Chandler

Training Days #1

by J.D. Light

Chandler Bell

When my boyfriend breaks up with me because I'm overweight, I go to the one place I feel the most comfortable. Oddly enough, it's the gym I was basically raised in. Things have changed over the years, but the people inside are my family. Some of them literally. Baker reluctantly agrees to help me get in shape, and so begins the torture. Baker and I have always been close and though I've had a crush on him basically since I was floating around in amniotic fluid, I've always known he was off limits. I mean, come on. The guy is scorching hot with women throwing themselves at him constantly, and I can't even keep a man who wears tweed shorts around. It's kinda a no-brainer where I fall on the food chain. Plus, he's straight, and apparently pining after someone?

Baker Storm

When Chandler's douche bag boyfriend dumps him and makes him feel like he needs to change, I reluctantly agree to help. Mostly because I've never been able to say no to him. In my eyes, Chandler is perfect. Always has been. I know I'm not good enough for him, I mean I barely graduated high school, and I only did that because he tutored me the whole time, but it doesn't stop me from having those secret wants. A chance encounter with the man who made him feel like shit leads to me all but peeing on him in public, and I maybe go a little too far and reveal some things about myself that I'd been holding on to for years. Will I have the confidence to be the man Chandler seems to think I am, or will my self-doubt cause me to miss out on something I've only ever dreamed about.

As with all my books, this series is pretty fluffy. Not much angst at all, no cheating and definitely a happy ending! Meant to be a light hearted read to make you laugh… or at least smile.

Enjoy!! ::blowing you kisses::

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Contemporary, Novella, Humor, Romance

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2019

Reviews

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chandler has been crushing on his brother's bff, Baker since he was little. What he doesn't know is that Baker has been crushing on him too. Finally, Chandler is free from his ex and the truth can come out.

Aww...this was a cute and sweet friends to lovers story centered around a gym. I just love these quick and easy stories. I'm looking forward to Jordan and Langston's story. I just have to get through Brighton and Knox first...not too sure about these two.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome characters and great story! Dismal proofing, but I am used to it by this author so it is not like I didn't expect it! LOL

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

What do I do when the doom & gloom of the world starts to get me down? I search the nooks & crannies of goodreads for new reads, of course! :) Something light and fun and sexy. I needed a smile! And I found that and more in Chandler by J.D Light.

Chandler has had a thing for his brother’s best friend, Baker, forever. Their attraction to each other is obvious to almost everyone. Their touching, hugging, and cuddling are sweet as can be and nonstop. But Baker is straight--isn’t he? Readers get both points of view, but I’m not spoiling the fun here. You have to meet these cuties for yourself! Baker, with all his muscles, turning into a stumbling, bumbling goofball whenever someone hints at Chandler and him all sexed up is hilarious! And I adored how this sweet, little story addressed positive body image. It’s an issue close to my heart, but never seem to find in my reads. I say strut, wiggle and flex whatever ya got! No matter what anyone thinks or says.

I could have used a little more introduction to the gym and cast of characters, but overall I liked hanging around the gym with these guys. On top of the laughs and smiles, I found a sweet and sexy, somewhat forbidden BFF of my brother romance and a new author and series to follow and love!

I can’t wait for more. Off to meet Brighton!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG this was so freaking cute! Chandler and Baker are both cheesy and cuddle junkies, and so oblivious to everyone around them. Wait, they're not boyfriends, just a never told forever crush.
But when Chandler wanted to get a better shape to look good naked so he can have a proper boyfriend, Baker who loved the 'soft version' of Chandler had it enough. He wanted Chandler and Chandler needs to know.
I loved this story, it was light, no angst, adorable. Enjoyed it in one sitting, and I'm happy.
And I need Brighton story, maybe that cute Jordan after that?
Thumbs up!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’ve read the first 4 books of this series in a row and since they all follow the same formula I’m just going to write 1 review and be done with it.

These books are short, fluffy, have some hurt/comfort, and all end rather abruptly.

They’re nice for a rainy Sunday afternoon, but don’t expect anything too deep.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short but sweet. Baker has been best friends with Chandler's brother forever, and Baker and Chandler are really close as well. Pretty much all of their friends and family are just waiting for the day that the guys realize that the other is just as into them as they are. There wasn't any angst and the story was pretty sweet overall. I liked how Baker focused on how much he loved Chandler exactly how he was and that he didn't need to change. Chandler's image issues were pretty realistically portrayed. I enjoyed this. I do wish it lasted just a little bit longer. The ending seemed just slightly abrupt, but it was still good.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's books like this one that makes me not like short stories, I want sooo much more of this couple and their whole group of friends and family! Trust me that's a compliment, I devoured this book and was genuinely sad it ended.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, no angsty feel good read. I loved everyone at the gym. They all got along like one big happy family. The joking between the guys and girls made me laugh. Chandler and Baker were perfect for each other, everyone saw it, but neither was admitting their feelings for each other. They both thought the other deserved better then themselves. I loved how no one, other than Chandlers douche of an ex, fat shamed him. Baker told him he was fine just like he was but if he wanted to get healthier for himself, then he was more than happy helping Chandler get to his own goals. This is a new to me author and I can’t wait to read more.

ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the book for me

I know I'm in the minority here as there are a ton of 4 and 5 star reviews, but this book just didn't work for me. I didn't believe the characters together or really care too much about them getting together. I think I needed a longer story, more time to get to know them before they were kissing, having sex, saying I Love you. The transitions happened so fast sometimes and it was just too over the top cutesy for me. Added a star because I did like how Baker accepted and really loved Chandler for who he was inside and out. I also had a hard time with all the characters that got thrown at me in such a short book...i think It all would have worked better for me if it was a longer story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 sweet, fluffy, sexy stars rounded up.

Holy sweetness! I was completely shocked that I loved this story to the degree I did. I was expecting something sweet, cute, and sexy, but not like this. What was the most surprising was the character depth and connection achieved in such a short story. I loved that Chandler wasn't actually insecure despite his endeavor to become fit coming from insults from a few exes. There were quite a few appearances of people who could derail Chandler and Baker's progress that could have been eliminated, but overall I didn't find that it decreased my enjoyment. It was so fluffy, so sweet, and definitely sexy so I was happy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You gotta read it

I love JD light. I mean all her books are filled with snark and Witt. But this was the first contemporary romance she’s done. And I must say... amazing! So funny. I laughed so many times. I hate when books claim to be funny, but the jokes feel forced. This was humor at its finest. Just a bunch of family and gym trainers hassling each other like friends and family do. Loved it
Can’t wait for Brighton.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet bumble of a book overflowing with the troupes like friends to lovers and best friend's brother.

Baker and Chandler are pretty clueless about how into each other they both are. Its cute and then kinda of annoying but always kind and sweet.

I love that Chandler has a softer body.

Fun quick read. If it wasn't on Kindle Unlimited I likely wouldn't pick it up but it is so I enjoy the quick little romp.

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, adorable, feel good read! I loved the dynamics between Chandler and Baker. They were perfect for each other. It just took a little time for them to figure out what everyone else could see!
The story is also full of amazing secondary characters that add so much depth and feels to this story.
One of the best friends to lovers story I have read.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baker and Chandler are close good friends.
I was drawn right into their story. These guys were fun characters. The story had good flow despite a few editing errors.
There was an easy affection between them. They are perfect for each other if Baker can get over his insecurity.
A short, sweet romance that I would happily recommend. I look forward to more of this series.

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet adorable and charming. this was just an all around feel good story.. i loved these characters and they made me smile.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was incredibly sweet and funny. I mean, out of a book that has a thousand funny lines, the one that I thought was funniest was when Chandler tells Baker that he might be a latent heterosexual because he likes boobs. Of course, he thinks that boobs are comfy and squishy, not that they are objects of desire. But it was pretty funny.

I love Chandler and Baker and how perfect they are together. This really was a great way to sit and kill a couple of hours.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is first book in a new series. In this book, Chandler comes into his uncle's gym wanting his brother's best friend Baker to train him to have a better body after his boyfriend broke up with him because he was chubby. Baker and Chandler are good friends and usually greet each other with hugs and seem to cuddle together whenever they are around each other. People usually think they are a couple, but Chandler knows Baker is straight. Chandler has always had a crush on Baker since they were teens. Baker is furious when he hears Chandler thinks he isn't perfect as he is and want to hunt down his ex and hit him. Baker agrees to train Chandler only if it is for to him get healthy and not to change himself for someone else. Baker is secretly in love with Chandler but he doesn't think he is good enough for him. I loved this sweet story. I loved Chandler and Baker together, i think they were amazing together. I loved how cuddly they were with each other and they weren't afraid to show each other affection, even when they were friends. I love how they built each other up with their compliments. I think it was great start to a new series.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I instantly adored Chandler and Baker and could feel the connection they shared. There are some great people included alongside the MC's that I can't wait to read more about and there are a lot of funny moments along with some bouts of insecurity from both men because regardless of how you look there is always something about yourself that you don't like which this book highlights really well, as well as that there is someone that will love those parts of you just as much as everything else. Though this is a short book, I felt that it flowed well and we didn't instantly fall into a romance between the MC's. A story developed and we also got to know the characters. Only thing I would improve is the length of the book :-)
As stated in the blurb there is little to no angst, it's just a great read for what it is and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to book #2 in the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Loves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harmless fluff, but unrealistic to the point of eyeroll. I'm not talking about the mutual hidden crush, that's a romance standard (if not cliche). I'm not talking about Baker's fascination with alternative body type, that's cool too. I'm talking about two close friends who already act like they are boyfriends even before revealing to each other they have a crush. Apparently neither had the courage to hit on the other without outside interference (or even try to figure out the other's feeling about dating indirectly, with the help of extremely supportive family and friends). I can understand (and sympathize) with Chandler insecurity, but Baker at least should have tried ages ago, and the excuse he used to explain why he had not was super lame. He had plenty of evidence that Chandler was crazy about him and could not care less about his "intelligence" or career choice. Chandler did not have any evidence that Baker was interested in him romantically.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new author for me, so I didn't really know what to expect going in. I was surprised at how warm and funny the story was. I'll not repeat the blurb, but this was a lovely comforting read about two guys who think their love is unrequited, and a lifelong friendship that's (fingers crossed) hopefully turning into more. The teasing and the banter between the guys and girls featured here made me smile and also a few lines stood out for me, such as when Chandler says of Baker "he only ever smelled like warmth and peace" Aww... There's an interesting cast of characters here, from squishy boob cuddlers to receptionists that squeak! I really hope Langston finally finds the lesser-spotted Jordan in the next instalment, that'll be a sight to see. I enjoyed this story and I couldn't ask for more for a short, sweet, sexy, funny and body positive read that was farcical in all the best ways.

ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services for an honest and unbiased review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a feel good story!

I love a good friends to lovers story and this one really ticked the boxes for me. Chandler and Baker have been close friends for years and all that time both have wanted more from their relationship while thinking they weren’t good enough for the other. Both men were so loveable - Baker is loving, sweet and so determined to make Chandler see how amazing he is. Chandler is funny and sweet but has no self confidence about his body and can’t believe that anyone would ever find attractive as he is, let alone a Baker the hot personal trainer. What I think was so lovely was how much they both boosted each other’s self-confidence through their love for each other. Both characters were well written and the secondary characters also had heaps of personality and I’m looking forward to reading more about them as the series progresses!

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, funny, engaging story about finding your person. These guys have had a wonderful friendship for years and now their secret crush on each other finally comes to light. Both MC's are so terrific and you just want to hug them both. This is such a fun and feel good story.

Chandler and Baker make the journey from friends to lovers and i fell in love with them in the first few pages of the book. This is really well written with such a authentic voice and so many feel good moments.

Two of my favorite lines in this book is :'You make me sound like a f. prize'
and the other is ' he only ever smelled like warmth and peace'.

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Chandler and Baker are perfect for each other and everyone knows it. Chandler has an image problem, believing his bigger body is unappealing and when his latest boyfriend calls him fat as he breaks up with him, he feels the need to do something about it. He goes to the gym his uncle owns and asks Baker, his brother's best friend and his long-time crush to train him. I don't want to give too much away because this book is a delight. Chandler and Baker are perfect for one another and I loved every page. It's a light hearted, very low angst book, but highly recommended!!

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

More to love💕

Chandler & Baker

I have been a JD Light can since I started reading her Chosen Series last summer. Chandler is different in that it isn't supernatural. However, Light's story recipe is the same. So last fans will appreciate the humor, the quirky cast of family & friends, the villains, and of course the sweet romance.

These are always fast paced and fun to read. Can't beat 'em! 💜🌈💚

3.5 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received a free copy of this book via LesCourt and am voluntarily leaving a review.💋

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chandler, the first book in the Training Days series, is a cute and sweet friends to lovers romance.

It's short and hot, with a great pace and fun characters. I love the way they've always been so physical together. For a brother's best friend relationship, their connection is amazing and unbreakable.

The transition from friends to lovers seems to be inevitable. I can't get enough of their banter, with undeniable humor. To me this is a great book that left me happy and wanting more of this fun couple.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light hearted, quick read. Read this book in on sitting and is a great story that people should be judged on their insides not just physical appearances. Chandler is that character that must overcome being called fat by others. Baker is the fit guy who thinks being the personal trainer isn't enough to measure up. But the two have been friends forever and just need to get passed the self doubt. Great if you are a looking for a low angst, happy coupling.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, sweet, fun, hilarious and sexy story with great characters. I love Chandler and Baker as a couple and how sweet they are together even before their relationship changes from friends to a lot more. The banter between everyone at the gym is great and Chandler is awesome. The secondary characters add so much to this story and I can't wait to read the next book in this entertaining new series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story that is a great start to a new series. Baker is best friends with Chandler's older brother and has had a crush on Chandler since they were teens. They start spending time together when Baker agrees to help Chandler lose weight. They are super cute and sweet together and I really like all of the characters that we meet in this story. I'm looking forward to more from this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.