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Ringside Romance #4
Losing It
Finn Miller doesn’t do social. He works his IT job from home as often as he can to avoid people. If it weren’t for his weekly training sessions at Ringside Gym, he might never leave his apartment. And he only does that because of Leo, the gym member he’s in love with. When Finn gets talked into attending a speed dating fundraiser at the gym, his greatest wish is to have the courage to try to say something—anything—to Leo.
Justin McCormick has spent most of his adult life being used, whether playing a corporate heavy, or acting as guard dog for his ward. So when he leaves Vancouver for a fresh start in Toronto, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.
The moment Justin sees Finn at a speed dating event, he knows there’s no way he’ll make it without a little help, so he offers to coach Finn on the art of conversation. What he doesn’t count on is his unexpected attraction to this shy boxer, or his fear that if Finn gets his way, Justin might lose out on his best chance at love.
Justin McCormick has spent most of his adult life being used, whether playing a corporate heavy, or acting as guard dog for his ward. So when he leaves Vancouver for a fresh start in Toronto, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.
The moment Justin sees Finn at a speed dating event, he knows there’s no way he’ll make it without a little help, so he offers to coach Finn on the art of conversation. What he doesn’t count on is his unexpected attraction to this shy boxer, or his fear that if Finn gets his way, Justin might lose out on his best chance at love.
229 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2018
4 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Christine d'Abo
65 books586 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 61 reviews
January 30, 2018
I liked this book as well, if not a little better, than the previous books in this low angst series about friends (and their romantic interests) who open a boxing gym.
The couples from the others books are quite present in this story, but I still think Losing It could work as a standalone. For maximum enjoyment, however, I recommend reading the second book, Faking It, first. That's where we first meet Justin.
Justin used to do the bidding of a wealthy, powerful man, but he found a conscience and oh, how the mighty have fallen. Justin has run through his savings and has no job and no place to stay. He finds both when he visits his old charge, Grady, at the gym.
He also finds Finn, a tech geek who takes boxing lessons and is in seriously good shape. Not that Justin notices. He's convinced himself no one could ever love him, and even though he's attracted to Finn, he agrees to coach Finn in the fine art of conversation so Finn can go on a date . . . with another man.
Told in alternating third-person POV, the story gives us insight into both men's hangups and insecurities. I like the way the relationship developed. The lust was there, but the love took longer.
These guys were really compatible, and that was obvious in their interactions. They trusted each other enough to let down their guard. Finn even helped Justin reconnect with his parents.
I do wish the story had been slightly steamier; the couple included scenes were hot, though.
I hope this isn't the end of the series! I'm not ready to leave Ringside.
The couples from the others books are quite present in this story, but I still think Losing It could work as a standalone. For maximum enjoyment, however, I recommend reading the second book, Faking It, first. That's where we first meet Justin.
Justin used to do the bidding of a wealthy, powerful man, but he found a conscience and oh, how the mighty have fallen. Justin has run through his savings and has no job and no place to stay. He finds both when he visits his old charge, Grady, at the gym.
He also finds Finn, a tech geek who takes boxing lessons and is in seriously good shape. Not that Justin notices. He's convinced himself no one could ever love him, and even though he's attracted to Finn, he agrees to coach Finn in the fine art of conversation so Finn can go on a date . . . with another man.
Told in alternating third-person POV, the story gives us insight into both men's hangups and insecurities. I like the way the relationship developed. The lust was there, but the love took longer.
These guys were really compatible, and that was obvious in their interactions. They trusted each other enough to let down their guard. Finn even helped Justin reconnect with his parents.
I do wish the story had been slightly steamier; the couple included scenes were hot, though.
I hope this isn't the end of the series! I'm not ready to leave Ringside.
January 22, 2018
I really liked the newest addition to the Ringside Romance series.
Remember Justin from Faking It? He was such an ASSHOLE! Naturally, I wanted to read his story.
Justin McCormick's life took a completely different turn when he stopped working for Grady's dad. He basically needs to start over again. I loved the way that D'Abo slowly but steadily unveiled Justin's personality traits, until it was just the real Justin. Who would have thought that this asshole would be such a forgiving and starved for affection person? His family situation also explained a lot of things.
From the blurb, I hadn't realised how bad Finn's anxiety could get. The truth is that Finn Miller is not a grumpy introvert, but a sweet guy with a big heart whose social anxiety keeps him hauled up in his apartment. The only time he goes out is his weekly training sessions with Eli at Ringside Gym because Leo, his crush, is there.
So Finn and Justin might seem like an unlikely couple but in reality they just click! Its like they make up for each other's imperfections. What I loved the most, though, is how they were so in tune with each other. Justin just knew when Finn needed him the most even when everyone around them was clueless.And Finn was the only person who figured out so early on how lonely Justin was.
There is a lot of UST here. Not a lot of steam, but the couple of sex scenes are pretty hot.
What rubbed me the wrong way was Leo, the bad guy. I always have a hard time with characters that are just too much to the pont they resemble a caricature, and Leo was almost that kind of character for me. I also didn't have a lot of sympathy for Justin's parents, but I'm glad that things worked out for everyone.
Overall, I liked this addition to the series. I hope there's more to come.
March 6, 2018
***4.25 Stars***
What a pair they were, awkward and slightly broken. Trying to slot their various bits and pieces together.
Oh I liked this so much!!
Not gonna lie...I was a little worried about whether I'd warm up to Justin. Justin was a secondary character in Faking It. He was Grady's handler and fixer. He was distant, cold, unapproachable. Having cut ties with Grady's father, he's now trying to find his place in the world.
And with getting his back story and being in his head...I understood so much of why he is the way he is. And beyond the picture of polish and rigidity that Justin presents....what he is, is lonely.
Enter Finn. Finn with his social anxiety and crush on Leo, a popular member at the gym.
Finn and Justin meet at the gym's charity speed dating event. An event that they both begrudgingly got talked into attending. They easily hit it off, bonding as two random awkward attendees. And during their introduction, Justin agrees to help Finn overcome his social anxiety and get Leo.
And so begins the journey of these two working towards one goal, but slowly falling for each other. This is one of my favorite storylines. I love the simplicity and ease of it. The "oh no" moment when they realize what they originally wanted isn't what they want at all.
The evolution of Justin and Finn's relationship is sweet and honest and seriously tugs on the heartstrings. I loved both of these guys so much. Their connection felt so authentic and natural.
However, I wish the transition into "more" was a little more fluid, especially with how natural the progression felt up until that point. It just felt a little rushed.
Also, Leo's character felt like a one dimensional villain at times. I mean, by no means is he likable, but it crossed over into being a little over the top in a couple of places.
But even with my couple of quibbles, I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last.
Though it can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read Faking It first, as it's your introduction to Justin's character. But also, it's my favorite book in the series! And if you're a fan of fake relationship tropes...it's a must read!
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***
January 29, 2019
4 Stars!
February 17, 2018
I've loved every book in this series so far. I enjoyed Losing It. Just not quite as much as the earlier ones.
At the beginning of the story I felt a little lost and overwhelmed. All the previous characters made an appearance very quickly. I knew that I was supposed to remember each couple without any intro or background, but it took me a while.
My biggest issue however, is that something didn't quite work for me with the romance between Finn and Justin. I can't believe I'm actually going to say this since I'm angst averse, but I needed more angst, especially from Finn. I needed more on page thoughts and feelings developing.
The IT thing didn't work for me *at all*. Because, well, I'm in IT myself and it was presented in a hodge podge of sub specialties which don't normally go together.
What did work was a restaurant date scene where they used a mic and earpiece combo so that Justin was invisibly helping Finn to speak on his date with Leo. Hilarious.
I'm glad Justin found his HEA. Finn is an awesome guy for him. They helped each other overcome their weaknesses.
Is the author going to try to redeem Leo next? I hope not. He's a pretty nasty character. I guess I'll have to wait and see. :-)
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
At the beginning of the story I felt a little lost and overwhelmed. All the previous characters made an appearance very quickly. I knew that I was supposed to remember each couple without any intro or background, but it took me a while.
My biggest issue however, is that something didn't quite work for me with the romance between Finn and Justin. I can't believe I'm actually going to say this since I'm angst averse, but I needed more angst, especially from Finn. I needed more on page thoughts and feelings developing.
The IT thing didn't work for me *at all*. Because, well, I'm in IT myself and it was presented in a hodge podge of sub specialties which don't normally go together.
What did work was a restaurant date scene where they used a mic and earpiece combo so that Justin was invisibly helping Finn to speak on his date with Leo. Hilarious.
I'm glad Justin found his HEA. Finn is an awesome guy for him. They helped each other overcome their weaknesses.
Is the author going to try to redeem Leo next? I hope not. He's a pretty nasty character. I guess I'll have to wait and see. :-)
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
February 21, 2018
This book is probably my favorite of the series so far, an interpretation of Cyrano De Bergerac, except everyone’s good looking! Finn is an introvert with a history that gave him serious social anxiety, part of the reason he trains at Ringside. But it doesn’t help with his difficulties speaking with people, or solve his dilemma over gaining Leo’s attention. The ease he immediately finds speaking with Justin doesn’t clue him in right away, about why that is. Finn is determined to find a way to succeed in his efforts to woo and wow Leo, his gym crush. Justin wants Finn to have confidence in pursuing the man he’s longed for, even at his own expense. It’s also redemption for Justin, who was a not so nice guy in Grady and Max’s story. As his background is revealed, his actions were easier to comprehend and made his desire for change quite believable. Both men find missing pieces of themselves through a growing friendship, but while Justin thought he was helping Finn, he’s the one who needed saving.
It’s a little bit slow burn, which is the pattern for most of the series, but that also fits with the plot. I still felt a fair amount of UST, while Justin keeps working at cross-purposes with what he really wants from Finn. The way their relationship and Finn’s ill-fated crush play out, was pretty exciting in the end. Yet the storyline isn’t too dramatic or overly emotional, staying realistic and engaging and alternating POV kept my interest high. This can be read as a stand-alone but I’d really recommend at least reading Faking It, book 2, to understand Justin. It also makes the interactions with other characters make more sense. The entire series offers satisfying enactments of popular romance tropes. I’m happy to recommend it.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
It’s a little bit slow burn, which is the pattern for most of the series, but that also fits with the plot. I still felt a fair amount of UST, while Justin keeps working at cross-purposes with what he really wants from Finn. The way their relationship and Finn’s ill-fated crush play out, was pretty exciting in the end. Yet the storyline isn’t too dramatic or overly emotional, staying realistic and engaging and alternating POV kept my interest high. This can be read as a stand-alone but I’d really recommend at least reading Faking It, book 2, to understand Justin. It also makes the interactions with other characters make more sense. The entire series offers satisfying enactments of popular romance tropes. I’m happy to recommend it.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars
I love stories where unlikable characters get redeemed. We first met Justin in book two of this series. He worked for Grady's father and he had a pretty complicated relationship with Grady. He did the right thing in the end of that book but we don't really know what happens to him until now.
He doesn't have much of anything at the beginning of this story. No job, no friends and no support from family. He's desperate enough to leave Vancouver and head to Toronto where he looks Grady up. A variety of things happen that lead him to working at the Ringside Gym where he meets Finn. Justin is enamored with Finn but Finn has his eyes set on someone else. The two men begin hanging out as friends and over the course of the story it turns into something more.
This was a low angst, sweet story. I liked both of the MC's and they were good together. It was also nice to see so much of the MC's from books one and two. I enjoy this series setting and I'm hoping there are going to be more books (although I'm not sure who'd they be about).
Even though Justin was in book two you could read this as a standalone. Enough of the past is covered to be able to follow along just fine.
**ARC received from publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
I love stories where unlikable characters get redeemed. We first met Justin in book two of this series. He worked for Grady's father and he had a pretty complicated relationship with Grady. He did the right thing in the end of that book but we don't really know what happens to him until now.
He doesn't have much of anything at the beginning of this story. No job, no friends and no support from family. He's desperate enough to leave Vancouver and head to Toronto where he looks Grady up. A variety of things happen that lead him to working at the Ringside Gym where he meets Finn. Justin is enamored with Finn but Finn has his eyes set on someone else. The two men begin hanging out as friends and over the course of the story it turns into something more.
This was a low angst, sweet story. I liked both of the MC's and they were good together. It was also nice to see so much of the MC's from books one and two. I enjoy this series setting and I'm hoping there are going to be more books (although I'm not sure who'd they be about).
Even though Justin was in book two you could read this as a standalone. Enough of the past is covered to be able to follow along just fine.
**ARC received from publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 9, 2018
Justin returns home after years of being away. He has no real friends except the few where he's now. He is lonely and thinks of himself as not lovable. He agrees to take care of some renovations work...in return he can sleep in one of the places...not really a good place but he, he can sleep
Finn is over his head, when he sees Leo, his heart is knocking faster. Finn is shy and talking is not his strongest thing. He so desperate wants a date with Leo.
At the local speed date party Justin sees how Finn is struggling and offers him some help and support.
They have a click but Justin knows he's only in the picture to help Finn.
What follows are some sweet and nice get togethers so Finn can practice... they even practice a kiss... Justin is so attracted to Finn but knows Finn wants only Leo.
Justin tries everything to help Finn and Finn really really likes Justin his heart is doing strange things when Justin is around. Finally Finn and Leo have their date. Leo isn't a nice guy he is using Finn to get better at the Gym.
When there will be a second date Justin finds it harder and harder to help Finn, but Justin is a really good friend.
Finn can't resist his own feelings anymore he knows what to do.
"I think I might love you."
I loved this story. Two wonderful guys, flawed, honest and so good together. Sometimes it was just heartbreaking when pieces of hurt showed and how vulnerable both really are.
It did something to my heartstrings. The way they work around each other. The realization that they may have feelings for each other was really well put down. They both have issues but when they are together their are none. I was more than thrilled they have their HEA because they so deserved it. The environments were great and the story captivating.
I had to stop myself at some point because I was reading parts over and over again. I couldn't let them go.... they just stoled my heart.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
Finn is over his head, when he sees Leo, his heart is knocking faster. Finn is shy and talking is not his strongest thing. He so desperate wants a date with Leo.
At the local speed date party Justin sees how Finn is struggling and offers him some help and support.
They have a click but Justin knows he's only in the picture to help Finn.
What follows are some sweet and nice get togethers so Finn can practice... they even practice a kiss... Justin is so attracted to Finn but knows Finn wants only Leo.
Justin tries everything to help Finn and Finn really really likes Justin his heart is doing strange things when Justin is around. Finally Finn and Leo have their date. Leo isn't a nice guy he is using Finn to get better at the Gym.
When there will be a second date Justin finds it harder and harder to help Finn, but Justin is a really good friend.
Finn can't resist his own feelings anymore he knows what to do.
"I think I might love you."
I loved this story. Two wonderful guys, flawed, honest and so good together. Sometimes it was just heartbreaking when pieces of hurt showed and how vulnerable both really are.
It did something to my heartstrings. The way they work around each other. The realization that they may have feelings for each other was really well put down. They both have issues but when they are together their are none. I was more than thrilled they have their HEA because they so deserved it. The environments were great and the story captivating.
I had to stop myself at some point because I was reading parts over and over again. I couldn't let them go.... they just stoled my heart.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
January 14, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest
Review.
When I started reading this book, I was a little discouraged. All the books I have reviewed lately (MM mostly) have been in third person, and it was never something I cared for. I however learned to actually enjoy the third person POV. It
Seems to fit especially when it’s both main characters POV. Justin and Finn’s characters had me hooked from their first conversation at the speed dating. Finn was a shy guy who wasn’t able to talk to other men. Whereas Justin was confident. They fit together. I couldn’t not stand Leo! I couldn’t stand that Justin was helping Finn date Leo! Gosh I wanted to smack them both multiple times!
There was clearly chemistry there. They were perfect for each other. They made up for what the other lacked.
After his date with Leo and he went to Justin’s and kissed him, I was so freaking happy!! I thought it would of
Been Justin to kiss him. Clearly shocked but so perfect!
I really loved their story. They are adorable together! I seriously wish there would of been more to their story! I feel like there is more to them that can be told!
Review.
When I started reading this book, I was a little discouraged. All the books I have reviewed lately (MM mostly) have been in third person, and it was never something I cared for. I however learned to actually enjoy the third person POV. It
Seems to fit especially when it’s both main characters POV. Justin and Finn’s characters had me hooked from their first conversation at the speed dating. Finn was a shy guy who wasn’t able to talk to other men. Whereas Justin was confident. They fit together. I couldn’t not stand Leo! I couldn’t stand that Justin was helping Finn date Leo! Gosh I wanted to smack them both multiple times!
There was clearly chemistry there. They were perfect for each other. They made up for what the other lacked.
After his date with Leo and he went to Justin’s and kissed him, I was so freaking happy!! I thought it would of
Been Justin to kiss him. Clearly shocked but so perfect!
I really loved their story. They are adorable together! I seriously wish there would of been more to their story! I feel like there is more to them that can be told!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2018
4.5 stars!
This was wonderful and sweet and I totally see myself rereading this novel!
Losing It is a NA romance novel about Justin who, after quitting his job, moves to Toronto, where he starts working at a friend's boxing gym and meets shy tech engineer Finn, who trains there and who's infatuated with a popular fighter Leo. Justin and Finn bond over Justin helping Finn with speaking in public. As you can imagine things go as far away from Leo as possible, good riddance.
This novel is so sweet and enjoyable to read. The plot is straight forward but with surprising turns and a bunch of awesome scene. Justin and Finn have a great chemistry and I loved reading them slowly falling in love and realizing what's happening. Both of them do have a strong individual arc, too. Justin and Finn deal with their individual issues but with the help of each other things turn out more than okay. Both of main characters are gay.
I love so many little elements surrounding the main plot line. I liked that when a well-meaning guy crossed personal boundaries, people say to him it's not ok and he learns from it and apologizes. The other thing is the clear difference between infatuation with the image of a person you created in your head Vs the reality of this person. Just this month I've read The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza where this theme is prominent too. I love the focus on this issue. In Losing It, we get to see several interactions with that object of infatuation and see all the red flags in context. While the romance novel aren't here (only) to teach, it's good to have a clear example of type of people to avoid in real life.
One of the best thing about the book, that both of the main characters are in their thirties. Justin is thirty-six and Finn is thirty-one. I don't usually read novels with the charters older than 25. It's a good example of life not ending when you reach 30 it whatever superficial guidelines society forces on us. You can find love, change you career path, improve your personal relationships and better yourself at any age. I love this hopeful overlapping message of the whole series.
Finn has social anxiety. He feels comfortable enough to talk one-on-one, but big groups make him clam up. I don't think I have social anxiety but I related so much to his fears of big crowds and public speeches. The feelings Finn had were so accurately described.
I kid you not I'd prefer death to public speech event.
Alright, moving on back to an actual review. The writing is very good, the third person pov works here. I rarely like 3rd pov in romance novel but Christine D'Abo makes it perfect.
All in all, Losing It is now my favorite in Ringside Romance series. You don't have to read previous installments, all of the novels are standalones, but I recommend them too.
P. S. I want to give Justin the biggest hug. He reminds me of Caleb Stone. Looks like I'm weak for this type of character.
Content warning: social anxiety, panic attack, crossing boundaries, kissing and hugging without consent (brief scenes, not main couple), bullying in the past, violence as in they are boxers, MMA fighters? idk man they punch each other.
This was wonderful and sweet and I totally see myself rereading this novel!
Losing It is a NA romance novel about Justin who, after quitting his job, moves to Toronto, where he starts working at a friend's boxing gym and meets shy tech engineer Finn, who trains there and who's infatuated with a popular fighter Leo. Justin and Finn bond over Justin helping Finn with speaking in public. As you can imagine things go as far away from Leo as possible, good riddance.
This novel is so sweet and enjoyable to read. The plot is straight forward but with surprising turns and a bunch of awesome scene. Justin and Finn have a great chemistry and I loved reading them slowly falling in love and realizing what's happening. Both of them do have a strong individual arc, too. Justin and Finn deal with their individual issues but with the help of each other things turn out more than okay. Both of main characters are gay.
I love so many little elements surrounding the main plot line. I liked that when a well-meaning guy crossed personal boundaries, people say to him it's not ok and he learns from it and apologizes. The other thing is the clear difference between infatuation with the image of a person you created in your head Vs the reality of this person. Just this month I've read The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza where this theme is prominent too. I love the focus on this issue. In Losing It, we get to see several interactions with that object of infatuation and see all the red flags in context. While the romance novel aren't here (only) to teach, it's good to have a clear example of type of people to avoid in real life.
One of the best thing about the book, that both of the main characters are in their thirties. Justin is thirty-six and Finn is thirty-one. I don't usually read novels with the charters older than 25. It's a good example of life not ending when you reach 30 it whatever superficial guidelines society forces on us. You can find love, change you career path, improve your personal relationships and better yourself at any age. I love this hopeful overlapping message of the whole series.
Finn has social anxiety. He feels comfortable enough to talk one-on-one, but big groups make him clam up. I don't think I have social anxiety but I related so much to his fears of big crowds and public speeches. The feelings Finn had were so accurately described.
I kid you not I'd prefer death to public speech event.
Alright, moving on back to an actual review. The writing is very good, the third person pov works here. I rarely like 3rd pov in romance novel but Christine D'Abo makes it perfect.
All in all, Losing It is now my favorite in Ringside Romance series. You don't have to read previous installments, all of the novels are standalones, but I recommend them too.
P. S. I want to give Justin the biggest hug. He reminds me of Caleb Stone. Looks like I'm weak for this type of character.
Content warning: social anxiety, panic attack, crossing boundaries, kissing and hugging without consent (brief scenes, not main couple), bullying in the past, violence as in they are boxers, MMA fighters? idk man they punch each other.
July 22, 2018
Review also on my blog • Twitter • Bookstagram
I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Losing It is the forth book in the Ringside Romance series, which is a series of m/m romance books. It follows Justin, who appeared in the second book Faking It, and Finn, a new character entirely. Finn is a regular at the Ringside Gym, which is run by the boyfriend of the son of Justin's old employer, as well as someone he was once in love wither (but is now over). They have a run in at the gym and soon see each other again at a speed dating program the gym is running to help raise money to hold a self defence program for LGBTQIAP+ youth. Finn is interested in a man named Leo, and after getting a date with him he's nervous. This leads to Justin offering to help Finn talk to Leo through practice conversations. But they soon develop feelings for each other.
I'm so sad because this book actually disappointed me. I've really enjoyed the previous books in the series, especially Making It but this one fell a little flat for me. I don't remember having strong feelings towards Justin so I didn't go into this with love for him already there. I liked seeing him loosen up but I was kind of more interested in seeing Max and Grady, as well as a few other characters from the other books, again. I did like seeing Finn grow more confident though. I did enjoy him as a character.
I think I overall just wasn't that invested in the book. I don't love this author's writing but I did find something I enjoyed in her previous books in this series. So far, I think this is her weakest of her series.
I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Losing It is the forth book in the Ringside Romance series, which is a series of m/m romance books. It follows Justin, who appeared in the second book Faking It, and Finn, a new character entirely. Finn is a regular at the Ringside Gym, which is run by the boyfriend of the son of Justin's old employer, as well as someone he was once in love wither (but is now over). They have a run in at the gym and soon see each other again at a speed dating program the gym is running to help raise money to hold a self defence program for LGBTQIAP+ youth. Finn is interested in a man named Leo, and after getting a date with him he's nervous. This leads to Justin offering to help Finn talk to Leo through practice conversations. But they soon develop feelings for each other.
I'm so sad because this book actually disappointed me. I've really enjoyed the previous books in the series, especially Making It but this one fell a little flat for me. I don't remember having strong feelings towards Justin so I didn't go into this with love for him already there. I liked seeing him loosen up but I was kind of more interested in seeing Max and Grady, as well as a few other characters from the other books, again. I did like seeing Finn grow more confident though. I did enjoy him as a character.
I think I overall just wasn't that invested in the book. I don't love this author's writing but I did find something I enjoyed in her previous books in this series. So far, I think this is her weakest of her series.
January 12, 2018
3.5 stars. This is book 4 in the Ringside Romance series and is Finn and Justin’s story. I enjoyed this one much more than book 3!
We meet Justin earlier on in the series as he worked for Grady’s father. He’s moved to Toronto for a fresh start and seeks out Grady for help and support. The guys at the gym offer him a job to live in and coordinate the renovation of the apartments above the gym.
Finn is a super shy gym member being trained by Eli in the ring. He was badly bullied at school and subsequently now suffers in social situations. He has a huge crush on another gym member Leo. At a charity speed dating event at the gym Finn and Justin meet each other and instantly hit it off, Finn is not his usual shy self around Justin and Justin can feel his walls slowly slipping when he’s around Finn. They become close friends and Justin offers to help Finn with his social skills for his date with Leo.
“I think that if you’re lucky, you’ll find someone who fills in some of the blanks in your personality. Not all of them; that would be impossible. But enough that you click. That you work together. The remaining blanks are filled with shared experiences, with common goals and challenges. Those morph into something far greater than the sum of their parts.”
We meet Justin earlier on in the series as he worked for Grady’s father. He’s moved to Toronto for a fresh start and seeks out Grady for help and support. The guys at the gym offer him a job to live in and coordinate the renovation of the apartments above the gym.
Finn is a super shy gym member being trained by Eli in the ring. He was badly bullied at school and subsequently now suffers in social situations. He has a huge crush on another gym member Leo. At a charity speed dating event at the gym Finn and Justin meet each other and instantly hit it off, Finn is not his usual shy self around Justin and Justin can feel his walls slowly slipping when he’s around Finn. They become close friends and Justin offers to help Finn with his social skills for his date with Leo.
“I think that if you’re lucky, you’ll find someone who fills in some of the blanks in your personality. Not all of them; that would be impossible. But enough that you click. That you work together. The remaining blanks are filled with shared experiences, with common goals and challenges. Those morph into something far greater than the sum of their parts.”
I really liked Finn and I loved reading about him gaining his confidence, he’s such a loveable and well developed MC. I liked Justin but I didn’t find him as easy to like and he was difficult to get to know. The two of them together (once they realised it) were great and it was believable and sweet.
The thing with Leo the bully was just a bit far fetched for me and they all acted kind of immature and not like grown men. The whole spy gadgets bit made me seriously eye roll. Having said that it’s an enjoyable, easy read.
Reviewed by Lulu from Alpha Book Club 
February 26, 2018
Review by The Blogger Girls.
This was another solid installment of this series centering around the gang now involved in some shape or form with the gym. We met Justin in the second book, Faking It, where he was the guy giving Grady trouble working for Grady’s father as his right hand man. He played an important role in Grady’s life, but after things that happened in that book, he now finds himself out of a job. He shows up at Grady’s door looking to make amends and ask for some help.
Finn is a young man who has some anxiety issues and has been going to the gym to build his confidence. It hasn’t helped him this far in getting a date with his crush, another gym attendee, and things are not looking too positive in that respect. That is, until he meets Justin, whom he has no trouble speaking with. Justin offers to help Finn with his confidence with his crush, and their friendship begins to grow from there.
This was a great friends to lovers story, and I found watching their friendship and trust grow to be the best part of this. We were able to see all sides from the various points of views which was helpful. While this wasn’t super steamy, the relationship blossomed in a natural progression. It was also nice to see other relationships mended in the process. This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I still really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what’s in store for this crew next.
February 20, 2018
3.5 stars. I ended up enjoying this one quite a bit. Sweet, if a bit predictable...I really liked Justin and Finn's relationship. They worked so well together. <3 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
May 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
I think this might be my favorite book of the series so far. I loved Finn and Justin and I enjoyed watching them transition from strangers, to tentative friends and later, to lovers. It was a bit of a slow-burn, since Justin is helping Finn, who has major social anxiety, to learn to be more confident and comfortable around others, especially Leo, who Finn believes is his dream guy. As Justin helps Finn prepare for his date with Leo, the two form a solid friendship, something that neither man have very many of.
I thought Finn’s awkwardness was endearing and sweet, but I loved that he felt so comfortable with Justin, like all the nerves melted away when he was standing in from of him. My heart went out to Justin, he just seemed so lost, but I loved that he found a home at Ringside and with Finn.
This story was easy to read and flowed well. It was on the sweeter and less angsty side, compared to the other much more emotional stories in this series. While this can definitely be read as a standalone, if you haven’t read the other stories in the series, you’re missing out and should definitely pick them up.
The chemistry between Justin and Finn was off the charts and the story is packed with sweetness, friendship and love. I loved getting to catch-up with the other guys from Ringside and I’m hoping this won’t be the last we’ve seen of them. Although if I never see Finn’s initial love interest, Leo, besides maybe on the receiving end of someone’s fist, ever again it’ll be too soon!
This was a great addition to the series, a joy to read and very recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 16, 2018
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is another fun romance between the men at the Ringside Gym. Justin and Finn are loosely connected to the group of friends who run the gym but they are perfect for each other - even if it takes Finn a very long time to believe it.
Justin was absolutely villainous in Grady’s book but a few months later he’s back and a very reformed character. I wasn’t ever able to fully believe in his transformation but I really enjoyed him in this book. He arrives in Toronto lonely, jobless and pretty defeated. His baggage with Grady makes for an awkward reunion. The new Justin is vulnerable and immensely loveable.
Finn is an interesting love interest for Justin. Where Justin is smooth and sophisticated on the surface, Finn is a hot mess of social anxiety. But Finn has an inner resilience. He’s actually more confident in himself and more comfortable in his skin than Justin is. Justin starts out assisting Finn but Finn’s steady confidence stabilizes Justin.
This story is formulaic - the plot is originally Shakespeare’s (probably more recently borrowed from the film Roxanne) but it is good fun. Justin helps shy Finn win over Leo, a beautiful a**hole, while falling in love with Finn himself. It is an entertaining but predictable read. They guys at the gym are fun and always entertaining and there is good heat between Justin and Finn.
This is another fun romance between the men at the Ringside Gym. Justin and Finn are loosely connected to the group of friends who run the gym but they are perfect for each other - even if it takes Finn a very long time to believe it.
Justin was absolutely villainous in Grady’s book but a few months later he’s back and a very reformed character. I wasn’t ever able to fully believe in his transformation but I really enjoyed him in this book. He arrives in Toronto lonely, jobless and pretty defeated. His baggage with Grady makes for an awkward reunion. The new Justin is vulnerable and immensely loveable.
Finn is an interesting love interest for Justin. Where Justin is smooth and sophisticated on the surface, Finn is a hot mess of social anxiety. But Finn has an inner resilience. He’s actually more confident in himself and more comfortable in his skin than Justin is. Justin starts out assisting Finn but Finn’s steady confidence stabilizes Justin.
This story is formulaic - the plot is originally Shakespeare’s (probably more recently borrowed from the film Roxanne) but it is good fun. Justin helps shy Finn win over Leo, a beautiful a**hole, while falling in love with Finn himself. It is an entertaining but predictable read. They guys at the gym are fun and always entertaining and there is good heat between Justin and Finn.
February 27, 2018
3.5 Stars. This is the fourth book from Ringside Romance and although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend reading book #2, Faking It, first since that's when the reader is introduced to Justin.
I enjoyed Faking it although I wasn't sure I was going to like Justin in the beginning of this book. He quickly grew on me and I was rooting for him and Finn. This book has a lot of UST with only a few sex scenes but those that are in the book are well written and hot. I did find Leo to a bit OTT and would have liked him to have a bit more dimension. I loved the date scene with the microphone though and I thought it was very funny.
There wasn't a lot of angst in this book and the relationship was a slow build. All of the previous characters from the earlier books make an appearance as well. I enjoyed this book although not quite as much as some of the earlier books in the series.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
I enjoyed Faking it although I wasn't sure I was going to like Justin in the beginning of this book. He quickly grew on me and I was rooting for him and Finn. This book has a lot of UST with only a few sex scenes but those that are in the book are well written and hot. I did find Leo to a bit OTT and would have liked him to have a bit more dimension. I loved the date scene with the microphone though and I thought it was very funny.
There wasn't a lot of angst in this book and the relationship was a slow build. All of the previous characters from the earlier books make an appearance as well. I enjoyed this book although not quite as much as some of the earlier books in the series.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
February 13, 2018
3 Stars
I’ve only read one other book in this series and I loved it so I thought I’d give book 4 a chance, I have to say that unfortunately I didn’t love it. I felt like both of the characters were almost… whiney or unmanly, it kept me from loving the book.
Finn is extremely anti-social to the point it’s almost crippling – he also sporting a major crush on a fellow gym rat but can’t build up the confidence to ask him out. Justin has come into town for a new beginning, leaving his old life behind to start a new life near a man whom he though he loved, Grady. While visiting Grady’s gym Justin is offered a job that includes a place to live and he makes the gym his home. When he notices Finn struggling to talk to the man who he’s obviously crushing on, Justin steps in to help Finn with his confidence levels.
I honestly didn’t find either Finn or Justin all that likeable and I think that’s the main reason I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d hoped. Though their story was cute, my favorite part of the book was the glimpses of the previous characters – plus it’s pretty steamy and that kept me reading. I probably won’t be continuing on with this series.
Read and reviewed for Wicked Reads!
I’ve only read one other book in this series and I loved it so I thought I’d give book 4 a chance, I have to say that unfortunately I didn’t love it. I felt like both of the characters were almost… whiney or unmanly, it kept me from loving the book.
Finn is extremely anti-social to the point it’s almost crippling – he also sporting a major crush on a fellow gym rat but can’t build up the confidence to ask him out. Justin has come into town for a new beginning, leaving his old life behind to start a new life near a man whom he though he loved, Grady. While visiting Grady’s gym Justin is offered a job that includes a place to live and he makes the gym his home. When he notices Finn struggling to talk to the man who he’s obviously crushing on, Justin steps in to help Finn with his confidence levels.
I honestly didn’t find either Finn or Justin all that likeable and I think that’s the main reason I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d hoped. Though their story was cute, my favorite part of the book was the glimpses of the previous characters – plus it’s pretty steamy and that kept me reading. I probably won’t be continuing on with this series.
Read and reviewed for Wicked Reads!
February 27, 2018
I enjoy this series and happy to see Justin in a new light.
I found the first 1/3 of the book to be a little slow. I was tempted to write it off but I'm glad I continued. I found Finn and Justin to be a sweet duo that as well together.
I know in the other books Justin was a bit of a tool but I liked the way he developed in Losing it. Even though Justin is in his late thirties I found him to be portrayed a little young. Perhaps it was due to him starting over . Becoming vulnerable and needing to start over.
Finn was just adorable. I liked his shyness when dealing with his love interested and his easy going personality when he was with Justin.
in addition to their friendship turning into more, the author gives us a few secondary stories that help keep the book interesting
I received an ARC for a honest review.
I found the first 1/3 of the book to be a little slow. I was tempted to write it off but I'm glad I continued. I found Finn and Justin to be a sweet duo that as well together.
I know in the other books Justin was a bit of a tool but I liked the way he developed in Losing it. Even though Justin is in his late thirties I found him to be portrayed a little young. Perhaps it was due to him starting over . Becoming vulnerable and needing to start over.
Finn was just adorable. I liked his shyness when dealing with his love interested and his easy going personality when he was with Justin.
in addition to their friendship turning into more, the author gives us a few secondary stories that help keep the book interesting
I received an ARC for a honest review.
February 8, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth book in the series. The first three deal with three childhood friends who are rebuilding Ringside Gym, and their grown up romances. Here we see Justin, who was Grady's minder in 'Faking It', as he comes to terms with life now he has reformed. He comes to Toronto to start again, and ends up getting help from Grady, and his new friends.
Whilst it is difficult for the guys to know quite what to do about Justin, they give him a chance, and he does not disappoint them. He even pitches in and helps with the speed dating event at the club to raise money for an LGBT class. There he gets to spend more time with Finn. Finn, who has his eye on someone else, but is always tongue-tied. Finn who he finds very attractive, has an excellent rapport with, and who never finds it hard to speak with him. We obviously get the message straight away, but the naive Finn takes a little longer. It is highly enjoyable watching it unfold, and very satisfying by the end.
Justin was such an interesting character, that I commented in my review of Faking It that he deserved his story to be told - so I was really delighted to get this book, and even more so with how things turned out for him! Thank you for that Ms d'Abo.
This is the fourth book in the series. The first three deal with three childhood friends who are rebuilding Ringside Gym, and their grown up romances. Here we see Justin, who was Grady's minder in 'Faking It', as he comes to terms with life now he has reformed. He comes to Toronto to start again, and ends up getting help from Grady, and his new friends.
Whilst it is difficult for the guys to know quite what to do about Justin, they give him a chance, and he does not disappoint them. He even pitches in and helps with the speed dating event at the club to raise money for an LGBT class. There he gets to spend more time with Finn. Finn, who has his eye on someone else, but is always tongue-tied. Finn who he finds very attractive, has an excellent rapport with, and who never finds it hard to speak with him. We obviously get the message straight away, but the naive Finn takes a little longer. It is highly enjoyable watching it unfold, and very satisfying by the end.
Justin was such an interesting character, that I commented in my review of Faking It that he deserved his story to be told - so I was really delighted to get this book, and even more so with how things turned out for him! Thank you for that Ms d'Abo.
January 6, 2018
3.5 stars
Review to come soon
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
Review to come soon
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
February 8, 2018
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I said this with book 3 but I need to say it again, I seriously had deja'vu when I read this book. I felt like I had read this story before. Maybe it was previously published or just so similar to something I have read before. This book is about Finn and Justin. Finn is super shy but has a major crush on this guy Leo at the gym. When they gym owners have a speed dating night Finn fails miserably and Justin offers to help Finn. This starts a friendship that blossoms into more. While the story was good and I liked the characters I just couldn't love it. I wanted too, especially when Finn gets himself into a pickle at the end but I couldn't. I am sure it was just me not being able to get over the fact that it seemed like I had read the book before.
I said this with book 3 but I need to say it again, I seriously had deja'vu when I read this book. I felt like I had read this story before. Maybe it was previously published or just so similar to something I have read before. This book is about Finn and Justin. Finn is super shy but has a major crush on this guy Leo at the gym. When they gym owners have a speed dating night Finn fails miserably and Justin offers to help Finn. This starts a friendship that blossoms into more. While the story was good and I liked the characters I just couldn't love it. I wanted too, especially when Finn gets himself into a pickle at the end but I couldn't. I am sure it was just me not being able to get over the fact that it seemed like I had read the book before.
May 10, 2021
Too cute for words, Finn Miller is the awkward guy who is so sweet. I just want to take him under my wing and protect him. As the reader gets to know Finn and his idiosyncrasies better, it is hard not to fall a bit in love with Finn. He is loyal, smart and possess an ever optimistic outlook. He is the kind of guy who would never let their friend down. His crush on Leo was interesting. When this book takes a turn when Finn meets Justin, the story starts to get really good. I have not read the first three books in this series and it was still easy for me to pick up the tie ins from previous books.
Justin is a guy who has hit rock bottom. Things he's down has burned so many bridges and he never prepared for the day when it all came crashing down on him. Maybe if I had read Faking It, I would have been predisposed to not like Justin in this book. Since I did not, I felt for Justin. He is a guy who realized a little too late, he put all his eggs in the wrong basket. Luckily for him, he did have one little egg placed with his old friend, Grady. Grady's support allows Justin to rebuild his life and more importantly, find that someone who makes it all work for him.
The estrangement or distance between child and parent in this story is a recurring theme for Ms. d'Ado's stories. It makes a reader wonder if perhaps in real life, she's experienced this first hand and her stories are ways to explore possible reconciliation endings. This subplot aside, the Cyrano de Bergerac plot is well done. At times Justin's recommendations and Finn's execution are hilarious. Other times, Justin's wistful yearning is painful to witness. The ups and downs of emotions is what makes this story so good. This m/m romance is recommended to readers who enjoy friends to lover themes.
*provided by NetGalley
Justin is a guy who has hit rock bottom. Things he's down has burned so many bridges and he never prepared for the day when it all came crashing down on him. Maybe if I had read Faking It, I would have been predisposed to not like Justin in this book. Since I did not, I felt for Justin. He is a guy who realized a little too late, he put all his eggs in the wrong basket. Luckily for him, he did have one little egg placed with his old friend, Grady. Grady's support allows Justin to rebuild his life and more importantly, find that someone who makes it all work for him.
The estrangement or distance between child and parent in this story is a recurring theme for Ms. d'Ado's stories. It makes a reader wonder if perhaps in real life, she's experienced this first hand and her stories are ways to explore possible reconciliation endings. This subplot aside, the Cyrano de Bergerac plot is well done. At times Justin's recommendations and Finn's execution are hilarious. Other times, Justin's wistful yearning is painful to witness. The ups and downs of emotions is what makes this story so good. This m/m romance is recommended to readers who enjoy friends to lover themes.
*provided by NetGalley
March 1, 2018
Another one that falls somewhere between a 4.5 and 5...
If this series had to end, I'm glad that it ended with Justin... and trust me, I never thought I'd be saying those words. He was most definitely not my favorite character when he was introduced in Faking It, the second book in the Ringside Romance series. Up until the very end of Max and Grady's story, he played the "bad guy" and he was more than a little convincing. For the record, I love it when an author makes me fall for a character that I never expected to even like. ;)
Justin's trying to turn his life around, which is how he ended up in Toronto. He never expected to get the help he know he didn't deserve from Grady and his friends. He also didn't expect to fall for someone he was only trying to help. Finn turned out to be just as clueless as Justin in Losing It. He thought that Leo was who he really wanted, but Justin (and pretty much everyone else) knew that Leo wasn't good enough for him. Of course, Justin didn't think he was good enough for Finn either. *sigh* Both these guys needed a huge hug and a healthy dose of self confidence - which is another thing I never thought I'd say about Justin.
Everyone from the previous books in the Ringside Romance finale, which was only fitting. It was great to see them all happy, whole and thriving. I'm sorry to say goodbye to this crew, but the author did an amazing job of bringing things to a satisfying end.
I received Losing It in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If this series had to end, I'm glad that it ended with Justin... and trust me, I never thought I'd be saying those words. He was most definitely not my favorite character when he was introduced in Faking It, the second book in the Ringside Romance series. Up until the very end of Max and Grady's story, he played the "bad guy" and he was more than a little convincing. For the record, I love it when an author makes me fall for a character that I never expected to even like. ;)
Justin's trying to turn his life around, which is how he ended up in Toronto. He never expected to get the help he know he didn't deserve from Grady and his friends. He also didn't expect to fall for someone he was only trying to help. Finn turned out to be just as clueless as Justin in Losing It. He thought that Leo was who he really wanted, but Justin (and pretty much everyone else) knew that Leo wasn't good enough for him. Of course, Justin didn't think he was good enough for Finn either. *sigh* Both these guys needed a huge hug and a healthy dose of self confidence - which is another thing I never thought I'd say about Justin.
Everyone from the previous books in the Ringside Romance finale, which was only fitting. It was great to see them all happy, whole and thriving. I'm sorry to say goodbye to this crew, but the author did an amazing job of bringing things to a satisfying end.
I received Losing It in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 13, 2018
Losing It by Christine D’Abo
Book #4: Ringside Romance Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
I have loved this series from the very beginning and Losing It is just one more excellent read in the series!
When first we met Justin McCormick (in book #3, Making It) he was not the nicest of men. In fact, Justin rather delighted in being the bad guy. Over the course of a decade, Justin has earned quite the reputation as an uncompromising, stone cold, shrewd business man willing to go to any length to protect his ward and please his boss. With his skillset, Justin is incredibly employable, but his reputation and past actions have closed a great number of doors. With a dwindling back account balance and no prospects in Vancouver, Justin packs his bags and heads to Toronto.
Though he never expected the kindness, Justin’s former ward, Grady, is willing to help Justin get back on his feet. Within hours of arriving in Toronto, Justin has a place to live and a temporary job. With nothing else to do and only one friend in the area, Justin sets to work turning his awful apartment into a showroom! Since he doesn’t intend to become a proper hermit, Justin also becomes involved in the goings on at Ringside Gym. First up, attending/volunteering at a ridiculous charity speed dating event.
Finn Miller has no interest in attending Ringside Gym’s speed dating event. Oh, he doesn’t mind donating money, it is a charity event after all, but he is only interested in dating one man. Trouble is, Finn has an incredibly difficult time speaking to others. Thanks to a horrifying array of childhood bullying, Finn has learned to keep his mouth closed and only offer the briefest of replies when absolutely necessary. Finn’s silence/inability to talk to others has become nearly pathological except in two circumstances, when he is discussing tech issues for work and when he is speaking with Justin.
Justin instantly likes Finn, but knows, thanks to Finn’s very clear and explicit explanation, that they can be nothing more than friends. As one of Justin’s skills is public speaking, he offers to help Finn overcome his difficulties and land the guy he has been lusting after for months and months. As the days speed by, Justin discovers a side of Finn very, very few people have ever seen. Finn is kind, wicked smart, funny, and stunningly sexy. With each speech session, Justin finds it increasingly difficult to separate his own growing feelings for Finn from the work they are doing. Justin recognizes he is simply a tool (as he has been his entire life) to help Finn date another man, and that other man is a tool! But, Justin is also a man of honor and he refuses to go back on his offer to Finn no matter how difficult it is.
The Bottom Line: I think Losing It may be my favorite book in this series to date. Justin was easy to dislike him in book three, but his circumstances have changed dramatically, and this book is all about his redemption, his move to be a better man and I couldn’t help but love him for that. No matter how much I liked Justin, I liked Finn even more. He is such a deliciously nerdy guy who has had a load of crap heaped on him over the course of his life. His inability to speak is born out of sadness and cruelty, but with Justin’s help, encouragement, and love, Finn can grow, overcome, and be the man he was always meant to be. As with the other books in the series, the characters from books past make appearances and help the new couple find their way to their own HEA. I love the sense of community in this world, the message of helping rather than hindering, and supporting above all else. There is such a strong sense of loyalty, friendship, concern, and caring in this series and think that is ultimately why I have enjoyed it so much!
Book #4: Ringside Romance Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
I have loved this series from the very beginning and Losing It is just one more excellent read in the series!
When first we met Justin McCormick (in book #3, Making It) he was not the nicest of men. In fact, Justin rather delighted in being the bad guy. Over the course of a decade, Justin has earned quite the reputation as an uncompromising, stone cold, shrewd business man willing to go to any length to protect his ward and please his boss. With his skillset, Justin is incredibly employable, but his reputation and past actions have closed a great number of doors. With a dwindling back account balance and no prospects in Vancouver, Justin packs his bags and heads to Toronto.
Though he never expected the kindness, Justin’s former ward, Grady, is willing to help Justin get back on his feet. Within hours of arriving in Toronto, Justin has a place to live and a temporary job. With nothing else to do and only one friend in the area, Justin sets to work turning his awful apartment into a showroom! Since he doesn’t intend to become a proper hermit, Justin also becomes involved in the goings on at Ringside Gym. First up, attending/volunteering at a ridiculous charity speed dating event.
Finn Miller has no interest in attending Ringside Gym’s speed dating event. Oh, he doesn’t mind donating money, it is a charity event after all, but he is only interested in dating one man. Trouble is, Finn has an incredibly difficult time speaking to others. Thanks to a horrifying array of childhood bullying, Finn has learned to keep his mouth closed and only offer the briefest of replies when absolutely necessary. Finn’s silence/inability to talk to others has become nearly pathological except in two circumstances, when he is discussing tech issues for work and when he is speaking with Justin.
Justin instantly likes Finn, but knows, thanks to Finn’s very clear and explicit explanation, that they can be nothing more than friends. As one of Justin’s skills is public speaking, he offers to help Finn overcome his difficulties and land the guy he has been lusting after for months and months. As the days speed by, Justin discovers a side of Finn very, very few people have ever seen. Finn is kind, wicked smart, funny, and stunningly sexy. With each speech session, Justin finds it increasingly difficult to separate his own growing feelings for Finn from the work they are doing. Justin recognizes he is simply a tool (as he has been his entire life) to help Finn date another man, and that other man is a tool! But, Justin is also a man of honor and he refuses to go back on his offer to Finn no matter how difficult it is.
The Bottom Line: I think Losing It may be my favorite book in this series to date. Justin was easy to dislike him in book three, but his circumstances have changed dramatically, and this book is all about his redemption, his move to be a better man and I couldn’t help but love him for that. No matter how much I liked Justin, I liked Finn even more. He is such a deliciously nerdy guy who has had a load of crap heaped on him over the course of his life. His inability to speak is born out of sadness and cruelty, but with Justin’s help, encouragement, and love, Finn can grow, overcome, and be the man he was always meant to be. As with the other books in the series, the characters from books past make appearances and help the new couple find their way to their own HEA. I love the sense of community in this world, the message of helping rather than hindering, and supporting above all else. There is such a strong sense of loyalty, friendship, concern, and caring in this series and think that is ultimately why I have enjoyed it so much!
February 22, 2018
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Losing It is the fourth book in Christine d’Abo’s Ringside Romance series, but it was the first in the series that I’ve read. I grabbed it because I liked the sound of the premise—I have a thing for geeks. What can I say?—and I assumed it would work as a standalone, which, for the most part, it does. For the first couple of chapters I was definitely feeling like I would have been enjoying it on another level if I had read the previous books; I would have known who all the other Ringside guys were, and it would have undoubtedly added to the reading experience. But, once I got into the story, it stood just fine on its own and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
Justin is looking for a fresh start, a way to sort of remake himself and break free of his old reputation and previous employer, so he leaves Vancouver and heads to Toronto. There is at least one huge piece of his old life in Toronto, though, and that’s Grady, the son of Justin’s former boss. Justin looks Grady up at Ringside, the boxing gym he helps run, and lucks into a place to live and a temporary job. I liked Justin’s character a lot. He’s calculating and reserved and definitely knows what he wants, but underneath that no-nonsense exterior is a gooey center. And, I loved his relationship with Grady. There’s a lot of history there that shines through even if you haven’t read Faking It, the second book in the series, where Justin is introduced. The author does a great job of cementing their bond in this book.
One of the people Justin meets at Ringside is Finn Miller. Finn is doing MMA training under Eli, one of the gym’s owners, and catches Justin’s attention on his first day at the club. Finn also notices Justin and finds him attractive, but Finn is stupidly lusting after Leo, a Ringside regular. I stay stupidly, because Leo is a jerk. I just gotta come right out and say it. He was cocky and smarmy, and I couldn’t stand him from the word go. Finn doesn’t see it at first, though, so he keeps right on thinking that Leo is this great catch who he’d be so lucky to date, when it’s quite honestly the other way around. But, Finn is so painfully shy and socially awkward that he needs to enlist Justin’s help in order to have a shot at a successful date with Leo.
The love story in the book is very sweet. And though the timeline has things progressing very quickly, the story doesn’t veer off into problematic territory. The relationship develops at a nice pace, and Justin and Finn share a mutual respect and admiration that grows into a solid friendship, and then more. By the time they start to acknowledge what’s really going on between them, I was fully on board and rooting for them all the way. And, they were very sexy together! I liked them together a lot; they were good for each other, and it made me smile. 😊
I’m so glad I read this one. If you’ve been reading the series, I have no doubt that Losing It is a solid addition to the set. I’ll be making it a point to go back and read the rest of the books for sure! And, if you need a nerdy but super cute IT guy, and a sexy, confident, slightly older man in your life, then I think you’ll enjoy Finn and Justin’s story all on its own.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Losing It is the fourth book in Christine d’Abo’s Ringside Romance series, but it was the first in the series that I’ve read. I grabbed it because I liked the sound of the premise—I have a thing for geeks. What can I say?—and I assumed it would work as a standalone, which, for the most part, it does. For the first couple of chapters I was definitely feeling like I would have been enjoying it on another level if I had read the previous books; I would have known who all the other Ringside guys were, and it would have undoubtedly added to the reading experience. But, once I got into the story, it stood just fine on its own and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
Justin is looking for a fresh start, a way to sort of remake himself and break free of his old reputation and previous employer, so he leaves Vancouver and heads to Toronto. There is at least one huge piece of his old life in Toronto, though, and that’s Grady, the son of Justin’s former boss. Justin looks Grady up at Ringside, the boxing gym he helps run, and lucks into a place to live and a temporary job. I liked Justin’s character a lot. He’s calculating and reserved and definitely knows what he wants, but underneath that no-nonsense exterior is a gooey center. And, I loved his relationship with Grady. There’s a lot of history there that shines through even if you haven’t read Faking It, the second book in the series, where Justin is introduced. The author does a great job of cementing their bond in this book.
One of the people Justin meets at Ringside is Finn Miller. Finn is doing MMA training under Eli, one of the gym’s owners, and catches Justin’s attention on his first day at the club. Finn also notices Justin and finds him attractive, but Finn is stupidly lusting after Leo, a Ringside regular. I stay stupidly, because Leo is a jerk. I just gotta come right out and say it. He was cocky and smarmy, and I couldn’t stand him from the word go. Finn doesn’t see it at first, though, so he keeps right on thinking that Leo is this great catch who he’d be so lucky to date, when it’s quite honestly the other way around. But, Finn is so painfully shy and socially awkward that he needs to enlist Justin’s help in order to have a shot at a successful date with Leo.
The love story in the book is very sweet. And though the timeline has things progressing very quickly, the story doesn’t veer off into problematic territory. The relationship develops at a nice pace, and Justin and Finn share a mutual respect and admiration that grows into a solid friendship, and then more. By the time they start to acknowledge what’s really going on between them, I was fully on board and rooting for them all the way. And, they were very sexy together! I liked them together a lot; they were good for each other, and it made me smile. 😊
I’m so glad I read this one. If you’ve been reading the series, I have no doubt that Losing It is a solid addition to the set. I’ll be making it a point to go back and read the rest of the books for sure! And, if you need a nerdy but super cute IT guy, and a sexy, confident, slightly older man in your life, then I think you’ll enjoy Finn and Justin’s story all on its own.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
February 22, 2018
In Losing It, the fourth standalone novel of her Ringside Romance series, Christine d'Abo crosses Cyrano De Bergerac with The Wizard of Oz. Her update is equally classic.
Justin's job, babysitting a rich man's wild teen-aged son (Grady) into adulthood, requires all Justin's glibness to smooth talk Grady's rebellious kerfluffles. But when Justin refuses to come between Grady and his true love, Grady's wealthy father obstructs Justin's employment options in Vancouver.
Eventually, even Justin's parents, "whose interest in having a child," d'Abo informs readers, "had had more to do with their public persona and less to do with the urge to love and care for another human being," kick him out.
Though Justin expects to be rejected as a meddlesome manipulator, he swallows his pride, moves to Toronto, and asks Grady for work. Justin's surprised to find Grady thrilled to assist. Grady and his friends provide Justin with an apartment above their gym, and a job managing the decrepit building's extensive remodel.
Finn, a socially awkward computer geek, once bullied as a kid, exercises through fight sessions at the gym, where he lusts after the vain and shallow Leo. Finn's coach pressures him into attending a speed dating event to benefit LGBTQ youth.
Justin takes pity and offers to coach the clueless Finn in wooing Leo... until Justin realizes he wants Finn for himself.
Though Justin carefully rescues and safely releases spiders, he believes he has no heart, that his relationships are merely functional. Finn perceives his social anxiety as proof he lacks courage, though he spars with an ex-MMA professional, the biggest man at the gym. And their cast of friends act as Oz's Wizard, proving Justin and Finn are simply too brainless to realize they are great guys.
This book is fun, start to finish. The manner in which Justin and Finn are presented, permits readers to know more about the men than they themselves do.
The plot is designed to reveal their true characters to them! And when a good writer lets characters push plot, the personalities end up as rich and nuanced as these two confused souls.
How will d'Abo force two lonely, awkward men to get from out of their own shadows? Losing It is gentle and humorous, embarrassing and silly, light-hearted yet serious, poignant and profound, a quick, delightful piece.
It reads like hot spiced cider on a chilly winter eve. Read Losing It to warm up your faith in humanity. And yet again, I'm irritated there aren't half hearts. This is definitely a 4.5 star romance.
Justin's job, babysitting a rich man's wild teen-aged son (Grady) into adulthood, requires all Justin's glibness to smooth talk Grady's rebellious kerfluffles. But when Justin refuses to come between Grady and his true love, Grady's wealthy father obstructs Justin's employment options in Vancouver.
Eventually, even Justin's parents, "whose interest in having a child," d'Abo informs readers, "had had more to do with their public persona and less to do with the urge to love and care for another human being," kick him out.
Though Justin expects to be rejected as a meddlesome manipulator, he swallows his pride, moves to Toronto, and asks Grady for work. Justin's surprised to find Grady thrilled to assist. Grady and his friends provide Justin with an apartment above their gym, and a job managing the decrepit building's extensive remodel.
Finn, a socially awkward computer geek, once bullied as a kid, exercises through fight sessions at the gym, where he lusts after the vain and shallow Leo. Finn's coach pressures him into attending a speed dating event to benefit LGBTQ youth.
Justin takes pity and offers to coach the clueless Finn in wooing Leo... until Justin realizes he wants Finn for himself.
Though Justin carefully rescues and safely releases spiders, he believes he has no heart, that his relationships are merely functional. Finn perceives his social anxiety as proof he lacks courage, though he spars with an ex-MMA professional, the biggest man at the gym. And their cast of friends act as Oz's Wizard, proving Justin and Finn are simply too brainless to realize they are great guys.
This book is fun, start to finish. The manner in which Justin and Finn are presented, permits readers to know more about the men than they themselves do.
The plot is designed to reveal their true characters to them! And when a good writer lets characters push plot, the personalities end up as rich and nuanced as these two confused souls.
How will d'Abo force two lonely, awkward men to get from out of their own shadows? Losing It is gentle and humorous, embarrassing and silly, light-hearted yet serious, poignant and profound, a quick, delightful piece.
It reads like hot spiced cider on a chilly winter eve. Read Losing It to warm up your faith in humanity. And yet again, I'm irritated there aren't half hearts. This is definitely a 4.5 star romance.
February 17, 2018
3.5 stars
I've enjoyed the Ringside Romance series and was curious to see where we'd end up in the 4th book now that the three friends at the core of the series have all gotten their HEAs. Losing It is about Finn, a new character, who is a shy tech guy who lives a fairly lonely life, though he wants to be anything but, and Justin, who just moved to Toronto for a fresh start with pretty much nothing but the clothes on his back and the knowledge that he wants things to be different. Justin was a fairly unlikable character when we met him in Faking It. Though he ended up doing the right thing in the end, I was curious to see how exactly he'd redeem himself in his own book.
This is a very quiet, slow sort of story. Justin and Finn feel an almost instant connection to each other, though they don't quite figure out what it means until later in the book. Finn's blinded by his crush on another gym member and takes Justin up on his offer to help him improve his conversational skills and overcome his shyness. The romance between Justin and Finn moves very slowly - it's about 2/3 of the way into the book before they both finally admit to each other that they might be more than friends. It was nice, though, as they got to know each other well and form a strong connection.
Outside of the romance, Finn and Justin both show a lot of growth in overcoming personal obstacles. That's one thing I've really enjoyed about this series, and that continues strongly here - the romances are sweet and steamy, but there's so much happening outside of the relationship as well that gives the characters more dimension and makes their growth more believable rather than it just being an insta-fix because lurve.
While this can definitely be read as a standalone, I found it difficult to see exactly why Justin was as unlikeable and unlovable as he says he is here without going back and skimming some of his scenes in Faking It just to remind myself of his personality then. As I said, it can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend picking up the rest of the series if you haven't already.
An advanced copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
I've enjoyed the Ringside Romance series and was curious to see where we'd end up in the 4th book now that the three friends at the core of the series have all gotten their HEAs. Losing It is about Finn, a new character, who is a shy tech guy who lives a fairly lonely life, though he wants to be anything but, and Justin, who just moved to Toronto for a fresh start with pretty much nothing but the clothes on his back and the knowledge that he wants things to be different. Justin was a fairly unlikable character when we met him in Faking It. Though he ended up doing the right thing in the end, I was curious to see how exactly he'd redeem himself in his own book.
This is a very quiet, slow sort of story. Justin and Finn feel an almost instant connection to each other, though they don't quite figure out what it means until later in the book. Finn's blinded by his crush on another gym member and takes Justin up on his offer to help him improve his conversational skills and overcome his shyness. The romance between Justin and Finn moves very slowly - it's about 2/3 of the way into the book before they both finally admit to each other that they might be more than friends. It was nice, though, as they got to know each other well and form a strong connection.
Outside of the romance, Finn and Justin both show a lot of growth in overcoming personal obstacles. That's one thing I've really enjoyed about this series, and that continues strongly here - the romances are sweet and steamy, but there's so much happening outside of the relationship as well that gives the characters more dimension and makes their growth more believable rather than it just being an insta-fix because lurve.
While this can definitely be read as a standalone, I found it difficult to see exactly why Justin was as unlikeable and unlovable as he says he is here without going back and skimming some of his scenes in Faking It just to remind myself of his personality then. As I said, it can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend picking up the rest of the series if you haven't already.
An advanced copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
February 20, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Losing It is book 4 in the Ringside Romance series and I think it could be read as a standalone, however, I've really enjoyed the series and getting to know these great guys and their men, so just start from the beginning, you won't regret it.
We met Justin in book 2, Faking It, and he was sort of the bad-ish guy, but not quite, and now that I got to know him better in Losing It, I'm pretty sure he's my favorite of them all. There's something about a broken man that tries to hide his vulnerability from others that tugs at my heartstrings. My heart broke for him so many times, especially around the 75-80% mark where I went through several tissues because I just couldn't stop crying for him.
I liked Finn, but he was a bit wishy-washy at first, although he came into his own... eventually. Really, there were a couple (or more) instances in which I wanted to slap him silly so he would see what a great guy he had in front of him and stopped crushing on Leo, who truly didn't deserve the attention. I was certain that once he got to hang with Leo after the first date, he would realize, but no! He was as oblivious as ever. *sighs and sneaks in to slap Finn*
Finn and Justin had amazing chemistry and I loved that their relationship was so gradual and natural, going from friends to lovers in a very organic way.
It was nice seeing how the gym is growing and catching up with the other characters from previous books. As you might have noticed, I didn't like Leo, one of the gym members. Actually, I hated him, he was such a caricature of a villain and so predictable, but I guess he served his purpose.
Overall, while there were some things that didn't work for me, I loved the book, just because of how much I adored Justin. I love books that make me feel so much that I start crying in the middle of them or that I want to strangle one or two characters so they would do what I want them to do. LOL. Anyway, I definitely recommend this book and the series.
*** Copy provided to me via NetGalley by Riptide Publishing, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Losing It is book 4 in the Ringside Romance series and I think it could be read as a standalone, however, I've really enjoyed the series and getting to know these great guys and their men, so just start from the beginning, you won't regret it.
We met Justin in book 2, Faking It, and he was sort of the bad-ish guy, but not quite, and now that I got to know him better in Losing It, I'm pretty sure he's my favorite of them all. There's something about a broken man that tries to hide his vulnerability from others that tugs at my heartstrings. My heart broke for him so many times, especially around the 75-80% mark where I went through several tissues because I just couldn't stop crying for him.
I liked Finn, but he was a bit wishy-washy at first, although he came into his own... eventually. Really, there were a couple (or more) instances in which I wanted to slap him silly so he would see what a great guy he had in front of him and stopped crushing on Leo, who truly didn't deserve the attention. I was certain that once he got to hang with Leo after the first date, he would realize, but no! He was as oblivious as ever. *sighs and sneaks in to slap Finn*
Finn and Justin had amazing chemistry and I loved that their relationship was so gradual and natural, going from friends to lovers in a very organic way.
It was nice seeing how the gym is growing and catching up with the other characters from previous books. As you might have noticed, I didn't like Leo, one of the gym members. Actually, I hated him, he was such a caricature of a villain and so predictable, but I guess he served his purpose.
Overall, while there were some things that didn't work for me, I loved the book, just because of how much I adored Justin. I love books that make me feel so much that I start crying in the middle of them or that I want to strangle one or two characters so they would do what I want them to do. LOL. Anyway, I definitely recommend this book and the series.
*** Copy provided to me via NetGalley by Riptide Publishing, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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