Book Review: Losing It by Christine D'Abo

Book Review: Losing It 

by Christine D'Abo

Blurb:


Finn Miller doesn’t do social. He works his IT job from home as often as he can to avoid people. If it weren’t for his weekly training sessions at Ringside Gym, he might never leave his apartment. And he only does that because of Leo, the gym member he’s in love with. When Finn gets talked into attending a speed dating fundraiser at the gym, his greatest wish is to have the courage to try to say something—anything—to Leo.

Justin McCormick has spent most of his adult life being used, whether playing a corporate heavy, or acting as guard dog for his ward. So when he leaves Vancouver for a fresh start in Toronto, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.

The moment Justin sees Finn at a speed dating event, he knows there’s no way he’ll make it without a little help, so he offers to coach Finn on the art of conversation. What he doesn’t count on is his unexpected attraction to this shy boxer, or his fear that if Finn gets his way, Justin might lose out on his best chance at love.

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4.5 Stars

I think this might be my favorite book of the series so far. I loved Finn and Justin and I enjoyed watching them transition from strangers, to tentative friends and later, to lovers. It was a bit of a slow-burn, since Justin is helping Finn, who has major social anxiety, to learn to be more confident and comfortable around others, especially Leo, who Finn believes is his dream guy. As Justin helps Finn prepare for his date with Leo, the two form a solid friendship, something that neither man have very many of.

I thought Finn’s awkwardness was endearing and sweet, but I loved that he felt so comfortable with Justin, like all the nerves melted away when he was standing in from of him. My heart went out to Justin, he just seemed so lost, but I loved that he found a home at Ringside and with Finn.

This story was easy to read and flowed well. It was on the sweeter and less angsty side, compared to the other much more emotional stories in this series. While this can definitely be read as a standalone, if you haven’t read the other stories in the series, you’re missing out and should definitely pick them up.

The chemistry between Justin and Finn was off the charts and the story is packed with sweetness, friendship and love. I loved getting to catch-up with the other guys from Ringside and I’m hoping this won’t be the last we’ve seen of them. Although if I never see Finn’s initial love interest, Leo, besides maybe on the receiving end of someone’s fist, ever again it’ll be too soon!

This was a great addition to the series, a joy to read and very recommendable!

*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*