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woolfian's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
claire60's review against another edition
3.0
Always on the lookout for new lesbian fiction authors, I was intrigued by the cover and the storyline of this book. Set in Halifax, USA, this is the story of Jordan an ex boxer who is doing her best to reach out to kids in need, she runs a boxing gym which helps to give the kids focus whilst also providing food. Then her ex girlfriend comes back to town looking to have one of Jordan's kids be her mentor, not long after some strange symbols appear across town and acts of mischief begin to draw in the kids, leaving Jordan to wonder how she can keep her kids safe.
I enjoyed the way the book was written, particularly the compassion shown to young people struggling to find their way in an uncaring world. The book balances the romance and thriller aspects of the story delicately and the characters are believable as is the story which builds up to a gripping and exciting ending. Definitely recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley.co.uk for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed the way the book was written, particularly the compassion shown to young people struggling to find their way in an uncaring world. The book balances the romance and thriller aspects of the story delicately and the characters are believable as is the story which builds up to a gripping and exciting ending. Definitely recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley.co.uk for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
hhushaw's review against another edition
4.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a great read; I loved hearing about Madi and the gym that Jordan created for the homeless youths of her town. The mystery of the movement kept me interested and guessing who was involved. The heartache Jordan experienced as Madi distanced herself from her and the rekindling of Jordan's relationship with Ali keep me turning page after page. This was a fantastic read!
elvang's review against another edition
5.0
Webb takes a hard look at the life of social workers and the youth they try to protect in Shadowboxer. Jordan’s past forms the person she is today. Her gym is a haven for street kids she hopes to help by providing a safe space where they can learn some life skills and catch a break from the dangers they face in their homes and on the street. Ali represents the corporate do-gooders who help fund programs for youth but rarely understand the challenges faced by these kids who know that once they age out of the system these same corporations will turn a blind eye to their struggles.
This is a dark and gritty read. Sure there is a rekindled romance between first loves Jordan and Ali but romance takes a back seat to the realities of the kids they are trying to protect. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two thanks to the dark place Jordan dwells in for most of the novel.
She is the Shadowboxer. Not merely because of her boxing past, but because of her insecurities and lack of confidence that she is good enough to be tasked with protecting these at-risk kids. She fears she is punching the air at a foe she can never defeat. Her biggest opponent is herself. Is she doing the right thing? Can she make a difference in their lives? Will anything she tries to do make a difference? The author throws a political situation outside Jordan’s control into the mix and hints at these uncertainties for all social workers in society today. It makes for a dramatic ending and a thought provoking read.
Kudos to the author for stretching her writing skills and proving she is capable of reaching a mainstream audience every time she puts pen to paper.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
This is a dark and gritty read. Sure there is a rekindled romance between first loves Jordan and Ali but romance takes a back seat to the realities of the kids they are trying to protect. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two thanks to the dark place Jordan dwells in for most of the novel.
She is the Shadowboxer. Not merely because of her boxing past, but because of her insecurities and lack of confidence that she is good enough to be tasked with protecting these at-risk kids. She fears she is punching the air at a foe she can never defeat. Her biggest opponent is herself. Is she doing the right thing? Can she make a difference in their lives? Will anything she tries to do make a difference? The author throws a political situation outside Jordan’s control into the mix and hints at these uncertainties for all social workers in society today. It makes for a dramatic ending and a thought provoking read.
Kudos to the author for stretching her writing skills and proving she is capable of reaching a mainstream audience every time she puts pen to paper.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
5.0
This was my 5th book by Webb and I have enjoyed every single one of them. This one is a bit different than her previous books. This one doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat like her others, but it is still a really good read. Jordan is such a sweet character. Rarely do you find these rare souls that really do good all the time, just because they genuinely want to help. Webb has created such a character in Jordan. However, Jordan is written in such a way it feels realistic and you can believe someone like her exists. If you have worked in social work, or child protective services you know these people are indeed out there. I have met several Jordans in my life so the character often made me smile a little.
This is so much more than a romance. If you loved Webb's other books I see no reason why you haven't already picked this one up. If those fast paced, heart racing the entire time you are reading books weren't your style, you may find this one just perfect for you. While not my favorite by this author it is still a solid 5 stars for me.
This is so much more than a romance. If you loved Webb's other books I see no reason why you haven't already picked this one up. If those fast paced, heart racing the entire time you are reading books weren't your style, you may find this one just perfect for you. While not my favorite by this author it is still a solid 5 stars for me.
kc210791's review against another edition
4.0
Intense, realistic story about two lost loves who find each other during a fight for justice. The many sheeps fight against the wolves both in and out of the ring.
I would recommend this to those who enjoy lesbian fiction with drama filled plot.
I would recommend this to those who enjoy lesbian fiction with drama filled plot.
cdownes's review against another edition
4.0
Great book.
Webb perfectly blends interestingly curated characters with novel plots to deliver another top read.
What I liked - Jordan's character has a good amount of depth and the reader gets to see a bit of the backstory as well. To be honest, Jordan's backstory also sounds fascinating so it could be a good option for a prequel or some sort of spin off which I never usually suggest.
Ali's character is less developed but a great pairing for Jordan. Likeable and challenging.
The plot has edges to it. Good edges that keeps you enchanted.
I received an ARC for an honest review
Webb perfectly blends interestingly curated characters with novel plots to deliver another top read.
What I liked - Jordan's character has a good amount of depth and the reader gets to see a bit of the backstory as well. To be honest, Jordan's backstory also sounds fascinating so it could be a good option for a prequel or some sort of spin off which I never usually suggest.
Ali's character is less developed but a great pairing for Jordan. Likeable and challenging.
The plot has edges to it. Good edges that keeps you enchanted.
I received an ARC for an honest review
lezreviewbooks's review
5.0
This book is in my recommended books of the month
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommended-books-of-september-2018/
Former boxer Jordan McAddie had a hard childhood and now she's dedicated to help street kids by teaching them the discipline of boxing. With her mentoring duties, a full time job and her social worker studies, she's got enough on her plate and the least thing she needs is her first love walking back into her life. As she struggles to open up to a possible relationship, the street kids are being targeted by an extremist group. Can she keep the kids safe and give love a chance?
Throughout her short but productive career, Ms. Webb has written action, mystery and psychological thrillers with romance at the side. While 'Shadowboxer' has a mix of these genres, it's her most introspective work. There is a criticism of the social services system and, more specifically, how adults fail to protect their children and youth. Through boxing, Jordan and the teenagers under her care learn more than the physical activity of fighting: they build their self-esteem, learn to trust each other and to boost their confidence. It's not a fight against each other but rather a struggle against their own ghosts, a bit like shadowboxing. No wonder that, compared to the rest of Webb's novels, this one feels oppressive and darker. The author works with the lights and shadows in the characters' states of mind as reality throws punches at them. It's not an easy read but the heaviness is balanced by the sweet redemption of romance and friendship.
Regarding the mystery and action scenes, they are short but effective in keeping the reader hooked in the story. The characters are well written and even though there are a good number of secondary characters, they all have depth and feel real.
The romance is slow burn and sweet, both mains complement each other and send a light of hope to the darker sides of the plot. My only criticism is that the last couple of chapters seem a bit rushed. However, this book is definitely worth a read.
Overall, a darker novel by Ms. Webb with a mix of action, mystery, phychological thriller and romance. Not an easy read but highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommended-books-of-september-2018/
Former boxer Jordan McAddie had a hard childhood and now she's dedicated to help street kids by teaching them the discipline of boxing. With her mentoring duties, a full time job and her social worker studies, she's got enough on her plate and the least thing she needs is her first love walking back into her life. As she struggles to open up to a possible relationship, the street kids are being targeted by an extremist group. Can she keep the kids safe and give love a chance?
Throughout her short but productive career, Ms. Webb has written action, mystery and psychological thrillers with romance at the side. While 'Shadowboxer' has a mix of these genres, it's her most introspective work. There is a criticism of the social services system and, more specifically, how adults fail to protect their children and youth. Through boxing, Jordan and the teenagers under her care learn more than the physical activity of fighting: they build their self-esteem, learn to trust each other and to boost their confidence. It's not a fight against each other but rather a struggle against their own ghosts, a bit like shadowboxing. No wonder that, compared to the rest of Webb's novels, this one feels oppressive and darker. The author works with the lights and shadows in the characters' states of mind as reality throws punches at them. It's not an easy read but the heaviness is balanced by the sweet redemption of romance and friendship.
Regarding the mystery and action scenes, they are short but effective in keeping the reader hooked in the story. The characters are well written and even though there are a good number of secondary characters, they all have depth and feel real.
The romance is slow burn and sweet, both mains complement each other and send a light of hope to the darker sides of the plot. My only criticism is that the last couple of chapters seem a bit rushed. However, this book is definitely worth a read.
Overall, a darker novel by Ms. Webb with a mix of action, mystery, phychological thriller and romance. Not an easy read but highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
synth's review
1.0
I had a really hard time finishing that book. On the one hand I appreciated the balance between storylines, romance and social work; as well as the more-realistic-than-usual development of the romance, and some of the social commentary. However, many problems made it impossible for me to enjoy the story. For one, everyone is white. And then, the criticism of society, capitalism, classism, etc, although sometimes better than perfunctory, always falls back onto the preservation of the status quo, including the police being majoritarily made off of good people. This also means the main "villain" is a deranged woman who wants to kill hundreds of the people she's actually fighting for, somehow? The fact that the author had to vilify the main character making those points against the system shows how much sense she was actually making up until the "let's bomb the shit out of those marginalized people I'm trying to show society need respect and help".
So yeah, sadly very very disappointing on many levels, when there was so much potential shining through the author's ideas (idk if she had to dial down the social commentary for publication's sake or if it was of her own volition but :/).
So yeah, sadly very very disappointing on many levels, when there was so much potential shining through the author's ideas (idk if she had to dial down the social commentary for publication's sake or if it was of her own volition but :/).