Reviews
"★★★★★ 4.80 average on Goodreads
"It was actually the back story about this book that captured my interest: the author was a victim of violent crime who rehabilitated himself after being wheelchair-bound, eventually ending up writing this debut novel. The setting in Montreal and Havana also interested me: I grew up in the former and I do not know much about the latter but would like to learn more through spending time there in my mind. I'm glad I gave this one a chance, as it's a great short read with much to recommend about it.
This raw crime thriller sucked me into the story immediately, and the author weaves his own back story into his protagonist's, making him quite sympathetic as a noir anti-hero. The cop who is chasing him is also a strong character who is easy to root for. Watching their cat-and-mouse game unfold was lots of fun. I found this story compelling and easy to read, and I enjoyed learning about the underworld of both Havana and Montreal. This fast-paced thriller offers a great deal of action in and out of the boxing ring and all over the streets of both cities. I would recommend it to fans of gritty crime thrillers who enjoy debut novels with much promise."
— ★★★★★ Dana, Goodreads Reviewer (via NetGalley ARC)
"Gloves Off by Johan af Ström is an absolute masterpiece of modern noir, delivering a raw, white-knuckle thriller that grips you from the first page and is as impactful as a well executed uppercut.
Set against the vivid and contrasting backdrops of Montreal and Havana, af Ström crafts a gritty tale of justice, survival, and pure emotional defiance.
Why is this book a Must-Read?
Brilliant Execution: The prose is incredibly sharp, cinematic, and unflinching, perfectly capturing the dark underbelly of a corrupt legal system.
Deeply Authentic: Written by a survivor of the justice system's ultimate failures, the story carries a profound sense of truth that elevates it far above standard fiction.
Compelling Characters: The emotional stakes are high, pulling readers directly into the complex minds of two broken souls forced to choose between the law and what is truly right.
Unstoppable Pacing: A masterfully engineered plot that balances high-intensity action with deeply moving moments, keeping readers completely hooked.
Johan af Ström’s personal experiences breathe authentic life into this noir thriller, turning it into one of the most powerful and impactful books of the year. If you are looking for a story with real weight, high stakes, and unforgettable tension, preorder Gloves Off (it would make a blockbuster of a movie).
5 stars from this reviewer, I am a professional editor, and I wouldn't change a word of this stellar novel."
— ★★★★★ J. Kromrie, Goodreads Reviewer (via NetGalley ARC)
"This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time—so gripping I didn’t want it to end.
Please consider turning it into a series.
The story follows boxer Marco Carreira, who is forced to return to Montreal after rebuilding his life in Havana, Cuba. Back in the city, undercover cop Valérie Rochefort learns he’s there.
At its core, the book explores the tension between what the law says, what justice demands, and what feels right.
This is an excellent read."
— ★★★★★ Kim Johnson, Goodreads Reviewer (via BookSirens ARC)
"This is not an easy read, with many French-Canadian slang terms throughout the book. But it is worth the effort.
As advertised, it is a gritty noir story of corruption and revenge. Boxer Marco Carreira has been the victim of a corrupt legal system in Montreal. Now living in Cuba, he is forced to return to Montreal 24 hours before a fight he has been training for. He has no hope of finding justice for the wrongs done to him. He is just trying to survive. But he still seeks justice.
I liked Marco. He is sympathetic, and I liked his hard-earned views on life. I tried to like Valerie Rochefort, an undercover cop who is making Marco's life and task difficult, because of her personal struggles. But I could not get past the fact that she played a role in the injustice done to Marco.
There is plenty of suspense. And an ending that was very much in doubt."
— ★★★★ Raymond, Goodreads Reviewer (via BookSirens ARC)
"The reason this story gutted me and broke my heart- a child killed in an accident and the courts let the killer go because he was " upper crust " and had high potential!! The come back story from flat on his back in a hospital to a wheelchair to walking and getting his life back and payback.
This was an inspirational story with several small ones that build up to the end!! The Epstein and Diddy mention was timely, and tied to current topics in the story. Can this fighter make a win for himself (Marco) and Valerie with vigilante justice or go down in a bloodbath?? Gripping, gutwrenching, and riveting read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review."
— ★★★★★ Beverly, Goodreads Reviewer (via BookSirens ARC)
This book was a wonderful discovery, as I really enjoyed the pace of the plot. It felt like a captivating crime drama with undercover operations, a personal crusade to avenge the death of a close family member, a corrupt justice system, and organized crime.
I enjoyed how the author created a braided narrative where each chapter alternated between two main characters: Marco Carreira, a boxer who left Quebec to escape his old life and moved to Cuba, and Valérie Rochefort, an undercover cop who attempted to put Marco behind bars and is adamant about getting drug criminals off the street. The braided narrative and the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter contributed to the fast pace of the novel and kept me wanting to read more to find out what happened next.
I loved how the author weaved Cuban and Quebec culture throughout the book. I also loved the author's use of metaphors, painting a clear picture of what was trying to be conveyed. However, at times, I found the metaphors missed the mark, feeling a bit "forced" or the idea unfinished.
I will definitely pick up another book by this author again whenever I'm in the mood for fast-paced or lighter read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
— ★★★★ Amazon Reviewer