Pump Me Up (Work Out Series Book 2)

Originally posted at: [...] You never know how strong you are until you have to show it. Thankfully for Maddoc, Ivan isn't a slouch when it comes to protection. When I first opened Pump Me Up, I wasn't sure what I was getting into. I've read reviews of Andrew Grey's work and as well as the blurb for this story, and knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed. The world Mr. Grey creates is rich with details and I felt like I was right there with Maddoc and Ivan. The sexual tension is thick and great to read about. I liked Maddoc. He's a great sub-hero. Why do I say sub-hero? The poor guy has a scary problem--someone wants him harmed. He's trying to be strong in a situation where a lot of people wouldn't be, and when he sees Ivan, his world is turned upside down. I liked his somewhat lack of self esteem because it made him realistic. Most of us have issues with our bodies and he wasn't any different. It endeared him to me. At the same time, I loved Ivan. He's the strong part of Maddoc even when Maddoc's breaking down. No, they aren't the same person, but the way he jumps in during Maddoc's time of need is really sweet. He cares when a lot of other people wouldn't or just aren't sure how to. Plus, both men are darned sexy in their own ways. When they get together, it's hot and steamy. And the ending wasn't anything I expected, but it's perfect. If you want a story that will leave you with a smile, then you need to read Pump Me Up. I give this story 4.5 cherries.

Don't get me wrong, I like Andrew Grey's writing and I liked 'Pump Me Up' even though it seems so different. I know men like Maddoc, but damn, I wish I knew more men like Ivan! He knows who he is and what he wants while Maddoc is a little jumpy and insecure, but it works for his character. I didn't see what Ivan saw in him either. I wouldn't have time to read these stories if I knew Ivan (neither would you-trust me on this). However, since I do have the time, I enjoy a little intrigue, a little romance and, a little action. I know the characters from 'Spot Me' played a small part in the flow, but I never felt like it was a sequel. Definitely a stand alone novella (story). A great story to read in one sitting, so plan ahead.

Pump Me Up is the second book in a series of workout related novellas by Andrew Grey. I read Spot Me and enjoyed it, so decided to continue on with the series. (The books do not have to be read in order, but some overlap does exist between Spot Me and Pump Me Up). Spot Me Pump Me Up (Spot Me) Core Training Crunch Time (Work Out) Positive Resistance (Work Out) Personal Training (Work Out) Pump Me Up, a shorter M/M romance novella, was nowhere near as engaging as Spot Me. In a nutshell, main character Maddoc is being stalked. Somebody is leaving flowers and freaky notes on his front porch and car. He joins a gym in an effort to gain strength so he can defend himself should the stalker choose to make himself known. At the gym, he meets Ivan, a former Marine, who becomes the protector and is the type of person Maddoc wants to become. While I applaud Grey for writing two extremely realistic characters (Maddoc with his self-image issues and confident, protective Ivan), the entire "stalker" thread was not well developed. We figure out who is stalking Maddoc but not why. Additionally, the stalker theme completely overshadows the budding relationship between Maddoc and Ivan. A disappointment when compared to Spot Me, but I will continue to read the series regardless.

Book 2 of this series gives us Maddoc who is being stalked and Ivan who he meets at the gym and who helps him learn to defend himself.....Ivan and Maddoc were great together and I was totally wrong on who the stalker was....sign of a good book....These are short reads but just long enough to get in a decent read..onto book 3 now x

I absolutely LOVED this sequel to Spot Me. There is much more of a story between the characters, on top of lots of very hot work out scenes. Maddoc captured my heart from the very beginning. The way Ivan starts helping and suporting him was perfect. This is yet another story about very real people and the romance they can find in their lives if they will allow themselves to look. Bravo!

Interesting story centered around the 2 main characters, with details from the rest of their lives added when needed. Good character development for a short story. Short moment of tension with a quick resolution helped move the story line.

A romance story that's both romantic and an interesting story. That's not always the case. I was drawn into the characters' emotions and couldn't stop reading. Totally worth it.

This is the third of Andrew Grey's novels that I have read. Although it was a good story, definitely not the same caliber as his first book in the series. A bit lacking in trying to spin a "who done it" mystery, but still enjoyable.

What a great coming together for Ivan and Maddoc. A casual acquaintance developed into a love affair and a relationship through Ivan helping Maddoc protect himself from his stalker.

Book 2 of this series gives us Maddoc who is being stalked and Ivan who he meets at the gym and who helps him learn to defend himself.....Ivan and Maddoc were great together and I was totally wrong on who the stalker was....sign of a good book....These are short reads but just long enough to get in a decent read..onto book 3 now x