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Gymbos #2
Pumped
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…
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…
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
168 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
101 books3,291 followersK.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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 3, 2026
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.
these gymbos with hearts bigger than their impressive biceps will be the death of me.
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
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!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
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!
January 4, 2026
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.
I liked this! Loved the trans rep, loved the characters, just didn’t vibe with the story overall as much as I wanted to.
January 3, 2026
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
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
January 4, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
January 3, 2026
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.
January 3, 2026
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.
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.
January 4, 2026
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.
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.
January 3, 2026
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.
January 4, 2026
this was so sweet 😭
January 5, 2026
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.
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.
January 2, 2026
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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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.
January 2, 2026
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
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
January 4, 2026
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.
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.
January 4, 2026
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.
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.
January 2, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn't expecting the emotions!
1st person POV Dual
Plot 4/5
Spice 2.5/5
Emotions 3.75/5
Jock / Nerd
Trans rep
Low angst
Golden retriever Gym bro
Found Family
Meddling but very loving friends group
This book was absolutely adorable! I loved Butch and Rocky! Butch is a meat head but with a heart of gold and a little on the vulnerable side! Rocky on the other hand is gaurded by nature, with his journey through life he is a bit more cautious with people. He too just needed someone who saw him for him. Butch was that person from the beginning! it was so cute seeing these two come together! Also Butch being afraid of coyotes and spinning it as he just wanted to make sure Rocky wasn't afraid, and Rocky going along with it, was to freaking adorable for words!!
I can't wait for the next gymbro book! I am loving them!
1st person POV Dual
Plot 4/5
Spice 2.5/5
Emotions 3.75/5
Jock / Nerd
Trans rep
Low angst
Golden retriever Gym bro
Found Family
Meddling but very loving friends group
This book was absolutely adorable! I loved Butch and Rocky! Butch is a meat head but with a heart of gold and a little on the vulnerable side! Rocky on the other hand is gaurded by nature, with his journey through life he is a bit more cautious with people. He too just needed someone who saw him for him. Butch was that person from the beginning! it was so cute seeing these two come together! Also Butch being afraid of coyotes and spinning it as he just wanted to make sure Rocky wasn't afraid, and Rocky going along with it, was to freaking adorable for words!!
I can't wait for the next gymbro book! I am loving them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second in series (Gymbos), but can be read as a standalone. Opposites attract. Trans representation. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Accidentally walking into a gym and meeting the sweetest of personal trainers was not what graduate student Percy had ever had on his bingo card. Butch may not have a college education but he’s friendly, motivating, and wants to help Percy achieve his goals, not to mention he’s very much attracted to Percy.
This story had me smiling throughout, it was so fun to read how genuine Butch was and how both he and Percy overcome their personal insecurities due to the kindness and support of each other. I enjoyed every moment these two were on page together, their supportive friends, and their steady fall into love. A feel good read to start the year, with spice and joy and an absolutely romantic love story. 4.5 rounded up
Accidentally walking into a gym and meeting the sweetest of personal trainers was not what graduate student Percy had ever had on his bingo card. Butch may not have a college education but he’s friendly, motivating, and wants to help Percy achieve his goals, not to mention he’s very much attracted to Percy.
This story had me smiling throughout, it was so fun to read how genuine Butch was and how both he and Percy overcome their personal insecurities due to the kindness and support of each other. I enjoyed every moment these two were on page together, their supportive friends, and their steady fall into love. A feel good read to start the year, with spice and joy and an absolutely romantic love story. 4.5 rounded up
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let's hear it for gym himbos! Butch and Percy are the perfect jock/nerd combo with a big size difference. I also love the Trans masc rep with Percy. KM Neuhold did a great job capturing what life is like for him, and Butch is such a supportive partner!
🔥: Plenty of steam and spice in this one. And these two are super into the taste of sweat! Scenes are slowly paced with graphic details and so much sweetness.
😆: There's plenty of banter between friends in this one, and I'm loving the found family at the gym!
😭: No tears, but there are a few difficult moments thanks to both Butch and Percy's insecurities.
This series is so much fun so far and I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the guys!
CW: discussion of transitioning and post-surgery insecurities
🔥: Plenty of steam and spice in this one. And these two are super into the taste of sweat! Scenes are slowly paced with graphic details and so much sweetness.
😆: There's plenty of banter between friends in this one, and I'm loving the found family at the gym!
😭: No tears, but there are a few difficult moments thanks to both Butch and Percy's insecurities.
This series is so much fun so far and I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the guys!
CW: discussion of transitioning and post-surgery insecurities
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was really good! Super funny, super relatable, and way more heartfelt than I expected. The awkward gym humor had me smiling right away, and the Percy’s inner monologue felt very real and adorably nerdy. I loved how it explored gender euphoria through working out and getting stronger. That part hit in a really genuine way! The mutual attraction was obvious from the start, but that honestly made it even better. Butch was ridiculous in the best way, and the tension and denial were fun to watch unfold! Overall, it was sweet, affirming, and an easy, enjoyable read. I’d definitely recommend it!
January 3, 2026
Fun and Sweetness for Percy and Butch. The nerd - jock duo who are so much more than that.
When Percy accidentally walks into Sweat instead of Sweet he meets Butch, a personal trainer with more energy than a treadmill bunny. And their lives are brightened by the meeting.
They have both pigeon-holed themselves into their personas - the skinny nerd and the dumb jock. And there is nothing better than finding a person who sees you as whole person, and as a person who can be more.
This is a playful, tender, and sweet romance.
When Percy accidentally walks into Sweat instead of Sweet he meets Butch, a personal trainer with more energy than a treadmill bunny. And their lives are brightened by the meeting.
They have both pigeon-holed themselves into their personas - the skinny nerd and the dumb jock. And there is nothing better than finding a person who sees you as whole person, and as a person who can be more.
This is a playful, tender, and sweet romance.
January 5, 2026
Every good meet cute starts with an arm wrestle when you were actually looking for a bakery right?
So adorable, Butch is sick sunshine energy, convincing Percy he should come to the gym, Percy actually following through and this cute friendship - that they both want to be more!
Both of these precious boys think the other could NEVER possibly he into them, But h thinks he’s not smart enough and Percy thinks he’s not masc enough! Silly boys!
Loved this! All of KMs books are a blimin’ delight, and I always enjoy them!
So adorable, Butch is sick sunshine energy, convincing Percy he should come to the gym, Percy actually following through and this cute friendship - that they both want to be more!
Both of these precious boys think the other could NEVER possibly he into them, But h thinks he’s not smart enough and Percy thinks he’s not masc enough! Silly boys!
Loved this! All of KMs books are a blimin’ delight, and I always enjoy them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So many feel good vibes with this story. Percy is a delight and I loved him with all his insecurities. but the real winner for me was Butch. I adored the way he constantly supported Percy and believed in him enough for both of them until Percy was able to believe in himself. I laughed at the antics of room-mates and co-workers, I cried happy tears - I'm looking at you chapter 16 and now I've just have a big dopey grin on my face.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
I'd give it 6 ⭐ if it were possible. I'm so in love with the cute nerd Percy and the oh-so-sweet jock Butch. Their immediate connection, how Butch react at Percy's coming out, how he cheer him up on every occasion, how Percy stand up for Butch in front of his colleagues... Everything was perfect from the very first line of this book.
Trust me, you're going to start your new year's reading with a bang.
I was gifted an ARC and this is my honest review.
Trust me, you're going to start your new year's reading with a bang.
I was gifted an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 3, 2026
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed sweet opposites attract, nerd/gymbro story. Butch is a personal trainer, who's friendship with cute, nerdy Percy develops as they begin opening up to each other.
They are both vulnerable in totally different ways. Butch was amazing as he helped Percy gain confidence in his appearance and his place in the world.
I loved this super sweet, feel good romance. It was a great addition to the series which I'd happily recommend. I look forward to more of this series.
I really enjoyed sweet opposites attract, nerd/gymbro story. Butch is a personal trainer, who's friendship with cute, nerdy Percy develops as they begin opening up to each other.
They are both vulnerable in totally different ways. Butch was amazing as he helped Percy gain confidence in his appearance and his place in the world.
I loved this super sweet, feel good romance. It was a great addition to the series which I'd happily recommend. I look forward to more of this series.
Read
January 3, 2026From meet-cute to rock climbing, sharing a tent to sharing their lives, Percy & Butch are the quintessential opposites attract story with so much supportive sweetness and lovely intimacy - both men struggle with parts of themselves, but together they both become stronger, confident and experience new ways of seeing the world and I was there for all of it! If you need a feel good read to start your new year right, Pumped is the book for you!
January 3, 2026
Made me happy
This book made me happy and a little emotional tbh. Our trans siblings have been under such horrific attacks that reading about someone living joyfully as themselves and gaining confidence in themselves made me emotionally happy.
Butch and Percy were so sweet and I absolutely loved their journey as a couple and as individuals. Plus getting to see our other favorite gymbos made me happy
This book made me happy and a little emotional tbh. Our trans siblings have been under such horrific attacks that reading about someone living joyfully as themselves and gaining confidence in themselves made me emotionally happy.
Butch and Percy were so sweet and I absolutely loved their journey as a couple and as individuals. Plus getting to see our other favorite gymbos made me happy
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