What I liked:
-Excellent disability representation (POTS)
-The spice was spicin’
-Strong female lead who allows herself to be vulnerable after dealing with some deeply traumatic situations (CW: sexual assualt)
What I didn’t like:
-Too many plot points/story lines and groups of characters all at once - there could have been one or two less situations (the festival, perhaps?) and it would have felt like a more cohesive read.
-Because of this, it read way too long and honestly could have been 2 separate books.
-I got the ick from some of the MMCs, specifically Blaine’s attempt at being more than friends and the relationship between Jake & Vicky.

A tighter edit and this could have been a really solid debut - there were definitely passages of great writing that got lost along the way. I will read more by this author and look forward to future stories. Thank you to Netgalley & Entangled for the advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.

Work It Out had such a great hook and really started off well. I was interested in these characters, but quickly became overwhelmed with the pacing of the story.

The dialogue, as well, began to feel too shallow and pointless towards the midpoint of the story.

While I enjoyed these characters and the overall story premise, I was left wanting just a bit more from story.

Overall rating is a 2.5 (rounded up)

I really really wanted to love this. Unfortunately it just felt a bit too insta-love to me, which isn’t my vibe. It’s also just miscommunication trope all over the place with trauma tit-for-tat. I was rooting for Jake and Ray for sure, but they were both incredibly frustrating at times. Still an enjoyable read and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to review, just wasn’t my total cup of tea.

Work it Out by Eva Siedler was obviously a labor of love. From the dedication, we know the author has some strong feelings about living with chronic illness. I loved that she gave these characters depth in that way. There is also a very big storyline about girls in sports as well so be mindful of the content warning. Overall it is a fun romp with some very likable characters (and a pig). I read an ARC.

The POTS representation is definitely the highlight of this book, especially as the male MC has to learn to share and accept. I recommend for those who like a quick connection, fast-paced rom com movie type of feel.

ARC Review for Entagled Publishing & Eva Siedler
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
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Christopher, I mean Jake, grew up in the small town of Bigbone AZ. But now he’s a BList Hollywood star trying to catch his first major role. Problem is, he isn’t cut enough to play the main super hero role; he’s lacking muscle tone & abs.
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It’s a good thing his best friend happens to work an all exclusive gym owned by a former Olympic front runner, Rayah.
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Can Rayah whip Jake into shape enough for him to get the leading role or will their feelings they grow for each other give them whiplash? Can they both let go of their pasts & be happy in the present or will they buckle beneath the weight?
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I gave this book 5 stars because I feel I related to FMC character, Rayah, so much. The banter was fantastic between the two lead characters. It follows character growth well & I can appreciate that in a book. It is a bit of a slow burn but all the tension makes it worth it.

Thank you Entagled & NetGalley!

I just reviewed Work It Out by Eva Siedler. #WorkItOut #NetGalley

Unfortunately, this one didn't work out for me. The book had potential, the setting was amazing, but I felt like there was something missing for the entirety of the book. As much as I enjoyed learning more about POTS and reading from a strong FMC, the obsession of the two main characters about each other's physical appearance got tiring after a few chapters. I enjoyed the writing overall, so I might give this author another chance in the future.

Thank you to Eva Siedler, Entangled Publishing, LLC, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I will start with this, I love this cover! It instantly grabbed my attention. With that being said, this book felt rushed. Too much happened too fast. There wasn't any chemistry at all between Rayah and Jake.

I felt like it moved really slow. I kept waiting for something to happen and I just couldn’t get interested in any of the characters enough to want to really keep reading.

I'd like to thank the publisher for this Netgalley and a chance to read this book prior to release day. All of the opinions in my review are my own.

This book was a really cute rom-com read. It has many of the tropes that one wants when reading a rom-com too, such as: found family, forced close-proximity, and small town shenanigans, I loved the witty banter between Jake and Rayah, and her found family of fitness instructors are just the best!

Jake is an actor and hoping to land a superhero role in an upcoming movie. Rayah owns a fitness gym that is an all-inclusive experience, and happens to be the perfect place for Jake to train with the privacy he desires. Tons of hilarity ensues, causing Jake and Rayah to endure forced close-proximity, and dare say I....a romance!

Underneath all of the flirtation and romance, there are two issues that the main characters are dealing with that make this light-hearted romance a bit deeper. I really enjoyed the chronic illness inclusion, as that is a subject not often touched on!

If anyone has a trigger for past SA, please use caution and read, only if you are comfortable doing so.

I had high hopes, I mean, that cover? Adorable! And the synopsis got me like, "This is gonna be good!" But, sigh, it kinda tripped after 20%, and now I'm here a bit disappointed. The potential was sky-high, but it's was a big mess with pacing issues.

The writing started smooth, making it a quick read, but after 30%, it went on a rollercoaster. Rushed pace, no clear rhythm – like the author was trying to cram all their ideas into those little 400 pages. Just needed better pacing or maybe a few more pages to breathe. Now, the dialogue – it started natural, but as the main characters got closer, it got cringe-worthy. I'm talking goosebumps of cringe, and not the good kind. Also, mixed POV’s? Usually my jam, but here, it felt like a mixtape gone wrong. Got a bit lost at times.

Plot Rundown: Jake Newman, a Hollywood hunk with secret health issues (POTS), and Rayah Summers, a hard-ass trainer on the brink of bankruptcy. Jake needs to shape up for a superhero role, and Rayah's resort is his last hope. But it's not just about the workouts; it's a balance beam nightmare with secrets threatening everyone's dreams.

