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Powerhouse #1
Are You In?
Sometimes when you change one part of your life, it transforms everything else...
Meet Andy. He's in his mid-twenties, smart and successful, with a slightly adorable propensity for clumsiness. He's happy with all aspects of his life - except one. His body.
He's skinny. Too skinny. Which doesn't make any sense, because he has the worst eating habits of anyone he knows. If anything, his problem should be too much weight, not too little.
Not one to be defeated, Andy decides to do something about it. He joins the gym. His goal? To build the body of his dreams, and become an absolute muscle powerhouse.
What he doesn’t expect is how much joining the gym won’t just change his body, it will completely transform his life.
Andy joins the Amazing Fitness gym where he meets the four co-owners, known as the quad squad (who yes, all have great thighs). But it’s one co-owner, who literally takes his breath away. Jack.
From the moment Andy lies eyes on Jack's glistening, naked body in the locker room, he feels something stir within him that he's never felt before.
But there's more to Jack than just his stunning muscular body, chiselled face, deep blue eyes and adorable smile. Jack’s looking to find the right guy who sees and values him for more than just his appearance.
Insecurities about his body and a bad breakup means Andy’s inner-confidence is at an all-time low. Will he be able to push himself past his limitations and break through to get the body - and the guy - of his dreams?
Join Andy on his journey of transformation, reconnecting with his lost inner-confidence and overcoming insecurities to find love, and just as importantly, self-acceptance.
"Are You In?" is a short, sweet (and sexy!) m/m romance featuring a slow burn romance, low-to-mid level angst, steamy sex (sometimes unconventional, always consensual), multi-dimensional characters and a satisfying HEA.
Meet Andy. He's in his mid-twenties, smart and successful, with a slightly adorable propensity for clumsiness. He's happy with all aspects of his life - except one. His body.
He's skinny. Too skinny. Which doesn't make any sense, because he has the worst eating habits of anyone he knows. If anything, his problem should be too much weight, not too little.
Not one to be defeated, Andy decides to do something about it. He joins the gym. His goal? To build the body of his dreams, and become an absolute muscle powerhouse.
What he doesn’t expect is how much joining the gym won’t just change his body, it will completely transform his life.
Andy joins the Amazing Fitness gym where he meets the four co-owners, known as the quad squad (who yes, all have great thighs). But it’s one co-owner, who literally takes his breath away. Jack.
From the moment Andy lies eyes on Jack's glistening, naked body in the locker room, he feels something stir within him that he's never felt before.
But there's more to Jack than just his stunning muscular body, chiselled face, deep blue eyes and adorable smile. Jack’s looking to find the right guy who sees and values him for more than just his appearance.
Insecurities about his body and a bad breakup means Andy’s inner-confidence is at an all-time low. Will he be able to push himself past his limitations and break through to get the body - and the guy - of his dreams?
Join Andy on his journey of transformation, reconnecting with his lost inner-confidence and overcoming insecurities to find love, and just as importantly, self-acceptance.
"Are You In?" is a short, sweet (and sexy!) m/m romance featuring a slow burn romance, low-to-mid level angst, steamy sex (sometimes unconventional, always consensual), multi-dimensional characters and a satisfying HEA.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
P.W. Steele
2 books5 followersI am a huge connoisseur of every form of gay romance, and gay fiction, known to humankind. I am a superfan of the genres and strongly believe that some of the best contemporary writing is happening right here within our community.
I am so excited to be taking my first steps as an author, making my own (modest) contribution to these wonderful, vibrant genres.
My writing style is eclectic. I don’t have one genre or one style that I write in. My horizons are pretty broad and range from mild to wild. I love character-driven romances, most of the usual M/M tropes and I love exploring some pretty wild erotica too.
It’s all good as long as it’s all love!
I am so excited to be taking my first steps as an author, making my own (modest) contribution to these wonderful, vibrant genres.
My writing style is eclectic. I don’t have one genre or one style that I write in. My horizons are pretty broad and range from mild to wild. I love character-driven romances, most of the usual M/M tropes and I love exploring some pretty wild erotica too.
It’s all good as long as it’s all love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 2, 2020
THIS DRC CAME FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
A solid debut effort from Author P.W. Steele. Andy and Jack are clearly the opening act...what better way to introduce the Gym Where Dreams Are Fulfilled than with two men who have "everything" except what they really want...which happens to be what the other one has. The sex scenes aren't my personal kink. That's not to say they aren't very, um, involving shall we say.
In general, this is one of those times I've read something that feels like a passion project, like a very personally important corner of a writer's idea closet. That's a very appealing thing for a writer to convey. It makes up for strange lapses in the Americanness of the story. Things like "five years with the Rams"...when they were in St. Louis, I suppose, since they only moved back to LA in 2016...but the story seems to take place in LA, though that's not specifically stated...and just in case anyone's wondering, "learnt" is never used in the USA. Except by Brits. Maybe some pommier Aussies. But Murrikinz? Nuh uh.
Still, pobody's nerfect, and I'll come round to yours for another cuppa, Author Steele.
A solid debut effort from Author P.W. Steele. Andy and Jack are clearly the opening act...what better way to introduce the Gym Where Dreams Are Fulfilled than with two men who have "everything" except what they really want...which happens to be what the other one has. The sex scenes aren't my personal kink. That's not to say they aren't very, um, involving shall we say.
In general, this is one of those times I've read something that feels like a passion project, like a very personally important corner of a writer's idea closet. That's a very appealing thing for a writer to convey. It makes up for strange lapses in the Americanness of the story. Things like "five years with the Rams"...when they were in St. Louis, I suppose, since they only moved back to LA in 2016...but the story seems to take place in LA, though that's not specifically stated...and just in case anyone's wondering, "learnt" is never used in the USA. Except by Brits. Maybe some pommier Aussies. But Murrikinz? Nuh uh.
Still, pobody's nerfect, and I'll come round to yours for another cuppa, Author Steele.
April 16, 2020
Reviewed on April 12, 2020
A Mix of Adult Fairy Tale and Erotic Fantasy
Are you In? is the debut novella by P.W. Steele and it's a mix of Adult Fairy Tale and Erotic Fantasy.
There isn't a lot of character development and not even a concise plot , but I guess that it really doesn't matter. One read, short stories as this , to escape all realms of reality and possibility.
Will Re-read: No
Recommend: Yes, to readers who want a simple, uncomplicated, very hot short story and a hero with a XXX-large duck.
Rating: Between a 2.75 and 3 stars.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #AreYouIn? #P.W.Steele #GRR #Amazon #KindleFire
A Mix of Adult Fairy Tale and Erotic Fantasy
Are you In? is the debut novella by P.W. Steele and it's a mix of Adult Fairy Tale and Erotic Fantasy.
There isn't a lot of character development and not even a concise plot , but I guess that it really doesn't matter. One read, short stories as this , to escape all realms of reality and possibility.
Will Re-read: No
Recommend: Yes, to readers who want a simple, uncomplicated, very hot short story and a hero with a XXX-large duck.
Rating: Between a 2.75 and 3 stars.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #AreYouIn? #P.W.Steele #GRR #Amazon #KindleFire
April 13, 2020
I know it's a debut from this author, but I think the writing is not my liking.
I hate stories that's too much telling, play by play. It exhausted me.
I hate stories that's too much telling, play by play. It exhausted me.
May 8, 2020
This book was a hard pass for me, i didn`t like the characters and it all felt overrated and overdone in a way. I liked the start of the book, around 5 pages or so, then it went downhill. All the guys seemed so hot and perfect and the main character had a huge cock and wanted to be fit... in the end he felt fit, but he had had like two-three work outs? and i didn`t really feel the romance here, it was lost on me.
April 20, 2020
I received a free advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This is a short love story about Andy joining a gym to get fit. The book was too short in my opinion. I needed more story. I'm hoping the author will continue with the story.
April 21, 2020
this was a lot of fun.. i enjoyed the start to a new series and it was sweet and low angst.. interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat curious to know what wascoming next. i liked it a lot :)
April 9, 2020
This was a great start for a debut book. I liked Andy very much, he's so sweet with his insecurities. Can't wait for the stories about the other guys.
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review
April 20, 2020
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Un relato con mejores intenciones que desarrollo. Está bien eso de ver cómo un chaval decide quererse a sí mismo, superar sus miedos y apuntarse a un gimnasio (el cual, ojo la suerte que tiene, tiene cuatro dueños buenorracos y majísimos), pero, al ser un relato, la mayor parte del tiempo se pierde en conocer a los cuatro dueños y, como hay que meter guarrerismo, se mete deprisa y corriendo y sin sentido (además, es bastante risible). Los personajes son majetes pero todo te resulta bastante increíble.
Como libro, podría haber sido algo curioso y entretenido, porque no está mal escrito, pero ha intentado meter tanto en algo tan breve que se queda muy flojo. Si decide seguir la serie pero con libros en lugar de relatos lo mismo les echo un ojo.
Un relato con mejores intenciones que desarrollo. Está bien eso de ver cómo un chaval decide quererse a sí mismo, superar sus miedos y apuntarse a un gimnasio (el cual, ojo la suerte que tiene, tiene cuatro dueños buenorracos y majísimos), pero, al ser un relato, la mayor parte del tiempo se pierde en conocer a los cuatro dueños y, como hay que meter guarrerismo, se mete deprisa y corriendo y sin sentido (además, es bastante risible). Los personajes son majetes pero todo te resulta bastante increíble.
Como libro, podría haber sido algo curioso y entretenido, porque no está mal escrito, pero ha intentado meter tanto en algo tan breve que se queda muy flojo. Si decide seguir la serie pero con libros en lugar de relatos lo mismo les echo un ojo.
August 4, 2020
Are You In? was just the story I've been craving to read - something that was short and sexy, light and fun, and would be (and is) quick and enjoyable enough to devour in one sitting. But it's also one of those stories that honestly had that potential to be longer and more thought-out than it was.
Here we follow Andy as he joins the gym with the goal of bulking up so he can get the body of his dreams. He's young, is successful in his job and happy with his life, but he's not happy when it comes to his body image. He's very self-conscious about that, to the point that he can't even look at himself in the mirror unclothed because of how "sickly skinny" he looks, and considering he doesn't gain any weight despite his unhealthy eating habits, he knows that working out is the best way to go.
It's at the gym, Amazing Fitness, that Andy meets one of its four co-owners, Jack. He's older, he's muscular, he's confident, and he's sexy. And after Andy's first session ends with him fainting, Jack then becomes his new personal trainer.
Are You In? is an insta-lust romance with an age-gap - as Jack is forty, and Andy is twenty-five - and is a bit of a slow-burn too considering nothing really happens between Andy and Jack until the last three or so chapters. But whilst we're on that subject of "nothing really happens", I do have to say that not much does actually happen in this novella when it comes to the overall plotline. It had the potential to have more happen in it, that much I could see right away, but this story is definitely one that is more telling than showing, and a lot of that telling was just these random and unnecessary facts about certain characters that did absolutely nothing for Andy and Jack's romance whatsoever.
However, knowing now that this author has plans for this series and these characters, I am hoping that some of those facts - of the theft in the gym, the purple corner, of Scotty's sobriety, and Mark's gossiping - does get more involvement as plot points in future stories of this series, because whilst they did nothing for this plot whatsoever, they could be something for other books to come.
I also have to touch on the fact that this story doesn't end with a HEA as the blurb implies, but rather a HFN ending as this novella does end with an open ending, where Andy and Jack are happy for now with their blossoming relationship. It's also a "happy for now" ending as both Jack and Andy admit to having baggage from their pasts' that could threaten this relationship, yet both agree to face those troubles if and when they ever become a present problem. And if I'm honest, it's at that prospect of possible angst to Andy and Jack's relationship that has me very excited for more to come from this series, especially since one of Jack's "baggage" has to do with fellow co-owner, Scotty, who not only gets flirty with Andy throughout this story, but is also Jack's ex-boyfriend.
So Are You In? definitely wasn't perfect whatsoever, and it truly could've been better and longer (and with a less rushed and abrupt ending) than it was. But it was the perfect read for me at this moment in time, and I can't deny that I did enjoy this story regardless of its flaws, and it was still good enough to leave me very excited for more to come from this author and these characters of his, especially if that more revolves around Andy and Jack, and Scotty too.
ARC provided via Netgalley for honest review
Here we follow Andy as he joins the gym with the goal of bulking up so he can get the body of his dreams. He's young, is successful in his job and happy with his life, but he's not happy when it comes to his body image. He's very self-conscious about that, to the point that he can't even look at himself in the mirror unclothed because of how "sickly skinny" he looks, and considering he doesn't gain any weight despite his unhealthy eating habits, he knows that working out is the best way to go.
It's at the gym, Amazing Fitness, that Andy meets one of its four co-owners, Jack. He's older, he's muscular, he's confident, and he's sexy. And after Andy's first session ends with him fainting, Jack then becomes his new personal trainer.
Are You In? is an insta-lust romance with an age-gap - as Jack is forty, and Andy is twenty-five - and is a bit of a slow-burn too considering nothing really happens between Andy and Jack until the last three or so chapters. But whilst we're on that subject of "nothing really happens", I do have to say that not much does actually happen in this novella when it comes to the overall plotline. It had the potential to have more happen in it, that much I could see right away, but this story is definitely one that is more telling than showing, and a lot of that telling was just these random and unnecessary facts about certain characters that did absolutely nothing for Andy and Jack's romance whatsoever.
However, knowing now that this author has plans for this series and these characters, I am hoping that some of those facts - of the theft in the gym, the purple corner, of Scotty's sobriety, and Mark's gossiping - does get more involvement as plot points in future stories of this series, because whilst they did nothing for this plot whatsoever, they could be something for other books to come.
I also have to touch on the fact that this story doesn't end with a HEA as the blurb implies, but rather a HFN ending as this novella does end with an open ending, where Andy and Jack are happy for now with their blossoming relationship. It's also a "happy for now" ending as both Jack and Andy admit to having baggage from their pasts' that could threaten this relationship, yet both agree to face those troubles if and when they ever become a present problem. And if I'm honest, it's at that prospect of possible angst to Andy and Jack's relationship that has me very excited for more to come from this series, especially since one of Jack's "baggage" has to do with fellow co-owner, Scotty, who not only gets flirty with Andy throughout this story, but is also Jack's ex-boyfriend.
So Are You In? definitely wasn't perfect whatsoever, and it truly could've been better and longer (and with a less rushed and abrupt ending) than it was. But it was the perfect read for me at this moment in time, and I can't deny that I did enjoy this story regardless of its flaws, and it was still good enough to leave me very excited for more to come from this author and these characters of his, especially if that more revolves around Andy and Jack, and Scotty too.
ARC provided via Netgalley for honest review
May 12, 2020
Welcome to this book review,
Disclaimer : I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This is a book that intrigued me, the description was super interesting and I wanted to see how it would play out. The novel started out great, the writing was nice and the pacing at first was great, it all went down hill at the halfway point of the book. It was a quick read for sure, but the book skipped a lot of scenes that I believe would have been interesting to go straight to sex. Which did not make sense as Luke (one of our main character and one of the gym co-owners) said in the beginning of the book that he wanted someone to appreciate and see him for more that his physique and appearance. Furthermore, our other main character hates his physical appearance and that was a huge thing from the get go and then boom sex ? There is also this intrigue with his old ex which is somehow not addressed between the two of them and the fact that he is now somehow dating Luke.
It happened like so : training-sex-car-end...
Which I don't really get, it felt like the first 50% of the book was written by someone different and the rest rushed to wrap things up, I was really disappointed by that fact as I really loved the first part. While this is a first book in a series, it felt more like a novella.
I wanted to know why Scott, another co=owner and Luke's ex, was "baggage" and see our two main characters grow as a couple and learn more about each other, not be like "omg I don't know why I am trusting you and confessing so much when we have known each other for a week and interacted 3 times before and once wa sex out of the blue in the gym sauna", with how they were presented with trust issues, it just did not make any sense.
Great premise, okay first book that could have been amazing if not for the time skips and the underdeveloped characters. Another sad loss was Emily she as the best friend of our main character who is supportive and semed great.
Another thing to know is that it has mostly a one POV style book appart from a couple (3 or 4) of Luke's POV's which made for a very confusing read as they did not have a completely distinctive inner voice that we could discern from, and we also got random information and certainly not enough for what happened in the novel in my opinion.
Overall, great concept but meh delivery.
This author has a lot of potential, I just hope that in the future there are less insta love and more developpement to support her storytelling.
2.5/5 stars
Bookarina
Disclaimer : I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This is a book that intrigued me, the description was super interesting and I wanted to see how it would play out. The novel started out great, the writing was nice and the pacing at first was great, it all went down hill at the halfway point of the book. It was a quick read for sure, but the book skipped a lot of scenes that I believe would have been interesting to go straight to sex. Which did not make sense as Luke (one of our main character and one of the gym co-owners) said in the beginning of the book that he wanted someone to appreciate and see him for more that his physique and appearance. Furthermore, our other main character hates his physical appearance and that was a huge thing from the get go and then boom sex ? There is also this intrigue with his old ex which is somehow not addressed between the two of them and the fact that he is now somehow dating Luke.
It happened like so : training-sex-car-end...
Which I don't really get, it felt like the first 50% of the book was written by someone different and the rest rushed to wrap things up, I was really disappointed by that fact as I really loved the first part. While this is a first book in a series, it felt more like a novella.
I wanted to know why Scott, another co=owner and Luke's ex, was "baggage" and see our two main characters grow as a couple and learn more about each other, not be like "omg I don't know why I am trusting you and confessing so much when we have known each other for a week and interacted 3 times before and once wa sex out of the blue in the gym sauna", with how they were presented with trust issues, it just did not make any sense.
Great premise, okay first book that could have been amazing if not for the time skips and the underdeveloped characters. Another sad loss was Emily she as the best friend of our main character who is supportive and semed great.
Another thing to know is that it has mostly a one POV style book appart from a couple (3 or 4) of Luke's POV's which made for a very confusing read as they did not have a completely distinctive inner voice that we could discern from, and we also got random information and certainly not enough for what happened in the novel in my opinion.
Overall, great concept but meh delivery.
This author has a lot of potential, I just hope that in the future there are less insta love and more developpement to support her storytelling.
2.5/5 stars
Bookarina
May 5, 2020
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I recieved a free ecopy from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I'm really sorry for not liking this, but for me it was so boring that, even though it's so short it can be read in an hour, it was really difficult for me to finish it... if not because I recieved it for free in exchange of an honest review I would have dropped it by chapter 2.
The main problem, as I said, is that the story bored me, and the author's writing style didn't help.
First of all, the most interesting thing of this novella is the blurb: you read about an skinny guy that decides to put on some muscle and meets a hot guy in the locker room of his new gym and you expect something hot and romantic even if short. But instead you get paragraphs and more paragraphs of the author telling you completely irrelevant things and nothing happening. Nothing.
Andy should be a complexed guy that doesn't like being skinny. But he just now realized how skinny he is (even though he eats a load of crap, which the author decides to repeat again and again for some reason) which excuse me but... You are 25 and just now realize you are a bag of bones? Not happening. What's worse is that even though he is described as handsome but unattractive all the hotties seem to be interested in him. Realistic, yeah...
Jack is described as super hot and a Casanova who wants someone to love him for who he is and not how he looks. Does that happen? Not that I've seen... The both of them just have sex because they have the hots for each other, they don't even speak more than necessary (in fact, the author doesn't like dialogues that much... They are few and not too natural).
In short, this is not a romantic novella. It doesn't have romance at all and it lacks plot and development. I find it more a porn fantasy of big dicks and full of cum, and it's not what the blurb promises. Sorry, but not for me. I'm not even interested in getting to know the other guys. Not at all.
I recieved a free ecopy from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I'm really sorry for not liking this, but for me it was so boring that, even though it's so short it can be read in an hour, it was really difficult for me to finish it... if not because I recieved it for free in exchange of an honest review I would have dropped it by chapter 2.
The main problem, as I said, is that the story bored me, and the author's writing style didn't help.
First of all, the most interesting thing of this novella is the blurb: you read about an skinny guy that decides to put on some muscle and meets a hot guy in the locker room of his new gym and you expect something hot and romantic even if short. But instead you get paragraphs and more paragraphs of the author telling you completely irrelevant things and nothing happening. Nothing.
Andy should be a complexed guy that doesn't like being skinny. But he just now realized how skinny he is (even though he eats a load of crap, which the author decides to repeat again and again for some reason) which excuse me but... You are 25 and just now realize you are a bag of bones? Not happening. What's worse is that even though he is described as handsome but unattractive all the hotties seem to be interested in him. Realistic, yeah...
Jack is described as super hot and a Casanova who wants someone to love him for who he is and not how he looks. Does that happen? Not that I've seen... The both of them just have sex because they have the hots for each other, they don't even speak more than necessary (in fact, the author doesn't like dialogues that much... They are few and not too natural).
In short, this is not a romantic novella. It doesn't have romance at all and it lacks plot and development. I find it more a porn fantasy of big dicks and full of cum, and it's not what the blurb promises. Sorry, but not for me. I'm not even interested in getting to know the other guys. Not at all.
May 11, 2020
Received free eARC on netgalley for honest review.
This isn't typically my genre, but I wanted something short and sweet and figured why not? The description did draw me in, the gym setting seemed interesting. I like that Andy felt he was too small, which isn't something I've seen before. Seeing him struggle with the body dysmorphia would've been a cool addition except it seemed to go away rather quickly at the hot guys' attention.
There are quite a few typos, extra words, missing punctuation... especially towards the end. This seems like it's supposed to be in Andy's POV, but there's several times that we get the inner thoughts of some other character for a paragraph or two before it jumps back to Andy, which is a little disorienting. Most of the main characters have their own little info dumps to explain how we as the reader should feel about them. I get this is a shorter story, but all that stuff could get worked in via actions and conversations. Speaking of conversations, Andy fell in love/lust with the guy pretty much on a handful of words and his chiseled physique alone.
This is definitely more erotica than romance. I wasn't getting any sweet romance-y vibes from Andy and Jack, though I think the author did try... it just didn't come off, to me, as anything besides a cheap hookup, unprotected and with the people admitting to particular fetishes much too early on in knowing a person for my taste. I mean, to each their own, just wasn't my thing.
I did like Andy's relationship with his friend, Emily. I liked that 4 gay men jointly owned the gym and would've liked more interaction with and about them.
Ultimately though, I didn't feel drawn in enough by the characters to want to continue reading the series.
This isn't typically my genre, but I wanted something short and sweet and figured why not? The description did draw me in, the gym setting seemed interesting. I like that Andy felt he was too small, which isn't something I've seen before. Seeing him struggle with the body dysmorphia would've been a cool addition except it seemed to go away rather quickly at the hot guys' attention.
There are quite a few typos, extra words, missing punctuation... especially towards the end. This seems like it's supposed to be in Andy's POV, but there's several times that we get the inner thoughts of some other character for a paragraph or two before it jumps back to Andy, which is a little disorienting. Most of the main characters have their own little info dumps to explain how we as the reader should feel about them. I get this is a shorter story, but all that stuff could get worked in via actions and conversations. Speaking of conversations, Andy fell in love/lust with the guy pretty much on a handful of words and his chiseled physique alone.
This is definitely more erotica than romance. I wasn't getting any sweet romance-y vibes from Andy and Jack, though I think the author did try... it just didn't come off, to me, as anything besides a cheap hookup, unprotected and with the people admitting to particular fetishes much too early on in knowing a person for my taste. I mean, to each their own, just wasn't my thing.
I did like Andy's relationship with his friend, Emily. I liked that 4 gay men jointly owned the gym and would've liked more interaction with and about them.
Ultimately though, I didn't feel drawn in enough by the characters to want to continue reading the series.
April 23, 2020
An enjoyable first story in the Powerhouse series. We're introduced to Andy who is looking to build the body of his dreams as it's the one area of his life that he's unhappy with. He starts at Amazing Fitness where all of the owners become involved in his fitness and goals.
Andy and Jack, one of the owners, have an immediate attraction to each other but I didn't necessarily feel that there was a connection between them until close to the end of the book. There's a good dose of hot and heavy which gives a good idea of future possibilities for this couple or others in this series. Trust is built between the MC's as they share parts of themselves that they don't like others to see and it endeared me to both men.
A lot of different POV's are followed throughout the book which is a little confusing at times as there's no indication that it's changed. It would take me a second to figure out and then rejoin the story with a different character. There's a really good group of characters involved, with the staff at the gym all promoting body positivity which is great especially with a main character with body image issues.
I enjoyed reading this book overall and look forward to the next in the series though not sure if it continues with the same MC's or focuses on a different couple. It would be nice to get more from Andy and Jack but also know that the other men at Amazing Fitness get their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Andy and Jack, one of the owners, have an immediate attraction to each other but I didn't necessarily feel that there was a connection between them until close to the end of the book. There's a good dose of hot and heavy which gives a good idea of future possibilities for this couple or others in this series. Trust is built between the MC's as they share parts of themselves that they don't like others to see and it endeared me to both men.
A lot of different POV's are followed throughout the book which is a little confusing at times as there's no indication that it's changed. It would take me a second to figure out and then rejoin the story with a different character. There's a really good group of characters involved, with the staff at the gym all promoting body positivity which is great especially with a main character with body image issues.
I enjoyed reading this book overall and look forward to the next in the series though not sure if it continues with the same MC's or focuses on a different couple. It would be nice to get more from Andy and Jack but also know that the other men at Amazing Fitness get their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 18, 2020
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review on NetGalley.
Andrew Parker is young and at the top of his game in the architect world but there seems to be one problem- his body. Andy is super insecure about his lanky, tall frame and really wants to be a sexy muscular powerhouse. Mentally, he is at a low point in his life with his body issues, a recent breakup, a best friend moving away and he really wants to get his life back on track.
Step one in this phase is to take a leap at a new gym "Amazing Fitness." I am not a gym buff but I was really impressed with the holistic approach to fitness (mind/body/diet etc) and enticed by the co-owners AKA quad squad. I mean, who knew gym clothes could be so descriptively sexy????
Andy is quickly overwhelmed by all the male hotness of the flirtatious Scotty, quiet and reserved Michael, nerdy Sean, creepy Mark and the smoking hot Jack! I love the introduction of all these characters and it definitely set the tone for future plotlines,
I was quite taken aback by how abruptly the book ended and a bit disappointed, to be honest. The author did a really good job of getting us to fall for these characters and then like a bandage (ripped it off and give us a rushed ending)???? I believe this is the potential for the plot to be developed further with this current story and hope the author can revamp and give us something dynamite!
Andrew Parker is young and at the top of his game in the architect world but there seems to be one problem- his body. Andy is super insecure about his lanky, tall frame and really wants to be a sexy muscular powerhouse. Mentally, he is at a low point in his life with his body issues, a recent breakup, a best friend moving away and he really wants to get his life back on track.
Step one in this phase is to take a leap at a new gym "Amazing Fitness." I am not a gym buff but I was really impressed with the holistic approach to fitness (mind/body/diet etc) and enticed by the co-owners AKA quad squad. I mean, who knew gym clothes could be so descriptively sexy????
Andy is quickly overwhelmed by all the male hotness of the flirtatious Scotty, quiet and reserved Michael, nerdy Sean, creepy Mark and the smoking hot Jack! I love the introduction of all these characters and it definitely set the tone for future plotlines,
I was quite taken aback by how abruptly the book ended and a bit disappointed, to be honest. The author did a really good job of getting us to fall for these characters and then like a bandage (ripped it off and give us a rushed ending)???? I believe this is the potential for the plot to be developed further with this current story and hope the author can revamp and give us something dynamite!
April 21, 2020
2.5 stars
Erm... hmm... well... Yeah, I hate to give not soloving encouraging reviews from debut authors. -It is a lot harder than it seems. I know I couldn't do it.- BUT... I felt like this little novella was a snippet of a novella. The first few chapters felt like they were working into a much longer story. As my percentage page count kept creeping up and I knew what was still yet to happen, I grew a bit worried we were going to get a tease and then a cliffhanger (which I hate).
The smexy times scene ended up being just not my bag. I just wasn't that into it, so that's pretty much all I'm going to say on that. To each their own. But then BAM we just got, I felt, a hastily insta-y chapter that tied in the title and... done. I honestly went back to the front to make sure it didn't read Snippet.
The writing itself was not bad. The characters were a bit confusing in the beginning because I did not really get a whole lot of context as to the main character's POV to figure out who to concentrate on. Then, the POV would switch, sometimes to multiple people within one scene. It was a bit disorienting.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Erm... hmm... well... Yeah, I hate to give not so
The smexy times scene ended up being just not my bag. I just wasn't that into it, so that's pretty much all I'm going to say on that. To each their own. But then BAM we just got, I felt, a hastily insta-y chapter that tied in the title and... done. I honestly went back to the front to make sure it didn't read Snippet.
The writing itself was not bad. The characters were a bit confusing in the beginning because I did not really get a whole lot of context as to the main character's POV to figure out who to concentrate on. Then, the POV would switch, sometimes to multiple people within one scene. It was a bit disorienting.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 14, 2020
Steamy short and explicit M/M romance with more to come, I hope…
This appears to be the first book by this author and first in a series. I do hope we get more of the Quad Squad!
After seeing his reflection in a mirror 24yo Andy Parker realizes that he looks emaciated. When did that happen? Maybe after his breakup with Peter? Anyway, it is not good so he decides to sign up with a local gym’s promotional experience. The Amazing Fitness gym is run by four very buff and hot guys, all of whom like guys: Scotty, Michael, Sean and Jack. During Andy’s orientation he sees Jack fresh from the shower and Oh. My. Word. Andy can’t take his eyes off the guy and apparently 40yo Jack enjoys a little ogling.
This is a short well-written book and totally captivating. The scene in the sauna between Andy and Jack will get your mind and heart racing if you like M/M romance with a couple very explicit scenes. I was offered an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews but I didn’t have time so I bought it. I’d love to know how Scotty who was a couple with Jack some years back will accept this new dynamic. I give it 4.5 steamy stars.
This appears to be the first book by this author and first in a series. I do hope we get more of the Quad Squad!
After seeing his reflection in a mirror 24yo Andy Parker realizes that he looks emaciated. When did that happen? Maybe after his breakup with Peter? Anyway, it is not good so he decides to sign up with a local gym’s promotional experience. The Amazing Fitness gym is run by four very buff and hot guys, all of whom like guys: Scotty, Michael, Sean and Jack. During Andy’s orientation he sees Jack fresh from the shower and Oh. My. Word. Andy can’t take his eyes off the guy and apparently 40yo Jack enjoys a little ogling.
This is a short well-written book and totally captivating. The scene in the sauna between Andy and Jack will get your mind and heart racing if you like M/M romance with a couple very explicit scenes. I was offered an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews but I didn’t have time so I bought it. I’d love to know how Scotty who was a couple with Jack some years back will accept this new dynamic. I give it 4.5 steamy stars.
May 13, 2020
I have a lot to say about this book. So this was equal parts good and bad. Somethings didn't make sense, or things came out of the blue. I understand that this is only a 68 page book, however, I fully believe this could have been made into a full novel.
Certain situations could have been flushed out a little more. And, realizations could have had a deeper meaning, and not have come up so suddenly.
Side note, not sure why the author had to make it known multiple times that Andy was "massive". Like tell us a few times and call it good please. I'm starting to think that he has a complex. Which..I mean he does, but not about that, in a way.
I hindsight of all this, it was an enjoyable read. So parts had me laughing, and or groaning. Which is always a plus for me.
Also, i enjoyed that this was the perspective of someone that was "skinny" and didn't like they way they looked. Typically its also someone that is overweight, so it was nice to see a different side.
Sadly I'm still not sure if I would want to recommend this to anyone.
I received a copy for Net Galley for an honest review.
Certain situations could have been flushed out a little more. And, realizations could have had a deeper meaning, and not have come up so suddenly.
Side note, not sure why the author had to make it known multiple times that Andy was "massive". Like tell us a few times and call it good please. I'm starting to think that he has a complex. Which..I mean he does, but not about that, in a way.
I hindsight of all this, it was an enjoyable read. So parts had me laughing, and or groaning. Which is always a plus for me.
Also, i enjoyed that this was the perspective of someone that was "skinny" and didn't like they way they looked. Typically its also someone that is overweight, so it was nice to see a different side.
Sadly I'm still not sure if I would want to recommend this to anyone.
I received a copy for Net Galley for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
Sweet lead with 💦steam and body image issues: good first effort🤗
3.5🌟stars🏋💦
This novella was an impressive first time effort for the author. In addition to some heated glances and a steamy (pun intended!) trip to the sauna, there was some serious content about lead character Andy's self image issues. He feels inadequate; his remedy brings him to a gym full of buff guys and, comparing himself, it makes him consider his physique that much worse! That part of the plot and its effect on his otherwise confident and successful life was thoughtfully done. The other characters were not really developed: something that the author can improve upon in future works.
This so easily could have been just a steamy fantasy with cardboard characters all around, but Steele raised the bar by injecting Andy's painful shame about his body into the mix. I really liked that and, for me, it added alot to the story.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the novella; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
3.5🌟stars🏋💦
This novella was an impressive first time effort for the author. In addition to some heated glances and a steamy (pun intended!) trip to the sauna, there was some serious content about lead character Andy's self image issues. He feels inadequate; his remedy brings him to a gym full of buff guys and, comparing himself, it makes him consider his physique that much worse! That part of the plot and its effect on his otherwise confident and successful life was thoughtfully done. The other characters were not really developed: something that the author can improve upon in future works.
This so easily could have been just a steamy fantasy with cardboard characters all around, but Steele raised the bar by injecting Andy's painful shame about his body into the mix. I really liked that and, for me, it added alot to the story.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the novella; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2020
Insecurities draw one to the other.
Andy has size insecurities-both physical and emotional ones. He's tall, he's lanky, he doesn't eat what's good for him. And so he bits the bullet and joins Amazing Fitness in an attempt to overcome his inferiority complex. He's an admitted gay and he's surprised to learn that the quad owners, Scotty, Sean, Michael, and Jack are too. But it's Jack who rings Andy's bell. Jack is so self-assured, so confident in his persona. Jack holds a secret of his own close to his vest. He is a tactile type person; one who likes sensitive touch and receive sensitive touch, which is totally out of character for the stud image he presents to the public. I enjoyed reading this story as it illustrated the caring side of these two men. Other reviews critically panned this story but I found a great deal of merit to the theme and look forward to the stories involving the other three owners. This is a first time read for me by a new author. Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) gave me this ARC and I am voluntarily posting my review.
Andy has size insecurities-both physical and emotional ones. He's tall, he's lanky, he doesn't eat what's good for him. And so he bits the bullet and joins Amazing Fitness in an attempt to overcome his inferiority complex. He's an admitted gay and he's surprised to learn that the quad owners, Scotty, Sean, Michael, and Jack are too. But it's Jack who rings Andy's bell. Jack is so self-assured, so confident in his persona. Jack holds a secret of his own close to his vest. He is a tactile type person; one who likes sensitive touch and receive sensitive touch, which is totally out of character for the stud image he presents to the public. I enjoyed reading this story as it illustrated the caring side of these two men. Other reviews critically panned this story but I found a great deal of merit to the theme and look forward to the stories involving the other three owners. This is a first time read for me by a new author. Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) gave me this ARC and I am voluntarily posting my review.
April 17, 2020
The story is a bit of a convoluted mess. Andy, the protagonist who is joining a gym in order to bulk up because he wants to be like the men he's attracted to, muscled. It's a different premise from the books who have main protagonist where they want to lose weight and get in shape, and it's what interested me in the story at first. The read becomes not so much a story but a play-by-play of Andy's life where he meets the owners of the gym and is interested in one of the owner's Jack. But there was no romance to the story, it was a day in the life that turns into a type of fairy tale byplay.
Since the POV is from Andy only, you get told what he looks like, what other people think of him, and how others see him. There's nothing memorable about Andy, his day to day life, and the dialogue doesn't sound realistic. When the story moves out of his internal dialogue, it seems to come from a horribly-acted porn. It's a short read, but I couldn't honestly recommend it.
Since the POV is from Andy only, you get told what he looks like, what other people think of him, and how others see him. There's nothing memorable about Andy, his day to day life, and the dialogue doesn't sound realistic. When the story moves out of his internal dialogue, it seems to come from a horribly-acted porn. It's a short read, but I couldn't honestly recommend it.
April 28, 2020
This had the potential to be a great story with messages of body positivity, something unique in its take on body image, and an interesting story line. I did not find that at all, unfortunately. There was so little depth to the MC's that I just didn't truly care about their romantic outcome. Their interactions were questionable and very far from romantic or inspiring as well.
I was intrigued at the outset with some of the co-owners and with Andy, but aside from giving me a shallow glimpse into each co-owner and a rather arrogant and contrived POV from Jack I didn't really find much to inspire a second trip into this world. Along with that rather uninspiring foray into POWERHOUSE the POV shifted in confusing ways so the small glimpses into Jack's mind and others' was jarring and felt unnatural. As a first book by the author I'm willing to see if there's improvement, but unless it's for Sean's(?) story I can't say I'll continue with this series.
I was intrigued at the outset with some of the co-owners and with Andy, but aside from giving me a shallow glimpse into each co-owner and a rather arrogant and contrived POV from Jack I didn't really find much to inspire a second trip into this world. Along with that rather uninspiring foray into POWERHOUSE the POV shifted in confusing ways so the small glimpses into Jack's mind and others' was jarring and felt unnatural. As a first book by the author I'm willing to see if there's improvement, but unless it's for Sean's(?) story I can't say I'll continue with this series.
May 9, 2020
Are you in is the first book in the Powerhouse series. The series seems to be set in a gym and focuses around a group of four gay owners who are known as the quad squad. This first book is about Andy who wants to build his body up and goes to the gym. There he meets one of the owners Jack and is instantly drawn to him.
This is a very quick read, not necessarily a bad thing, but it did end with the feeling that this was just setting up for a bigger story. I don't know if future stories are going to be similar, or if this was just setting the groundwork for a bigger story involving Jack and Andy.
There is one sex scene in this, which in all honestly was a bit of an odd one. I did feel a bit as though I'd wandered into someone's personal fantasy. That might just be me though.
I'd be interested to read the next in this series to see where it's going to go next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a very quick read, not necessarily a bad thing, but it did end with the feeling that this was just setting up for a bigger story. I don't know if future stories are going to be similar, or if this was just setting the groundwork for a bigger story involving Jack and Andy.
There is one sex scene in this, which in all honestly was a bit of an odd one. I did feel a bit as though I'd wandered into someone's personal fantasy. That might just be me though.
I'd be interested to read the next in this series to see where it's going to go next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 17, 2020
I thought this was cute and abit angsty. I loved how body image was portrayed in, especially in Andy who seems to be in low self confidence about his own body but as he climbs up the latter by joining and pushing through his insecurities to get what he wants. I admire and can empathize how unsatisfied he feels in his own body. I love how funny yet very hot the four quad squad were with Andy, each had their role to help him. The slow burn chemistry Andy and Jack had going on was very...interesting especially the way they met 🤭 I do like to say two things though that made me not give this five stars. Even though this was meant to be a short and sweet debut novel, I wished there was more to read and more details with the characters' background and sweet romance. I look forward to more of this author's work.
This was a "Read Now" on Netgalley and I'm sorry for such a late review on this 🙏🏻 its out now and honestly I loved this 🤗
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
This was a "Read Now" on Netgalley and I'm sorry for such a late review on this 🙏🏻 its out now and honestly I loved this 🤗
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
April 18, 2020
This was the debut mm book by the author, and to me it read more like a nouvelle. I was kind of disappointed with this story. I found there was no character build up or enough interaction with the characters. We meet Andy who doesn’t like the way his body looks, so he decides to join a gym where we meet the four owners of the business. Jack is one of the owner’s Andy has eyes for, but I found it uninteresting. I was hoping for some kind of back story on the character and got nothing. There is one scene in the book that involves a sauna, Jack, Andy, feet and twelve inch penis. The scene to me was a little to much for me considering the amount of ejaculation came out of said penis after Jack gave Andy a BJ. I was hoping to see more with the characters afterwards but the story just ends with a small conversation between the two main characters and that is it.
April 19, 2020
Are You In? Should be classified as an old school M/M Erotic read. As such, I really enjoyed it. I chuckled a few times at some of the exaggerated- shall we say, 'endowments' of the characters: beauty, muscle, size... you get the picture. It is after all, erotica. Andy is self-conscious about his skinny body, but has a monster gift. A gift that everyone wants.
I thought the story was simple and well told. This is P.W. Steele's debut in this genre and I thought they did a really good job. This is the first in a series, and I would gladly read the future releases to see where it all goes.
This is purely fun, sexy reading.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the story was simple and well told. This is P.W. Steele's debut in this genre and I thought they did a really good job. This is the first in a series, and I would gladly read the future releases to see where it all goes.
This is purely fun, sexy reading.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Andy was self conscious about his body image but after coming to the realization that he wasn't just going to set back and do nothing he joined amazing fitness. The first day he shows how uncoordinated he really is and just prove matters worse after passing out he comes to in front of the flaming crush he developed on one of the co-owners Jack. will he go back for more punishment or just cut his loss. There is just something about Andy the pulls at Jack, so pulling rank kinda to be his trainer just may lead to both finding a happy ending or another chance to find love. Great short read, you can just fall in love with Andy because we all have been like him once or twice in life.
May 19, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Andy and Jack. Andy is very skinny and decides to join a gym for their 30 day trial. When Andy first sees Jack, Jack is naked in the locker room and Andy noticed his amazing body. Andy is attracted to Jack, but thinks Jack wouldn't be interested in him. Jack would like to find someone who sees him as more than a nice body. When Jack starts training Andy, he grows even more attracted to him. They grow closer as friends until Jack makes his move. I enjoyed this book. I like how Jack was more focused on Andy's personality and how Andy realized Jack was not a dumb jock. I think this book showed everyone has insecurities. Well done.
July 14, 2020
The characters were introduced so rapidly I kept getting them confused, and they didn't really have any emotional/unique personality traits to distinguish between them. Sex scenes weren't my taste, but doesn't mean others wouldn't enjoy them. Every single moment was narrated which isn't for me, as it just becomes so involved and feels unending (ex: conversations between characters including useless small talk that does not further the plot or enhance the story) There was no plot to speak of, which I want to say is understandable in a short story but I've read others much shorter that still had a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. This one just felt meandering and pointless.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this book early.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this book early.
April 11, 2020
3.5 stars
This is the authors MM debut and it makes for an enjoyable quick, easy read.
It’s about transformation, both inward and outward, and self acceptance.
Jack is one of the co owners of the gym and Andy takes advantage of a free trial to pump up his skinny body. Both likeable characters have their insecurities and baggage and this short book ends with them deciding to give their relationship a go. There’s no angst and some interesting side characters who will no doubt feature in the rest of the series.
This is the authors MM debut and it makes for an enjoyable quick, easy read.
It’s about transformation, both inward and outward, and self acceptance.
Jack is one of the co owners of the gym and Andy takes advantage of a free trial to pump up his skinny body. Both likeable characters have their insecurities and baggage and this short book ends with them deciding to give their relationship a go. There’s no angst and some interesting side characters who will no doubt feature in the rest of the series.
April 25, 2020
Short, steamy read
Short story about a guy, Andy, who's decided to join a gym. He meets the 4 co-owners of the gym and finds that he's attracted to at least 3 of them. What kept me engaged was trying to figure out who Andy would end up with! The POV shifts slightly through the story, while not bad, may throw one off at first.
Not bad for a debut book. Hope there will be more of the "Quad Squad"
Short story about a guy, Andy, who's decided to join a gym. He meets the 4 co-owners of the gym and finds that he's attracted to at least 3 of them. What kept me engaged was trying to figure out who Andy would end up with! The POV shifts slightly through the story, while not bad, may throw one off at first.
Not bad for a debut book. Hope there will be more of the "Quad Squad"
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