Jan Irving Writes:The Boxer

The Boxer

Former Boxer Dane Connelly faces losing it all, everything he fought for in The Janitor. He is hiding problems with his fight-damaged eyesight from his lover, Noel Atherton-how can he be a man for him if he can't see to fight or to paint? And now the vicious killer Narone, who almost broke him in the ring, is out on parole, looking for payback. Dane is desperate to protect the man he loves.

But Noel is not the only one who needs Dane. Dane helps Ally, a street youth, beaten in the gym's alley. He takes him in, offering him a place to sleep on the office couch. Dane wants to show him the way his mentor Charlie showed him once upon a time…how to stand up, how to love another boy.

Jan Irving uniqueness of writing is not for the faint of heart. The Boxer is dirty, gritty and raw perfect combination for those seeking a rough erotica love story. I recommend reading the first book as well--Dana Breen at Deviant Divas.

The Boxer speaks of friendship, second chances, unconditional acceptance and rekindling a love too strong and stubborn to die. I absolutely loved this story and warn readers to ready a box of tissue for those tear jerking moments. There are a few secondary characters that I would love to see in a future story of their own, so I’ll cross my fingers. Those who enjoyed The Janitor will be delighted with this latest installment--Scandalous Minx of Literary Nymphs.

Once again Jan Irving has created a vehicle for her heroes that is not only a seriously engaging story, but The Boxer is also a journey. One in which we discover love, friendship, danger, fear, sorrow and, ultimately, a joyous homecoming--Kathy K at Ebook Addict Reviews.

The Boxer by Jan Irving is a tightly crafted novel with a brilliantly developed cast of characters who show that family bonds are often stronger with the family we create than the family we are born into. I am delighted Ms. Irving told more of Noel and Dane’s story and I highly recommend The Boxer!--Kathy at Blackraven Reviews.

Anyone who is a fan of the Contender’s series must read The Boxer. It is an unforgettable read I will have on my keeper shelf--Tina at Twolips Reviews.

Excerpt from The Boxer

Dane put on his sweat bottoms in their bedroom and handed Noel some of his silk PJ bottoms.

Noel looked up at him from where he was lying on their fine Egyptian cotton duvet, chewing his lip, waiting.

Dane climbed onto their bed and snuggled up to Noel, spooning him. Noel wedded the fingers of one hand through Dane's.

"I was so scared tonight. It could have been you or Mr. Trent," Noel whispered.

"We're both okay."

"Dane; I saw the gun. That is not you!" Noel looked at Dane, studying him in the soft lover's light from the street lamp that came into their bedroom. "When did you lose confidence in yourself enough to"--Noel swallowed-- "to bring that thing into our home? New locks are one thing, sensible, but you should have consulted me about a gun."

Dane's jaw hardened. "If we talk about this now, we're going to fight, maybe. And then we won't feel so good. I don't want to go twelve rounds with you, Noel."

"We won't fight!" Noel stated. Then he blinked. "Okay, we will fight."

"The spa wasn't so bad," Dane continued as if Noel hadn't spoken. "I liked the fish. You didn't do so bad."

After a pause, Noel probed, "So you'd enjoy visiting somewhere natural with me?"

"No nudist colonies," Dane said with a slight smile. "On account I don't want anyone else seeing what's mine."

Noel got up to get a drink of water in the bathroom a couple of hours later. He turned on the sconce in the hallway but left the bathroom light off. In the sepia tones reflected by the mirror, he saw Dane enter, following him inevitably.

Dane kissed his neck, passed a big, affectionate hand over the upper side of his thinner bad leg.

Noel caught his breath.

Dane pulled down the silk PJ's.

Holding Dane's heavy eyes, Noel whispered, "No, it's all right."

"You want it straight up?" Dane's voice was dark, gravely, sexy.

To read an excerpt and purchase The Boxer go here.