The Weight is Over by Jason Collins

Amazon


Blurb:
EVAN:
I have two guilty pleasures. Sexy men and delicious food. Since gorgeous men don’t usually go for guys like me, I tend to indulge in the latter.
When I score a week-long job as the hospitality manager for a private island resort, it’s the wakeup call I need. I’m surrounded by hot, sculpted bodies—men who look like they’re straight out of fitness magazines.
I stand out, but not in the way I want to.
Even though gyms have never been my thing, I decide to try the island’s workout center. That’s where I stumble into what must be the hottest guy at the resort. He’s exercising shirtless, but hell, I would too if I was him.
Of all the men on the island, this one takes the cake. Chiseled. Perfect. Out of my league.
But through a treadmill accident of embarrassing proportions, the hottest guy on the island suddenly becomes my hero.
I don’t know if I’m his type, but I find myself wondering if a night between the sheets counts as cardio.
NICHOLAS:
I always seem to be drawn to the sculpted, Adonis types.
More than just that, they have to be shallow. That’s how I protect myself—by finding guys who would rather hit the gym than actually get to know me. The real me...not just the physical.
Lately, though, I’ve been hoping for more than that.
And then I meet Evan.
There’s an instant connection. The chemistry is there, but with him, it’s much more than physical. He’s sweet, funny, and adorably clumsy. I’m excited by the idea of building a future, and I want to explore it with him, but the notion of letting someone in terrifies me.
Evan doesn’t know it yet, but he’s the guy I’ve been fantasizing about. I don’t want to rush it, but the spark is undeniable, so I decide to start with a private invitation.
Maybe it’s time to show Evan my idea of a workout.
Note to readers: This is an extra spicy MM romance. Readers can expect two passionate men and several steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.

REVIEW

This is a very sweet romance. I couldn't help but to fall for both men immediately.  I liked that their connection was made before the matter of money and success was ever mentioned.

Both men were insecure and not actually looking for love.  

Evan was insecure in his looks and his body.  And Nicholas is insecure about trusting a partner's intensions.  He can't easily trust that someone is interested in him and not his money.  Both of these issues were prominent in their thoughts and actions throughout the story.

We get to watch as Evan works to get healthy.   It was such an important message, as many struggle with this same issue.  I love the choices he made and that it wasn't easy, but that he worked hard for his success.   Nicholas's journey of realizing how to trust and support Evan was also well written.

In each other, they managed to find someone not only to love them, but to help better themselves.   They found confidence in one another.   And both men had to work to trust the other.  

Add in slimy ex, and how that actually helped Evan to gain more confidence.  That was a nice addition to the story.

I also really enjoyed their friends.  These secondary characters were both enjoyable, as well as a great addition to the story.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book.