Rayah: Admirable journey, really, but for some reason, I couldn't fully attach myself to her. Sweet, funny, and overcoming trauma – great qualities, but not super obsessed with her character.

Jake: Is very desperate and cheesy after 30%. I couldn't take him seriously, and my attachment level was even lower than with Rayah. His POTS was handled beautifully, though. The book shed light on a sensitive topic, and I learned a lot about POTS, so props for that.

Romance: Chemistry? Yes. Conversations? Good. Desperation? A bit too much. Liked their relationship but felt the third-act breakup was way too late (not that I even like third-act breakups in books), and the end was severely rushed.

Fitness Storyline: Loved it! Not your usual abusive diet culture, but a natural fitness journey. Gym family vibes and small-town charm – nailed it. The female trainer angle was refreshing. Great insight into fitness without being preachy – well done!

Overall, cute, sweet, spicy – a mixed bag. Not a perfect five, but hey, it's a cute read. Celebrity romance vibes on point. Characters and writing could use some polishing, but it's a nice addition to your reading list. Coming out on January 29, 2024 – mark your calendar if you're into playful, lighthearted romance with self-improvement vibes.

Note: I'm low-key hoping the author spills the tea on Vicky and Samuel. Almost loved them more than the main duo! Also, more Grace, please.

"Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This book was easy to get into in the first half of the book but then the pace slowed down for me afterwards. I still enjoyed the interaction of the main characters and they were well written. Overall it was a cute romance book!

Overall this book was a cute fun romance book. I loved the characters thought they were written pretty well. I liked that it was a workout book with the female being the trainer, enjoyed that the male main character did have a disability and his journey of accepting it.
I did find it very rushed the whole book took place from September- November. And due to the fast timeline and the way the one character was described and her trust issues due her past I’m having a hard time understanding how she just bam instantly got over it and 100% trusted the main male character so fast.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this ARC all opinions are my own

I enjoyed this book! It was sweet and spicy while remaining realistic. I love a celebrity romance, and this one was well done. I appreciated that it touched on real world problems. It really helped round out the story! The chemistry between the two main characters was palpable!

Cutest book ever! First let me preface this by saying I’m not a fan of the 3rd act break up but this doesn’t really count as that and it was really well written. The characters are great and the world building is prefect. The pace of the story is awesome and usually I’m not a fan of slow burn romance but this was amazing. The steam is excellent! I love the POTS representation in this book with Jake and Ray’s trauma was heartbreaking but it’s a real thing that happens and it was refreshing to see her get justice! Sensitive subject but handled beautifully. This book is witty and the banter is everything. I hope there’s a book two because I am hooked and need more of Jake and Rayah. And let’s be real, Granny Jean too lol. Amazing book. Highly recommend!

"Work It Out" by Eva Siedler is like a rom-com on steroids, with a Hollywood hunk, Jake, sweating it out to get abs in a quirky desert resort owned by the hardworking Rayah. Jake's got secrets, including a health issue, and Rayah's on the brink of bankruptcy. The plot's as chaotic as a three-ring circus, involving fitness centers, aliens, and even a best friend dealing with abuse. And did I mention the actor's got two names? Chris or Jake, pick one! Also, Rayah's bestie is secretly in love with her, and there's some weird email blackmailing going on.

The book starts strong with an interesting premise and cool dialogue, especially in the first 20%. But then, it's like the plot decided to do a marathon with too many twists. POTS adds a unique touch, but the jumble of subplots makes it hard to keep track. Despite some spicy moments, the confusion earns "Work It Out" a casual 2.5 stars. Good for a light read if you're up for a narrative workout!

Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and freely given.

There was definitely many layers to this one, making it a deeper romcom than I expected. Jake/Chris (one is his actor name) is up for a big superhero role, akin to our Marvel universe, but he has to buff up for the role. That’s easier said than done for someone who suffers from POTS.
Rayah is hired to get him in shape, which starts off a bit rocky given some altitude sickness, and then later discovery (on her end) of his POTS. Also that there is no denying their chemistry. Layers get added as Rayah’s past comes back to haunt her, some of Jake’s does to as well as some obligations he has to getting the part, managers, a bad father, a best friend who has unrequited feelings, and of course, the “I can’t keep my hands off of you” aspect.

This one was a workout of my brain at time (LOL get it?), and I enjoyed it! Thank you Entangled Publishing for the early copy.

This was a good book. I loved it. Seeing Rayah become a beast and work through her trauma was amazing and eye-opening, and seeing a book written about a guy with POTS isn't something that I've seen before. I didn't know guys could have POTS, and I'm glad it's being talked about now.

This book ALMOST made me want to start working out regularly.... almost! But it did make me want to find a love and understanding relationship like theirs!

Work it out by Eva Siedler is about a former gymnast that is trying to save her gym and an actor who has to tramsform his physique in a short period of time.
The book was really easy to get into in the begining, but felt kind of slow to read in the second half.
I really liked their chemistry and their conversations, the author’s humor and sarcasm. But the mmc was a little desperate at times. I liked their relationship and the fact that they could be vulnerable with each other.
The end felt wrong with the hole thing with Yvonne, the third act breakup was a little too late in the book and everything was rushed.
Even though she mixes diffrent povs I didn’t find it that difficult to follow.
I hope she’ll write a book about Vicky and Samuel and I would also love to find out more about Grace.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book early! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.