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Trained
Brendon is too young to be letting himself go. Overweight and desperate for a change, he goes where everyone goes for advice these days, the Internet. That's where he finds Jared. Jared has an offer too good for Brendon to pass up; a free training program to help him build his clientele. What starts out as workout routines, and meal plans, slowly turns into friendship, all before they ever meet in person. Jared may be straight but will Brendon be able to resist his sexy trainer and friend when they finally meet and spend a night out under The Bay Lights in San Francisco? Or maybe a better question is, will a confused Jared be able to resist Brendon?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2015
12 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 28, 2018
Removing a half star on the reread - 4.5 stars.
Seriously, I hope this author has some back stories for me to read, because I'm going on a hunt as soon as I finish this.
This was, hands down, the best out-for-you book that I've ever read. It took the clichéd gay man's fantasy of turning his straight best friend to the dark side, but completely nailed it in a way I couldn't have expected.
Brendan and Jared meet in an online forum when Brendan wants to lose weight and be healthier. Jared loves to help train people to be more physically fit. What starts as communicating frequently regarding meal plans and exercise, after a few months, turns into a really strong friendship.
Brendan and Jared just click. On every level. Brendan knows he has a crush, but pushes the feelings away because it's useless to pine after a straight man. And he wouldn't ever want to lose what has become his best friend.
Brendan lives in San Francisco, and Jared lives is Los Angeles. After months of conversations, Jared flies to San Francisco for work and the two buddies finally meet in person.
Told entirely in Brendan's POV, we get to experience his struggle with his feelings. The character building and relationship development was so on point here. This book made me feel all the feelings. I had leaky eyes twice!!
But is Jared as straight as Brendan thinks he is? After so many months, we see how close these two have become. They can literally share anything with each other, and they have because they talk to each other every day on the phone.
Can you, Jared?
Then things....well they take a little turn.
But as high as Brendan feels after this particular turn of events, his world comes crashing down around him.
Probably not a great idea to fall for you straight best friend.
Such a goddamn tearjerker, this was. It was so much deeper than I can explain.
My heart was put through the ringer. But the ending was so, so worth it.
If I had one negative thing to say, it was that there were a few times where it nudged the edge of too cheesy for me. Otherwise - PERFECTION!
Highly recommended!!
Seriously, I hope this author has some back stories for me to read, because I'm going on a hunt as soon as I finish this.
This was, hands down, the best out-for-you book that I've ever read. It took the clichéd gay man's fantasy of turning his straight best friend to the dark side, but completely nailed it in a way I couldn't have expected.
Brendan and Jared meet in an online forum when Brendan wants to lose weight and be healthier. Jared loves to help train people to be more physically fit. What starts as communicating frequently regarding meal plans and exercise, after a few months, turns into a really strong friendship.
Brendan and Jared just click. On every level. Brendan knows he has a crush, but pushes the feelings away because it's useless to pine after a straight man. And he wouldn't ever want to lose what has become his best friend.
Brendan lives in San Francisco, and Jared lives is Los Angeles. After months of conversations, Jared flies to San Francisco for work and the two buddies finally meet in person.
It was game over. Take the initial emotional attachment that Brendan had to Jared and add that with his gorgeous looks. Brendan was a goner.
Told entirely in Brendan's POV, we get to experience his struggle with his feelings. The character building and relationship development was so on point here. This book made me feel all the feelings. I had leaky eyes twice!!
But is Jared as straight as Brendan thinks he is? After so many months, we see how close these two have become. They can literally share anything with each other, and they have because they talk to each other every day on the phone.
"What about you? Don't you get hit on, you know, looking like you do?"
"Looking like I do?" What could Jared see in Brendan that could even compare?
"Yeah. The eyes and the face you've got going on. Even I can see the appeal."
Can you, Jared?
Then things....well they take a little turn.
But as high as Brendan feels after this particular turn of events, his world comes crashing down around him.
[...]Brendan could swear he heard pieces of his heart falling to the ground below.
Probably not a great idea to fall for you straight best friend.
[...]"but if I could find you in girl form, I think I'd have my soul mate."
"Bren, I love you, so much."
"But you're not gay."
Such a goddamn tearjerker, this was. It was so much deeper than I can explain.
My mom told me I looked like I had lost my light.
My heart was put through the ringer. But the ending was so, so worth it.
If I had one negative thing to say, it was that there were a few times where it nudged the edge of too cheesy for me. Otherwise - PERFECTION!
Highly recommended!!
May 12, 2020
3.5 stars
-Cute.
-Funny.
-Hot and entertaining.
-Cute.
-Funny.
-Hot and entertaining.
June 6, 2017
This was a sweet and enjoyable read, but I wasn't wowed by it. I thought there was too much telling and not enough on-page time with the MCs together. Yes, they texted and talked on the phone, but they saw each other just once.
The steam came late and abruptly. The epilogue was lovely, though, and I really liked both MCs.
Also, and this is probably just me, but I was a fitness trainer for a few years while working on my graduate degree, and Jared's get-fit plan for Brendon was vague at best. Considering this is the way the MCs meet (Brendon is overweight, and Jared offers his help for free), I wanted to hear more about the training.
It was not believable that Jared never asked for before and after pictures or Brendon's food journal. Unless they're training an actor who has to be shredded in four weeks for a movie role, trainers typically believe in moderation and the occasional cheat day to keep their clients' metabolism revved up. Jared was extreme, especially considering Brendon was a beginner.
The steam came late and abruptly. The epilogue was lovely, though, and I really liked both MCs.
Also, and this is probably just me, but I was a fitness trainer for a few years while working on my graduate degree, and Jared's get-fit plan for Brendon was vague at best. Considering this is the way the MCs meet (Brendon is overweight, and Jared offers his help for free), I wanted to hear more about the training.
It was not believable that Jared never asked for before and after pictures or Brendon's food journal. Unless they're training an actor who has to be shredded in four weeks for a movie role, trainers typically believe in moderation and the occasional cheat day to keep their clients' metabolism revved up. Jared was extreme, especially considering Brendon was a beginner.
April 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
Trained is a sweet and simple story of two guys connecting online, becoming friends, and eventually becoming everything to one another.
Brendon, fresh out of college, lives and works in San Francisco. He’s gay and unattached, but has been feeling a bit down in the dumps about his current increase in weight. He wants to make some positive changes so he jumps online looking for weight loss tips.
While surfing the net, Brendon begins communicating with a guy named Jared, who offers to be his personal trainer, providing motivation, health tips, daily fitness regimes, and eating plans, for free, in the hopes of building his own personal clientele. This sounds like an ideal scenario to Brendon and soon the two begin earnest communications on the regular while Jared guides Brendon into a happy and healthier lifestyle.
What begins as a professional trainer/client relationship quickly develops into a natural friendship, providing both guys with someone they can be truly honest and open with, sharing the ups and downs of their daily lives and enjoying their commonalities and shared interests during countless texts and long phone calls.
For a good long while, Brendon tries to rein his developing feelings in because Jared lives all the way in Los Angeles and is apparently straight, so friendship is all he can hope for. But when Jared comes to town for a work gig and wants to finally meet Brendon, the two hit it off as effortlessly in real life as they do over the phone, and before Brendon knows what’s hit him he’s being kissed by his supposedly straight new best friend.
The GFY aspect of this story was well done. Although Jared frustrated me at times with his uncertainty and confused feelings regarding his first-time feelings for another man, I never once doubted his connection to Brendon or the fact he deeply cared for him. I loved that Jared was willing to explore his new not-so-straight-as-he-once-believed feelings for Brendon, and I really appreciated how well these two communicated, sharing what they were thinking and feeling at all times, good and bad, as they discovered how great they could be together. They were very sweet, tender, and definitely hot together once they began testing the waters. I definitely enjoyed how their relationship progressed and my heart was all warm and happy once I read that lovely epilogue.
For a debut novel, this was well written, fast-paced and brought on some unexpected feels. The fact I devoured this in under 24 hours also speaks to the smooth and easy quality of the story. I’ll definitely be on the look-out for more of Pratt’s stories in the future!
Trained is a sweet and simple story of two guys connecting online, becoming friends, and eventually becoming everything to one another.
Brendon, fresh out of college, lives and works in San Francisco. He’s gay and unattached, but has been feeling a bit down in the dumps about his current increase in weight. He wants to make some positive changes so he jumps online looking for weight loss tips.
While surfing the net, Brendon begins communicating with a guy named Jared, who offers to be his personal trainer, providing motivation, health tips, daily fitness regimes, and eating plans, for free, in the hopes of building his own personal clientele. This sounds like an ideal scenario to Brendon and soon the two begin earnest communications on the regular while Jared guides Brendon into a happy and healthier lifestyle.
What begins as a professional trainer/client relationship quickly develops into a natural friendship, providing both guys with someone they can be truly honest and open with, sharing the ups and downs of their daily lives and enjoying their commonalities and shared interests during countless texts and long phone calls.
For a good long while, Brendon tries to rein his developing feelings in because Jared lives all the way in Los Angeles and is apparently straight, so friendship is all he can hope for. But when Jared comes to town for a work gig and wants to finally meet Brendon, the two hit it off as effortlessly in real life as they do over the phone, and before Brendon knows what’s hit him he’s being kissed by his supposedly straight new best friend.
The GFY aspect of this story was well done. Although Jared frustrated me at times with his uncertainty and confused feelings regarding his first-time feelings for another man, I never once doubted his connection to Brendon or the fact he deeply cared for him. I loved that Jared was willing to explore his new not-so-straight-as-he-once-believed feelings for Brendon, and I really appreciated how well these two communicated, sharing what they were thinking and feeling at all times, good and bad, as they discovered how great they could be together. They were very sweet, tender, and definitely hot together once they began testing the waters. I definitely enjoyed how their relationship progressed and my heart was all warm and happy once I read that lovely epilogue.
For a debut novel, this was well written, fast-paced and brought on some unexpected feels. The fact I devoured this in under 24 hours also speaks to the smooth and easy quality of the story. I’ll definitely be on the look-out for more of Pratt’s stories in the future!
August 7, 2015
Is this a debut for this author? Wow!
I really enjoyed this one. For a GFY story, it's very convincing. I'm always skeptical when approaching a GFY plot and rarely do I buy into it completely. This is one of those rare instances. Brendon and Jared's story is one that I found very plausible. Bravo, Ms. Pratt!
There were a few editing issues but nothing major and nothing that pulled me out of the story.
There was one scene that bugged me a little.
I also felt the epilogue was a bit much. But hey, that's just me. It didn't take away from the story itself.
Favorite lines:
I would definitely recommend this to the GFY lovers and to anyone else who's willing to take a chance with a new author. This ia a solid romance and for a debut it's PDG!
I really enjoyed this one. For a GFY story, it's very convincing. I'm always skeptical when approaching a GFY plot and rarely do I buy into it completely. This is one of those rare instances. Brendon and Jared's story is one that I found very plausible. Bravo, Ms. Pratt!
There were a few editing issues but nothing major and nothing that pulled me out of the story.
There was one scene that bugged me a little.
I also felt the epilogue was a bit much. But hey, that's just me. It didn't take away from the story itself.
Favorite lines:
“I fucking hate labels. Why do we have to define ourselves as gay or straight or bi or whatever? The world is never black and white. We live in a giant soup of grey, and I don’t buy it. If I found someone who got me, someone who loved me for me and made me happy, I wouldn’t give a shit what they looked like or what was between their legs. Love is love.”
I would definitely recommend this to the GFY lovers and to anyone else who's willing to take a chance with a new author. This ia a solid romance and for a debut it's PDG!
June 1, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This was a pretty decent read.
It didn't have me all
but it was good. The text exchanges being my favorite part.
The MCs don't spend much time as a couple...or even in the same city for that matter. But both were pretty likable guys.
Low steam levels I would say...and things got a bit cheesy there towards the end.
But I would read more from this author.
This was a pretty decent read.
It didn't have me all
but it was good. The text exchanges being my favorite part.
The MCs don't spend much time as a couple...or even in the same city for that matter. But both were pretty likable guys.
Low steam levels I would say...and things got a bit cheesy there towards the end.
But I would read more from this author.
May 31, 2017
(Sorry, my brain is fried from one long-assed day of calls at work, so keeping this review super-short.)
This story was aiming for 5 stars, until Jared's second trip to San Francisco, after which the story felt different, less believable and much more sugary sweet for my tastes.
And the epilogue, yeah, I needed a Big Gulp full of milk to get that down.
But it was still very good, mostly, so 4 stars.
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January 3, 2016
It was the worst case scenario, pining over someone who you could never have. - Brendan
.... If I could find you in girl form, I think I've have my soul mate. - Jared
Brendan and Jared first meet online, as Jared offers exercise and nutritional support to Brendan who is looking to lose weight and get in shape. Over the course of a year, Brendan and Jared move from client/trainer to good friends as they daily banter online, and best friends as they talk on the phone for hours. Then they finally meet face-to-face, and everything changes.
The whole relationship was a deliciously slow burn, with loads of soul searching. Well written and well-paced, except for the Epiloque. Usually I love the brief peek into the MC's lives, but it was just a bit too much, and excessively .... sugary, especially for a story that was anything but.
.... If I could find you in girl form, I think I've have my soul mate. - Jared
Brendan and Jared first meet online, as Jared offers exercise and nutritional support to Brendan who is looking to lose weight and get in shape. Over the course of a year, Brendan and Jared move from client/trainer to good friends as they daily banter online, and best friends as they talk on the phone for hours. Then they finally meet face-to-face, and everything changes.
The whole relationship was a deliciously slow burn, with loads of soul searching. Well written and well-paced, except for the Epiloque. Usually I love the brief peek into the MC's lives, but it was just a bit too much, and excessively .... sugary, especially for a story that was anything but.
June 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked this book but didn't love it. It was a hard book to suspend disbelief with. The fact that these two never texted each other a picture until they met in person 6 months after meeting online was pretty far-fetched, especially since one was a trainer and the other an overweight young man trying to get into shape.
The epilogue rocked hard, so it gets an extra half star to round up to 4 on GR.
I liked this book but didn't love it. It was a hard book to suspend disbelief with. The fact that these two never texted each other a picture until they met in person 6 months after meeting online was pretty far-fetched, especially since one was a trainer and the other an overweight young man trying to get into shape.
The epilogue rocked hard, so it gets an extra half star to round up to 4 on GR.
May 30, 2017
Una novella sin muchas pretensiones que cumple su función. No lo llamaría GFY después de lo que dice Jared al final, aunque supongo que se puede encuadrar ahí o en OFY (más bien esto últiimo).
Dejando a un lado este tema del GFY o OFY (del que no soy nada nada fan), si las etiquetas son o no necesarias, cada uno tiene su opinión, la novella me ha parecido muy entretenida y muy agradable de leer, con una pareja protagonista muy dulce y muchos sentimientos de todo tipo. Recomendable para pasar un buen rato, aunque algunas situaciones sean difíciles de creer que puedan ser reales.
Dejando a un lado este tema del GFY o OFY (del que no soy nada nada fan), si las etiquetas son o no necesarias, cada uno tiene su opinión, la novella me ha parecido muy entretenida y muy agradable de leer, con una pareja protagonista muy dulce y muchos sentimientos de todo tipo. Recomendable para pasar un buen rato, aunque algunas situaciones sean difíciles de creer que puedan ser reales.
May 30, 2017
Wow. I went into to this one with no expectations. It's a debut for the author, and what a debut it is. It's a very realistic and convincing GFY, which let's be real, is really hard to pull off successfully. Maybe it's just me but I bought it hook, line, and sinker from the very first page to the very last. The relationship built up beautifully, the story is original, and the emotions jump off the page. I'm giving it ☆☆☆☆☆ because it made me feel like I was not just invested in the story as a third party, but like an insider or an active participant. I loved it.
I was given this book as a gift and right away realized I had read it already a long time ago. Still as good as when I read it the first time. The original review is above.
Read it again because so many GR friends were talking about it. LOL Guess what? It's still great.
I was given this book as a gift and right away realized I had read it already a long time ago. Still as good as when I read it the first time. The original review is above.
Read it again because so many GR friends were talking about it. LOL Guess what? It's still great.
May 17, 2018
Brendon was out of shape and looking for help with his fitness. One internet search later landed him in the helpful hands of Jared. Since meeting on the internet they only ever spoke through text and initially things were professional between the two. Then late night phone calls started happening and eventually their relationship changed from client and trainer to friends. They were constantly in contact and grew really close. Brendon's feelings for Jared began to change. They grew stronger but the problem with that was he was falling for a "straight guy." He knew that going down this path could lead to heart break, and it did, but he couldn't help himself. It was raw, and it was disheartening to read, but if felt real. What didn't feel real was the last 14%. To me it felt rushed and too fluffy, as if, the author was just trying to wrap up the story with a pretty little bow. I wanted a bit more. I definitely think there need to be a hell of lot more groveling out of Jared. Overall it was still a great read.
June 1, 2017
~3.5 Stars~
So much to be liked about this book, and a lot to be frustrated by, but in the end I gave it the bump in stars because of the epilogue....seriously, talk about sweet!!
So much to be liked about this book, and a lot to be frustrated by, but in the end I gave it the bump in stars because of the epilogue....seriously, talk about sweet!!
May 31, 2017
This book suffered the misfortune of being my first read after the incredible "The weight of it all." it was my mistake, really. I was really digging the fitness trope and thought, why not?
And it wasn't bad, but the writing style wasn't particularly inspiring to me and it seemed as though the characters existed in a vacuum. There was Brendon's one friend that occasionally made an appearance and a couple of family moments, but, other than that, it was Brendon and Jared texting for Brendon's workouts, then talking on the phone, and then meeting in person. I appreciated the slow straight to questioning to gay maybe? to no-labels-thanks! journey that Jared went on. But there was a bit more telling than showing for my liking. Also, it was let on early on that Brendon has these amazing eyes but the colour wasn't actually mentioned until about 74% unless I missed it -I'm not bothered to go back and check. But I had this vague discomfort that I didn't even know what these guys are supposed to look like while reading and that didn't help me connect with the characters. Sure we're told that Brendon is losing weight and got more fit etc but as far as I was concerned, there was a shadow around their faces.
Anyhow. I rambled on, what's new? This is a nice enough story that some of my GR friends totally loved so I'm chalking it up to personal preference.
And it wasn't bad, but the writing style wasn't particularly inspiring to me and it seemed as though the characters existed in a vacuum. There was Brendon's one friend that occasionally made an appearance and a couple of family moments, but, other than that, it was Brendon and Jared texting for Brendon's workouts, then talking on the phone, and then meeting in person. I appreciated the slow straight to questioning to gay maybe? to no-labels-thanks! journey that Jared went on. But there was a bit more telling than showing for my liking. Also, it was let on early on that Brendon has these amazing eyes but the colour wasn't actually mentioned until about 74% unless I missed it -I'm not bothered to go back and check. But I had this vague discomfort that I didn't even know what these guys are supposed to look like while reading and that didn't help me connect with the characters. Sure we're told that Brendon is losing weight and got more fit etc but as far as I was concerned, there was a shadow around their faces.
Anyhow. I rambled on, what's new? This is a nice enough story that some of my GR friends totally loved so I'm chalking it up to personal preference.
June 6, 2017
I enjoyed this, it was a pretty sweet read and well written without any real editing mistakes or typos which, after some of the stuff I've read in the last month or so is a real joy!
I liked both characters, but there was very definitely an element of "suspend disbelief" while reading it which isn't necessarily a bad thing and I do love a hopeful story which ends up with a HEA, but for a while just not much was going on other than a fair bit of telling the reader what was happening rather than showing it.
A lot of that was because for the majority of the book, the two MCs were 300 miles apart! The phone calls and text conversations were cute but also got a bit repetitive and while I loved that Jared eventually found the courage to accept his feelings, it would have been nice to have seen the two of them together a bit more.
Also any books where people go through weight loss needs to be handled carefully and I think this one was done well, it was completely Brendan's choice to do so, but there wasn't really much focus then given to it once he and Jared had connected other than just a couple of throwaway references.
The epilogue was super sweet thought.
I liked both characters, but there was very definitely an element of "suspend disbelief" while reading it which isn't necessarily a bad thing and I do love a hopeful story which ends up with a HEA, but for a while just not much was going on other than a fair bit of telling the reader what was happening rather than showing it.
A lot of that was because for the majority of the book, the two MCs were 300 miles apart! The phone calls and text conversations were cute but also got a bit repetitive and while I loved that Jared eventually found the courage to accept his feelings, it would have been nice to have seen the two of them together a bit more.
Also any books where people go through weight loss needs to be handled carefully and I think this one was done well, it was completely Brendan's choice to do so, but there wasn't really much focus then given to it once he and Jared had connected other than just a couple of throwaway references.
The epilogue was super sweet thought.
November 10, 2015
I got so much more bang for my buck with this new to me author. Who would have thought a freebie from an unknown author would be so good??? This is gay for you done right!! The subject matter was very timely as I'm always trying to lose weight and can't seem to win that battle. Maybe I need a Jared in my life.
I love how Brenden and Jared's friendship developed. I loved the questions Jared asked to satisfy his curiosity. I especially love that Brenden could be a take charge guy even though he initially had a weight problem; I didn't want him to automatically be a "no self esteem" bottom, which he wasn't, thank goodness.
This story just blew all my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to read a realistically wonderful gay for you story, check this one out!
I love how Brenden and Jared's friendship developed. I loved the questions Jared asked to satisfy his curiosity. I especially love that Brenden could be a take charge guy even though he initially had a weight problem; I didn't want him to automatically be a "no self esteem" bottom, which he wasn't, thank goodness.
This story just blew all my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to read a realistically wonderful gay for you story, check this one out!
May 31, 2017
-3.5-
I liked this one. I found that I had to suspend disbelief at times, and the writing was sometimes awkward and stilted (for example referring to themselves as "the kissing men"?) but all in all it was a nice debut. My favorite part was the texts. I'd read something from this author again.
I liked this one. I found that I had to suspend disbelief at times, and the writing was sometimes awkward and stilted (for example referring to themselves as "the kissing men"?) but all in all it was a nice debut. My favorite part was the texts. I'd read something from this author again.
August 11, 2015
This is a really slow burn, friends to lovers story.
I really enjoyed the texts between Jared and Brendon. I liked how they formed a really close friendship without having met each other.
Watching their relationship grow was was deliciously sweet.
It got a little too sweet for my taste towards the end, and the epilogue was positively saccharine (toothache anyone?!), but over all a good debut and an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed the texts between Jared and Brendon. I liked how they formed a really close friendship without having met each other.
Watching their relationship grow was was deliciously sweet.
It got a little too sweet for my taste towards the end, and the epilogue was positively saccharine (toothache anyone?!), but over all a good debut and an enjoyable read.
September 14, 2015
Wow. I did not expect to be that good.
It flowed really well. God, I loved their banter. It was funny. They're mostly doing the conversation through the phone. They never met before. And when they met, sparks fly.
This book was told from Brendon's POV, fast paced, and ended in HEA.
It flowed really well. God, I loved their banter. It was funny. They're mostly doing the conversation through the phone. They never met before. And when they met, sparks fly.
This book was told from Brendon's POV, fast paced, and ended in HEA.
July 5, 2021
This was exactly what I was looking for. A feels-good-low-angst/slow-burn story. Friends to lovers. Self-discovering. *sigh* such a sweet story!
Brendon is a 22 years old guy who isn’t happy with his body. He’s determined to get in shape because if he can’t catch a man with his glowing personality, he’ll do it with his killer body. That’s what leads him to enter in a health chat room where he meets Jared who turns out to be exactly what Bren wanted. Someone that will hold him accountable and that will tell him what to do. Including workout routines and prep food.
“Brendon: 5 a.m.?! You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?
Jared: Probably.” […]
Jared is a 26-years-old-straight guy and he loves helping people to get fit, so he starts training Bren through messages because he lives in LA and Brendon lives in San Francisco. Jared is such a committed trainer, he’s always telling him how to prep meals, what routines he’ll do and he even wakes him up at 5 a.m. to go to the gym! (I need someone like that to push me to go to the gym)
One way or another, their relationship goes from being a “business relationship” to a friendship. They start talking more about their personals lives, they watch movies together, and they comfort each other.
After month keeping their relationship through messages and phone calls, Jared flies to San Francisco for a job and they FINALLY meet in person.
Even though they’ve been talking for months, they’ve never seen each other, not even in photos. But that didn’t stop Bren from having feelings for his very straight friend Jared and when he finally sees him in person he’s a GONER.
“Jared said he did some modeling, but nothing could prepare him for the man he saw enter the small café at 1 p.m. on the dot.”
Bren knows best that falling for a straight man, but his connection with Jared is so strong that he can't help it. And obviously Jared cannot help it either, that leads him to be in a very confused state where he doesn’t know what to do and he even says some rude things to Bren telling him he wished he were a woman! God, I hated that.
[…]"but if I could find you in girl form, I think I'd have my soul mate."
Things got a bit awkward between them until Jared decides to leave his “gender issues” aside because his feelings for Brendon are so strong that he can’t keep himself apart from him and that’s when things become way interesting in here (if you know what I mean)
“What’s it like?” Jared asked in a whisper.
“What’s what like?”
“Being with a guy, you know, sexually?”
I’m not quite sure to call this an OFY or a GFY, I’m kinda having troubles with that right now. However, this was quite unique for me; the author approaches the romance in a particular way, leaving the labels aside. Focusing largely on the idea of falling in love with someone’s personality regardless what they have between their legs. It also shows that’s not easy to get to this conclusion because Jared was REALLY confused and because of that he caused so much pain (to himself and to Bren). It took him long enough for him to understand what he really wanted and undoubtedly, that was Bren.
[…]“You’re an attractive man, I won’t deny that, but that’s not it. It’s you that makes me want this, not your body or your gender or anything other than you.”
My heart melted with this story. I was insanely happy with that ending; it was the perfect HEA.
It was a bit cheesy at the end and it made me winced a few times. The writing was beautiful and I like that the story was told only from Brendon’s POV. I liked to read his emotional struggles and I like that on one point I was with him guessing the way Jared felt, reading too much into Jared’s actions and words.
Seeing how their relationship was growing was wonderful, it felt kind of realistic. They were real for me. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a well-written slow-burn. It was a very nice read.
Brendon is a 22 years old guy who isn’t happy with his body. He’s determined to get in shape because if he can’t catch a man with his glowing personality, he’ll do it with his killer body. That’s what leads him to enter in a health chat room where he meets Jared who turns out to be exactly what Bren wanted. Someone that will hold him accountable and that will tell him what to do. Including workout routines and prep food.
“Brendon: 5 a.m.?! You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?
Jared: Probably.” […]
Jared is a 26-years-old-straight guy and he loves helping people to get fit, so he starts training Bren through messages because he lives in LA and Brendon lives in San Francisco. Jared is such a committed trainer, he’s always telling him how to prep meals, what routines he’ll do and he even wakes him up at 5 a.m. to go to the gym! (I need someone like that to push me to go to the gym)
One way or another, their relationship goes from being a “business relationship” to a friendship. They start talking more about their personals lives, they watch movies together, and they comfort each other.
After month keeping their relationship through messages and phone calls, Jared flies to San Francisco for a job and they FINALLY meet in person.
Even though they’ve been talking for months, they’ve never seen each other, not even in photos. But that didn’t stop Bren from having feelings for his very straight friend Jared and when he finally sees him in person he’s a GONER.
“Jared said he did some modeling, but nothing could prepare him for the man he saw enter the small café at 1 p.m. on the dot.”
Bren knows best that falling for a straight man, but his connection with Jared is so strong that he can't help it. And obviously Jared cannot help it either, that leads him to be in a very confused state where he doesn’t know what to do and he even says some rude things to Bren telling him he wished he were a woman! God, I hated that.
[…]"but if I could find you in girl form, I think I'd have my soul mate."
Things got a bit awkward between them until Jared decides to leave his “gender issues” aside because his feelings for Brendon are so strong that he can’t keep himself apart from him and that’s when things become way interesting in here (if you know what I mean)
“What’s it like?” Jared asked in a whisper.
“What’s what like?”
“Being with a guy, you know, sexually?”
I’m not quite sure to call this an OFY or a GFY, I’m kinda having troubles with that right now. However, this was quite unique for me; the author approaches the romance in a particular way, leaving the labels aside. Focusing largely on the idea of falling in love with someone’s personality regardless what they have between their legs. It also shows that’s not easy to get to this conclusion because Jared was REALLY confused and because of that he caused so much pain (to himself and to Bren). It took him long enough for him to understand what he really wanted and undoubtedly, that was Bren.
[…]“You’re an attractive man, I won’t deny that, but that’s not it. It’s you that makes me want this, not your body or your gender or anything other than you.”
My heart melted with this story. I was insanely happy with that ending; it was the perfect HEA.
It was a bit cheesy at the end and it made me winced a few times. The writing was beautiful and I like that the story was told only from Brendon’s POV. I liked to read his emotional struggles and I like that on one point I was with him guessing the way Jared felt, reading too much into Jared’s actions and words.
Seeing how their relationship was growing was wonderful, it felt kind of realistic. They were real for me. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a well-written slow-burn. It was a very nice read.
June 4, 2017
4.5 stars!
Review to come :D
~*~
I really enjoyed this. Brendon is somewhat overweight at the start of the story, so he goes online to a health chatroom thing and gets a trainer that way, which is not something I've ever thought about, getting a trainer online, which made this immediately interesting.
I admit I enjoy stories where the two love interests meet online and get to know each other before they ever see each other. That tactic worked well with this story, because before Brendon ever saw how gorgeous Jared is, he fell for him. Of course they would have still fell even if they had seen the other the first time they had med, but it might have taken longer - which is saying something because the main story takes place over about a year.
I enjoyed both of these characters, although because we didn't get Jared's POV, some of his actions and thoughts he voices kind had me narrowing my eyes. I understood that Jared had never been attracted to a man before Brendon, but he still felt a little too much like the "accepting of LGBT+ people but can't handle it when he is part of that community himself" a few times and that grated, even as I understood. Even Brendon understood, but I still didn't like how hurt he felt the few times Jared pulled away from Brendon taking his hand in public.
I figured Jared was just in some pretty big denial - there's some drama and separation because Jared is straight, no questions, he tried to be with a guy, it didn't work. But really, he was just scared of being attracted and loving another man romantically - which, again, completely understandable, but still frustrating. Mostly because of how hurt Brendon was and I really loved Brendon.
But Jared ultimately got through his reservations and came back to Brendon - and seriously the part of me that easily holds grudges wanted Brendon to make Jared work to gain his forgiveness, which he didn't and that frustrated me as well, even though I knew that Jared truly hadn't done anything wrong. He was confused and going through shit, and it actually would have been fairly unrealistic for Jared to accept his attraction for another man when he went his whole life not attracted to men, and he definitely needed time.
Doesn't mean I can't huff and puff about it though *pouts*
But anyway, these two got their happy ending and it was adorable (I was super surprised when it went forward 10 years in the epilogue, but it was also a super adorable epilogue, so yay! :D)
This book does skip forward in time a lot, which could get annoying at times - like it would skip weeks and weeks at a time from one sentence to the next - which is why I gave this 4 stars on the end of 4.5 instead of 5. It felt a little like I wasn't getting enough of Brendon's life and personality at first as a reader, even though that changed later on.
But this is still an awesome book, and I think it is cleverly titled - Brendon is trained by Jared health wise, but Brendon trains Jared in how to be with a man ;)
Love this, and definitely recommend :)
Review to come :D
~*~
I really enjoyed this. Brendon is somewhat overweight at the start of the story, so he goes online to a health chatroom thing and gets a trainer that way, which is not something I've ever thought about, getting a trainer online, which made this immediately interesting.
I admit I enjoy stories where the two love interests meet online and get to know each other before they ever see each other. That tactic worked well with this story, because before Brendon ever saw how gorgeous Jared is, he fell for him. Of course they would have still fell even if they had seen the other the first time they had med, but it might have taken longer - which is saying something because the main story takes place over about a year.
I enjoyed both of these characters, although because we didn't get Jared's POV, some of his actions and thoughts he voices kind had me narrowing my eyes. I understood that Jared had never been attracted to a man before Brendon, but he still felt a little too much like the "accepting of LGBT+ people but can't handle it when he is part of that community himself" a few times and that grated, even as I understood. Even Brendon understood, but I still didn't like how hurt he felt the few times Jared pulled away from Brendon taking his hand in public.
I figured Jared was just in some pretty big denial - there's some drama and separation because Jared is straight, no questions, he tried to be with a guy, it didn't work. But really, he was just scared of being attracted and loving another man romantically - which, again, completely understandable, but still frustrating. Mostly because of how hurt Brendon was and I really loved Brendon.
But Jared ultimately got through his reservations and came back to Brendon - and seriously the part of me that easily holds grudges wanted Brendon to make Jared work to gain his forgiveness, which he didn't and that frustrated me as well, even though I knew that Jared truly hadn't done anything wrong. He was confused and going through shit, and it actually would have been fairly unrealistic for Jared to accept his attraction for another man when he went his whole life not attracted to men, and he definitely needed time.
Doesn't mean I can't huff and puff about it though *pouts*
But anyway, these two got their happy ending and it was adorable (I was super surprised when it went forward 10 years in the epilogue, but it was also a super adorable epilogue, so yay! :D)
This book does skip forward in time a lot, which could get annoying at times - like it would skip weeks and weeks at a time from one sentence to the next - which is why I gave this 4 stars on the end of 4.5 instead of 5. It felt a little like I wasn't getting enough of Brendon's life and personality at first as a reader, even though that changed later on.
But this is still an awesome book, and I think it is cleverly titled - Brendon is trained by Jared health wise, but Brendon trains Jared in how to be with a man ;)
Love this, and definitely recommend :)
August 21, 2015
I loved everything about this book. I loved how they got to know each other for so long by only texting and talking and not meeting face to face. Everything just developed naturally with them, from strangers to best friends to loving each other despite all the obstacles. This was about finding your best friend and soul mate and not about what people label you as or how you may see yourself because of society. Even Jared's reaction, as heart wrenching it was to see him walk away, seemed natural to what was going on. Wonderful story. Glad the author gave us a glimpse of their future with the epilogue. I really hope we get more from this author.
May 17, 2019
I really liked this book but the ending had me rolling my eyes because of how cheesy it all became. *sigh* But I still enjoyed Brendan and Jared's text messages to each other since I've always liked stories with some virtual elements to them.
dnf-or-hated
June 3, 2017This was a "nope" for me.
I'm totally in the minority, but this didn't entertain me at all. I struggled to get through it and was bored for most of the story.
I'm totally in the minority, but this didn't entertain me at all. I struggled to get through it and was bored for most of the story.
February 1, 2016
3.5-You-Love-Me-For-Me Stars
I really liked this book. I love Gay-For-You stories, have a fondness for personal trainer/client romances, and ADORE love stories that play out through letters, texts, emails, phone calls, etc.
The story is told in 3rd-person narrative from the perspective of our gay, slightly overweight hero, Brendon, who is living in San Francisco. He chats online with a personal trainer/model, Jared, who is living in L.A., is straight and has a girlfriend. Brendon becomes Jared's long-distance client and they embark on a journey to get Brendon fit.
Through lots of texts, workout-phone calls, movie night-phone calls, these two become friends. Best friends. They become integral parts of each others daily lives without having met IRL. After several months, they both start to have feelings for each other, and Jared is confused, having identified as a straight man for his entire life.
My one issue with this story is that the real meat and conflict and interesting character in this tale lies with Jared. Jared is essentially alone in the world, is having new, strange, tender and sexual feelings for a man, his best friend, whom he's not really "met". He lives hours away from Brendon and Brendon has to wait for Jared to make all sorts of decisions about himself and we're not in Jared's head at all for any of those momentous events.
The most fascinating stuff in this book is not happening to the main character, and I felt a bit cheated. In the beginning it made sense that Brendon was the focus of the story because he was the one embarking on a life-changing course. But mid-way, I felt like Brendon had stopped changing and was becoming more of a spectator to Jared's conflict. This could have been a nearly perfect read if only Jared's POV had been interwoven, especially in the second half.
But even lacking Jared's struggle, the book was romantic and fun and had some welcomed steam in the second half of the book, so it was hitting all of my sweet spots. I will definitely be up for reading more from this author in the future, especially if the next one is a book about Brendon's friend, Jacob.
I really liked this book. I love Gay-For-You stories, have a fondness for personal trainer/client romances, and ADORE love stories that play out through letters, texts, emails, phone calls, etc.
The story is told in 3rd-person narrative from the perspective of our gay, slightly overweight hero, Brendon, who is living in San Francisco. He chats online with a personal trainer/model, Jared, who is living in L.A., is straight and has a girlfriend. Brendon becomes Jared's long-distance client and they embark on a journey to get Brendon fit.
Through lots of texts, workout-phone calls, movie night-phone calls, these two become friends. Best friends. They become integral parts of each others daily lives without having met IRL. After several months, they both start to have feelings for each other, and Jared is confused, having identified as a straight man for his entire life.
My one issue with this story is that the real meat and conflict and interesting character in this tale lies with Jared. Jared is essentially alone in the world, is having new, strange, tender and sexual feelings for a man, his best friend, whom he's not really "met". He lives hours away from Brendon and Brendon has to wait for Jared to make all sorts of decisions about himself and we're not in Jared's head at all for any of those momentous events.
The most fascinating stuff in this book is not happening to the main character, and I felt a bit cheated. In the beginning it made sense that Brendon was the focus of the story because he was the one embarking on a life-changing course. But mid-way, I felt like Brendon had stopped changing and was becoming more of a spectator to Jared's conflict. This could have been a nearly perfect read if only Jared's POV had been interwoven, especially in the second half.
But even lacking Jared's struggle, the book was romantic and fun and had some welcomed steam in the second half of the book, so it was hitting all of my sweet spots. I will definitely be up for reading more from this author in the future, especially if the next one is a book about Brendon's friend, Jacob.
May 30, 2017
I love stories where they meet online or have a text or chatting relationship that evolves. These two meet in an online forum and Jared becomes Brendon's long distance trainer.
As the weeks go by, their texting slowly evolves from client/trainer to more friendly interactions. As they get to know each other better their relationship continues to evolve until they become each other's best friend. All without ever knowing what the other man looks like.
Brendon knows he is just asking for heartache by pining for his straight best friend, but he doesn't know how to turn off his feelings while still keeping Jared in his life.
Then it seems that Jared is returning his feelings and Brendon doesn't know what to do with that either.
But, this is where the book handles things so well, Jared struggles with his newfound attraction to Brendon. He didn't just get the magic dick and was suddenly gay. And it isn't an overnight transition. There are so many feels in this book at this point. I really felt for Brendon and his sadness was palpable. But Jared was always going to figure it out, and without labels that don't quite fit him, together they make things work.
As the weeks go by, their texting slowly evolves from client/trainer to more friendly interactions. As they get to know each other better their relationship continues to evolve until they become each other's best friend. All without ever knowing what the other man looks like.
Brendon knows he is just asking for heartache by pining for his straight best friend, but he doesn't know how to turn off his feelings while still keeping Jared in his life.
Then it seems that Jared is returning his feelings and Brendon doesn't know what to do with that either.
But, this is where the book handles things so well, Jared struggles with his newfound attraction to Brendon. He didn't just get the magic dick and was suddenly gay. And it isn't an overnight transition. There are so many feels in this book at this point. I really felt for Brendon and his sadness was palpable. But Jared was always going to figure it out, and without labels that don't quite fit him, together they make things work.
October 23, 2015
I adored this book!!!! Jared & Bren so sweet together ❤️
March 12, 2017
What a nice story. Everything flowed really well and I loved the pace the author used to tell the story of these two men. Really lovely.
July 17, 2015
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
"I always thought that the person I could see myself growing old with would have to be my friend first."
This book had so many amazing quotes, it was difficult choosing just one but that one was the one that made me AWW and tear up the most. It's exactly how I feel when it comes to relationships.
Pratt became one of my favorite authors after reading this treasure of a book! I even raved about it to my brother as soon as I finished. M/M romance is the best, in my opinion! Pratt captured it all perfectly and I couldn't help tearing up at every page. The relationship between these two guys was so heart warming that I had to physically force myself to stop smiling so much. It was unique. Relatable and so hilarious! Every steamy scene had me grinning and screaming like a schoolgirl! I'm just glad I read this in my room lol. Personal trainer romances are a weakness of mine and oh god did Pratt feed my addiction! I love these two guys so much, they were perfect in every way! I can't wait to read more by Pratt!
This is a must read for all of my fellow readers!
"I always thought that the person I could see myself growing old with would have to be my friend first."
This book had so many amazing quotes, it was difficult choosing just one but that one was the one that made me AWW and tear up the most. It's exactly how I feel when it comes to relationships.
Pratt became one of my favorite authors after reading this treasure of a book! I even raved about it to my brother as soon as I finished. M/M romance is the best, in my opinion! Pratt captured it all perfectly and I couldn't help tearing up at every page. The relationship between these two guys was so heart warming that I had to physically force myself to stop smiling so much. It was unique. Relatable and so hilarious! Every steamy scene had me grinning and screaming like a schoolgirl! I'm just glad I read this in my room lol. Personal trainer romances are a weakness of mine and oh god did Pratt feed my addiction! I love these two guys so much, they were perfect in every way! I can't wait to read more by Pratt!
This is a must read for all of my fellow readers!
April 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect read to get all warm and cozy with. I was grinning like a fool and acting crazy in love with it because you just fellllllllt the relationship building throughout. It was sweet and hot and sad and hopeful. I love GFY stories. However, as I was reading this one in the second half I was craving something different. I want a GFY where the "straight" guy has to work his ass off for the "gay" guy. I want the gay guy to know how freaking fabulous he is and that he shouldn't have to be worthy of anything; that he already is solid gold. This book mentioned a few times how Brendon wanted to be worthy of Jared. F that shit! I know that's not how these books are typically written but someone should write it. Why is it always the straight guy who is so fabulous that it tears the heart out of the other? *hops off soapbox*
With that rant complete, I really enjoyed this book...even the OTT cheesetastic Epilogue.
Ty J!
With that rant complete, I really enjoyed this book...even the OTT cheesetastic Epilogue.
Ty J!
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