Jeremy Johnson is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He doesn’t want to be overweight anymore, but temptation is unavoidable thanks to his job. Deciding to make a change for the better, he dedicates himself to implementing a new diet and exercise program that he hopes will whip him into shape. He makes himself a promise that he intends to keep, but it doesn’t help that he works for a food-focused blog where he spends his days writing about delicious, forbidden food that he knows he’s not supposed to indulge in.
But when the blog he writes for is purchased by a fitness company, he realizes he’s going to be the odd man out among his new fit, attractive coworkers. On his first day, he meets the infamous Ryan Bennett, a man known for his dedication to all things fitness. Muscles, cockiness, and a trademark smile all seem natural to Ryan, but no one seems to know if he’s attracted to men or women.
With encouragement from Ryan, Jeremy decides to shape up his life, work on his attitude, and rebuild his physique, but he soon discovers that it isn’t as easy as he originally thought. While maneuvering his way toward a new lifestyle, he watches as Ryan charms and teases every man – and woman – in his vicinity. But when Jeremy senses a flirtatious vibe from Ryan, he’s forced to choose between allowing his weight to define him or ditching his old insecurities for a shot at something exciting.
I'll start by saying that this book had great promise of a story about finding love despite the lack of a six-pack, but unfortunately I found the execution to be sorely lacking in... well, almost everything. I cannot say anything about typos and spelling as I spotted no mistakes in that aspect BUT I must say that the overall story needs some more work. Maybe it's just me, but I felt that the hero Jeremy and his "insecurities" were just infuriating. Also, what was with his obsession with Ryan?
The following contains some spoilers, but I have to get this off my chest, so you've been warned.
Jeremy literally meets Ryan on a Friday, they have a lovely Saturday together with some behind the scenes lust, have a fight of sorts on a Sunday and when Ryan has to go out of town on business Jeremy decides to follow him there because he is very insecure about their "relationship". No-one said anything about a relationship, they just spent a night together! Then we discover that Ryan is going to move and all of a sudden it's 3 months later, Jeremy's lost 40 pounds (that's ca 18 kg) and he's still obsessed with what would Ryan think of him. For the life of me, I cannot understand WHY because they knew each other for less than a week. Some drama ensues and the guys finally meet again and they get a HFN... UGH!!!!
I think I would like the plot a bit more if Collins had at least made Ryan and Jeremy talk to each other or exchange e-mails or something for those three months Collins simply skips. Of course, it would help if Jeremy's inner voice wouldn't be all about "what does Ryan think about me and my weight?".
I do not recommend this book the way it currently is. If and when the author decides to make some changes, then maybe I'd dare to recommend it as the premise is actually pretty decent. So long read The Weight of it All by N.R. Walker instead. That book is awesome.
I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't hate it, that wouldn't be fair to say.. I know this author put a lot of time and energy into making a story, as a writer myself, I know how hard it is... I think maybe it just wasn't the right story for me. I thought the dialogue was.....I didn't like it. I thought Jeremy was too obsessed with his weight and insecurities, then he was obsessed with Ryan, and for what? They'd literally spent one or two days together, then got in a fight over something so ridiculous that made JEremy seem jealous and clingy.... no, he was jealous and clingy, like....stage 5 clinger. He up and went to spy on him, out of town because he didn't trust him for one night, but they weren't even together, so what would he have done if he saw something he didn't like?
Then, Ryan just acted so oblivious to everything. Smiling and noncholant about people hitting on him in front of Jeremy and him leaving to MOVE out of state, and he was just all smiley, like..... oh, you're upset about that? .... Duh, why wouldn't he be? He's freaking psycho over you....
Then we got the boss that really is psycho in a deranged sort of way... none of that was believeable. The way he spoke to Jeremy, the breaking in and forcing him at knifepoint... again, the dialogue.... I just couldn't get into it at all. I really wanted to because I like the underdogs, the "normal" type. Not having 8 packs and being gods gift to mankind, just your average joe, maybe a bit thick or overweight, the beard on the cover, I mean come on... he's adorable. And with a guy that likes him overweight or not? But, did he really not care if Jeremy was overweight? Cuz, he said he didn't but then kind of acted like he wanted him lose weight and goodness knows that's all the ENTIRE book was about.
I dunno, I'm sure some people loved it, but itjust wasn't at all for me.
"Move on," I thought. "Your willpower is not strong enough yet."
Losing weight is hard, I would know after suffering for years with a back injury that led to a sedentary life. I used to be fit...active...track, softball, even power walks. Now, I have been reduced to yoga...something I can't even get cheery about. And let's not mention the comfort foods. So, I understand the plight Jeremy faced to present himself as a health conscious person working for a company that promoted fitness.
"To something new."
Facing a new life was not going to be easy, not after packing on the pounds while working from home. But Jeremy had an incentive. He was going to be working alongside Ryan; a man who gave him palpitation, a man who could encourage him to keep up with his goals. Yet, even with his man crush so close, Jeremy is faced with a horrible boss who could destroy everything that he is working so hard for.
"I no longer needed anyone to validate me."
Ryan and Jeremy just were. Both felt the attraction and it wasn't hard not to follow through. But Ryan and Jeremy both unconsciously wanted something they felt the other could not give. One wrong word leads to a decision they both regret, but can they be man enough to save this thing between them, or will both suffer the weight of it all?
The romantic aspect was handled through instalove, one of my favorite topics. I wanted more, more more!!! This fast paced story handled a lot, while still holding back. I would have liked to know more about the characters past and how it affected their present. I totally got behind the way the bullying was handled, yay!! This book presented a realism that Jeremy and Ryan faced in order to be with one another; but it took guts and a bit a spying (eye wink) for everything to settle.
Author Jason Collins poured his heart and soul into this one. I sense his growth in this writing genre and his confidence. Even though the heat level is to a minimum, he is getting more and more comfortable with suggestions. I look forward to further reads and anticipate even more je ne sais quoi, but I am waiting for it.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the Author.
Very 'new-to-me' author. Willing to give this a try and am thanking KU for the fact that I can "safely" do so. I've been burned by a few books [read: 'new-to-me' authors] in the past and without KU, in this instance, I most likely would not have taken the leap. So thank you, KU :-)!!
I did enjoy the story. It was well written. I think Jason did an amazing job describing Jeremy and his struggles with weight. I not sure what I think of Ryan. Perhaps if it was written in dual POV we would have known what Ryan was thinking/feeling. I would have loved an epilogue to get an HEA instead of a HFN. Just my opinion...
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
There is less to say about the blurb since it’s so long. I liked this book because of the character and how nice the topic losing weight was managed.
Jeremy and Ryan are pleasant character but to fully (no pun intended) give 5 stars there was something missing and I have to honest say: it was the character depth. Jeremy was good displayed, his struggle were plausible, his low willpower too but he surprised me.
Ryan on the other hand was a bit flat, though I liked him, but I didn’t saw too much from him. I really wished the two guys could bond a bit more and the events at the end were different.
The end is also a thing I have to reduce half an start, which leads to 4 instead of 4.5 stars… The ending was a bit exagerrated and close to be “too much”. I understand what was the purpose but the realisation was a bit weak.
There was constant chemistry between Ryan and Jeremy but a lot of potential was given away…
Though these small things the book was entertaining and I was losely reminded of N.R. Walker’s The Weight of it all, but can say that Jason Collins created his own story. But it’s charming to read another story about a guy who is not in “right shape” and couples with a sporty guy. :)
4 out of 5 stars. :) I see definitely improvements to the other books by the author, things I have complained. :)
I'm really disappointed in this book. It started off really good but ended up being sad. After Ryan left, Jeremy decided to lose weight to make Ryan happy. Even though Ryan left, Jeremy wanted to prove to Ryan how well he did. He didn't gain confidence for himself. If the lack of confidence wasn't enough, he allowed Mark, who threatened him and treated him like crap, into his house, knowing he had a knife. Why?! Why would you allow someone who threatened you into your home?! I really wish Jeremy was able to gain the confidence he needed without looking to Ryan for validation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm fat with a big dick and unhappy, I'm fit now but the guy who liked me when I was fat isn't here anymore so I'm unhappy about that now. This is the basic plot of this story, sprinkle in idiotic choices(stalking, letting a guy with a knife that you just got fired into your house AFTER he specifically stated he was going to hurt you, ect). I'm sorry but the main character in this story is just crazy as hell, he isn't fit to be in a relationship with anybody and he needs serious mental help. Some people may enjoy this book and the writing/editing seemed to be spot on but the main character just drove my up the wall screaming in my head at him.
Jeremy Johnson is stuck. He doesn’t want to be overweight anymore and decides to make a change. The change is not so easy because Jeremy's self-esteem is nonexistent. He cannot believe anyone could be remotely interested in his overweight self. It doesn’t help he works for a food-focused blog where he spends his days writing about delicious, forbidden food he knows he’s not supposed to indulge in. On his first day at his new job, he meets the infamous Ryan Bennett, a man known for his dedication to all things fitness. Muscles, cockiness, and a trademark smile all seem natural to Ryan, but no one knows if he’s attracted to men or women. One insta-love weekend and Jeremy is stuck on Ryan, even with no contact from him.
I liked the book but I loved the weight of it all from N. R. Walker more. I know it's not fair from my side because Jason's book is also good. I think it's great that there are books where men struggling with the lose of weight. often it's only spoken about with woman but men have also problems. In this book is missed something..and I'm not sure what..maybe I thought too often on N. R. Walkers book, again not so fair.
I love this book. As someone that has struggled with weight and body image all their lives. I could completely understand. I adore that love and work were not the reason for the weight lost but happiness and self worth were. The romantic and acceptance that came along when they did was terrific.
This is the 3rd book I’ve read by this author. I did enjoy the characterization of Jeremy and I found him EXTREMELY relatable, however I do feel like the story lacked something. All in all it was an okay read, and I will continue to read books by this author because he can write some really cute and steamy romances. This was just a little more angst then anything.
No me gustó nada Jeremy. Tanta inseguridad, tanto pender de un comentario de validación o no para tener una actitud positiva o decaída. Las palabras acerca de cómo nos ven los demás tienen mucho poder cuando no aceptamos nuestra imagen, pero fue insufrible. Cínico, egocéntrico, superficial y un toque tóxico.
Meh! This story got better at about 38% in, that was chapter 9! Weirdly unrealistic, but there is potential. I will check out more from this author, especially if he has more books in KU. A nice reminder that there really is someone for everyone!
In my opinion, Jason Collins has done a fantastic job with Weight for Happiness. I loved the ease with which the story flowed and once I started the book, I did not want to stop reading. I particularly liked how Collins chooses to break certain expectations of the romance genre. There are so many novels that feature physically perfect protagonists that for someone like me, who has always struggled with my weight and confidence, Jeremy’s character is validating and relatable. Many of Jeremy’s issues arise from how he compares himself to others so that he has difficulty in believing Ryan’s compliments, even those about his writing talent. Collins has clearly given careful thought to Jeremy’s character, revealing all of his vulnerabilities and introverted personality, without making him detached. Because of this, I think Jeremy is more substantial and this adds to the authentic richness of Collins’ story.
Ryan is opposite to Jeremy in many ways. He is confident, but not arrogant, and just casually accepts the attention he receives from both men and women. He is also kind and much of the time he is in Jeremy’s company is spent reassuring Jeremy and encouraging him, without any hint of reproach. It is Ryan’s acceptance and compassion that made me believe in the relationship between them, although I have to admit that Collins had me guessing about their future together as Weight of Happiness developed.
Finally! Look, I read a lot of romance novels. Never ever are any of these men “bigger”. They are always Greek gods sent from the heavens to find another Greek god and yada yada yada…it’s nice to pick up a book with a man that resembles me on the cover. While granted, Jeremy does eventually lose the weight (which is the only reason this gets 4 stars and not 5. I would of loved loved loved if he continued to become comfortable with his body as it was), it’s still refreshing that at the start of Jeremy and Ryan’s relationship, Jeremy is bigger and still can get the guy everyone wants. Which leads me to the worst boss in history. Seriously, how did this man even have a job to begin with? Ryan doesn’t care about Jeremy’s size and that’s so lovely to read about. I’ve read quite a few books where the “hot” guys would look down on anyone with more then 5% body fat, and it’s nice to read. This is gonna hold a special pace in my heart for me for the representation alone.
The best part about the book is that it is a pretty quick read... okay that might be an exaggeration but I almost stopped reading at 80% but figured I mind as well finish since I was so close to the end. I'm not sure if it was worth it.
I didn't like any of the characters. Jeremy is struggling with low self-esteem. Which is fine. That wasn't my problem, although it was a bit annoying at times, but even he recognized he needed to improve his self-esteem, so that was fine. What wasn't fine is that he is too stupid to live and only survives and avoids catastrophe because he is the protagonist and it isn't that kind of book.
Then Ryan is a nice enough guy, I guess. But he is completely oblivious to what Jeremy is going though in almost every way and jumps all over him when Jeremy dares to question him once. Also Ryan encourages Jeremy to break his diet at every turn, which is completely disrespectful, at least at the beginning when Jeremy is still trying to establish a healthy lifestyle. That is like peer pressuring an alcoholic to drink or a recently quit smoker to smoke. It is one thing to establish Ryan likes Jeremy for who he is and not how he looks and encourage him to be himself, or to explain his philosophy on food and fitness. It is another thing entirely to pressure him to eat unhealthy food until he gives in, even after he has said "no".
Spoiler They meet on a Friday and not even a week later one of the characters moves across the country yet they are madly in love? In that time frame they work out once, spend a day together, hook up, have a blow out fight, don't talk for a almost 2 days, haver an awkward day or two at work, one goes out of town for business, can't forget the night of stalking (yikes) and the next day one character says he's moving to Florida.... They don't talk for months. Then a surprise visit and that day the guys decides to move back to NY?
The concept is great but the time frame is so unbelievable I kept looking back to see if I hard missed a time jump but nope they knew each other less than a week and within what seemed like minutes were ready to move for one another.. The stalking is the worst part IMHO. If it had been months hell weeks I could have understood the insecurities building to a point of a night of stalking but 5 days? Super disappointed this wasn't better written. I had really high hopes for it.
Okay. This was definitely my favorite Jason Collins book so far. I felt for Jeremy and his struggles, not only with weight but also with self-esteem issues too. Ryan? I liked him at first but then, well, he confused me. I didn't understand his reaction to a particular situation. It seemed, well, odd. And it never really got explained either. Actually a lot didn't get explained because these two never learned how to talk. They needed to - it would've made it a perfect story in my view. But overall, since I connected with Jeremy so well and I couldn't put this down once I started I give this a definite thumbs up. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can relate to Jeremy, I have gone thru the same feelings myself with a lot of the same insecurities. I loved the story it was a great read and touched home on more than one level and had the a perfect HEA. Thank You
Jeremy is down on his luck, and we all know how easy it is to put on weight comfort eating, especially whilst working from home. He wants to lose weight and live healthier but his will power only lasts till he spots a pot of ice cream in the fridge. I know that feeling well.
All changes when his Blog is taken over by a healthy eating company. But its not his new work that gives him the power to get fit, it is a new colleague Ryan. Ryan is the definition of fit, and Jeremy can not believe the Ryan is attracted to him,
What I really liked about the story is the message that just because you may have a little extra weight, you can still be attractive to others even the fit men out there. Ryan encourages Jeremy to get fit, but not because he has a problem with Jeremy 's weight. But because he wants Jeremy to feel good about himself.
The story is well written and sends an important message out to the readers. We have to accept and love our true selves as we are, to be truly happy,
I have read a few books of this Author and this one is in my top three so far.
This honest review of an Arc copy was freely given.
This was a really unique and sweet story about learning to love yourself. The main character was really relatable for anyone who's ever had self-esteem issues. The one complaint I have is I wish this story had focused on the relationship between these guys more, it felt more like a story about self-improvement with a romantic side plot. But very well written and sweet overall
Jason Collins always brings life and relationships to the heart. Story line was strong and the characters were well developed and amazing. Jeremy was a gay writer of food articles that led him to working from home and gaining 40 pounds. Self esteem and self portrayal has always been a problem for him beating himself up in the process. He was a gorgeous man in every aspect. A new fit and healthy company had bought out the one he worked for which put even more stress on him especially since he had gained the weight. His new boss seemed to be intent on sarcastically putting him down at every turn. On the first day he met his boss, he also met a co-worker, Ryan, who was fit, ripped and absolutely gorgeous. Jeremy had seen him on the company website and had been crushing on him since then and then they really met. Ryan went out of his way to befriend Jeremy. That next day they buddied up to go to the gym as Jeremy's insecurities continued to haunt him. But then he found out Ryan was bi and very interested in Jeremy. The night was HOT until a misunderstanding tore them apart. On the first day at work Ryan tells Jeremy he is moving to Florida for a new job and career enhancement. Jeremy felt he was kicked in the gut and walked away seemingly not to see him again...What does the future hold? Can 40 pounds make a difference in who you really are? Great Story!! Full of self awareness and action as his ex boss comes after him after he is fired! Don't miss it!❤️
Very WELLL Written... Jason has created a very complex character in Jeremy. Jeremy struggles with his weight currently and when he was a child. He goes through all of the self worth and insecurities because he is 40 pounds overweight. The struggles he has in the dating world and wondering why a fit buff gorgeous Ryan would even notice him little lone be interested was very heartfelt and emotional. You feel everything that Jeremy is feeling through out the entire book.
Not sure if it's Kindle or the way the book was written, but there are several pages in the beginning that look like they where copy and pasted without making sure the linked up to the previous page. That on top of the stilted writing and scant character development made it difficult to finish this book.