is at stake here, and Davies really fleshes out Frankie's vulnerability and doubt. He may appear rough on the outside, but inside there's turmoil, fear, and humiliation. It's really an excellent character study, and I absolutely loved the fitting slang throughout.
This story is as gripping as it is visceral, and I was intrigued the whole way through. It led to a surprising ending that left me pondering at what lengths proving yourself is worth it.
An engaging read that I highly recommend!
December 26, 2024
Had some insomnia last night, and spent my time with Muscle by @JonDaviesWriter. Excellent bit of noir about an aging bouncer/fighter being challenged by a younger buck, showcasing the build-up to their inevitable confrontation. Great stuff.
March 2, 2025
A gut punch
Just a gut punch of a read. Frankie runs a business hiring himself and others as bouncers, muscle. A run in put him in the sights of a new comer. It ate at him and made him feel old. Though he agreed to a fight with the younger and bigger man to straighten it out one way or the other.
Highly recommended, its a quick read that pulls you in and gets you anticipating the fight. Well put together ending just right.
Just a gut punch of a read. Frankie runs a business hiring himself and others as bouncers, muscle. A run in put him in the sights of a new comer. It ate at him and made him feel old. Though he agreed to a fight with the younger and bigger man to straighten it out one way or the other.
Highly recommended, its a quick read that pulls you in and gets you anticipating the fight. Well put together ending just right.
November 2, 2025
Loved this action-packed, bite-sized dose of grit. Perfectly stark and dark, with well-developed characters and no-frills writing. It was a great read.
July 24, 2024
'Muscle: A novella," by John Davies, focuses on 39 year old doorman turned security business owner Frankie Collins, who is being forced into what could be described as a mid-life crisis as he a young upstart named Warren is after his turf and his reputation.
Early on we learn about the older Frankie, the one who would act first and with vengeance, but now is more restrained and contemplative or perhaps has simply lost his nerve.
As Warren gets further into Frankie's head, our protagonist starts to doubt himself and the anxiety begins to wreck his relationship with his trophy partner Chloe. Who, if the ten year age difference didn't make insecure, his performance related issues certainly did.
Now, I wasn't sure what to expect with this novella but a personal drama that delved into the fragility of a man's psyche, in which he longs for who he was and questions who he now is, was not it.
Despite working hard to own his own house, his own business and have a loving partner, Frankie can't separate his situation with his past, and it is fear of losing it, or rather losing his reputation and self-identity that drives him on to accepting an anything goes 'straightener' with Warren.
Well written and finely balancing the mental with the physical, Davies not only makes us feel every punch and humiliation but also manages to get us to care for our lead character, even if we wouldn't necessarily befriend him. This is done through clever use of the vernacular when needed, and the sprinkling of domestic admin when not, and by the end of it we not only witness but understand Frankie's conflicted emotions. And the result? By the climax we are there cheering him in his bloody battle.
Overall, 'Muscle' is a strong, engaging portrait of a maturing man struggling to come to terms with who he now is, and although it falls into the cliche of the real battle is with our self, it has more than enough about it to work.
That said I thought the very end was telegraphed and as such lacked any real impact or satisfaction, but I couldn't tell you of any other way for the author to end it, and as my only criticism of the story, that's pretty forgivable.
Early on we learn about the older Frankie, the one who would act first and with vengeance, but now is more restrained and contemplative or perhaps has simply lost his nerve.
As Warren gets further into Frankie's head, our protagonist starts to doubt himself and the anxiety begins to wreck his relationship with his trophy partner Chloe. Who, if the ten year age difference didn't make insecure, his performance related issues certainly did.
Now, I wasn't sure what to expect with this novella but a personal drama that delved into the fragility of a man's psyche, in which he longs for who he was and questions who he now is, was not it.
Despite working hard to own his own house, his own business and have a loving partner, Frankie can't separate his situation with his past, and it is fear of losing it, or rather losing his reputation and self-identity that drives him on to accepting an anything goes 'straightener' with Warren.
Well written and finely balancing the mental with the physical, Davies not only makes us feel every punch and humiliation but also manages to get us to care for our lead character, even if we wouldn't necessarily befriend him. This is done through clever use of the vernacular when needed, and the sprinkling of domestic admin when not, and by the end of it we not only witness but understand Frankie's conflicted emotions. And the result? By the climax we are there cheering him in his bloody battle.
Overall, 'Muscle' is a strong, engaging portrait of a maturing man struggling to come to terms with who he now is, and although it falls into the cliche of the real battle is with our self, it has more than enough about it to work.
That said I thought the very end was telegraphed and as such lacked any real impact or satisfaction, but I couldn't tell you of any other way for the author to end it, and as my only criticism of the story, that's pretty forgivable.
February 24, 2025
This novella was an absolute blast! I loved it. As you’d expect for a short novella, the storyline is not complex, but you can revel in the characters and the descriptions in this narrative. It’s an unashamed action escapade and is raw and brutal in its depiction of violence. As well as the great yarn, in a deft display of social commentary Davies starkly evokes both the gratuitous violence indulged in by some toxic men alongside the survival-justified violence resorted to by other men.
I was drawn to the main character immediately, a hard man used to surviving with his fists, a necessary skill in his world. But his struggles with his emotions and his relationship add a very different dimension, and I reckon Davies has delved into the male psyche with insight and compassion. And he’s done so with honesty. He won’t be winning any fans in the prissy, woke brigades, but I’m taking an educated guess that he won’t lose sleep over that. There are plenty of us who want to read books with balls, and Davies delivers. No spoilers from me, ever, but I did not see the end coming.
I think this is his debut offering and what a hell of a start. As one hopes for with indie authors, Davies gives us a truly authentic voice with a no-holds barred approach with his tight, sharp prose. I will be waiting for more. Take a bow, Mr Davies!
I was drawn to the main character immediately, a hard man used to surviving with his fists, a necessary skill in his world. But his struggles with his emotions and his relationship add a very different dimension, and I reckon Davies has delved into the male psyche with insight and compassion. And he’s done so with honesty. He won’t be winning any fans in the prissy, woke brigades, but I’m taking an educated guess that he won’t lose sleep over that. There are plenty of us who want to read books with balls, and Davies delivers. No spoilers from me, ever, but I did not see the end coming.
I think this is his debut offering and what a hell of a start. As one hopes for with indie authors, Davies gives us a truly authentic voice with a no-holds barred approach with his tight, sharp prose. I will be waiting for more. Take a bow, Mr Davies!
February 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫I just got done reading the Novella muscle by John Davies. No pun intended but wow what a quick heavy punch that was. Absolutely love and enjoyed every single page with this short, quick satisfying tale. It takes Place In London. It’s about a Man that owns a security company and has to fight to keep his reputation intact. Keep in mind it’s only one fight, but the buildup to the fight is so real, so authentic I felt like it was me, how I’d really feel before fights before I’ve had in the past (all the pre fight anxiety etc)really gritty too, and I’d recommend this Novela to anyone. Just think of this as a week in the life of a late 30s male that has been in many fights and deals with gangsters etc. really feels like a Guy Ritchie movie. Honestly, I wish there was more, but it was such a a nice quick in and quick out Novella that I’ll probably come back and read it again one day! I’d rate it a really strong 4.5 out of five and I don’t usually give Novella’s that high of a ranking just cause how short they are, but man this one was really good and made me even think about him , his life and just really impressed. I just wish this author did more books like this. And dang that was one hell of an ending! I’d say for someone to read this for a slump buster it will 100% beat the crap out of that reading slump full pun intended for this book!👊🏻
November 6, 2023
a furiously tense page turner which packs a Knockout punch. Davies drops you smack bang in the world of nightclub violence, described with staggering accuracy, from the slang right down to a deep understanding of its character’s psychology.
As a former bouncer I can attest to the story’s authenticity. I might not be a Frankie Collins myself, but I’ve known a couple of blokes like him. In fact, all the characters felt very familiar and real to me.
Not to be confused with the Craig Fairbrass film of the same name, this is a very different beast. However, if anyone were to bring hulking veteran bouncer Frank Collins to life, big Craig could be the man to do it. If you enjoyed the best Fairbrass movies, such as Villain and Avengement, this is a story you’ll love!
Muscle’s narrative moves fast and gripped me by the throat from the very first page all the way to its brutal finale. It’s genuinely the best crime thriller I’ve read in a long time, up there with Irvine Welsh’s The Blade Artist and Dennis Lehane’s The Drop.
Highly recommended!!
As a former bouncer I can attest to the story’s authenticity. I might not be a Frankie Collins myself, but I’ve known a couple of blokes like him. In fact, all the characters felt very familiar and real to me.
