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Work Out #4
Crunch Time
When George Higgins agrees to help a soon-to-be-former professional football player rehearse for a guest appearance on a talk show, he doesn’t expect anything to come of it. To his surprise, Darren White shows up on time and actually makes an effort to learn from George. But Darren has definite problems; he can barely read and sounds awful when he speaks. Luckily, George is a teacher and Darren’s motivated. It’s crunch the first rehearsal for Talking Sports is looming, and Darren and George will have to work together if they want Darren’s guest appearance—and their budding relationship—to turn into a full-time gig.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2011
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237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 17, 2018
3/5
It was alright.
It was alright.
March 24, 2011
This is my favorite of the series so far. It managed to edge out Maddoc and Ivan's book for the top spot.
George is a cute guy who teaches fourth grade and is passionate about his work.
Darren is a soon to be ex-football player, injured in the prime of his career. He's got a chance to be the host for a sports show but Darren can barely read or write. That's where George comes in.
Right from the beginning I loved George. He's a little nerdy, pretty witty and loves being a teacher. What I loved most about George is the way he handles Darren. He refuses to back down from the big, hot football player, even when Darren barges in with his attitude. George lets Darren know that he'll help only if Darren really wants the help.
Darren stole my heart before he even came onto the scene. He's young and doesn't have enough education to write out his own checks. The scene at George's house where Darren reads the sixth grade book so that George can assess his skill level, just about broke my heart. Darren thinks he's stupid, only good at football and worthless if he can't play. Man I just wanted to squeeze him.
People have always thought Darren was good at football and beautiful but no one ever valued him for his mind. Everyone knew George was intelligent but never saw him as beautiful, and judge him negatively because he has a bad hip since birth.
George sees Darren for what's in his heart and his intelligence. Darren not only values George's intelligence but he loves his kind heart and his spirit. Darren also thinks George is a sexy little thing.
Both characters are so sweet and vulnerable that I couldn't help but love this book.
George is a cute guy who teaches fourth grade and is passionate about his work.
Darren is a soon to be ex-football player, injured in the prime of his career. He's got a chance to be the host for a sports show but Darren can barely read or write. That's where George comes in.
Right from the beginning I loved George. He's a little nerdy, pretty witty and loves being a teacher. What I loved most about George is the way he handles Darren. He refuses to back down from the big, hot football player, even when Darren barges in with his attitude. George lets Darren know that he'll help only if Darren really wants the help.
Darren stole my heart before he even came onto the scene. He's young and doesn't have enough education to write out his own checks. The scene at George's house where Darren reads the sixth grade book so that George can assess his skill level, just about broke my heart. Darren thinks he's stupid, only good at football and worthless if he can't play. Man I just wanted to squeeze him.
People have always thought Darren was good at football and beautiful but no one ever valued him for his mind. Everyone knew George was intelligent but never saw him as beautiful, and judge him negatively because he has a bad hip since birth.
George sees Darren for what's in his heart and his intelligence. Darren not only values George's intelligence but he loves his kind heart and his spirit. Darren also thinks George is a sexy little thing.
Both characters are so sweet and vulnerable that I couldn't help but love this book.
August 2, 2016
2014 Re-read:
Very sweet, this story of a selfless teacher and a nearly illiterate ex-football-player. It’s encouraging and happy without going into unrealistic territory.
I so enjoy stories that have an actual story to them. Heh, a statement like that probably reveals a lot about my usual reading habits. This author may have some issues at times with making things exciting (or that dreadful, wooden style in his earlier works), but he always has something to communicate.
Very sweet, this story of a selfless teacher and a nearly illiterate ex-football-player. It’s encouraging and happy without going into unrealistic territory.
I so enjoy stories that have an actual story to them. Heh, a statement like that probably reveals a lot about my usual reading habits. This author may have some issues at times with making things exciting (or that dreadful, wooden style in his earlier works), but he always has something to communicate.
September 18, 2011
One of my favorite from the series!
I love how George and Darren lean on each other and help each other with their insecurities. Their relationship's so well-balanced :)
Fun and nice read!
I love how George and Darren lean on each other and help each other with their insecurities. Their relationship's so well-balanced :)
Fun and nice read!
June 30, 2018
I really love how George quickly sees Darren's strengths and works to help him identify what he needs. He is so supportive in helping Darren overcome his difficulties. I also live the way that Darren finds to pay George back at the end of the story. Darren shows a lot of growth through the story.
May 7, 2017
Hoopla
April 28, 2011
I'm scarred, I'm scared, and I have nowhere else to turn.
Sounds kind of ominous. For Darren White, life is scary. He's got a secret and if the world finds out, he'll be toast. Lucky for him there's George and this crazy little thing called love.
When I open a book by Andrew Grey, I know I'll be entertained. The dialogue is witty and flows well. The descriptions are exciting and drew me right into the story. Oh, and then there are the characters. Mr. Grey writes characters the reader won't soon forget. I haven't. I came into the story wanting a good time, with a little heart-string pulling, and I got so much more.
Darren is a guy I couldn't help but root for. I won't give away any secrets, but the guy's got a lot going on and he's overwhelmed. He's realistic which is relatable. He's like guys I know--clumsy with emotion, but when he's got game, he's got game. And then there's George. I taught school for a while, so I quickly identified with him--trying to make the best of what life's handed him and still make a difference with the fourth graders he teaches. Reading about him made me smile often. I have to give him props for patience. Being a teacher, he's got the patience of a saint anyway, but I liked how he was kind without being pompous with Darren.
And when these two men get together for more than a chat over coffee? The pages sizzled. I immensely liked the build-up. Mr. Grey writes love scenes that aren't graphic but I can feel the emotion as if I were one of the players in the room. It's that intense.
If you want a read with equal parts heat and heart, you need to read Crunch Time. 4.5 cherries all the way.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Sounds kind of ominous. For Darren White, life is scary. He's got a secret and if the world finds out, he'll be toast. Lucky for him there's George and this crazy little thing called love.
When I open a book by Andrew Grey, I know I'll be entertained. The dialogue is witty and flows well. The descriptions are exciting and drew me right into the story. Oh, and then there are the characters. Mr. Grey writes characters the reader won't soon forget. I haven't. I came into the story wanting a good time, with a little heart-string pulling, and I got so much more.
Darren is a guy I couldn't help but root for. I won't give away any secrets, but the guy's got a lot going on and he's overwhelmed. He's realistic which is relatable. He's like guys I know--clumsy with emotion, but when he's got game, he's got game. And then there's George. I taught school for a while, so I quickly identified with him--trying to make the best of what life's handed him and still make a difference with the fourth graders he teaches. Reading about him made me smile often. I have to give him props for patience. Being a teacher, he's got the patience of a saint anyway, but I liked how he was kind without being pompous with Darren.
And when these two men get together for more than a chat over coffee? The pages sizzled. I immensely liked the build-up. Mr. Grey writes love scenes that aren't graphic but I can feel the emotion as if I were one of the players in the room. It's that intense.
If you want a read with equal parts heat and heart, you need to read Crunch Time. 4.5 cherries all the way.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
December 18, 2012
Ahhh - this was my favorite book of the series. Books 1-3 were so similar, I almost stopped reading the series, but this book did break the mold. George is a 4th grade teacher and is great at it. When Lonnie, yes, Lonnie the annoying big-mouth, asks George to help a friend, he isn't sure what he's signing up for. He's surprised when he finds out that a Philadelphia Eagle player has been permanently injured and needs help to prepare for a job as a TV show host. When he finds out that Darren struggles with reading and barely struggled through school, coasting on his football player status, George has his work cut out for him. I really, really, enjoyed this book. It has some serious topics and wasn't just about guys checking out each other in the gym like the previous books. I really liked both George and Darren and unlike the first books in the series, I could really feel their connection build. I also adored the ending.
Additionally, like the first book, this book showed me glimpses of the Lonnie that I liked. Someone who really cares about his friends. This book is the reason I kept reading this series and didn't quit.
I'm not sure if this is truly a 5 star book, I think I may have given it 5 stars simply because I was surprised at how much better it was than the rest of the series.
Additionally, like the first book, this book showed me glimpses of the Lonnie that I liked. Someone who really cares about his friends. This book is the reason I kept reading this series and didn't quit.
I'm not sure if this is truly a 5 star book, I think I may have given it 5 stars simply because I was surprised at how much better it was than the rest of the series.
April 21, 2011
3.5 Stars
George is a teacher who's friend Lonnie (from the other books) asks him to help one of his clients, Darren, a football star whose blown his knee, prepare for a guest spot as a host on a sports show. Darren is typical of sports celebs who've been catered to their whole lives, and then George discovers he can't read which is going to make the job thing nearly impossible. Once he busts through Darren's bravado and gets him diagnosed as dyslexic, they work toward helping him adjust to life outside of football. Of course they start a relationship despite the natural insecurity about homophobia in football and even Darren's Dad who was all about his son being a man and playing sports. There are a few cameos by characters from the other books, mostly Lonnie and his rude and crude behaviour but his unfailing loyalty to his gay friends. A cute story that touched on a few subjects like pushing kids through school if they are sports stars, homophobia in sports and learning disabilities.
George is a teacher who's friend Lonnie (from the other books) asks him to help one of his clients, Darren, a football star whose blown his knee, prepare for a guest spot as a host on a sports show. Darren is typical of sports celebs who've been catered to their whole lives, and then George discovers he can't read which is going to make the job thing nearly impossible. Once he busts through Darren's bravado and gets him diagnosed as dyslexic, they work toward helping him adjust to life outside of football. Of course they start a relationship despite the natural insecurity about homophobia in football and even Darren's Dad who was all about his son being a man and playing sports. There are a few cameos by characters from the other books, mostly Lonnie and his rude and crude behaviour but his unfailing loyalty to his gay friends. A cute story that touched on a few subjects like pushing kids through school if they are sports stars, homophobia in sports and learning disabilities.
March 18, 2011
For some reason I'm really drawn to this series. I think I like the short and to the point part of the story. All of the characters mesh really well together. Sadly we didn't get to see much of the other characters in the series :( . George was really likeable and caring in the way that he was there for Darren. Darren was a mess at the beginning and with alittle bit of help from George was able to get himself back together. If you have read the books before this and enjoyed them, then you will probably enjoy this one too! Happy Reading!
March 22, 2011
I really enjoyed Darren and George, I also like that you mentioned so of the other characters from previous books. I was really glad that Darren’s father did not go ballistic when he outted himself to him, and the character Lonnie I so enjoy him in each of these books. Can not wait for the next one, keep up the good work.
April 9, 2011
Read as part of my QGB Q2 Challenge, this book was recommended by NancyL. I am a bit biased in that I love anything this author writes. He takes an idea and is able to spin a yarn that is entertaining, sexy and relevant. This was a nice short read that tackled illiteracy. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to the next installment in the series.
January 19, 2014
I have a think for Andrew Grey books, and in my opinion this is his best from the 'Workout' series. Two great MCs and instead of using the strong/weak, or age difference, the author goes in a great direction. The charaters were believable and wonderfully written. I am not sure why, but I really like the supporting charaters in this series, and they are out in force. A great read.
April 9, 2014
Great story to continue with the series. None of these books are overly heavy but this one did have some real 'feels' to it. The guys were awesome. I love that George was a teacher and knew how to go about helping Darren so he could learn those things that I feel were 'stolen' from him when he was younger.
January 2, 2016
This is a fun series of novellas. Filled with different and unique personalities and stories.
The books can be read as stand-alone but they all take place around the same gym and other characters (mostly Dan and Lonnie from the first book) show up in the other stories but are not integral to the story line.
The books can be read as stand-alone but they all take place around the same gym and other characters (mostly Dan and Lonnie from the first book) show up in the other stories but are not integral to the story line.
January 12, 2021
This author's later work is more developed. There were so many times where the situation was set up for good pathos, good conflict, good development and it just wasn't satisfying enough. It was a sweet story but rushed through a lot of emotional parts that had good potential. I think the author has improved a lot in later books.
April 27, 2011
Well, at some point this month I read the story but forgot to write anything down for it. I just remember that it touched me because of the teacher catching the dyslexia theme. It just flowed really well. I think this one is now my favorite of the series. And Lonnie's still an ass. =)
June 1, 2011
...Crunch Time still treats us to Andrew Grey’s always high level of sexy storytelling and character development. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
June 9, 2015
I'm loving this Work Out series.....Andrew gives us such hot sweet characters you just fall in love with.....George helps Darren to read and get over his dyslexia so he can take a job he wants....They are perfec together and it was great that Darrens father didn't disapprove of him x
May 25, 2012
This was a nice continuation of the Work Out series.
March 20, 2011
A great story, I found it to be entertaining and fun. Seeing characters from previous books in the stories pop in for small cameos was a pleasure. I definitely recommend this book.
April 13, 2012
2.5 stars
March 24, 2012
Another great addition to the series, its super sweet and perfect for when I am in the mood for some light fluffy reads.
December 27, 2013
This is a worthy addition to a great series. The story is fairly simple, but pleasing nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romance with goodhearted characters.
August 19, 2014
A nice fluffy easy story. Quick read, too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews