Pumped

Gymbos #2

by K.M. Neuhold

Blurb

I’m just a nerd, standing in front of a bench press, asking it not to humiliate me in front of my gym crush

I’ve never walked into a gym on purpose in my life, and I’m not sure which part is more shocking, the massive beefcake who immediately challenges me to arm wrestle or the fact that I kind of want to come back.

I spent years of my life refusing to lift anything heavier than a textbook, and it shows. I never expected that coming to the gym and bulking up would give me more gender euphoria than all the T shots in the world.

The crush I’m developing on my Golden Retriever of a personal trainer, Butch, though? Yeah, I should have seen that one coming.

Butch is a guy’s guy. Jockstraps, armpit licking, Sweat enthusiast… what could he possibly find exciting about a scrawny, book-ish nerd like me?

I’m just going to try not to drool on him too hard while he helps me get pumped. And I’m for sure not going to do anything stupid like falling in love with him…

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Transgender, LGBT, Adult, Friends To Lovers

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

K.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.

Reviews

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think i need at least 1000 books in this series.
these gymbos with hearts bigger than their impressive biceps will be the death of me.

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Why do books about Gymbos end up giving me so many damn FEELINGS?! 😭 this series has me in a serious chokehold.

Percy walks into a gym called Sweat, he’s never been in a gym before in his life. Why is he there you ask? Well, he was actually looking for Sweet, the bakery across the street. If that isn’t enough, he is immediately challenged to an arm wrestle by a beautiful, blonde himbo, Butch.

But the nerd x jock trope is only a thing in romance novels right? Well lucky for us, yes 😅

These two were so much fun! Butch’s job is to get Percy into shape, help him reach his goals, and absolutelyNOT fall in love with him. Percy’s job is to let Butch push him to his limits and live a little bit. And again, absolutely NOT fall in love with the man that is way out of his league.

These two really helped one another grow, experience life to its fullest, and hold each other up when they needed. Butch wants to be a man deserving of Percy, and Percy wants to be a man confident enough to go after what he wants.

The transmasc rep in this book was phenomenal, beautiful, and I learned so much about Percy as the book went on. The way Butch dealt with something so sensitive to Percy was EVERYTHING. Just call him the consent king. These two were sweet, hot, and everything I knew I could expect from this author and this series. I’m blown away.

I can’t wait for book 3!

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my GOD this was so sweet. To be seen and loved for you who are. Ugh. Five stars.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After accidentally walking into the gym instead of the bakery he was looking for, Percy finds himself roped into joining Sweat and getting trained by the friendly beefcake, Butch.

The unlikely pair instantly hit it off, and sparks fly as they get to know each other in and out of the gym.

This series is definitely solidifying itself as one of my new favorites, especially after how sweet Percy and Butch’s story was.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- arm wrestle meet cute
- himbo trainer + nerdy PhD student
- transmasc rep
- opposites attract
- size difference
- found family
- only one tent
- sweat worship

[Emily H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I liked this! Loved the trans rep, loved the characters, just didn’t vibe with the story overall as much as I wanted to.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

story of Percy and Butch

This is a gym crush / opposites attract to more rom com, featuring Percy and Butch, and is book two in the Gymbos series.

Percy is a bookish gym newbie who discovers that lifting weights gives him unexpected confidence, gender euphoria, and a strong desire to keep coming back. Falling for his energetic personal trainer, Butch, was definitely not part of the plan, but it’s happening anyway.

This story is a sweet, low angst romance that balances humour, vulnerability, and heart in the best way. Percy’s journey into strength training is deeply relatable, while his growing crush on Butch delivers Golden Retriever charm, gentle heat, and a slow-burn connection that feels earned and tender rather than rushed. I loved it.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM rom com
Opposites attract
Nerd x Himbo
Client x trainer
Size difference
Arm wrestle meet-cute
Both crushing hard
Sweat worship
Trans rep
Light online stalking
Camping / only one tent
Spicy times
First times
Marking
Calls him Rocky
Found family
HEA

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
The second book in this series is just as delightful as the first!
Percy is a nerdy grad student, who accidentally gets talked into taking some PT lessons from Butch. Butch is exactly the kind of guy you think he is: tall, buff, himbo 😂 The two need to work past their insecurities to be together!

This book has:
-trans man rep!
-jock x nerd but make them fully adults
-a big dude with a sweat-licking k*nk
-nosy friends
-getting over insecurities

This book is fully focused on the characters’ relationship, which means there’s not much driving the plot. It’s very low-stakes and chill. I found the characters to be really sweet, and did really enjoy their story. Was there a whole lot of substance? Not really. But it was very cute, and the characters are all loveable. 😍 I loved that we got more diverse queer representation in this book.

I’ll definitely be reading this whole series as it comes out!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Percy and Butch are your perfect little nerd jock opposites attract pure joy romance. Butch one of the trainers at Sweat encourages Percy who accidentally walks into the gym vs Sweet the bakery across the street. These two have an immediately sweet adorkable banter that just draws you in. Butch becomes his trainer in his fitness journey to seeing working out is not only good for your body but for your confidence. the slower pace to intimacy of these two was not something you always see from KM and I frigging adored it. Percy needed the confidence as someone who recently fully transitioned to be comfortable in his body to be able to take that next step to intimacy. Butch needed to see just because hes not book smart doesn't mean hes not smart in other aspects of his life. These two just bring so much joy along with the rest of the trainers of Sweat in their encouragement at being your true self and just plain having fun in their lives.

[Madam Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book! We have our golden retriever gybmo Butch and sweet nerdy Percy finding love, acceptance and belonging in each other. We have a beautiful trans rep, I am not an expert, not even a perth, but I do love to read about people falling in love. Percy was in a journey to reinvent himself, build courage and confidence and Butch helped him with that with so much kindness and support, it was really really good to read this positive and uplifting story.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Story Has Heart

Dee’s Grade: A+

This book gave me the swoons. Butch and Percy both had their insecurities that could have easily kept them apart. They both kept fighting the voice in their heads telling them lies. Most importantly they both became brave enough to talk to each and grow together. The story is low angst and has the humor KM is know for. It also has heart.

[Candice Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars.
Okay, I went into this worried because I didn’t like the first book however this was a completely different experience for me.
I loved Percy and Butch together. Their relationship was sweet and their chemistry was 🔥. I loved how Percy came into himself and Butch was a constant cheerleader.
I am looking forward to continuing this series.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance, nice friendships. I had to look a few things up and learned some things about gender affirming surgeries. I appreciated the trans rep and the authors intent behind it (per the Author’s Note). My interest waned a little at the end.

[Lizzy (reviewsshewrote) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so sweet 😭

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[... · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total feel-good read. I really love it when there isn't any relationship angst in a romance 🥰

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet but romances about gym bros are gonna be added to the list of books I’m not interested in, along with rock stars.

I was actually thinking I might read the next book if it’s about Fender. But it’s not. The next book is about Callan. 😞

[Yuli Atta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I needed after multiple crime fiction books.
The question is, what's next?

[Wissal Miftah · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ 2 stars —
DNF at 59%

At first, this book was genuinely really good. I went in knowing it had a gym-bro vibe—which usually isn’t my thing—but I pushed past that because I was excited to read about a trans MMC and see how the romance would develop. For a while, it was honestly shaping up to be a five-star read.

I also want to say this upfront: I do prefer stories where a trans MMC or FMC is paired with someone who’s bisexual, pansexual, or also trans. A lot of trans people have talked about this online—how dating bi/pan or trans partners can feel safer and more comfortable—and that made sense me. That said, I was completely fine with Butch being gay. That was never the issue. The trans representation itself was actually one of the strongest parts of the book.

The problem?

The sweat.

So. Much. Sweat.

This is already why I usually avoid gym-bro books, but I was willing to deal with it because normally, characters shower before doing stuff with each other.
In this book? No. It was sweat on sweat on sweat. Armpits. Licking sweat. Tasting sweat. Constantly. I swear my brain convinced me I could smell the book through my phone—like a gym bag filled with damp clothes that had been marinating for a month, mixed with a forgotten protein shaker that’s turned into some kind of blue-cheese biohazard. Socks. Cheese. Men. Balls. Something that smelled like piss. Absolutely monstrous.

I tried to ignore it. I really did. I started skimming. Skipping. Pushing through because I cared about Percy and Butch and the trans rep. But the moment Percy said he wanted to taste Butch’s sweat—and Butch suggested his armpit as the “good stuff”—I was done. I refuse. I simply cannot with this smelly ass book.

After the gym, you take a shower. You scrub with an African net sponge. Antibacterial soap. You use deodorant. You do not put your face in someone’s armpit. I don’t care how in love you are. I don’t care how horny you are. If we’re at the gym, don’t touch me, don’t kiss me, don’t breathe near me. Sweat is not sexy. It’s disgusting.

I was so put off that I genuinely felt nauseous, and that’s when I knew I couldn’t continue.

That said, I’m not giving this book one star—and that’s only because I appreciated the trans representation. I liked Butch as a character. I liked Percy. I liked how accepting and affirming the story was in that regard. If I hated it entirely, it would’ve been one star (or zero, if that were an option). But the representation mattered, and I won’t ignore that.

Still, the sweat fixation was everywhere, nonstop, and impossible to overlook.

So: 2 stars.
Good rep. Decent characters.
But absolutely ruined by the BO.

[Bookstagramtea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This purports to be a simple, sweet, nerd plus jock romance, with a trans rep. But actually is a story of self love and support.

For me, this wasn't on par with K M Neuhold's Four Bears, Ink Slingers, or Big Bull series', as far as love stories go. The story on this probably deserves three stars for it's romance - it's sweet and predictable, though very one sided - but I admire the author's research and she clearly did her homework on trans and dysmorphia, and translated this in a very accessible, relatable way and she truly deserves an extra star for how she did that.

This story in particular was very exterior focused. There are immediate identifiable reasons for that - it's set in a gym, and physical attributes, adaptions and hang ups are obviously present with the trans rep and this being the first exploration of Percy's with another person and the body he always felt he should have. Whilst this is clearly a focus, I did miss the psychological side. It's touched upon at times with the changing room and initial very short term nerves their first time, in Percy, and a notion of brains Vs brawn is broached with Butch, but this could have gone so much deeper with this rep and it's very much kept surface level. KM does normally offer more insight and interaction between both characters needs, where in this everything is very much focussed on Percy. So much so, that when fears are shared between the two, no comfort is offered and I felt there were a lot of missed opportunities where we could learn about Butch.

We never learn any background on either family, and I could write on a postage stamp what we know about Butch - he was not good at school, doesn't seem to have friends who don't work at the gym, despite his missed clientele, and we know of nothing he does outside of the Gymbos. In the same way, there's a lack of exploration of feelings that aren't physical, and this isn't normal for KMs work and I think it would be detrimental to any new reader of KM's to not acknowledge that.

This book is not a romantic love story between a couple, for me, but a lovely story of self. A representation of how committing to your own self can increase your confidence and help you achieve more than you ever considered you were capable of.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet low angst positive happy story. I just love these two - individually and together.

Butch ❤️ Percy

Percy is a grad student at the local university who mistakenly walks into Sweat gym and meets Butch. Butch challenges him to a good natured arm wrestle and after a trip to the bakery (which is where Percy was intending to go lol ) Percy ends up agreeing to a temporary gym membership w Butch as his trainer.

It is the story of this initial spark turning into more and them each realizing that opposites do attract and they are each perfect for the other.

- Butch is an incredibly endearing man with lots of muscles and a pure gentle encouraging heart. He is taken a Percy (“Rocky”) immediately. He is insecure about not having a college education and is concerned that he’s not smart enough for him.
- Percy is a nerdy professor type who at the beginning of the story feels a bit insecure about his body and if he’s masculine enough for Butch. He’s also recently completed his transition to a man and is concerned that he won’t be “enough” physically for Butch.
- No third act breakup; low angst
- So much gentle sweetness w each other and positive support. These each stand up for the other and are their cheerleader.
- Communication - These two have their insecurities but they are each very emotionally mature and talk things out.
- No OM. Neither is a virgin, but Butch is the first man for Percy since his operation.
- Spice - Starts w sweet kisses and then picks up steam. The body positivity is everything. It’s handled so beautifully.
- Best bits - the camping trip and first kiss, the gym scenes when Butch is so encouraging, when Butch goes out w Percy and his ‘friends’ and Percy defends him when they’re rude without hesitation.
- Dual POV; living together at end w promise of the future.

“You saw me, the real me, before I even fully did. How could I not fall in love with you, Butch, when you look at me the way you do? When you see me the way you do?”

“Same, baby. You see depths to me that I didn’t think were there. You look at me like I hung the moon, and it makes me feel a hundred feet tall.”

I loved them! 🏳️‍⚧️❤️🥰

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Percy Rockton is a nerdy, PHD student who accidentally stumbles into the gym SWEAT and is immediately greeted by a buff, friendly gymbo named Butch. Percy agreed to start training, and it sets them off on a new friendship, situationship, and more.

Butch is such a sweet golden retriever and excellent trainer who becomes infatuated pretty quickly with Percy, but worries he is not intelligent enough to be Percy's type.

Percy has insecurities about his body, but with Butch's support, he turns from twink to confident twunk. They see each other and help push each other out of their comfort zones to be the best versions of themselves, and make each other feel appreciated and cared for. They have great chemistry, and Butch likes sharing firsts with Percy.

This is a sweet and spicy, opposites-attract, nerd-gymbo romance with trans representation and a whole cast of friendly gymbos. I am looking forward to the next book.

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[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thinks he’s a scrawny little nerd, and the other thinks he’s a dumb brick of muscles.
They’ll never fit. But guess what!

Percy accidentally walked into ‘Sweat’ the gym, instead of ‘Sweet’ the bakery.
Butch, one of the trainers, welcomes him enthusiastically. His charms made Percy sign up for a few lessons with Butch as his personal trainer.

Butch is a golden retriever, with a good heart. He’s kind, optimistic, and sexy af. He has only eyes for Percy and is more than happy to train Percy.
Percy feels inadequate, he’s small, never run a mile, and has never gone on a camping weekend with the guys from the gym. And yet, here he is, in a tent, safe in a big guy's arms.

Before Percy takes it a step further with Butch, he wants to tell him he’s trans, that he has it all but just a bit different. It’s huge to Percy, and he’s afraid Butch will reject him.
Aww, Percy, you're gonna learn what a wonderful person Butch is!
It’s just for fun right, and probably temporary, ha! As if!

Both men have insecurities. Watch them! It was such a great story! With all the good feels!
Their intimate encounters are delicious, sexy, and freeing, the activities outside their jobs are fun for us readers. You’ll also meet some great secondary characters!
Overall, I loved this attractively written story, it was wonderfully executed!


Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

PUMPED is the second book in the Gymbos series. It can be read as a standalone without issue but reads better if you read in order that the author intended.

Percy didn't mean to walk into Sweat on purpose. He was headed to the new bakery but was looking at his phone and ended up across the street. Percy isn't the usual gym type and instantly feels out of his element. When Butch takes him on a tour and eventually talks him into getting a membership with Butch as his personal trainer he isn't quite sure how he got there. Butch instantly likes Percy giving him the nickname, Rocky. Butch is a huge puppy dog of a man. He's sweet, thoughtful, fun but not so book smart. He feels that sometimes that holds him back especially with Percy. He's knows he is out of Percy's league but there's something about him that draws Butch to him. Percy is trans (ftm) and has had some serious body dysmorphia. Since his surgeries he's feeling better about himself but some things are still worrisome for him.

There's an instant attraction between Butch and Percy. They have so much chemistry together. When Percy opens up about himself Butch is so understanding and willing to do whatever makes Percy comfortable which just makes your heart swell. Percy was able to finally to be open and satisfied in ways he never thought could happen. I loved how their relationship played out it was so sweet.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Pumped is the second book in K.M. Neuhold’s Gymbos series and I really enjoyed this one. While we get a lot of appearances here from the various guys from Sweat, including AJ and Slater, this one stands alone well and you should be able to start here with no problem. I like that this story is ostensibly an opposites attract pairing, with Butch a big, muscle jock who spends all day hanging with bros at the gym, while Percy is an out of shape academic. But, as the story develops, we see that Percy has a bit of “bro” in him as well, reveling in Butch’s sweaty body and loving the physicality of their interactions (let’s just say there is a lot of armpit sniffing going on here, lol).

This story has a lot of Neuhold’s trademark humor and fun, with an underlying sense of believing in yourself and personal growth. I really enjoyed Butch and Percy together and found myself really rooting for Percy as he comes into his own. This was a great installment in the series and I am definitely looking forward to more.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pumped is the newest installation of KM Neuhold’s Gymbos Series. As she was my first ever MM Author, her books hold a special place in my heart and this was another wonderful read. Butch is the latest PT to meet his match in Percy, a sweet Trans man who imagines that the last place he would ever be comfortable in would be a Gym, which he accidentally stumbles into, and that is not a metaphor! Butch kind of bowls him over with his enthusiasm and love for life and physical activity. Percy finds himself being more and more attracted to Butch the more time he spends with him both in and out of the Gym. Both guys suffer from low self esteem, never imagining that the other could truly be interested in someone like them. What I really love about KM Neuhold's books is that even with some deep emotions and issues being discussed and handled, it never feels heavy or angsty to me. She has a way of making conflicts that the characters feel are insurmountable be a bump in the road on their way to happiness, and I love me a KM Neuhold HEA! Again, a fantastic enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to readers who like a good Happy Ever After.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

I loved Butch and Rocky (Percy) so much. Butch is the perfect himbo/gymbro. He’s funny and sweet and lovable. Percy is also sweet and funny with a sarcastic side. I loved when they shared their vulnerabilities with each other (FINALLY!) lol
Their own insecurities were making them try to act not like themselves because they wanted to make sure the other person stayed. It was the cutest thing when they both just really liked each other.
I can only speak to how I felt reading it but the depiction of being a trans man and having to explain that to someone you’re trying to be intimate with was so tastefully done. It felt honest and nervewracking. And made me just want to squeeze Percy 😭 Butch had a perfect reaction and I’m so happy they communicated so well about everything.

The scene in the bar with Percy’s coworkers. Made me want to hug Butch! When he glanced down at his hand and I realized he had jotted down notes. My heart 😭😭😭😭

Anyways - I love this author, love these two men. Want to read more about the rest of the gymbros. ♥️

[Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of the Gymbos series by Neuhold, and I have to say that it was better than the first, hands down in my opinion. In this story, Percy accidentally walks into Sweat, the gym, instead of Sweet, the bakery. Serendipity one might say. He ends up signing up for a membership and signing with Butch as his personal trainer.

I adored these characters so, so much. Percy was so raw and wonderful. Butch, the enthusiastic golden retriever, had such a big heart and sincere drive to show Percy he was so much more than he gave himself credit for. I wish they would have talked and cleared the confusion earlier, but with their insecurities ruling their actions, I fully understand why it took them so long. Their poignant vulnerability and willingness to grow had me swooning and rooting for them, both as a couple and as people. The side characters are engaging and make the whole story feel so real. Neuhold is one of my comfort authors and always knows how to bring me laughs, happy tears, and great joy with their stories.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Gymbos series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Percy and Butch. These two are total opposites and perfect for each other. Percy is a shy nerd who has a serious confidence problem. Butch is a personal trainer in the gym Sweat. It is his job to help clients reach their full potential. While he has self confidence at work, he downplays his own potential socially. The two meet when Percy wanders into the gym thinking he was going to the bakery across street called Sweet. This is their story. I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is very well written and easy to read. I loved seeing how Percy and Butch supported each other and helped elevate each other. This is a sweet and spicy opposites attract story with wonderful secondary characters. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished! okay 4⭐️ from me. i really enjoyed ||how Neuhold handled Percy being trans. it kinda felt like a soft intro to trans romance because we didn't really get a lot of like details or angst or anything, and it was set after his transition, which felt appropriate to me because the Gymbos series is extremely silly and lighthearted.||

i also loved ||Butch and how he was a determined dumb jock himbo and didn't think he was good enough for Percy. like y'all know i am a sucker for MMCs who think they're unworthy because of fanon!Draco lol. but he was SO sweet and just green flags everywhere, and his reaction to finding out Percy was trans was perfect.||

i also just really enjoyed ||the way Neuhold writes in general. very funny and does a good job about mostly show and not a lot of tell even for a short 260 page book. looking forward to Fender and AJ's brother's book next. it's releasing July 3rd and already in the calendar.||

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoy most about KM Neuhold’s writing is that I know there won’t be much angst, there will be plenty of steam, the characters will definitely be loveable and a fun and enjoyable read will conclude with a smile worthy HEA. Butch and Percy’s story is no exception and I loved every minute of it. Butch is the sweetest cinnamon roll gymbo to ever gymbo and is perfectly suited to his profession as a personal trainer. He is a one man cheer squad for his clients and always exudes positivity, something which Percy needs and soon thrives on. These two wonderful men are definitely in the “opposites attract” lane and are absolutely perfect for each other. This adorable nerd/himbo combo had me engaged from start to finish and made me feel as if I was in the gym or running alongside them as Percy slowly morphed into the man he knew he should be.