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Rock Hard Gym #2
Giving Up the Fight
Lennox Caldwell is a talented fighter with a bad reputation and a habit of drowning his emotions in the bottle. When a few past one too many lands him yet another DUI, his trainer and Rock Hard Gym’s owner, Mad Max Malone insists on mandatory AA meetings or he’s out. With his career on the line he reluctantly enters rehab, where his new babysitter has him questioning everything about who he is.
Tanner West isn’t happy with his new sponsee match. Lennox is an arrogant asshole with apparent memory issues, and no matter how hot he is, Tanner knows better than to get involved with someone new to the program. Been there, done that. And while Lennox might not remember their meeting the night before, Tanner can’t get it out of his head.
Can their growing attraction survive Tanner’s past and Lennox’s faulty memory?
Tanner West isn’t happy with his new sponsee match. Lennox is an arrogant asshole with apparent memory issues, and no matter how hot he is, Tanner knows better than to get involved with someone new to the program. Been there, done that. And while Lennox might not remember their meeting the night before, Tanner can’t get it out of his head.
Can their growing attraction survive Tanner’s past and Lennox’s faulty memory?
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2019
12 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Faith Ryan
53 books241 followersFaith Ryan is a mother to three, yes three, teenagers. She lives in a small town in Ohio and is a weirdo to the max. She is in love with love of all kinds, especially the dark, dirty, and forbidden. Faith's writing almost always includes an element of the LGBT+, typically in the form of MM romance. If you like your stories a bit unconventional, you're looking in the right place.
Unconventional love stories because love doesn’t discriminate.
Unconventional love stories because love doesn’t discriminate.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 21, 2019
Lennox is at the bottom, and in more ways than his bottle. He has to go and become sober or there will be no place for him at Rock Hard Gym anymore.
More than reluctantly he ends up at the rehab with Tanner as his annoying buddy.
But behind both their behavior there is attraction. Until Christian comes back to claim Tanner.
A superrr fast forwarding story. I loved this shorty. It was emotional, sexy, steamy, endearing at times. For a short one it was enough developed to be a quite enjoyable read.
The way of writing was so charming I was sad when I reached the end. A nice satisfying end!
More than reluctantly he ends up at the rehab with Tanner as his annoying buddy.
But behind both their behavior there is attraction. Until Christian comes back to claim Tanner.
A superrr fast forwarding story. I loved this shorty. It was emotional, sexy, steamy, endearing at times. For a short one it was enough developed to be a quite enjoyable read.
The way of writing was so charming I was sad when I reached the end. A nice satisfying end!
April 1, 2019
5 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I love when book titles go with the story so perfectly. That it captures the story as a whole. Faith Ryan nailed it with this one!!. Giving Up the Fight Is book two in the Rock Hard Gymseries and I’d love to hear what’s happening with the other members of the Rock Hard gym.
This short M/M story will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all the feels.
Being a black-out drunk can hurt in more ways than one. When Lennox hits rock bottom he is given an ultimatum of rehab or he’s done. What other choice does he have but to enter rehab?
Tanner has a new sponsee match. The attraction and what he remembers makes things 'hard" for him. When his past shows up, things get a little dicey.
Faith Ryan is an up and coming author that knows how to write captivating, taboo and oh so steamy stories with side situations that make you feel the character’s pain along with them.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I love when book titles go with the story so perfectly. That it captures the story as a whole. Faith Ryan nailed it with this one!!. Giving Up the Fight Is book two in the Rock Hard Gymseries and I’d love to hear what’s happening with the other members of the Rock Hard gym.
This short M/M story will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all the feels.
Being a black-out drunk can hurt in more ways than one. When Lennox hits rock bottom he is given an ultimatum of rehab or he’s done. What other choice does he have but to enter rehab?
Tanner has a new sponsee match. The attraction and what he remembers makes things 'hard" for him. When his past shows up, things get a little dicey.
Faith Ryan is an up and coming author that knows how to write captivating, taboo and oh so steamy stories with side situations that make you feel the character’s pain along with them.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
April 23, 2019
I struggled to like Lennox, and I do not know if I necessarily connected with Tanner. There is a definite heat factor in this novella, and like other reviews said it brought a lot of passion into the dynamic of their relationship. Yet, I did not like how Lennox ,who is struggling with sobriety, jumped into a sexual relationship with Tanner. Because of that Tanner and Lennox's relationship came off superficial, and I do not know if I genuinely bought them as a couple.
The story just opens up into Lennox getting a blow job and treating the woman like an object meant solely for his pleasure. She doesn't even get a name, so she's just there to serve his needs and then be forgotten. That did not vibe well with me. I do not like it when female characters are treated that way.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
The story just opens up into Lennox getting a blow job and treating the woman like an object meant solely for his pleasure. She doesn't even get a name, so she's just there to serve his needs and then be forgotten. That did not vibe well with me. I do not like it when female characters are treated that way.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
March 30, 2019
This may be a novella but Faith Ryan elicits all the emotions. It is a fast paced read and I couldn’t put it down, devouring it in one sitting. I desperately want more words from this author.
The character development was solid for a novella. I would have wanted more but I understand the limitations of it being a novella. However, the chemistry between the two characters sizzled and I thought sparks would fly right off the page! World building was especially well done and it felt realistic in that aspect.
As for the storyline, it had some delicious edge to it. There was definitely some excellent angst to it, sweetness when needed and an overall sense of satisfaction from the read. I would have preferred a little more depth to the alcoholism part. That was the main struggle for me and has prevented me from giving it 5 stars. The brevity played a part of this but I still feel it could have been handled a bit differently. Overall though this is a book that kept me engaged, pulling at my emotions and definitely wanting more of Faith Ryan’s amazing talent.
4 stars for a hot and fast paced read!
The character development was solid for a novella. I would have wanted more but I understand the limitations of it being a novella. However, the chemistry between the two characters sizzled and I thought sparks would fly right off the page! World building was especially well done and it felt realistic in that aspect.
As for the storyline, it had some delicious edge to it. There was definitely some excellent angst to it, sweetness when needed and an overall sense of satisfaction from the read. I would have preferred a little more depth to the alcoholism part. That was the main struggle for me and has prevented me from giving it 5 stars. The brevity played a part of this but I still feel it could have been handled a bit differently. Overall though this is a book that kept me engaged, pulling at my emotions and definitely wanting more of Faith Ryan’s amazing talent.
4 stars for a hot and fast paced read!
March 31, 2019
What a great read! The story of Lennox and Tanner is hot, hot, hot! Lennox is an MMA fighter but has been in way too much trouble with his drinking. His manager gives him an ultimatum and he needs to follow thru or he’s finished in the fighting world. When he meets his sponsor, Tanner he is immediately attracted to him, but doesn’t understand why as he isn’t gay. But you can’t help what the heart wants. Tanner knows he wants Lennox in his life, but someone from his past is getting in the way. Can these two be together? The chemistry between these two is quite sizzling! If you want to read a story about two hot alpha males, then this story is for you!
March 27, 2019
A short little MM novella that will rock your socks off! Make no doubt Faith Ryan knows how to write one heck of a steamy, enticing story.
Tanner and Lennox were opposites who needed each other in more than a couple of ways. Will Lennox be able to relinquish his inner control and truly find himself? And will Tanner undoubtedly trust Lennox?
Fast paced, captivating story that can be read in a mere couple of hours. Yes, it’s a novella, but as always the ending seemed a little abrupt and I wanted more... like always! Just goes to show Faith is a wonderful and talented author who sucks the reader into her creative mindset.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Tanner and Lennox were opposites who needed each other in more than a couple of ways. Will Lennox be able to relinquish his inner control and truly find himself? And will Tanner undoubtedly trust Lennox?
Fast paced, captivating story that can be read in a mere couple of hours. Yes, it’s a novella, but as always the ending seemed a little abrupt and I wanted more... like always! Just goes to show Faith is a wonderful and talented author who sucks the reader into her creative mindset.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2019
I am loving this series so far. It is a fast paced read and I couldn’t put it down so I ended up devouring it in one sitting. This is Lennox and Tanner's story and it Hot, Hot, Hot. This short MM story will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all the feels.
Lennox is an MMA fighter but has been in way too much trouble with his drinking. His manager gives him an ultimatum and he needs to follow or he’s finished fighting for Rock Hard Gym. When he meets his sponsor, Tanner he is immediately attracted to him but he doesn’t understand why as he isn’t gay.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Lennox is an MMA fighter but has been in way too much trouble with his drinking. His manager gives him an ultimatum and he needs to follow or he’s finished fighting for Rock Hard Gym. When he meets his sponsor, Tanner he is immediately attracted to him but he doesn’t understand why as he isn’t gay.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
April 16, 2019
Giving up the Fight was Phenomenal. I couldn't put it down I had it read in one day. This book will definitely make you feel hot and bothered, mad and fall in love. Faith Ryan is a genius when she writes a book. I love how all the characters are there for each other.
Lennox and Tanner each have their problems, but when together they are combustible. The feelings they have for each other is magical and frustrating. I did not like Christain for so many reasons, you will just have to read the book to find out why.
Lennox and Tanner each have their problems, but when together they are combustible. The feelings they have for each other is magical and frustrating. I did not like Christain for so many reasons, you will just have to read the book to find out why.
March 27, 2019
This was my firs M/M romance, I’ve read M/F/M but this was obviously a little different. It was a great read to pop this cherry.
I loved how in this book Lennox the alcoholic big bad fighter has a soft side and once he’s forced to sober up he finally gives in to who he really is. His sponsee Tanner is there to help him every step of the way. Obviously they run into some drama and issues they need to figure out which gives this story a little more.
Definitely recommend as a must read.
I loved how in this book Lennox the alcoholic big bad fighter has a soft side and once he’s forced to sober up he finally gives in to who he really is. His sponsee Tanner is there to help him every step of the way. Obviously they run into some drama and issues they need to figure out which gives this story a little more.
Definitely recommend as a must read.
April 4, 2019
This was a new to me author and although M/M isn't normally my thing, I throughly enjoyed.
This was a perfect follow on story from Embers
This was a perfect follow on story from Embers
October 15, 2019
Received Copy of Book From Author for Honest Review.
I Give this book a 3out of 5 Start Rating, Listing as 3.
Romance: 3.5/5
Heat: 2.5/3ish/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
Drama: 4/5
HEA(?): Yes
I have to say I was really looking forward to reading this book the synopsis really caught my attention, but I gotta say this is one of those books where the synopsis leads you one way and the book leads you in another.
I had thought going in that he suffered from brain trauma from which was caused by too many blows to the head, which I’ve read a few of and I thought this book might also have that interesting twist, but he’s just an alcoholic that needs to recover.
The relationship and sex seemed immediate, and even though I’m a hard core lover of ‘gay for you’, this was a tad too rushed to be convincing and it just came across as desperate. I never would’ve pegged Lennox to be a bottom first, and the same with Tanner, he didn’t come across as a top, that arrangement didn’t seem to fit Honestly.
The book overall was good, and I found it to be a quick read.
I Give this book a 3out of 5 Start Rating, Listing as 3.
Romance: 3.5/5
Heat: 2.5/3ish/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
Drama: 4/5
HEA(?): Yes
I have to say I was really looking forward to reading this book the synopsis really caught my attention, but I gotta say this is one of those books where the synopsis leads you one way and the book leads you in another.
I had thought going in that he suffered from brain trauma from which was caused by too many blows to the head, which I’ve read a few of and I thought this book might also have that interesting twist, but he’s just an alcoholic that needs to recover.
The relationship and sex seemed immediate, and even though I’m a hard core lover of ‘gay for you’, this was a tad too rushed to be convincing and it just came across as desperate. I never would’ve pegged Lennox to be a bottom first, and the same with Tanner, he didn’t come across as a top, that arrangement didn’t seem to fit Honestly.
The book overall was good, and I found it to be a quick read.
April 22, 2019
3.5 Stars.. A first read for this author with this book. This started great with Lennox getting into trouble.
Includes hot mmm sexy scenes, aghast over gay vs straight, trouble with Ex's, GFY and a dramatic ending. I did question why would they be allowed to go to a club when Lennox is just admitted into rehab for being an alcoholic. The question about The Rules is never answered for Lennox in the book.
Lennox is straight but a hookup in the mens room with a lady wasn't doing for him. A blue eyed stranger walks in and Lennox connects with him for a hot brief moment and comes. Attending AA Rehab Centre for 6 months after a drunk accident for a promising MMA fighter he didn't want to admit. Tanner is his sponsor at the rehab centre and coincidence would have it being the blue eyed stranger.
Includes hot mmm sexy scenes, aghast over gay vs straight, trouble with Ex's, GFY and a dramatic ending. I did question why would they be allowed to go to a club when Lennox is just admitted into rehab for being an alcoholic. The question about The Rules is never answered for Lennox in the book.
Lennox is straight but a hookup in the mens room with a lady wasn't doing for him. A blue eyed stranger walks in and Lennox connects with him for a hot brief moment and comes. Attending AA Rehab Centre for 6 months after a drunk accident for a promising MMA fighter he didn't want to admit. Tanner is his sponsor at the rehab centre and coincidence would have it being the blue eyed stranger.
April 17, 2019
I loved Lennox and Tanner! I think the author did a fabulous job capturing their story!
One night changes everything for Lennox, it comes down to giving up everything he wants or do as he has been commanded to do. When he decided to do as he must to keep what means most to him he never expected it to include Tanner and his entire life changing in a way he never saw coming.
Tanner chose to do everything he could to be able to keep fighting, only to find out along the way he would face a bigger battle within himself. With Tanner’s help his internal battle turns out to lead to something he didn’t even know he was looking for, true love!
One night changes everything for Lennox, it comes down to giving up everything he wants or do as he has been commanded to do. When he decided to do as he must to keep what means most to him he never expected it to include Tanner and his entire life changing in a way he never saw coming.
Tanner chose to do everything he could to be able to keep fighting, only to find out along the way he would face a bigger battle within himself. With Tanner’s help his internal battle turns out to lead to something he didn’t even know he was looking for, true love!
April 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this story and enjoyed reading about these two characters finding love un suspectedly. One of the main charcaters Lennox is a professional fighter who needs to get help for his alcohol addiction and ends up getting a sponser he can't seem to stop having dirty thoughts about. Tanner doesn't like his new sponsee and judges him before knowing him but then can't help but notice a strong attraction between the two of them. This was a coming out of the closet story about a character not realizing his sexuality before meeting tanner and once he meets tanner things will never be the same. This was a sweet and steamy read that held my interest from start to finish.
April 10, 2019
Lennox is a MMA fighter on the brink of losing it all because of his drinking problem. When he is forced to go to rehab and figure is stuff out he meets Tanner.
Tanner also a in rehab as a sponsor he meets Lennox and he tries to fight the attraction he has to it.
What will happen when these two begin to start to feel the same and they don't know what to do about? But one is hiding something that could hurt them both. Will they be able to save themselves before its way too late?
Amazing read with a few twist and lots of turns that will have you wondering what will happen and when. Can't wait to read the more from her more of this series
Tanner also a in rehab as a sponsor he meets Lennox and he tries to fight the attraction he has to it.
What will happen when these two begin to start to feel the same and they don't know what to do about? But one is hiding something that could hurt them both. Will they be able to save themselves before its way too late?
Amazing read with a few twist and lots of turns that will have you wondering what will happen and when. Can't wait to read the more from her more of this series
April 21, 2019
He gave up a lot just to help others. Have to commend him on his progress. He needed help trying to do what he needed to do. Good to read about about life changing events that have an effect on othets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2019
See my review under Up ALl Night With Books Blog:
5 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I love when book titles go with the story so perfectly. That it captures the story as a whole. Faith Ryan nailed it with this one!!. Giving Up the Fight Is book two in the Rock Hard Gymseries and I’d love to hear what’s happening with the other members of the Rock Hard gym.
This short M/M story will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all the feels.
Being a black-out drunk can hurt in more ways than one. When Lennox hits rock bottom he is given an ultimatum of rehab or he’s done. What other choice does he have but to enter rehab?
Tanner has a new sponsee match. The attraction and what he remembers makes things 'hard" for him. When his past shows up, things get a little dicey.
Faith Ryan is an up and coming author that knows how to write captivating, taboo and oh so steamy stories with side situations that make you feel the character’s pain along with them.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
5 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I love when book titles go with the story so perfectly. That it captures the story as a whole. Faith Ryan nailed it with this one!!. Giving Up the Fight Is book two in the Rock Hard Gymseries and I’d love to hear what’s happening with the other members of the Rock Hard gym.
This short M/M story will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all the feels.
Being a black-out drunk can hurt in more ways than one. When Lennox hits rock bottom he is given an ultimatum of rehab or he’s done. What other choice does he have but to enter rehab?
Tanner has a new sponsee match. The attraction and what he remembers makes things 'hard" for him. When his past shows up, things get a little dicey.
Faith Ryan is an up and coming author that knows how to write captivating, taboo and oh so steamy stories with side situations that make you feel the character’s pain along with them.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
December 20, 2021
Saltándome el libro uno por ser MF, me centré en este. La sinopsis me llamó a la primera, vamos, se notaba que iba a ser un romance MM caliente, pero, me equivoqué.
No conecté con ningún protagonista. Lennox era un luchador alcohólico que es metido a un centro de rehabilitación, donde -oh casualidad- Tanner -quien lo había visto recibir una mamada antes- trabaja.
El libro es muy rápido. De pronto Lennox entra, y Tanner ya lo quiere. La escenas aunque son entretenidas, no arregla lo mal que es el libro. Diálogos sin sentido, una narrativa muy simplona y fea, además de un desarrollo de la historia nefasto. Y no hablemos del bi-descubrimiento del tipo, porque sino...
No conecté con ningún protagonista. Lennox era un luchador alcohólico que es metido a un centro de rehabilitación, donde -oh casualidad- Tanner -quien lo había visto recibir una mamada antes- trabaja.
El libro es muy rápido. De pronto Lennox entra, y Tanner ya lo quiere. La escenas aunque son entretenidas, no arregla lo mal que es el libro. Diálogos sin sentido, una narrativa muy simplona y fea, además de un desarrollo de la historia nefasto. Y no hablemos del bi-descubrimiento del tipo, porque sino...
November 3, 2020
Although this is a book 2 in the Rock Hard Gym series it can be read as a stand-alone.
Lenox is at an all time low with his drinking and some things have to change if he wants too keep his place at Rock Hard Gym. That’s how he meets Tanner, who is his new sponsor and babysitter.
Fait Ryan keeps delivering delicious MM stories! This is another great read and I read it in one sitting. I instantly fell in love with Lenox and Tanner. It is a shorter novella but author’s writing and storytelling brings all the feels with enough drama to keep things interesting! Can’t wait to read more!
Lenox is at an all time low with his drinking and some things have to change if he wants too keep his place at Rock Hard Gym. That’s how he meets Tanner, who is his new sponsor and babysitter.
Fait Ryan keeps delivering delicious MM stories! This is another great read and I read it in one sitting. I instantly fell in love with Lenox and Tanner. It is a shorter novella but author’s writing and storytelling brings all the feels with enough drama to keep things interesting! Can’t wait to read more!
November 17, 2020
Giving up the fight by faith Ryan is such a amazing book . While looking to change it a little , I came across this m/ m romance . I was hooked from the first chapter . The chemistry between the two characters is instant . Lennox is a very talented fighter who unfortunately has a bad habit of drinking to much when things don’t go his way .Tanner west comes into the story as Ryan’s sponsor ,will their growing attraction be able to survive all the ups and downs ?
I absolutely loved this book so much and highly recommend ❤️
I absolutely loved this book so much and highly recommend ❤️
April 23, 2019
It's okay to be who you are
I enjoyed this story because I loved the story line and what others can learn from this story. Lennox is a lost man trying to overcome his demons and not finding his way. After going down a dark road he is pushed to get help . As he over comes one demon then he's going to figure out who he is. In walks Tanner who is set to help Lennox find his way. Sometimes you don't always have to fight just our demons sometimes we have to fight ourselves.
I enjoyed this story because I loved the story line and what others can learn from this story. Lennox is a lost man trying to overcome his demons and not finding his way. After going down a dark road he is pushed to get help . As he over comes one demon then he's going to figure out who he is. In walks Tanner who is set to help Lennox find his way. Sometimes you don't always have to fight just our demons sometimes we have to fight ourselves.
April 28, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Faith Ryan; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2021
Story was okay. Writing was meh. A bit rushed with some important things (Daniel's arrival, Lennox's alcoholism, most of the ending) skipped or rushed through, a few abrupt time skips, very underwhelming characters and some weird dialogue punctuation. The internal narration of the bi/gay awakening was largely skipped over so it was confusingly both a big focus of the novella and quickly glossed over at the same time.
April 24, 2019
Lennox is sendt to AA meetings and rehabelitation senter. Lennox meet Tanner his sponsor and «babysitter» for the next 6 months. During this time Lennox discover how it is to be sober, realise that he is gay and attracted to Tanner. Lennox and Tanner get romanticly involved. The only dark spot in their world is Tanners ex. This is a good read.
May 5, 2019
M/M This was my book book by faith Ryan,and I enjoyed it,I like the fact that the drama was minimal,
but the storyline stay good and true.lennox was hard to like as first but he grows on you hahahaha,I really like that there wasn’t really any big denial and kicking around about his feelings for tanner.
but the storyline stay good and true.lennox was hard to like as first but he grows on you hahahaha,I really like that there wasn’t really any big denial and kicking around about his feelings for tanner.
July 31, 2019
Love Lenny
I love Lenny so much and I'm so happy he got his own story. This is definitely a story I did not want to put down.
I love Lenny so much and I'm so happy he got his own story. This is definitely a story I did not want to put down.
June 22, 2020
⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️
Did Not Finish
September 17, 2023So called “sponsor” actually living with him at the supposed “rehab center” and on day two takes him out to a bar to get laid?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews