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Ringside Romance #1
Working It
A Ringside Romance Novel
Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start—new career, new company, new life. The only problem is, he liked his old life just fine . . . until an accident robbed him of his health, his job, his self-confidence, and his ability to go out in public without having anxiety attacks.
Zack Anderson has scared away his last four executive assistants. So when he hires Nolan on a whim, he’s not too worried, since Nolan will be gone within the week anyway. Two weeks later, Nolan has made himself indispensable, completely reforming Zack’s schedule, life . . . and libido.
But in a company already torn by internal politics, one wrong step could ruin both their careers. And not only are they working to reopen Ringside Gym, Zack’s retreat when he was a troubled teen, but they also can’t help themselves falling for each other. If only the rest of their lives could go as smoothly as things do when they’re alone together.
* * * * * * *
The Ringside Romance stories can be read on their own or enjoyed in series order.
Word 67,700; page 251
Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start—new career, new company, new life. The only problem is, he liked his old life just fine . . . until an accident robbed him of his health, his job, his self-confidence, and his ability to go out in public without having anxiety attacks.
Zack Anderson has scared away his last four executive assistants. So when he hires Nolan on a whim, he’s not too worried, since Nolan will be gone within the week anyway. Two weeks later, Nolan has made himself indispensable, completely reforming Zack’s schedule, life . . . and libido.
But in a company already torn by internal politics, one wrong step could ruin both their careers. And not only are they working to reopen Ringside Gym, Zack’s retreat when he was a troubled teen, but they also can’t help themselves falling for each other. If only the rest of their lives could go as smoothly as things do when they’re alone together.
* * * * * * *
The Ringside Romance stories can be read on their own or enjoyed in series order.
Word 67,700; page 251
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2017
42 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Christine d'Abo
65 books585 followersA romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over forty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.
My thoughts on any of my Goodreads reviews are only my opinion as a reader. I don't post anything here that I'd give less than three stars to.
My thoughts on any of my Goodreads reviews are only my opinion as a reader. I don't post anything here that I'd give less than three stars to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 20, 2016
~3.5~
The first 60 percent of Working It was a solid 4 star read. I liked the light enemies-to-lovers trope, the insta lust, the hurt/comfort theme, and the forbidden office romance.
Zack is unapproachable and not known for his people skills. He hires Nolan to be his personal assistant (one of many who've either quit or been fired) on a whim. Nolan is still recovering from a horrific car accident that left him shattered two years prior. He's a shell of the man he used to be, but somehow he and Zack develop a rapport.
Nolan doesn't bend to Zack's will, and Zack becomes nicer, more human, with Nolan around. Zack's dream is to run a boxing gym for LGBQT youth. Nolan is drawn to Zack's passion and wants to be a part of the dream, so he volunteers to help Zack get the gym up and running.
I liked Nolan more than I liked Zack, who never felt fully realized. Zack has some intense anger-management issues. It's why boxing helped him so much when he was younger. But the reasons for Zack's issues are a mystery. As far as we know, he had a normal childhood.
The men become lovers, but I wanted to see the relationship develop organically on page. I hated the way Zack treated Nolan toward the end. I understood why he did what he did, but he went about it all wrong. And Nolan just took it and came crawling back.
Unfortunately, the last half of the story focused more on office politics than the relationship. Some of the details included in the story (all the budget deficit drama) felt forced and unnecessary. We also never get to hear those three very important words on page, so the ending is closer to a HFN than a HEA.
Since this book is part of the Ringside Romance series, I was expecting more, well, "ringside," but there's no boxing in sight. Possibly we'll get more in the next book, which I'm assuming will be Max's story (Max is Zack's closest friend and also involved with the gym).
This is the first book I've read by this author. The writing was solid. Rounded up because sex on a desk is always a good thing.
The first 60 percent of Working It was a solid 4 star read. I liked the light enemies-to-lovers trope, the insta lust, the hurt/comfort theme, and the forbidden office romance.
Zack is unapproachable and not known for his people skills. He hires Nolan to be his personal assistant (one of many who've either quit or been fired) on a whim. Nolan is still recovering from a horrific car accident that left him shattered two years prior. He's a shell of the man he used to be, but somehow he and Zack develop a rapport.
Nolan doesn't bend to Zack's will, and Zack becomes nicer, more human, with Nolan around. Zack's dream is to run a boxing gym for LGBQT youth. Nolan is drawn to Zack's passion and wants to be a part of the dream, so he volunteers to help Zack get the gym up and running.
I liked Nolan more than I liked Zack, who never felt fully realized. Zack has some intense anger-management issues. It's why boxing helped him so much when he was younger. But the reasons for Zack's issues are a mystery. As far as we know, he had a normal childhood.
The men become lovers, but I wanted to see the relationship develop organically on page. I hated the way Zack treated Nolan toward the end. I understood why he did what he did, but he went about it all wrong. And Nolan just took it and came crawling back.
Unfortunately, the last half of the story focused more on office politics than the relationship. Some of the details included in the story (all the budget deficit drama) felt forced and unnecessary. We also never get to hear those three very important words on page, so the ending is closer to a HFN than a HEA.
Since this book is part of the Ringside Romance series, I was expecting more, well, "ringside," but there's no boxing in sight. Possibly we'll get more in the next book, which I'm assuming will be Max's story (Max is Zack's closest friend and also involved with the gym).
This is the first book I've read by this author. The writing was solid. Rounded up because sex on a desk is always a good thing.
March 4, 2017
***3.75 Stars***
Two men, a bit lonely, a bit broken...
This was my first Christine d'Abo book and it certainly won't be my last.
There's an ease to her writing that I really liked. And the flow and pacing of the story felt the same way....easy.
Unfortunately, I liked the first half more than the second half.
The first half really tugged at the heartstrings with Nolan's anxiety and insecurity regarding his scars and injuries after his accident.
Zach took a little bit longer to warm up to due to his abrasive attitude, but seeing him slowly melt and open up to Nolan thawed my feelings towards him too. The two guys definitely had a connection.
I wish the second half didn't shift more time to what was happening at work and would have focused more on the evolving relationship between the two men. I needed more of them outside of work (even though I do appreciate a good romp in the office). By the time we get to the end and epilogue, I wasn't quite sold on the depth of their feelings.
I'm hoping we see more of them in the rest of the series because they're definitely a great and well-balanced couple.
Also, for a series entitled "Ringside Romance," there really isn't much "ringside" going on here?
***ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
April 1, 2017
My first book by Christine d'Abo was a very pleasant surprise. Office romance, right amount of steam, nice dose of angst and solid writing. What's not to like?
Not the words Nolan Carmichael wanted to hear when he got hired as Zack Anderson's administrative assistant.
Zack is grumpy and hard to work with. He expects his assistants to fail, and lashes out pretty often. Ok, Zack is an asshole. But you know, there are some pretty good qualities underneath the attitude. That much is obvious from the way he acts around people who are in need.
Nolan is far from perfect too. After a horrible accident, he carries scars, both physical and mental. But he doesn't give up, he works hard, and soon he becomes indispensable to Zack.
There is a lot of slow burn, push and pull, and great chemistry between the MCs. It felt real, the way their connection slowly built. Their joined efforts over reopening Ringside Gym (the place that helped Zack deal with his anger management issues when he was a troubled teen) added a lot to this.
My only niggle is that the second half of the book could be less about office politics, and more about relationship development. Too many details about the business made the story drag a little for me, but in the end it picked up again.
The situation Zack and Nolan find themselves in the end is pretty shitty, but I believe that they both made mistakes. Zack might have handled it wrong (although I can understand why), but Nolan's hissy fit and grand exit wasn't exactly the most mature thing to do.
But Zack and Nolan, both take responsibility for the way they acted, apologize, and talk things through. They navigate their new relationship and make plans and dreams for the future. I loved the epilogue and I consider the ending a tentative HEA.
I'm looking forward to the next installment. Max's story hopefully?
"Mr. Anderson is the CTO. [...]
And he's your new boss. She held out her hand, "Welcome to Compass, Nolan. God help you."
Not the words Nolan Carmichael wanted to hear when he got hired as Zack Anderson's administrative assistant.
Zack is grumpy and hard to work with. He expects his assistants to fail, and lashes out pretty often. Ok, Zack is an asshole. But you know, there are some pretty good qualities underneath the attitude. That much is obvious from the way he acts around people who are in need.
Nolan is far from perfect too. After a horrible accident, he carries scars, both physical and mental. But he doesn't give up, he works hard, and soon he becomes indispensable to Zack.
There is a lot of slow burn, push and pull, and great chemistry between the MCs. It felt real, the way their connection slowly built. Their joined efforts over reopening Ringside Gym (the place that helped Zack deal with his anger management issues when he was a troubled teen) added a lot to this.
My only niggle is that the second half of the book could be less about office politics, and more about relationship development. Too many details about the business made the story drag a little for me, but in the end it picked up again.
The situation Zack and Nolan find themselves in the end is pretty shitty, but I believe that they both made mistakes. Zack might have handled it wrong (although I can understand why), but Nolan's hissy fit and grand exit wasn't exactly the most mature thing to do.
But Zack and Nolan, both take responsibility for the way they acted, apologize, and talk things through. They navigate their new relationship and make plans and dreams for the future. I loved the epilogue and I consider the ending a tentative HEA.
"So sitting on his lap in a defunct boxing gym, Nolan Carmichael told him every detail of the horrific accident that had forever changed his life. And Zack Anderson, frustrated, angry, and sometimes dragon-like, fell in love."
I'm looking forward to the next installment. Max's story hopefully?
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
I'm rounding up half a star because the first 60-70% of this book was so good.
A couple of years ago Nolan Carmichael was in a horrible car accident that left him physically and psychologically damaged. But he's a strong man, and with the help of doctors, therapists and his loving sister, he's finally at a point where he wants to take back charge of his life.
Nolan applies, interviews and lands a job as a personal assistant.
Zack Anderson hasn't kept a personal assistant on the payroll for more than two weeks at a time. When he doesn't fire them, they quit. Although Zack is smart, driven and successful in his career, he does not posses an ounce of people skills. In fact, he has struggled with anger management issues his whole life. But that doesn't mean he's a bad person. In fact, he has a big heart and a big helping of compassion for other people. It's just hard to see beyond his rough exterior.
Nolan's unique mix of courage and vulnerability brings out the best in Zack.
I loved their bonding. It was great to see how they brought the best out in each other. I was totally invested in their story until shortly after their first kiss.
Unfortunately, their romantic relationship didn't work for me. I didn't feel it and couldn't connect with their feelings for each other. The few sex scenes were eye-rolling skimmable. The one in-depth scene went on for so many pages that I kept turning and turning looking for the place where I could pick the story back up.
The last 20% of the book was pretty good. I liked the plot twist and how the story resolved. But I needed more from this part too. More on-page angst and more details of feelings and self-growth from both characters.
Overall, a great plot that needed more character development.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I'm rounding up half a star because the first 60-70% of this book was so good.
A couple of years ago Nolan Carmichael was in a horrible car accident that left him physically and psychologically damaged. But he's a strong man, and with the help of doctors, therapists and his loving sister, he's finally at a point where he wants to take back charge of his life.
Nolan applies, interviews and lands a job as a personal assistant.
Zack Anderson hasn't kept a personal assistant on the payroll for more than two weeks at a time. When he doesn't fire them, they quit. Although Zack is smart, driven and successful in his career, he does not posses an ounce of people skills. In fact, he has struggled with anger management issues his whole life. But that doesn't mean he's a bad person. In fact, he has a big heart and a big helping of compassion for other people. It's just hard to see beyond his rough exterior.
Nolan's unique mix of courage and vulnerability brings out the best in Zack.
I loved their bonding. It was great to see how they brought the best out in each other. I was totally invested in their story until shortly after their first kiss.
Unfortunately, their romantic relationship didn't work for me. I didn't feel it and couldn't connect with their feelings for each other. The few sex scenes were eye-rolling skimmable. The one in-depth scene went on for so many pages that I kept turning and turning looking for the place where I could pick the story back up.
The last 20% of the book was pretty good. I liked the plot twist and how the story resolved. But I needed more from this part too. More on-page angst and more details of feelings and self-growth from both characters.
Overall, a great plot that needed more character development.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
February 6, 2017
Zack and Nolan.
Nolan still recovering from an accident has anxiety attacks. When he tries to gets his nerves together in the bathroom of the company where he has an application appointment he sees a man he can't gets his eyes of. After explaining to him what is wrong with him he leaves him behind to his appointment. While he is at this conversation the man from the bathroom storms in and tells he has the job.
Zack, the CTO of the company, can't get his mind straight why he hired the man as his PA. No one stays longer than a few days. Because Zack is an asshole..he has also anger problems....
What he didn't expected was the fact that Nolan has the right working skills and he just gets Zack.
There is so much more Zack then he shows to the work floor. And there is so much more Nolan then his accident and anxiety.
They like each other and when they get to know each other more and more there is something growing. They like each other and have fun together.
After showing Nolan his plans for re-opening Ringside Gym Nolan wants to help him in every way.
Their employer has other plans for their future.
My feelings were up and down with this read. I really liked the story there is nothing not to like. But there could be just more....more attraction...more heat between the man. It was restrained. I would have loved it when they were going wild and out of their mind. They were constant reserved. What worked was they were flawed.
Their personalities are reserved...I get it......only in my opinion their relationship could be more deepen....more elaborated.
Despite of this.....the way it was written was really good and steady, I really enjoyed it.
In other words....a good read and certainly worth reading!!
Nolan still recovering from an accident has anxiety attacks. When he tries to gets his nerves together in the bathroom of the company where he has an application appointment he sees a man he can't gets his eyes of. After explaining to him what is wrong with him he leaves him behind to his appointment. While he is at this conversation the man from the bathroom storms in and tells he has the job.
Zack, the CTO of the company, can't get his mind straight why he hired the man as his PA. No one stays longer than a few days. Because Zack is an asshole..he has also anger problems....
What he didn't expected was the fact that Nolan has the right working skills and he just gets Zack.
There is so much more Zack then he shows to the work floor. And there is so much more Nolan then his accident and anxiety.
They like each other and when they get to know each other more and more there is something growing. They like each other and have fun together.
After showing Nolan his plans for re-opening Ringside Gym Nolan wants to help him in every way.
Their employer has other plans for their future.
My feelings were up and down with this read. I really liked the story there is nothing not to like. But there could be just more....more attraction...more heat between the man. It was restrained. I would have loved it when they were going wild and out of their mind. They were constant reserved. What worked was they were flawed.
Their personalities are reserved...I get it......only in my opinion their relationship could be more deepen....more elaborated.
Despite of this.....the way it was written was really good and steady, I really enjoyed it.
In other words....a good read and certainly worth reading!!
July 8, 2019
What a bummer. The first half of this book was a solid workplace romance that was also delightfully enemies-to-lovers adjacent. And then, around the 60% mark, things just sorta... fell apart. Unlike some reviewers, I can't really put my finger on what changed and why I didn't like it, but from one page to the next, I lost all connection to the characters and their relationship to one another. As I said... Bummer.
April 3, 2017
This is my first time reading something by this author and I am pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. I liked both of the main MC's. I'm a HUGE sucker for a grumpypants MC with a heart of gold and Zach fit the bill perfectly. Nolan was sweet but so very strong. They were lovely together. I would've liked maybe a little more desk sex cuz HOT and Zach is a dirty talker. Love! My only real complaint was with the epilogue...it's only a few weeks/months later and it didn't quite finish the story off the way I usually like. I couldn't really see any progression and I would've loved to see these guys solid, they both deserve it.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series by this author.
Recommended!
Looking forward to reading the next in the series by this author.
Recommended!
August 13, 2023
This is the Being Fair Bit before I embark on The Rant.
D'Abo is a competent writer, and has fashioned a promising set-up between Zack's anger-management and Nolan's PTSD-adjacent panic attacks. There's something very pleasing about Zack reassessing Nolan in the light of the latter's obvious competence; overall the pairing made sense. A rift in the lute was reasonably swiftly overcome by good communication - kudos for that. The sub-plot involving an LGBTQ+ gym also had potential.
THE RANT
Yet another author who foregrounds “Business” as a plot line, but who clearly doesn’t understand anything about business. Why do authors do this? Do they really think none of their readers have worked in businesses, even big businesses? Here there are errors along the lines of “London is in Scotland”—yet no one has tapped Ms d’Abo on the shoulder and told her she needs to do better research.
Specifically, because this sort of thing really annoys me (you’d not noticed?):
1. Zack is described as Chief Technology Officer. In 99.9% of companies (but not, apparently, in “Compass Technologies”) that’s the person who comes up with new technology. It’s not the IT purchasing manager, which is the job Zack is actually shown as doing (not very well, it has to be said).
2. Compass Technologies is a large company. Zack (“the third most powerful man in the company”) has around 300 people under him (2% of his team is 5-6 people). The CTO should not be carrying out audits of purchase orders; he should not be preparing budgets (or only for his own department); he should not be operating without a PA. This is just basic stuff.
3. If Zack’s “the third most powerful man in the company”, where is the Chief Operating Officer in all this? Where is the Chief Financial Officer? Where is the real Chief Technology Officer (whose intellectual property the company is presumably making money from)?
4. The CEO surprises Zack (“the third most powerful man in the company”, remember) with the news that the company is going public. The Chief Technology Officer in any normal set up would be pivotal to this decision and their contract would lock them in: this isn’t mentioned once, yet it would give Zack the upper hand he needs in his dealings with his CEO. Not to mention that “the third most powerful man in the company” (who’s producing all that lovely technology) would almost certainly have a shareholding in the company.
I could go on but—goodness—this basic lack of understanding undermined my enjoyment of what was otherwise a decent enough romance.
[Cover art: L.C. Chase, lcchase.com/design.htm, so not AI.]
D'Abo is a competent writer, and has fashioned a promising set-up between Zack's anger-management and Nolan's PTSD-adjacent panic attacks. There's something very pleasing about Zack reassessing Nolan in the light of the latter's obvious competence; overall the pairing made sense. A rift in the lute was reasonably swiftly overcome by good communication - kudos for that. The sub-plot involving an LGBTQ+ gym also had potential.
THE RANT
Yet another author who foregrounds “Business” as a plot line, but who clearly doesn’t understand anything about business. Why do authors do this? Do they really think none of their readers have worked in businesses, even big businesses? Here there are errors along the lines of “London is in Scotland”—yet no one has tapped Ms d’Abo on the shoulder and told her she needs to do better research.
Specifically, because this sort of thing really annoys me (you’d not noticed?):
1. Zack is described as Chief Technology Officer. In 99.9% of companies (but not, apparently, in “Compass Technologies”) that’s the person who comes up with new technology. It’s not the IT purchasing manager, which is the job Zack is actually shown as doing (not very well, it has to be said).
2. Compass Technologies is a large company. Zack (“the third most powerful man in the company”) has around 300 people under him (2% of his team is 5-6 people). The CTO should not be carrying out audits of purchase orders; he should not be preparing budgets (or only for his own department); he should not be operating without a PA. This is just basic stuff.
3. If Zack’s “the third most powerful man in the company”, where is the Chief Operating Officer in all this? Where is the Chief Financial Officer? Where is the real Chief Technology Officer (whose intellectual property the company is presumably making money from)?
4. The CEO surprises Zack (“the third most powerful man in the company”, remember) with the news that the company is going public. The Chief Technology Officer in any normal set up would be pivotal to this decision and their contract would lock them in: this isn’t mentioned once, yet it would give Zack the upper hand he needs in his dealings with his CEO. Not to mention that “the third most powerful man in the company” (who’s producing all that lovely technology) would almost certainly have a shareholding in the company.
I could go on but—goodness—this basic lack of understanding undermined my enjoyment of what was otherwise a decent enough romance.
[Cover art: L.C. Chase, lcchase.com/design.htm, so not AI.]
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Dude!!! What happened???? The first half of the story was going extremely well, and then it declined rapidly. Hmm no. That's not how it was suppose to happen at all. Working it was going well as enemies to lovers story. I recall stating in previous reviews that I don't like clingy, needy, or PUSHOVERS as characters. I know realistically they are out there, but I really hate it. Nolan was going well as a character, but then at some point, he decided to be a pushover. It's nothing wrong with it in a committed relationship, but someone like Zach will always be able to pushover a potential lover because he doesn't have to own up to anything. FFS, it wasn't that serious, and a day could have waited. I'm just a strong willed woman, and I refuse to accept certain behaviors from people.
Nolan is trying to get a fresh start again in life. After a life altering accident he is willing himself to get back into the world. Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks doesn't make it easy. He decides to take a job where his skills exceed his skills. Sure he's skittish at first, but something in him calls to Zach. Difficult Zach, who is super abrasive, demanding, and not a people person at all. Zach seems to have all this pent up frustration and anger inside of him. He's super demanding, and doesn't seem to have a heart. With all these qualities, I had to stop to think what about Nolan called to him. Why, Nolan? He was on the cusp of an anxiety attack during their first meeting. It couldn't be attraction, because both stated numerous times how they weren't each other types. Not knowing each of Zach's backstory I can only presume that besides Nolan being the opposite of him, he's always never cared for someone. This is something that I wish the author would have wrote about. I would have loved to see a backstory on Zach. I can definitely see when the chemistry between the two started, sure it moved fairly quickly. I do think professional wise that they work wonders together. It shows a glimpse of how they could be personally. I really loved seeing the difference between Zach and his careers. The CTO job is just a stepping stone to something he loves. The Boxing gym that saved his life is something that he is putting his blood, sweat, and tears into. I think seeing more of this in a potential epilogue would have garnered a higher rating from me.
I didn't like the Miranda obstacle in the story. That sentence seems a little mean, but that story line did nothing for the story. I don't like filler information, and I didn't gain anything from it. Zach's reaction to the situation was spot on. I'm still confused on what the author was trying to show with it. It didn't help at all. **Sigh**, the L word was used at the end. Do I think it was to early? Yes, these two have a lot to work on, and we didn't get to see them grow at all. All in all, I thought it started off really well, but declined around the 50% part of the story. I will read book two. This was an ok read for me.
Dude!!! What happened???? The first half of the story was going extremely well, and then it declined rapidly. Hmm no. That's not how it was suppose to happen at all. Working it was going well as enemies to lovers story. I recall stating in previous reviews that I don't like clingy, needy, or PUSHOVERS as characters. I know realistically they are out there, but I really hate it. Nolan was going well as a character, but then at some point, he decided to be a pushover. It's nothing wrong with it in a committed relationship, but someone like Zach will always be able to pushover a potential lover because he doesn't have to own up to anything. FFS, it wasn't that serious, and a day could have waited. I'm just a strong willed woman, and I refuse to accept certain behaviors from people.
Nolan is trying to get a fresh start again in life. After a life altering accident he is willing himself to get back into the world. Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks doesn't make it easy. He decides to take a job where his skills exceed his skills. Sure he's skittish at first, but something in him calls to Zach. Difficult Zach, who is super abrasive, demanding, and not a people person at all. Zach seems to have all this pent up frustration and anger inside of him. He's super demanding, and doesn't seem to have a heart. With all these qualities, I had to stop to think what about Nolan called to him. Why, Nolan? He was on the cusp of an anxiety attack during their first meeting. It couldn't be attraction, because both stated numerous times how they weren't each other types. Not knowing each of Zach's backstory I can only presume that besides Nolan being the opposite of him, he's always never cared for someone. This is something that I wish the author would have wrote about. I would have loved to see a backstory on Zach. I can definitely see when the chemistry between the two started, sure it moved fairly quickly. I do think professional wise that they work wonders together. It shows a glimpse of how they could be personally. I really loved seeing the difference between Zach and his careers. The CTO job is just a stepping stone to something he loves. The Boxing gym that saved his life is something that he is putting his blood, sweat, and tears into. I think seeing more of this in a potential epilogue would have garnered a higher rating from me.
I didn't like the Miranda obstacle in the story. That sentence seems a little mean, but that story line did nothing for the story. I don't like filler information, and I didn't gain anything from it. Zach's reaction to the situation was spot on. I'm still confused on what the author was trying to show with it. It didn't help at all. **Sigh**, the L word was used at the end. Do I think it was to early? Yes, these two have a lot to work on, and we didn't get to see them grow at all. All in all, I thought it started off really well, but declined around the 50% part of the story. I will read book two. This was an ok read for me.
December 14, 2016
This book had me at the blurb because of my huge weakness for grumpy alpha males with a permanent chip on their shoulder.
Zack was pretty much exactly as I expected, a man with anger issues, lacking social behavior, someone who's feared and hated rather than loved, but also someone with a huge heart and a marshmallow core. Zack's job as a CTO is not something he's ever planned on and it's definitely not something he enjoys, but it allows him to secretly continue his plans to restore and re-open the gym that saved his life as a teen, and to keep alive the memory of the man who helped Zack learn to manage his anger. Ringside Gym is the only thing that Zack cares about, and he'll stop at nothing to rebuild its legacy to offer LGBT teens a safe place to manage their anger issues and blow off some steam.
Nolan Carmichael has been recovering from a severe car accident for the past two years, and he's more than ready to take charge of his life again. Getting a job he's overqualified for is not a problem, as long as he can get past his severe anxiety and panic attacks. PTSD's a bitch, but he's determined to conquer it. His job interview doesn't go exactly as planned, and he ends up becoming the PA of the most feared man in the entire company; Zack's reputation certainly doesn't make Nolan's future with the company very promising.
Nolan and Zack are very different from each other, but they work very well together by complementing each other perfectly. I loved how the budding chemistry made their interactions that much more intense. Despite the odds stacked against them, Nolan and Zack become a pretty strong duo; once they decide the chemistry between them is worth exploring, there are plenty of scorching moments to enjoy. I loved how they each worked to win the other's trust and how they never gave up on each other, not even when things got hard and the odds seemed stacked against them.
I could probably find a few flaws and things to complain about, but I'm content and happy with how this book ended. I hope this series continues with Max's story, because he seems like a pretty important character and I'd love to learn more about him.
Zack was pretty much exactly as I expected, a man with anger issues, lacking social behavior, someone who's feared and hated rather than loved, but also someone with a huge heart and a marshmallow core. Zack's job as a CTO is not something he's ever planned on and it's definitely not something he enjoys, but it allows him to secretly continue his plans to restore and re-open the gym that saved his life as a teen, and to keep alive the memory of the man who helped Zack learn to manage his anger. Ringside Gym is the only thing that Zack cares about, and he'll stop at nothing to rebuild its legacy to offer LGBT teens a safe place to manage their anger issues and blow off some steam.
Nolan Carmichael has been recovering from a severe car accident for the past two years, and he's more than ready to take charge of his life again. Getting a job he's overqualified for is not a problem, as long as he can get past his severe anxiety and panic attacks. PTSD's a bitch, but he's determined to conquer it. His job interview doesn't go exactly as planned, and he ends up becoming the PA of the most feared man in the entire company; Zack's reputation certainly doesn't make Nolan's future with the company very promising.
Nolan and Zack are very different from each other, but they work very well together by complementing each other perfectly. I loved how the budding chemistry made their interactions that much more intense. Despite the odds stacked against them, Nolan and Zack become a pretty strong duo; once they decide the chemistry between them is worth exploring, there are plenty of scorching moments to enjoy. I loved how they each worked to win the other's trust and how they never gave up on each other, not even when things got hard and the odds seemed stacked against them.
I could probably find a few flaws and things to complain about, but I'm content and happy with how this book ended. I hope this series continues with Max's story, because he seems like a pretty important character and I'd love to learn more about him.
September 2, 2018
S’Okay.....
I’ll make this a quick and dirty review. Well, not dirty really, for that you’ll have to read the book since it had a couple of steamy scenes.
I liked this book, at times I enjoyed it and was able to connect with the anxiety and PTSD issues Nolan was working through. I still felt, however, that I didn’t know him well enough to feel fully invested in him. Same goes to the other MC, a master ar*eholian.
Their histories were hastily sketched, so it was hard to see what really motivated them.
Still, I liked the UST between the two and the power dynamic between boss and employee. There is no sport at all in this book, although what unites the men is rehabilitating an old boxing gym.
Would I read more? I suppose, if they were free. This one was nothing to write home about, although I’m doing that now!! Great cover, though, right? I mean, that’s the sole reason I had it on my TBR!
I’ll make this a quick and dirty review. Well, not dirty really, for that you’ll have to read the book since it had a couple of steamy scenes.
I liked this book, at times I enjoyed it and was able to connect with the anxiety and PTSD issues Nolan was working through. I still felt, however, that I didn’t know him well enough to feel fully invested in him. Same goes to the other MC, a master ar*eholian.
Their histories were hastily sketched, so it was hard to see what really motivated them.
Still, I liked the UST between the two and the power dynamic between boss and employee. There is no sport at all in this book, although what unites the men is rehabilitating an old boxing gym.
Would I read more? I suppose, if they were free. This one was nothing to write home about, although I’m doing that now!! Great cover, though, right? I mean, that’s the sole reason I had it on my TBR!
March 4, 2017
2.5 estrellas
Psé, no le pongo dos estrellas porque tampoco ha sido un horror, así que lo meto en el cajón de sastre que es a veces las tres estrellas.
La trama no me ha entretenido mucho, los personajes son un poco planos y no he encontrado ninguna química entre los MC.
No lo he odiado, pero no me ha dicho nada de nada.
Bah.
Psé, no le pongo dos estrellas porque tampoco ha sido un horror, así que lo meto en el cajón de sastre que es a veces las tres estrellas.
La trama no me ha entretenido mucho, los personajes son un poco planos y no he encontrado ninguna química entre los MC.
No lo he odiado, pero no me ha dicho nada de nada.
Bah.
December 27, 2016
Christine d’Abo had me hooked on Nolan within the first few pages of the first chapter. He’s such a sweetheart and it’s obvious that he has been though some sort of hell. He’s come out of the other side of that hell as a different man. This new man is someone Nolan doesn’t recognize. He doesn’t really like the new him all that much either. It is none the less time for him to get back into a semi normal routine and that includes becoming gainfully employed.
To say that Zack Alexander has some anger issues would be a slight understatement. Most of the time he is a grade A jerk. His employer hiring him another administrative assistant is solid proof of that. The difference this time around is that Zack brazenly marches into the conference room, hijacks the interview, grills Nolan on his abilities, and hires the man on the spot. This is the beginning of some much needed changes in Zack’s life. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Everything about Working It really worked for me. At one point Nolan was a confidant man who didn’t have any anxiety problems. One tragic event changed everything for Nolan in an instant. He sees himself as a flawed restoration project, a broken man. Zack’s job is stressful. He only knows how to do things in the most efficient way possible no matter what obstacle is in his way. Failure is not an option and he will do anything to succeed. Unlike the previous administrative assistants Nolan and Zack work well together. Nolan enjoys working for Zack because he is the first one since the accident that doesn’t handle him with kid gloves. Considering how well these two work together and how they interact with each other it only makes since for their relationship to progress from employee employer, coworkers friends, then of course to lovers.
As a series I have no clue where the Ringside Romance books are going. Zack has fond memories of Ringside, the gym he currently owns. In his angsty teen years he meets his two best friends there. They all ended up there because it was a sort of refuge for LGBTQ teens. Zach goal is to get the gym back up and running so that he came provide the solace that was once provided to him.
Favorite quote, Zack to Nolan: “I don’t want to break you any more than you are.”
To say that Zack Alexander has some anger issues would be a slight understatement. Most of the time he is a grade A jerk. His employer hiring him another administrative assistant is solid proof of that. The difference this time around is that Zack brazenly marches into the conference room, hijacks the interview, grills Nolan on his abilities, and hires the man on the spot. This is the beginning of some much needed changes in Zack’s life. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Everything about Working It really worked for me. At one point Nolan was a confidant man who didn’t have any anxiety problems. One tragic event changed everything for Nolan in an instant. He sees himself as a flawed restoration project, a broken man. Zack’s job is stressful. He only knows how to do things in the most efficient way possible no matter what obstacle is in his way. Failure is not an option and he will do anything to succeed. Unlike the previous administrative assistants Nolan and Zack work well together. Nolan enjoys working for Zack because he is the first one since the accident that doesn’t handle him with kid gloves. Considering how well these two work together and how they interact with each other it only makes since for their relationship to progress from employee employer, coworkers friends, then of course to lovers.
As a series I have no clue where the Ringside Romance books are going. Zack has fond memories of Ringside, the gym he currently owns. In his angsty teen years he meets his two best friends there. They all ended up there because it was a sort of refuge for LGBTQ teens. Zach goal is to get the gym back up and running so that he came provide the solace that was once provided to him.
Favorite quote, Zack to Nolan: “I don’t want to break you any more than you are.”
January 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
Nolan Carmichael is restarting his life with a new career after two years struggling to come back physically and emotionally from a horrific car wreck. Nolan suffers from anxiety, at times, as well as panic attacks.
Zack Anderson has had trouble with anger management issues since childhood, though they were mitigated once he found Ringside Gym as a surly teenager, and it quickly became his retreat with his two best friends.
Zack is an uber-demanding boss, who's gone through several assistants over the years - some not even lasting a week, but there's something about Nolan that brings out protective instincts in Zack. Zack comforts Nolan, and appreciates him, especially Nolan's efforts to become indispensable in the office, and his help in getting Zack's beloved Ringside Gym back to re-open.
I enjoyed the dual POV, the pace, and the hurt/comfort of the story. I will admit I would have preferred to skip the office politics of the latter half in favor of more relationship development, but overall I enjoyed the story.
This was my first Christine D’Abo title, but with her smooth writing style, I can guarantee it won't be my last, and I'm looking forward to this becoming a series!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Working It (Ringside Romance #1) provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Nolan Carmichael is restarting his life with a new career after two years struggling to come back physically and emotionally from a horrific car wreck. Nolan suffers from anxiety, at times, as well as panic attacks.
Zack Anderson has had trouble with anger management issues since childhood, though they were mitigated once he found Ringside Gym as a surly teenager, and it quickly became his retreat with his two best friends.
Zack is an uber-demanding boss, who's gone through several assistants over the years - some not even lasting a week, but there's something about Nolan that brings out protective instincts in Zack. Zack comforts Nolan, and appreciates him, especially Nolan's efforts to become indispensable in the office, and his help in getting Zack's beloved Ringside Gym back to re-open.
I enjoyed the dual POV, the pace, and the hurt/comfort of the story. I will admit I would have preferred to skip the office politics of the latter half in favor of more relationship development, but overall I enjoyed the story.
This was my first Christine D’Abo title, but with her smooth writing style, I can guarantee it won't be my last, and I'm looking forward to this becoming a series!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Working It (Ringside Romance #1) provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 7, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5* of hot and meaningful
This is the first book in a new series, and I will be definitely on the look out for the next installment.
There are many facets to this book, which elevate it from the standard office romance and give it a lot of reader appeal. Firstly the boss and assistant are both male, so the issues of sexism take on another slant. The assistant, Nolan is still recovering from a life changing injury, which gives him both vulnerability and interest. Zack is a man who finds it difficult to control his temper and even less easy to give over control of any part of his life, including his work. But we see the two of them develop a friendship and more, giving healing and passion a chance. Wonderful mix of hot, cute, sad and uplifting.
There were some really good side characters who hopefully we will get to see more of, including Max, Nancy, and Nolan's sister, Tina. I can see this series moving forward in a very interesting way - hope you are busy writing us RR2, Ms d'Abo!
4.5* of hot and meaningful
This is the first book in a new series, and I will be definitely on the look out for the next installment.
There are many facets to this book, which elevate it from the standard office romance and give it a lot of reader appeal. Firstly the boss and assistant are both male, so the issues of sexism take on another slant. The assistant, Nolan is still recovering from a life changing injury, which gives him both vulnerability and interest. Zack is a man who finds it difficult to control his temper and even less easy to give over control of any part of his life, including his work. But we see the two of them develop a friendship and more, giving healing and passion a chance. Wonderful mix of hot, cute, sad and uplifting.
There were some really good side characters who hopefully we will get to see more of, including Max, Nancy, and Nolan's sister, Tina. I can see this series moving forward in a very interesting way - hope you are busy writing us RR2, Ms d'Abo!
March 16, 2017
***3.75 Stars***
September 9, 2024
This is one of those books that you read because you don’t know what you are in the mood for, it was ok and short so you know 🤷🏻♀️. Also, it’s set in Toronto and it’s nice to read books that happen here every now and then
April 21, 2017
4.75 stars ✨
I loved this one, but would've loved it more if the ending was a bit more . . . Dragged out? Idk, more closure for us readers before leaving the beloved Zack and Nolan? But still, it was a very good read, thanks Ms. D'Abo
I loved this one, but would've loved it more if the ending was a bit more . . . Dragged out? Idk, more closure for us readers before leaving the beloved Zack and Nolan? But still, it was a very good read, thanks Ms. D'Abo
February 5, 2017
This is an eclectic story that has me scratching my head a bit. At first it looked like it was going to be a mix between a hurt/comfort and nerd/jock type romance. To a certain extent it is. Nolan is recovering from a severe car accident that has left him with PTSD like symptoms and Zach does help him with those. Nolan is also more brain than brawn and Zach is a big, muscled hot-head. Nolan’s previous life had him training in the work place for things like sensitivity and stress management, and Zach is every assistant’s nightmare because he’s so impulsive and hard to work with.
I liked the “opposites attract” part of this – these two definitely balanced each other well and helped the other be a better person. It was also great the way the story ends up leading Nolan to an even better place than he’d imagined in a way that wasn’t really obvious at the beginning.
However, there was a lot that just confused me and didn’t make sense from a story-writing perspective. I wasn’t sure what purpose Compass served (other than being a place for Nolan and Zach to meet). There was a lot of drama there that just seemed to detract attention from the meat of the story and it didn’t always make sense. The same could be said about the letter at the end. That came from left field and maybe it’ll mean something more later in the series, but in this story it just didn’t really fit and I wasn’t sure why it was included.
So, while I liked Zach and Nolan as a couple and I hope we see more of them in the future, I hope that this is more a pre-quel novel than a road map to the rest of the series. The writing was engaging and the characters well-developed, but the main points of the story just felt disconnected and I didn’t get a sense of fluidity.
I’ll definitely be looking into more from this series, and I do recommend this on it’s own merits, but it wasn’t something I’d consider “great”.
3.5 of 5 stars
I liked the “opposites attract” part of this – these two definitely balanced each other well and helped the other be a better person. It was also great the way the story ends up leading Nolan to an even better place than he’d imagined in a way that wasn’t really obvious at the beginning.
However, there was a lot that just confused me and didn’t make sense from a story-writing perspective. I wasn’t sure what purpose Compass served (other than being a place for Nolan and Zach to meet). There was a lot of drama there that just seemed to detract attention from the meat of the story and it didn’t always make sense. The same could be said about the letter at the end. That came from left field and maybe it’ll mean something more later in the series, but in this story it just didn’t really fit and I wasn’t sure why it was included.
So, while I liked Zach and Nolan as a couple and I hope we see more of them in the future, I hope that this is more a pre-quel novel than a road map to the rest of the series. The writing was engaging and the characters well-developed, but the main points of the story just felt disconnected and I didn’t get a sense of fluidity.
I’ll definitely be looking into more from this series, and I do recommend this on it’s own merits, but it wasn’t something I’d consider “great”.
3.5 of 5 stars
September 17, 2017
Working It is a wonderful mlm romance, set in work environment. I adore the main characters, they are so well-crafted and real. The dynamics between them has been fascinating to read. I love that their relationship based on trust, respect and mutual understanding. It doesn't hurt at all that they always checked up on each other if both of them are comfortable (open verbal consent is so important).
The story is told from 3rd person pov. Nolan, the newly hired assistant, and Zack, nightmare of a boss. Fully fleshed and realistically written characters. Nolan has anxiety attacks, caused by PTSD from traumatic event two years ago. Zack has anger management issues. Both of the protagonist are gay.
The evolution of their relationship is one the best element of the story. It's been natural, logical and interesting to read. Their relationship does have initial power imbalance but the author via her characters handles it well. Bless open communication.
This is my first book by Christine d'Abo and I'm impressed. I'm looking forward to continue with the series.
All in all, Working It is great NA mlm standalone romance novel, set in a work place, with charming protagonists and engaging storytelling.
The story is told from 3rd person pov. Nolan, the newly hired assistant, and Zack, nightmare of a boss. Fully fleshed and realistically written characters. Nolan has anxiety attacks, caused by PTSD from traumatic event two years ago. Zack has anger management issues. Both of the protagonist are gay.
The evolution of their relationship is one the best element of the story. It's been natural, logical and interesting to read. Their relationship does have initial power imbalance but the author via her characters handles it well. Bless open communication.
This is my first book by Christine d'Abo and I'm impressed. I'm looking forward to continue with the series.
All in all, Working It is great NA mlm standalone romance novel, set in a work place, with charming protagonists and engaging storytelling.
July 31, 2017
I really enjoyed the feel of this book, it just felt to short I wanted more!!!
February 6, 2017
5 Stars!!!
Nolan is ready—or about as ready as he’s going to be—to tackle working again. After a very bad accident that left him with physical sequels and anxiety attacks that forced him to leave his previous job, he is determined to get back into the saddle, even if he has to take a position for which he is overqualified. His interview is hijacked by the company’s CTO, Zack Anderson, and soon he finds himself as Zack’s new executive assistant and slowly regaining some of his confidence back as Nolan becomes indispensable due to his organizational skills, even if his new boss has a well-earned reputation for being difficult, to the point that none of his assistants have lasted longer than 3 weeks. Soon, Nolan and Zack forge a tentative friendship as Nolan volunteers to help Zack with his side project of re-opening the Ringside Gym and the longer they spend together, the more difficult it is to resist the attraction growing between them.
My heart broke for Nolan I don’t know how many times with what he went through after the accident and his anxiety attacks. He was so strong, determined and really showed a lot of growth throughout the book. It was amazing to see how he regained some of his confidence as he learned to deal with Zack and did so well at his new job. I liked Zack, he had a lot of anger management issues and he wasn’t all that nice at first, but he actually made a conscious effort to treat Nolan better than he’d treated his past assistants. I also liked to see how Nolan’s presence in his life, affected him for the good, making him laugh and open himself to others, who viewed him as a dragon. The sexual tension between the two was electric and the sex—when they finally couldn’t resist any longer and to be honest, neither could I—was very hot. Zack and Nolan worked well together, both in the office and as friends and later, as lovers and I loved the pacing as their relationship morphed into more.
This book was very enjoyable, well-written, perfectly paced, with an amazing array of characters and while I wasn’t too fond of the office politics arc in the second part of the book, I feel that it served its purpose and it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story, which I couldn’t put down until I finished it.
Working It is the first book in the Ringside Romance series and while it didn’t focus all that much on the Ringside Gym part of the story, it was a great foundation to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series.
Highly recommendable!!!
*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Nolan is ready—or about as ready as he’s going to be—to tackle working again. After a very bad accident that left him with physical sequels and anxiety attacks that forced him to leave his previous job, he is determined to get back into the saddle, even if he has to take a position for which he is overqualified. His interview is hijacked by the company’s CTO, Zack Anderson, and soon he finds himself as Zack’s new executive assistant and slowly regaining some of his confidence back as Nolan becomes indispensable due to his organizational skills, even if his new boss has a well-earned reputation for being difficult, to the point that none of his assistants have lasted longer than 3 weeks. Soon, Nolan and Zack forge a tentative friendship as Nolan volunteers to help Zack with his side project of re-opening the Ringside Gym and the longer they spend together, the more difficult it is to resist the attraction growing between them.
My heart broke for Nolan I don’t know how many times with what he went through after the accident and his anxiety attacks. He was so strong, determined and really showed a lot of growth throughout the book. It was amazing to see how he regained some of his confidence as he learned to deal with Zack and did so well at his new job. I liked Zack, he had a lot of anger management issues and he wasn’t all that nice at first, but he actually made a conscious effort to treat Nolan better than he’d treated his past assistants. I also liked to see how Nolan’s presence in his life, affected him for the good, making him laugh and open himself to others, who viewed him as a dragon. The sexual tension between the two was electric and the sex—when they finally couldn’t resist any longer and to be honest, neither could I—was very hot. Zack and Nolan worked well together, both in the office and as friends and later, as lovers and I loved the pacing as their relationship morphed into more.
This book was very enjoyable, well-written, perfectly paced, with an amazing array of characters and while I wasn’t too fond of the office politics arc in the second part of the book, I feel that it served its purpose and it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story, which I couldn’t put down until I finished it.
Working It is the first book in the Ringside Romance series and while it didn’t focus all that much on the Ringside Gym part of the story, it was a great foundation to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series.
Highly recommendable!!!
*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
February 10, 2017
3.5 stars
This started out really great for me. Nolan suffers from severe anxiety due to a horrible car accident and he's not been able to go back to his job as a result. He's decided to try something new and ends up interviewing for an assistant position at Zack's company.
Zack is the horrible boss that no one can work with and he was truly an asshat in the beginning of the book. I was loving this part of the book. It had a enemies to lovers vibe and the two men had a bunch of UST and some hate kissing and it all looked very promising. Then around the middle mark the vibe changed and it became almost a sweet story. I found Zack's total 180 hard to believe. I'm not sure why or how this all happened. It was a super fast turn around and no reason was given.
I think my biggest issue with the book though was much of the romance and them falling in love took place off page. We see things that are happening at their work and at the gym Zack owns but we didn't see a lot of their on page romance time and I felt cheated. I would have been fine with what we saw if the book would have been longer and had contained more of them together. By the end they're all in love and I wasn't really sure why. It didn't feel believable.
Overall this was pretty good but had the ability to be great and I'm kind of bummed that it tapered off like it did. But.....I had never read this author before and I will definitely read the next book in this series and I will take a look at her other work.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
This started out really great for me. Nolan suffers from severe anxiety due to a horrible car accident and he's not been able to go back to his job as a result. He's decided to try something new and ends up interviewing for an assistant position at Zack's company.
Zack is the horrible boss that no one can work with and he was truly an asshat in the beginning of the book. I was loving this part of the book. It had a enemies to lovers vibe and the two men had a bunch of UST and some hate kissing and it all looked very promising. Then around the middle mark the vibe changed and it became almost a sweet story. I found Zack's total 180 hard to believe. I'm not sure why or how this all happened. It was a super fast turn around and no reason was given.
I think my biggest issue with the book though was much of the romance and them falling in love took place off page. We see things that are happening at their work and at the gym Zack owns but we didn't see a lot of their on page romance time and I felt cheated. I would have been fine with what we saw if the book would have been longer and had contained more of them together. By the end they're all in love and I wasn't really sure why. It didn't feel believable.
Overall this was pretty good but had the ability to be great and I'm kind of bummed that it tapered off like it did. But.....I had never read this author before and I will definitely read the next book in this series and I will take a look at her other work.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 18, 2017
I'd give 5 stars for the initial premise; I love enemies-to-lovers and I love scarred MCs and I love boss/employee affairs.
But unfortunately 2 stars for the actual execution. The start was good, but then around the halfway mark, when they actually kissed, it all went downhill.
Nolan is clingy as hell (not in a good way) and Zack just comes across as an asshole. Ringside Gym is supposed to show his soft side probably? I think it just seemed like the author needed a little more plot and threw that element in there. Just like the Miranda bit. It was just so random!
But unfortunately 2 stars for the actual execution. The start was good, but then around the halfway mark, when they actually kissed, it all went downhill.
Nolan is clingy as hell (not in a good way) and Zack just comes across as an asshole. Ringside Gym is supposed to show his soft side probably? I think it just seemed like the author needed a little more plot and threw that element in there. Just like the Miranda bit. It was just so random!
August 10, 2017
This might have been a 5 star for me if it had a little more meat to it. However, there were tons of warm and fuzzies that I really enjoyed!
March 31, 2017
3.5 stars Complete honesty: I've been so distracted by family illness that I've had to read this in bits and pieces. I'm in no mental condition to do a proper review. I liked most of it, some was tedious, it's low steam, if that's important to you. I'll likely read the next one.
December 27, 2016
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley.
This book isn't really a 4 star for me, but since GR doesn't do half ratings, I decided to bump it up because of the beginning of the book. This feels more like a 3.5 star for me because I felt the story didn't keep its momentum going as it had in the beginning.
The story starts off strong with Nolan struggling to work thru his anxiety as he prepares for a job interview. Nolan was in a terrible car accident and suffers from physical ailments, as well as psychological ones. He has panic attacks and finds public outings frightening. He's worked hard for the last 2 years to be "normal." With the help of his sister, he feels he's ready to work again.
Zack is known as a demanding boss, uncaring and a slave-driver. He's been through too many assistants to count and he and HR have thrown in the towel. But fate had other plans when Zack runs into Nolan in the bathroom as Nolan works to calm himself as he prepares for his interview. Zack - liking what he sees and hears - impulsively hires Nolan as his assistant. Zack is shocked at his own behavior but doesn't contact HR to stop Nolan's hire.
While Nolan had a surprising flair of attraction to Zach, they both are all business. It's not until Nolan has a panic attack at a gay nightclub that things between them blur from employee/boss, to...friends? Zach's friend, Max, owns the nightclub Frantic, and he's there to help Nolan when he needs a private moment.
Everything between them isn't hunky-dory from that moment on, but it's the start of something. As I said earlier, the beginning of the book really worked. It started to slide after Zach's boss piles more and more work on Zach's shoulders. I didn't buy into the unrealistic pressure being put on him, the unprofessional manner with which his boss treated him (he was tasked to do things but then his boss made a decision without the input he had worked on overtime to provide). It's complicated to explain without giving too much away. There was just a lot going on that I didn't buy into (who doesn't track their technology purchases? It's a big company, they MUST have invoices, for God's sake!!!)
There was also Zach's dream of re-opening a boxing/gym/LGBT youth center. I liked the idea, but for as smart as Zach is portrayed, I found his handling of it unbelievable. Nolan agrees with me, so there!!! :-D I can't remember how long ago Zach bought the place, but it's been a few years I would say, and he's not even brought in a contractor to give him a preliminary estimate!!!
Despite how the book eventually worked out, I did enjoy Nolan and Zach's relationship. Nolan helped calm Zach down, and Zach was there to help Nolan thru his anxiety (but he doesn't hover).
I do recommend this story because it is a good one. 3.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars because it's better than just 3 stars) because I didn't feel the ending matched the wonderfulness of the beginning.
This book isn't really a 4 star for me, but since GR doesn't do half ratings, I decided to bump it up because of the beginning of the book. This feels more like a 3.5 star for me because I felt the story didn't keep its momentum going as it had in the beginning.
The story starts off strong with Nolan struggling to work thru his anxiety as he prepares for a job interview. Nolan was in a terrible car accident and suffers from physical ailments, as well as psychological ones. He has panic attacks and finds public outings frightening. He's worked hard for the last 2 years to be "normal." With the help of his sister, he feels he's ready to work again.
Zack is known as a demanding boss, uncaring and a slave-driver. He's been through too many assistants to count and he and HR have thrown in the towel. But fate had other plans when Zack runs into Nolan in the bathroom as Nolan works to calm himself as he prepares for his interview. Zack - liking what he sees and hears - impulsively hires Nolan as his assistant. Zack is shocked at his own behavior but doesn't contact HR to stop Nolan's hire.
While Nolan had a surprising flair of attraction to Zach, they both are all business. It's not until Nolan has a panic attack at a gay nightclub that things between them blur from employee/boss, to...friends? Zach's friend, Max, owns the nightclub Frantic, and he's there to help Nolan when he needs a private moment.
Everything between them isn't hunky-dory from that moment on, but it's the start of something. As I said earlier, the beginning of the book really worked. It started to slide after Zach's boss piles more and more work on Zach's shoulders. I didn't buy into the unrealistic pressure being put on him, the unprofessional manner with which his boss treated him (he was tasked to do things but then his boss made a decision without the input he had worked on overtime to provide). It's complicated to explain without giving too much away. There was just a lot going on that I didn't buy into (who doesn't track their technology purchases? It's a big company, they MUST have invoices, for God's sake!!!)
There was also Zach's dream of re-opening a boxing/gym/LGBT youth center. I liked the idea, but for as smart as Zach is portrayed, I found his handling of it unbelievable. Nolan agrees with me, so there!!! :-D I can't remember how long ago Zach bought the place, but it's been a few years I would say, and he's not even brought in a contractor to give him a preliminary estimate!!!
Despite how the book eventually worked out, I did enjoy Nolan and Zach's relationship. Nolan helped calm Zach down, and Zach was there to help Nolan thru his anxiety (but he doesn't hover).
I do recommend this story because it is a good one. 3.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars because it's better than just 3 stars) because I didn't feel the ending matched the wonderfulness of the beginning.
February 27, 2017
Me encantó el tema jefe/asistente ejecutivo. Zack es más que lo que muestra a los demás y Nolan es más de lo que se hace creer a sí mismo. Juntos me gustaron bastante y quizá si lo pienso mucho podría llegar a ver que no desarrolló propiamente el romance, que todo termina muy rápido, que no avanzan en nada más, pero cuando lo leía y cuando lo terminé me dio pena porque me había quedado con muchas ganas de leer más y saber de ellos. Así que es un yay para mí.
March 13, 2017
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*
Nolan fights with anxiety after a accident but is finally finding a job as Zack's assistant. Will they manage to work together when Zack struggles with his anger issues and Nolan his anxieties?
This story was lovely and I couldn't find anything that I didn't like about it. I think one of the main reasons I liked it so much was because Nolan's struggles with anxiety struck so close to home, I could really understand him. Zack had issues with his anger management and that made these two broken souls connect on an unexpected level.
The writing style is easygoing and with no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings, just straight to the point. It still made the feelings of the characters very much come alive. And at the end it's a crying bit that made the story even more precious to me.
The connection between Zack and Nolan is very good described and I thought the author did a nice build up in the storyline. The characters are well described and they made me feel so much for them.
I think this book is just as much about survival with all the happenings in the past and your current struggles, as it is about love between two people.
The way those two people grounded each other was excellent described, I feel their connection in my soul. There is a couple of hot scenes and their good but for the most I loved the sweetness in this story.
There's only one more thing to say, read this very sweet and realistic story about two men falling in love and accepting each other's scares and shortcomings.
Very good 5 star m/m romance.
Nolan fights with anxiety after a accident but is finally finding a job as Zack's assistant. Will they manage to work together when Zack struggles with his anger issues and Nolan his anxieties?
This story was lovely and I couldn't find anything that I didn't like about it. I think one of the main reasons I liked it so much was because Nolan's struggles with anxiety struck so close to home, I could really understand him. Zack had issues with his anger management and that made these two broken souls connect on an unexpected level.
The writing style is easygoing and with no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings, just straight to the point. It still made the feelings of the characters very much come alive. And at the end it's a crying bit that made the story even more precious to me.
The connection between Zack and Nolan is very good described and I thought the author did a nice build up in the storyline. The characters are well described and they made me feel so much for them.
I think this book is just as much about survival with all the happenings in the past and your current struggles, as it is about love between two people.
The way those two people grounded each other was excellent described, I feel their connection in my soul. There is a couple of hot scenes and their good but for the most I loved the sweetness in this story.
There's only one more thing to say, read this very sweet and realistic story about two men falling in love and accepting each other's scares and shortcomings.
Very good 5 star m/m romance.
February 6, 2017
This is only the second Christine D'Abo book I've ever read but I've enjoyed them both. That being said, I think I enjoyed this one even more than the last one I read. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Working It is the first book in D'Abo's new series "A Ringside Romance".
I absolutely LOVED Nolan. Maybe it's because I could connect to him a little more because of his anxiety (more like PTSD in his case) issues. I thought D'Abo did a really great job showing how a real anxiety attack is; and I love that she didn't "make everything all better" once Nolan met Zach. I've read too many stories when someone suffering with anxiety or PTSD is magically cured all because they met their someone special. That's not how it works and I'm glad to see that it was portrayed that way. Nolan still had to work really hard with it.
At first Zach comes off as a jerk, but he's supposed to. Everyone at the office mentions his anger issues and Nolan even sees it for himself more than once (no violence, just yelling!). BUT I have to say that he was great with Nolan. He helped him while still giving him his space and not treating him like a child, and I loved that.
Can't wait to read the next one in the series! I hope it's about Max! (Zach's best friend)
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
I absolutely LOVED Nolan. Maybe it's because I could connect to him a little more because of his anxiety (more like PTSD in his case) issues. I thought D'Abo did a really great job showing how a real anxiety attack is; and I love that she didn't "make everything all better" once Nolan met Zach. I've read too many stories when someone suffering with anxiety or PTSD is magically cured all because they met their someone special. That's not how it works and I'm glad to see that it was portrayed that way. Nolan still had to work really hard with it.
At first Zach comes off as a jerk, but he's supposed to. Everyone at the office mentions his anger issues and Nolan even sees it for himself more than once (no violence, just yelling!). BUT I have to say that he was great with Nolan. He helped him while still giving him his space and not treating him like a child, and I loved that.
Can't wait to read the next one in the series! I hope it's about Max! (Zach's best friend)
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
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