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The Stronger You #2
Seconds Out
Abs (Abby) is a fit, smart, twenty-something, ex-boxing champion with a big heart. Hayley is a divorcee with a wayward teenage daughter, an alcoholic ex-husband and a demanding job with crazy shifts. When Abs meets Gracie she is reminded of the pressures of her own childhood. Compelled to offer Gracie the same helping hand which she benefited from as a teenager, Abs invites Gracie to train at Sapphy’s, the all women's gym where she works. That is until Hayley, Gracie’s mom finds out. Hayley is adamant that her daughter will have nothing to do with boxing or Abs. After sparks fly, Hayley is left questioning what she really wants.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2021
35 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 17, 2021
I loved book one in this series and was excited to read Seconds Out. This book centers on Abs who is in book one. She also works at the gym as a boxing trainer and staff manager.
Initially I wasn’t over the moon about Abs and all her self doubting especially in her quasi relationship. Hayley’s emotional rollercoaster almost gave me whiplash. But then some key background history came to light and it clicked for me. Both Abs and Hayley’s reactions, self doubt and emotional tug of war are exactly how they should be. Their personal growth by the end of the story was heart warming to read.
4⭐️
Initially I wasn’t over the moon about Abs and all her self doubting especially in her quasi relationship. Hayley’s emotional rollercoaster almost gave me whiplash. But then some key background history came to light and it clicked for me. Both Abs and Hayley’s reactions, self doubt and emotional tug of war are exactly how they should be. Their personal growth by the end of the story was heart warming to read.
4⭐️
October 10, 2022
Bit too melodramatic for me, this one. Kindle Unlimited.
The relationship starts out antagonistic and goes from 0-100 far too fast, out of nowhere, and comes off very toxic. Hayley's behaviour isn't forgivable, in my mind.
The relationship starts out antagonistic and goes from 0-100 far too fast, out of nowhere, and comes off very toxic. Hayley's behaviour isn't forgivable, in my mind.
April 14, 2021
Abs really put herself out there to try and reach Gracie. Gracie needed someone to talk to who could relate to her situation. I enjoyed seeing how they became friends. Grace's mom Hayley has a massive attitude and some pent up lust waiting to be let out. Abs and Hayley have a rocky start but there is just something there that you want it to work. So many kids fall through the cracks without someone like Abs to try and reach out to them.
January 23, 2021
Beautiful romantic story
This is a very beautiful book with loveable characters who are fighting for better chances and opportunities to find each other. Fully enjoyed it as it has a very nice plot and of course a happy ending.
This is a very beautiful book with loveable characters who are fighting for better chances and opportunities to find each other. Fully enjoyed it as it has a very nice plot and of course a happy ending.
January 25, 2021
Pure heart and soul!
This series has been more than powerful! The MC works so well together, they are made for each other, just a perfect fit! This story has so many layers when you think the story is heading one way Ruby smoothly peels that layer and present you with another one. There is a little bit of angst, I realized I was holding my breath for a moment, but it's a story full of love, empathy, friendship, and understanding it felt real, natural... Taking into consideration that it's a book with less than 200 pages it is well written and develops you don’t feel the author is rushing things up and trying to wrap up the story. Even though is part of a series you can read it as a stand-alone. I must confess that it took me by surprise getting to know the real Abs, it wasn’t what I pictured in the first book I definitely underestimate the character 🙈. Last but not less important the story has the “Sexy Ruby Stamp” I feel like the scenes aren’t as hot and detailed as her other books but they are still there. In this book, you will feel a lot of Heart and Soul! Can’t wait for more of Ruby’s work!
This series has been more than powerful! The MC works so well together, they are made for each other, just a perfect fit! This story has so many layers when you think the story is heading one way Ruby smoothly peels that layer and present you with another one. There is a little bit of angst, I realized I was holding my breath for a moment, but it's a story full of love, empathy, friendship, and understanding it felt real, natural... Taking into consideration that it's a book with less than 200 pages it is well written and develops you don’t feel the author is rushing things up and trying to wrap up the story. Even though is part of a series you can read it as a stand-alone. I must confess that it took me by surprise getting to know the real Abs, it wasn’t what I pictured in the first book I definitely underestimate the character 🙈. Last but not less important the story has the “Sexy Ruby Stamp” I feel like the scenes aren’t as hot and detailed as her other books but they are still there. In this book, you will feel a lot of Heart and Soul! Can’t wait for more of Ruby’s work!
June 11, 2023
why the fuck did they just go from an argument to having sex while showing zero signs while hayley showed zero signs of tolerating abs??? I'm so lost
it was good tho
it was good tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
I think I would like a bit more build up to Hayley and Abs's relationship. The pacing of this book was very fast.
May 8, 2022
So I know I'm in the minority but I found Abs and Hayley's relationship to be toxic. From the slap on, it just got worse and worse. Abs kept making excuses for Hayley's, what I would consider almost, emotional abuse. Hayley never seem to take into consideration Abs needs. The absolute hell no for me came when she screamed at Abs after her daughter ran off. She basically behaved like an alcoholic by screaming something she "didn't mean" and then crying and asking for forgiveness later. It feels like Hayley just used Abs for her own needs for most of the book and Abs went along with it. Also, it felt like Abs was the older one whereas Hayley was supposed to be.
February 4, 2021
A wonderful emotional roller coaster
Ruby has done it again! She draws you in to her characters and their lives and doesn’t let go! From Abs’ and Gracie’s tentative beginning, to Hayley’s first emotionally charged meetings with Abs and the evolution of their relationship...this story runs the gauntlet of emotions! I love this series and can’t wait to see where Ruby takes us next time!
Ruby has done it again! She draws you in to her characters and their lives and doesn’t let go! From Abs’ and Gracie’s tentative beginning, to Hayley’s first emotionally charged meetings with Abs and the evolution of their relationship...this story runs the gauntlet of emotions! I love this series and can’t wait to see where Ruby takes us next time!
February 2, 2022
Abs is the perfect knight-in-shinning-armor woman and I liked her very much as a character, but I feel like I barely got t know Hayley and what I saw didn’t work for me. The rage episodes she has and how the relationships suddenly happens left me a little bit cold (and I don’t see how she would let her daughter with Ed even if she didn’t have another option...). Everything that worked for me about the book is Abs related but I needed more depth and development.
February 28, 2021
Struggles & Overcoming them
An alcoholic dad a troubled, depressed young girl whose mom works crazy shifts at a call center and left her with dad; until he kicks her out.
Abs works for a gym her best friend Saffie owns. She meets the young girl, Gracie, while visiting her mom. She encourages her to come hang out at the gym after school. Abs was a boxer before an accident. She begins to teach Gracie the basics. Haley, Grace's mom refuses to allowed Gracie to box. Haley and Abs go a few round until Haley slaps Abs across the face. Abs still attempts to speak with Haley into letting Gracie box and explained her troubled childhood and that she wanted to give Gracie a chance and a safe outlet for her anger & frustration. A short time after their heart to heart, Gracie and Haley are working out at the gym.
Gracie learns a secret held back from her. In anger she runs from her home and is struck by a car. She wakes up from her coma in ICU upset that the secret was kept from her, but she was thrilled at the outcome.
To find out the secret and final outcome you will just have to read the book to see how the secret changes a few lives 😉
An alcoholic dad a troubled, depressed young girl whose mom works crazy shifts at a call center and left her with dad; until he kicks her out.
Abs works for a gym her best friend Saffie owns. She meets the young girl, Gracie, while visiting her mom. She encourages her to come hang out at the gym after school. Abs was a boxer before an accident. She begins to teach Gracie the basics. Haley, Grace's mom refuses to allowed Gracie to box. Haley and Abs go a few round until Haley slaps Abs across the face. Abs still attempts to speak with Haley into letting Gracie box and explained her troubled childhood and that she wanted to give Gracie a chance and a safe outlet for her anger & frustration. A short time after their heart to heart, Gracie and Haley are working out at the gym.
Gracie learns a secret held back from her. In anger she runs from her home and is struck by a car. She wakes up from her coma in ICU upset that the secret was kept from her, but she was thrilled at the outcome.
To find out the secret and final outcome you will just have to read the book to see how the secret changes a few lives 😉
July 22, 2025
I just loved this one from beginning to end, though to be honest, it’s because Gracie’s story hooked me from the start. I mean, I get that it’s supposed to be Abs’ story, but oops, it was Gracie I was there for. 😂
I actually thought it was kinda fun that nearly a quarter into the book, there was only Abs and Gracie, and it wasn’t clear who the love interest was going to be. And I guess I didn’t mind the stormy and then fiery and then off-again-on-again relationship that started shortly thereafter, because Abs was looking out for Gracie the entire time. (Ultimately we can argue, as Gracie did, about whether it was actually the best way to do so… but I think she did the best she could at the time.)
Anyway, from miserable start to happy ending, I was there for Gracie’s story. And I enjoyed the Abs part of it too! 😁 I did notice the occasional name-swap, but it wasn’t enough to really divert me from the story. I’m definitely in for more!
I actually thought it was kinda fun that nearly a quarter into the book, there was only Abs and Gracie, and it wasn’t clear who the love interest was going to be. And I guess I didn’t mind the stormy and then fiery and then off-again-on-again relationship that started shortly thereafter, because Abs was looking out for Gracie the entire time. (Ultimately we can argue, as Gracie did, about whether it was actually the best way to do so… but I think she did the best she could at the time.)
Anyway, from miserable start to happy ending, I was there for Gracie’s story. And I enjoyed the Abs part of it too! 😁 I did notice the occasional name-swap, but it wasn’t enough to really divert me from the story. I’m definitely in for more!
January 11, 2025
Book 2 of 'The Stronger You' plays out in the same gym as the first in the series.
Not a huge fan of the previous one, but this edition was a total disaster. The story was all over the place. The editor had obviously taking the week off - soooo many mistakes, it was hard to concentrate.
The first time Hayley (Gracie's Mom) storms into the gym she yells out “Abby!” she called out loudly. “What the hell are you doing here?”.... My first reaction, how the f* does she know Abs?
Several times the names of Sapphy and Logan were mixed up too.
Sorry Ruby Scott, big fan of most of your books, just not this one.
Not a huge fan of the previous one, but this edition was a total disaster. The story was all over the place. The editor had obviously taking the week off - soooo many mistakes, it was hard to concentrate.
The first time Hayley (Gracie's Mom) storms into the gym she yells out “Abby!” she called out loudly. “What the hell are you doing here?”.... My first reaction, how the f* does she know Abs?
Several times the names of Sapphy and Logan were mixed up too.
Sorry Ruby Scott, big fan of most of your books, just not this one.
January 24, 2021
Highly recommend!
Ab’s meets a teen named Gracie who reminds her of herself as a youth! She offers to help train her at her gym and all goes well until Gracie’s mom Hayley comes to the gym in search for her daughter! Hayley had no idea her daughter was learning boxing skills and isn’t to happy about it!
This is a endearing story the two MCs have that kinda tense push/pull and great chemistry! I throughly enjoyed!
Ab’s meets a teen named Gracie who reminds her of herself as a youth! She offers to help train her at her gym and all goes well until Gracie’s mom Hayley comes to the gym in search for her daughter! Hayley had no idea her daughter was learning boxing skills and isn’t to happy about it!
This is a endearing story the two MCs have that kinda tense push/pull and great chemistry! I throughly enjoyed!
February 11, 2021
Excellent book. This is the first book I've read of this author, which means I started out with no expectations. I was truly impressed with the story and writing. If I could remove half a star for some characters disappearing later on in the novel.
Aside from some distracting grammar issues (some names are flipped by accident), it's fantastic.
Aside from some distracting grammar issues (some names are flipped by accident), it's fantastic.
March 8, 2022
This was even better than the first of the series. All of the characters are well defined and believable, more than that, they are lovable. The lesson Abs and Haley have to learn is never to projet your feelings on a teenager, even if you have been one yourself. Or more to the point on anyone else, the truth is always the best way to go in matters of the heart.
June 30, 2023
Great book
When I first started the book, I was not sure where it was going. But by the end I totally got it. I loved the Gracie/ Abs relationship. But when Haley walked in the gym I knew there would be sparks. I loved the book. Awesome writing because when I started I did not want to stop reading.
When I first started the book, I was not sure where it was going. But by the end I totally got it. I loved the Gracie/ Abs relationship. But when Haley walked in the gym I knew there would be sparks. I loved the book. Awesome writing because when I started I did not want to stop reading.
January 24, 2021
Wow another heartfelt storyline
Wow another heartfelt storyline I laughed cried throughout this book the main characters chemistry was hot passionate understanding loving heartfelt it had everything you want in a book congratulations.
Wow another heartfelt storyline I laughed cried throughout this book the main characters chemistry was hot passionate understanding loving heartfelt it had everything you want in a book congratulations.
January 24, 2021
Another great story. The chemistry between the Abs and Hayley is electric. They have this incredible push/pull relationship. It all started with the relationship between Gracie and Abs! This is another great read that I highly recommend.
February 18, 2021
Fantastic story
WOW, what a really good book. I absolutely loved the unexpected start then slow build of Abs & Hayley's relationship. The story felt real and had me hooked from the start. Vulnerable and yet immensely strong women, loved it.
WOW, what a really good book. I absolutely loved the unexpected start then slow build of Abs & Hayley's relationship. The story felt real and had me hooked from the start. Vulnerable and yet immensely strong women, loved it.
September 17, 2022
I really loved Abs' character in Seconds Out. She might be my favourite in the series so far, and she paired well with a feisty Hayley. The story development was great and overall it was such an enjoyable read.
May 19, 2023
Communication is key. Abs and Hayley find out causing some angst but there’s just something with their chemistry and how they their relationship’ just develops. Definitely worth the read! Sweet. Some angst. Sexy. Growth. Lovely.
July 8, 2023
Great book
I loved this book. I thought it was great that Abs befriended the girl because she knew what she was going through. It was funny how Abs and Hailey met and didn't get along but soon after they were as happy as they could be.
I loved this book. I thought it was great that Abs befriended the girl because she knew what she was going through. It was funny how Abs and Hailey met and didn't get along but soon after they were as happy as they could be.
January 24, 2021
Good story
I really enjoyed this story. Both And and Haley share experience with a similar bend. Hopefully this means they can understand and support each other.
I really enjoyed this story. Both And and Haley share experience with a similar bend. Hopefully this means they can understand and support each other.
January 28, 2021
This was a good read, I totally understand withholding information and the results from a child feeling like you let them down.
November 28, 2022
Sweet
This is a fun and light love story. Very nice love scenes as with all of this author's stories. Very happy ending.
This is a fun and light love story. Very nice love scenes as with all of this author's stories. Very happy ending.
December 15, 2022
This was really really bad. Bad writing, pacing was rushed and a lot of errors in the text. All round do not recommend.
May 21, 2023
fun read
Slow, slow burn but finally a crash of both reality and emotions. I loved the HEA ending as well as the slap in the beginning.
Slow, slow burn but finally a crash of both reality and emotions. I loved the HEA ending as well as the slap in the beginning.
December 14, 2021
Seconds Out is not your typical sports romance as Ruby Scott deals with the reality of life after a career ending sports injury. There is also the head-on realities of having an alcoholic parent as Abby has to face her family's past as she helps Grace deal with her present.
Scott also introduces a little of the realities of being an emergency dispatcher through the eyes of Grace’s mother Hayley. Boxing prejudices also get addressed through Hayley’s actions.
Seconds Out is not a light romance, but it is a great story. I love the interactions between Abs and Gracie. The realities of being a single parent, a child of separated parents who work and/or have an addiction problem, and the options available for all involved. I love Abby and her heart is huge. Abby and Gracie make Seconds Out a great book and its not their romance (laugh).
Seconds Out is a good sports and family fiction story. Abs is a person we could all aim to be - just love her.
Thank you to the Author for putting this book in #KindleUnlimited otherwise I could not have afford to read it. Thanks again!
Scott also introduces a little of the realities of being an emergency dispatcher through the eyes of Grace’s mother Hayley. Boxing prejudices also get addressed through Hayley’s actions.
Seconds Out is not a light romance, but it is a great story. I love the interactions between Abs and Gracie. The realities of being a single parent, a child of separated parents who work and/or have an addiction problem, and the options available for all involved. I love Abby and her heart is huge. Abby and Gracie make Seconds Out a great book and its not their romance (laugh).
Seconds Out is a good sports and family fiction story. Abs is a person we could all aim to be - just love her.
Thank you to the Author for putting this book in #KindleUnlimited otherwise I could not have afford to read it. Thanks again!
September 17, 2022
This book tugged at my heart strings and made me want to gather everyone up in a great big hug!
What an emotional rollercoaster this read was. Hayley and Abs are just such a lovely couple!
Written beautifully, it moved with such a good pace that you were barely kept waiting for the next thing to happen, only to ride that wave as well.
This definitely did not disappoint and I'm so glad we got to meet Abs properly after the first in the series
What an emotional rollercoaster this read was. Hayley and Abs are just such a lovely couple!
Written beautifully, it moved with such a good pace that you were barely kept waiting for the next thing to happen, only to ride that wave as well.
This definitely did not disappoint and I'm so glad we got to meet Abs properly after the first in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews