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Active
Hot, sweaty, and tense. He’s helping her stay active in more ways than one . . .
After a nasty breakup with her cheating ex boyfriend, Ivy feels hurt, used, and embarrassed, avoiding her one place of solace – the gym – in fear of running into him. But one day, she decides she will no longer allow her heartbreak to dictate her actions.
When she returns to the gym, she feels immediate tension with the intimidating, stern, attractive man who happens to be the owner. He’s never spoken to her – until now. Despite an almost twenty-year age gap, Ivy and James can’t ignore the powerful attraction between them.
But with Ivy and James’ one-time fling comes unexpected interference from her ex boyfriend and concern for the future. Could their purely physical relationship turn into something more?
After a nasty breakup with her cheating ex boyfriend, Ivy feels hurt, used, and embarrassed, avoiding her one place of solace – the gym – in fear of running into him. But one day, she decides she will no longer allow her heartbreak to dictate her actions.
When she returns to the gym, she feels immediate tension with the intimidating, stern, attractive man who happens to be the owner. He’s never spoken to her – until now. Despite an almost twenty-year age gap, Ivy and James can’t ignore the powerful attraction between them.
But with Ivy and James’ one-time fling comes unexpected interference from her ex boyfriend and concern for the future. Could their purely physical relationship turn into something more?
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2023
69 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Andrews
12 books87 followersLyla is a steamy romance author and loves to write stories involving characters with realistic and complex problems, whether familial, romantic, mental health-related, or otherwise.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 11, 2023
This had more story and less smut than I was expecting- that isn’t a bad thing.
I really liked that the FMC was plus-sized, and while she did have some insecurities regarding her body, it didn’t overwhelm the book. She even fought off her instinct to cover herself which I rarely see. Usually it’s the MMC saying to stop covering yourself, you’re beautiful.
There were a few cringe moments when her ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend were in the gym with her that I wish were played out differently. They felt a little too immature for everyone.
As for the MCs relationship, it was wholesome and sweet. I just wish I felt more spark, more chemistry. I wanted that passion in their sexy times, I could tell it was just simmering in between the lines, waiting to be written. I’ll keep my eye out for new releases from Lyla Andrews.
I really liked that the FMC was plus-sized, and while she did have some insecurities regarding her body, it didn’t overwhelm the book. She even fought off her instinct to cover herself which I rarely see. Usually it’s the MMC saying to stop covering yourself, you’re beautiful.
There were a few cringe moments when her ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend were in the gym with her that I wish were played out differently. They felt a little too immature for everyone.
As for the MCs relationship, it was wholesome and sweet. I just wish I felt more spark, more chemistry. I wanted that passion in their sexy times, I could tell it was just simmering in between the lines, waiting to be written. I’ll keep my eye out for new releases from Lyla Andrews.
June 11, 2023
Active.
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶️
Age Gap
Plus Size FMC
This was a cute little Novella and i enjoyed. It was so relatable because we all know these personality types. Extremely quick read.
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶️
Age Gap
Plus Size FMC
This was a cute little Novella and i enjoyed. It was so relatable because we all know these personality types. Extremely quick read.
May 9, 2025
I actually expected only smut without much feelings or story but damn it actually was the opposite and I love it! It was pretty entertaining and sweet, and I appreciate that it wasn’t filled with that many smut scenes because it was really nice to see the story play out. And I do have to say I haven’t read a „romance“ novella with a setting in a gym yet so that was pretty nice too. Only thing that just bothered me was ivys exboyfriend I didn’t get why the author had to include him into the story over and over again lol, but otherwise it was definitely a nice read!!
December 30, 2024
Ok anyways
January 11, 2023
Short and Spicy
This short story left me feeling giddy. Their romance is so sweet. James acts exactly how a man should treat a woman. They are so sweet together. The story may not have a lot of plot, but you learn a lot about them in the short pages. I’m not a big fan of slow burn, and this one gets straight to the good stuff. As a curvy girl, I would recommend this to other curvy girls who need a confidence boost. Whether you go to the gym or not, you deserve a guy like James!!
This short story left me feeling giddy. Their romance is so sweet. James acts exactly how a man should treat a woman. They are so sweet together. The story may not have a lot of plot, but you learn a lot about them in the short pages. I’m not a big fan of slow burn, and this one gets straight to the good stuff. As a curvy girl, I would recommend this to other curvy girls who need a confidence boost. Whether you go to the gym or not, you deserve a guy like James!!
February 14, 2023
This was a awesome novella that kept me hooked. Normally I’m not one to read shorts but the blurb really drew me in and the story kept me hooked. It was full of two of my favorite things, Ex drama and a big age gap so it hit the spot. The blurb really tells you what to expect (since I don’t want to give anything away), so if you want something short, steamy and will keep you glued to you kindle, then read this story. 4 stars #2OCCJD
January 9, 2023
Looking for a short, fun, smutty novella with little plot? Then this is for you. I enjoyed it. I would definitely love to hear more about Ivy and James, but for now, I’ll use my imagination about their love story.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this novella with the age-gap romance between Ivy and James. I actually think I would enjoy this in a fuller length, slow-burn format too! I always want more when I enjoy a novella. :)
January 8, 2023
If you like 🔥 and smut…this is for you. But I would have liked more plot, more story….
January 11, 2023
Very good, short read! Steam was great. I'd read more from this author.
January 18, 2023
Nice quick read!
Need something quick and fun with some good old fashioned smuttiness?
This is it. Perfect book for when you need to clear your head after a dark read.
Need something quick and fun with some good old fashioned smuttiness?
This is it. Perfect book for when you need to clear your head after a dark read.
April 28, 2023
This book dug up some memories and feelings that I was not prepared to experience today, but at least it gave the FMC a happy ending so I guess I’ll just mope for a few hours then be over it.
October 29, 2024
Read to reach my book goal but was still a cute, age gap HEA. Looking forward to more of Lyla's work!
January 9, 2023
That was a quick, fun (and spicy!) read. I love the body positivity message in the story and love the chemistry between James and Ivy.
January 20, 2023
wow 🥵🥵
This is the best book to read if you’re looking for quick, fun, and spicy! I literally am obsessed with James 🤩
This is the best book to read if you’re looking for quick, fun, and spicy! I literally am obsessed with James 🤩
March 3, 2023
I need to go join a gym ASAP
Ivy finds herself single after her boyfriend of a couple of years cheats on her. Deciding to keep focusing on her own happiness she continues to attend the gym her and her ex had joined together. The owner is older and intimidating but he is a piece of eye candy so she uses the mirrored walls to her advantage. It turns out that Mr Intimidating is also kind and thoughtful as he initiates a gym relationship and girrrrrrll those biceps just need to be admired.
Will the older Mr Intimidating want more? Yes, yes he does. He tells her she’s a good girl and mate I need a cold shower now because 🔥 And hollllly smoking flaps - James makes me want to go and join a gym ASAP. Like exercise would actually be worth it for him and all of his.. talents. Obviously this is why so many people exercise!
If you are looking for short, sweet and spicy then this is the book for you! Filled with body positivity, self love, self worth, delicious age gap, dark and mysterious ex military man with talented fingers 😘👌 it is wrapped up in a happy ending and I didn’t even need to go to a dodgy massage place for it.
Ivy finds herself single after her boyfriend of a couple of years cheats on her. Deciding to keep focusing on her own happiness she continues to attend the gym her and her ex had joined together. The owner is older and intimidating but he is a piece of eye candy so she uses the mirrored walls to her advantage. It turns out that Mr Intimidating is also kind and thoughtful as he initiates a gym relationship and girrrrrrll those biceps just need to be admired.
Will the older Mr Intimidating want more? Yes, yes he does. He tells her she’s a good girl and mate I need a cold shower now because 🔥 And hollllly smoking flaps - James makes me want to go and join a gym ASAP. Like exercise would actually be worth it for him and all of his.. talents. Obviously this is why so many people exercise!
If you are looking for short, sweet and spicy then this is the book for you! Filled with body positivity, self love, self worth, delicious age gap, dark and mysterious ex military man with talented fingers 😘👌 it is wrapped up in a happy ending and I didn’t even need to go to a dodgy massage place for it.
October 28, 2024
This novella was short, sweet, and a little spicy, with so much potential! It wrapped up just a bit too quickly for me, though—I’d love to see it expanded into a full-length novel. I’m really curious about James’s backstory. The book gave me a glimpse, and while my imagination filled in some gaps, I still would have loved to see the author’s take on how their story unfolds.
I adored that Ivy was plus-sized. While she had moments of insecurity, they didn’t take over the story. She was refreshing, and her mix of strength and vulnerability made her so relatable.
There were a few awkward moments with her ex and his new girlfriend that felt a bit immature—not due to the author’s writing but because we've all encountered personalities like theirs. It added a touch of realism!
The relationship between the main characters was truly sweet and wholesome, but I found myself wanting just a bit more banter, a bit more spark, and a bit more passion in their intimate moments. I felt like the chemistry was there and just needed a small nudge. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Lyla Andrews' future books—this was a lovely read.
I adored that Ivy was plus-sized. While she had moments of insecurity, they didn’t take over the story. She was refreshing, and her mix of strength and vulnerability made her so relatable.
There were a few awkward moments with her ex and his new girlfriend that felt a bit immature—not due to the author’s writing but because we've all encountered personalities like theirs. It added a touch of realism!
The relationship between the main characters was truly sweet and wholesome, but I found myself wanting just a bit more banter, a bit more spark, and a bit more passion in their intimate moments. I felt like the chemistry was there and just needed a small nudge. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Lyla Andrews' future books—this was a lovely read.
February 7, 2023
Recent Breakup + Older Man = MMMMMMM
Ivy has just been dumped and returning to her gym to start her workouts again. This time around, the older, sexy gym owner has taken notice and wants her. As they begin to spend time together , the ex boyfriend shows up......with his new girlfriend. This story moved quickly and was quite steamy. Heartbreak can oftentimes be a great catalyst for a new beginning, even if it's not what is expected. The heroine was relatable in that she struggled with confidence but realized her own value was more than what her body looked like.
Ivy has just been dumped and returning to her gym to start her workouts again. This time around, the older, sexy gym owner has taken notice and wants her. As they begin to spend time together , the ex boyfriend shows up......with his new girlfriend. This story moved quickly and was quite steamy. Heartbreak can oftentimes be a great catalyst for a new beginning, even if it's not what is expected. The heroine was relatable in that she struggled with confidence but realized her own value was more than what her body looked like.
March 4, 2023
Short steamy read
This was a short steamy age gap read. It was a nice palate cleanser! I was in a reading slump and needed something quick and easy to read. This was a great age gap about ivy whose 25 and just got out if a not so good relationship and James who is a 40 something gym owner. At first they hang out when they are trying to make her ex jealous since he decided to bring his new girlfriend the girl he cheated with to the gym they both used. That turned into 1 night which turned into more. Overall it was a good read!
This was a short steamy age gap read. It was a nice palate cleanser! I was in a reading slump and needed something quick and easy to read. This was a great age gap about ivy whose 25 and just got out if a not so good relationship and James who is a 40 something gym owner. At first they hang out when they are trying to make her ex jealous since he decided to bring his new girlfriend the girl he cheated with to the gym they both used. That turned into 1 night which turned into more. Overall it was a good read!
April 18, 2023
This was good! Love the scene in the gym. Holy crap!
My only real complaint would be that I kind of didn't like the ending. It's good and fine, don't get me wrong. It just didn't feel like an ending to me. You know? Like there should've been an extra chapter or an epilogue after it or something. Just a little bit more to make it feel really complete.
But other than that, and a few grammatical and typing errors, I had a good time here. A good short read.
My only real complaint would be that I kind of didn't like the ending. It's good and fine, don't get me wrong. It just didn't feel like an ending to me. You know? Like there should've been an extra chapter or an epilogue after it or something. Just a little bit more to make it feel really complete.
But other than that, and a few grammatical and typing errors, I had a good time here. A good short read.
June 1, 2023
Quick Read
This is a short, age gap story. James owns the gym that Ivy and her boyfriend have been members of for awhile. She catches him cheating, they break up, and she makes her way back to the gym a bit later. James sees her and they have a brief greeting. Cue the ex walking in one night with his new girl, the cheater one, and things start changing. James and Ivy hook up a bit and that’s where this story goes. It’s a cute, quick read.
This is a short, age gap story. James owns the gym that Ivy and her boyfriend have been members of for awhile. She catches him cheating, they break up, and she makes her way back to the gym a bit later. James sees her and they have a brief greeting. Cue the ex walking in one night with his new girl, the cheater one, and things start changing. James and Ivy hook up a bit and that’s where this story goes. It’s a cute, quick read.
January 12, 2023
A few things
The name James. I don't know why but I just didn't like it very much for the character.
The reoccurring phrase “a real man” from the H is just not what I imagine the author wanted it to sound like lol
Apart from the summarizing in the beginning that made the story a bit slow, it kept me reading till the end.
Overall, this was okay and I enjoyed it.
The name James. I don't know why but I just didn't like it very much for the character.
The reoccurring phrase “a real man” from the H is just not what I imagine the author wanted it to sound like lol
Apart from the summarizing in the beginning that made the story a bit slow, it kept me reading till the end.
Overall, this was okay and I enjoyed it.
February 20, 2023
I received a copy for an honest review.
This was a short, sweet, and steamy novella. While it slow rolled the steam factor, because it's a novella you still ramp up pretty quick. Ivy and James were great together. And the way he steps up to get under her exes skin was pretty great. I wouldn't mind a few more novellas with Ivy and James!
This was a short, sweet, and steamy novella. While it slow rolled the steam factor, because it's a novella you still ramp up pretty quick. Ivy and James were great together. And the way he steps up to get under her exes skin was pretty great. I wouldn't mind a few more novellas with Ivy and James!
June 1, 2023
fun short read!!
Short Little read that involves the main character Ivy, who had just recently been broken up with trying to find her confidence back in the gym that she used to go with her ex-boyfriend to. She catches the eye of the owner, James, who is much older than her. This age gap, quick spicy romance was cute!
Short Little read that involves the main character Ivy, who had just recently been broken up with trying to find her confidence back in the gym that she used to go with her ex-boyfriend to. She catches the eye of the owner, James, who is much older than her. This age gap, quick spicy romance was cute!
May 6, 2024
2.5 stars
This novella has potential. I would have rated it higher but I felt like it just ended abruptly/quickly. I love an age gap especially if it's with a curvy woman as the FMC and this fits that description.
I would be interested in reading a full length book with these characters in it.
I will look at the author's other titles and try them out.
This novella has potential. I would have rated it higher but I felt like it just ended abruptly/quickly. I love an age gap especially if it's with a curvy woman as the FMC and this fits that description.
I would be interested in reading a full length book with these characters in it.
I will look at the author's other titles and try them out.
November 4, 2024
Perky
Active takes place at a gym with the owner and a younger woman who was ill treated by her previous boyfriend. The gym owner shows this woman more through his experience than her previous lazy boyfriend ever did. For a short novel it is well written, if a bit stiff in style at times. The editing was spot on.
Active takes place at a gym with the owner and a younger woman who was ill treated by her previous boyfriend. The gym owner shows this woman more through his experience than her previous lazy boyfriend ever did. For a short novel it is well written, if a bit stiff in style at times. The editing was spot on.
December 12, 2024
If you love age gap this one is for you. I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the characters. There was lots of s*x. But behind all that was a really good storyline. It was a quick read, I think it could've been extended more but the author got everything you'd want in there. Loved the ending! Worth a quick read!!
February 15, 2023
Gym date???
I absolutely loved watching Ivy learn that her body is not a deficit. James shows her that she's deserving of affection and attention without the backhanded abuse of her ex. It was encouraging, uplifting and spicy.
I absolutely loved watching Ivy learn that her body is not a deficit. James shows her that she's deserving of affection and attention without the backhanded abuse of her ex. It was encouraging, uplifting and spicy.
March 28, 2023
Spicy AF
Now this was spicy AF! Whew.
The book, despite the short length, manages to weave an interesting plot, good characters and spicy, spicy, spicy content without making it feel rushed.
Whew.
Now this was spicy AF! Whew.
The book, despite the short length, manages to weave an interesting plot, good characters and spicy, spicy, spicy content without making it feel rushed.
Whew.
May 15, 2023
Really enjoyable
This is definitely different to what I typically read. I loved that it was centred around the gym and it's hot older owner. A really quick and enjoyable read with the perfect amount of steaminess. Loved him!
This is definitely different to what I typically read. I loved that it was centred around the gym and it's hot older owner. A really quick and enjoyable read with the perfect amount of steaminess. Loved him!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews