BOOK REVIEW...Against the Ropes by Carly Fall

Winning the next fight will mean nothing . . . if he can’t win back the heart of the woman he loves. . .

Five years ago Dylan Gomez had it all. He was an up-and-coming boxer with a loving girlfriend, and his sights were set on the big league. Then he let the hype of the fans inflate his ego—he thought he was invincible. That all changed when an alcohol-fueled decision altered the course of his life. He lost his girlfriend and then bit-by-bit his life crumbled around him.

Physical therapist, Regan Holloway, has coasted through life for the last five years. She’s been in the same place all that time and most of her things are still in boxes. Agreeing to a “friendly” date with a co-worker, she ends up ringside and face-to-face with the man she’d fled to forget—Dylan.

Dylan’s turning his life around and working his way back up the ranks; he’s got a big fight lined up in thirty days that will be his ticket back into the pros—if he can win. The only thing holding him back is an old shoulder injury and Regan not being by his side.

When Max, Dylan’s manager, convinces Regan to come with them and work on his shoulder for the fight, she knows she needs to keep things professional so that she won’t be hurt again.

In the thirty-day countdown to the big fight, secrets are revealed, their passion is reignited, and the past threatens to haunt their future. On fight day, Dylan and Regan are truly against the ropes.
Published May 29th 2013 by Bottom Drawer Publications

Cute, light, fast read.
Five years ago, Dylan Gomez was at the top of his boxing game with the love of his life by his side.
Then of course, he goes and fu*%s it up by cheating on Regan and with that his boxing career begins to fall apart.
Years go by and the two get reunited. With feelings still there and hearts on the line how will it turn out? And what will become of Dylan's dream of winning the boxing championship?
.....
Like I said in the first line, it was a fast and cute read. There's nothing really heavy in it but I found myself not really all there in connecting with the characters.

Regan, while I can see why she was skeptical about getting involved with Dylan again was likable. She didn't irritate or annoy me and was very mature.

Dylan too was likable. He wasn't cocky or boisterous as many male protagonists who are athletes are.

And Max. Max I liked the most. He was like Dylan's surrogate father who always wanted better for him and never gave up. I liked him tremendously and that it was cute that he was playing matchmaker between Dylan and Regan. :)

Over all, an enjoyable read.


My Rating:

-Overall : 7
-Plot : 7.5
-Writing : 8
-Characters : 7.5
-Cover : 7