What do you think?
Rate this book
Counterpunch #1
Isaak
Fear is a weakness; fear is how the mighty fall.
In my world, you don’t get anywhere without an ego, and mine is bigger than most.
I’m a cocky, arrogant son-of-a-bitch who men wanna fight and women wanna f**k.
Fight nights are what I live for: I train hard and fight harder.
I’m Isaak ‘The Bruiser’ Brookes, the undefeated champion, and I fear nothing. That is until Alexander Jenkins takes me down, shocking me and the entire boxing nation.
I’m determined to get straight back in the ring with him to show him that there is only one Bruiser, but I am forced to take a break—to get fit.
Sassy-mouthed physiotherapist, Remme Rivers—with a body made for sin—helps me to regain my strength, saving me from myself, and suddenly I am scared to death for the first time in my life.
I now live in fear that I will lose her before I get to claim her as mine.
In my world, you don’t get anywhere without an ego, and mine is bigger than most.
I’m a cocky, arrogant son-of-a-bitch who men wanna fight and women wanna f**k.
Fight nights are what I live for: I train hard and fight harder.
I’m Isaak ‘The Bruiser’ Brookes, the undefeated champion, and I fear nothing. That is until Alexander Jenkins takes me down, shocking me and the entire boxing nation.
I’m determined to get straight back in the ring with him to show him that there is only one Bruiser, but I am forced to take a break—to get fit.
Sassy-mouthed physiotherapist, Remme Rivers—with a body made for sin—helps me to regain my strength, saving me from myself, and suddenly I am scared to death for the first time in my life.
I now live in fear that I will lose her before I get to claim her as mine.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 28, 2023
Beautifully written, I absolutely adored Isaak and Remmie’s story. They were on fire.
The twists and turns of the story kept me glued to the pages, but I loved how everything came together in the end. And that ending… now I need to jump into book two!
I’ll be checking out the novella, Mr & Mrs Brookes first though!
The twists and turns of the story kept me glued to the pages, but I loved how everything came together in the end. And that ending… now I need to jump into book two!
I’ll be checking out the novella, Mr & Mrs Brookes first though!
March 5, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
October 28, 2020
This is KJ Ellis debut read and you would never believe that after reading this book!
She has absolutely smashed it giving us a story that is gripping.. different.. full of fantastic characters and has some hotness to melt you off your seat!!!
Isaak 'the bruiser' Brookes is on top of his game as a champion boxer when his world is brought down around him... but all is not lost when this happens, as this brings fiesty Remme Rivers into his life.
Full of drama.. challenges.. and a rollercoaster of angst this read has it all.
After reading this story at various stages while it was being written I can say how proud of KJ Ellis I am for giving us such a fantastic read and I so can't wait to get Owens story next!!!
Huge well done lady!
She has absolutely smashed it giving us a story that is gripping.. different.. full of fantastic characters and has some hotness to melt you off your seat!!!
Isaak 'the bruiser' Brookes is on top of his game as a champion boxer when his world is brought down around him... but all is not lost when this happens, as this brings fiesty Remme Rivers into his life.
Full of drama.. challenges.. and a rollercoaster of angst this read has it all.
After reading this story at various stages while it was being written I can say how proud of KJ Ellis I am for giving us such a fantastic read and I so can't wait to get Owens story next!!!
Huge well done lady!
November 4, 2020
A really fabulous debut. Kudos k.j.
Its been forever since I've read a fighter book *I don't even know why? I need to fix this again super soon*
Back to Isaak and his book... The story flowed effortlessly,
The chemistry between isaak and remme*I love this name BTW* off the chart.
Drama so much drama. Like what the...
The secondary characters I need more... Owen, Saxon all of them I just need more🤣 how many books we looking at her K.j I'm in for the long haul.
Now don't even get me started on that ending. Gimme the next asap xx
Its been forever since I've read a fighter book *I don't even know why? I need to fix this again super soon*
Back to Isaak and his book... The story flowed effortlessly,
The chemistry between isaak and remme*I love this name BTW* off the chart.
Drama so much drama. Like what the...
The secondary characters I need more... Owen, Saxon all of them I just need more🤣 how many books we looking at her K.j I'm in for the long haul.
Now don't even get me started on that ending. Gimme the next asap xx
November 3, 2020
FANTASTIC DEBUT!!!
I can't help but give this fantastic debut novel five stars. KJ Ellis writes a story full of remarkable characters that you can't help but love. Don't worry because there are a few you'll love to hate too. The storyline will hold you in it's grip and have you quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I'm also looking forward to reading more about the side characters.
I can't help but give this fantastic debut novel five stars. KJ Ellis writes a story full of remarkable characters that you can't help but love. Don't worry because there are a few you'll love to hate too. The storyline will hold you in it's grip and have you quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I'm also looking forward to reading more about the side characters.
January 31, 2022
What a powerful book from this new author! The story is about Isaak, a champion boxer who ends up needing some physical therapy and that’s when he meets Remme. When he first sees her, he is completely enamored with her. She is young, beautiful and, comes to find out, is the one who will help him. But would it be unprofessional to get involved? These two have incredible chemistry, so much so, your fingers will burn as you turn the pages.
What I loved about this story is it shows a different side to Isaak. He is perceived as a ladies man and just wants some fun. But Remme turns that all around. She is a breath of fresh air. I could see being friends with her in real life. These two take you on all the ups and downs of a burgeoning love. When outside forces threaten Remme, Isaak will do anything to protect her. And I can see more stories coming from all the other characters you are introduced to in this story. I honestly enjoyed this book and fell in love with these two characters. Please do yourself a favor and read this book! You will love it just as much as I did!
What I loved about this story is it shows a different side to Isaak. He is perceived as a ladies man and just wants some fun. But Remme turns that all around. She is a breath of fresh air. I could see being friends with her in real life. These two take you on all the ups and downs of a burgeoning love. When outside forces threaten Remme, Isaak will do anything to protect her. And I can see more stories coming from all the other characters you are introduced to in this story. I honestly enjoyed this book and fell in love with these two characters. Please do yourself a favor and read this book! You will love it just as much as I did!
March 23, 2021
Firstly I would like to thank KJ Ellis for sending us this ARC for us to read it’s very much appreciated. I loved the book.
Isaak is a world champion boxer who finds himself in a crippling position when a title shot fight goes horribly wrong and he wakes up in hospital. Due to the nature of his injuries Isaak then has to undertake physio this is where he encounters Remme a physiotherapist who is employed to help build him up again, but it’s an instant attraction for them both and they have to fight it as Remme does to want to get into trouble fraternising with a client.
The merger of all the characters is really great each character is brought in and they all intertwined together to fit beautifully, it was really lovely.
This book is a bold, fantastic, beautiful and emotionally charged read. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book and cannot wait for the second instalment.
Overall Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋
Passion Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋
Isaak is a world champion boxer who finds himself in a crippling position when a title shot fight goes horribly wrong and he wakes up in hospital. Due to the nature of his injuries Isaak then has to undertake physio this is where he encounters Remme a physiotherapist who is employed to help build him up again, but it’s an instant attraction for them both and they have to fight it as Remme does to want to get into trouble fraternising with a client.
The merger of all the characters is really great each character is brought in and they all intertwined together to fit beautifully, it was really lovely.
This book is a bold, fantastic, beautiful and emotionally charged read. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book and cannot wait for the second instalment.
Overall Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋
Passion Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋
June 10, 2021
Getting hurt isn't always the worse thing
Isaak is not one to back down, and that lands him in a hospital bed with fears of his future career. What he doesn't expect is his savior is going to wedge herself under his skin
Remme had worked her ass of to get where she is, but will all that fall apart when she meets her new client?
This book is amazing, the chemistry between these two is palpable and real. Isaak has a need for control and Remme pushes that sense, taking her own route in things. She is a woman of her own power and that's what I love about her. She can take care of herself and she won't let other do it for her. And Isaak really embraces her strength and let's her take that control.
Isaak is not one to back down, and that lands him in a hospital bed with fears of his future career. What he doesn't expect is his savior is going to wedge herself under his skin
Remme had worked her ass of to get where she is, but will all that fall apart when she meets her new client?
This book is amazing, the chemistry between these two is palpable and real. Isaak has a need for control and Remme pushes that sense, taking her own route in things. She is a woman of her own power and that's what I love about her. She can take care of herself and she won't let other do it for her. And Isaak really embraces her strength and let's her take that control.
July 9, 2021
This is a fun debut novel from KJ Ellis. The world of pro athletes, boxing in particular, is written well and shows the author did her research into it to make it incredibly authentic and believable.
The relationship between Isaak and Remme is steamy and fun. Secondary characters add extra laughs, depth, and mystery to this tale, several of them begging for their own stories to be told.
The villain is predictable, and Isaak’s ex, well, let’s just say someone needs to slap that woman!
Besides typos and punctuation inconsistencies, this is definitely a light, fun, and easy read hat is perfect for a weekend at the beach or pool this summer!
The relationship between Isaak and Remme is steamy and fun. Secondary characters add extra laughs, depth, and mystery to this tale, several of them begging for their own stories to be told.
The villain is predictable, and Isaak’s ex, well, let’s just say someone needs to slap that woman!
Besides typos and punctuation inconsistencies, this is definitely a light, fun, and easy read hat is perfect for a weekend at the beach or pool this summer!
February 1, 2022
Great debut novel
Wow. Loved this debut novel from KJ Ellis.
After taking on one of the biggest fights of his career Isaak is stunned when it all goes wrong. However not everyone fights fair.
When Remme is brought in for physio, Isaak’s world turns upside down.
The sparks between Remme and Isaak were off the charts from their first encounter.
Isaak certainly didn’t make it easy to for her to try to stay professional. Like he said he always wins, or so he thinks.
This is a great read, loved the characters, now can’t wait to see what we get for Owen, Saxon, Devon and Charlotte
Wow. Loved this debut novel from KJ Ellis.
After taking on one of the biggest fights of his career Isaak is stunned when it all goes wrong. However not everyone fights fair.
When Remme is brought in for physio, Isaak’s world turns upside down.
The sparks between Remme and Isaak were off the charts from their first encounter.
Isaak certainly didn’t make it easy to for her to try to stay professional. Like he said he always wins, or so he thinks.
This is a great read, loved the characters, now can’t wait to see what we get for Owen, Saxon, Devon and Charlotte
November 15, 2021
Wow, first time reading this author and it had me hooked. You would think KJ has been writing for a while but this is her debut and an amazing start to what I can see being an epic series.
I've not read many fighter stories but I think I need to find more. I won't give too much or much of the amazing story away as its best to read about Isaak first hand.
There are soo many amazing characters, not just the leads but the secondary, I would love to know more about them all. There are even characters you want to punch, but the story lines throughout have you hooked.
Highly recommend both book and author, can't wait for the next book.
I've not read many fighter stories but I think I need to find more. I won't give too much or much of the amazing story away as its best to read about Isaak first hand.
There are soo many amazing characters, not just the leads but the secondary, I would love to know more about them all. There are even characters you want to punch, but the story lines throughout have you hooked.
Highly recommend both book and author, can't wait for the next book.
May 21, 2022
This is the first I’ve read from this author and if this is anything to go by then there will be more brilliance to come in this series.
I absolutely adored Remme, loved how sassy and yet sweet she was. The way she holds her own against Isaak was a delight to read.
Then there’s the man himself, Isaak, well isn’t he just a bowl of deliciousness! All tough and hard but his sweet and loving side totally stole my heart.
The story is wonderful and although I am left with questions I know they will be answered in the next book which I look forward to reading.
A good, solid five star read that was enjoyable from the first word.
I absolutely adored Remme, loved how sassy and yet sweet she was. The way she holds her own against Isaak was a delight to read.
Then there’s the man himself, Isaak, well isn’t he just a bowl of deliciousness! All tough and hard but his sweet and loving side totally stole my heart.
The story is wonderful and although I am left with questions I know they will be answered in the next book which I look forward to reading.
A good, solid five star read that was enjoyable from the first word.
December 12, 2020
I love me a good fighter book and was pleased to find this one by a debut author. My thought during reading this was, there's no way this is written by a debut author!
The storyline is immaculate. Isaak and Remme were impeccably written. The explosive heat between these two, whew!
And the secondary characters brought more depth to their story and rounded it out perfectly. I'm excited to see some of their stories in future books.
Explosove heat, tumultuous angst, fast-paced fighting action and so much more easily made this a five star read for me. Well done KJ Ellis!
The storyline is immaculate. Isaak and Remme were impeccably written. The explosive heat between these two, whew!
And the secondary characters brought more depth to their story and rounded it out perfectly. I'm excited to see some of their stories in future books.
Explosove heat, tumultuous angst, fast-paced fighting action and so much more easily made this a five star read for me. Well done KJ Ellis!
December 13, 2021
OMG!!!
Isaak where have you been all my life! This is my first K J Ellis book and definitely won’t be my last!
Absolutely loved him and can’t believe this is a debut novel for K J Ellis. It’s amazing
Loved Isaak and Remee! Loved her attitude and fire that she has! She wants something she doesn’t let anything get in her way. And that blooming ending! Had me on tenderhooks! I can’t wait to get reading the next book.
Isaak where have you been all my life! This is my first K J Ellis book and definitely won’t be my last!
Absolutely loved him and can’t believe this is a debut novel for K J Ellis. It’s amazing
Loved Isaak and Remee! Loved her attitude and fire that she has! She wants something she doesn’t let anything get in her way. And that blooming ending! Had me on tenderhooks! I can’t wait to get reading the next book.
October 19, 2021
What can I say this book it had me from the first page! This books is amazing.
K. J. Ellis you done an awesome job with Isaak book!!! Yes it's a boxer romance but it's not just all about fighting.. I love the connect Remme and Isaak has from the start. I love how funny and smart mouth they both are!!!
Bring in the next book!!!
K. J. Ellis you done an awesome job with Isaak book!!! Yes it's a boxer romance but it's not just all about fighting.. I love the connect Remme and Isaak has from the start. I love how funny and smart mouth they both are!!!
Bring in the next book!!!
April 25, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It was great to see Isaak change from the cocky god to a normal person who is scared to lose someone. This romance kept me glued to the pages and I loved the story even though it was full of drama. That being said, the characters were fantastic and lets be honest, Isaak is a heartthrob and be ready to drool over him.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 15, 2021
Excellent Book....
This is the first book I've read from this author and I loved it!! I loved Isaak, he's loyal, sweet and hot..... The Characters worked so well together and the storyline was well written. I would definitely recommend everyone to read it...
This is the first book I've read from this author and I loved it!! I loved Isaak, he's loyal, sweet and hot..... The Characters worked so well together and the storyline was well written. I would definitely recommend everyone to read it...
March 29, 2021
Hit by love
Read this book in one sitting . Actually couldn't put my kindle down because this story is so damn good .
Brilliant characters, with an amazing storyline.
Get ready to fall in love with Isaak and Remme
Read this book in one sitting . Actually couldn't put my kindle down because this story is so damn good .
Brilliant characters, with an amazing storyline.
Get ready to fall in love with Isaak and Remme
October 19, 2021
Hands down a 5* rating! I love a good fighter/romance and this book did NOT disappoint at all. I couldn't stop reading.
Isaak and Remmy are both confident and sexy. The way they are with eachother and their relationship is pure magic.
Onto the next book now as I NEED more from K.J. Ellis.
Isaak and Remmy are both confident and sexy. The way they are with eachother and their relationship is pure magic.
Onto the next book now as I NEED more from K.J. Ellis.
January 13, 2022
Wow! Easy 5 stars! My first read by KJ Ellis and I am hooked! This was also my first fighter romance novel read and I must say, it was a very nice, steamy read. I appreciate the raw, relatable writing style and I love the characters and cannot wait to dive into Owen! Thank you KJ for a fun read.
June 4, 2021
Such an amazing fast burn romance! You'd never know this was her debut novel!
June 8, 2021
As much as I loved this book I started soon reading parts of it and I !ist day the second half was better than the first. Will I read more of this author's books I don't know
September 22, 2021
I enjoy a fighting romance read and this was really enjoyable.
October 28, 2020
Wow what can I say this is an amazing debut book by this talented author. At first glance you might think that this is a book all about fighting because its about a boxer but the back story is just as compelling.
Isaak 'the bruiser' Brookes is pro boxer that gets hurt in what is to be one of the biggest fights of his life. His opponent Alexander Jenkins gets lucky in the fight and catches Isaak off guard. Isaak ends up hospitalised and need advance medical after care from a physio. Remme Rivers is the best in her field and is tasked with the job of fixing Isaak back to full health. There is only couple of issues with that... raw chemistry.
Remme can't resist the the charms that Isaak put on her from the get go but has has to fight them off and not give in her job and her livelihood depends on it.
Isaak want Remme and knows it wrong she is there for a purpose and he needs that more than anything if he want his rematch with Alex.
The two together are explosive.
Heat, passion and mind blowing f***ing.
This amazing book has lots of side characters that we hear a lot from in this book and I can't wait for Owens book next lets hope some of the others get a book would love to see Saxon get one I think he has a story to tell.
Isaak 'the bruiser' Brookes is pro boxer that gets hurt in what is to be one of the biggest fights of his life. His opponent Alexander Jenkins gets lucky in the fight and catches Isaak off guard. Isaak ends up hospitalised and need advance medical after care from a physio. Remme Rivers is the best in her field and is tasked with the job of fixing Isaak back to full health. There is only couple of issues with that... raw chemistry.
Remme can't resist the the charms that Isaak put on her from the get go but has has to fight them off and not give in her job and her livelihood depends on it.
Isaak want Remme and knows it wrong she is there for a purpose and he needs that more than anything if he want his rematch with Alex.
The two together are explosive.
Heat, passion and mind blowing f***ing.
This amazing book has lots of side characters that we hear a lot from in this book and I can't wait for Owens book next lets hope some of the others get a book would love to see Saxon get one I think he has a story to tell.
October 24, 2020
An absolutely amazing debut novel for this incredibly talented lady.
Isaak is a champion boxer who suffers an injury in his most recent fight. Sending right in to the path of sports therapist Remme. Their chemistry is instantaneous and off the charts!
With a crazy ex girlfriend running around and an impending rematch fast approaching, this pair have quite the challenges ahead of them.
This book has had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning.
The whole way through you are guessing what's going to happen next and you are never right, it's always a surprise!
For a debut novel, this author has managed to create a gripping and exciting story that some seasoned authors aren't able to achieve. She has done a fantastic job here.
I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series and finding out more about these other intriguing characters.
Isaak is a champion boxer who suffers an injury in his most recent fight. Sending right in to the path of sports therapist Remme. Their chemistry is instantaneous and off the charts!
With a crazy ex girlfriend running around and an impending rematch fast approaching, this pair have quite the challenges ahead of them.
This book has had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning.
The whole way through you are guessing what's going to happen next and you are never right, it's always a surprise!
For a debut novel, this author has managed to create a gripping and exciting story that some seasoned authors aren't able to achieve. She has done a fantastic job here.
I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series and finding out more about these other intriguing characters.
October 28, 2020
Ahhhhhhh
I LOVED IT!
Isaak. Hot boxer. Top of his career, has everything he wants, until the fight that would’ve pushed his career further ends up been the one that puts him in hospital.
He has to build himself back up with going to physio, and that’s when he meets Remme, in typical Isaak ways he flirts with her, constantly trying to step over the line with her, but ever the professional she holds out.
Remme is doing great with her life, she has an amazing career, and the company she works for gets the chance to have a professional boxer on their books, they put her on the case, as she is the best they have.
As they both try and avoid the chemistry between them they also have to deal with others trying to get involved with both their lives.
Such a good read, can’t wait for more from this series.
I LOVED IT!
Isaak. Hot boxer. Top of his career, has everything he wants, until the fight that would’ve pushed his career further ends up been the one that puts him in hospital.
He has to build himself back up with going to physio, and that’s when he meets Remme, in typical Isaak ways he flirts with her, constantly trying to step over the line with her, but ever the professional she holds out.
Remme is doing great with her life, she has an amazing career, and the company she works for gets the chance to have a professional boxer on their books, they put her on the case, as she is the best they have.
As they both try and avoid the chemistry between them they also have to deal with others trying to get involved with both their lives.
Such a good read, can’t wait for more from this series.
November 9, 2020
Wow, what can I say. For a debut author, I absolutely loved this story. This author has produced a fabulous story to read and one I really enjoyed from start to finish.
This book is this author first story and she’s written it beautifully. The characters are easy to read and you instantly get pulled in to the story. I fell in love with these characters and the chemistry that they had between them.
I love a good sports romance and this one has to be one of my favourites. It’s full of drama, excitement and of the charts hotness.
This book definitely deserves the 5 stars I’ve given it, and I honestly can’t wait to see what other stories, this author produces.
This book is this author first story and she’s written it beautifully. The characters are easy to read and you instantly get pulled in to the story. I fell in love with these characters and the chemistry that they had between them.
I love a good sports romance and this one has to be one of my favourites. It’s full of drama, excitement and of the charts hotness.
This book definitely deserves the 5 stars I’ve given it, and I honestly can’t wait to see what other stories, this author produces.
November 10, 2020
Wow what a story... the characters are great & the way they get on & the story flows.
I absolutely love this story.
I can’t wait to read more from K.J.Ellis. Excited to see what else is coming
I absolutely love this story.
I can’t wait to read more from K.J.Ellis. Excited to see what else is coming
October 26, 2020
I was really excited about reading this book, and it did not disappoint.
Isaak is a great story, I love the relationship between him and Remme. The fact that they are both attracted to each other straight away and they know that fighting it, just isn’t going to happen!!!
I absolutely loved this book, can not wait for more from Kj Ellis and to see what happens with the rest of Isaak and Remme’s friends.
You have to read this book, it’s so worth it.
5 star read and great author x
Isaak is a great story, I love the relationship between him and Remme. The fact that they are both attracted to each other straight away and they know that fighting it, just isn’t going to happen!!!
I absolutely loved this book, can not wait for more from Kj Ellis and to see what happens with the rest of Isaak and Remme’s friends.
You have to read this book, it’s so worth it.
5 star read and great author x
November 12, 2020
I loved this book and the way the story unfolds. Cannot wait to see what other stories we will see in this world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews