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Work Out #3
Core Training
Hugh Douglas isn’t thrilled about reaching his fortieth birthday. But he gets an unexpected present when a waiter he knows, Max Pierce, flirts hard with him at the gym. They end up going home together and having the hottest sex Hugh can remember… and Max even wants to stick around afterward. Starting a romance won’t be easy. Hugh can't help but feel his age compared to the much younger Max, even though Max makes Hugh feel rejuvenated. Max is dealing with daily doses of abuse from his alcoholic father, but Hugh can offer support from his own life experience. If they can help each other, it just might be enough to make a life together work.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2010
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215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 27, 2010
3.5 stars
This is book three in the Gym Series and is a nice addition to the series. Hugh is not too happy to be celebrating another birthday but things begin to look up when sexy, and much younger, Max comes into his life. They hit it off and soon Hugh, a die-hard one-night stand man, finds himself contemplating a relationship. It won't be an easy thing to work through his own commitment phobias as well as Max's family issues but when their hearts get involved they'll find the strength to work together towards a happy future.
I've read and enjoyed the first two stories in this series, Spot Me and Pump Me Up. Andrew Grey's stories typically feature likable men who despite a tendency to quickly fall in love are always interesting to read about. This book is no exception. Hugh and Max are well drawn protagonists and despite the insta-love feel of the story I enjoyed their romance. I would have liked a slower pace in their relationship but despite that small issue their story was fun and sexy as well as a bit emotional.
The subplot of Max's family life with his alcoholic father was very sad but since Hugh had a bit of personal experience in that area he's able to help Max start to deal with it for the first time in his life. I felt it was a good point that the issue of Max's father wasn't miraculously fixed in the story. Instead it's portrayed more life like as Max, with Hugh's help and encouragement, begins to realize that he isn't responsible for and can't fix his father if he doesn't want to be helped.
Another part of the story I enjoyed were the scenes in the gym where we get to visit with Dan and Lonnie from the previous books. Lonnie brings a lot of humor to the book with his one-liners just as he's done in the previous ones.
Overall this was an entertaining story with likable characters. The relationship does progress very quickly and has a HFN ending which felt more realistic than a full blown HEA ending would have been. Fans of the author are sure to enjoy this installment in his Gym Series. The story can be read as a stand alone but all three are nice quick reads. Recommended.
This is book three in the Gym Series and is a nice addition to the series. Hugh is not too happy to be celebrating another birthday but things begin to look up when sexy, and much younger, Max comes into his life. They hit it off and soon Hugh, a die-hard one-night stand man, finds himself contemplating a relationship. It won't be an easy thing to work through his own commitment phobias as well as Max's family issues but when their hearts get involved they'll find the strength to work together towards a happy future.
I've read and enjoyed the first two stories in this series, Spot Me and Pump Me Up. Andrew Grey's stories typically feature likable men who despite a tendency to quickly fall in love are always interesting to read about. This book is no exception. Hugh and Max are well drawn protagonists and despite the insta-love feel of the story I enjoyed their romance. I would have liked a slower pace in their relationship but despite that small issue their story was fun and sexy as well as a bit emotional.
The subplot of Max's family life with his alcoholic father was very sad but since Hugh had a bit of personal experience in that area he's able to help Max start to deal with it for the first time in his life. I felt it was a good point that the issue of Max's father wasn't miraculously fixed in the story. Instead it's portrayed more life like as Max, with Hugh's help and encouragement, begins to realize that he isn't responsible for and can't fix his father if he doesn't want to be helped.
Another part of the story I enjoyed were the scenes in the gym where we get to visit with Dan and Lonnie from the previous books. Lonnie brings a lot of humor to the book with his one-liners just as he's done in the previous ones.
Overall this was an entertaining story with likable characters. The relationship does progress very quickly and has a HFN ending which felt more realistic than a full blown HEA ending would have been. Fans of the author are sure to enjoy this installment in his Gym Series. The story can be read as a stand alone but all three are nice quick reads. Recommended.
November 2, 2010
Core Training was an endearingly sweet tale of love, strength of character and the insignificance of age when faced with important things like common interests, chemistry and friendship.
Hugh Douglas is a 44 year-old financial consultant who has never had a real relationship in his life. He spends his days in his office and his evenings at the gym with his friends. Max Pierce is 26 years-old, a waiter at a local restaurant, and is still living with his alcoholic father.
Max and Hugh meet when Max visits the gym where Hugh works out and things quickly become sexual between them. However, the sexual intimacy they share is not the sole foundation of their relationship, or rather it may have been at first, but they rapidly discover that they genuinely enjoy spending time with one another.
When Hugh is dropping Max off at his house, after their first real date, Max's alcoholic father comes out and scornfully barrages Max with insults regarding his sexuality. The two men promptly leave his falling down drunk father on the curb in front of the house and head to Hugh's house; where they both divulge the stories of their pasts and Max confides in Hugh that he stays with his father, because feels that he needs to and that he is all his father has.
By the end of this novella, Max comes to accept the old adage that you can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped. He stands up to his abusive father and beings to understand that he has to live his life for himself and not continue to watch over and take care of a man who lives his at the bottom of a bottle.
This was a nice addition to the Gym Series and a few of the characters from the previous books make an appearance in this one as well. Lonnie, of course, continues with his off-color humor, which I have to admit, I love. Really, how can you not love a man that teasingly refers to his friends has “Captain Cock” and “Dances with Dick?” I'm looking forward to seeing what Andrew will come up with in the next one.
Hugh Douglas is a 44 year-old financial consultant who has never had a real relationship in his life. He spends his days in his office and his evenings at the gym with his friends. Max Pierce is 26 years-old, a waiter at a local restaurant, and is still living with his alcoholic father.
Max and Hugh meet when Max visits the gym where Hugh works out and things quickly become sexual between them. However, the sexual intimacy they share is not the sole foundation of their relationship, or rather it may have been at first, but they rapidly discover that they genuinely enjoy spending time with one another.
When Hugh is dropping Max off at his house, after their first real date, Max's alcoholic father comes out and scornfully barrages Max with insults regarding his sexuality. The two men promptly leave his falling down drunk father on the curb in front of the house and head to Hugh's house; where they both divulge the stories of their pasts and Max confides in Hugh that he stays with his father, because feels that he needs to and that he is all his father has.
By the end of this novella, Max comes to accept the old adage that you can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped. He stands up to his abusive father and beings to understand that he has to live his life for himself and not continue to watch over and take care of a man who lives his at the bottom of a bottle.
This was a nice addition to the Gym Series and a few of the characters from the previous books make an appearance in this one as well. Lonnie, of course, continues with his off-color humor, which I have to admit, I love. Really, how can you not love a man that teasingly refers to his friends has “Captain Cock” and “Dances with Dick?” I'm looking forward to seeing what Andrew will come up with in the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2010
This is a great addition to the series. With another set of very 'real' characters, flaws and everything, they were both very much alive in my imagination as I followed their story.
What I really liked was the love and caring between Hugh and Max. Even in the very beginning, when they were both still hesitant about getting more involved. Hugh has never had a real relationship and thinks he's too old for Max. Max is desperate to find someone to love, but has to deal wth his alcoholic father as well. They quickly grow closer than either of them is comfortable with at first, but the physical attraction is strong enough for them to hang on.
A very warm, very uplifting read.
What I really liked was the love and caring between Hugh and Max. Even in the very beginning, when they were both still hesitant about getting more involved. Hugh has never had a real relationship and thinks he's too old for Max. Max is desperate to find someone to love, but has to deal wth his alcoholic father as well. They quickly grow closer than either of them is comfortable with at first, but the physical attraction is strong enough for them to hang on.
A very warm, very uplifting read.
June 8, 2015
Another great one in the Work Out series.....Max and Hugh had their problems....Hugh thinking he was too old for Max and Max with his alcholic dad......Hugh tried to understand what Max saw in him but I thought they were great together......Andrew didn't move them along too quick and I really think they complemented each other x
September 13, 2011
Very sweet book, just like the previous two.
I love age-gap stories and here it was done very beautifully. Hugh's mixed feelings and Max's family troubles didn't stop them on their way to happiness. Touching story :)
I love age-gap stories and here it was done very beautifully. Hugh's mixed feelings and Max's family troubles didn't stop them on their way to happiness. Touching story :)
June 17, 2018
I like how Hugh does give Max space and to let thing develop in their own time. He doesn't rush in to living together because Max needs help. Yet he is there when Max needs him. I know that talking to others who have dealt with the a parent alcoholism can be so helpful so I could really understand their shared connection.
November 10, 2010
Definitely should not have read all 3 books back to back. I just didn’t care too much by the end of the 3rd book. Max and Hugh were fine as the basis for characters, but it was just the same as the previous 2 books. The only real change up is that Max has a problem with his father. Other than that, age difference, insecurity of aging, new guy trying out the gym, Lonnie being an ass and everything happening so quickly. Also, the “what did you do to me?” line spoken with wonder that was in the last 2 books as well.
All of the feelings talked about in all 3 books are valid … just harped on within the series. There has to be more personality at this gym than what we’ve seen so far. Maybe keep one aspect and carry it through, but not all.
It seems the series is mainly based on a set of men over the age of 35 and how they find love. That’s great since I don’t think they get enough page time in M/M books. But they can’t all hook up with young studs, or be so emotionally insecure, and can we please shut Lonnie up? I feel bad for his fiance having to deal with it and wouldn’t be surprised if Lonnie ends up being less straight then he claims to be. I would be disappointed, though, since the major trend in M/M books is to make the “straight” guy a closet case.
I really should not have read these 3 books back to back. They were a recommendation so I wanted to try them. The individual story was written well, but taken as a series, I just didn’t like it and zoned out and had to re-read parts.
All of the feelings talked about in all 3 books are valid … just harped on within the series. There has to be more personality at this gym than what we’ve seen so far. Maybe keep one aspect and carry it through, but not all.
It seems the series is mainly based on a set of men over the age of 35 and how they find love. That’s great since I don’t think they get enough page time in M/M books. But they can’t all hook up with young studs, or be so emotionally insecure, and can we please shut Lonnie up? I feel bad for his fiance having to deal with it and wouldn’t be surprised if Lonnie ends up being less straight then he claims to be. I would be disappointed, though, since the major trend in M/M books is to make the “straight” guy a closet case.
I really should not have read these 3 books back to back. They were a recommendation so I wanted to try them. The individual story was written well, but taken as a series, I just didn’t like it and zoned out and had to re-read parts.
Read
August 30, 2011Very sweet and romantic novella that makes me regrets to not have starting reading this series sooner. Hugh is 44 years old and starting to realize he is heading towards a lonely old age since he has never once tried his hand to a relationship, and he thinks he is too old to start now. Max is 26 years old and with a penchant for silver foxes; he probably doesn’t realize it but he lacked a fatherly figure in his life and since he likes to be cuddled and cherished, he tends to prefer older men since they are more attentive.
First of all what I like is that, yes, Hugh thinks to be too old for Max, but it’s not that he doesn’t know he is still an attractive man; Hugh has no problem to date, it’s only that he would like to move to a more serious dating and possible with an exclusive relationship. Max on the other hand has plenty of opportunity to casual date, he is young and pretty, and he likes sex, but he is lacking stability, and for that reason he is attracted by Hugh. Sure the sex is good, even fantastic, but what cements their budding relationship is the kindness Hugh displays with Max.
Both Hugh than Max are very interesting characters, both have they flaws, but the goods are more and they click together in the right way: the fears of one are the point of strength of the other, and I foresee for them an happily and lasting ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00486U4P8/?...
First of all what I like is that, yes, Hugh thinks to be too old for Max, but it’s not that he doesn’t know he is still an attractive man; Hugh has no problem to date, it’s only that he would like to move to a more serious dating and possible with an exclusive relationship. Max on the other hand has plenty of opportunity to casual date, he is young and pretty, and he likes sex, but he is lacking stability, and for that reason he is attracted by Hugh. Sure the sex is good, even fantastic, but what cements their budding relationship is the kindness Hugh displays with Max.
Both Hugh than Max are very interesting characters, both have they flaws, but the goods are more and they click together in the right way: the fears of one are the point of strength of the other, and I foresee for them an happily and lasting ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00486U4P8/?...
December 18, 2012
In this book, Hugh just turned 40 and is starting to feel old and alone. At the gym, he is flattered when young Max hits on him and invites him back to his place. I read all the books in the series before I reviewed, so this review will be a bit different than it would be had I reviewed it immediately after reading it. The problem with this series is that it became quite formulaic. I would have liked this story more if it was standalone and not so similar to the other books in this series.
1) Age difference - Hugh is much older than Max
2) One of the MCs, in this case the Hugh, was incredibly insecure and kept questioning what the other MC saw in him.
3) One of the MCs is afraid to commit because he's been hurt in the past. In this case,
In this book, the change-up is that Max is living with his drunk father, the rest was pretty much the same book.
1) Age difference - Hugh is much older than Max
2) One of the MCs, in this case the Hugh, was incredibly insecure and kept questioning what the other MC saw in him.
3) One of the MCs is afraid to commit because he's been hurt in the past. In this case,
In this book, the change-up is that Max is living with his drunk father, the rest was pretty much the same book.
January 25, 2011
Hugh is feeling depressed. It's his 44th birthday, he's single and hating getting old. However sexy little Max comes onto him at the gym and they end up in bed. Hugh is a one-night-stand-only kind of guy but that just makes him more depressed, however he can't figure out why a hot young thing like Max would be interested in an old fogy like him. Max does his best to convince him, but he's also dealing with an alcoholic father who blames his drinking on the fact that Max is gay. This is set in the world of the gym of Spot Me and Pump Me Up and you get to see Dan and Lonnie. Lonnie kills me, he is so rude and crude and funny. This smacks pretty close to insta-love as well. They only date twice and both are declaring their nearly-love. I think it would have been better if they had more time to get to know each other and work through the age-difference thing. But still, it fit with the rest in the series.
August 2, 2016
2014 Re-read:
Short-ish and sweet-ish. While I was reading this I had my doubts that the foundation of this relationship was healthy, but in the end it probably does not matter. They seem a good fit, strangely enough.
I just wish this was an author I could rely on to not break them up eventually.
Not that I’ve seen this before, but there was that one book where one partner dies after twenty-plus years together and the remaining dude gets another book with a new one. *shivers* That’s good, of course, but it makes me never, ever want to read the first book. I kind of like to delude myself that a couple I get invested in will stay together forever and never die. >_>;
I am such a wuss.
Short-ish and sweet-ish. While I was reading this I had my doubts that the foundation of this relationship was healthy, but in the end it probably does not matter. They seem a good fit, strangely enough.
I just wish this was an author I could rely on to not break them up eventually.
Not that I’ve seen this before, but there was that one book where one partner dies after twenty-plus years together and the remaining dude gets another book with a new one. *shivers* That’s good, of course, but it makes me never, ever want to read the first book. I kind of like to delude myself that a couple I get invested in will stay together forever and never die. >_>;
I am such a wuss.
August 13, 2011
Lots of sex (m/m). I should have expected that since the other books in this series are about guys who work out/meet at a gym and go have sex, fall in love, have more sex, fight with homophobic parents/others, have more sex, can't believe their luck in finding each other, have more sex. I wish GR had 1/2 stars. This would have been 3 1/2, but since it's closer to 4 than 3 I gave it a 4. Recommended for m/m fans and Andrew Grey fans.
December 26, 2010
Hugh is feeling pretty bad on his birthay. Heading to the gym, he is unaware that he is going to take home a little present. Max is using a guest pass and makes and offer that Hugh can't refuse. Hugh realizes that he cares for Max especially after seening what Max lives through at home. This is a sweet story that I am sure you will enjoy! Happy Reading!
January 2, 2016
This is a fun series of novellas. Filled with different and unique personalities and stories.
The books can be read as stand-alone but they all take place around the same gym and other characters (mostly Dan and Lonnie from the first book) show up in the other stories but are not integral to the story line.
The books can be read as stand-alone but they all take place around the same gym and other characters (mostly Dan and Lonnie from the first book) show up in the other stories but are not integral to the story line.
September 6, 2015
Cute story that was over too soon. I can hope that there will be a follow up so we can see what is happening with them. I enjoyed it but the characters didn't speak to me much. I think it was due to length. Still good story overall.
October 5, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, some of them returning. Because of the short length of the book, the last third of the action is too rushed for me. It should take more time to resolve more less quickly. A great addition to the others in the series.
5 stars
5 stars
November 3, 2010
3,5 stars
November 7, 2010
Very touching story. I love how the characters overcome their fears to find love. I love this series. I cannot wait for the next one.
November 15, 2010
Another short, fun read from Andrew's Gym series. I enjoyed this one as I enjoyed the others.
January 10, 2011
i was sad it was so short because I was really enjoying it.
February 15, 2011
Super short novella, cute and sweet but probably totally forgettable. I like much more developed stories.
September 7, 2011
3.5 Ravens. The sex is scorching hot, and there is plenty of it. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
March 18, 2012
3.5 Stars
Normally I hate HUGE age gaps (nearly 20 years in this case)
but somehow the author convinced me that it fitted this couple.
Normally I hate HUGE age gaps (nearly 20 years in this case)
but somehow the author convinced me that it fitted this couple.
April 3, 2013
A light-hearted quick read which is just exactly perfect for me right now. Nothing angsty or over the top, just a sweet romance between a young waiter and an older man he meets at the gym.
May 31, 2013
A bit short but still brilliant
February 21, 2014
3.5 stars
June 20, 2016
One less star for the abrupt ending, but I liked this. It is my first of this series (My library doesn't have the first 2.) I liked Hugh and Max.
September 11, 2016
So far my favorite of the series!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews