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Jocks and Geeks #2
Balancing Act
Freelance computer genius Trent Marcus took a web development job he wishes he hadn’t, and now he’s in a world of hurt. With his safety threatened, he needs someone who can protect him from his client, who responds to “no” with threats and intimidation.
Personal trainer and silver fox Collin Fitzpatrick gave part of his leg for his country, and now his ex is selling his home, so he needs a place to live quickly. He hears from mutual friends that Trent has a room he can use and needs Collin’s help. Neither Trent nor Collin is looking for a relationship, but attraction ignites for Trent, and it’s returned, to Trent’s surprise.
The last thing Collin expects is for his protective instincts to blossom into something much more. Trent’s care and genuineness combine to heal the heart his ex left shattered. As the task of keeping Trent safe becomes more paramount, so does the realization that failing could cost both of them everything.
Personal trainer and silver fox Collin Fitzpatrick gave part of his leg for his country, and now his ex is selling his home, so he needs a place to live quickly. He hears from mutual friends that Trent has a room he can use and needs Collin’s help. Neither Trent nor Collin is looking for a relationship, but attraction ignites for Trent, and it’s returned, to Trent’s surprise.
The last thing Collin expects is for his protective instincts to blossom into something much more. Trent’s care and genuineness combine to heal the heart his ex left shattered. As the task of keeping Trent safe becomes more paramount, so does the realization that failing could cost both of them everything.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
56 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Balancing Act is the second book in the Jocks and Geeks series, but reads fine as a standalone. This was a big departure in the series from the first book, Heavy Lifting. We have some really dark moments that involve pulling cons on super bad guys, while also convincing police that Trent was duped into this terrible situation. Trent is appropriately terrified, and Collin is rock steady. They do a great job of propping each other up, and assure themselves they can make it through this debacle. The attraction is present almost from the start, with Trent having a serious hero worship thing going on, and Collin unsure how to accept his admiration—his ex was really turned off by his prosthesis. It was interesting to see them each deal with their past hurts, while also managing the current stress of thwarting fatal plots of psycho mobsters. Soren and his men will pull that trigger as soon as Trent completes his work, and it’s only through some daring planning and help from friends that a satisfactory resolution is possible.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Balancing Act is the second book in the Jocks and Geeks series, but reads fine as a standalone. This was a big departure in the series from the first book, Heavy Lifting. We have some really dark moments that involve pulling cons on super bad guys, while also convincing police that Trent was duped into this terrible situation. Trent is appropriately terrified, and Collin is rock steady. They do a great job of propping each other up, and assure themselves they can make it through this debacle. The attraction is present almost from the start, with Trent having a serious hero worship thing going on, and Collin unsure how to accept his admiration—his ex was really turned off by his prosthesis. It was interesting to see them each deal with their past hurts, while also managing the current stress of thwarting fatal plots of psycho mobsters. Soren and his men will pull that trigger as soon as Trent completes his work, and it’s only through some daring planning and help from friends that a satisfactory resolution is possible.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
December 10, 2021
Sorry to be so blunt, but this was just .... bad. The writing was childish, the characters absolutely comical b-movie quality (with the mobster boss, the mean right hand, the dumb muscle), the protagonists artificial and shallow like card box cut outs. In Germany we would probably call it "penny romance", here I just call it "not-for-me-did-not-finish".
November 19, 2021
Trying to get his fledgling web design business off the ground, Trent takes a lucrative job that seems interesting at first, then when he recognizes the danger in what he’s being asked to create the excessive pay suddenly seems far too good to be true. Watched and hunted, Trent realizes all too quickly the physical danger is almost as bad as the potentially criminal danger and he rushes to seek help from a friend. A mutual acquaintance, Collin, is suggested to Trent. Collin is ex-Army, a personal trainer who sometimes moonlights as a bodyguard and is currently at a loose end with his home being sold by his ex-partner. The two men hit it off and soon they both realise they want far more than just a simple, work-based agreement between them.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it’s the second book in the “Jocks and Geeks” series it is completely independent and stands very well on its own. Collin and Trent both know mutual friends (the original couple in the first story) and so that is the link that puts them in each other’s orbit. Otherwise, the whole story is Collin and Trent’s alone and I loved that. It also is a brilliant thing readers can pick this story up and have no knowledge of the previous book and I strongly feel it won’t affect the read for them at all.
I also really loved how even though Trent is clearly the “geek” and Collin the “jock” neither of them are bland or boring – straight from the cookie cutter mold you’d expect from this sort of stereotype. Collin lost part of one leg serving his country (it was a big part of his being dumped by his now-ex) and I thought this really added a huge amount of dimension and complexity to the whole “jock” or gym junkie persona. I loved how Collin was still shown to be a strong, masculine and beefy guy when so many people might look differently at him. I adored this. I also really found it amusing that for all his genius, computer skills and intelligence, Trent was so clearly in this whole mess because of his innocence and “stupidity” in taking on then getting in too deep with this job. It felt so damn realistic that this highly intelligent, techno-whiz could be the smartest person in the room – but equally the stupidest. It really tickled my funny bone and made the whole story so realistic and amusing to me in a warm and wonderful way.
Obviously, the chemistry and sensuality between the two men also skyrocketed off the page pretty quickly after they met each other. I really loved just how well they fit together. Each was strong, smart and totally capable, but they equally were so much like a lock and a key – slotting easily into the places in each other’s life exactly where they needed it. Collin was physically imposing and willing to show protective and aggressive behavior when needed, and Trent had ample space where Collin could rest, find his feet after losing his home and relationship and get his head back on straight. I really enjoyed how each could fulfil the other in emotional and intimate ways – and not just in the bedroom though they certainly fit perfectly together in there as well.
With a solid plot, plenty of action, chemistry and conflict this was a delicious read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would eagerly read another and a part of me is hoping maybe Martin (a secondary character and mutual friend shown in both this and the previous book) gets his happy ending some time soon.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it’s the second book in the “Jocks and Geeks” series it is completely independent and stands very well on its own. Collin and Trent both know mutual friends (the original couple in the first story) and so that is the link that puts them in each other’s orbit. Otherwise, the whole story is Collin and Trent’s alone and I loved that. It also is a brilliant thing readers can pick this story up and have no knowledge of the previous book and I strongly feel it won’t affect the read for them at all.
I also really loved how even though Trent is clearly the “geek” and Collin the “jock” neither of them are bland or boring – straight from the cookie cutter mold you’d expect from this sort of stereotype. Collin lost part of one leg serving his country (it was a big part of his being dumped by his now-ex) and I thought this really added a huge amount of dimension and complexity to the whole “jock” or gym junkie persona. I loved how Collin was still shown to be a strong, masculine and beefy guy when so many people might look differently at him. I adored this. I also really found it amusing that for all his genius, computer skills and intelligence, Trent was so clearly in this whole mess because of his innocence and “stupidity” in taking on then getting in too deep with this job. It felt so damn realistic that this highly intelligent, techno-whiz could be the smartest person in the room – but equally the stupidest. It really tickled my funny bone and made the whole story so realistic and amusing to me in a warm and wonderful way.
Obviously, the chemistry and sensuality between the two men also skyrocketed off the page pretty quickly after they met each other. I really loved just how well they fit together. Each was strong, smart and totally capable, but they equally were so much like a lock and a key – slotting easily into the places in each other’s life exactly where they needed it. Collin was physically imposing and willing to show protective and aggressive behavior when needed, and Trent had ample space where Collin could rest, find his feet after losing his home and relationship and get his head back on straight. I really enjoyed how each could fulfil the other in emotional and intimate ways – and not just in the bedroom though they certainly fit perfectly together in there as well.
With a solid plot, plenty of action, chemistry and conflict this was a delicious read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would eagerly read another and a part of me is hoping maybe Martin (a secondary character and mutual friend shown in both this and the previous book) gets his happy ending some time soon.
August 10, 2021
BALANCING ACT by Andrew Grey
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
5*****
Blurb: Freelance computer genius Trent Marcus took a web development job he wishes he hadn’t, and now he’s in a world of hurt. With his safety threatened, he needs someone who can protect him from his client, who responds to “no” with threats and intimidation. Personal trainer and silver fox Collin Fitzpatrick gave part of his leg for his country, and now his ex is selling his home, so he needs a place to live quickly. He hears from mutual friends that Trent has a room he can use and needs Collin’s help. Neither Trent nor Collin is looking for a relationship, but attraction ignites for Trent, and it’s returned, to Trent’s surprise. The last thing Collin expects is for his protective instincts to blossom into something much more. Trent’s care and genuineness combine to heal the heart his ex left shattered. As the task of keeping Trent safe becomes more paramount, so does the realization that failing could cost both of them everything.
Thoughts: This was a sweet (though with heat) gay romance with two men who have a problem with the same bad guy. Trent is a thorough geek who is trying to start up his own company doing websites for people and businesses. Unfortunately, he agrees to do a job for the wrong person and is now in way over his head. At first it seemed innocent, then he saw what was really going on behind the innocent looking web front. Now he’s got a man after him who has no problem killing for what he wants.
Collin is looking for a temporary place to stay while things get settled up with his ex. A personal trainer and ex-military MP, he has all the skills to protect Trent. Even with part of one leg missing, he’s still got more going for him than most people.
What neither expects is the draw between them.
Collin and Trent end up falling hard for each other and figure out how to thwart the bad guy and live.
Recommendation: If you love Andrew Grey’s work, you’ll love this one. Trent and Collin are the perfect couple and there is a definite HEA ending that satisfies.
Disclaimer: Thanks to RBTL Bookings and the author for providing this book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
5*****
Blurb: Freelance computer genius Trent Marcus took a web development job he wishes he hadn’t, and now he’s in a world of hurt. With his safety threatened, he needs someone who can protect him from his client, who responds to “no” with threats and intimidation. Personal trainer and silver fox Collin Fitzpatrick gave part of his leg for his country, and now his ex is selling his home, so he needs a place to live quickly. He hears from mutual friends that Trent has a room he can use and needs Collin’s help. Neither Trent nor Collin is looking for a relationship, but attraction ignites for Trent, and it’s returned, to Trent’s surprise. The last thing Collin expects is for his protective instincts to blossom into something much more. Trent’s care and genuineness combine to heal the heart his ex left shattered. As the task of keeping Trent safe becomes more paramount, so does the realization that failing could cost both of them everything.
Thoughts: This was a sweet (though with heat) gay romance with two men who have a problem with the same bad guy. Trent is a thorough geek who is trying to start up his own company doing websites for people and businesses. Unfortunately, he agrees to do a job for the wrong person and is now in way over his head. At first it seemed innocent, then he saw what was really going on behind the innocent looking web front. Now he’s got a man after him who has no problem killing for what he wants.
Collin is looking for a temporary place to stay while things get settled up with his ex. A personal trainer and ex-military MP, he has all the skills to protect Trent. Even with part of one leg missing, he’s still got more going for him than most people.
What neither expects is the draw between them.
Collin and Trent end up falling hard for each other and figure out how to thwart the bad guy and live.
Recommendation: If you love Andrew Grey’s work, you’ll love this one. Trent and Collin are the perfect couple and there is a definite HEA ending that satisfies.
Disclaimer: Thanks to RBTL Bookings and the author for providing this book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
August 9, 2021
4.5 Stars
This was a fun, exciting and quick read, I really liked Trent and Collin and their whirlwind story! I’m a big fan of the jock/geek trope and Andrew Grey definitely delivers.
Trent is this nerdy computer genius who, trying to expand his new business takes a job he quickly regrets. It’s one that has put him in a very dangerous position working for a known criminal and creating a potentially dangerous site. Collin is a vet who lost part of his leg in an explosion who works as a personal trainer. His ex sells their place and now he needs to find a new place to live. A mutual friend brings the two men together hoping the two can really help each other. As different as they are, there’s a great connection between Trent and Collin right from the start and once Collin finds out what Trent has gotten himself involved in, he goes into protector mode.
These two make a great team as they try to figure out how to get themselves out of the danger they are both in. It’s so sweet to see Collin’s protective side and Trent, well he’s a geeky guy for sure but I loved his tenacity as well. I really loved how he sees Collin, and shows him that he isn’t less of a man. These are both really great guys that are so easy to like. I also liked the mix of action in this book, as they plan and work to bring down Soren. It was a quick read but packed with a lot of action and a very sweet romance. I’m really enjoying this series from Andrew Grey and am already looking forward to who we see next!
This was a fun, exciting and quick read, I really liked Trent and Collin and their whirlwind story! I’m a big fan of the jock/geek trope and Andrew Grey definitely delivers.
Trent is this nerdy computer genius who, trying to expand his new business takes a job he quickly regrets. It’s one that has put him in a very dangerous position working for a known criminal and creating a potentially dangerous site. Collin is a vet who lost part of his leg in an explosion who works as a personal trainer. His ex sells their place and now he needs to find a new place to live. A mutual friend brings the two men together hoping the two can really help each other. As different as they are, there’s a great connection between Trent and Collin right from the start and once Collin finds out what Trent has gotten himself involved in, he goes into protector mode.
These two make a great team as they try to figure out how to get themselves out of the danger they are both in. It’s so sweet to see Collin’s protective side and Trent, well he’s a geeky guy for sure but I loved his tenacity as well. I really loved how he sees Collin, and shows him that he isn’t less of a man. These are both really great guys that are so easy to like. I also liked the mix of action in this book, as they plan and work to bring down Soren. It was a quick read but packed with a lot of action and a very sweet romance. I’m really enjoying this series from Andrew Grey and am already looking forward to who we see next!
September 14, 2021
While this is the second in a series, it’s really a stand-alone novella. It shares a locale with the Book 1 and several of Book 1’s characters make cameos here, but one needs know none of that to enjoy this tale.
This is partly a jock meets nerd tale, partly an age-gap tale, and partly an action tale. It works on all those levels without really falling strictly into any one category. Both main characters are likable and they seem made for each other with a bit of an instant mutual attraction to leaven the story.
Andrew Grey has written over 100 m/m tales. Clearly he can develop captivating scenarios, create interesting characters and deliver the workman like prose necessary to make satisfying, if not extraordinary tales. The page turning prose and the HEA ending here makes this a fast, fun M/M romantic read.
Trent is spunkier than your average nerd and Collin, having lost a foot in the military, is not your typical jock. Both understandably are somewhat unsure of their appeal, and yet both are charming. Seeing them come together and triumph over a common adversary should give any romantic “the feels.”
If you’re looking for a sweet bon-bon of a book this is great choice. I enjoyed spending time with these likable characters. However, if you’re looking for the next “Great American Novel,” you’ll find this one a bit disappointing. The technical details are a bit shallow, and the sex scenes are satisfying if a bit generic. It’s not the kind of tale that will expand your consciousness or alter your world view. But then, not every book needs to. My advice, if you’re an Andrew Grey fan, read and enjoy. If you’ve never read any of his work, start with one of his more classic tales.
This is partly a jock meets nerd tale, partly an age-gap tale, and partly an action tale. It works on all those levels without really falling strictly into any one category. Both main characters are likable and they seem made for each other with a bit of an instant mutual attraction to leaven the story.
Andrew Grey has written over 100 m/m tales. Clearly he can develop captivating scenarios, create interesting characters and deliver the workman like prose necessary to make satisfying, if not extraordinary tales. The page turning prose and the HEA ending here makes this a fast, fun M/M romantic read.
Trent is spunkier than your average nerd and Collin, having lost a foot in the military, is not your typical jock. Both understandably are somewhat unsure of their appeal, and yet both are charming. Seeing them come together and triumph over a common adversary should give any romantic “the feels.”
If you’re looking for a sweet bon-bon of a book this is great choice. I enjoyed spending time with these likable characters. However, if you’re looking for the next “Great American Novel,” you’ll find this one a bit disappointing. The technical details are a bit shallow, and the sex scenes are satisfying if a bit generic. It’s not the kind of tale that will expand your consciousness or alter your world view. But then, not every book needs to. My advice, if you’re an Andrew Grey fan, read and enjoy. If you’ve never read any of his work, start with one of his more classic tales.
August 14, 2021
This is a book 2 but I think you’d be fine not reading in order though you would know some recurring characters if you had read the first book. ( and it’s awesome so why not?)
Trent is Marti’s friend and finds himself in trouble. Marti suggests a bodyguard and has him call Jack who has a friend that has done that line of work.
Collin is going through a separation and needs a place to live since his ex is selling their place. So the deal with Trent helping keep him safe for a room is a good deal. It doesn’t hurt that Trent is cute.
I liked the characters as usual and this story has a lot of action. It is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. It has a very fast moving romance and is pretty spicy without being overly explicit. This says book two of two. Buy there is hints of Marti and Ivan and I do hope we get their book.
The reason I gave this a four was I did feel there was a few loose strings in the closing of the plot. And there was mention that the apartment Collin’s ex was selling had been Collin’s before they got together, but Collin was stationed overseas. So I didn’t see why he would have an apartment. So yeah I’m just not picking. The book is really good and I read in one sitting.
August 26, 2021
I've been eyeing this author's books before and decided to check this one out because the blurb was intriguing. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling this at all. The dialog felt very contrived and generic throughout, especially in the first half. I found the suspense and tech aspects really shallow and compared to some very well researched and realistic romantic suspense I've read, this felt extremely lacking. I wasn't feeling the MCs either, I couldn't really connect to either of them and didn't care about the relationship.
Most of the time I don't care for a villain POV and that was the case here as well. I never became invested in the suspense/intrigue and started getting bored around 50%. I really struggled to pick it back up again and had to skim some of the rest to finish. So overall a bust for me. Maybe if the author puts out a novel at some point that interests me, I might try again. 🤷
Most of the time I don't care for a villain POV and that was the case here as well. I never became invested in the suspense/intrigue and started getting bored around 50%. I really struggled to pick it back up again and had to skim some of the rest to finish. So overall a bust for me. Maybe if the author puts out a novel at some point that interests me, I might try again. 🤷
October 17, 2021
Cute
Quick story. I’m wondering if this is the beginning of a series. And if so what kind. Cause it could go in so many directions. Suspense, friend group, perfect town. So many directions. I feel like this was a series set up book. It was short so don’t expect to get deep into anything. Which I really wish would have happened. I kinda felt a disconnect between the couple. They probably were really cute together, but because everything was so surface I couldn’t really feel the love. Writing was good, smexy was not really rememberable, and the side characters were again surface level I’m not really sure.
Quick story. I’m wondering if this is the beginning of a series. And if so what kind. Cause it could go in so many directions. Suspense, friend group, perfect town. So many directions. I feel like this was a series set up book. It was short so don’t expect to get deep into anything. Which I really wish would have happened. I kinda felt a disconnect between the couple. They probably were really cute together, but because everything was so surface I couldn’t really feel the love. Writing was good, smexy was not really rememberable, and the side characters were again surface level I’m not really sure.
August 6, 2021
You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover
Look at that cover--that's Collin Fitzpatrick, army veteran with a prosthetic leg who is getting grey in his mid 30s. This happens to be very appealing to Trent Marcus, the computer geek with whom he falls in with some serendipity provided by the MC's from the first book in the series.
Then read the blurb. Really, that's all you have to do. This is another one of Andrew Grey's slow-burn romances with nefarious characters thrown into a plot which draws you along in a page-turning fashion.
I was deep into two other books when this one appeared on my Kindle--and I sailed right through this one before going back to the others.
Neat book, looking forward to more in the series.
Look at that cover--that's Collin Fitzpatrick, army veteran with a prosthetic leg who is getting grey in his mid 30s. This happens to be very appealing to Trent Marcus, the computer geek with whom he falls in with some serendipity provided by the MC's from the first book in the series.
Then read the blurb. Really, that's all you have to do. This is another one of Andrew Grey's slow-burn romances with nefarious characters thrown into a plot which draws you along in a page-turning fashion.
I was deep into two other books when this one appeared on my Kindle--and I sailed right through this one before going back to the others.
Neat book, looking forward to more in the series.
January 5, 2022
This was one of the shorter books I've read by Andrew Grey... which only goes to prove he tell a story just as well in a novel I can read in just a day or two! I enjoyed the rapid acceptance of the romantic part of the story, woven in with a disability and a veteran with PTSD issues (though that wasn't mentioned). Great job of taking a couple of problems in a relationship, while still telling a gripping story.
June 8, 2023
Balanced and good.
An interesting storyline that keeps the reader captivated. Andrew Grey is an author I enjoy, his writing styles are crisp ANF interesting. However, I find this series is not a favorite of mine. This is not to say this isn't a good book but I have read other stories I found more fierce and intriguing. I still recommend this book, perhaps you would feel differently.
An interesting storyline that keeps the reader captivated. Andrew Grey is an author I enjoy, his writing styles are crisp ANF interesting. However, I find this series is not a favorite of mine. This is not to say this isn't a good book but I have read other stories I found more fierce and intriguing. I still recommend this book, perhaps you would feel differently.
August 17, 2021
The Geek and the … Cowboy?
A great romantic short story, a bit improbable, perhaps, but the storyline skillfully avoids the most egregious options and manages to provide good balance and interest. Good character development for the length of the story and a positive ending promising a future HEA, and a potential next book.
A great romantic short story, a bit improbable, perhaps, but the storyline skillfully avoids the most egregious options and manages to provide good balance and interest. Good character development for the length of the story and a positive ending promising a future HEA, and a potential next book.
June 14, 2022
book 2 and growing strong
I like series books you get to follow the people you fall in love with, in book one in book 2 and then meet new people. I liked how the plot line was built in this book and that it was about computers. Fun story, looking gor and to book 3
I like series books you get to follow the people you fall in love with, in book one in book 2 and then meet new people. I liked how the plot line was built in this book and that it was about computers. Fun story, looking gor and to book 3
August 7, 2021
3.25 stars
August 8, 2021
Amazing how much I let Andrew Grey get away with...evil POV is a pet peeve, and it didn't bother me here. Maybe because it's not super evil.
August 10, 2021
I loved this story
This book was incredible just like the first one in the series. Hope to see plenty more! The characters are very real and awesome😊
This book was incredible just like the first one in the series. Hope to see plenty more! The characters are very real and awesome😊
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