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Worth the Weight #1

Weight For Love

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MARK:

Two things are off the menu: straight men and delicious food.

As luck would have it, those are the first temptations I encounter when I return to my hometown to help renovate the family house. It turns out that Winchester has a warm welcome for me, and his name is Carter.

But thinking about love would be a lot easier if I weren’t so worried about my weight.

My homecoming starts with a broken-down car just as I arrive, and of course Carter is the first person to drive by. He’s even fitter and sexier than when I left. I thought those piercing eyes were only for the ladies, but I was wrong. Oh so wrong. We want each other, but I’m not sure if I deserve a guy like Carter.

Maybe it’s time to show him what my body can really do.

I might be cutting calories, but Carter’s one indulgence I can’t refuse.

CARTER:

Mark thinks he needs to slim down, but I’d rather see him strip down.

I missed my chance in high school, and I never thought I’d see Mark again. But he’s back in town and looking better than ever. When I give his car a jump, sparks fly, and he’s even more charming than I remember.

Luckily, I’m the contractor renovating his grandma’s house, which means we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. I don’t care about labels. I want Mark, and I can’t hide my excitement.

He’s the one who got away. I want to give him the romance we missed out on in high school. But Mark is holding back. I like him at any weight, but he’s determined to change himself. His dedication makes me hot, but I want him to know that I find him sexy no matter what.

Mark says he wants a workout partner, and I hope clothing is optional.

This is the first book in the Worth the Weight series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect a steamy MM romance with several scenes that will leave you gasping. Heat level: 10.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2018

385 people are currently reading
265 people want to read

About the author

Jason Collins

107 books528 followers

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5 stars
169 (26%)
4 stars
185 (29%)
3 stars
163 (25%)
2 stars
95 (14%)
1 star
23 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews224 followers
December 31, 2018
First off I want to comment on something I noticed in previous books by this author, but have never mentioned. It is even more prominent in this book and made reading it even better. It is that so many lines in this book are truly poetic and just truly wonderful to read. In addition to that, the author's setting for this book was so beautifully fleshed out and detailed that I felt that I was there in the south experiencing it first hand. I loved it's small town setting so much. I grew up in a town very much like it, in South Jersey rather than South Carolina yet very much alike. It reminded me of some things I miss very much since I have been living in Los Angeles now for almost 20yrs. I felt good to remember just how it felt living in my hometown. The two main characters in this book were very different with different jobs and lifestyles. However the author did a superb job of merging the two together as the fell in love. Yes, he managed to cause me some happy tears multiple times which added to my enjoyment of the book. Miss Nancy, Mark's grandmother, reminded quite a bit of mine as well. I loved the way the author brought Mark and Carter together and everything that Carter did to help Mark to overcome his feeling like he wasn't good enough for Carter. This book also had plenty of heat in it as well. But the love that developed between Mark and Carter was the very best thing of all. This book was truly a joy to read and I loved every page of it!

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,241 reviews268 followers
February 1, 2019
* My first book by Jason Collins, and I'll be trying more of his work.
Mark's car battery died when he pulled into his hometown. Old crush, Carter, helped him out.
Mark, 28,
is back to help his Grandma during her home renovations. Assuming Mark is on cover.

Carter, 29, runs his Dad's Construction Company, and is a Southern hunk.


Mark has come a long way from the chubby kid who was bullied every day, and now is a slimmer successful businessman. Carter remembers Mark from school but wasn't "out" like Mark was.

It's fun to watch both of these smitten guys maneuver around each other at first. Of course, Mark thinks Carter is straight. The hometown is the same, but seems more beautiful, peaceful and heartwarming to Mark. For the month he'll be there, our guys agree to a fling and confess their attraction. Their hot sexy times are terrific and exciting. A bully from the past sends Mark's self esteem to hell and he withdraws.

We see interesting characters, but I wish there were descriptions of our men. What color was their hair, eyes ? I like to know more than just broad shouldered and muscled, so that is why there are four stars.

Choripán,


We get a glimpse of small town life, and a writing style that is flowing and describes the area well. We also see a bucket list dream come true.

ENJOY !

======
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,820 followers
December 30, 2018
‘He had always been gorgeous, even when we were both awkward teens.’

Handsome Southern born author Jason Collins now lives in New York and as he states ’I've started calling myself a &quote southern New Yorker quote.’ Jason has fifteen successful novels to his credit so far.

Jason takes a fresh look at ‘improbable romances’ and in doing so helps us to understand how love can conquer all! His characters are very well painted and interesting people, and the situations in which he elects to place them may be familiar (a man whose let his body go and a perfectly fit Adonis), but Jason’s manner of using that theme works very well indeed. In WEIGHT FOR LOVE Jason explores the physical fitness arena – finding the core of a relationship that is, yes, physical, but even more important, emotionally committed.

The synopsis provides a fine overview of the novel’s story by providing he stance of each of the two characters, Mark and Carter: ‘Mark - Coming home never tasted so sweet, and Carter is proving it worth the weight. I have no idea what to expect when I return to my hometown to help renovate the family house. Growing up, I wasn’t exactly an athletic, popular kid. Still, Winchester is full of friendly faces from my past—and one gorgeous face more tempting than any hometown cooking. But thinking about love would be a lot easier if I weren’t so worried about my weight. However, I’m not the same guy who left for college all those years ago. I have my dream job and until recently I had a fit body I was proud of. Still, no one can tell any of that by looking at me now. And what better way to make a homecoming entrance than with a broken-down car just as I arrive. Of course the first man to drive by is Carter. He’s even fitter and sexier than when I left. I thought those piercing eyes were only for the ladies, but I was wrong. Oh so wrong. We want each other, but I’m not sure if I deserve a guy like Carter. Maybe it’s time to show him what my body can really do. I might be cutting calories, but Carter’s one indulgence I can’t refuse. Carter - Mark thinks he needs to slim down, but I’d rather see him strip down. I missed my chance in high school, and I never thought I’d see Mark again. But here he is, back in town and looking better than ever. When I give his car a jump, sparks fly, and he’s even more charming than I remember. As luck would have it, I’m the contractor renovating his grandma’s house, which means we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. And I can’t hide my excitement. With him, labels have never mattered to me. He’s the one who got away. I want to give him the high school romance we missed out on. But Mark is holding back. I like him at any weight, yet he’s determined to change himself. His dedication makes me swoon, but I want him to know that I find him sexy no matter what. If Mark wants to work off the weight, I’m more than happy to help him break a sweat.’

To set the tone, Jason opens his story with the following – ‘I pushed the key into the ignition again and turned it, listening in anticipation. Nothing. No chugging. No roar of the engine. Just that telltale click. This was a sign. I just knew it. I was already conflicted about the idea of coming back to Winchester, the small town in South Carolina where I grew up, especially since I had gained weight, but this? It felt like a handwritten note from fate telling me in no uncertain terms that I had made a capital-M Mistake. This morning, when I’d first set out, I’d been in pretty high spirits. But I had driven all day to get here with nothing but my wandering fantasies of strong Southern men to keep me company, and as nice as the thought of rugged guys with tight, exposed abs was, every mile marker I passed gave me second thoughts. I was doing this for my grandmother, so I could help her out while she was getting her home renovated.’

Well plotted at a fine pace, Jason’s new novel has zing! And he has provided a very clever title for this story! And his writing style is far more secure and sophisticated. He is well on the way to the top!
Profile Image for Don Bradshaw.
2,427 reviews105 followers
April 12, 2019
This story was just okay. I liked the settling which was my reason for reading the book but the writing style seemed to make the story drag. I think that Grandma Nancy was very unbelievable.
Profile Image for Staci.
445 reviews
January 13, 2019
I liked this book but didn’t love it. I can’t pinpoint why. I just couldn’t get into the story much. It’s a case of it’s not you it’s me I guess. 3.5/4 stars
5,704 reviews38 followers
December 31, 2018
this is cute and interesting. it made me smile and happy. it was likeable and made me feel as if i was part of their world. it is lovely and fun
Profile Image for Sue bowdley.
1,449 reviews
January 3, 2019
I've only read one other book of this author but he's quickly becoming a favourite...His writing style is perfect and his books are an easy read with just a slight bit of angst....Carter and Mark are perfect together...Mark is trying to get himself in shape but Carter loves him as he is....They get together pretty quickly which I'm never bothered by.....I enjoyed them together and I will definitely be reading more from this author x
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2019
Okayish

So this story had the components of a love story. One man insecure and lacking self confidence. The other is patient, kind and encouraging. There is cute and feisty grandmother, but for me it felt as if something was missing. Don't get me wrong story was fine but it just did produce that kick I normally get after reading one Jason's books.
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,615 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2019
"If you, could see you, through my eyes, you would never doubt yourself ...You would never be sad again...You would know why I love you...You would finally understand the absolute perfection of you...that radiates from within you, from outside of you.” ~ Eric W.

Mark left his small hometown to go to college; he thought he’d left his old insecurities behind as well. He’s been working in the big city and enjoys his job as an interpreter. Now he’s headed back there to be with his grandmother while her house is being renovated. The first encounter he has is with Carter, someone he had a crush on in high school. Mark’s heart starts beating faster, but he admonishes himself thinking, “But he’s straight, right?”

Carter is happy to see Mark back in town. He liked Mark in high school but they ran in different circles. He regretted not getting to know him back then, but he is hoping this may be his second chance to do so. Carter finds Mark just as appealing as he was in high school. Mark has an inner beauty that outshines anything else. Carter is not sure exactly how to go about getting closer to Mark, but he senses that it is now or never. He takes advantage of being the contractor on Mark’s grandmother’s house and invites Mark to have dinner with him at his house. One thing leads to another and Mark finds out that Carter isn’t as straight as he always assumed.

Mark is flattered by Carter’s attention, but the negative messages he received as a child and young adult still plague him. Carter keeps telling him that he’s perfect just the way he is, yet Mark thinks that he needs “improvement” and begins a rigorous exercise program, determined to be more deserving of Carter. All it takes is nasty crack from an old schoolmate to destroy all of the self-confidence Mark has worked so hard to gain. Feelings of not being good enough for Carter assault Mark’s mind and he starts avoiding him.

Mark’s feelings of “not feeling like he is good enough” hit a chord with me; I’ve felt the same way in the past. It’s something no one can help with. Change has to come from within. Mark and Carter were believable and endearing. Their relationship was something very special; their lovemaking, although prolific, was warm and sensual, more of a worship of each other’s bodies rather than a sexual act. Thanks, Jason, for a touching, meaningful read.

Profile Image for Jaclyn  Amethyst  Mae.
64 reviews
December 31, 2018
Their steamy nights will fog your glasses up!
Not only do his insecurities make him relatable, but Mark is twice as adorable and sexy too. His weight has always been and is still an issue. He can't believe that the high school heartthrob and his secret crush has the hots for him.
It didn’t matter that they hadn’t been chummy in high school, or seen each other in years, all it took was one look and sparks were flying. Carter had unwittingly waited for this moment for a very long time. Mark was back in town and their chemistry was instant.
Carter becomes Mark’s number one supporter championing his weight loss efforts, which boosts his self-esteem as well. Their steamy nights will leave you breathless. Hot! Hot! Hot! You won't help but peruse those chapters.
I loved the plot, the relatable characters, and slow burn. Grandma as a supporting character is hilarious. Her doting ways reminded me of days long gone.
Carter and Mark are dreamy, sexy, likable, amazingly adorable and so good together. I couldn't contain my excitement when Mark finally checked Argentina off his bucket list. With Carter by his side, it was a blast. No cliffhanger here, but I’d love to read them in a sequel. They have instantly become my favorite couple. What an awesome way to usher in the New Year. Thumbs up and a definite recommend.
**ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,217 reviews
December 31, 2018
Another winner

Mark returns to Winchester, the small town where he grew up, to spend time with his grandmother while she’s getting her home renovated. As he stops at a gas station his car battery dies and as luck would have it, Carter, his boyhood crush happens to pull in at the same time. Mark’s insecurities over his weight return plus the embarrassment over the dead battery place him in an awkward situation. The foundation is set for another swoon worthy love story from my go-to author for romance.

This story has all the requirements needed for the perfect love story. We have the main characters: Mark with his insecurities and Carter who is so patient and perfect in every way, plus a rich supporting cast of characters headed by wise Grandma Nancy. I loved her! We also have a few meanies in town to keep things real, unfortunately this is true in real life too. Grrrrr.

I honestly think this author is the king of romance. Keep these love stories coming Jason Collins. I can’t get enough.
3,728 reviews42 followers
December 31, 2018
Steam and Southern comfort food and hospitality for a returning big city transplant. I really liked the way this story set in small-town South Carolina started and the idea that hero Mark had a negative body image that was so difficult to overcome, even in a loving environment of nonjudgmental family and friends. Those high school bad memories just kept replaying in his mind and got some reinforcement from grown-up bullies. Carter, the down home boy contractor who rescues Mark and then sticks by him is such a great guy that I can see why Mark felt he could not be worthy of such a guy who was beautiful inside and out and talented at everything he put his hand to. Grandma Nancy provided some homey comfort and humor, along with heaps of food! I just felt that the second half of the story was not as good as the first half and I was not all that keen on the ending.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,849 reviews177 followers
February 12, 2019
2.5/3 stars. I liked that characters, Small town setting, and messages about positive body image and making changes to be happy. Even though Mark and Carter’s relationship was both sweet and passionate, it was pretty much insta-love. During the storytelling it seemed some things garnered long and detailed descriptions (like a huge breakfast meal cooked by grandma that was so clearly described that it made me hungry). But things like digging into how the men felt about certain things or how others responded to them as a couple were glossed over more. The fact Carter had never been with a man just seemed to be too easy a transition. He lives in a small town and this was the first man he was ever interested in and was not shy about showing that interest. Seems like there might have been more to deal with both internally and with his community. But it was all just accepted. Most of the conflict was in Mark’s own head and dealt with his body image and insecurities.
1,546 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2018
This book is pure Southern magic.
I loved the setting of the story in small town South Carolina, with its slow pace of life and everybody knowing each other. Jason Collins has a way of bringing the scenarios he describes to live in a magical way that make you feel as you're living them along with the characters.
Mark and Carter are two great characters, and I love the way they effortlessly fall in love with each other and their lives seem to merge together.
Carter is so stable and confident, though he's never been with a man before, and that's a very good thing, since this side of his characters helps to balance Mark's fears and insecurities.
Being someone who's been struggling with excess weight all of my life, I feel the closest to him and his struggles, and I had a lump in my throat the whole time he was sorting his feelings out.
A super deserved five stars review!
777 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2019
This is a fast and easy read with a semi-cute story filled with unbelievable expectations.

I immediately connected with the main character and his Grandma. That was it. This book is like one of those Hallmark films where you find yourself yelling at the TV screaming.... you just met him TWO weeks ago!! You can't accept his proposal!!

This book has a good idea about accepting yourself regardless of your body image, but the reality of the love interest isn't believable in any sense of the word. It seems strange that this so called "straight" guy who has only ever dated/slept with women, has always had a crush on this one guy. Still has a crush to the point that he can't keep from getting an erection everytime he is around him and swears he only sees his amazing personality and never his body... I don't know a single man who is like that.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
December 31, 2018
Weight For Love is another wonderful book by Jason Collins.

Mark returns to his hometown but can't forget all the bullying and taunts he endured during his high school years. Carter remembers Mark from school and is immediately smitten with him.

Mark has a whole lot of hang-ups about his weight though, and can't understand why Carter would even look at him twice, let alone be attracted to him.

What follows is a fantastic journey of one realizing they are more than their body type and their weight. One is also more that what the bullies think of you.

With Carter's help, Mark can grow in his self worth and accept love into his life.

I find Weight For Love to be an incredible story with a great message. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
January 1, 2019
Sweet, thoughtful, steamy, charming story about finding, accepting and believing in yourself. The writing was beautiful and gently pulled the reader into this sweet story of healing and love. Lots of special characters and a love story between two really special men. I love Grandma Nancy!

Mark and Carter have an incredible connection that they are now able to explore. I found both characters likable and i fell in love with the kind and generous character of Carter.

i was thoroughly charmed with this delightful story that created memories from grandma's house to a special project. Carter's heart just knew how to speak to the special man that was Mark and i loved how romantic they are together.
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,726 reviews38 followers
December 30, 2018
Mark is a sweet, generous man. He put everything aside to be there for his grandma. She is quite a character. Carter is just a great guy all the way around. He helps without thinking about it and always puts Mark's needs first. Mark may think he’s grown past his insecurities but they surface the moment he’s back in his hometown. He takes steps to better health and weight thinking that will make him good enough. I liked that from the first moment Carter likes who Mark is and how he looks. The insecurities mount until Carter takes matters into his hands to show Mark how much he loves him exactly as he is. I loved the ending.
Profile Image for Anita.
73 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2018
Loved this. Mark has gone home to help his grandmother through renovations and is the sweetest guy. Carter is just all round goodness that sees beyond the surface of a person. Together these two work and after a hiccup in the form of his past reappearing, Mark manages to move on from his insecurities and all becomes right in their world. Well written, the two men come across as real and show that love is more than the outer package - it is what that package holds beneath the skin that matters.
Profile Image for Gini.
86 reviews
January 5, 2019
Not your typical weight loss romance

This is the third book that has weight loss as a main subject for this author. It is also the best story by far. The weight loss took a back burner to the romance like it should. Mark and Carter are my favorite couple, they aren't sickeningly sweet. The romance is believable and warms my heart.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 30, 2018
Mark and Carter are great characters who are relateable and likeable. I love the idea that their love is not just skin, or body, deep... love no matter the weight. Their story is sweet and entertaining.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,274 reviews20 followers
December 31, 2018
Weight for love was such a beautifully story

I felt everything the guys were going through ups downs laughter tears intensity connection it was perfect

I could not put this story down i was so hooked

I was so excited to see what was going to happen from one page to the next

Every word was meaningful powerful moving inspirational it was perfect
Profile Image for BookloverIAM.
431 reviews
January 1, 2019
Jason Collins Weight for Love is superb. Carter and Mark the main characters bring out the best in each other. Mark learns to accept himself little by little and to not allow others opinions to mold him or change him. The secondary characters of Hunter, Mason and especially Grandma Nancy add depth and fun to the story. A must read.
Profile Image for Oz007.
295 reviews
January 25, 2019
Nice read

Carter and Mark's story is a nice short HEA read. The guys quickly hook up (following a 15 year gap of knowing each other) and we get to explore their feelings for each other. There's not much that stands out for the plot, other tgan a house refurb/ gym sessions/ treehouse/ MM sex (not kinky) . The characters differ significantly; Carter is a strong hard- working caring focused guy, Mark came across as a workaholic, lacking confidence and immature, perhaps lacking emotional intelligence - he overheard some hurtful comments from people of no consequence and went into hibernation mode! I liked the inclusion of Mark's overweight body concerns and felt that the approach to his fitness/ food was spot on. It was nice that they got to go SA, both deserve a spot of travel adventure.

I'd give 3 stars. It's an ok plot and relatively easy read. Nothing memorable. I've read the second book in the series too, which had more context and I felt a better read.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,018 reviews109 followers
February 25, 2019
I am really sorry but I could not give it 3 stars as I skipped over a bit all the time. I don't know why because normally the story was sweet and the characters were nicely done and the relationship developed also ok ... but it just did not really catch me. maybe it was me
1,758 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2019
Mark goes back to his hometown and faces some of his old demons regarding his weight. Carter is a great match for Mark, and likes him just as he is. These characters are so real and likeable. Good storytelling.
Profile Image for Bobbi.
1,262 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2018
Weight for Love by Jason Collins. This book had a fantastic storyline! I loved the characters especially Mark and Carter. Would love to read more about these characters.
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