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I Got You #4
The Trainer
*Inspired by a true story.* *light BDSM scenes* When Chris's ex boyfriend left him high and dry, he never thought he'd love again. He was young, he was successful, but his ex beat his spirit down until he thought he was nothing. Then he met Mason who showed him that love (and mind-blowing sex) can come from the most unlikely places, even your personal trainer.
142 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2014
28 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Lake
102 books246 followersJamie Lake is the author m/m gay romances such as The Trainer, Boyfriend for Rent, Marked for Love, Bad Boy: Naughty at Night, Stay Always and many others.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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June 24, 2014
Let me first say that I really enjoyed Boyfriend for Rent, this one not so much. This book suffers, and justly so, because I'd recently finished reading the superbly well done "gay for you" Handyman so the differences between that book and this one were glaringly obvious.
I liked that this was set in Costa Rica and enjoyed hearing about everyday life with the heat and tropical fruits. I'm confused as to how Chris could have an assistant and housekeeper though. It seemed like he was working on his first novel and Tim allowed him to stay in the condo until the end of the year. I'd try and save all the money I could.
The colons!!! I've never read a book with so many colons. They just seemed so out of place. Tim is about forty but he and his friends appear so childish and immature. Then again, Chris was pretty childish and immature as well. I know this is based on a true story but I'd have liked to see the childishness toned down a bit.
Do I believe in Chris and Mason's romance? Fuck no! What I like about gay for you romances is that hesitancy; the questioning of your sexuality. What we get here wasn't very believable to me. Then when Chris starts avoiding Mason because he feels like he's being strung along I'm like WTF? I could actually see why Tim would dump Chris.
The book ended abruptly for me. Lots of things remained unresolved. I didn't like how evil Mason's ex was portrayed; too cartoonish for me. These guys don't even has a HFN in my opinion.
I liked that this was set in Costa Rica and enjoyed hearing about everyday life with the heat and tropical fruits. I'm confused as to how Chris could have an assistant and housekeeper though. It seemed like he was working on his first novel and Tim allowed him to stay in the condo until the end of the year. I'd try and save all the money I could.
The colons!!! I've never read a book with so many colons. They just seemed so out of place. Tim is about forty but he and his friends appear so childish and immature. Then again, Chris was pretty childish and immature as well. I know this is based on a true story but I'd have liked to see the childishness toned down a bit.
Do I believe in Chris and Mason's romance? Fuck no! What I like about gay for you romances is that hesitancy; the questioning of your sexuality. What we get here wasn't very believable to me. Then when Chris starts avoiding Mason because he feels like he's being strung along I'm like WTF? I could actually see why Tim would dump Chris.
The book ended abruptly for me. Lots of things remained unresolved. I didn't like how evil Mason's ex was portrayed; too cartoonish for me. These guys don't even has a HFN in my opinion.
April 9, 2014
I never read short stories but had heard this was a good read so thought I would give it a go!
Jamie Lake writes beautifully, it was so easy to read this book! The character development was great and I found it very easy to relate to the emotions that come with a relationship breaking down!
The chemistry between Mason and Chris was down to earth and honest, they certainly seemed like soul mates and I found myself plotting there life together. I so wanted Chris to face his ex boyfriend looking super fit and healthy but before I knew it the book ended.
Yes, this was a really good read but I want more! I only hope this author continues with this addictive couple!
Highly recommend!
Jamie Lake writes beautifully, it was so easy to read this book! The character development was great and I found it very easy to relate to the emotions that come with a relationship breaking down!
The chemistry between Mason and Chris was down to earth and honest, they certainly seemed like soul mates and I found myself plotting there life together. I so wanted Chris to face his ex boyfriend looking super fit and healthy but before I knew it the book ended.
Yes, this was a really good read but I want more! I only hope this author continues with this addictive couple!
Highly recommend!
April 7, 2014
great short read...
this is one of those books you pick up and don't put down till you've finished.
it was pretty fast paced but well explained with great characters. I found myself able to relate to the main characters and completely disliking the exes!! can't wait for the next installment
this is one of those books you pick up and don't put down till you've finished.
it was pretty fast paced but well explained with great characters. I found myself able to relate to the main characters and completely disliking the exes!! can't wait for the next installment
August 19, 2017
Review Coming
October 14, 2019
I enjoyed this novella quite a bit. My only criticism is the length- I wish I could have read more about these two MCs- namely Mason. My usual favorites of the M/M genre are the 'gay-for-you' variety, but those stories usually involve an incredible amount of angst. I found this story refreshing as Mason- while admitting more than a little confusion, didn't let that stop him from acting on his attraction to Chris. I wanted this story to continue- to tell more about their relationship, and especially have Chris enjoy a 'screw you' moment with his vapid ex Tim. The writer touched on a Facebook addiction, as it's incredibly easy to become obsessed with an ex's online activities. One of the Mcs- Chris- even went so far as creating a fake profile to not only serve as proof of his then partner's infidelity but also kept up the ruse to monitor terrible Tim's life through his posts. All that behavior does is hurt the person who can't let go of someone. It wasn't an after-school special moment warning readers about the dangers of obsessive online behaviors, but did strike a chord. I truly enjoyed this short story and appreciate the writer's vulnerability in admitting it was inspired by his own past. Great job.
January 2, 2020
I liked this one much better than others in this series I’ve read/listened to. The plot is good, narrator is good.
Bought as part of audible escape package.
Bought as part of audible escape package.
November 19, 2014
The Trainer - The Beginning
I read this book a while back and didn't review at that time, now I re-read it knowing that we have a lot more in store for us in this series. This is one of the novels I first read that got me into MM Romance. I guess you could say I was definitely intrigued because I have read all of Jamie's books and can't get enough. This story is about a writer, a sweet, gay man named Chris that has been dumped by his ex, Tim, and now has a very low self esteem of himself and having a real problem getting over him. He knows he needs to change and move on with his life. He still lives in Costa Rica where his ex lives which doesn't help. He decides to physically work on his body and make himself more attractive to other men and he asks his assistant if she knows of anyone that could be a personal trainer. She gives him a name and determined to make this happen he texts Mason, a straight, divorced man who has lost his job and does personal training on the side. When they finally set up a time to start and they meet, a strange connection between the two starts, but confusion for both sets in driving them apart. After seeing each other at the local gym, Chris tries to apologize for the way he has acted and Mason goes into a dominant mode. This is only a start of a relationship of friendship and respect, but turns into something more. At this point it appears to be a relationship that is blossoming, who knows what is going to happen. Knowing Jamie, this story makes me think of him starring in his own novel. You know they say to write about what you know and I think he does just that. I loved this because it was a sweet, love story that I really look forward to seeing where it will all goes. A story that the characters develop slowly for a reason within their relationship and the story line is just getting stronger. The Hot sex develops as their relationship does. If you are a fan of MM Romance you will like this. This was the one that got me hooked.
I read this book a while back and didn't review at that time, now I re-read it knowing that we have a lot more in store for us in this series. This is one of the novels I first read that got me into MM Romance. I guess you could say I was definitely intrigued because I have read all of Jamie's books and can't get enough. This story is about a writer, a sweet, gay man named Chris that has been dumped by his ex, Tim, and now has a very low self esteem of himself and having a real problem getting over him. He knows he needs to change and move on with his life. He still lives in Costa Rica where his ex lives which doesn't help. He decides to physically work on his body and make himself more attractive to other men and he asks his assistant if she knows of anyone that could be a personal trainer. She gives him a name and determined to make this happen he texts Mason, a straight, divorced man who has lost his job and does personal training on the side. When they finally set up a time to start and they meet, a strange connection between the two starts, but confusion for both sets in driving them apart. After seeing each other at the local gym, Chris tries to apologize for the way he has acted and Mason goes into a dominant mode. This is only a start of a relationship of friendship and respect, but turns into something more. At this point it appears to be a relationship that is blossoming, who knows what is going to happen. Knowing Jamie, this story makes me think of him starring in his own novel. You know they say to write about what you know and I think he does just that. I loved this because it was a sweet, love story that I really look forward to seeing where it will all goes. A story that the characters develop slowly for a reason within their relationship and the story line is just getting stronger. The Hot sex develops as their relationship does. If you are a fan of MM Romance you will like this. This was the one that got me hooked.
November 5, 2014
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Boyfriend for Rent it was still quite enjoyable and I felt it deserved at least 4.5 stars but since it actually made me cry at one point I rounded it up to 5 wonderful stars!
Just like with Boyfriend for Rent one of the MC's is gay and was just dumped by an emotionally abusive boyfriend and the other MC is a straight(ish) man that has had his own relationship woes.
I felt the pace of the story was nice though I wish we could have experienced more of their relationship once it reached a sexual stage and of course would have loved to have an Epilogue or something to give us a bit of insight into their future (as I hope they have one together).
An enjoyable read.
Just like with Boyfriend for Rent one of the MC's is gay and was just dumped by an emotionally abusive boyfriend and the other MC is a straight(ish) man that has had his own relationship woes.
I felt the pace of the story was nice though I wish we could have experienced more of their relationship once it reached a sexual stage and of course would have loved to have an Epilogue or something to give us a bit of insight into their future (as I hope they have one together).
An enjoyable read.
October 26, 2014
What did I like?
Well, the story for sure! Nothing too spectacular about it but we got some normal, real guys with everyday issues trying to make the best out of their situation in the foreign country that is currently their home.
I loved Chris and Mason and since Mason had obviously experimented in the past, I had no problem bying into him ‘switching teams’. I really hope there will be sequels. We so need for Chris to get back at Tim and his asshole friends. (I know, wishing for revenge is a petty thing, but I want Chris to have it nonetheless).
The only thing about the story I had a problem with was that the BDSM aspects – very light as they were – did seem to come completely out of nowhere..
Well, the story for sure! Nothing too spectacular about it but we got some normal, real guys with everyday issues trying to make the best out of their situation in the foreign country that is currently their home.
I loved Chris and Mason and since Mason had obviously experimented in the past, I had no problem bying into him ‘switching teams’. I really hope there will be sequels. We so need for Chris to get back at Tim and his asshole friends. (I know, wishing for revenge is a petty thing, but I want Chris to have it nonetheless).
The only thing about the story I had a problem with was that the BDSM aspects – very light as they were – did seem to come completely out of nowhere..
June 24, 2014
4.5" Loved this book. Chris was such a sweet guy. After a bad break-up with someone who constantly put him down, Chris was left with very low self-esteem and turned to food for comfort. In an effort to get back into shape he meets Mason, who agrees to be his personal trainer. Very sweet book. It was nice to see Chris slowly learn to trust and open up to Mason.
The author has a great way of portraying sweet, shy, vulnerable MC's. Chris reminded me a little of Casey from Boyfriend For Rent, which I also loved!!
The author has a great way of portraying sweet, shy, vulnerable MC's. Chris reminded me a little of Casey from Boyfriend For Rent, which I also loved!!
September 21, 2014
I really hate to give this only two stars however, I must. Both Chris and Mason very likable, realistic characters and if I could break down the star rating to them I'd give it 4 stars. There are just way too many inconsistencies, abrupt POV switches, timeline issues and other things that kept me from actually liking the book. A good, honest editor would help fix these issues and make this a great story.
June 9, 2015
Chris is almost completely broken, in spirit, by his ex boyfriend Tim. at every opportunity after they have split up, Tim does what he can to belittle Chris.
determined to pick himself up he works hard on his book and hires a personal fitness trainer.... Mason.
The relationship that builds between the two men is gentle...a friendship that Chris desperately needs but he can't help lusting after Mason.
I really enjoyed this book. Another great novel
determined to pick himself up he works hard on his book and hires a personal fitness trainer.... Mason.
The relationship that builds between the two men is gentle...a friendship that Chris desperately needs but he can't help lusting after Mason.
I really enjoyed this book. Another great novel
July 16, 2014
Chris and Mason are so perfectly matched, but will Mason take the next step in order to truly be happy with Chris? And I'm glad that Chris is finally moving on and not pining over Tim anymore, he was an abusive, self-centered dick. I hate when a book ends and its clearly a part of a series, I'm not a patient person and now I'll have to wait to see where they go from here, lol.
November 29, 2014
Took to long to get to the point
To much repeated nonsense about Tim and not enough Mason. Up till the last chapter was a waste and I found I kept skipping dialogue just to get to the point. I was totally sick of hearing about Tim...Tim this and Tim that...blah, blah blah blah blah...
To much repeated nonsense about Tim and not enough Mason. Up till the last chapter was a waste and I found I kept skipping dialogue just to get to the point. I was totally sick of hearing about Tim...Tim this and Tim that...blah, blah blah blah blah...
July 16, 2014
This was a short book, but a really good read. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see where these two lovely boys end up!!!!!!! Can not go wrong with a Jamie Lake book, always an enjoyable read!!
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April 1, 2014This is my first gay romance novel.
October 6, 2014
Too short. Seems like part of the story is missing. Good story, though.
September 22, 2014
Great short story! One of those stories you just need to finish before letting to book down! Looking forward to the next book for sure!
June 17, 2014
The Trainer
The Trainer
The Trainer is a great read . you just never know we're love will show up when your down an out
The Trainer
The Trainer is a great read . you just never know we're love will show up when your down an out
September 23, 2014
3.5 stars... an enjoyable read. I liked the premise, I felt the d/s make-up scene was a little out of place. It felt rushed. The ending was abrupt but definitely a HFN. I'd love to read a sequel.
July 19, 2014
This book is hot, another great read from Jamie Lake!!
I loved the dynamic between Chris and Mason, I really hope there is going to be a second book in this series.
I loved the dynamic between Chris and Mason, I really hope there is going to be a second book in this series.
August 13, 2014
You will find my full review of The Trainer on my web site.
August 4, 2014
I really liked this but it felt so unfinshed
February 12, 2015
2.5 stars
Aww man, too much angst for my taste. I liked the female friend though.
Aww man, too much angst for my taste. I liked the female friend though.
May 17, 2016
only complaint is its too short
December 31, 2014
I don't remember when I was read this, but it in 2014.
April 15, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Jamie Lake and I love his characters but once in a while, one of his characters drives my crazy. So much so that I want to reach into my kindle and smack them. Chris is that kind of character. He started out okay but then he turned into this whiny, immature jerk. And the whole fiasco on Facebook with Tim was horrific. No wonder Tim didn't want anything to do with him. I will give him credit for wanting to better himself. And once he met Mason, he did manage to change and become someone I could root for. It just took so long to get there.
Mason on the other hand was my kind of man. Hot, sexy and dominant. And he was such a good dad. I'm a total sucker for good dads. Especially dads with little girls. Swoon! I just hated that his ex was a crazy psycho. He didn't deserve the grief she gave him.
I really enjoyed Chris and Mason together. They have the potential to be a great couple and I really wanted more of them together. I wanted less of Chris whining over Tim and more of him and Mason's time together.
I really hope we get another book. I need the blowout between Mason and Victoria and more of Mason with sweet little Lili! I want more of Chris and Mason's relationship.
Mason on the other hand was my kind of man. Hot, sexy and dominant. And he was such a good dad. I'm a total sucker for good dads. Especially dads with little girls. Swoon! I just hated that his ex was a crazy psycho. He didn't deserve the grief she gave him.
I really enjoyed Chris and Mason together. They have the potential to be a great couple and I really wanted more of them together. I wanted less of Chris whining over Tim and more of him and Mason's time together.
I really hope we get another book. I need the blowout between Mason and Victoria and more of Mason with sweet little Lili! I want more of Chris and Mason's relationship.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews