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TYLER:

Never thought I’d tackle football again, much less love.

We used to be teammates until we lost touch. Now Mason’s a trainer with a sculpted body, and a plan too tempting to turn down: I’ll fix up his truck, and he’ll be my private personal trainer.

But his truck isn’t the only thing I want to get my hands on.

It figures we’d cross paths right before our high school reunion. When the old team organizes a reunion football game, I realize I’m not as comfortable with my body as I thought.

I’m not so fast or fit anymore, and I could shed a few pounds. Mason thinks I’m perfect, but this game is personal for me. I want to bring my best body to the field—and his bedroom. I’ll show him a real hard tackle.

The game is on, and I’m wide open for Mason.

MASON:

I see an opening for Tyler, and I’m not passing it up.

I went from quarterback to personal trainer, so I know a thing or two about good bodies. And Tyler? Well, his looks flawless to me. He’s worried a little extra weight will hold him back on the football field, so I’ve jumped at the chance to train him.

And if that means we’ll be alone in the locker room, then bring the heat.

Tyler isn’t just a feast for my eyes. He’s a kind man with an honest heart, and I want him to feel as good about his body as I do. We’ve got each other’s backs on the field, and in my bedroom.

But love tackles hard, and I’m playing for keeps.

This is the second book in the Worth the Weight series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect a steamy MM romance with two red-hot men and several scenes that will leave you gasping. Heat level: 10.

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First published January 14, 2019

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About the author

Jason Collins

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5 stars
160 (41%)
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74 (19%)
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27 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,504 reviews224 followers
January 14, 2019
I was beyond thrilled when I saw that Hard Tackle was set in Winchester, South Carolina just like the author's previous book. The way the author writes about this small town is so beautifully descriptive that I swear I can see, smell, taste and hear every bit of it. Not sure that the reality of small town South Carolina is quite as open and accepting as Winchester is, however in this book it works perfectly. Weight for Love, the book previous to this one is IMO one of his very best and this book comes a very very close second. With Hard Tackle Mr. Collins continues not only the high quality of his writing but also the wonderful complexity of the characters that populate Winchester. Hard Tackle is rather tightly focused on Tyler, Mason and their blossoming relationship which works wonderfully. Tyler and Mason are former high school football teammates who never knew each other all that well at the time who now get a chance to explore a relationship that might have been back then and see just what it could be given a chance. I loved the way this book focused so so much on these two with the supporting cast sprinkled in only as necessary. This approach really upped the intensity of the story and made it a "can't put down" read. I loved the whole trading of services (no, not THAT kinda service) where Tyler offered to restore Mason's beloved classic pickup to run like new and Mason offered to be Tyler's live in Personal Trainer in return. This situation not only was beneficial to both but also was perfect for them to take a shot at true happiness together. This was an upbeat, sexy, sweet and fun read that I loved!

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Jay.
240 reviews41 followers
dnf
January 19, 2019
DNF @ 19% (no rating) -- I'm not sure if all of this author's books are this way, but the writing style in this one didn't work for me. I couldn't tell the characters' voices apart easily, the dialogue felt unnatural and pedestrian, and the interior monologues were repetitive and contained way too many questions of the sort "What am I doing?" As a result, there was little to hook me into wanting to continue reading.

And worse, the characters often answered these should-have-been-rhetorical questions...
Profile Image for d..
54 reviews
Read
January 24, 2019
DNF @ 9% -- something about the author's writing style just does not work with me. bummer.
Profile Image for Melissa.
635 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2019
Worth the Wait

This book took me a while to get through because it started off slow. Eventually, the story picked up and I liked it. I’m excited to read the next book.
Profile Image for Mateo.
388 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2019
Too much sugar, really, really too much sugar.... too bad for my diabete.
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,617 reviews25 followers
February 5, 2019
“The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.” ~ Lewis Grizzard

“The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.” ~ Lewis Grizzard

Mark and Tyler, of ‘Hard Tackle’ by Jason Collins, are looking forward to their high school class reunion, especially since they are planning on having a friendly game of football. Both men played football in high school, in fact, Mark was the star quarterback.

Although Mark and Tyler have not been close since high school, they do see each other occasionally. The upcoming game gives them a chance to reconnect. Tyler is looking forward to the game, but is concerned about being so out of shape. He is a car mechanic and doesn’t get much exercise. When Mark’s pride and joy, his vintage truck, breaks down, he is told it can’t be “resurrected”. This news devastates Mark who has put so much blood, sweat, and tears into the vehicle. Tyler overhears the conversation and tells Mark he will take a look at it. He doesn’t want to encourage Mark too much because with a vehicle that old, the parts are sure to be difficult if not impossible to get. As far as payment goes, Tyler agrees to work on his truck if Mark, who is a personal trainer, will work with him for trade. Mark jumps at the idea of helping someone get in shape, especially since that person is Tyler.

Tyler is thinking of finding a place of his own and, since part of their agreement includes Tyler driving Mark to work, Mark offers to let Tyler live with him until he finds somewhere else. Secretly, Tyler is as thrilled as is Mark. Training is a killer, but is going well. Tyler is beginning to see the benefits of all his hard work. The sexual tension between them is palpable, but neither make a move for fear of the other feeling obligated. One night, while preparing dinner, Mark kisses Tyler right in the middle of his kitchen. Tyler is surprised, but elated and is wondering how far this will go. The session becomes quite heated ending up with Tyler, who is usually very shy, taking the lead by pleasuring Mark. When Mark asks to take his turn, Tyler gets nervous and makes an excuse to leave. Mark is confused but figures Tyler just wants to take it slow.

I like Mark and Tyler. They were definitely hot together, providing some very steamy sexual encounters. Although being healthy is stressed, I appreciated the emphasis on “positive body image” rather than outward appearance. Mark and Tyler’s story is more visceral than romantic. Thanks, Jason, for the sexy story with the even sexier men who are able to find happiness with each other.





Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,823 followers
January 15, 2019
‘If that truck was here, it meant he was here. Mason Glass, personal trainer from gym’

Handsome Southern born author Jason Collins now lives in New York and as he states ’I've started calling myself a &quote southern New Yorker quote.’ Jason has fifteen successful novels to his credit so far.

Jason takes a fresh look at ‘improbable romances’ and in doing so helps us to understand how love can conquer all! His characters are very well painted and interesting people, and the situations in which he elects to place them may be familiar (a man whose let his body go and a perfectly fit Adonis), but Jason’s manner of using that theme works very well indeed. In WEIGHT FOR LOVE Jason explored the physical fitness arena – finding the core of a relationship that is, yes, physical, but even more important, emotionally committed. Now with HARD TACKLE he pushes it further.

The synopsis provides a fine overview of the novel’s story by providing he stance of each of the two characters, Tyler and Mason: ‘Tyler - Never thought I’d tackle football again, much less love. We used to be teammates—until we lost touch. Now Mason’s a trainer with a sculpted body, and a plan too tempting to turn down: I fix up his truck, and he’ll be my private trainer. But his truck isn’t the only thing I want to get my hands on. It figures we’d cross paths right before our high school reunion. When the old team puts together a reunion football game, I realize I’m not as comfortable with my body as I thought. I’m not so nimble anymore, and I could shed a few pounds. Mason thinks I’m perfect, but this game is personal for me. I want to bring my best body to the field—and his bedroom. I’ll show him a real hard tackle. The pressure is on, and I’m wide open for Mason. Mason - I see an opening for Tyler, and I’m not passing it up. I graduated from school quarterback to personal trainer, so I know a thing or two about good bodies. And Tyler? Well, his looks flawless. He’s worried a little extra weight will hold him back on the football field, so I’ve jumped at the chance to train him. And if that means we’ll be alone in the locker room, then bring the heat. Tyler isn’t just a feast for my eyes. He’s a kind man with an honest heart, and I want him to feel as good about his body as I do. We’ve got each other’s backs on the team, and in my bed. But love tackles hard, and I’m playing for keeps.’

Well plotted at a fine pace, Jason’s new novel has zing! And he has provided a very clever title for this story! And his writing style is far more secure and sophisticated. He is well on the way to the top!
1,787 reviews26 followers
October 24, 2019
Touchdown!

I liked this book more than the first in the series--and I liked that one, too. The difference in this one is that even though neither Mason or Tyler let us know right away that they are gay, you suspect it strongly because in their POV chapters they basically are drooling over each other.

The premise of the story is a bit of pushing-the-envelope--these are early 30s former high school football teammates from the same class in the small town of Winchester, South Carolina, who live on the opposite sides of the town but have never really been friends, either in school or after that. Indeed, their only usual form of contact has generally come as one was leaving and the other was entering The Chisel, the only bar in town that serves food, and they re merely nodding acquaintances then.

That all changes when Mason's cherished pick-up truck breaks down and he is forced to have hauled to Tyler's garage where he is the best mechanic in town and the surrounding area. Mason, whom we met in the first book as the hear trainer at the gym, goes wobbly in the knees and Tyler does him one better, assuming he has a third knee. In any case they make a deal where they will trade services--Tyler will attempt to fix Mason's truck while Mason will help Tyler tighten up his body which seems to have gone into a typical 33-year-old slump. (I think he's on the cover).

After that, it's more than you can imagine when they eventually get together to start trading services--preceded by a can't-help-myself sexual encounter that sets us up for a sweetly developed, sometimes far fetched, and at times just plain sweet romance and various plot lines.

This becomes a small town story where so many nice characters are woven in and about, and one or two dubious people are entertained and dealt with as is appropriate. But let me also state that although I truly like the way Jason Collins writes, in most of the books that I have read by him there is a huge hole: We are not allowed into the MCs past sexual lives. We don't know how either these two gay men have managed to survive in a small Southern town for 15 years before they met and eventually got between the sheets. It's a character hole that leaves me unfilled and I hope Collins rectifies this in other books.

That's why this is a four, not five-star, review.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,217 reviews
January 14, 2019
Simply superb


Hard Tackle, book 2 in the Worth the Weight series, gives us Mason (who was a prominent supporting character in book 1) and Tyler’s story plus we get cameo appearances from Carter and Mark. Talk about swooning with delight, yup I have to admit my heart was beating at a healthy rate throughout this book.

So what’s it about? Just as he’s leaving a local bar, Mason runs into his former high school football teammate Tyler. The encounter is brief but enough to spark old memories. As Tyler sits down with his friends at the bar, they discuss getting a football team together for their 15 year class reunion. Of course this brings Mason and Tyler together in more ways than one. Mason is a personal trainer and Tyler’s a mechanic. Tyler needs help getting in shape for the 15 year reunion game. Mason’s vintage truck just bit the dust. They decide to help each other. Get the picture? This story is all Mason and Tyler with strong supporting characters popping up when needed but kept to a minimum.

The author spins his beautifully descriptive tale in such a way that I almost felt as if I was in the southern town of Winchester as I tasted the food and viewed the scenery. Side note: maybe someday the author can write a cookbook, that’s how delicious the food came across the pages or at least put some recipes at the end of the book. In fact my stomach is growling as I’m writing the review, lol. But most importantly, the romance between Mason and Tyler was everything I’ve come to expect from this author. The love mixed with the heat and then throw in a small dose of angst, it works! Read it yourself and you’ll see what I mean! It doesn’t get any better than this. Simply superb.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,698 reviews28 followers
January 16, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of former high school teammates Tyler and Mason. It has been fifteen years since they graduated high school and they both still live in the same small town Winchester. They haven't kept in touch, but see each other around town. Mason is a personal trainer at the gym and Tyler works at his father's garage as a mechanic. Tyler has noticed Mason's classic truck and admired both the truck and it's owner. When Mason's truck breaks down, another mechanic tells him it is not worth fixing, but Tyler knows how much the truck means to Mason and says he will try to fix it. Since their high school reunion is coming up and former teammates arranged a football game for old times sake, Tyler wants to get in better shape. Mason offers to help him with exercising and eating in exchange for Tyler fixing the truck. They agree to a deal and Tyler moves in with Mason to get on a schedule. They have an attraction to one another and soon find being around one another easy and they fall into a routine. Their feelings for one another are also growing and they seem happier together, but what happens when the truck is fixed and the football game is over? I really loved this book, i loved Tyler and Mason together. I think Mason was great for Tyler and showed him he was worth so much more than he thought. Mason built up Tyler and made him realize he could do anything. Tyler showed Mason he could be happy and have a good life. I loved how Mason loved Tyler at any size and didn't care about his weight, he just wanted him to feel good. Great book.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,181 reviews7 followers
January 16, 2019
I am really enjoying this series from Jason Collins! These characters are so easy to fall in love with and they have such great stories! Tyler and Mason are a fantastic addition - these two small town guys have known each other for years but it takes a high school reunion football game to finally bring them together!

These two are definitely great on their own but together they are perfect! It all starts out with an arrangement between the two men, Mason’s old but loved truck breaks down and Tyler is the guy who can fix it, Tyler wants to get into shape for the game and Mason just happens to be the best trainer around. So what starts as trade quickly turns into friendship and then so much more!

I really enjoyed this sweet read from start to finish! Tyler and Mason have great chemistry and a wonderful connection. This story is as inspiring as it is romantic and I love that about this series. Yes, there is a general sense of getting in shape and making healthy choices but there is also a focus on loving these guys for who they are not just how they look. I think it’s a great balance! This is a heart warming, feel-good read that definitely left with a smile and a happy heart! Must read series from Jason!

*i voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
January 15, 2019
Jason Collins' Hard Tackle is a fun romance involving two former high school teammates, second chances, and a high school reunion.

Fifteen years ago, Mason and Tyler were teammates, but they certainly weren't friends. Now they find themselves getting to know one another, as they help each other. Mason's helping Tyler work out, and Tyler's fixing up Mason's beloved truck.

They make a great couple who are smoking hot together with their undeniable chemistry. Mason's reaction to Tyler fixing his truck is emotional, as this is the ultimate gift to Mason. It's beautiful and touching. As for Tyler, as they work out, it's exciting and romantic that Mason tells him he's perfect as he is.

Their story is one of desire, longing and need. It's well written with a great pace. The author perfectly uses a small town to create this fantastic series with small town feel and charm.

Hard Tackle revolves around a man who's never left room in his life for love, as he finally finds someone worth letting into his life. It's fun, entertaining, and a delightful story. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Oz007.
295 reviews
January 25, 2019
Good short read

Carter and Tyler's story is a good short read. This is the second book I've read by JC and I thought this was an improvement.

The format is similar to the first book in this particular series, set in Winchester (a small hippy town in the South USA), two guys who went to high school, had secret crushes on each other, are involved in an event that brings them together. They then quickly hook up, indulge in good food, help each other out and explore MM sex. In this book there was more context for the relationship and how they intermingled to support the plot. I liked how they were both individuals and were open with their issues. My one grumble: For two guys who have lived in the same town for the past fifteen years, they go from not chit-chatting when they occasionally pass each other, to moving in together rather quickly - hmmm not sure!

I'd give 4 stars, it's a nice HEA read. Overall, both Carter and Tyler come across as decent guys, so deserving of their happiness.
1,552 reviews12 followers
January 14, 2019
I loved this new story set in the fictional town of Winchester. I liked the vibe of this town in the first book, too. A small town where everyone knows each other, no one locks their doors and people are friendly and helpful.
Mason and Tyler were football teammates back in high school but have never been close or kept in touch after school.
They reconnect through a mutual agreement, Tyler is to work on Mason's beloved vintage truck in exchange for Mason 's fitness lessons and help to get back in shape before the 15 years school reunion and football game.
I loved how flawlessly their lives merge together and that they fit so perfectly together from the beginning. I also liked very much their ability to speak their minds and not withhold their feelings, thus avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings.
3,759 reviews44 followers
January 14, 2019
💕Sweet, 🔥 steamy and 🏈 training tips too!😘👬🔧🏃🏊
January 14, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5🌟stars
This second in Collins' new MM series is just as good, maybe better than the first. I liked the combo of sweetness and steam. For anyone wanting a few tips on changing lifestyle for a fitter you, you'll also find those in Tyler's month-long odyssey to a trimmer, stronger body for his fifteen year high school reunion.

I liked both the MCs, especially self-conscious Tyler. It's a bit of a wonder how these two small-town South Carolina guys remained oblivious of each other for so many years after high school until a four-wheeled treasure brought them together, but their story from then on is a treat!;-)

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
January 15, 2019

Beautiful journey to finding connection, passion and romance. A 15 year crush, a broken car and a chance to become healthy spur Tyler to take a risk and work with Mason on a swap of skills. I so loved seeing these guys really love these old classic vehicles.

The writing was great and i really loved the characters. It was fun to have cameo appearances from Carter and Mark. I so want to go to breakfast at Mason's house, he cooks the best foods. I really enjoyed watching Tyler and Mason develop their friendship and fall in love as they worked together on their projects.

Hard Tackle, book 2 in the Worth the Weight series can definitely be read as a stand a lone book. You will enjoy reading book one because it is good and you will get some early looks at these MC's.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,098 reviews39 followers
January 16, 2019
We met Mason in the previous book as the awesome gym owner, and now we find him get his own happily ever after. Tyler is a mechanic in town, and despite being in the same town as Mason since high school, they haven't crossed paths much over the years. When Mason's truck breaks down, Tyler offers to work on it. They make an exchange for Mason to help Tyler with personal training/lifestyle and Tyler to fix Mason's truck. In the meantime, they find they enjoy the company of the other a lot, and true love blossoms. It was very sweet and steamy, and it was great to see these two find happiness. I enjoyed getting to see Mark and Carter again, too. Very enjoyable read.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
Profile Image for Anita.
73 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2019
We met Mason in Weight for Love as the personal trainer at the gym, and Tyler as a mechanic in town. On the school football team together, since then these two have lived very separate lives up until now. Tyler offers to fix Mason’s truck after it was towed in and in exchange Mason helps Tyler as his personal trainer/lifestyle coach. A story with very clear connection between the two, which grew stronger through trust and acceptance. A brief catch up with Mark and Carter from book 1, some amazing food and exhausting exercise all the while keeping the major focus on self acceptance and love all makes for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Vaughn.
142 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2020
Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other 3 tires because you got a flat. ~Unknown~
This series keeps getting better! I loved this book so much! Tyler & Mason (😍🥰😍) are the best. Such a sweet, wonderful couple. The communication between them was the best part!!! I'm so tired of silly fights based off of a lack of communication and this book had none of that. They were open about their feelings, kind, caring and just overall real. I want to gush so hard about everything!! This book is going on my re-reads list for when I need something to put me in a better mood or a break from tough, angsty reads!! Amazing!! 💝💜💝
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,734 reviews38 followers
January 14, 2019
4.5 stars! Great followup to Worth the Weight. Tyler is a real sweetheart even with his self-esteem issues. Mason is just an all around great guy. I really liked that he liked Tyler just the way he was, but was his biggest encourager while Tyler was working towards his goals. Both guys took a while to actually open up and share how they felt and where they wanted their relationship to go. They each were unsure of the other's feelings and kept holding back. It made me want to shake them both at moments. There is plenty of spicy encounters and some truly sweet ones as well.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,899 reviews
January 16, 2019
This is the second book in the Worth the Weight series and we met both the personal trainer Mason and mechanic Tyler briefly in the first book and it's their turn to tell their story. What I love about Jason's books are how body positive they are especially in this low angst series. There are parts where the characters insecurities do overwhelm them but that just makes the read better for me.
Another good story that books you on the first page and doesn't let go. Highly enjoyable.
2,321 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2019
Incredible story and a wonderful addition to this series. Mason and Tyler haven't seen each other in 15 years, since graduating high school. When they reconnect right before their 15 year reunion, sparks fly and their chemistry sizzles! They each agree to help the other, Mason to help Tyler lose some weight and Tyler to fix Mason's truck. What begins is a beautiful and sexy journey for these two wonderful characters. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
154 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2019
Love found unexpectedly

To this was another well written story about people who just want to love and be loved while finding their way through their lives in a small town. Mason was a gym junkie but a good guy too. Tyler was a mechanic who was content but loved his classic cars too so when Mason needs his help Sparks ignite and so begins their story. A lovely story well written. I look forward to reading more from Jason
1,760 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this small town romance. Mason and Tyler didn't really know each other in high school, even though they were teammates on the football team. But when they reconnect just before their 15-year reunion, they have great chemistry. This story has a bit of steam, and a whole lot of sweet. Very well written.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
January 14, 2019
Mason and Tyler are great characters. I love their interactions with each other. Sweet, sexy.... they have an entertaining love story that kept my interest and made me smile. Definitely satisfying.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.


Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
January 14, 2019
Mason and Tyler are great characters. I love their interactions with each other. Sweet, sexy.... they have an entertaining love story that kept my interest and made me smile. Definitely satisfying.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.


609 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
Tyler and Mason reconnected when Tyler offered to fix Mason's truck in exchange for help getting in shape for the big fifteen year class reunion football game. Mason does one better and asked Tyler to move in with him while he also designed meal plans to go with the fitness training. They both realized the missed opportunity they had in high school and more than made up for it now. I laughed so hard when Liz and Kate were grilling Mason about Tyler and Mason got so flustered he told them way more than they needed to know.

'I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.'
923 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2019
This book was a sweet throwback with high school where 2 footballers fall in love. These 2 guys live in the same rural community, side by side living their own lives. A broken down old truck and a friendly game of football for the school reunion bring these 2 lovers together. It's a really cute love story with some hot scenes.
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