Not to be confused with the Craig Fairbrass film of the same name, this is a very different beast. However, if anyone were to bring hulking veteran bouncer Frank Collins to life, big Craig could be the man to do it. If you enjoyed the best Fairbrass movies, such as Villain and Avengement, this is a story you’ll love!
Muscle’s narrative moves fast and gripped me by the throat from the very first page all the way to its brutal finale. It’s genuinely the best crime thriller I’ve read in a long time, up there with Irvine Welsh’s The Blade Artist and Dennis Lehane’s The Drop.
Highly recommended!!
March 4, 2025
Author John Davies delivers a short, sharp punch to the face with this blistering characters study of a tough guy Frankie Collins. Frankie runs a respectable security firm that provides 'muscle' for various night spots and offices around the city. He's got himself into a beef with an upcoming gangster named Warren, a bigger, tougher, younger version of himself, and to finally settle their dispute, along with the internal struggles and doubts it's causing him, he's going to have to throw down one final time.
Davies delivers a cinematic pulp tale that speaks directly to men. You want men to read more. Put this book into their hands. I devoured this in one sitting. Yeah, it's a quick read but it's also a worthy one, and most guys I know can relate to Frankie and the inner turmoil he's battling. This is great stuff, and I can't wait to see what the author comes with next.
Davies delivers a cinematic pulp tale that speaks directly to men. You want men to read more. Put this book into their hands. I devoured this in one sitting. Yeah, it's a quick read but it's also a worthy one, and most guys I know can relate to Frankie and the inner turmoil he's battling. This is great stuff, and I can't wait to see what the author comes with next.
May 8, 2025
Frankie Collins.
This little book has one of the best developed characters I've read.
He is somewhere in the UK, and I'm in Kentucky, two different worlds.
Frankie's heart, mind, fears, and the code he lives by, proves that "STREET" IS "STREET" no matter where it is. He must fight! His opponent is formidable. His antagonist is within!
Author John Davies brings Frankie to life so well that one could easily believe they are reading an autobiography written by Frankie!
I felt every emotion, every doubt, every fear that Frankie felt. I was there, with him.
With an ending that could go either way, Frankie's story had me holding my breath!
Is this story Real Life or Fiction?
Masterful Writing by John Davies that I very highly recommend!!!
This little book has one of the best developed characters I've read.
He is somewhere in the UK, and I'm in Kentucky, two different worlds.
Frankie's heart, mind, fears, and the code he lives by, proves that "STREET" IS "STREET" no matter where it is. He must fight! His opponent is formidable. His antagonist is within!
Author John Davies brings Frankie to life so well that one could easily believe they are reading an autobiography written by Frankie!
I felt every emotion, every doubt, every fear that Frankie felt. I was there, with him.
With an ending that could go either way, Frankie's story had me holding my breath!
Is this story Real Life or Fiction?
Masterful Writing by John Davies that I very highly recommend!!!
January 22, 2026
An unpretentious, deceptively simple and brutally honest little book, written by an author who has clearly walked the walk and then some. Authenticity and lived experience seeps from every line.
Written here in sentences as snappy as a boxers one two is the honest truth of violent men and the terrible consequences of their actions. Laid bare for all to see is the secrets fears and private stresses of the hard man. You'll find no fearless action movie heroes here, just reality in the form of a fist-shattered nose. Highly recommended.
Written here in sentences as snappy as a boxers one two is the honest truth of violent men and the terrible consequences of their actions. Laid bare for all to see is the secrets fears and private stresses of the hard man. You'll find no fearless action movie heroes here, just reality in the form of a fist-shattered nose. Highly recommended.
November 2, 2023
This is a rough, tough, bare-knuckle tale that hits like a prime-Tyson left hook. It delves into the psyche of an aging bouncer preparing for a no-holds-barred "straightener" against a drug-dealing scumbag who wants to take his territory, his rep, his woman, and his soul. The tension mounts until it is nearly unbearable. A lean mean character study that cuts straight to the bone. I loved every word. BUY IT!
January 24, 2025
This was a awesome short fast paced read about pride reputation and settling things with a know holds barred one on one fight. This novella was fuckin harass I highly highly recommend this one. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author
April 10, 2025
Stellar! Rock n’ roll in your face!
February 1, 2026
A gritty, raw tale that also reveals even the toughest nut is in fact just a man, with the same fears and vulnerability as anyone.
A compelling story thats an easy and rewarding read.
A compelling story thats an easy and rewarding read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews