Excellent read about two characters with difficult pasts and they find a way to work together and be together. This was a quick read, read it in a day and I am hoping to get a chance to read more by this author.

I've tried to like this series and I normally love all books that come from Riptide
And I usually love love love all books MM but its starting to fizzle for me
I need connections. And I didnt get it with this one

A great M/m office romance. Zach and Nolan make quite the couple. I am excited to continue reading the stories in this series. Congrats Ms d'Abo.

5 Stars

I'm not sure why I waited so long to read this book. My co-blogger, Mari, raved about it, but for some reason it took me forever to pick it up. She has had quite a few "I told you so" book moments. I really need to start listening better, I guess.

This was a fabulous read. I loved Nolan from the moment I opened the book. Zack, well, I wanted to punch Zack in the face, but fear not because Nolan puts him squarely in his place and I adored watching him do it. I loved the dynamic between these characters and that Nolan wasn't afraid to tell Zack where to get off.

Both of these men show such growth throughout this story. It was amazing to see them both open up to one another and have a chance at love. The chemistry and connection between Nolan and Zack was out of this world and the sex, smoking hot!

The story is well-written and paced nicely. It made me laugh, cry, rage in anger and swoon. It captured my attention and didn't let go until I closed the book. I wanted a resolution, but also more time with the characters. This was such an enjoyable read and I can't wait to start "Faking It". Highly recommended!!

*Copy provided to me via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.*

I liked that this wasn't just the typical alphahole businessman/shy love interest story, which bores me to tears and often infuriates me, but there was still enough of that dynamic to prevent from enjoying it entirely. There were also far too many shivers being sent down spines from just hearing a voice - especially before they knew each other - which is a pet peeve of mine and thus stuck out to me, although it may not for other readers. While I related to Nolan I think that this book and I were just not destined to get along, although I can certainly understand how other people would like it a lot.

This was an enjoyable read for me. It wasn’t something that I was expecting when I started reading this book, but I did end up enjoying it.

While the story line is one that I have read before, multiple times, I still liked the way this book worked out. Nolan was a really good character that I was able to connect with. And on the other hand, Zack was one that I wasn’t really able to connect with right away, but as the story progressed I was able to connect with him.

I do have to admit though, the drama that was going on in this book was predictable for me personally. It was still a good read, but I was hoping for a bit more excitement and suspense.

This book was also a good start for a series, and I will be sure to continue reading into the series in the future.

Working It was an okay book for me. Not sure what to really make of it. I am going to continue with the next book to see if it improved any for me. Good characters and a solid story line, I just wanted to see a little more from the MCs. Something that created a connection.

Oh, I really loved this one! I really loved Nolan and Zack. They both have issues they are working through -Nolan has extreme anxiety attacks and Zack has a definite attitude/anger issue - but these aren't things they are willing to let hold them back. When Nolan gets the job as Zack's assistant, he's determined to do the best he can and show his sister that he can make it on his own. As for Zack, his surly demeanor has obviously started to change after working with Nolan.

Working It is essentially a story of moving forward after tragedy, finding a reason to change your life, and going after one's dreams. Since Zack is essentially Nolan's boss, he knows that he shouldn't start anything with him, but he can't help but be drawn to him. I'm a big fan of drama in books and relationships as long as it's not drawn out by not talking or is something completely unrealistic. I thought the drama was done really well in this book and it just made me root harder for Zack and Nolan to be with each other, and to have their future be what they always imagined. I do recommend, and I'm curious to read the second book in this series!

Working It is the first book in the Ringside Romance series by author Christine D'Abo. I really liked this one. There is a strong connection between the two main characters that really kept me turning the pages. Also there is information in this book that makes me want to see what the series could offer next.
Nolan he has panic attacks. I liked how they were dealt with. I felt the author did justice to the character and knew what she was talking about. He has a shattered hip and walks with a limp. He also is embarking on a whole new career field. I liked that Nolan knows himself. He is a strong character. He is a hard worker and will not let himself be run over by anyone.
Zack, now at first not gonna lie I was not keen on this character. He is a workaholic with a stubborn streak a mile wide. But once you get past his prickly exterior you find a man with a huge heart. He cares deeply he just gets oblivious to those around him sometimes.
Over all both characters have big hearts, and steel back bones. Just in different areas of their lives. They both learn that with love anything can be possible. If you are a true romantic like myself I highly suggest this one.

Five Shooting Stars

Nothing can make me love a book like great characters, and Working It features two solid protagonists whose stories quickly grabbed my attention. Zach and Nolan are both seriously flawed men -- one is a self-declared ass with nonexistent people skills; the other is trying to recover from an accident that almost claimed his life and has left him with serious physical and emotional scars. It's a pairing that could easily slip into maudlin or cloying hurt/comfort tropes, but d'Abo crafts her characters with care, and she gives both men strengths and weaknesses that make them individuals, people whose stories the reader is eager to explore. Zach may indeed be an ass, but he's also a strong, driven personality with a hidden heart, an intense desire to give back to the community, and more compassion than his dragon exterior would lead one to believe. Nolan carries the scars of his past trauma, but he isn't cowed or defeated by them, even when he is overwhelmed by panic and anxiety. Their working relationship builds on a foundation of respect, one that only becomes more as they learn about each other's secrets.

Working It is well-paced, the relationship and the sexual tension builds slowly, a careful plotting of story that kept me engaged and interested to see how these two opposites would find a resolution and a happy ending in each other's arms. d'Abo builds her story well, clearly laying the foundation for this new series with solid supporting characters (please, please, let Max be the star of the next book), but there is a definite sense of resolution how Nolan and Zach's story unfolds from introduction to happily ever after. One thing I really appreciated about d'Abo's storytelling was her deft and direct approach to consent, something not always clearly addressed in stories about boss/employee relationships. While there could be an obvious power imbalance between Zach and Nolan , instead d'Abo makes consent a part of the story, one that happens after clear conversations about these potential issues, definitively establishing Nolan as a strong character who chooses how and when to engage in relationship with his boss.

Working It is a solid start to what promises to be a great series of stories featuring the men of the Ringside Gym. Strong characters, realistic conflicts, and steamy romance made this a great weekend read, one that I would definitely recommend. This was my first book by Christine d'Abo, but it is not likely to be my last.

Advance reader copy received from NetGalley.

***3.75 Stars***

"Two men, a bit lonely, a bit broken..."

This was my first Christine d'Abo book and it certainly won't be my last.

There's an ease to her writing that I really liked. And the flow and pacing of the story felt the same way....easy.

Unfortunately, I liked the first half more than the second half.

The first half really tugged at the heartstrings with Nolan's anxiety and insecurity regarding his scars and injuries after his accident.

Zach took a little bit longer to warm up to due to his abrasive attitude, but seeing him slowly melt and open up to Nolan thawed my feelings towards him too. The two guys definitely had a connection.

I wish the second half didn't shift more time to what was happening at work and would have focused more on the evolving relationship between the two men. I needed more of them outside of work (even though I do appreciate a good romp in the office). By the time we get to the end and epilogue, I wasn't quite sold on the depth of their feelings.

I'm hoping we see more of them in the rest of the series because they're definitely a great and well-balanced couple.

Also, for a series entitled "Ringside Romance," there really isn't much "ringside" going on here?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of hot and meaningful

This is the first book in a new series, and I will be definitely on the lookout for the next installment.

There are many facets to this book, which elevate it from the standard office romance and give it a lot of reader appeal. Firstly, the boss and assistant are both male, so the issues of sexism take on another slant. The assistant, Nolan, is still recovering from a life changing injury, which gives him both vulnerability and interest. Zack is a man who finds it difficult to control his temper and even less easy to give over control of any part of his life, including his work. But we see the two of them develop a friendship and more, giving healing and passion a chance. Wonderful mix of hot, cute, sad, and uplifting.

There were some really good side characters who hopefully we will get to see more of, including Max, Nancy, and Nolan's sister, Tina. I can see this series moving forward in a very interesting way – hope you are busy writing us RR2, Ms. d'Abo!


Dawn – ☆☆☆
The book was nice and moved along at a steady pace, however, I felt nothing really exciting happened. There were no ups and downs, it was just one pace the whole way through.

I also felt that we didn't get to know the main characters. Yes, Nolan had a bad accident that was spoke about briefly, but we never got to find out any of Zack’s backstory; there is clearly a reason he is the way he is.

I felt the ending was a little rushed and I would have liked to have seen a little more of their relationship.

This was a 2.5 star read for me.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
"Somehow they'd clicked – the broken man and the angry one..."

Nolan was in a terrible accident that left him broken and not just physically. He was having anxiety attacks that completely shut his body down. He had to work, even if it was something he was overqualified for. Being an executive assistant wasn't his dream, but he needed to get back to the real world. His boss, Zack, was anything but easy to work for. He was demanding, easy to anger, and never treated Nolan with the kid gloves he'd become used to after the accident.

They were complete opposites. but could it work between them when so much was against them?

Working It is an easy book to fall into. I found myself speed reading through each page having to know what was going to happen. There was buildup with this one which definitely worked. It was sexy and combustible with minimal conflict. I am intrigued to see what's next.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I do love a workplace romance and the chemistry between Nolan, a vulnerable new hire, and Zack, his miserable, exacting boss, is brilliant. The story is redemptive for both men and I loved the way their relationship enables both of them to grow into better versions of themselves.

There is angst as Nolan gets to grip with his past and attempts to restart his life after a horrific accident. There is even more angst as Zack wrestles with the demands of his corporate job and his dreams of an independent future. It takes time for these men to feel like equals and partners, but I loved them both and I loved them better together.

I expected a boxing story from the blurb and cover but this is almost entirely a corporate workplace romance. Zack and Nolan’s complicated histories and their awkward, bumbling connection makes it an interesting story. I’m hoping the boxing will build more in the next book in the series.

With an interesting set of supporting characters and an intriguing setting nearly ready at the end of this book, I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.

After surviving a horrific accident that led to numerous surgeries and pain in his leg that’ll probably last for the rest of his life, Nolan Carmichael is getting ready to become part of the workforce once again. He may be overqualified for the position he’s applying for, but he wants to become more independent, hoping to not rely too much on his older sister and to get a better control of his anxiety attacks. Unfortunately, his new boss is exactly the kind of anxiety-inducing kind of superior that has Nolan stressing out…but he’s willing to stick it out with Zack Anderson.
He knows he isn’t exactly anyone favorite executive at work, but Zack’s only staying long enough for him to have the funds to not just open but upgrade the Ringside Gym, the very same gym that helped him and his best friends during their troubled teen years. Hiring Nolan Carmichael to be his personal assistant was pure impulse, but in just a matter of weeks, it’s proven to be one of his best decisions ever. Nolan’s helped to ease his burdens, and he’s brought love Zack’s way as well. But what happens when office politics get in the way of their chance at a future with each other?
Working It is my second Christine d’Abo M/M romance read—but fourth overall—and it’s the first in her new series, Ringside, which I’m guessing is about a group of three best friends who met as teenagers at the Ringside Gym, a place that became a refuge for LGBTQ teens in the past and a place that the three hope to bring back to life to help new and future generations of teens. Although we only meet two of the three besties here, this was still a pretty good beginning to the series, since we get some of the history of the place and a bit about how the three friends got together.
I really liked Nolan and how he was able to regain a piece of himself that he lost while recuperating after the accident. Zack may have been a pain in the butt but it was that demanding personality of his that pushed Nolan to prove that he was more than capable of doing whatever Zack required of him. I also liked Nolan’s relationship with his sister and how they went from Nolan leaning on her all the time to siblings that were there to be supportive of one another in the face of the new challenges and changes that were now before them. It was that extra something the book needed.
Then there’s Zack, who I admit could be quite a jackass, but once you find out about his mission to bring Ringside back and how it wasn’t about him but about him passing it forward. He’s also obviously a good friend, as showcased by his close friendship with Max Tremblay, and his concern for his co-workers can be seen with how meticulous he is when it comes to making decisions that he knows will adversely affect them. There was much more to both Zack and Nolan than originally meets the eye, and had a good enough love story to keep me going. Four stars go to Working It. ♥

Zack has worked hard to get where he is. He works best alone and has been through numerous assistants due to his gruff demeanor and anger management issues. That all changes when Nolan appears.

Nolan had his life turned upside down when a car accident left him lucky to be alive. It has taken two years of recovery to get to the point where he feels he is able to interview for a job, albeit not in his chosen field, which he is no longer able to do due to his anxiety and PTSD issues. He soon finds out tackling the interview was the easy part. But, as damaged as he feels he is, he has great strength in dealing with the difficult Zach, and in doing so, starts to see beneath the many layers to a man who cares a great deal about many things.

There are definitely some bumps in the road as these guys navigate their working relationship and general attraction toward one another. Zach is working with the goal of being able to renovate and reopen the boxing gym he purchased. This is the basis for the series, although it is only in its beginning stages. The gym played an important role in Zach’s (and his bff, Max) childhood as a safe place for LGBTQ youth and a means for Zach to handle his anger issues.

I really enjoyed this story. We aren’t given too much information about Zach’s past, we definitely get to learn about the man himself. It is easy to see Nolan’s effect on Zach, and the two have great chemistry. Zach is able to calm Nolan with his anxiety, and Nolan manages to organize and bring a calmness to Zach’s hectic life. There were some really cute moments and definitely some sexy ones as well. This was a solid foundation for what looks to be a very enjoyable series. I believe Max’ story is next, and I can’t wait to see what’s in story for him!

Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start, a new career, new company, and a new life. But he had liked his old life until an accident robbed him of his health, job, self confidence, and ability to go out in public without having a anxiety attack more like with PTSD. Zack had scared off his last four assistants either he fired them or they had quit. Nolan hated mirrors but needed them for his daily routine. His sister Tina said nothing was different about Nolan but he knew the truth. There was a scar just below Nolan’s hairline but was covered by the long fringe of his hair. This scar was one of the least horrific of the injuries Nolan had. Nolan was interviewing for a job at compass technologies. Nolan hated interviews even before the accident he sucked at them. Nolan’s life had been challenging over the last two years. He got through physiotherapy and got his broken body working again. Nolan was staying with Tina and this was his first interview since his accident and since the mental meltdown at work when Nolan had tried to go back to his previous job. Nolan had three older brothers and they had learned to look out for each other. Tina had spent at least part of every day with Nolan after the accident. Without Tina Nolan Nolan's recovery would have taken a lot longer. Nolan was gay and came out to his family and friends early in life. The man Nolan had been staring at in the mirror in the bathroom came into the interview room looked at Nolan’s resume - Mr. Zach Anderson- Mr. Anderson asked Nolan some questions then told him he had an evaluation period of three months and he could fire Nolan at any time in those three months for any reason in that time. Then he told Nolan to be at his office Monday morning at 7:00 AM. Zach was the senior Management Team of Compass. Zach was the CTO of the company in charge of all the technology decisions .Zach was the third most powerful man in the company and the most difficult to work with. Max was Zach’s friend and business partner of a bar- frantic that had been Max’s dream. Zach wanted to reopen Ringside Boxing and he was determined for it to happen. Ale, Zach, and Max had spent the better part of their HS years as part of a LGBTQ teen outreach program at Ringside Boxing as a way to develop self confidence and to learn how to defend themselves. Within the next year or two Zach wanted to walk away from Compass and help people like he had been helped by Russell at Ringside. Nolan knew he was gay from about eight years old on. The car accident Nolan had been in he had been driving. Nancy agreed to be Nolan’s office wife.and told he told her about his accident and the anxiety attacks so she knew what to do to help him if an attack occurred. Nolan doesn’t bend to Zach’s will and Zach becomes nicer and more humane. Nolan offers to help Zach get the gym up and running.
I liked this book quite a bit even though when I requested I didn't realize it was about two gay men but got by that. But i did have mixed feelings about different things. Lately the stories aren’t being labeled LGBTQ and I don’t think that is really fair but anyway Zach had a big heart for others he just didn’t show it at the job that paid the bills and he obviously didn’t really want to be there but running Ringside Boxing and helping people.I didn’t like how Zach treated Nolan toward the end. Then Nolan just took it and still came back. Zach liked Nolan in the beginning because he stood up to him now he wasn't just made no sense if he wanted to stay with Zach. Zach does have anger issues and that shows in this story. This romance didn’t really work for me and I just couldn’t connect with it. But there still was a great plot. I think the second half of the story should be at least half less about office politics that kinda bored me. I also found this story dragged for me in different places. I liked how Nolan made Zach laugh and open himself up to others. This story just didn’t Wow me.

Working It stands out from the typical office romance for its excellent writing, engaging dialogue and realistic characters. Nolan is healing from a brutal car accident. Since the accident he hasn't been the same man. He doesn't even like to look himself in the mirror because he hates the face he sees there. He has scars up his leg and up onto his stomach. He's lost weight and muscle mass, but more significantly, he suffers from anxiety so fiercely that his psychologist has diagnosed his condition as like PTSD. He has an interview at Compass, for an executive assistant position, something in which he has no experience. So, imagine his surprise when he's hired for the position after the man with whom he briefly conversed in Compass' bathroom, comes into the interview, barks a few questions at him, then hires him on the spot.

That man is Zack, CTO of Compass, and now Nolan's boss. He's nothing like Nolan, though. He's an angry, mean man whom nobody at the company likes. But, something amazing happens when Nolan takes over Zack's office and organizes it: Zack starts showing his human, softer side around Nolan because Nolan somehow manages to calm him in minute, subtle ways. And when the attraction between the two makes itself known, their strictly professional relationship takes on something more. They become friends, then lovers. Zack is the first person to treat Nolan as if his new disability doesn't define him or make him less of a man. Nolan calms Zack and smooths out some of his rougher edges. And together, they each become something even more special and burrow themselves into each others' hearts and minds.

Working It is low on angst, high on heart, and I can't tell you how much I love Nolan and Zack together. I am looking forward to more of this series and from Christine d'Abo!

The past weighs heavily on two men who form an unlikely connection amidst the backdrop of machinations in the business world in this satisfying m/m romance. When a man full of anger gets matched up with a man who's overcome great adversity the sparks fly with readers rooting for their HEA every step of the way.

Nolan Carmichael was once at the top of his game in the business world until a tragic accident left him scarred and full of memories to haunt him as well as episodes of PTSD. He no longer recognizes himself as the accident shook his confidence and has him worried he'll never be independent again. An unexpected encounter at a job interview ends with him becoming the assistant to a man who's known for his rage, his tendency to overwork, and his chronic firing of assistants. Though the job tests him mightily it also helps rebuild his confidence in his ability to make decisions at work. It also reawakens his sensual desires as he discovers that there's more to his boss than meets the eye. With numerous life changes being hurled at him, both personally and professionally, will he be able to keep rising above it all or will he be left treading water? Nolan's immensely likable, never giving up, and I enjoyed seeing him gain strength as the story progressed. Assisting Zack was challenging but it had him standing up for himself when necessary. Before, he hid his disabilities, but with Zack he feels comfortable to talk about them and sees them differently through Zack's eyes. He met every challenge and I couldn't help cheering for him to grasp happiness wherever he could.

Zack Anderson's a grumpy man, full of anger and unhappiness, for reasons I never quite understood. He's exacting and demanding and is hated by most of the people in his company, but he's the one they go to when they need things fixed. For so long his life's been all about work, but meeting Nathan has him looking beyond that to his one true joy of re-opening the gym that was his salvation in his youth. He also starts embracing the warm feelings Nathan engenders in him, showing the heart hidden beneath his gruffness in subtle and overt ways. He found that trusting Nathan soon became freeing as not everything had to fall on him. Just as Nathan's starting to break out of the box his accident put him in, so too is Zack breaking out of the rage and frustrations of his youth.

Zack and Nathan, despite their many differences, are a formidable couple who gain strength from each other. Zack's hard to like at the start but Ms. d'Abo quickly humanized him through the care he showed towards Nathan during one of his episodes. Bringing Nathan to his place of solace was yet another sign of his growing faith in him and the location became a sign of their burgeoning relationship as they put their combined energy into rebuilding the gym. Their romance grew out of mutual respect and long days at work with the sexual tension growing ever closer to exploding. Once they finally gave in it was a fiery confrontation that was well worth the wait. These were two men left bruised by their pasts and I loved seeing that weight come off them throughout the story as they grew closer. Surrounding them, aiding them in their journey towards HEA, was a small but likable cast of secondary characters. From Zack's friend Max, to Nathan's sister Tina, these were characters who unconditionally supported those they cared for and I hope to see more of them in the future. On a whole this was an enjoyable m/m romance that was uplifting for how the main couple rose above their painful pasts. Their interactions ran the gamut of emotions which kept me enthralled with them from start to finish. Though the conclusion felt a bit rushed and incomplete, and the issues plaguing Zack were never addressed fully, I still found myself fully immersed in the HEA of these two damaged souls.

Mini review, bullet style:

~ Nolan was in an accident; has PTSD/anxiety/panic attacks from it, plus scars and lingering pain
He's trying to move on with his life and his new normal
~ Zack has issues with anger and everyone hates him, thinks he's a total ass
No one wants to work with him
~ While Nolan is there for an interview for another position, he runs into Zack; Zack seems something in him and hires Nolan as his executive assistant
~ They work well together and balance each other (and their problems) out
~ Very slow burn but once it starts, the few scenes are pretty hot
~ Will definitely read the rest of the series, curious about Zack's friends
~ Nothing wrong with the book but it wasn't holding my attention completely, I was able to put it down

3 1/2 STARS!

Review and blog tour will be here on 2/7/17 at 9:00 AM

4* review

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