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Gaining Maisy

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No stranger to the wild world of domination, Carter can spot a woman with a deep need for total submission from a mile a way. And the beautiful, but broken Maisy is just begging for it.After joining a gym, a steamy night with Maisy's personal trainer leads to more heartbreak when he tells her they can never be an item. He uses the gym's policy as an excuse, but Maisy knows the truth: she's just not desirable.Carter thinks he's protecting Maisy, but really, he's protecting himself. His feelings seemingly come out of nowhere and he doesn't know how to handle them. So he does what he does best: he runs. This way, he's safe.But she isn't.When Maisy's abusive ex comes back into her life, she finally finds the inner strength to get rid of him for good. Only one problem: she'll need Carter's help to pull it off. Turning to him might hurt her pride...or reignite the passion between them. But the real question is whether their relationship will survive when her ex refuses to take no for an answer. Fans of I FEEL PRETTY and SHALLOW HAL will not be able to put down this suspenseful steamy romance

Published April 18, 2017

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Summer Graystone

19 books113 followers

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5 stars
50 (35%)
4 stars
48 (34%)
3 stars
27 (19%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
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7 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
5,814 reviews176 followers
April 18, 2017
THAT WAS YESTERDAY, AND THIS IS TODAY

I enjoyed this second chance romance that is full of emotions. For Maisy Dennis, she isn’t just starting over from the bad breakup; she is moving forward, clear to a new town and new lease on life. The story has a BBW, Maisy, who gains so much by losing her verbally abusive live-in boyfriend, Eric. Moving from Chicago to Ashborne comes with new friends in a small town setting, and gaining the confidence and attitude to lose weight and tone her body, not for anyone else but herself.

The plot will have Maisy needing to make changes in her life. After writing a best-selling cookbook, her live-in boyfriend becomes distant, verbally abusive, and then kicks her out. She will leave her chef job in Chicago, her best friend, Brittany, and move to a small town to start over. Maisy’s self-confidence is at an all-time low, and it takes great courage to join a gym and hire a personal trainer that is sexy. Carter and Maisy will develop a great workout routine, even if she considers him sadistic, but what happens when they turn things personal and start a physical relationship at the gym? “The way he held her hands, the way his lips gave her just enough for her to want him all the more. That was when Maisy realized he was in total control of this kiss, of her, and even more, she realized she loved the feeling of having no control.” What will happen when Maisy is open and honest with Carter about her feelings for him?

The story will take the reader on a journey of moving forward from the pain of a verbally abusive partner and a breakup to deciding to take control of her life. Maisy will join a gym and put in grueling hours of sweat equity to lose weight, tone her body, and feel good about herself. Stepping out on the limb and admitting her feelings will leave her heartbroken, but she shows her fortitude by not giving up on herself. Sometimes, you don’t know what you really have until you lose it. Several people will learn that lesson the hard way, but maybe two people can make amends and find their happily ever after ending.
Profile Image for Juliette Banks.
Author 6 books14 followers
April 13, 2017
Maisy was in an abusive relationship with Eric, who did not hurt her physically, but crushed her soul, each time he made sarcastic and mean criticisms of her – and particularly about her weight, which was a little more than she wanted it to be. As any young woman with a slightly fragile ego will know, it doesn’t take many barbed comments from a mean friend to penetrate the ego and reduce it to a pile of dust.

Thankfully Maisy rises above his cruelty. She has already published a successful cookery book (which Eric disparaged, because of his jealousy of her success), and plucks up the courage to start a whole new life, away from the big city and in a much smaller place, where she hopes people will be friendly to her.

She joins a gym, which is where she meets the very sexy and charming Carter. He was everything that Eric was not. He did not make cruel comments about her weight, but encouraged and cajoled her in her fitness aim. However, he wasn’t above smacking Maisy’s bottom, though, when he thought she was under-performing. Maisy falls head over heels in love with Carter, but would he feel the same?

The author has written a very sweet romance, with likeable characters, and added a little spice into the mix. I found myself rooting for Maisy to achieve her aims, and cheering her on as her self-confidence begins to improve. I enjoyed the story, so if you are looking for a sweet, romantic story, with a little spanking for good measure, then I’m sure that this book will fill that need.
Profile Image for Lilah.
Author 16 books257 followers
April 20, 2017
It's the first story I've read by this author and I was very pleased with it. Her writing style is refreshing, her characters are realistic and very relatable (especially Maisy), the story has a conflict and angst without turning into melodrama. The sex scenes and erotic tension are out of this world, prepare to be fanning yourself a lot during Maisy's workout. Carter, her dreamy gym dom, with a sculpted body and wicked, imaginative mind, sure puts her through her paces and brings the spice our girl has been missing in her life.
A lot of women will relate to Maisy and her struggle with self-esteem, and will, hopefully, find some inspiration in her character. She goes through a great deal of change after her painful break-up, developing from an insecure, scared woman, ashamed of her weight into a confident lady fully comfortable and proud of both her body and sexuality. I'm also sure that plenty of women (me included) would love their own personal gym Dom like Carter. He was the ideal man to bring both Maisy's inner submissive to the surface as well as help her overcome her doubts and find a healthier way of viewing herself. The fact that he is smoking hot and master of teasing didn't hurt as well. He had some issues and flaws but in general, I really enjoyed his character. Their romance was very believable and sweet, the emotions felt genuine.
If you are looking for a sweet love story with a side of kink and spanking, Gaining Maisy is right for you. I look forward to read more of Ms. Graystone's work.
Profile Image for Megan Harrington.
396 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2017
Trying to get over a bad breakup, Maisy moves from the city. After being verbally abused her self confidence is low. After her move she decided that she wants to be healthier, so she visits the local gym. That when she meet her personal trainer, and owner of the gym, Carter. I absolutely love this book. The characters are so relatable.
I highly recommended.
Profile Image for JoAnna G.
677 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2017
I have never read this author before, so I thought I would give it a go. Let me say that I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and done with a good pace. It feels raw and real, with a great plot. I loved Maisy. She, to me, felt real. Her struggles were real. It’s what woman fell and think. At least I know I do.

Maisy has just left a bad relationship, where she was teased and made fun of about her weight by her then boyfriend. She has confidence issues but is determined to start over and live her life for her and enjoy it. She joins a gym and wants to reach her goal weight. She does it for the best reason, for her.

Carter comes in and is her personal trainer. He is strong and he makes her feel special. Oh, my gosh does he ever. He gives a new meaning to a personal trainer. He is hunky and sexy and a bit bossy. No, he isn’t he is way bossy. Dom like bossy and I loved every second of him.

The relationship between Carter and Maisy is a sweet relationship. They have sparks flying left and right. It is fun, flirty, sexy and at times combustible. He is everything that she needs. The author did an amazing job with the emotions in this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Doris.
322 reviews187 followers
April 23, 2017
An enjoyable read about a woman who is trying to find herself again after a messy break up. Maisey was a very likeable heroine, who any woman, who ever struggled with her weight could relate to.
To help her get over her ex, Maisy moves town and decides to join a gym.
Enter Carter, the hot as hades, gym instructor, who pushes Maisy past all her boundaries, and then some.

I liked Carter, a lot. I can't say I ever fell in love with him, and some of his actions made me raise my eyebrows a bit. Only in so far, as if he had been my personal trainer, I'd have thumped him for acting inappropriately.

Putting that to one side, he did grow on me. Seeing Maisy blossom under his care was great.

What I really loved, however, was Maisy's reaction to Carter doing the inevitable, must not commit move, blokes like to do. No spoilers, but it showed how far she had come in herself, and I was cheering her on.

Of course we have our HEA with Maisy and Carter, and he does redeem himself in the end.

All in all a great read!
Profile Image for Evita.
610 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2017
This is my first story by this author, and I certainly enjoyed it, will be looking into her backlist.

Maisy, is coming out of a bad relationship, it was so bad that it damaged her self-esteem. She signs up at a gym to get in shape and to gain some self-confidence. Her trainer, Carter, is very much a hottie, but they both keep it professional…for a while. As they work the routines, they realize as he is strict with keeping her in line, she likes his discipline.

I felt very connected with the storytelling, Maisy is a very strong woman, who has stepped above and beyond what her ex-boyfriend thought she could do. With Carter she finds that she can let go of her inhibitions and gift him with her submission. The story takes you through the ups and downs of a relationship but in the end sometimes you lose and sometimes what you gain is very unexpected. I highly recommend this story.
Profile Image for AKA.
559 reviews1 follower
Read
September 2, 2017
DNF... I anticipated some tomfoolery, skipped to the end and I was right. Maisy should have made Carter work harder.
1,448 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2017
Really good writing, which is a perk - but fantastic storytelling, too. The character of Maisy is so well done. Ms. Graystone really does a great job portraying Maisy’s push and pull emotions over her weight and joining a gym. Her character is relevant and credible. And Carter well… I would love to find a personal trainer just like him. There is something for everyone in this story; humor, drama, romance, and heat, lots and lots of heat. Don’t miss this one.
2,792 reviews36 followers
July 7, 2018
Gaining Maisy (A BBW Romance) by Summer Graystone Gaining Maisy (A BBW Romance) By: Summer Graystone
Super Se*y Treat!
Getting over a verbally abusive@$$H[]L€ is HARD work, especially when he's attacked your career, your looks, your self-esteem, & the Core essence of yourself...
Verbal punches are almost worse than physical ones, because it's harder to turn off the voices screaming inside your head long after the abuser's left...
After years of using food to escape her unhappiness & moving to a new town, she decides she needs remake her body...
What she's NOT expecting is the HOT, Se*y, Bodybuilding STUD who owns the gym to be her HANDS-ON, Dominating fitness coach...
But she can't argue that her body's liking his coaching style... NOW, if ONLY her pesky HEART would stay outta the mix!
I already owned Summer Graystone's "Gaining Maisy (A BBW Romance)," but I'm reviewing it as an ARC via Booksprout, & I'm gladly recommending this book based upon its own merits. I enjoyed this book as this short story is on par, & I'll look forward to more opportunities to read Summer's work in the future. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Sandra Hould.
127 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
I had an incredible time reading this book. I felt so at home within Maisy's skin, it was a real treat to read. I was not able to put down this book once I started to read it. Summer Graystone has a style that I truly fell in love with. The story was incredibly believable and the characters were relatable. It was incredible to read and I can't wait to read another book by Summer Graystone. If you do not like anything that is related to bondage, then I suggest you do not take this book. The subject is not present too much, but just enough to give some ideas. So if you do suffer from triggers due to this subject, do not take this book. If not, if you are like me and do like the subject in writing, then have all the fun in the world.
1,513 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2017
Inexperience shows

I liked the premise of this book, it reminded me of another book I read a while back that I enjoyed. Unfortunately the similarity ended at the premise. The author's inexperience shows in all of the details. There's no understanding of the details involved in buying a house; the kind of workout routine a larger, deconditioned person would be put through; how a Dom would really behave; even the statement that in Chicago people buy everything at the mall instead of at smaller speciality shops shouts inexperience.
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
865 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2018
A Real Confidence Boost

This book is about Maisy. She is a pastry chef in Chicago. Who lives with her boyfriend Eric. Until he starts verbally abusing her. As well as making her feel bad about her weight. After she leaves she moves to a smaller town where she joins a gym to help her feel better about herself. Where she meets Carter the owner. He becomes her personal trainer. And helps her to believe in herself. This book definitely has alot of steam in it. Nice to see a regular woman get the hot guy.
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
July 24, 2017
This was a different type of story from what I've read from Ms. Graystone- and I loved it just as much. She captured Maisy so perfectly- her insecurity and her fight to regain her spirit back after an abusive relationship. I also love how she writes about positive women's relationships so well. And of course the sexiness meter is through the roof between gym owner Carter and lovely chef Maisy. A sexy five star for this touching, angsty, yummy book.
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,539 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2017
The premise of the story was good, but the execution was lacking. I just didn't feel the chemistry between Maisy and Carter at all. Maybe if there was a little more detail of their interactions outside of the sexual stuff, but all we really get to see are some workouts and sex. Don't get me wrong I am all for the hot and sweaty sex but if you want me to believe that the characters actually love each other SHOW me don't just tell me that they do.
1,020 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2018
Maisy was in an mental abusive relationship. Eric Bailey's ex would make sarcastic and mean commits about her weight. Maisy decided to sign up for a gym membership to build up her self confidence and to get into better shape. Carter is more than willing to help Maisy out. I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and plot. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Alvarez.
715 reviews31 followers
March 29, 2019
Maisy and Carter

He’s has fitness goals to help her achieve. She’s trying to heal and move past years of emotional pain. They make a great pair til feelings get involved. This is an amazing tale of a strong woman who was beat down but didn’t give up. It’s very inspiring. Good stuff.
Profile Image for Carissa Janes.
1,495 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2017
This was a cute quick read, and I liked the story. Maisy let her ex get her down, but it all changed when she joined a gym to feel better about herself. She gets quite the workout...and life change.
Profile Image for Never Stop Reading or Dreaming.
875 reviews32 followers
April 27, 2018
2 1/2 stars

I was not a fan of the other woman who was n get mentioned again so it was quite pointless. Also the h was pretty weak. Plus, there were unanswered questions throughout the story. This just wasn’t for me
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,089 reviews150 followers
January 6, 2018
Losing Weight Romance, I Kinda Liked It, but it was one of those... Insta but Slow ones
Profile Image for Karen.
283 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
This has been on my TBR shelf for ages, I kept coming back to it and I'm glad I finally read it what a fun book love both characters and how they interacted. Would recommend to anyone.
Profile Image for Ann Brown.
1,907 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2018
Enjoyable read

Good storyline with likeable characters in Maisy and Carter who have great chemistry. Steamy with some spanking. I would recommend this.
Profile Image for Carol Kidd.
423 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2019
Yes

Oh my what a book. Love the steamy and hot sex scenes. Eric I would love to have punched him in the face a couple of times myself. Carter and Maisy was made for each other.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
1,357 reviews52 followers
March 11, 2019
This was a sexy, hot cute story. I would love to have a trainer like Carter. Love every bit of this story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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