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Mars Fitness #3
Pumped
Everest
Owen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events.
But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first.
Pumped is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract MM romance between a free-spirited personal trainer and his overbearing veterinarian brother-in-law. It is the third book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone.
Owen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events.
But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first.
Pumped is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract MM romance between a free-spirited personal trainer and his overbearing veterinarian brother-in-law. It is the third book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2025
54 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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February 15, 2025
Pumped #3 ARC Review
4.5
🤬😍 Haters/Idiots to Lovers
👬 Brothers-in-Law
🌧️☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
⚡❤️ Opposites Attract
🏠💔 Forced Proximity / Death of Close Family
🦄👑 Unicorn-Loving Princess
💖📈 Character/Emotional Growth
🔄 Dual POV
✅ Works as Standalone
🔥😤 UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension)
Before anything else, I have to say— Ivy is the real MVP of this book! Her love for unicorns 🦄, ice cream 🍦, and nuggets with ketchup is too cute. She's such a strong little girl, and she's lucky to have those amazing uncles. 🤍
I’ll admit, I grabbed this for the haters-to-lovers vibe without really checking out the blurb, so I was totally unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster in the first chapters. But honestly, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving this book, especially since Ripped (#1) didn’t hit as hard for me. The author’s come a long way, and this one totally won me over.
A devastating family tragedy forces Everest and Owen into close quarters, and it really gives the story some emotional weight. They claim to hate each other, but it's clear their tension comes from how drawn they are to each other. Everest, the stiff, responsible guy, and Owen, the fun-loving man-child, are the last two people you'd expect to be co-parents. But as they deal with their grief, their differences, and parenting, their friction turns into something deeper.
These tropes hit all the right notes for me, and the dynamic in the bedroom? Absolute perfection. Dominating, bossy bottoms are my weakness, and topping from the bottom? Chef’s kiss. They are super hot together, with that delicious tension between them. And that “such a god boy” almost incinerated me, because it’s the bottom saying to the top🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
It’s always like this with us. Hot. Scorching. Almost too much to bear. It’s like I’m dry kindling and he’s a lit match, and the second we touch, it’s a fucking inferno.
I loved seeing these total opposites come together to create a safe, loving space for Ivy. Watching them adjust to this new role and grow into something more was so rewarding. Everest and Owen's dynamic was tough at first, but honestly, it was adorable after a while—a total work in progress, with all the ups and downs that made their connection feel so real.
Oh god, this is great. I love annoying Owen almost as much as I love loving him. It’s what makes us work so well. We piss each other off, then we make it up to each other with some fucking hot sex. I never would’ve thought that a relationship could be like this—I never realized a relationship could be so serious and yet so fun.
Everest was so frustrating for half the book—selfish, impulsive, and totally useless when things got tough. I was about to slap some sense into him. And seriously, guys, at least wait until Ivy's asleep to grind or whatever… And please, no more twitching/winking holes!
Their banter was fun, but I was hoping the story would focus more on the grief at first. As it went on, though, their loss—and Ivy’s insecurities—took over, making things way more emotional. And i still donIt got beautifully heartbreaking with raw, teary moments. Everest and Owen spent more time fighting than processing their grief (or Ivy’s), which sometimes took away from the deeper impact. But in the end, it all hit hard in the best way. Their love for Ivy really makes this book for me. No matter how much they struggle, that love is the thing that holds everything together. Jeremy and Eden can rest easy because these crazy-in-love uncles got it!
We love you, Ivy-bear. More than anything in the world. You’re the most important person in our lives. I know we’re not your mommy and daddy, but—”(...)
But we love you more than anything in the world,” Owen finishes the sentence I couldn’t.(...)
“I love you too,” she whispers back to us, innocent and utterly precious.
“We’re a family,” I say. “We’re gonna stick together, ’kay?”
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
4.5
🤬😍 Haters/Idiots to Lovers
👬 Brothers-in-Law
🌧️☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
⚡❤️ Opposites Attract
🏠💔 Forced Proximity / Death of Close Family
🦄👑 Unicorn-Loving Princess
💖📈 Character/Emotional Growth
🔄 Dual POV
✅ Works as Standalone
🔥😤 UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension)
Before anything else, I have to say— Ivy is the real MVP of this book! Her love for unicorns 🦄, ice cream 🍦, and nuggets with ketchup is too cute. She's such a strong little girl, and she's lucky to have those amazing uncles. 🤍
I’ll admit, I grabbed this for the haters-to-lovers vibe without really checking out the blurb, so I was totally unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster in the first chapters. But honestly, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving this book, especially since Ripped (#1) didn’t hit as hard for me. The author’s come a long way, and this one totally won me over.
A devastating family tragedy forces Everest and Owen into close quarters, and it really gives the story some emotional weight. They claim to hate each other, but it's clear their tension comes from how drawn they are to each other. Everest, the stiff, responsible guy, and Owen, the fun-loving man-child, are the last two people you'd expect to be co-parents. But as they deal with their grief, their differences, and parenting, their friction turns into something deeper.
These tropes hit all the right notes for me, and the dynamic in the bedroom? Absolute perfection. Dominating, bossy bottoms are my weakness, and topping from the bottom? Chef’s kiss. They are super hot together, with that delicious tension between them. And that “such a god boy” almost incinerated me, because it’s the bottom saying to the top🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
It’s always like this with us. Hot. Scorching. Almost too much to bear. It’s like I’m dry kindling and he’s a lit match, and the second we touch, it’s a fucking inferno.
I loved seeing these total opposites come together to create a safe, loving space for Ivy. Watching them adjust to this new role and grow into something more was so rewarding. Everest and Owen's dynamic was tough at first, but honestly, it was adorable after a while—a total work in progress, with all the ups and downs that made their connection feel so real.
Oh god, this is great. I love annoying Owen almost as much as I love loving him. It’s what makes us work so well. We piss each other off, then we make it up to each other with some fucking hot sex. I never would’ve thought that a relationship could be like this—I never realized a relationship could be so serious and yet so fun.
Everest was so frustrating for half the book—selfish, impulsive, and totally useless when things got tough. I was about to slap some sense into him. And seriously, guys, at least wait until Ivy's asleep to grind or whatever… And please, no more twitching/winking holes!
Their banter was fun, but I was hoping the story would focus more on the grief at first. As it went on, though, their loss—and Ivy’s insecurities—took over, making things way more emotional. And i still donIt got beautifully heartbreaking with raw, teary moments. Everest and Owen spent more time fighting than processing their grief (or Ivy’s), which sometimes took away from the deeper impact. But in the end, it all hit hard in the best way. Their love for Ivy really makes this book for me. No matter how much they struggle, that love is the thing that holds everything together. Jeremy and Eden can rest easy because these crazy-in-love uncles got it!
We love you, Ivy-bear. More than anything in the world. You’re the most important person in our lives. I know we’re not your mommy and daddy, but—”(...)
But we love you more than anything in the world,” Owen finishes the sentence I couldn’t.(...)
“I love you too,” she whispers back to us, innocent and utterly precious.
“We’re a family,” I say. “We’re gonna stick together, ’kay?”
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
February 8, 2025
This was so good. I’m not going to lie, this one had me crying more than once, but I couldn’t put it down. These two couldn’t be more different, and start out completely hating each other which made it even hotter when they gave in to their feelings. The chemistry between Owen and Everest was smoking hot!
November 2, 2025
Rating: 3 ⭐
ARC review
Pumped is the third and final book in the Mars Fitness series, and one I really anticipated since the author announced all the tropes for it.
Two men, Owen and Everest, who dislike each other are forced to be the new parental figures to their respective sibling's daughter, Ivy, after her parents died in a car accident. These topics are not easy to portrayed. Grief and parenthood are important and sensitive subjects that need great representation.
However, I'm greatly impressed by the author's words, and how she handled Owen and Everest's situation. It was a complicated journey; both men weren't ready for this challenge at first, especially since that would mean spending time with each other.
Their love was inevitable; they already knew that they were physically compatible. Indeed, years ago, they had an explosive one night stand. Their banter was really entertaining, and to see the differences between them was fun.
Owen and Everest are flawed characters; they made mistakes but they learned from them and from the other, to become better. Their moments with Ivy were heartwarming, and I loved to see them becoming the family they both deserved and needed. That doesn't mean I didn't have issues with both main characters. It was frustrating at first because the way they acted toward each other was simply not okay, especially in front of Ivy.
I think the character I had the most difficulties with was Everest, though. He was so childish and annoying the first chapters! I'm not ashamed to say I was team Owen in the beginning. You could see how hard he tried to make it work.
For instance, I didn't like how Everest acted as if Owen was the bad guy. I completely understand how it was a new thing for him but what do you mean, after an argument with Owen, you decide to leave the house to hang out with your friends in a club? It was something that really annoyed me. And who apologized? Owen. No fucking way. Not to mention, hooking up with someone was something Everest thought about but once he got in the club, he realized he wasn't in the right state of mind. Thank God!
Anyway, rant over. My issues with Everest stop there, I promise! He redeemed himself when he finally became aware that acting as a friend to Ivy wasn't the solution and became a pillar to Owen. Plus, I appreciated how Owen learned to be more lenient and less strict. He went from being an asshole to a gentle and vulnerable man. At the end, they both balanced each other.
Overall, I loved Owen and Everest's story; it made me emotional quite a few times. On a spicy note, I really liked their dynamic. The younger top/older bottom trope will always be superior to me, and the fact that it was Owen who call the shots was so hot (or when he called Everest a good boy)!
Safety warnings:
After their one night stand, they didn't stay celibate. The OM drama was more on Everest's side. At the beginning, Everest tried to hook up with a guy but stopped after he got a call from Ivy's babysitter. Later in the book, after an argument with Owen, he hung out with his friends in a club (to relieve some stress), but he quickly realized Owen was the only one he was interested in. No more OM drama after this. Once they rekindled their relationship, Everest was very faithful to Owen.
ARC review
Pumped is the third and final book in the Mars Fitness series, and one I really anticipated since the author announced all the tropes for it.
Two men, Owen and Everest, who dislike each other are forced to be the new parental figures to their respective sibling's daughter, Ivy, after her parents died in a car accident. These topics are not easy to portrayed. Grief and parenthood are important and sensitive subjects that need great representation.
However, I'm greatly impressed by the author's words, and how she handled Owen and Everest's situation. It was a complicated journey; both men weren't ready for this challenge at first, especially since that would mean spending time with each other.
Their love was inevitable; they already knew that they were physically compatible. Indeed, years ago, they had an explosive one night stand. Their banter was really entertaining, and to see the differences between them was fun.
Owen and Everest are flawed characters; they made mistakes but they learned from them and from the other, to become better. Their moments with Ivy were heartwarming, and I loved to see them becoming the family they both deserved and needed. That doesn't mean I didn't have issues with both main characters. It was frustrating at first because the way they acted toward each other was simply not okay, especially in front of Ivy.
I think the character I had the most difficulties with was Everest, though. He was so childish and annoying the first chapters! I'm not ashamed to say I was team Owen in the beginning. You could see how hard he tried to make it work.
For instance, I didn't like how Everest acted as if Owen was the bad guy. I completely understand how it was a new thing for him but what do you mean, after an argument with Owen, you decide to leave the house to hang out with your friends in a club? It was something that really annoyed me. And who apologized? Owen. No fucking way. Not to mention, hooking up with someone was something Everest thought about but once he got in the club, he realized he wasn't in the right state of mind. Thank God!
Anyway, rant over. My issues with Everest stop there, I promise! He redeemed himself when he finally became aware that acting as a friend to Ivy wasn't the solution and became a pillar to Owen. Plus, I appreciated how Owen learned to be more lenient and less strict. He went from being an asshole to a gentle and vulnerable man. At the end, they both balanced each other.
Overall, I loved Owen and Everest's story; it made me emotional quite a few times. On a spicy note, I really liked their dynamic. The younger top/older bottom trope will always be superior to me, and the fact that it was Owen who call the shots was so hot (or when he called Everest a good boy)!
Safety warnings:
After their one night stand, they didn't stay celibate. The OM drama was more on Everest's side. At the beginning, Everest tried to hook up with a guy but stopped after he got a call from Ivy's babysitter. Later in the book, after an argument with Owen, he hung out with his friends in a club (to relieve some stress), but he quickly realized Owen was the only one he was interested in. No more OM drama after this. Once they rekindled their relationship, Everest was very faithful to Owen.
February 19, 2025
"𝙳𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠? 𝙳𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝? 𝙸 𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎."
Owen and Everest have a long-held animosity towards one another that has been years in the making. Unfortunately for them, their respective siblings are happily married, which means they have no choice but to be in each other's lives. They also happen to share the cutest little niece Ivy, whom they both adore. None of them ever expected the tragedy ahead which would take their beloved siblings from them too soon, leaving Ivy without parents. They really didn't expect to be chosen to raise her together, especially given their history.
I have to give Everest credit. He's the one who Owen always thought was immature and flighty, but he was absolutely resolute that he was going to step up for his niece. He put a lot of effort into trying to be the best parent to her, while also taking into consideration Ivy's feelings. She's a 6-year-old who just lost her parents. Kids that age are tough as it is, never mind one who is grieving the loss of the two most important people in her life.
Owen was more reluctant, but no less dedicated to Ivy. He was the stricter parent and he often clashed with Everest's less strict approach. He also was used to keeping his emotions under wraps, so to everyone else he comes off much colder than he truly is. These two stumbled a lot before they got their footing. Anybody thrown into this situation would. Learning to compromise and letting go of his control over everything was not something Owen was used to doing. Everest was used to his bachelor lifestyle and now he had two people he had to consider in his life. It was an adjustment for sure, at least until they added some sex into the mix.
"𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚜 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚗𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝."
These MCs were pretty opposite, but I think that is exactly what worked about them. Owen needed someone to convince him to relax once in a while. Everest needed a strong shoulder to lean on when his emotions got the best of him. They were all grieving, but the loss of their siblings led them to creating a beautiful and loving family in the end.
Owen and Everest have a long-held animosity towards one another that has been years in the making. Unfortunately for them, their respective siblings are happily married, which means they have no choice but to be in each other's lives. They also happen to share the cutest little niece Ivy, whom they both adore. None of them ever expected the tragedy ahead which would take their beloved siblings from them too soon, leaving Ivy without parents. They really didn't expect to be chosen to raise her together, especially given their history.
I have to give Everest credit. He's the one who Owen always thought was immature and flighty, but he was absolutely resolute that he was going to step up for his niece. He put a lot of effort into trying to be the best parent to her, while also taking into consideration Ivy's feelings. She's a 6-year-old who just lost her parents. Kids that age are tough as it is, never mind one who is grieving the loss of the two most important people in her life.
Owen was more reluctant, but no less dedicated to Ivy. He was the stricter parent and he often clashed with Everest's less strict approach. He also was used to keeping his emotions under wraps, so to everyone else he comes off much colder than he truly is. These two stumbled a lot before they got their footing. Anybody thrown into this situation would. Learning to compromise and letting go of his control over everything was not something Owen was used to doing. Everest was used to his bachelor lifestyle and now he had two people he had to consider in his life. It was an adjustment for sure, at least until they added some sex into the mix.
"𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚜 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚗𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝."
These MCs were pretty opposite, but I think that is exactly what worked about them. Owen needed someone to convince him to relax once in a while. Everest needed a strong shoulder to lean on when his emotions got the best of him. They were all grieving, but the loss of their siblings led them to creating a beautiful and loving family in the end.
February 22, 2025
Well here we are , Back to Mars Fitness,
“There’s always a stash in there. I grab them from the giant fishbowls in the locker room at Mars.” Owen stares at me in disbelief. “Your workplace has giant fishbowls filled with lube?” “Yeah. Condoms too. We take safe sex very seriously. What’s wrong with that?” Owen rolls his eyes as he scrambles off the bed to dig through my duffel. “Your work is weird.”
This is the perfect description of the gym 🤣
This book is the third in the series,Enemies to lovers
Owen and Everest had a Hot one night stand 8 years earlier at Owen’s brothers Bachelor party.
I think the whole hate thing Owen had for Everest was stupid, there was no logical reason !
So we meet Everest. Eden is his big sister, always looking out for him, always on his side. Oh man , reading this I was like don’t get me attached when I know what’s going to happen 😭
Owen has an equally close relationship with Jeremy , his big brother. His hero and best friend. Jeremy and Eden are married with 6 year old Ivy.
Ahh it was so hard and angsty reading this.
A snapshot of Eden and Jeremy- their happy family life, perfect wedded bliss all seen through Everests filtered view.
It’s so sad, everyone’s in grief and have different ways of handling and coping in the situation.
Owen is responsible, and comes across as arrogant. He views Everest as a man-child. Everest is the sunshine charming character , who feels things strongly.
Jeremy and Edens Will states Owen and Everest as Ivy guardians much to everyone’s shock.
These two intensely dislike each other but also are strongly attracted to one another.
Co parenting brings them together and they fall in love.
“Now you say it back to me. I love you. You can do it. I believe in you.” His brow furrows but his bottom lip quivers. “Fuck you,” he murmurs with way more affection than the actual words let on. “Close! You got one of the three! Let’s try again! I. Love. You.” I give his cheeks a squeeze for encouragement.
“I love you, you fucker. Is that what you want to hear? I fucking love you and it’s driving me fucking crazy.”
Ah it’s so refreshing to read a book where the main characters become instant parents and there’s no evil grandparents or other relatives fighting custody . Their families are all just loving and grieving.
This was definitely my favourite book of the series.
I do want to find Logan’s book , if he has one . 🤔
“There’s always a stash in there. I grab them from the giant fishbowls in the locker room at Mars.” Owen stares at me in disbelief. “Your workplace has giant fishbowls filled with lube?” “Yeah. Condoms too. We take safe sex very seriously. What’s wrong with that?” Owen rolls his eyes as he scrambles off the bed to dig through my duffel. “Your work is weird.”
This is the perfect description of the gym 🤣
This book is the third in the series,Enemies to lovers
Owen and Everest had a Hot one night stand 8 years earlier at Owen’s brothers Bachelor party.
I think the whole hate thing Owen had for Everest was stupid, there was no logical reason !
So we meet Everest. Eden is his big sister, always looking out for him, always on his side. Oh man , reading this I was like don’t get me attached when I know what’s going to happen 😭
Owen has an equally close relationship with Jeremy , his big brother. His hero and best friend. Jeremy and Eden are married with 6 year old Ivy.
Ahh it was so hard and angsty reading this.
A snapshot of Eden and Jeremy- their happy family life, perfect wedded bliss all seen through Everests filtered view.
It’s so sad, everyone’s in grief and have different ways of handling and coping in the situation.
Owen is responsible, and comes across as arrogant. He views Everest as a man-child. Everest is the sunshine charming character , who feels things strongly.
Jeremy and Edens Will states Owen and Everest as Ivy guardians much to everyone’s shock.
These two intensely dislike each other but also are strongly attracted to one another.
Co parenting brings them together and they fall in love.
“Now you say it back to me. I love you. You can do it. I believe in you.” His brow furrows but his bottom lip quivers. “Fuck you,” he murmurs with way more affection than the actual words let on. “Close! You got one of the three! Let’s try again! I. Love. You.” I give his cheeks a squeeze for encouragement.
“I love you, you fucker. Is that what you want to hear? I fucking love you and it’s driving me fucking crazy.”
Ah it’s so refreshing to read a book where the main characters become instant parents and there’s no evil grandparents or other relatives fighting custody . Their families are all just loving and grieving.
This was definitely my favourite book of the series.
I do want to find Logan’s book , if he has one . 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
Pumped is book three in the Mars Fitness series. This enemies to lovers MM romance story is about Everest and Owen.
Everest is a personal trainer and Owen is a veterinarian. They are complete opposites and can’t stand each other. Everest thinks Owen is an uptight, arrogant ahole and Owen thinks Everest is an unreliable man child. Everest’s sister is married to Owen’s brother, so they tolerate being around each other for the sake of their siblings. When tragedy strikes, Everest and Owen are given custody of their six year old niece, Ivy.
The loss of Everest and Owen’s siblings and Ivy’s parents was heartbreaking. Now living together, they have to navigate their grief along with raising a child. We see Everest and Owen struggle, especially when their parenting techniques differ. But things eventually start changing, and Everest and Owen find a balance. They wear down each other’s defenses. And when they give into the sexual tension, it is explosive. Their feelings get involved and we see their relationship evolve into so much more.
This was definitely an emotional story filled with many ups and downs. But in the end, seeing Everest, Owen and Ivy become a family was so heartwarming and beautiful. This book has become my favorite in the series and I can’t recommend it enough.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Everest is a personal trainer and Owen is a veterinarian. They are complete opposites and can’t stand each other. Everest thinks Owen is an uptight, arrogant ahole and Owen thinks Everest is an unreliable man child. Everest’s sister is married to Owen’s brother, so they tolerate being around each other for the sake of their siblings. When tragedy strikes, Everest and Owen are given custody of their six year old niece, Ivy.
The loss of Everest and Owen’s siblings and Ivy’s parents was heartbreaking. Now living together, they have to navigate their grief along with raising a child. We see Everest and Owen struggle, especially when their parenting techniques differ. But things eventually start changing, and Everest and Owen find a balance. They wear down each other’s defenses. And when they give into the sexual tension, it is explosive. Their feelings get involved and we see their relationship evolve into so much more.
This was definitely an emotional story filled with many ups and downs. But in the end, seeing Everest, Owen and Ivy become a family was so heartwarming and beautiful. This book has become my favorite in the series and I can’t recommend it enough.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
February 1, 2025
I should have expected this one to be emotional but it somehow it hit me harder than I was prepared for.
Owen and Everest are thrown together after they’re given custody of their niece when her parents die in a car crash. Having had a night together 8 years previously, Owen and Everest have clashed constantly since so the task of raising Ivy together starts off very rocky.
Grumpy, always-in-control Owen goes into it as the ‘bad cop’ while Everest, the fun uncle plays ‘good cop’ giving in to Ivy’s requests of ice cream and no school.
Everest slowly breaks down Owen defences and they find some peace before they give into the sexual tension.
This is SO good, I loved the way that the three of them became a little family, through all of their trauma, losing their siblings, and Ivy her parents. Owen and Everest complimented each other, Everest softened Owen and showed him that he doesn’t have to do everything by himself and it’s ok to ask for help and rely on other people. While, Owen grounded Everest and gave him solid foundations.
*Thank you Linden for the ARC*
Owen and Everest are thrown together after they’re given custody of their niece when her parents die in a car crash. Having had a night together 8 years previously, Owen and Everest have clashed constantly since so the task of raising Ivy together starts off very rocky.
Grumpy, always-in-control Owen goes into it as the ‘bad cop’ while Everest, the fun uncle plays ‘good cop’ giving in to Ivy’s requests of ice cream and no school.
Everest slowly breaks down Owen defences and they find some peace before they give into the sexual tension.
This is SO good, I loved the way that the three of them became a little family, through all of their trauma, losing their siblings, and Ivy her parents. Owen and Everest complimented each other, Everest softened Owen and showed him that he doesn’t have to do everything by himself and it’s ok to ask for help and rely on other people. While, Owen grounded Everest and gave him solid foundations.
*Thank you Linden for the ARC*
February 16, 2025
Owen and Everest have always gotten on like oil and water—except for the one night they didn’t 😏 Both finding it easier to hide the intense attraction they have for each other under a thick layer of animosity and hatred.
But then the unthinkable happens, and the brother-in-laws are thrust into the world of parenthood when it’s revealed that they have been chosen to share custody of their young niece, Ivy.
Now having to share close quarters, the tension and animosity between them finally bubbles over, as they navigate how to raise their niece and come to terms with their feelings for each other.
I went into Pumped blind, and did not at all expect the emotional rollercoaster Owen and Everest’s story took me on. Both go through so much growth as they finally get over themselves and come together to build a family, and balance each other out so well.
- brother-in-laws
- hate to love
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine
- opposites attract
But then the unthinkable happens, and the brother-in-laws are thrust into the world of parenthood when it’s revealed that they have been chosen to share custody of their young niece, Ivy.
Now having to share close quarters, the tension and animosity between them finally bubbles over, as they navigate how to raise their niece and come to terms with their feelings for each other.
I went into Pumped blind, and did not at all expect the emotional rollercoaster Owen and Everest’s story took me on. Both go through so much growth as they finally get over themselves and come together to build a family, and balance each other out so well.
- brother-in-laws
- hate to love
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine
- opposites attract
July 2, 2025
Tropes: forced proximity, dislike to love, hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, kidfic
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: death of minor characters, injury, the fears of being a parent, grief
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: 8 years ago at a bachelor party they hooked up. Their siblings got married and they've interacted since, but it was just a one-night stand. They both were with lots of others between that first hookup and now. But when they get together now, neither of them are with anyone else.
3.5 stars
8 years ago they had a one night stand at the bachelor party of Owen's brother, who was marrying Everest's sister. Since then they have disliked one another fiercely and they haven't gotten along. But now, Jeremy and Eden tragically have passed away in a car accident and they are given joint custody of the six-year-old daughter Ivy. Everyone is struggling with their grief, and Owen and Everest are trying to be a family for Ivy. With them being in close proximity, they feel that attraction again and they grow closer emotionally because they are relying on each other as co-parents. In the present, Everest is 29 and Owen is a few years older. Everest is a free-spirited personal trainer / fitness instructor at a gym. Owen is a tightly wound veterinarian.
This book was okay. It was emotional, so it had that going for it. There was a lot of grief and a lot of parenting angst. But I wasn't a huge fan of Owen and Everest as a couple, I felt like they didn't feel enough for each other. They didn't care enough about each other to try to be anything when they first hooked up 8 years ago. And then they only really got together because it was convenient and they were forced to rely on each other. To me it seems like they appreciated how useful the other person was to them more than they loved them for who they were, though it's a bit of a fuzzy line, what came first the chicken or the egg. It was a love of convenience more than a true love match, though they were compatible and made each other better together. Disappointing from a romance perspective.
Some notable moments:
"“There was some lawyer thing this morning, right?” I nodded. “They gave me custody of Ivy.” Beau tilts his head. “Please tell me Ivy is the name of a motorcycle. Or maybe a plant?” I roll my eyes. “Ivy is my niece.” “Your human niece?” I snort. “Yes, very human. Six years old.” Beau looks pained as he speaks again. “Uh, no offense or anything, but… why would they do that?”"
"Owen tugs on one end of her noodle, pulling her in front of him so he can hide behind her. “Come and get me!” Owen calls to me, throwing my own words back in my face. “Ivy’s going to protect me, aren’t you?” “No!” Ivy squeals in delight as I swim toward them. I try to go around her, but Owen swings in the opposite direction, using the two ends of Ivy’s pool noodle to keep her between us. “Stop using our niece as a human shield!” I shout, trailing after them as Owen leads us around the pool."
"This is Ivy’s first birthday without her mom and dad, so Owen is determined to make it the most epic birthday party of the year. It’s actually kind of out of control. He ordered a bouncy castle for the backyard, a magician, a balloon person-dude, and a live band. There are two sets of everything—caterers, gift bags, open bars—one for the kids and the other for the parents. I’m not usually one to balk at how much we’re spending, but honestly… I’m too scared to ask."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: death of minor characters, injury, the fears of being a parent, grief
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: 8 years ago at a bachelor party they hooked up. Their siblings got married and they've interacted since, but it was just a one-night stand. They both were with lots of others between that first hookup and now. But when they get together now, neither of them are with anyone else.
3.5 stars
8 years ago they had a one night stand at the bachelor party of Owen's brother, who was marrying Everest's sister. Since then they have disliked one another fiercely and they haven't gotten along. But now, Jeremy and Eden tragically have passed away in a car accident and they are given joint custody of the six-year-old daughter Ivy. Everyone is struggling with their grief, and Owen and Everest are trying to be a family for Ivy. With them being in close proximity, they feel that attraction again and they grow closer emotionally because they are relying on each other as co-parents. In the present, Everest is 29 and Owen is a few years older. Everest is a free-spirited personal trainer / fitness instructor at a gym. Owen is a tightly wound veterinarian.
This book was okay. It was emotional, so it had that going for it. There was a lot of grief and a lot of parenting angst. But I wasn't a huge fan of Owen and Everest as a couple, I felt like they didn't feel enough for each other. They didn't care enough about each other to try to be anything when they first hooked up 8 years ago. And then they only really got together because it was convenient and they were forced to rely on each other. To me it seems like they appreciated how useful the other person was to them more than they loved them for who they were, though it's a bit of a fuzzy line, what came first the chicken or the egg. It was a love of convenience more than a true love match, though they were compatible and made each other better together. Disappointing from a romance perspective.
Some notable moments:
"“There was some lawyer thing this morning, right?” I nodded. “They gave me custody of Ivy.” Beau tilts his head. “Please tell me Ivy is the name of a motorcycle. Or maybe a plant?” I roll my eyes. “Ivy is my niece.” “Your human niece?” I snort. “Yes, very human. Six years old.” Beau looks pained as he speaks again. “Uh, no offense or anything, but… why would they do that?”"
"Owen tugs on one end of her noodle, pulling her in front of him so he can hide behind her. “Come and get me!” Owen calls to me, throwing my own words back in my face. “Ivy’s going to protect me, aren’t you?” “No!” Ivy squeals in delight as I swim toward them. I try to go around her, but Owen swings in the opposite direction, using the two ends of Ivy’s pool noodle to keep her between us. “Stop using our niece as a human shield!” I shout, trailing after them as Owen leads us around the pool."
"This is Ivy’s first birthday without her mom and dad, so Owen is determined to make it the most epic birthday party of the year. It’s actually kind of out of control. He ordered a bouncy castle for the backyard, a magician, a balloon person-dude, and a live band. There are two sets of everything—caterers, gift bags, open bars—one for the kids and the other for the parents. I’m not usually one to balk at how much we’re spending, but honestly… I’m too scared to ask."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: forced proximity, opposites attract, hate to love
Pumped ended up being a lot more emotional than I expected, with some great hate to love, forced proximity and hurt / comfort!
Owen and Everest were complete opposites and they really couldn't stand each other for quite a bit of the story. They were frustrating in their own ways, and the assumptions they had about one another didn't help at all. There was so much tension between them, and they were certainly not the best at healthy communicating initially. I wished several times that I could have shaken a little sense into them...
It was interesting to see them navigate their new situation and how they approached parenthood and the extra responsibility they suddenly had. There were several scenes that had me tearing up, and their story was quite the emotional rollercoaster. The loss and grief was heavy, and the feelings Owen and Everest had for each other were a lot as well.
I loved the tension and chemistry they had between them, and from their previous hookup it was evident that they were attracted to each other - even if they’d never admit to it. The feelings between them were well written and their journey from barely being able to be in the same room to lovers was full of ups and downs. Owen's dominance was very hot though, and their dynamic felt very natural once they became a couple.
Pumped was a great conclusion to the Mars Fitness series, and I loved seeing Owen and Everest figure things out. Despite their rough start, they had some very sweet and romantic moments together, and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together for them and their little family.
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: forced proximity, opposites attract, hate to love
Pumped ended up being a lot more emotional than I expected, with some great hate to love, forced proximity and hurt / comfort!
Owen and Everest were complete opposites and they really couldn't stand each other for quite a bit of the story. They were frustrating in their own ways, and the assumptions they had about one another didn't help at all. There was so much tension between them, and they were certainly not the best at healthy communicating initially. I wished several times that I could have shaken a little sense into them...
It was interesting to see them navigate their new situation and how they approached parenthood and the extra responsibility they suddenly had. There were several scenes that had me tearing up, and their story was quite the emotional rollercoaster. The loss and grief was heavy, and the feelings Owen and Everest had for each other were a lot as well.
I loved the tension and chemistry they had between them, and from their previous hookup it was evident that they were attracted to each other - even if they’d never admit to it. The feelings between them were well written and their journey from barely being able to be in the same room to lovers was full of ups and downs. Owen's dominance was very hot though, and their dynamic felt very natural once they became a couple.
Pumped was a great conclusion to the Mars Fitness series, and I loved seeing Owen and Everest figure things out. Despite their rough start, they had some very sweet and romantic moments together, and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together for them and their little family.
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 24, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Pumped is the third and final book in Linden Bell’s Mars Fitness series. Everest works at the gym and we see him occasionally at work or hanging out with some of his friends from Mars, but this story stands alone well and you could easily jump in here. This one is really focused on the family Owen and Everest are building and so the storyline works just fine on its own.
Overall, I have enjoyed this series and it was a great introduction to Bell’s work. I have picked up some of the author’s other books as well after starting this series, and I really like their writing style. If you are looking for an engaging contemporary series, I would recommend Mars Fitness.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Pumped is the third and final book in Linden Bell’s Mars Fitness series. Everest works at the gym and we see him occasionally at work or hanging out with some of his friends from Mars, but this story stands alone well and you could easily jump in here. This one is really focused on the family Owen and Everest are building and so the storyline works just fine on its own.
Overall, I have enjoyed this series and it was a great introduction to Bell’s work. I have picked up some of the author’s other books as well after starting this series, and I really like their writing style. If you are looking for an engaging contemporary series, I would recommend Mars Fitness.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 31, 2025
Arc Review
Oh Linden, this book is just phenomenal.
Everest Wheeler is on his soon to be Brother-in-law Jeremy’s bachelor party in Vegas, and is having a great time, until he spots Owen Lambert (Jeremy’s uptight brother), who thinks he is better than everyone. Owen thinks Ev is a man child, and hates everything about him. So, if they hate each other, why do they spend the night togetehr and both have the best night of their lives?
Eden (Everest’s sister), and Jeremy, have been happily married for years, and have a six year old daughter Ivy. One night tragedy strikes, and forces both Everest and Owen to work together to protect and bring up their niece, Ivy. Even though they still loathe each other.
This book broke my heart in the first few chapters (many tissues were used).
Linden Bell has surpassed herself with this book. I have adored her Mars Fitness series so far but this is on another level. The way the characters are described and grow is flawless, they are total opposites in the way they grieve, but both still hurt, and are so relatable.
Ivy is possibly one of the best characters I have read, being only six she commands the book. Her emotions are described spot on.
Ev and Owen are true enemies and hate everything about each other, but when hate is as powerful as love, is it easy to switch for them both?
For a short time I wanted to punch Owen, but I gradually fell in love with him. Ev was loveable from the start. The way they adapt to each other, and their new normal is nothing short of wonderful, and that is all down to Linden’s writing.
Everyone should read this book, it is incredible. Easily one of my favourites of the year.
“He’s my safety net, my life preserver in this scary, terrifying world. He gives me strength and courage, even when I didn't realise I needed it. He fixes my mistakes and makes sure everything is done right”.
Oh Linden, this book is just phenomenal.
Everest Wheeler is on his soon to be Brother-in-law Jeremy’s bachelor party in Vegas, and is having a great time, until he spots Owen Lambert (Jeremy’s uptight brother), who thinks he is better than everyone. Owen thinks Ev is a man child, and hates everything about him. So, if they hate each other, why do they spend the night togetehr and both have the best night of their lives?
Eden (Everest’s sister), and Jeremy, have been happily married for years, and have a six year old daughter Ivy. One night tragedy strikes, and forces both Everest and Owen to work together to protect and bring up their niece, Ivy. Even though they still loathe each other.
This book broke my heart in the first few chapters (many tissues were used).
Linden Bell has surpassed herself with this book. I have adored her Mars Fitness series so far but this is on another level. The way the characters are described and grow is flawless, they are total opposites in the way they grieve, but both still hurt, and are so relatable.
Ivy is possibly one of the best characters I have read, being only six she commands the book. Her emotions are described spot on.
Ev and Owen are true enemies and hate everything about each other, but when hate is as powerful as love, is it easy to switch for them both?
For a short time I wanted to punch Owen, but I gradually fell in love with him. Ev was loveable from the start. The way they adapt to each other, and their new normal is nothing short of wonderful, and that is all down to Linden’s writing.
Everyone should read this book, it is incredible. Easily one of my favourites of the year.
“He’s my safety net, my life preserver in this scary, terrifying world. He gives me strength and courage, even when I didn't realise I needed it. He fixes my mistakes and makes sure everything is done right”.
Want to read
March 2, 2025I checked this out! The push/pull is smoking, I love it lol.
Whenever Owen got mad, he actually did the mature thing & said sorry. Man, I kinda wanted Everest to stay mad more. Why's he so good 😩. He understands his gremlin lol.
Whenever Owen got mad, he actually did the mature thing & said sorry. Man, I kinda wanted Everest to stay mad more. Why's he so good 😩. He understands his gremlin lol.
February 12, 2025
**4.5**
Content warning for grief, dealing with the aftermath of losing siblings and becoming guardian of their six year old little girl.
Oh wow, what an emotional punch this book gives readers and the characters right from the start. It's a literal bang in the prologue before we move eight years to the present and a devastating event that brings Owen and Everest to being Ivy's guardians, together, whether they like it or not.
Enemies from the start, liking nothing about each other, it's a shock when they are told that Everest's sister and Owen's brother chose them as guardians. They can't stand being in the same room as each other, let alone living together and raising a child. It makes for tough reading in places as they both deal with their grief and also adjust to this whole new life situation.
Ivy is such a lovely little girl. Her grief is like a stale to the heart but both men step up, giving her the love and support she needs. Unfortunately, they have very different ideas of what she needs, especially in the moment. It takes a while for things to settle and then that simmering animosity/attraction really has a chance to ignite.
Owen and Everest may be like chalk and cheese but when they allow themselves to lower their walls, they see what they can offer each other and be stronger together, which is better for them all as a family.
It's an emotional ride of a read but I cannot recommend it enough! Linden has again brought heart and soul to their characters and the journey they go through to reach their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Content warning for grief, dealing with the aftermath of losing siblings and becoming guardian of their six year old little girl.
Oh wow, what an emotional punch this book gives readers and the characters right from the start. It's a literal bang in the prologue before we move eight years to the present and a devastating event that brings Owen and Everest to being Ivy's guardians, together, whether they like it or not.
Enemies from the start, liking nothing about each other, it's a shock when they are told that Everest's sister and Owen's brother chose them as guardians. They can't stand being in the same room as each other, let alone living together and raising a child. It makes for tough reading in places as they both deal with their grief and also adjust to this whole new life situation.
Ivy is such a lovely little girl. Her grief is like a stale to the heart but both men step up, giving her the love and support she needs. Unfortunately, they have very different ideas of what she needs, especially in the moment. It takes a while for things to settle and then that simmering animosity/attraction really has a chance to ignite.
Owen and Everest may be like chalk and cheese but when they allow themselves to lower their walls, they see what they can offer each other and be stronger together, which is better for them all as a family.
It's an emotional ride of a read but I cannot recommend it enough! Linden has again brought heart and soul to their characters and the journey they go through to reach their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
January 12, 2025
This is a Beta read, will add review once ARC is released
March 15, 2025
This is the most emotional book that I've read by this author. It was a bit different to the others in this series, but I loved it just as much.
Owen and Everest had hated each other their whole lives. They had had multiple encounters since Everest's sister was married to Owen's brother and when they die in a car accident they are forced to live together to raise their niece.
This novel was an emotional rollercoaster, with some funny moments that made me smile and a lot of teary situations. It was very hard for all of them to get used to the idea of their siblings and parents, respectively, passing away. Also, having to live together and make a new life from the start as a family.
I loved Owen, he was my favourite character. At the beginning he was uptight, too formal and very strict. He never showed his emotions and feelings, even when it was obvious he had a crush on Everest. It was all a facade, because he actually felt everything more intensely than most. He had built walls around him because his heart was too big to just give it away to anyone. Everest was the opposite, always wearing his heart on his sleeve and that made Owen finally open up to love and give himself to the other man. Owen became this possessive boyfriend over Everest and it was hot and sweet at the same time.
Once they got together it was magic. They all started to feel as a family and I loved seeing Ivy, their niece, slowly recovering from her loss thanks to her uncles. I just loved how things worked out eventually, and how the author showed their struggles mourning their loved ones while they were trying to raise a little girl.
Like I said, it was a very emotional read that touched my heart in the best way. Also, this was one of the best opposites attract trope I've read in a book. I loved this story very much, it was the last book in the Mars Fitness series but I think it made a beautiful ending to an amazing series.
Owen and Everest had hated each other their whole lives. They had had multiple encounters since Everest's sister was married to Owen's brother and when they die in a car accident they are forced to live together to raise their niece.
This novel was an emotional rollercoaster, with some funny moments that made me smile and a lot of teary situations. It was very hard for all of them to get used to the idea of their siblings and parents, respectively, passing away. Also, having to live together and make a new life from the start as a family.
I loved Owen, he was my favourite character. At the beginning he was uptight, too formal and very strict. He never showed his emotions and feelings, even when it was obvious he had a crush on Everest. It was all a facade, because he actually felt everything more intensely than most. He had built walls around him because his heart was too big to just give it away to anyone. Everest was the opposite, always wearing his heart on his sleeve and that made Owen finally open up to love and give himself to the other man. Owen became this possessive boyfriend over Everest and it was hot and sweet at the same time.
Once they got together it was magic. They all started to feel as a family and I loved seeing Ivy, their niece, slowly recovering from her loss thanks to her uncles. I just loved how things worked out eventually, and how the author showed their struggles mourning their loved ones while they were trying to raise a little girl.
Like I said, it was a very emotional read that touched my heart in the best way. Also, this was one of the best opposites attract trope I've read in a book. I loved this story very much, it was the last book in the Mars Fitness series but I think it made a beautiful ending to an amazing series.
February 21, 2025
I have absolutely loved the Mars Fitness series and all the guys in it and this book was no different!
Owen and Everest are the perfect enemies to lovers, enemies with benefits, grumpy x sunshine combo ever!
They are forced together to raise their niece Ivy when tragedy strikes their families. This book is heart wrenching in places but it deals with grief and loss really well. Little Ivy is the serious main character and she has a hell of a time bless her.
Both uncles are so different but when they are forced to live together to raise Ivy, they begin to see each differently. Owen is the perfect grumpy gremlin, while Everest is sunshine! Their story is lovely, their relationship is perfect for them and this book was delicious! And the spicy scenes were S-P-I-C-Y 🔥.
Owen’s a dominant bottom with the filthiest mouth and Everest is the submissive top with a praise kink. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Owen and Everest are the perfect enemies to lovers, enemies with benefits, grumpy x sunshine combo ever!
They are forced together to raise their niece Ivy when tragedy strikes their families. This book is heart wrenching in places but it deals with grief and loss really well. Little Ivy is the serious main character and she has a hell of a time bless her.
Both uncles are so different but when they are forced to live together to raise Ivy, they begin to see each differently. Owen is the perfect grumpy gremlin, while Everest is sunshine! Their story is lovely, their relationship is perfect for them and this book was delicious! And the spicy scenes were S-P-I-C-Y 🔥.
Owen’s a dominant bottom with the filthiest mouth and Everest is the submissive top with a praise kink. Thoroughly enjoyed!
![Profile Image for Nonagesimus Reads [Em].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1758685253i%2F164257338._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 25, 2025
I haven’t read the other books in the series so I can’t say how they compare.
This one is a lot sad at the beginning. It’s a lot of grief and sadness to handle at one time. Especially when one realizes how much it impacts a child. Like yes, this is about Owen and Everest. However, Ivy does have to deal with a lot as well. That being said, this was a solid read. I enjoyed the romance and how they grew closer to each other. Owen and Everest went from hating each other to falling in love and that’s so sweet. Genuinely, it was such a pleasure to show the story unfolded and they fell for each other. It was also wonderful to see how they raise Ivy and learn to be a family despite the loss they all have to deal with. This book has some good spice as well. Overall, a well done romance.
Thank you to the author and GRR for the ARC.
This one is a lot sad at the beginning. It’s a lot of grief and sadness to handle at one time. Especially when one realizes how much it impacts a child. Like yes, this is about Owen and Everest. However, Ivy does have to deal with a lot as well. That being said, this was a solid read. I enjoyed the romance and how they grew closer to each other. Owen and Everest went from hating each other to falling in love and that’s so sweet. Genuinely, it was such a pleasure to show the story unfolded and they fell for each other. It was also wonderful to see how they raise Ivy and learn to be a family despite the loss they all have to deal with. This book has some good spice as well. Overall, a well done romance.
Thank you to the author and GRR for the ARC.
March 19, 2025
“I’ve never been very comfortable expressing my emotions. They get too big, too unwieldy. Then people look at you differently, like you’re suddenly not the person they thought you were.”
This was so fucking good. And yes it made me cry several times 😭 this one didn’t lean as heavily into the Mars fitness world but it was still so good to see the guys show up for one of their own. They may be adverse to tiny humans but little Ivy had EVERYONE wrapped around her finger, as she should!
This was for sure a more bittersweet read compared to the other books in the series but honestly my fav so far. Owen and Everest’s chemistry was off the charts and they deserve the world. 🥹
**pls check TW**
This was so fucking good. And yes it made me cry several times 😭 this one didn’t lean as heavily into the Mars fitness world but it was still so good to see the guys show up for one of their own. They may be adverse to tiny humans but little Ivy had EVERYONE wrapped around her finger, as she should!
This was for sure a more bittersweet read compared to the other books in the series but honestly my fav so far. Owen and Everest’s chemistry was off the charts and they deserve the world. 🥹
**pls check TW**
February 26, 2025
4☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Everest, Owen
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Enemies to Lovers, Single Dad, Grumpy Sunshine, Nerd Jock.
No puedo creer que este sea el final de esta serie. Aunque este libro estuvo bastante bien, y fue super tierno y me saco lagrimas al inicio(Esa no la esperaba Linden eres cruel) siento que en parte dejo muy de lado la a Mars Fit ya que en los libros anteriores el gym tenia mucho que ver en la historia y no solo breves menciones como en este libro pero po todo lo demas ha sido una cosa bella de leer.
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Everest, Owen
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Enemies to Lovers, Single Dad, Grumpy Sunshine, Nerd Jock.
No puedo creer que este sea el final de esta serie. Aunque este libro estuvo bastante bien, y fue super tierno y me saco lagrimas al inicio(Esa no la esperaba Linden eres cruel) siento que en parte dejo muy de lado la a Mars Fit ya que en los libros anteriores el gym tenia mucho que ver en la historia y no solo breves menciones como en este libro pero po todo lo demas ha sido una cosa bella de leer.
March 2, 2025
Enemies to lovers masterfully done. This books explores the tumultuous experience of grief and sudden parenthood in brilliant detail, not shying away from the difficult moments that happen when parents and children are grieving together. The gradual fall into love is subtle, believable and beautiful as it comes together. Could not recommend more.
March 7, 2025
Owen and Everest ❤️
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Opposites
Omg!! This story absolutely broke my heart. I definitely shed some tears. I adored these two together, the relationship build was pretty much everything! It was sweet and hotter than hell! I would for sure recommend this book, it's the best in the series!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Opposites
Omg!! This story absolutely broke my heart. I definitely shed some tears. I adored these two together, the relationship build was pretty much everything! It was sweet and hotter than hell! I would for sure recommend this book, it's the best in the series!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
March 17, 2025
We all know that books centered around grief are hard and this one is no exception. It's very well portrayed here - how grief changes your whole life. I enjoyed this one, watching all the characters come to terms with what happened. Generally, I'm a big Linden Bell fan, so it's no surprise that I liked this one a lot 🩷
February 21, 2025
I really liked this book. The MCs are enemies and once they are forced to work together, their dynamic changes. I'm usually not into the raising a child trope, but in this story it was so good. Great read.
January 3, 2026
Not what I expected, so much better.
Honestly, I figured this book would have a bit of sadness and then go happily ever after. It was so much more than that. Kleenex serves more than one purpose in this book.
Honestly, I figured this book would have a bit of sadness and then go happily ever after. It was so much more than that. Kleenex serves more than one purpose in this book.
January 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Mar's Fitness #3
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Wow... This book had me in my feels. I was crying through a good portion of it. The grief and immense sadness could be felt. It left me with an ache in my heart for Owen, Everest and Ivy.
Owen and Everest were such a good pairing. So different from each other but softening the edges to each other. Owen wins the award for the bossiest bottom, and I was so here for it. While this was a love story between Owen and Everest, it was also a love letter to family and finding your people. Ivy was absolutely adorable and I felt for her. Being so tiny and having big emotions is hard to deal with and I felt like Linden wrote Ivy's story very well. Overall, this was a really good addition to the Mar's Fitness series. It's probably my favorite so far and I loved Sawyer and Preston in Stacked.
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Opposites Attract
• Forced Proximity
• Nerd/Jock
• Brothers-in-law
• Raising a kid together
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes (Coming February 23, 2025)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Mar's Fitness #3
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Wow... This book had me in my feels. I was crying through a good portion of it. The grief and immense sadness could be felt. It left me with an ache in my heart for Owen, Everest and Ivy.
Owen and Everest were such a good pairing. So different from each other but softening the edges to each other. Owen wins the award for the bossiest bottom, and I was so here for it. While this was a love story between Owen and Everest, it was also a love letter to family and finding your people. Ivy was absolutely adorable and I felt for her. Being so tiny and having big emotions is hard to deal with and I felt like Linden wrote Ivy's story very well. Overall, this was a really good addition to the Mar's Fitness series. It's probably my favorite so far and I loved Sawyer and Preston in Stacked.
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Opposites Attract
• Forced Proximity
• Nerd/Jock
• Brothers-in-law
• Raising a kid together
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes (Coming February 23, 2025)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
January 3, 2026
don’t be fooled by the cover, this book deals heavily with grief, found family, and hard fought love 😭
March 12, 2025
I had not read any of the Mars Fitness series before this, and it can be read as a standalone. (For the best reading though I highly recommend the other two books!) After finishing this I immediately went to start the series from the beginning (you will not be disappointed!)
This was SO GOOD. Enemies to Lovers with a really tragic start. I wasn't expecting this book to have me crying in the first couple of chapters, but here we are. Owen and Everest losing their siblings, and being named the guardians for their niece Ivy was just really heartbreaking. That poor baby girl. They are constantly butting heads and at odds with each other. The tension! I wanted to lock them in a room together and make them figure it out haha. It felt like such a breakthrough when they were finally accepting their attraction to each other and then suddenly it was like they were able to like, stop fighting at every turn. There was still so much to figure out with them and Ivy and I liked that it wasn't really drama between them, but more them learning to navigate their relation ship/ responsibility of caring for Ivy AND Ivy and her experience and grief. I thought it was such a great book.
it was a rocky road to HEA and seeing them come together for Ivy was totally worth it. While it was such a tragic event that brought them together, I am so glad they found their way together. This lil family is so full of love. I loved it
This was SO GOOD. Enemies to Lovers with a really tragic start. I wasn't expecting this book to have me crying in the first couple of chapters, but here we are. Owen and Everest losing their siblings, and being named the guardians for their niece Ivy was just really heartbreaking. That poor baby girl. They are constantly butting heads and at odds with each other. The tension! I wanted to lock them in a room together and make them figure it out haha. It felt like such a breakthrough when they were finally accepting their attraction to each other and then suddenly it was like they were able to like, stop fighting at every turn. There was still so much to figure out with them and Ivy and I liked that it wasn't really drama between them, but more them learning to navigate their relation ship/ responsibility of caring for Ivy AND Ivy and her experience and grief. I thought it was such a great book.
it was a rocky road to HEA and seeing them come together for Ivy was totally worth it. While it was such a tragic event that brought them together, I am so glad they found their way together. This lil family is so full of love. I loved it
February 13, 2025
Have you ever heard of cute aggression? Because to me, Owen is cute aggression personified. Or as Everest calls him, an overthinking grumpy gremlin.
I LOVED Pumped! I also just really love Linden Bell. I am so sad that the Mars Fitness series is over. I highly recommend EVERY book in her catalog. You don't have to read them in order. They stand great on their own.
Owen and Everest are opposites, and co-brothers-in-law? Their siblings are married to each other. If you love a story with ✨️a fine line between love and hate✨️, that's Everest and Owen. They're oil and water and so into each other and also simultaneously into hating each other.
When tragedy strikes and they are tasked with co-parenting their niece, we are looking at a forced proximity situation.
These two were absolutely ridiculous. I was also FIRMLY reminded why I never want(ed) kids.
It was heartbreaking watching Owen and Everest navigate grief, upheaval, becoming "new" parents, AND also manage to fall in love. It was just so much, and they were doing the best they could.
The spicy scenes were 🔥🔥🔥 and matched up well with each mmc's character and personality. Owen wrestling with his feelings and Everest running from his own was also right on track, too.
Overall? I loved this one. These two struggled on and persevered through the worst thing that can happen, and they ended up falling in love. I was so here for it.
PUMPED is available now directly on Linden's website and goes LIVE on the 'zon February 23rd.
I LOVED Pumped! I also just really love Linden Bell. I am so sad that the Mars Fitness series is over. I highly recommend EVERY book in her catalog. You don't have to read them in order. They stand great on their own.
Owen and Everest are opposites, and co-brothers-in-law? Their siblings are married to each other. If you love a story with ✨️a fine line between love and hate✨️, that's Everest and Owen. They're oil and water and so into each other and also simultaneously into hating each other.
When tragedy strikes and they are tasked with co-parenting their niece, we are looking at a forced proximity situation.
These two were absolutely ridiculous. I was also FIRMLY reminded why I never want(ed) kids.
It was heartbreaking watching Owen and Everest navigate grief, upheaval, becoming "new" parents, AND also manage to fall in love. It was just so much, and they were doing the best they could.
The spicy scenes were 🔥🔥🔥 and matched up well with each mmc's character and personality. Owen wrestling with his feelings and Everest running from his own was also right on track, too.
Overall? I loved this one. These two struggled on and persevered through the worst thing that can happen, and they ended up falling in love. I was so here for it.
PUMPED is available now directly on Linden's website and goes LIVE on the 'zon February 23rd.
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