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Jocks and Geeks #1
Heavy Lifting
Would-be journalist Reg Applewhite is a slight, geeky guy who knows from high school experience that he’s the perfect size to be shoved into a locker. He writes for his sister’s fashion and gossip blogs and is very understandably reluctant when assigned to cover a local bodybuilding competition for material.
Jack Ponte is a physical god, with a perfect body, poise, and intense eyes. But it’s his grace that captures Reg’s attention, and when Reg asks for an interview, Jack agrees. After all, he’s looking for a life after bodybuilding, and Reg’s blogs offer a chance at something less fleeting.
During the interview, they discover mutual interests in fashion and video games that lead to friendship and deeper feelings neither expects. Reg finds it hard to believe that a god-man like Jack would see anything in him, and Jack is just as shocked when Reg seems to see beyond his looks to the person inside. But there is a price to pay for everything, and Jack draws the kind of unwanted attention that could threaten to pull them apart… or worse. Together they need to figure out a way to lift each other up and push through the challenges.
Jack Ponte is a physical god, with a perfect body, poise, and intense eyes. But it’s his grace that captures Reg’s attention, and when Reg asks for an interview, Jack agrees. After all, he’s looking for a life after bodybuilding, and Reg’s blogs offer a chance at something less fleeting.
During the interview, they discover mutual interests in fashion and video games that lead to friendship and deeper feelings neither expects. Reg finds it hard to believe that a god-man like Jack would see anything in him, and Jack is just as shocked when Reg seems to see beyond his looks to the person inside. But there is a price to pay for everything, and Jack draws the kind of unwanted attention that could threaten to pull them apart… or worse. Together they need to figure out a way to lift each other up and push through the challenges.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
94 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 30, 2021
Once a year I give this author a try. Lightening struck once...I had faith. This was a big story that could have been so tense, exciting and thrilling. Instead it was meh. So many missed opportunities to make us worry and wonder ‘who was stalking and why, who was lying, who was telling the truth. Instead the thrills never happened. It was La-La-La here’s the story, here’s a solution, MoveOn.
So I’m moving on.
So I’m moving on.
i-give-up
June 6, 2021DNF 47% with no rating. I was really bored waiting for something to happen.
May 1, 2021
Another Grey Hit
Andrew Grey continues to impress with his mastery of various milieus which must require a great deal of research and personal involvement. In this case he moves back to his onetime hometown Milwaukee and brings together two seemingly incompatible characters and throws them into an easy-going relationship that eventually evolves into romance and then lust and then love.
What surprised me about the characters is that Reg, who is described in the blurb as a geek fashion writer for a blog owned by his hard-charging sister, is actually not as small a person as your typical high school stuff-him-in-your-locker geek.
Reg is almost the same height as Jack the bodybuilder he's assigned to interview--though hardly his overall size and scope. But Grey describes Jack as a man who is less bulky than the kind one imagines as a stereotype, and Reg a bit more fit than a typical geek. This combination lends credence to the eventual romance and provides the shock element when it comes to the action between the sheets.
It's another cleverly plotted, sometimes sentimental, and always well-written Grey effort and well worth your effort to read it.
Andrew Grey continues to impress with his mastery of various milieus which must require a great deal of research and personal involvement. In this case he moves back to his onetime hometown Milwaukee and brings together two seemingly incompatible characters and throws them into an easy-going relationship that eventually evolves into romance and then lust and then love.
What surprised me about the characters is that Reg, who is described in the blurb as a geek fashion writer for a blog owned by his hard-charging sister, is actually not as small a person as your typical high school stuff-him-in-your-locker geek.
Reg is almost the same height as Jack the bodybuilder he's assigned to interview--though hardly his overall size and scope. But Grey describes Jack as a man who is less bulky than the kind one imagines as a stereotype, and Reg a bit more fit than a typical geek. This combination lends credence to the eventual romance and provides the shock element when it comes to the action between the sheets.
It's another cleverly plotted, sometimes sentimental, and always well-written Grey effort and well worth your effort to read it.
February 11, 2022
If 3-month-old-infant-me tried to write a romance novel with the contents of my diaper, it might resemble this book: it was fun for the artist, spatters all over the place, makes everyone exposed question their will to go on living, and royally stinks.
May 2, 2021
This was a really sweet story from Andrew Grey, I really enjoyed it and definitely liked these characters. Jack and Reg are both very likable guys, they have a quick connection and just seem to fit together. Jack is a bodybuilder in the height of his career, Reg works for his sister’s blog and is asked to do a story on Jack and hopefully dig up some gossip. That’s definitely not what Reg finds though, he finds a great guy who is genuinely interested in him.
I really enjoyed how the relationship builds between Jack and Reg, it felt very genuine and real despite their differences. Jack is a muscular, big guy and Reg is more of a geeky, skinny guy and a lot of their story is about exploring those differences. Whether it’s the food challenges, Jack has a strict diet he follows to the clothing angle, which was fun to follow as Jack finds his passion in regards to clothing, these two really work together throughout their journey. It’s not an overly angsty book, they face a few challenges but again, work through things together, proving how strong their new bond really is.
Overall, this was definitely a feel good read, I loved these two and following them as they get to know each other and fall in love made my heart happy! I really loved the way their story came together, it felt just perfect for them. Andrew Grey once again delivers a book I easily fall in love with!
I really enjoyed how the relationship builds between Jack and Reg, it felt very genuine and real despite their differences. Jack is a muscular, big guy and Reg is more of a geeky, skinny guy and a lot of their story is about exploring those differences. Whether it’s the food challenges, Jack has a strict diet he follows to the clothing angle, which was fun to follow as Jack finds his passion in regards to clothing, these two really work together throughout their journey. It’s not an overly angsty book, they face a few challenges but again, work through things together, proving how strong their new bond really is.
Overall, this was definitely a feel good read, I loved these two and following them as they get to know each other and fall in love made my heart happy! I really loved the way their story came together, it felt just perfect for them. Andrew Grey once again delivers a book I easily fall in love with!
April 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. The characters of Reg and Jack are really well done, especially Reg. He comes off as this meek little geek, but this geek has claws that he takes out when he needs to. Yes, he has issues—mostly leftover from being a geeky kid. You know the kind – the kid all the bullies love to pick on. And did. But don’t let anyone threaten someone he cares for.
Reg has a degree in journalism but when he graduated, couldn’t find a job except working for his sister and her fashion blog. She sends him out on an interview which is where he meets bodybuilder Jack. The two of them hit it off and sparks fly. But there are problems…the two main ones being a stalker after Jack, and Reg’s sister Isabelle (headstrong without a lot of ethics). They have to figure out how to handle everything and create a lasting relationship.
Recommendation: This is a nicely written M/M romance between a geek and a bodybuilder. The sex is hot and heavy, but the couple are adorable and lovable. And there’s a HEA ending that satisfies. If you’re an Andrew Grey fan, pick this one up.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Reg has a degree in journalism but when he graduated, couldn’t find a job except working for his sister and her fashion blog. She sends him out on an interview which is where he meets bodybuilder Jack. The two of them hit it off and sparks fly. But there are problems…the two main ones being a stalker after Jack, and Reg’s sister Isabelle (headstrong without a lot of ethics). They have to figure out how to handle everything and create a lasting relationship.
Recommendation: This is a nicely written M/M romance between a geek and a bodybuilder. The sex is hot and heavy, but the couple are adorable and lovable. And there’s a HEA ending that satisfies. If you’re an Andrew Grey fan, pick this one up.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
May 9, 2021
DNF at 14%
Snoozefest! I know you have to build up a story for your MC's but can we say boring from the get go?
Snoozefest! I know you have to build up a story for your MC's but can we say boring from the get go?
October 20, 2021
Reg might have been a geek, skinny and into video games, but he was also an excellent journalist and blogger. He enjoyed working for his sister’s fashion magazine and although his heart wasn’t in a lot of the more gossipy articles that the blog ran, he felt it was balanced out enough with the more real articles he had the freedom to go for. Covering a body building contest wasn’t his idea of a good time, but after a quick initial chat with Jack and finding a sharp brain beneath the magnificent muscles Reg is quickly swayed by the handsome man.
I found this a delightful and fun story. I was super impressed that while at a first glance Reg and Jack’s characters had a few strokes of their “jock and geek” stereotype, both characters were far deeper and infinitely more interesting than I had previously given them credit for. I adored how they didn’t simply glance at each other and jump into bed, and that the two men really learned about each other before becoming intimate. This helped me as a reader see their relationship as far more than just a quick sexy interlude and the building of a far more lasting and interesting emotional relationship between them.
Another thing I really enjoyed with this story was how many of the stereotypes and tropes didn’t unwind how I expected them to. Things like the subplots around a creepy stalker and an over-ambitious sister/editor, both of these are quite well-worn plotlines to my mind and all too frequently fall into a similar pattern to each other. When I could see them beginning I was tempted to skim ahead, not overly interesting in something I have read in other books numerous times before. Both times I was quickly proven extremely wrong – the plots unfolding in ways I had not expected and I was relieved to have not jumped ahead.
The communication and slowly building trust between Reg and Jack – as well as their friendship and connection, I feel – was the real sticking point for this story. I absolutely loved them and loved how neither man was as cookie-cutter as I was expecting. This really appealed to me and made the whole story feel lighter and fresher than I had worried about. While there isn’t anything earth-shatteringly new or different in this story, between the interesting plots, the vivid characters and the really fresh voice of the author I absolutely enjoyed this story and fully expect to purchase the second in the series.
Readers looking for a fun, sexy and steamy story should not be disappointed by this book. I found Reg and Jack’s characters to be interesting and vibrant and their connection and friendship to be believable and relatable. These are two men I felt empathy and interest for and I am intrigued to read more by this author.
I found this a delightful and fun story. I was super impressed that while at a first glance Reg and Jack’s characters had a few strokes of their “jock and geek” stereotype, both characters were far deeper and infinitely more interesting than I had previously given them credit for. I adored how they didn’t simply glance at each other and jump into bed, and that the two men really learned about each other before becoming intimate. This helped me as a reader see their relationship as far more than just a quick sexy interlude and the building of a far more lasting and interesting emotional relationship between them.
Another thing I really enjoyed with this story was how many of the stereotypes and tropes didn’t unwind how I expected them to. Things like the subplots around a creepy stalker and an over-ambitious sister/editor, both of these are quite well-worn plotlines to my mind and all too frequently fall into a similar pattern to each other. When I could see them beginning I was tempted to skim ahead, not overly interesting in something I have read in other books numerous times before. Both times I was quickly proven extremely wrong – the plots unfolding in ways I had not expected and I was relieved to have not jumped ahead.
The communication and slowly building trust between Reg and Jack – as well as their friendship and connection, I feel – was the real sticking point for this story. I absolutely loved them and loved how neither man was as cookie-cutter as I was expecting. This really appealed to me and made the whole story feel lighter and fresher than I had worried about. While there isn’t anything earth-shatteringly new or different in this story, between the interesting plots, the vivid characters and the really fresh voice of the author I absolutely enjoyed this story and fully expect to purchase the second in the series.
Readers looking for a fun, sexy and steamy story should not be disappointed by this book. I found Reg and Jack’s characters to be interesting and vibrant and their connection and friendship to be believable and relatable. These are two men I felt empathy and interest for and I am intrigued to read more by this author.
October 8, 2022
Heavy Lifting (Jocks & Geeks 1)
By Andrew Grey
Published by author 2021
Four stars
As always, Andrew Grey’s short novel is sweet and heartwarming—with enough variation from the classic recipe to make it memorable and interesting.
The set-up feels familiar (as it is supposed to); the geek and the jock. But the geek is as atypical as the jock is, which is where the story swerves from expectations Reg Applewhite tall and lean, and he’s a fashion blogger by trade, working for his ambitious older sister in Milwaukee. Jack Ponte is a competitive bodybuilder, but not in the Arnold Schwartzenegger mold. I’d never heard of “natural” bodybuilding, but it’s just what I’d have guessed: relying solely on diet and workouts to achieve muscled body in perfect balance.
Grey makes sure to make both Reg and Jack into more than just sympathetic characters: they’re good guys, deeply informed by notions of ethics and integrity. That’s just one of the reasons they’re drawn to each other. The more surprising one is that Jack finds Reg instantly attractive, as much for his up-frontness (is that a word?) as for his big blue eyes. In a world of shallow, both of these men see something deeper than they expected.
The plot holds no real surprises, but has more than enough variation on themes to make it stand out. Jack has brains and knows how to articulate his thoughts. Reg finds himself drawn to exercise in ways he never expected to, because of Jack’s patience and teaching skills. The result is pleasing and emotionally satisfying.
By Andrew Grey
Published by author 2021
Four stars
As always, Andrew Grey’s short novel is sweet and heartwarming—with enough variation from the classic recipe to make it memorable and interesting.
The set-up feels familiar (as it is supposed to); the geek and the jock. But the geek is as atypical as the jock is, which is where the story swerves from expectations Reg Applewhite tall and lean, and he’s a fashion blogger by trade, working for his ambitious older sister in Milwaukee. Jack Ponte is a competitive bodybuilder, but not in the Arnold Schwartzenegger mold. I’d never heard of “natural” bodybuilding, but it’s just what I’d have guessed: relying solely on diet and workouts to achieve muscled body in perfect balance.
Grey makes sure to make both Reg and Jack into more than just sympathetic characters: they’re good guys, deeply informed by notions of ethics and integrity. That’s just one of the reasons they’re drawn to each other. The more surprising one is that Jack finds Reg instantly attractive, as much for his up-frontness (is that a word?) as for his big blue eyes. In a world of shallow, both of these men see something deeper than they expected.
The plot holds no real surprises, but has more than enough variation on themes to make it stand out. Jack has brains and knows how to articulate his thoughts. Reg finds himself drawn to exercise in ways he never expected to, because of Jack’s patience and teaching skills. The result is pleasing and emotionally satisfying.
September 8, 2021
Reg Applewhite was willowy nerd in high school and has since gone on to get a college degree in journalism just as newspapers are dying. He's now writing for his sister's gossip blog and while not happy about it, is trying to push her into a less shady area of concentration. So he's NOT happy when she assigns him a story about a competitive weightlifter and asks him to get the scoop on the rumors that he's dating a famous starlet.
When Reg meets Jack the bodybuilder in question Reg makes a connection with Jack and though Jack isn't out he soon makes it pretty clear that he's interested in Reg.
I enjoy a good jock meets nerd story as much as the next guy and this one has well developed characters, a decent plot, and is a fast and enjoyable read. Andrew Grey's prose is practiced and professional. It's also clear that that he know a bit about his subject matter.
Having had a room mate who was aiming toward competitive body building I can attest to the accuracy of these guy's small talk. It's all about nutrition and workout programs and sticking with it.
The intent here is primarily romance. The sex here is not fade to black but it's mostly understated.
When Reg meets Jack the bodybuilder in question Reg makes a connection with Jack and though Jack isn't out he soon makes it pretty clear that he's interested in Reg.
I enjoy a good jock meets nerd story as much as the next guy and this one has well developed characters, a decent plot, and is a fast and enjoyable read. Andrew Grey's prose is practiced and professional. It's also clear that that he know a bit about his subject matter.
Having had a room mate who was aiming toward competitive body building I can attest to the accuracy of these guy's small talk. It's all about nutrition and workout programs and sticking with it.
The intent here is primarily romance. The sex here is not fade to black but it's mostly understated.
June 21, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Heavy Lifting is framed as an opposites-attract love story, but I felt it was more of a “not judging a book by it’s cover” love story. Reg has a lot of preconceived notions about what a bodybuilding jock should be like, and Jack breaks all of them. He’s kind and interesting. He’s dedicated to his body and to his friends. He’s a good guy, not a recurrence of the meathead jock adolescents that made Reg’s youth terrible. I loved how Jack’s sweetness draws Reg in, and how Reg uses all of his skill to build Jack up, writing blog posts that bring him more opportunities and build their connection through mutual interests. I loved how Jack was such a sweet and patient trainer, and how Reg really enjoyed his tutoring on how to build his body strong without bulking up.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Heavy Lifting is framed as an opposites-attract love story, but I felt it was more of a “not judging a book by it’s cover” love story. Reg has a lot of preconceived notions about what a bodybuilding jock should be like, and Jack breaks all of them. He’s kind and interesting. He’s dedicated to his body and to his friends. He’s a good guy, not a recurrence of the meathead jock adolescents that made Reg’s youth terrible. I loved how Jack’s sweetness draws Reg in, and how Reg uses all of his skill to build Jack up, writing blog posts that bring him more opportunities and build their connection through mutual interests. I loved how Jack was such a sweet and patient trainer, and how Reg really enjoyed his tutoring on how to build his body strong without bulking up.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2021
Jack is a bodybuilder that is hoping to advance into modeling and perhaps acting by winning competitions.
He is well on the way making a name for himself. He is very dedicated and follows a strict regimen.
Reg is a reporter for his sister’s blog. It’s not his dream jobs. He found not many of those exist with the dawning of online magazines and stuff.
He is sent to a bodybuilder competition to see.
If he can get a scoop on Jack and a famous star. What he finds is a very sexy man he wants to know better.
This is a very good story ( of course it is. It is Andrew Grey. I’ve never read a bad one from him) The characters are charming and in this book unique. I haven’t read a body builder before and not too many blogger ones. The chemistry is great and there is just a touch of mystery to give it some action.
I can’t wait for book two.
He is well on the way making a name for himself. He is very dedicated and follows a strict regimen.
Reg is a reporter for his sister’s blog. It’s not his dream jobs. He found not many of those exist with the dawning of online magazines and stuff.
He is sent to a bodybuilder competition to see.
If he can get a scoop on Jack and a famous star. What he finds is a very sexy man he wants to know better.
This is a very good story ( of course it is. It is Andrew Grey. I’ve never read a bad one from him) The characters are charming and in this book unique. I haven’t read a body builder before and not too many blogger ones. The chemistry is great and there is just a touch of mystery to give it some action.
I can’t wait for book two.
April 25, 2021
Finally men’s fashion 😊
This book was actually a very refreshing read. I always enjoy reads by this author and this books was no different, but the topic was new and interesting. In addition to a story about determining ones own fate, this was a nice delve into the world of men’s fashion. It touched on how many do not really look at men as fashion forward and do not spend enough time catering clothing to all men, not just a select clientele.
This book was actually a very refreshing read. I always enjoy reads by this author and this books was no different, but the topic was new and interesting. In addition to a story about determining ones own fate, this was a nice delve into the world of men’s fashion. It touched on how many do not really look at men as fashion forward and do not spend enough time catering clothing to all men, not just a select clientele.
May 1, 2021
What a nice read...
This story is a really nice read. I would have given it 5stars, if some of the plot had been expanded upon, but alas you can't have everything. Its a good story with well developed characters. Yes, it lacks some development, but it doesn't detract from the book.
This story is a really nice read. I would have given it 5stars, if some of the plot had been expanded upon, but alas you can't have everything. Its a good story with well developed characters. Yes, it lacks some development, but it doesn't detract from the book.
August 2, 2021
Always a pleasure to delve into Grey's work. "Heavy Lifting" is a beautiful story about two very different men finding each other, once they are both able to look beyond the physical aspects they are used to people seeing about them... if they can look past those same characteristics themselves. Muscles don't always indicate the strength needed to live an amazing life. Fun book!
June 12, 2022
great start to a series
I have read another series by Andrew and thought I would try this one. Reg is a writer Jack is a body builder. Reg in HS got stuffed into lockers by the school bullies, how on earth could two people from such different world meet. Enter Andrew Grey who weaved the perfect story for us to read and enjoy the outcome.
I have read another series by Andrew and thought I would try this one. Reg is a writer Jack is a body builder. Reg in HS got stuffed into lockers by the school bullies, how on earth could two people from such different world meet. Enter Andrew Grey who weaved the perfect story for us to read and enjoy the outcome.
Read
May 11, 2021DNF - 55% in. I thought I’d try another novel by this author after not having success with the first one. I also wanted to try reading more m/m written by m/m but had the same issue - I just didn’t feel the chemistry in the writing even though I liked the concept of the story.
June 14, 2021
It Was … OK
While this is a recent release, it reads like an early work from Andrew. It shows promise but the prose and the plot are not as polished or complete as many of the other books I’ve read from Andrew.
While this is a recent release, it reads like an early work from Andrew. It shows promise but the prose and the plot are not as polished or complete as many of the other books I’ve read from Andrew.
April 23, 2021
hmmm. the ending on this sorta fizzled. a few typos, too. Probably not this author's best work. but, as always, the characters and story are good.
April 29, 2021
Hmm. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel jumpy reading Grey's books these days.
May 2, 2021
Lazy. Typos galore, story we have read before, bad guy we can see coming from a mile away. I expected better.
May 4, 2021
Home is where your heart is...
I really enjoyed reading a story set in my city of birth! Mr. Grey beautifully captured all the Wisconsin hometown feels in this enchanted love story.
I really enjoyed reading a story set in my city of birth! Mr. Grey beautifully captured all the Wisconsin hometown feels in this enchanted love story.
August 4, 2021
Not very engaging and kinda boring.
August 6, 2021
Pretty standard fare for this author. Not a bad story, just predictable. The romance is sweet.
August 11, 2021
I’m on a run of can’t finish books…
August 18, 2021
You can be sure, Andrew Grey deliver a good story Always: I enjoyed It!
September 4, 2021
The sister, Isabelle, is a piece of work.
April 5, 2022
love and fashion
This is a story of geek and a jock coming together to create true luv, with plenty of sex thrown into the mix. It’s a good read ☕️
This is a story of geek and a jock coming together to create true luv, with plenty of sex thrown into the mix. It’s a good read ☕️
July 24, 2022
This was short, quick, easy to skim, and instantly forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews