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Erotic Gym #1
Training Mac
The only thing Mac wants is money. And he’s willing to do anything to get it.
Money will make everything else possible: getting off his friend’s couch; smoking an entire cigarette at a time without rationing; and most of all—money will mean he can stop living with a heavy pit of fear and worry in his stomach all the time.
When he’s invited to start working at a sex gym, it seems like an easy choice. Make good money having sex with people or make crap money working at a discount store. No contest.
But Mac didn’t count on an intensive training program or mysterious bosses. He definitely never thought he’d actually…like some of his coworkers. Let alone the clients.
He keeps telling himself he’s only in it for the money, but by the end of his first week in training things are already a lot more complicated than that. And this is just the beginning.
Money will make everything else possible: getting off his friend’s couch; smoking an entire cigarette at a time without rationing; and most of all—money will mean he can stop living with a heavy pit of fear and worry in his stomach all the time.
When he’s invited to start working at a sex gym, it seems like an easy choice. Make good money having sex with people or make crap money working at a discount store. No contest.
But Mac didn’t count on an intensive training program or mysterious bosses. He definitely never thought he’d actually…like some of his coworkers. Let alone the clients.
He keeps telling himself he’s only in it for the money, but by the end of his first week in training things are already a lot more complicated than that. And this is just the beginning.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
17 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Kris Ripper
89 books405 followersKris Ripper lives in the great state of California and zir pronouns are ze/zir. Kris shares a converted garage with a kid, can do two pull-ups in a row, and can write backwards. (No, really.) Ze has been writing fiction since ze learned how to write, and boring zir stuffed animals with stories long before that.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 22, 2018
So this turned out to be an incredibly pleasant surprise. I can't wait to read more of this series, and more by this author.
I was touched by the level of emotion between Mac and Coach, it was truly beautiful. All the characters were well done, but the connection between these two was intense. Absolutely lovely start to this series, and I can only hope I like the rest as well - I might even have to read into the blurb of the next one so I don't get blindsided by any MF action (*shudders*). The cover looks like two dudes so I think I'm safe ;)
I was touched by the level of emotion between Mac and Coach, it was truly beautiful. All the characters were well done, but the connection between these two was intense. Absolutely lovely start to this series, and I can only hope I like the rest as well - I might even have to read into the blurb of the next one so I don't get blindsided by any MF action (*shudders*). The cover looks like two dudes so I think I'm safe ;)
November 8, 2021
The one good thing about Training Mac was that the book was so freaking short. Like 5 chapters really. So I figured why the hell not and dove into it. Unfortunately, I didn't really mesh with this one. I also didn't really like anyone or was invested in the actual book.
The romance between Mac and Coach was okay but since it was a sex gym type of setting.. I don't really know what I was expecting outcome wise. So it was pretty hard to find anything to spike my interest. Maybe if the book was a bit longer and we got more than Coach, Mac, and the Professor doing things I wonder if my opinion on anything would have changed.
In the end, it was an okay book but I don't really have a huge desire to drop everything and jump into the next book right now. Maybe later but not at the moment.
The romance between Mac and Coach was okay but since it was a sex gym type of setting.. I don't really know what I was expecting outcome wise. So it was pretty hard to find anything to spike my interest. Maybe if the book was a bit longer and we got more than Coach, Mac, and the Professor doing things I wonder if my opinion on anything would have changed.
In the end, it was an okay book but I don't really have a huge desire to drop everything and jump into the next book right now. Maybe later but not at the moment.
September 26, 2017
I snagged me a copy of this book as s soon as Kris mentioned it on Twitter cuz, hello, Kris is one of my few auto-buy authors.
It's a fairly short novella divided into 5 or so chapters, each one dealing with something that Mac (the MC) is being trained for at the sex gym.
One of the things that made this book a v. fascinating read was that Mac was a character who'd initially labeled himself as straight. He learned early on that, as an employee of the Gym, he'd most probably would have sex with people of all genders and orientations. His interactions with Coach, one of the owners of the place, shake him in all kinds of ways. Coach and the Professor's training methods differ and yet they guide Mac into a journey of self-discovery unlike any I've seen.
There's a lot of sex, but also a lot of care. Especially from Coach who, gently but persistently, tries to get to the center of who Mac is.
I must point out that the v. first chapter (which has to do with oral sex) felt slightly uncomfortable. Since it's from Mac's POV, you can tell that he's weirded out by the reality of having to give head to a dude. Although it's true that he did sign up for a sex gym, it's also true that he's never given head. It helps that Coach is patient and not forceful about Mac giving a blowjob. The creepy vibe fades away quick enough.
Like, yeah, it might sound silly, but Mac's assumptions as to what working at the Gym vs. the actual reality of it are miles and miles apart. Coach and The Professor make sure that Mac understands that the sex is important, there's an emphasis on seduction and feeling good. I was really kinda *___* about all of that.
TBH, this is a v. queer story. Unashamed and playful and sweet. It's also v. poly. Like, there are a lot of relationships going on. In a way, the romance isn't what most people might expect. The gist of the story is about Mac getting trained. As a matter of fact, Mac's strongest bond is with Coach.
TL;DR: A somewhat unusual story that starts fun then turns sexy, bittersweet, and finally wistful and calm. I'm looking forward to the next one. If you pick it up, do so with an open mind as (this installment, at least) is more focused on the MC's journey than an actual romance. I'm deffo loving where it's going for it has a lot of heart, fun times, and characters that you would want to meet IRL. :)
It's a fairly short novella divided into 5 or so chapters, each one dealing with something that Mac (the MC) is being trained for at the sex gym.
One of the things that made this book a v. fascinating read was that Mac was a character who'd initially labeled himself as straight. He learned early on that, as an employee of the Gym, he'd most probably would have sex with people of all genders and orientations. His interactions with Coach, one of the owners of the place, shake him in all kinds of ways. Coach and the Professor's training methods differ and yet they guide Mac into a journey of self-discovery unlike any I've seen.
There's a lot of sex, but also a lot of care. Especially from Coach who, gently but persistently, tries to get to the center of who Mac is.
I must point out that the v. first chapter (which has to do with oral sex) felt slightly uncomfortable. Since it's from Mac's POV, you can tell that he's weirded out by the reality of having to give head to a dude. Although it's true that he did sign up for a sex gym, it's also true that he's never given head. It helps that Coach is patient and not forceful about Mac giving a blowjob. The creepy vibe fades away quick enough.
Like, yeah, it might sound silly, but Mac's assumptions as to what working at the Gym vs. the actual reality of it are miles and miles apart. Coach and The Professor make sure that Mac understands that the sex is important, there's an emphasis on seduction and feeling good. I was really kinda *___* about all of that.
TBH, this is a v. queer story. Unashamed and playful and sweet. It's also v. poly. Like, there are a lot of relationships going on. In a way, the romance isn't what most people might expect. The gist of the story is about Mac getting trained. As a matter of fact, Mac's strongest bond is with Coach.
TL;DR: A somewhat unusual story that starts fun then turns sexy, bittersweet, and finally wistful and calm. I'm looking forward to the next one. If you pick it up, do so with an open mind as (this installment, at least) is more focused on the MC's journey than an actual romance. I'm deffo loving where it's going for it has a lot of heart, fun times, and characters that you would want to meet IRL. :)
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars
Ok. So far we haven't actually seen the real goings on inside the "erotic gym". We just have Mac's "training". And while you could be forgiven for seeing this as mindless PWP, I just have to say that the author has given both Mac and Coach a whole lotta layers, which makes the sex they have together as "training" quite tender and meaningful. It's truly a learning experience for Mac, the damaged young man who is trying to get back on his feet. And Coach, a wise, 45 year old, married, gym owner who may or may not want more from his young protege.
I have no idea if this is the beginning of a romance or some other type of relationship, but I'm intrigued to see where this goes.
Ok. So far we haven't actually seen the real goings on inside the "erotic gym". We just have Mac's "training". And while you could be forgiven for seeing this as mindless PWP, I just have to say that the author has given both Mac and Coach a whole lotta layers, which makes the sex they have together as "training" quite tender and meaningful. It's truly a learning experience for Mac, the damaged young man who is trying to get back on his feet. And Coach, a wise, 45 year old, married, gym owner who may or may not want more from his young protege.
I have no idea if this is the beginning of a romance or some other type of relationship, but I'm intrigued to see where this goes.
October 7, 2021
Well, let me just say that this is not my usual read, so it was a bit strange to me. I mean, a "sex gym"? Hmm...I must admit that piqued my curiosity. And since it was so short I figured I would give it a shot. The plot was okay, the characters were pretty good, but what was its saving grace for me is that it wasn't just about sex. I thought it was a little odd that he considered himself straight yet he knew when he was going to work at a sex gym that he'd be having sex with more than one gender or sexually oriented type. I guess the book is so short that Mac had to jump right into oral sex with a a man in the first chapter, not something he hadn't done before. I don't know...it was just a bit odd to me so that's all I'll say about this one.
November 16, 2017
Not what I expected, in a good way
I ran across this series and thought it would be quick erotica. To my surprise, even though the whole premise centers around a kid being trained to work at a gym where - ahem - extra services are offered, it had depth and character development far beyond what I usually see in erotica.
The main character is undeniably damaged, and it tugged at my heartstrings when he couldn’t accept pleasure or kindness. There are people on his side now, though, so hopefully that will change over the series.
I ran across this series and thought it would be quick erotica. To my surprise, even though the whole premise centers around a kid being trained to work at a gym where - ahem - extra services are offered, it had depth and character development far beyond what I usually see in erotica.
The main character is undeniably damaged, and it tugged at my heartstrings when he couldn’t accept pleasure or kindness. There are people on his side now, though, so hopefully that will change over the series.
Read
July 11, 2018Dieses Buch ist wie ein furchtbarer Autounfall. Man kann einfach nicht wegsehen (aufhören zu lesen). Lieber Gott, hilf.
Read
June 23, 2019I should have known this was going to be a heck of a lot deeper than the title implied. It is, after all, Ripper.
I also intended to just read the first one at the moment, but ended up reading all three. Such is life.
I also intended to just read the first one at the moment, but ended up reading all three. Such is life.
April 8, 2020
(List of some content warnings at the end.)
The series starts as a fantasy brothel/sex work situation - a dose of semi-public sex, a bit of soft bondage, a bit of fantasy "drudgery" at sex being a job and a bit of coercion managing whatever clients one has to manage that day. The bosses like mind games and fucking the staff. The staff are tough, messed up kids figuring out who they are. It's all dirty in a delicious way. The MC is an isolated young man struggling with neglect and abuse from his family.
As the series progresses, the poly mom and dad bosses help wayward young folks mature emotionally, with large doses of amazing therapeutic sex (and really, the story explores sex work itself as therapeutic: ways to face your fears, drop your illusions, love better and know yourself better).The characterization gets deeper, the kinks get kinkier, the found family gets closer, the smoking hot sex keeps coming in new and more interesting ways. The MC faces all his deepest vulnerabilities, during steamy fucks with both strangers and people he loves, and eventually he finds sweet, vulnerable, hopeful romance.
This whole thing is just... way too arousing and scrumptious and heart-stopping in a yummy way. Mind blown, pls help, this is everything that's good and beautiful in the world - a pile of imperfect people loving and fucking each other.
(If you havent seen content warnings anywhere else, there's two dozen different kinks here, from little play to feet and more. Realities of real life bosses are jettisoned, and these bosses stick their necks out to care for their people over money. By the same token, sex work is treated as any other work -- including some occasional elements of coercion. Only one client early on veers into heavy coercion/blackmail-ish nonconsent. Major characters were bullied and thrown out of their homes for being different. Theres also an important character who committed suicide years ago, and at least one living character who's tried, and had to be stopped (all before the series started.) There's minor characters being transphobic, while a major character is a trans woman treated well by those who matter. I think that covers the big stuff. If you're worried, keep looking around. One book has an explicit content warning for a brief scene with rough mother/little girl play.)
The series starts as a fantasy brothel/sex work situation - a dose of semi-public sex, a bit of soft bondage, a bit of fantasy "drudgery" at sex being a job and a bit of coercion managing whatever clients one has to manage that day. The bosses like mind games and fucking the staff. The staff are tough, messed up kids figuring out who they are. It's all dirty in a delicious way. The MC is an isolated young man struggling with neglect and abuse from his family.
As the series progresses, the poly mom and dad bosses help wayward young folks mature emotionally, with large doses of amazing therapeutic sex (and really, the story explores sex work itself as therapeutic: ways to face your fears, drop your illusions, love better and know yourself better).The characterization gets deeper, the kinks get kinkier, the found family gets closer, the smoking hot sex keeps coming in new and more interesting ways. The MC faces all his deepest vulnerabilities, during steamy fucks with both strangers and people he loves, and eventually he finds sweet, vulnerable, hopeful romance.
This whole thing is just... way too arousing and scrumptious and heart-stopping in a yummy way. Mind blown, pls help, this is everything that's good and beautiful in the world - a pile of imperfect people loving and fucking each other.
(If you havent seen content warnings anywhere else, there's two dozen different kinks here, from little play to feet and more. Realities of real life bosses are jettisoned, and these bosses stick their necks out to care for their people over money. By the same token, sex work is treated as any other work -- including some occasional elements of coercion. Only one client early on veers into heavy coercion/blackmail-ish nonconsent. Major characters were bullied and thrown out of their homes for being different. Theres also an important character who committed suicide years ago, and at least one living character who's tried, and had to be stopped (all before the series started.) There's minor characters being transphobic, while a major character is a trans woman treated well by those who matter. I think that covers the big stuff. If you're worried, keep looking around. One book has an explicit content warning for a brief scene with rough mother/little girl play.)
November 1, 2020
For my second time in my romance reading career, a book that I thought had a hilarious premise has knocked me down with real feelings. A dude goes to work at an "erotic gym," haha, right? Wrong. This is a series that grapples profoundly with the fallout of toxic masculinity for men, especially queer men, and after three books in the series I'm still here for that and for Mac's journey to healing and connection. Mac shows up at the gym homeless, scared, and in some level of denial about his sexuality, only to run headlong into a culture of total acceptance and affection among the sex workers and managers. He has NO IDEA what to do with that, it's completely disorienting. If you're looking for a big dose of hurt-comfort, you'll get it here.
I will admit by the end of the third book that the repeated structure of (a) Mac has a new kind of sex at the gym with client, then (b) comes "home" and has that kind of sex with someone he trusts, might be wearing a bit thin, but not so much that it detracts from the emotional progression across the books. As Ripper's bringing out more of the other characters' experiences and their own hurts and needs, the emotional landscape is only getting richer and more varied.
Bring on book four!
I will admit by the end of the third book that the repeated structure of (a) Mac has a new kind of sex at the gym with client, then (b) comes "home" and has that kind of sex with someone he trusts, might be wearing a bit thin, but not so much that it detracts from the emotional progression across the books. As Ripper's bringing out more of the other characters' experiences and their own hurts and needs, the emotional landscape is only getting richer and more varied.
Bring on book four!
May 9, 2018
3.5 stars.
Good but for some reason I found it hard to suspend my disbelief about the setting and the gym in general. Not sure why because I have no doubt lapped up many a less-likely setting over the years.
I read books 1, 2, and 3 all right after each other so this is a review of how I feel about all three (since I doubt I can accurately recall precisely which events were in which volume).
Well drawn characters, including several members of the supporting cast (clients at the gym) who were believable and interesting in their own right.
Kris Ripper is an auto-buy for me, but I haven't bonded emotionally with this series as strongly as I have with many of zir other works.
Good but for some reason I found it hard to suspend my disbelief about the setting and the gym in general. Not sure why because I have no doubt lapped up many a less-likely setting over the years.
I read books 1, 2, and 3 all right after each other so this is a review of how I feel about all three (since I doubt I can accurately recall precisely which events were in which volume).
Well drawn characters, including several members of the supporting cast (clients at the gym) who were believable and interesting in their own right.
Kris Ripper is an auto-buy for me, but I haven't bonded emotionally with this series as strongly as I have with many of zir other works.
November 17, 2017
A fast, deep read. Not a contradiction.
Mac is breathtakingly in need and yet defiant, hurt, but strong, the very sort of character Ripper excels at unraveling. This is part 1.
Mac is breathtakingly in need and yet defiant, hurt, but strong, the very sort of character Ripper excels at unraveling. This is part 1.
November 1, 2017
An Amazingly Sensual Story
This is a book about a young man who has led a hard crazy life & is living paycheck to paycheck while couch surfing in order to stay afloat. He's currently working for minimum wage at a discount store where someone notices him and speaks to "The Gym" owner about him. She is curious about what she's heard and tracks him down and after an intense interview decides she sees something in him as well so she hires him.
Since this is supposed to be about the book, let me give you the fast 411... Zs Ripper writes a compelling must keep reading story with cliffhanger about real characters with real feelings, emotions and individual personalities with a wide variety of backgrounds that ze keeps protected until it's time to let the characters unveil them on their own. To summarize, it's well written, well paced, has great characters and comes with its own not so subtle cliffhanger to make you not want, but need to buy book 2, "Teasing Mac". Read it, love it, share it with like minded friends and enemies alike. And then like me, get book 2 and start reading.
Now that that's over lets get down to the meat of it. If you don't like cuddling or hours of slow sensual foreplay then this isn't the book for you. Or Maybe it is? You can learn quite an infinite intimate number of things about yourself if you can manage to not be your own worst enemy. While this story is ultimately about training Mac in the sensual arts, let's be honest and admit that maybe somewhere in our misspent youth or sexual awakening that we didn't learn about or give some of these sensual pleasures a full and in depth exploration. My suggestion is to try out some of this "training" on our partners and see how it goes. As the commercial goes, "try it, you might like it." 😊 💜 Also if you want a 2nd opinion about this, try Jacquelyn Frank. Some of her books are written in a world where everyone goes to "school" to learn the sensual arts. She has a way of taking some of the most mundane things and showing you how to turn them into sensual. It was very enlightening.
This is a book about a young man who has led a hard crazy life & is living paycheck to paycheck while couch surfing in order to stay afloat. He's currently working for minimum wage at a discount store where someone notices him and speaks to "The Gym" owner about him. She is curious about what she's heard and tracks him down and after an intense interview decides she sees something in him as well so she hires him.
Since this is supposed to be about the book, let me give you the fast 411... Zs Ripper writes a compelling must keep reading story with cliffhanger about real characters with real feelings, emotions and individual personalities with a wide variety of backgrounds that ze keeps protected until it's time to let the characters unveil them on their own. To summarize, it's well written, well paced, has great characters and comes with its own not so subtle cliffhanger to make you not want, but need to buy book 2, "Teasing Mac". Read it, love it, share it with like minded friends and enemies alike. And then like me, get book 2 and start reading.
Now that that's over lets get down to the meat of it. If you don't like cuddling or hours of slow sensual foreplay then this isn't the book for you. Or Maybe it is? You can learn quite an infinite intimate number of things about yourself if you can manage to not be your own worst enemy. While this story is ultimately about training Mac in the sensual arts, let's be honest and admit that maybe somewhere in our misspent youth or sexual awakening that we didn't learn about or give some of these sensual pleasures a full and in depth exploration. My suggestion is to try out some of this "training" on our partners and see how it goes. As the commercial goes, "try it, you might like it." 😊 💜 Also if you want a 2nd opinion about this, try Jacquelyn Frank. Some of her books are written in a world where everyone goes to "school" to learn the sensual arts. She has a way of taking some of the most mundane things and showing you how to turn them into sensual. It was very enlightening.
June 16, 2019
I don't know if I can describe the extent that this reached into my id and wrote a book about it?? I am SO EASY for the "wide-eyed ingenue is gently taught to sex" thing and this is a prime example of the genre. Man who's afraid to admit he might be attracted to men is carefully, lovingly taught how to have sex and maybe also be OK with feelings?? He is gently, tenderly persuaded to suck dick, enjoy fucking, and at one point seriously threatened with cuddles.
Note that almost none of this book actually takes place in the titular sex gym but (even though I once had a dream about a sex gym) that was actually fine, having read the whole series this one was out and out my favorite. Could be shelved as GFY but there's really no romance/partnership in this book and it's more ~Mac's sexual awakening~ than anything else.
Note that almost none of this book actually takes place in the titular sex gym but (even though I once had a dream about a sex gym) that was actually fine, having read the whole series this one was out and out my favorite. Could be shelved as GFY but there's really no romance/partnership in this book and it's more ~Mac's sexual awakening~ than anything else.
January 31, 2024
really enjoyed this
I am not sure what I was expecting but I really enjoyed this. Mac is barely making ends meet, sleeping on a friend’s couch and stuck in a rut. He gets offered an interview working at a gym where he may need to service clients in a variety of sexual ways. In his mind it’s just sex and he’s getting paid for it but actually there’s a lot to learn about how to be sensual and appealing to the clients. He starts his interview with ‘Coach’ and I was just fascinated by the special bond that develops between these two men. Coach is 23 years older and has so much to teach Mac who is quite skittish but he does it in such a way that he gets Mac to open up to him in ways he never knew he could. I would have liked to see more between these two, maybe in the next book we will.
I am not sure what I was expecting but I really enjoyed this. Mac is barely making ends meet, sleeping on a friend’s couch and stuck in a rut. He gets offered an interview working at a gym where he may need to service clients in a variety of sexual ways. In his mind it’s just sex and he’s getting paid for it but actually there’s a lot to learn about how to be sensual and appealing to the clients. He starts his interview with ‘Coach’ and I was just fascinated by the special bond that develops between these two men. Coach is 23 years older and has so much to teach Mac who is quite skittish but he does it in such a way that he gets Mac to open up to him in ways he never knew he could. I would have liked to see more between these two, maybe in the next book we will.
November 2, 2021
2.5 stars Picked this up for a challenge. The whole book is pretty much centered around Mac's training at a sex gym where he is training to be a worker. This book is straight up erotica. I liked the supporting characters at the gym. Mac has had a hard life and has a hard time trusting. I marked this romance because there is chemistry between and Coach, but I haven't quite figured out the relationship there. I'm not sure I was interested enough to read the next book or not, time will tell.
February 24, 2022
I binge-read this trilogy in an afternoon/evening. I was expecting fun sexy times. What I got was character development, non-toxic masculinity, a lovely look at nontraditional relationships, and sexy times with an emotional edge.
Mac is an accidental hero, and I loved him, but the true stars of this series are his amazing found family.
Mac is an accidental hero, and I loved him, but the true stars of this series are his amazing found family.
November 28, 2017
As usual with Ripper's books I'm just left speechless with. All. The. Feels. I never quite have words for the amazing experience that is reading zir's words.
I borrowed through KU, but I will buy this because I must own all the Ripper.
I borrowed through KU, but I will buy this because I must own all the Ripper.
January 28, 2018
Can’t remember where this was recommended! A group on FB I 🤔
Any who.. really enjoyed it!
Any who.. really enjoyed it!
April 7, 2019
I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭
Abrupt af ending but otherwise perfect.
Abrupt af ending but otherwise perfect.
June 11, 2019
Incredibly id-y and fun.
November 10, 2019
Need more!
I believe this is my first book by this author and I’ve enjoyed it. I am intrigued to see what happens next. Recommended.
I believe this is my first book by this author and I’ve enjoyed it. I am intrigued to see what happens next. Recommended.
March 3, 2020
Didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this. It was a really nice surprise!
July 27, 2020
It took me such a long time to finish this book and I don't know why. It wasn't bad though I don't really like Mac to be honest.
Read
August 5, 2020DNF @ 28%
March 10, 2021
Despite knowing this was by Kris Ripper, I foolishly thought this might not be my thing. Then I proceeded it read it in one sitting and immediately buy the next one. So addictive. So good.
August 20, 2024
Not technically a romance, but another very enjoyable Kris Ripper erotica. This first instalment sets up some intriguing backstory and plenty of mystery behind the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews