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Hero #2
My Hero: The Olympian
After a romantic evening, Rich and Johnny face the light of day as a couple. Johnny’s coming out forces them to face some serious repercussions as the world of collegian jocks adjust to their first openly gay football player.
Rich is still working towards the World Diving Championships with his hopes and dreams set on the 2012 London Olympic Games, while as a couple they deal with concerns closer to home.
With the support of friends and family, the young couple grow closer together, but with prejudices and adversity at every turn will Johnny and Rich be able to tackle the world together?
No matter what, Rich will always be Johnny’s hero.
Rich is still working towards the World Diving Championships with his hopes and dreams set on the 2012 London Olympic Games, while as a couple they deal with concerns closer to home.
With the support of friends and family, the young couple grow closer together, but with prejudices and adversity at every turn will Johnny and Rich be able to tackle the world together?
No matter what, Rich will always be Johnny’s hero.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2015
11 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Max Vos
28 books269 followersMax Vos is best known for his ‘inappropriate’ side. Bringing readers a range of stories with an unexpected edge. His bestselling novel My Hero is a hot and steamy romance, while his banned book Going Home questions what you know of love. With something for everyone, there is a Max Vos book for you.
Creativity has been a lifelong passion for Max, who retired from being a chef in 2011 and turned to writing. His strong relationships with the women in his life influence his stories and Max’s Southern charm shines through. Each new book will give you something to explore and love.
Creativity has been a lifelong passion for Max, who retired from being a chef in 2011 and turned to writing. His strong relationships with the women in his life influence his stories and Max’s Southern charm shines through. Each new book will give you something to explore and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 10, 2016
3.5 Stars
My Hero: The Olympian picks up just where My Hero left off with Johnny and Rich reunited and stronger in their love than ever before. Unfortunately, being out and proud means bigoted hate mongers practically placing targets on Johnny's and Rich's backs.
In between dealing with the fallout from their coming out, Rich is gearing up for the World's and hoping to earn a spot in the Olympics. Johnny is supporting Rich 100% and the two are so sweet (and sexy hot) together you can almost feel cavities coming on. Even though there are some really scary things to deal with Rich is totally focused on his goal of going to the Olympics.
I really like these characters, and this story. Sure, I have a couple of small niggles: there's some repetitiveness, and a serious storyline is somewhat dropped (though it does have a conclusion off page), but on the whole I enjoyed the story and getting to spend time with the characters once again.
I especially liked getting to see Rich and his Dad reconnect (even if there were a couple of spots that left my jaw open - Dan, you don't ask your son's boyfriend to explain what gay sex is like! Can you say...AWKWARD?), as well as getting to see characters from My Hero get fleshed out and more page time.
However, it's the love story here that makes my heart grow three times it's normal size. I just love Rich and Johnny and their conviction being together through the good, bad, hard, and easy times. So sweet! It doesn't hurt the sexy times are super hot and sometimes perfectly dirty, either!
Bottom line: A sweet, sexy story that follows the ups and downs of a committed couple with a perfectly pitched HEA.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
My Hero: The Olympian picks up just where My Hero left off with Johnny and Rich reunited and stronger in their love than ever before. Unfortunately, being out and proud means bigoted hate mongers practically placing targets on Johnny's and Rich's backs.
In between dealing with the fallout from their coming out, Rich is gearing up for the World's and hoping to earn a spot in the Olympics. Johnny is supporting Rich 100% and the two are so sweet (and sexy hot) together you can almost feel cavities coming on. Even though there are some really scary things to deal with Rich is totally focused on his goal of going to the Olympics.
I really like these characters, and this story. Sure, I have a couple of small niggles: there's some repetitiveness, and a serious storyline is somewhat dropped (though it does have a conclusion off page), but on the whole I enjoyed the story and getting to spend time with the characters once again.
I especially liked getting to see Rich and his Dad reconnect (even if there were a couple of spots that left my jaw open - Dan, you don't ask your son's boyfriend to explain what gay sex is like! Can you say...AWKWARD?), as well as getting to see characters from My Hero get fleshed out and more page time.
However, it's the love story here that makes my heart grow three times it's normal size. I just love Rich and Johnny and their conviction being together through the good, bad, hard, and easy times. So sweet! It doesn't hurt the sexy times are super hot and sometimes perfectly dirty, either!
Bottom line: A sweet, sexy story that follows the ups and downs of a committed couple with a perfectly pitched HEA.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 13, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I really liked the first one, but this sequel blew it away. This was low angst and low drama. It was a beautiful continuation of Johnny and Rich's love for each other. It was also a culmination of both reaching their dreams. It shows what is possible with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The MCS were also great role models and gave back to their communities. I loved that they both stayed humble even after they became famous. It was a very sweet read.
December 11, 2015
This is the sequel to My Hero and is the continuation of Rich and Johnny’s story.
Now both are committed to their relationship and being out in the open, the two come across some harsh realities of the haters and homophobes. But their love for each other remains strong throughout. There is also the pressure of Rich being part of Team USA and competing in the Olympics in London which adds another tension in their relationship.
The passion as always is a key element to Rich and Johnny’s story and for me seems to get even hotter. However it was the depth of their feelings for each other that shone throughout. The relationship strengthened and the character development of them both was great to see.
I also loved that the secondary characters from the previous book returned, especially Rich’s dad, Don and Anita and Ruthie (who each got some action too!)
There is a great epilogue that compounded the overall feel of this book of love and understanding and how to give back to others. A really lovely and involving storyline that had me sighing at the end with a touch of the happy. Four stars.
Now both are committed to their relationship and being out in the open, the two come across some harsh realities of the haters and homophobes. But their love for each other remains strong throughout. There is also the pressure of Rich being part of Team USA and competing in the Olympics in London which adds another tension in their relationship.
The passion as always is a key element to Rich and Johnny’s story and for me seems to get even hotter. However it was the depth of their feelings for each other that shone throughout. The relationship strengthened and the character development of them both was great to see.
I also loved that the secondary characters from the previous book returned, especially Rich’s dad, Don and Anita and Ruthie (who each got some action too!)
There is a great epilogue that compounded the overall feel of this book of love and understanding and how to give back to others. A really lovely and involving storyline that had me sighing at the end with a touch of the happy. Four stars.
November 18, 2015
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. 10/10 pots of gold. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited to read and review My Hero: The Olympian after reviewing the audiobook for My Hero. At the end of that book, Johnny and Rich had just got back together after a slight pause in their relationship. Johnny had always been straight before running into Rich at college and becoming friends. Rich had once saved him from drowning and it earned him Johnny’s unwavering friendship, but Johnny soon realized that he was attracted to the person Rich was. Rich was gay so it didn’t bother him at all to have feelings for the man who he rescued years before, but Johnny had to come to terms with what it meant for him and for his football career. There was a fight, a misunderstanding, and a betrayal, but the two made it through it and this book takes place right after they make up. To read my review of My Hero click here.
This book primarily follows Rich and Johnny as Rich works his way to the Olympics as a diver for Team USA. Rich has had this goal for a long time but tended to be too stressed out and over trained, causing him to fail. But this time he is secure in his relationship with Johnny, he has strengthened his relationship with his dad, and he has a whole bunch of new friends supporting him. However, things aren’t peachy keen. He and Johnny become the targets for homophobic bullies. Throughout this, though, Rich remains strong.
What was great to see, was how much the characters developed in this book. Everyone became stronger, and relationships formed in unlikely places for Rich’s dad, also for a friend, Virgil, who I really liked in the first book. Anita, Johnny’s cousin, and Ruthie, Rich’s best friend, also meet and fall for teammates of Johnny. Rich and Johnny already have solid feelings of love, mutual respect, and sexual attraction. That sexual chemistry leads to many funny scenes while at the World’s and the Olympics. There was a lot of sex in this book, I’ll admit. But personally, each time, I saw the relationship strengthen because of it. Their shared love of food sex, of handing over control to the other, and of pleasuring the other, deepened their feelings of love.
The epilogue of this book was one of my favorites. It paints a picture of the life that Rich and Johnny create after Olympic and NFL careers. The amount of genuine caring between them made my heart skip a beat. I love the way they loved each other and how they liked to give back to the community after all their experiences. All their successes brought them joy, but they wanted to share it, instead of becoming wealth obsessed snobs. There is little angst and though I like that sometimes, this was a beautiful story and it left me with a “feel good” feeling. I definitely recommend it.
I was really excited to read and review My Hero: The Olympian after reviewing the audiobook for My Hero. At the end of that book, Johnny and Rich had just got back together after a slight pause in their relationship. Johnny had always been straight before running into Rich at college and becoming friends. Rich had once saved him from drowning and it earned him Johnny’s unwavering friendship, but Johnny soon realized that he was attracted to the person Rich was. Rich was gay so it didn’t bother him at all to have feelings for the man who he rescued years before, but Johnny had to come to terms with what it meant for him and for his football career. There was a fight, a misunderstanding, and a betrayal, but the two made it through it and this book takes place right after they make up. To read my review of My Hero click here.
This book primarily follows Rich and Johnny as Rich works his way to the Olympics as a diver for Team USA. Rich has had this goal for a long time but tended to be too stressed out and over trained, causing him to fail. But this time he is secure in his relationship with Johnny, he has strengthened his relationship with his dad, and he has a whole bunch of new friends supporting him. However, things aren’t peachy keen. He and Johnny become the targets for homophobic bullies. Throughout this, though, Rich remains strong.
What was great to see, was how much the characters developed in this book. Everyone became stronger, and relationships formed in unlikely places for Rich’s dad, also for a friend, Virgil, who I really liked in the first book. Anita, Johnny’s cousin, and Ruthie, Rich’s best friend, also meet and fall for teammates of Johnny. Rich and Johnny already have solid feelings of love, mutual respect, and sexual attraction. That sexual chemistry leads to many funny scenes while at the World’s and the Olympics. There was a lot of sex in this book, I’ll admit. But personally, each time, I saw the relationship strengthen because of it. Their shared love of food sex, of handing over control to the other, and of pleasuring the other, deepened their feelings of love.
The epilogue of this book was one of my favorites. It paints a picture of the life that Rich and Johnny create after Olympic and NFL careers. The amount of genuine caring between them made my heart skip a beat. I love the way they loved each other and how they liked to give back to the community after all their experiences. All their successes brought them joy, but they wanted to share it, instead of becoming wealth obsessed snobs. There is little angst and though I like that sometimes, this was a beautiful story and it left me with a “feel good” feeling. I definitely recommend it.
November 15, 2015
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OMG, I literally “Squeed” fangirling when Bec let me review My Hero: The Olympian!
When I reviewed the audiobook version of My Hero and Max told me he was working on it’s sequel, I got really thrilled.
I fell in love with Johnny and Rich at first sight. How they faced their own fears and insecurities to be themselves and to be together, so I was sad when the book ended but so happy when I got to see more of them.
In My Hero: The Olympian, we get more of Johnny sassiness (Oh my, I so love his sense of humor), and more of sweet Rich, while they go through the harshness of reality intruding into their dream world.
Being “Out and Proud”, especially for a football player, is not as easy as Johnny thought… he has to face hate, prejudice and anger from people he should be able to trust.
What I love most in their story is the lengths each of them are willing to take for the other, for their love and happiness. They have grown so much from the first time they met…
Rich is focused on his Olympian dream, but now, having Johnny’s love as his anchor, he can put all his priorities into perspective… something that he never realized was missing in his life… And I loved seeing more of Dan, Johnny’s parents and Virgil, they are truly special and supportive, and such a great addiction to the story.
Thank you Max for giving life to these sweet guys that have stolen a piece of my heart. Their story made me laugh, giggle, sigh and have a really great time.
Don’t miss this great book!
OMG, I literally “Squeed” fangirling when Bec let me review My Hero: The Olympian!
When I reviewed the audiobook version of My Hero and Max told me he was working on it’s sequel, I got really thrilled.
I fell in love with Johnny and Rich at first sight. How they faced their own fears and insecurities to be themselves and to be together, so I was sad when the book ended but so happy when I got to see more of them.
In My Hero: The Olympian, we get more of Johnny sassiness (Oh my, I so love his sense of humor), and more of sweet Rich, while they go through the harshness of reality intruding into their dream world.
Being “Out and Proud”, especially for a football player, is not as easy as Johnny thought… he has to face hate, prejudice and anger from people he should be able to trust.
What I love most in their story is the lengths each of them are willing to take for the other, for their love and happiness. They have grown so much from the first time they met…
Rich is focused on his Olympian dream, but now, having Johnny’s love as his anchor, he can put all his priorities into perspective… something that he never realized was missing in his life… And I loved seeing more of Dan, Johnny’s parents and Virgil, they are truly special and supportive, and such a great addiction to the story.
Thank you Max for giving life to these sweet guys that have stolen a piece of my heart. Their story made me laugh, giggle, sigh and have a really great time.
Don’t miss this great book!
November 22, 2015
Brilliant!
An amazingly wonderful and engaging sequel to My Hero! Rich and John are dealing with the aftermath of their coming out as a couple, and while it wasn't easy, they stayed true to themselves. Facing discrimination and a targeted hate crime, they came out stronger and standing together. So much love between them, their families and friends rallied around them and supported them through it all. Sweetly romantic and charming, with humor and tons of laughter, this was an exceptional story. Great characters, amazing storyline and an ending just perfect!! Well done!!
An amazingly wonderful and engaging sequel to My Hero! Rich and John are dealing with the aftermath of their coming out as a couple, and while it wasn't easy, they stayed true to themselves. Facing discrimination and a targeted hate crime, they came out stronger and standing together. So much love between them, their families and friends rallied around them and supported them through it all. Sweetly romantic and charming, with humor and tons of laughter, this was an exceptional story. Great characters, amazing storyline and an ending just perfect!! Well done!!
November 29, 2015
My Hero: The Olympian is a wonderful story of love and family. Rich and Johnny truly found each other’s half and the love they created help them survive the scrutiny and hate from people who couldn’t understand their love for each other.
The family that surrounded them made it better and created the barrier of love and protection they needed.
With this story, Max Vos strategically showed that the sport's world needs to be open to accepting the LGBT community like the rest of the world too.
Love is Love … and always will be.
The family that surrounded them made it better and created the barrier of love and protection they needed.
With this story, Max Vos strategically showed that the sport's world needs to be open to accepting the LGBT community like the rest of the world too.
Love is Love … and always will be.
November 21, 2016
Oh mio dio ma l'epilogooooooooooooo: L'AMORE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 28, 2020
New to me author. This is a mm contemporary story set in the USA and UK. Rich a college driver and Johnny a college football player are a couple. I didn’t read book one, but could pick the story up ok.
February 10, 2018
This is the second part of Rich and Johnny's story and it definitely should not be read as a standalone because you`ll miss what it`s all about.
If you did like the first part, however, you certainly will enjoy this one as well.
Again it is a book without a lot (or probably any) drama, no angst and honestly not much going on.
It is more like a long and winding road - which is life.
The most exciting thing happening here are the Olympic games and the question if our "Hero" Rich will be able and good enough to participate.
For me, this was absolutely sufficient and I had a great time reading their story, but I think there is also a fair chance that some readers may find this rather boring.
Probably it depends on the mood you are in and if the time is right you might enjoy this.
I definitely did and would rate their story solid 3.5 stars well above average.
If you did like the first part, however, you certainly will enjoy this one as well.
Again it is a book without a lot (or probably any) drama, no angst and honestly not much going on.
It is more like a long and winding road - which is life.
The most exciting thing happening here are the Olympic games and the question if our "Hero" Rich will be able and good enough to participate.
For me, this was absolutely sufficient and I had a great time reading their story, but I think there is also a fair chance that some readers may find this rather boring.
Probably it depends on the mood you are in and if the time is right you might enjoy this.
I definitely did and would rate their story solid 3.5 stars well above average.
January 12, 2020
3.5 stars
It's been a while since I read the first story about Rich and Johnny, but there were enough references to the previous story without going over their history ad nauseam that I didn't feel lost. I enjoyed the additional side characters and the ones that are developed more from book one, but none of them really were as fully rounded as our two athletes. It was a pretty long read, but thankfully shorter than My Hero.
It's been a while since I read the first story about Rich and Johnny, but there were enough references to the previous story without going over their history ad nauseam that I didn't feel lost. I enjoyed the additional side characters and the ones that are developed more from book one, but none of them really were as fully rounded as our two athletes. It was a pretty long read, but thankfully shorter than My Hero.
December 1, 2015
Rich and Johnny definitely got off to a rough start in My Hero, but now they are back to prove that love can conquer anything, if you face it together. At the end of My Hero, Johnny had surprised Rich with a romantic evening on top of the diving board platform. They shared their love and themselves with each other, but now they have to face the cruel world and just how narrow some people’s minds can be.
As the word spreads that Johnny Milloway star football player is gay, well, the shit hits the fan. His coaches, family and friends are all supportive, but some of the other players on the team are far from happy about Johnny’s choice to love another man. While Rich should be getting ready for the World Championships for diving so he can qualify for the Olympics, his focus remains on keeping him and Johnny safe, especially when Johnny is attacked on campus.
Having had a heart to heart with his father and mending those fences, Rich packs up his boyfriend and moves them into his family home in an attempt to keep them both safe. But the threat seems to find them wherever they go. So much is up in the air as the trip to London where Rich will have to qualify if he wants to go to the Olympics grows nearer. With the violence against them escalating, can Rich and Johnny face the danger together? Or will it tear them apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading this book. It was intense, emotional and gripping. I don’t usually read books this long because my focus wains, but I was completely engaged from start to finish. The flow was steady from start to finish, peaks and valleys placed at the appropriate time in the book. There was the danger looming from whoever it was that was so angered by Johnny coming out, that they thought beating him, leaving a dead rat on his porch, and eventually coming after him and Rich with both guns blazing… would make them happier in the end? I really don’t comprehend that kind of hate. What I liked was how Vos showed that the threats and violence was a strain for Rich. It was brief, but it was mentioned and that added more depth and reality to the story for me.
Oh but Johnny truly stole the show. He is this big, badass football jock that loves his man with every fiber of his being. That love, from both Rich and Johnny, jumped off the pages of the book. The two of them are steadfast, loyal, passionate and oh my my, they do like their alone time, if you get my drift. There were these little funny moments and constants in the story that made me laugh out loud a lot. The paper walls in London, the onion rings (dayum!) Johnny always saying, “good because I’m…” and the guys in the room finishing in chorus, “starving!” All these little things woven into the story and the three dimensional characters really made this story in the end.
Everything came full circle in this book, and the epilogue made my face hurt my smile was so wide. I would like to see a story, even if it’s a novella, for Virgil, he is such a hoot and I’m happy with where his little piece of the story went. If you are a fan of gay for you stories, jock stories, or just a fan of a good romance, then this is a book for you. If you haven’t read the first book, My Hero, then you have to start there; the books must be read in order. It is definitely a must read series though, one that I will most likely read again, and again.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
As the word spreads that Johnny Milloway star football player is gay, well, the shit hits the fan. His coaches, family and friends are all supportive, but some of the other players on the team are far from happy about Johnny’s choice to love another man. While Rich should be getting ready for the World Championships for diving so he can qualify for the Olympics, his focus remains on keeping him and Johnny safe, especially when Johnny is attacked on campus.
Having had a heart to heart with his father and mending those fences, Rich packs up his boyfriend and moves them into his family home in an attempt to keep them both safe. But the threat seems to find them wherever they go. So much is up in the air as the trip to London where Rich will have to qualify if he wants to go to the Olympics grows nearer. With the violence against them escalating, can Rich and Johnny face the danger together? Or will it tear them apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading this book. It was intense, emotional and gripping. I don’t usually read books this long because my focus wains, but I was completely engaged from start to finish. The flow was steady from start to finish, peaks and valleys placed at the appropriate time in the book. There was the danger looming from whoever it was that was so angered by Johnny coming out, that they thought beating him, leaving a dead rat on his porch, and eventually coming after him and Rich with both guns blazing… would make them happier in the end? I really don’t comprehend that kind of hate. What I liked was how Vos showed that the threats and violence was a strain for Rich. It was brief, but it was mentioned and that added more depth and reality to the story for me.
Oh but Johnny truly stole the show. He is this big, badass football jock that loves his man with every fiber of his being. That love, from both Rich and Johnny, jumped off the pages of the book. The two of them are steadfast, loyal, passionate and oh my my, they do like their alone time, if you get my drift. There were these little funny moments and constants in the story that made me laugh out loud a lot. The paper walls in London, the onion rings (dayum!) Johnny always saying, “good because I’m…” and the guys in the room finishing in chorus, “starving!” All these little things woven into the story and the three dimensional characters really made this story in the end.
Everything came full circle in this book, and the epilogue made my face hurt my smile was so wide. I would like to see a story, even if it’s a novella, for Virgil, he is such a hoot and I’m happy with where his little piece of the story went. If you are a fan of gay for you stories, jock stories, or just a fan of a good romance, then this is a book for you. If you haven’t read the first book, My Hero, then you have to start there; the books must be read in order. It is definitely a must read series though, one that I will most likely read again, and again.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
December 11, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Danielle
To say I was excited to start this book is an understatement. I really loved the characters of Johnny and Rich in the first book “My Hero,” so I was very stoked to get started on this new release.
Surprisingly this story picks up right where My Hero left us, so you can “dive” right back in.
The story tells us about Rich preparing for the World Diving Championships and through that his placement for the olympic team. It also tells about the struggles of two young men, a newly openly gay couple in a sport enviroment and college. It shows the support but also the struggle these young men have to conquer on their path towards an Olympic finale.
The families surrounding these young men deserve a special mention. Rich’s reborn relationship with his dad “Dan” (who is a great cook, we have to have some food in there somewhere right?) forms a big family base for this novel. In addition there’s Uncle Virgile, Johnny’s cousin Anita and of course Johnny’s supportive parents. Together they spread a whole lotta love among them.
For anyone who didn’t get the picture yet, these two young men are in love and they kind of like to spread that around quite literally! But then again can we expect otherwise from author Max Vos from those who might be familiar with his work. They are hot and hot for each other. A bit too much you might wonder?
I personally love the red cheeks, the slight embaressment yet the openly proud showing of love, the commitment they represent. With a good dose of humor, respect and understanding, courtesy of the author.,
Not only will the main characters keep you entertained but also their extended family, and it makes the reading worth while. Dan and the lady he meets called “Pet,” Uncle Virgile and Graig (yes, my brain shouts spin off, spin off!), football friend D’andre and best lady friend Ruthie, the boys from the football team…the list goes on.
Max Vos proves again with this story that he knows what he writes about, the passion he portrays is real, brutaly honest and raw with great compession (I will only say Georgie).
Has all this story been told already? Perhaps for Johnny and Rich, but what about Virgile and Graig and what about for example police officer Noah or in a couple of years Georgie?
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
To say I was excited to start this book is an understatement. I really loved the characters of Johnny and Rich in the first book “My Hero,” so I was very stoked to get started on this new release.
Surprisingly this story picks up right where My Hero left us, so you can “dive” right back in.
The story tells us about Rich preparing for the World Diving Championships and through that his placement for the olympic team. It also tells about the struggles of two young men, a newly openly gay couple in a sport enviroment and college. It shows the support but also the struggle these young men have to conquer on their path towards an Olympic finale.
The families surrounding these young men deserve a special mention. Rich’s reborn relationship with his dad “Dan” (who is a great cook, we have to have some food in there somewhere right?) forms a big family base for this novel. In addition there’s Uncle Virgile, Johnny’s cousin Anita and of course Johnny’s supportive parents. Together they spread a whole lotta love among them.
For anyone who didn’t get the picture yet, these two young men are in love and they kind of like to spread that around quite literally! But then again can we expect otherwise from author Max Vos from those who might be familiar with his work. They are hot and hot for each other. A bit too much you might wonder?
I personally love the red cheeks, the slight embaressment yet the openly proud showing of love, the commitment they represent. With a good dose of humor, respect and understanding, courtesy of the author.,
Not only will the main characters keep you entertained but also their extended family, and it makes the reading worth while. Dan and the lady he meets called “Pet,” Uncle Virgile and Graig (yes, my brain shouts spin off, spin off!), football friend D’andre and best lady friend Ruthie, the boys from the football team…the list goes on.
Max Vos proves again with this story that he knows what he writes about, the passion he portrays is real, brutaly honest and raw with great compession (I will only say Georgie).
Has all this story been told already? Perhaps for Johnny and Rich, but what about Virgile and Graig and what about for example police officer Noah or in a couple of years Georgie?
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 2, 2016
This sequel directly picks up where My Hero left off, with Johnny, the now out college football player, and Rich, the professional diver still working towards the World Diving Championships and the Olympic Games, standing together as a stronger and more solid couple.
But even with friends and family supporting them all the way, bigotry and hate make their everyday life seem like walking the gauntlet with two big, fat targets painted on their backs. Between tender, sweet and incredibly sexy moments, things turn ugly and violent fast. And while Rich will always be Johnny's hero and vice versa, some things are no longer in their power. Which is why a change of scenery does them a world of good.
While I enjoyed the first book very much (except for some niggles and issues), this one was... all over the place. It felt more like several short stories packed into one novel. A lot of episodes, all differing in tone and topic, came together here, but they didn't always feel connected. The writing was great, and Max Vos is still my king of the smexy stuff. But overall, it felt like this novel was somehow missing one, general arc of suspense. Instead there were so many things going on, so many settings and sub-plots and side-characters with their own stories, that it felt like every "chapter" of their story had it's own little arc of suspense and it's very own HFN. I just could have done with a clearer, more defined golden thread, I guess.
Overall, I was happy to revisit this couple. It was good to see Johnny and Rich grow, evolve and get even closer to each other. On the other hand, I love Max Vos' hot and raunchy side, and the sweetness and cuteness here was killing me at times. It was just that little bit too much sugar and cheese and fluff. I might be too cynical for that. Or maybe just a cranky bat with a little bit of romance-phobia thrown in now and again.
But even with friends and family supporting them all the way, bigotry and hate make their everyday life seem like walking the gauntlet with two big, fat targets painted on their backs. Between tender, sweet and incredibly sexy moments, things turn ugly and violent fast. And while Rich will always be Johnny's hero and vice versa, some things are no longer in their power. Which is why a change of scenery does them a world of good.
While I enjoyed the first book very much (except for some niggles and issues), this one was... all over the place. It felt more like several short stories packed into one novel. A lot of episodes, all differing in tone and topic, came together here, but they didn't always feel connected. The writing was great, and Max Vos is still my king of the smexy stuff. But overall, it felt like this novel was somehow missing one, general arc of suspense. Instead there were so many things going on, so many settings and sub-plots and side-characters with their own stories, that it felt like every "chapter" of their story had it's own little arc of suspense and it's very own HFN. I just could have done with a clearer, more defined golden thread, I guess.
Overall, I was happy to revisit this couple. It was good to see Johnny and Rich grow, evolve and get even closer to each other. On the other hand, I love Max Vos' hot and raunchy side, and the sweetness and cuteness here was killing me at times. It was just that little bit too much sugar and cheese and fluff. I might be too cynical for that. Or maybe just a cranky bat with a little bit of romance-phobia thrown in now and again.
November 22, 2015
Enjoy gay-for-you college jock stories? My Hero: The Olympian is for you! But it's more than that too. Reading this book was a roller coaster for both the personal and professional journeys of the main characters, Johnny and Rich. The story begins immediately after My Hero, and the cast continues to feature the two main characters from the first book as well as most of the secondary characters that make up Johnny and Rich's family and close friends.
We do get to meet quite a few more people in their lives, though, as Johnny's relationship with Rich fully comes to light after his blow up in the first book. He's a college football player, and even in modern times, not everyone is accepting, especially in a sport where there's a lot of testosterone flying around the field and locker room. That leads to a lot of drama, which drives a lot of the events in the book.
The second main element of the book focuses far more on Rich's journey to... you guessed it, the Olympics. For all that is going wrong in his life, he's experiencing something exactly right. His diving is spot on, and he's focused in a new, loose way that has escaped him in the past. His relationship with his dad is on the mend, even.
But everything Johnny is facing affects Rich, too. Can they overcome the danger them personally and professionally, keep Rich diving, and get through all the drama of the Olympics? With twists and turns that keep you guessing, this book makes the path to the end unpredictable. I must mention the editing isn't great (the habit of using mom/dad instead of Mom/Dad when being used as a name and some homophone issues and missing punctuation jumped out the most) but it's not so bad to keep a reader from enjoying the story. For those who read My Hero and hated the cheating scene, I will say this does NOT get a repeat in the sequel.
Overall, a good read, especially for a popular genre that can often feel far more formulaic than fresh.
We do get to meet quite a few more people in their lives, though, as Johnny's relationship with Rich fully comes to light after his blow up in the first book. He's a college football player, and even in modern times, not everyone is accepting, especially in a sport where there's a lot of testosterone flying around the field and locker room. That leads to a lot of drama, which drives a lot of the events in the book.
The second main element of the book focuses far more on Rich's journey to... you guessed it, the Olympics. For all that is going wrong in his life, he's experiencing something exactly right. His diving is spot on, and he's focused in a new, loose way that has escaped him in the past. His relationship with his dad is on the mend, even.
But everything Johnny is facing affects Rich, too. Can they overcome the danger them personally and professionally, keep Rich diving, and get through all the drama of the Olympics? With twists and turns that keep you guessing, this book makes the path to the end unpredictable. I must mention the editing isn't great (the habit of using mom/dad instead of Mom/Dad when being used as a name and some homophone issues and missing punctuation jumped out the most) but it's not so bad to keep a reader from enjoying the story. For those who read My Hero and hated the cheating scene, I will say this does NOT get a repeat in the sequel.
Overall, a good read, especially for a popular genre that can often feel far more formulaic than fresh.
December 13, 2015
3.5 stars
overall i liked this story, although some of it was a bit predictable. i like how good these boys are together and how they seem to be just made for each other. i like their banter and snark with each other. their relationship really developed and became even more solid than in book 1. the supporting cast was good, even the bad guys. there are several story lines running in this book - their trouble for being openly gay and athletes, john's success in football, virgil's story, dan's story, some of the players' stories. the epilogue was good and i like that we got a glimpse of their future.
there were a couple of issues i had with the story. my biggest was the writing style...it seems a bit immature. i understand that most of the characters are college age but even the dialog of the adults seemed just underdeveloped. my other issue is a bit nitpicky but it really bothered me and that was the timing on the running. the world record for 5 miles is just over 20 minutes at 20:19 and the boys first goal was running it in 20 and eventually getting it down to 15 which has never been done. additionally he talks about running a 5K in a little over 9 minutes. the world record for that distance is 12:37. i understand the author was attempting to show how fast these boys were running but the times were completely unrealistic and caused me to balk at the writing.
overall i liked this story, although some of it was a bit predictable. i like how good these boys are together and how they seem to be just made for each other. i like their banter and snark with each other. their relationship really developed and became even more solid than in book 1. the supporting cast was good, even the bad guys. there are several story lines running in this book - their trouble for being openly gay and athletes, john's success in football, virgil's story, dan's story, some of the players' stories. the epilogue was good and i like that we got a glimpse of their future.
there were a couple of issues i had with the story. my biggest was the writing style...it seems a bit immature. i understand that most of the characters are college age but even the dialog of the adults seemed just underdeveloped. my other issue is a bit nitpicky but it really bothered me and that was the timing on the running. the world record for 5 miles is just over 20 minutes at 20:19 and the boys first goal was running it in 20 and eventually getting it down to 15 which has never been done. additionally he talks about running a 5K in a little over 9 minutes. the world record for that distance is 12:37. i understand the author was attempting to show how fast these boys were running but the times were completely unrealistic and caused me to balk at the writing.
December 15, 2015
*** ARC provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
This book starts right where Book 1, My Hero, ends. Rich and Johnny are in a great place as they resume their relationship and work towards their dreams of going to the Olympics and playing football, respectively. Plus the fact that Rich is well on his way to mending his relationship with his father after years of misunderstandings. Things aren't all puppies and roses though, seeing as both boys, but especially Johnny, are dealing with the backlash of coming out to Johnny's homophobic teammates.
It was lovely to revisit these boys and see them even more in love with each other. Johnny is so focused on being the man Rich deserves and even if he's not sure yet if he's gay or just in love with Rich, that doesn't even matter any longer. He embraces the label with all it implies, good and bad. And he helps Rich find his center and give his all to his training for Worlds and then Olympics.
The book was amazing! I am in awe of Max Vos' talent to bring a scene to life as he does, I had goosebumps and was all antsy with some of Rich's dives and while waiting for the results and such. There was romance, hot sexy times, action and fantastic characters I actually keep falling in love with. This sequel was just perfect and gave us a broader view into Rich and Johnny's HEA. Highly recommendable!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
This book starts right where Book 1, My Hero, ends. Rich and Johnny are in a great place as they resume their relationship and work towards their dreams of going to the Olympics and playing football, respectively. Plus the fact that Rich is well on his way to mending his relationship with his father after years of misunderstandings. Things aren't all puppies and roses though, seeing as both boys, but especially Johnny, are dealing with the backlash of coming out to Johnny's homophobic teammates.
It was lovely to revisit these boys and see them even more in love with each other. Johnny is so focused on being the man Rich deserves and even if he's not sure yet if he's gay or just in love with Rich, that doesn't even matter any longer. He embraces the label with all it implies, good and bad. And he helps Rich find his center and give his all to his training for Worlds and then Olympics.
The book was amazing! I am in awe of Max Vos' talent to bring a scene to life as he does, I had goosebumps and was all antsy with some of Rich's dives and while waiting for the results and such. There was romance, hot sexy times, action and fantastic characters I actually keep falling in love with. This sequel was just perfect and gave us a broader view into Rich and Johnny's HEA. Highly recommendable!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
December 8, 2015
The Olympian picks up exactly where My Hero left off. Johnny has come out of the closet and the whole world knows that Rich is his boyfriend. This admittance comes with some very serious repercussions from the football team and beyond. Rich is heading to the Worlds and is an Olympic hopeful. He’s going to school, training and is now forced to deal with the public backlash of his relationship with Johnny.
Having witnessed bullying in real life, I was very impressed with Max Vos’s story. The threats and violence that plague Rich and Johnny following Johnny’s coming out are issues that so many people face every day. Rich and Johnny are very fortunate to have family, friends and coaches that support them completely.
Through all of the turmoil, Rich and Johnny’s relationship remained strong and continued to grow at a beautiful pace. I adored this love story. Max made me laugh, cry, get frustrated and angry…all of the things I love when reading a book.
This is a fantastic story that I definitely would recommend.
Having witnessed bullying in real life, I was very impressed with Max Vos’s story. The threats and violence that plague Rich and Johnny following Johnny’s coming out are issues that so many people face every day. Rich and Johnny are very fortunate to have family, friends and coaches that support them completely.
Through all of the turmoil, Rich and Johnny’s relationship remained strong and continued to grow at a beautiful pace. I adored this love story. Max made me laugh, cry, get frustrated and angry…all of the things I love when reading a book.
This is a fantastic story that I definitely would recommend.
July 17, 2016
What a great follow-up to My Hero. I loved this story! So wonderful to catch up with Johnny & Rich. It was so nice to see how they dealt with coming out-to really see how their family and friends stood by them as well as provided back up when things not only got worse but got dangerous. Loved seeing how all of their lives tied to each other. Thanks for a great read Mr. Vos!
August 27, 2019
I loved this book, it's even better than the first one. I don't understand why it's not wildly popular, it has it all. It's funny, exciting at times, a little suspenseful, erotic and romantic.
I so want a Johnny in my life, funny and extremely sexy, did I mention hairy ass? He makes me want to do odd things with onion rings (inside joke).
I so want a Johnny in my life, funny and extremely sexy, did I mention hairy ass? He makes me want to do odd things with onion rings (inside joke).
November 21, 2015
Brilliant sequel. Johnny and Rich are such lovable characters. Another great storyline and the epilogue was an EPIClogue!
Read
November 22, 2015fantastic story !
reviewed at Love Bytes with 4.5 hearts!
reviewed at Love Bytes with 4.5 hearts!
December 2, 2015
What a good book. I didn't want it to end. The story was well written, and I loved the Main Characters. That's why I gave this story 5 stars. Good job Mr. Vos, good job.
December 29, 2015
In love
Max has out done himself with the follow up to My Hero. The love between Rich and John is just amazing. If you haven't read this one do it right away.
Max has out done himself with the follow up to My Hero. The love between Rich and John is just amazing. If you haven't read this one do it right away.
June 11, 2016
dolce dolce dolcissimo!
May 27, 2024
A terrific tale of perseverance ! The University of Tennessee.
Rich, is blonde, lean swimmers muscles, training for the World's competition and the Olympics that follow.
Johnny has dark hair, 6'6" 278lbs., who is a football player and a giant, hairy bear.
We get a real fix on what college life is for our athletes, with the studies, interactions, workouts, and food. Their parents are good to them and these guys know what they want in the future, how to get it and are dedicated to school and each other. Their lives are so busy while they grind and make it work.
When a hate crime is committed, they are shaken, and so is the school, families and the town. Yet, the threats are still coming. Meanwhile they stay focused, and Rich's eyes are on London and the Olympics
As time passes, we see more from the homophobes and then a shooting, too.
London turns out to be fantastic for our MCs, Rich's Dad, Dan, and Virgil, Dan's business partner. Little do we know two more couples will be formed !
We get a great accounting of what us happening as the story unfolds. Descriptions are marvelous, conversations flow, and we get hot, sexy times in the guys personal times. They are vers and sizzling.
When back at home, the police are working on the cases. Everyone regroups, the focus is the Olympics, while the new relationships are moving forward.
We feel the excitement of the characters, and more training is stepped up.
This is well written, smooth flowing, and it holds our attention. The characters are realistic and diverse, plus likable and caring. We meet more homophobes, but it's handled well.
There is a lot more that we learn about athletes who are hired to represent companies.
Be prepared to get chills, and tears. Have those tissues handy, but some tears will be happy ones.
I highly recommend this story.
The epilogue for everyone and Rich and Johnny when they are approximately forty years old.
It is spectacular !
ENJOY !
======
Rich, is blonde, lean swimmers muscles, training for the World's competition and the Olympics that follow.
Johnny has dark hair, 6'6" 278lbs., who is a football player and a giant, hairy bear.
We get a real fix on what college life is for our athletes, with the studies, interactions, workouts, and food. Their parents are good to them and these guys know what they want in the future, how to get it and are dedicated to school and each other. Their lives are so busy while they grind and make it work.
When a hate crime is committed, they are shaken, and so is the school, families and the town. Yet, the threats are still coming. Meanwhile they stay focused, and Rich's eyes are on London and the Olympics
As time passes, we see more from the homophobes and then a shooting, too.
London turns out to be fantastic for our MCs, Rich's Dad, Dan, and Virgil, Dan's business partner. Little do we know two more couples will be formed !
We get a great accounting of what us happening as the story unfolds. Descriptions are marvelous, conversations flow, and we get hot, sexy times in the guys personal times. They are vers and sizzling.
When back at home, the police are working on the cases. Everyone regroups, the focus is the Olympics, while the new relationships are moving forward.
We feel the excitement of the characters, and more training is stepped up.
This is well written, smooth flowing, and it holds our attention. The characters are realistic and diverse, plus likable and caring. We meet more homophobes, but it's handled well.
There is a lot more that we learn about athletes who are hired to represent companies.
Be prepared to get chills, and tears. Have those tissues handy, but some tears will be happy ones.
I highly recommend this story.
The epilogue for everyone and Rich and Johnny when they are approximately forty years old.
It is spectacular !
ENJOY !
======
April 15, 2018
✔ Letto! Libro bellissimo, completo. Riesci a trattare di diversi argomenti sempre legato alla problematica dell'essere gay in qualsiasi parte del mondo. Dalla America alla Europa, i problemi per questi ragazzi ci sono e sono reali.
Il rapporto tra John e Rich si è evoluto e consolidato anche dovuto ai vari problemi che hanno dovuto affrontare come coppia, i colleghi fanatici, gli omofobi omicida, la cattiveria gratuita e niente di meglio avendo dalle due parti una famiglia meravigliosa e amici stupendi. E tutto questo intanto che si preparavano per essere i migliori nello sport che facevano.
No so voi, ma ho tifato tanto per una nuova coppia gay: Dan e Virgil! Sognare non costa niente ragazzi😍😉 Ma niente da fare 😠
Nelle olimpiadi ho sofferto con Rich, cavolo cercavo di distrarmi con altre cose con paura di leggere che non aveva vinto, che ansia! Colpa di "Training Season: La stagione dell'allenamento" di Leta Blake, vi ricordate la fine?😳😵😶
Avevo il cuore a mille per leggere il verdetto: Ha Vinto! Yohooooo 😂
Insomma, romanzo bellissimo, con ragazzi stupendi, forte, capaci di lottare anche contro le pallottole per il loro amore, nel momento giusto il dragone faceva la sua comparsa.
Da leggere e per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 💋
Il rapporto tra John e Rich si è evoluto e consolidato anche dovuto ai vari problemi che hanno dovuto affrontare come coppia, i colleghi fanatici, gli omofobi omicida, la cattiveria gratuita e niente di meglio avendo dalle due parti una famiglia meravigliosa e amici stupendi. E tutto questo intanto che si preparavano per essere i migliori nello sport che facevano.
No so voi, ma ho tifato tanto per una nuova coppia gay: Dan e Virgil! Sognare non costa niente ragazzi😍😉 Ma niente da fare 😠
Nelle olimpiadi ho sofferto con Rich, cavolo cercavo di distrarmi con altre cose con paura di leggere che non aveva vinto, che ansia! Colpa di "Training Season: La stagione dell'allenamento" di Leta Blake, vi ricordate la fine?😳😵😶
Avevo il cuore a mille per leggere il verdetto: Ha Vinto! Yohooooo 😂
Insomma, romanzo bellissimo, con ragazzi stupendi, forte, capaci di lottare anche contro le pallottole per il loro amore, nel momento giusto il dragone faceva la sua comparsa.
Da leggere e per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 💋
July 31, 2017
One for all and all for one
This book is great it's not about sex but true love between best friends, lovers and life struggles. I loved the danger and the love between characters and how their love grows between them. Now we need a book between the coaches that could be hilarious and very entertaining.
This book is great it's not about sex but true love between best friends, lovers and life struggles. I loved the danger and the love between characters and how their love grows between them. Now we need a book between the coaches that could be hilarious and very entertaining.
August 26, 2017
This carried on straight from book 1 with Rich and Johnny now an established couple. The main plot is still Rich and Johnny's relationship with a side plot of homophobia and hate crime. I didn't like this book as much as the first - Rich's naivety of his fame got a bit wearing. However still a good read and I enjoyed the look into another sport.
3.5 stars(4 GR)
3.5 stars(4 GR)
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