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Being Fitz
Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon used to teach at a university, but quit when his father grew ill and needed someone to take care of him. Years later, after his dad's death, Fitz has given up on his dreams, drives a bus route, and endures twice monthly visits from Jerry, who can't really be called a friend, and barely a benefit. Fitz is lonely, overweight, and figures life won't be getting any better.
Then Jerry falls for Fitz's neighbor, Henry, and Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though Fitz finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him.
Then Jerry falls for Fitz's neighbor, Henry, and Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though Fitz finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2018
22 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Walker
128 books56 followersJ.D. Walker likes to keep her stories short and sweet, with the occasional novel or novella. A multi-published author, she is also a musician, artist, language enthusiast (German and Spanish), and lover of all things knit and crochet.
For more information, please visit her website at http://www.lifebyjo.com/jdwalker.
Find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
For more information, please visit her website at http://www.lifebyjo.com/jdwalker.
Find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 24, 2018
2.5 stars- Too fast tracked for me
Initially, the cover of this short story had me taking a second look. I like well written shorts, so when the blurb for Being Fitz sounded promising, I was all in. Unfortunately, this story held a solid plot with good characters that simply didn’t live up to its potential for me. I found Fitz’s character to be well-flushed out at the beginning of the story, with a good amount of background and insight into his personality making me feel like I got to know him. However, as the book progressed, the timeline felt increasingly rushed, especially once Fitz and Simms get together. Maybe it’s just me, but my interest in a romance- be it a full length novel or a short story- is in the couple coming together and falling in love, and those were the parts that were glazed over in Being Fitz. I wanted some depth and development; so while I got hints of that and the author delivered a sweet romance with a happily ever after, I repeatedly felt underwhelmed when reading this short story.
*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*
Initially, the cover of this short story had me taking a second look. I like well written shorts, so when the blurb for Being Fitz sounded promising, I was all in. Unfortunately, this story held a solid plot with good characters that simply didn’t live up to its potential for me. I found Fitz’s character to be well-flushed out at the beginning of the story, with a good amount of background and insight into his personality making me feel like I got to know him. However, as the book progressed, the timeline felt increasingly rushed, especially once Fitz and Simms get together. Maybe it’s just me, but my interest in a romance- be it a full length novel or a short story- is in the couple coming together and falling in love, and those were the parts that were glazed over in Being Fitz. I wanted some depth and development; so while I got hints of that and the author delivered a sweet romance with a happily ever after, I repeatedly felt underwhelmed when reading this short story.
*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*
September 11, 2025
Once a professor, now a bus driver Fitz's life is rather mundane, even his hook up guy has found the love of his life and moved on. He decides to take a walk around the park and almost trips over a dead body, that's what causes him to meet a very abrupt, frustrating but gorgeous police inspector, so Fitz punches him. This is one of those stories that makes me want more of these men, the whole thing was so addictive with the drama, the the attraction, the crazy fun moments and the fear of commitment one man has. A very enjoyable tale indeed.
June 24, 2018
First off this is a quick read and it kept me entertained. Fitz is just a very likable character and had to make some major adjustments for a man he loved, his father. He has just a slight issue with his self esteem and it seems he just didn't try to get his life together after the tragedy with his father. Unfortunately not even his hook up was worth the time and effort anymore. Sparks fly when Fitz meets the snarky Detective Simmons and he finds himself saying things that he normally wouldn't to the somewhat rude Simmons. As Simmons gets very persistent, Fitz finds himself caught in this mans web. I know this is a one time novella, but I would read another story about Fitz and Simmons. Even for a short story they have a solid chemistry that is undeniable. Well done!!
January 3, 2019
2.5 stars
Source: eARC for Honest Review courtesy of NetGalley
I saw the synopsis and said 'what the heck'. It was also a super quick read which can be the perfect read sometimes. This book was quick maybe too quick. and did have sweet elements but it was also a bit forgettable once it was finished.
Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon has his issues and one of them is being insecure. It starts with Fitz being used by a some guy and then Fitz having a crush on his neighbor to the guy using Fitz and the neighbor getting together. To then Fitz stumbling onto a dead body till the lead detective questioning Fitz to them being together. It felt a bit random but it did have some sweet elements to it as well.
April 18, 2019
Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon is a bus driver living a fairly uneventful life. In between work and television his sometimes bed partner, Jerry, pops by for a quickie; usually leaving Fitz feeling unsatisfied and used. So when Jerry falls in love with his neighbor, Henry, Fitz finds himself alone. One day on a walk in the park, Fitz comes across a body dumped in the bushes. While being questioned by the cops, he meets Detective Holland Simms; who seems intent on visiting Fitz as much as possible even when off the clock.
It would have been nice if Fitz and Simms had more time to build their chemistry other than Fitz getting annoyed with Simms' brash attitude and punching him (which would have turned into a VERY different story if Fitz was African-American and not Simms). "Hey, I think you're hot!" isn't quite enough for me to get as invested as I thought I should have been. The back matter of the book says Walker likes to keep things short but I feel it was to this story's detriment. It's so short, the whole thing is over before you can get to know the characters. This could have been on the level of C. S. Poe's gay mystery novels if given time to grow. As it stands its around a 2.7 or 3 out of 5. I'm torn between the two.
It would have been nice if Fitz and Simms had more time to build their chemistry other than Fitz getting annoyed with Simms' brash attitude and punching him (which would have turned into a VERY different story if Fitz was African-American and not Simms). "Hey, I think you're hot!" isn't quite enough for me to get as invested as I thought I should have been. The back matter of the book says Walker likes to keep things short but I feel it was to this story's detriment. It's so short, the whole thing is over before you can get to know the characters. This could have been on the level of C. S. Poe's gay mystery novels if given time to grow. As it stands its around a 2.7 or 3 out of 5. I'm torn between the two.
September 21, 2022
On the positive side, I liked the author's writing style. The premise of this book sounded very intriguing, but in the end it couldn't deliver. I think it would have profited to be extended from novella to full novel. It is very fast-paced, while at the same time covering several months in the lives of our MCs. Thus it feels a lot like just seeing snippets of Fitz' and Simms' life, but without giving them and the reader time to latch onto there being a relationship and developing feelings. In the end that made my reading experience a rather flat one.
July 10, 2018
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. THANK YOU!
I was hoping for more, to be honest. I feel like this had the beginnings of a great book but it lacked as a novella. There was a lot of build up and then the story went warp speed at the end. The main character Fitz seemed to change in each scene. First he was pathetic and worthless, then heroic, then arrogant. I would try another book by this author but this title fell flat for me.
I was hoping for more, to be honest. I feel like this had the beginnings of a great book but it lacked as a novella. There was a lot of build up and then the story went warp speed at the end. The main character Fitz seemed to change in each scene. First he was pathetic and worthless, then heroic, then arrogant. I would try another book by this author but this title fell flat for me.
June 27, 2018
Reviewed for Netgalley
I wish the author had taken the time to develop this extremely short story into a longer, better book. As a short story, it lacks depth and development. The relationship happens way too fast, and I thought the dialogue was awful and unrealistic between two strangers.
I wish the author had taken the time to develop this extremely short story into a longer, better book. As a short story, it lacks depth and development. The relationship happens way too fast, and I thought the dialogue was awful and unrealistic between two strangers.
September 21, 2019
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Henry Stanley Haskins
Sometimes, life seems like it is almost too much to bear; all your energy goes into maintaining your current status, and you’re not able to muster up any ambition. Fitz, of 'Being Fitz' by J.D. Walker, is in this state of mind. He is worn out from being his father's caregiver; even after his death, Fitz is stuck in a rut, not having the energy to think about anything else. Even though Fitz loves teaching, he doesn't have the spirit to pursue going back to it. He's constantly berating himself for his inability to change. Fitz knows that it's up to him if he wants to regain his self-esteem, but he needs a “cheerleader”, even if he comes in the shape of an obnoxious cop named Simms.
While taking a walk, Fitz comes upon a dead body. When the police show up, the officer questioning him, Detective Simms, is particularly belligerent, pushes Fitz over the limit, and Fitz decks him, then is in fear that he has another problem. He has assaulted a police officer! Yet, he's being such a jerk, even the other officers tell him he deserves the punch. Simms lets him go without retaliation. The next night, Fitz gets a call late at night. To his dismay, it is Simms telling him he needs to talk about the murder. Fitz tells him that he will come down to the station the next day then hangs up on him. While at the station, Simms, is obnoxious and insults him again so Fitz leaves. He has had enough of people insulting him, being used, taken advantage of, and putting up with his dead-end job as a bus driver. At the end of his shift, Fitz drives home. He is frustrated to see that Simms is standing in the parking lot waiting for him. When Fitz asks him why he's there, Simms floors him by telling Fitz he's there to ask him out on a date.
This story shows how easy it is to not be motivated when almost everyone around you is negative or indifferent. It's frighteningly simple to fall into a “deep dark hole” of self-doubt and darkness. I was pulling for Fitz because he was a nice person who had lost their way. I was delighted that J.D. gave him a chance to find his way back to happiness and success. Thanks, J.D., for reminding me not to listen to the negativity of the world, just be myself and that's good enough.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Sometimes, life seems like it is almost too much to bear; all your energy goes into maintaining your current status, and you’re not able to muster up any ambition. Fitz, of 'Being Fitz' by J.D. Walker, is in this state of mind. He is worn out from being his father's caregiver; even after his death, Fitz is stuck in a rut, not having the energy to think about anything else. Even though Fitz loves teaching, he doesn't have the spirit to pursue going back to it. He's constantly berating himself for his inability to change. Fitz knows that it's up to him if he wants to regain his self-esteem, but he needs a “cheerleader”, even if he comes in the shape of an obnoxious cop named Simms.
While taking a walk, Fitz comes upon a dead body. When the police show up, the officer questioning him, Detective Simms, is particularly belligerent, pushes Fitz over the limit, and Fitz decks him, then is in fear that he has another problem. He has assaulted a police officer! Yet, he's being such a jerk, even the other officers tell him he deserves the punch. Simms lets him go without retaliation. The next night, Fitz gets a call late at night. To his dismay, it is Simms telling him he needs to talk about the murder. Fitz tells him that he will come down to the station the next day then hangs up on him. While at the station, Simms, is obnoxious and insults him again so Fitz leaves. He has had enough of people insulting him, being used, taken advantage of, and putting up with his dead-end job as a bus driver. At the end of his shift, Fitz drives home. He is frustrated to see that Simms is standing in the parking lot waiting for him. When Fitz asks him why he's there, Simms floors him by telling Fitz he's there to ask him out on a date.
This story shows how easy it is to not be motivated when almost everyone around you is negative or indifferent. It's frighteningly simple to fall into a “deep dark hole” of self-doubt and darkness. I was pulling for Fitz because he was a nice person who had lost their way. I was delighted that J.D. gave him a chance to find his way back to happiness and success. Thanks, J.D., for reminding me not to listen to the negativity of the world, just be myself and that's good enough.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 31, 2018
Being Fitz by J.D. Walker is a novella. Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon used to teach at a university, but quit when his father grew ill and needed someone to take care of him. Years later, after his dad's death, Fitz has given up on his dreams, drives a bus route, and endures twice monthly visits from Jerry, who can't really be called a friend, and barely a benefit. Fitz is lonely, overweight, and figures life won't be getting any better. Then Jerry falls for Fitz's neighbor, Henry, and Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though Fitz finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him.
Being Fitz is a short romance. It was a quick. enjoyable read with some serious feels. My biggest issue is that I wanted more. Fitz has plenty of angst in the beginning, and the initial courtship between Simms and Fitz was pretty great. However, then we just kind of cut ahead to Fitz getting his life together, and it felt like the heart of the matter was glossed over. I loved seeing Fitz find happiness, but I feel like This could have easily been fleshed out to a full length novel, with more relationship development, and more of Fitz finding his value in tangible ways rather than because Simms and his coworker telling him that his is more than he thinks. I liked the read, but really wanted more, I wanted to see Fitz grow not just have it glossed over and be told that things work out. I wanted to see him move towards it and grab his future with both hands rather than just reacting to things that come his way.
Being Fitz is a short romance. It was a quick. enjoyable read with some serious feels. My biggest issue is that I wanted more. Fitz has plenty of angst in the beginning, and the initial courtship between Simms and Fitz was pretty great. However, then we just kind of cut ahead to Fitz getting his life together, and it felt like the heart of the matter was glossed over. I loved seeing Fitz find happiness, but I feel like This could have easily been fleshed out to a full length novel, with more relationship development, and more of Fitz finding his value in tangible ways rather than because Simms and his coworker telling him that his is more than he thinks. I liked the read, but really wanted more, I wanted to see Fitz grow not just have it glossed over and be told that things work out. I wanted to see him move towards it and grab his future with both hands rather than just reacting to things that come his way.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews