Tending to Rose by Sean Michael

Title: Rose and Thorne, Book 2: Tending to Rose
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Changeling Press
Pages: 63
Characters: Rose, Thorne
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Light BDSM
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Rose and Thorne are back, taking their relationship to the next level, even if Rose thinks Thorne’s a little crazy for the lifestyle he wants to lead.

As Rose gears up for competitive bodybuilding, Thorne worries about what Rose is doing to his body. When Rose passes out after the competition, Thorne knows he’s right to worry and he’s determined to make sure Rose never does anything like it again.

Rose wants to contribute, though, especially when he finds out Thorne wants to open his own tattoo and piercing parlor. Can Thorne convince his lover that Rose is worth more to him than any purse Rose could win, and that what they do in the bedroom is not only not weird, but nobody’s business but their own?

Review:

If you’re like me and loved the first book in the Rose and Thorne series, you’ll enjoy Tending to Rose just as much!

The story picks up with Rose preparing for a competitive bodybuilder competition. So far, he and Thorne’s relationship has continued to thrive and progress and the men are totally in love with each other. But Thorne is surprised when he sees how much Rose has to suffer to compete and because Rose is literally starving himself to achieve the bodybuilder look, Thorne has decided Rose needs a change.

What follows is a sweet and sexy story that I liked very much. As per the first book, I really enjoyed watching the way these two men work to fit each other into each other’s lives. Although Thorne continues to be very self-assured, poor Rose questions himself and questions whether he is worthy of Thorne’s love.

I also liked how Rose and Thorne are slowly incorporating the BDSM lifestyle together that each man really craves. Rose continues to learn and thrive under Thorne’s guidance and I loved how much Thorne not only respected Rose, but with firm and gentle prodding opens up Rose to a whole new life that he’s never expected.

Although there is a BDSM theme to the book, it’s not over the top. Those who aren’t into the genre could definitely give this book (and series) a try. Mr. Michael’s is a master storyteller and in my opinion, and in particular writes the D/s relationship extremely well.

I’ve heard there will be another book in this series, and I have to admit, I can’t wait to read it. If you are a fan of Sean Michael or haven’t read anything by this author, this book would definitely be a great way to introduce yourself to Mr. Michael’s steamy and addictive storytelling abilities.

Tending to Rose could be read as a stand-alone story, but because of the strong dynamic between the two men, I highly recommend reading these books in series order.

The Rose and Thorne book in series order are:

Every Rose Has His Thorne
Tending to Rose

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Treat by Sean Michael

Title: A Hammer Story: Treat
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Pages: 64
Characters: Treat and Killian
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM, Series
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Really on just on their feet again after their sub Peter died of cancer, Treat and Killian are thrown for a loop when Killian is kidnapped by a madman’s brother. Shot during the rescue, Killian is injured, both physically and mentally.

Can Treat find a way to heal the new scars on Killian’s psyche, or will this latest incident be the final straw?

Review:

Treat by Sean Michael was a very easy book to read, even though it dealt with some troubling subject matter. Mr. Michael did a great job of explaining everything and inviting you into the world he created for his characters.

Treat and Killian are still trying to get over losing their sub to cancer. Each man feels like he has lost a piece of his soul, but neither willing to give up what they have. Then Killian is kidnapped, beaten and eventually shot. This throws both men into a tail spin.

All Killian wants to do is take care of Treat, make him better body and soul. I found it very interesting watching these two learn to deal with their grief, and each other as they grow and move on. On a side not the last scene is one of the hottest things I have EVER read about. Recommended!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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Sweet Cherry by Sean Michael

Title: A Hammer Story: Sweet Cherry
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Pages: 22
Characters: Rafe, Bobby
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Light BDSM, Series
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Rafe’s always thought BDSM was a hot little fantasy to jack off to and then he discovers the Hammer Club and starts to read up online, looking for clues as to how real it is. There’s a Laundromat across the road from the club and he watches from there, trying to build up the courage to go in.

A bored Bobby overhears the Hammer waiters talking about the young man who sits at the Laundromat and stares at the club, and decides that someone new and fresh might be just what he needs. He sends a note to the watcher and hopes for the best.

Could sweet cherry Rafe be exactly what Bobby’s been looking for?

Sweet Cherry was originally in the Cherry on Top anthology

Review:

Like many of you, I’ve had a stressful, hectic week, so when I had the opportunity to read and review, Sweet Cherry by Sean Michael, I immediately jumped at the chance to do it. I haven’t had the time to read anything but a quick, hot romance, and lucky for me, this wonderful addition to the Hammer series really fit the bill for me.

Bobby is an experience Dom who lately has become a little bored and restless from both the same people and the same hot scenes performed at the Hammer Club. He’s craving something new and fresh, so when he overhears two waiters at the Hammer gossiping about the young man who always seems to be observing the club from the Laundromat across the street. Intrigued, Bobby decides to do something a little spontaneous, and has a worker retrieve Bobby from his lookout to join him for dinner. When he meets the sweet man, Rafe, Bobby immediately becomes fascinated by Rafe’s curiosity about the BDSM lifestyle as well as the younger man’s subservient nature.

I really enjoyed meeting this new couple in the series. Both Bobby and Rafe were likeable characters who really seemed to have an immediate connection and a heavy attraction between them. I enjoyed watching Bobby become excited by the prospect of introducing Rafe into the world of BDSM and thought the scene they had together was both sexy and hot.

The BDSM in this book isn’t over the top. Rafe is an innocent when it comes to the lifestyle, so Bobby doesn’t immediately throw him into an intense D/s scene. I liked that Bobby had enough patience with Rafe that allowed him to dip his toe into something he’s never experienced before and because of it, they have a promising future of being together.

I do wish the book had been longer. I enjoyed the characters and would love to know more of how their relationship progresses, but for a quick read, it is definitely a hot and sexy one and a great addition to the Hammer series.

Short, sexy and whole lot of fun, Sweet Cherry is a great read if you need a short time of pure escapism. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series and recommend this book for any Sean Michael fan as well as fans of the series and/or BDSM themed romances.

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Leaf by Sean Michael

Title: Shibari House: Leaf
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Changeling Press
Pages: 49
Characters: Leaf, James
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM, Series
Kisses: 4.25

Blurb:

When River calls his twin Leaf and says “Brother, I’m in trouble,” Leaf does the same thing he always does — he comes to River’s rescue. Leaf’s twin is thrilled he showed up, and quickly takes his clothes, tells him he’s going to have a great time and leaves Leaf to be auctioned off at the Shibari Auction House in his place.

Not quite sure what River has gotten him into this time, Leaf is stunned to find himself auctioned off for seventy-five thousand dollars. Not sure exactly what’s expected of him, he tells the man who won him the truth and finds himself treated more than fairly by James, the man who bought a week of his time.

Has River left Leaf holding the bag? Or has River inadvertently granted Leaf fantasies he didn’t even know he had?

Review:

The Shibari House books are a hot, sexy series by Sean Michael. I’ve read every one of the novellas in the series and enjoyed them all.

Leaf is used to bailing his twin brother River out of sticky situations. So when River calls him for help, he believes it’s just one more thing he’ll have to do to help his brother out. But when he arrives at this strange, but pristine place and River tells him he’s going back to his boyfriend, and that Leaf must take his place at the auction block, Leaf is both overwhelmed and confused. Before he knows it, his brother has left and Leaf finds himself stripped down and on auction for spending some personal time with the highest bidder. Just when Leaf is about to call it off, he hears the winning bid for him is quite high and changes his mind. Leaf could use the money and tells himself it’s just for a few days, so what harm could it be?

What Leaf isn’t prepared for is how attractive the man, James, is who has bought him. Plus, he’s guilt ridden over the deception and finds himself wanting to come clean over his and River’s deceit. Now he wonders what James will do once he’s told he’s not the man James has bid on and he begins to hope the handsome, interesting man will still want him for himself.

Whew! What a sexy, quick read this book was! Leaf is such a sweet man and watching him open up and become appreciate for who he is by James made this gem of a story really enjoyable for me. I liked watching James introduce Leaf to a whole new world of BDSM and thought they were very good together. As with the other Shibari books, I wish this book had been longer. Just when I became enthralled with these two men, boom, the story was over, and even though it was short, I still loved it.

Sexy, hot and a whole lot of fun, Leaf is one of my favorite books in the series. I loved these two men together and enjoyed every minute of this story. This would also be a great series to consider if you don’t like to read heavy D/s relationships or want to give BDSM themed books a try. They are on the more sweet, sexy side than some of the darker, more intense relationships that can between two D/s men. If you are looking for a book with some sexy men, sizzling sex and witnessing what looks to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship, then Leaf is definitely the book for you! Recommended!

The Shibari House books can easily be read as stand-alone books. They are all fun, sexy stories that I’ve enjoyed and look forward to reading the next book in the series. The books in series order are:

Jack
Alec
Ben
Leaf

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Wallflowers by Sean Michael

Title: Wallflowers
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 72
Characters: Ryan Coulter, DJ Delout
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Ryan Coulter is a sports science graduate, who’s deep in the closet. Returning to his college town to be in a frat buddy’s wedding, he discovers he still has feelings for his old college lover, Daniel James Delout. Too bad he’s still in the closet and DJ most definitely is not, the main reason why they broke up in the first place. To complicate matters further, DJ is now blind, and is, somehow, almost maddeningly Zen about the blindness, Ryan, everything.

Can Ryan ignore his stronger-than-ever attraction to DJ and just get through the wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception? Does he even want to? And what happens if he and DJ do reconnect? After all, he’s still in the closet…right?

Review:

Seven years ago, Ryan walked away from his lover DJ. Ryan allowed his fear of coming out of the closet keep him from being with the man he loved. Now, he’s attending a frat brother’s wedding, and once he sees DJ, Ryan realizes he mistakenly thought that time would heal old wounds and make him forget DJ and the love they shared together. To Ryan’s surprise, DJ has changed…a lot. He’s sexy, confident and…blind. But even though DJ isn’t exactly the same person Ryan once loved, he still finds himself totally enamored with his past lover. So much so, it’s almost as if they’ve never been separated. But, time has not healed Ryan’s fear of admitting his homosexuality and his feeling towards DJ. Will these fears break the two men apart forever?

I loved this book! Both Ryan and DJ are well-written, likeable men. I understood Ryan’s fears, but really hoped he’d be able to overcome them so he could have a happy life with DJ. Something else I really liked about Ryan was his easy acceptance of DJ’s blindness. Even though he was stunned by DJ’s condition at first, Ryan quickly adapted to it. I liked how even though it was a very different thing both men had to deal with, they didn’t allow it to be the focus of their reunion.

I also liked how DJ came across as a strong, confident character. Yes, because of his blindness, he has to have help with some things, but he’s not allowed it from keeping him from achieving his own goals in life. This made him a very sexy hero to me. I also appreciated how DJ also had a vulnerable side to him. Even though he loves Ryan, he’s still determined to live the life he wants to live and not hide in the closet because of Ryan’s insecurities.

Wallflowers is a charmingly romantic love story that lived with me long after I finished the story. I loved watching these two men rekindle their love for each other and truly start their relationship back onto a firm solid ground. Wallflowers is a very sexy and well-written romance that left me with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Mannies Incorporated by Sean Michael

Title: Mannies Incorporated
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Pages: 228
Characters: Slayde, Drake
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Romance
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

Slayde’s got the best job on earth: he’s a nanny to Army nurse and widow Mindy’s three kids. He’s been with the family since the oldest was born and is Uncle Slayde to all three children. When Mindy’s deployed, things aren’t easy, but he manages just fine. At least he does until Mindy’s big brother Drake shows up unexpectedly, announcing he’s there to help while Mindy is gone.

Drake is almost a stranger to the kids, hot as hell, especially in his motorcycling leathers, and straighter than straight. On top of that, Drake’s not used to dealing with kids, with things like gluten free, recycling and not eating fast food and soon has Slayde’s tight routine in shambles.

Slayde thinks Drake is far more of a hindrance than a help, at least at the start, but he tries to get along for Mindy’s sake and eventually, having Drake around is easier than not. But what’s he supposed to do when the straight, sexy leather wearing ex-cop makes a pass at him one night? Maybe there’s more to Drake than Slayde assumed.

Review:

Sean Michael is one of those must read authors for me. I love his books and the way he can really get to the heart and soul of his characters. He also writes some of the most erotically sexy books released, so I’m always anxious to read his stories and see what he’s got in store for me as a reader.

Since the blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, I’m not going to rehash a lot of it. Drake’s widowed sister is being deployed out of the country. She is going to be gone on tour of duty for about a year and is upset about leaving her young children. Drake lives across country and once he hears the worry and sadness in his sister’s voice, he immediately leaves his home and job to stay with the children…all without telling her he’s going to do this. When he arrives to her house weeks later, he’s surprised when the live in nanny, Slayde, has things under control and is not exactly bringing out the welcome wagon because he’s there.

Slayde has been a friend of the family and has taken care of the children since they were born. He’s upset when Drake shows up unannounced and looks like he’s the one who is going to take over. But after they talk with Drake’s sister and come up with a compromise, both men work hard and take care of the children together as a team.

I really loved this book! Slayde and Drake had a chemistry together that burned hotter and more intense as the book progressed. Even though they become friends and try to ignore their attraction to each other, they really start to form a strong family connection both with the children and with each other. I liked watching their relationship grow and flourish with each other as well as their relationship with the children. Watching them go through growing pains and the ups and downs of family life was not only realistically portrayed, but it was also heartwarming and really resonated with me as a reader.

I thought this was a very well rounded, beautifully written romance with only the humor and sexiness that Mr. Michael’s writes. The love between Drake and Slayde was truly lovely and I loved the way they really worked as a team to take care of the kids. If you are looking for a heartwarming, sexy romance with two amazing heroes and some precious kids then Mannies Incorporated is definitely the book for you! Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Santa’s Helpers: Christmas Elves are Ringing by Sean Michael

Title: Santa’s Helpers: Christmas Elves are Ringing
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Changeling Press
Pages: 25
Characters: Joey, Bane
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: BDSM, Urban Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Seasonal
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Joey’s the best doll maker at Santa’s workshop, but he’s fed up with making them and all their accessories. In fact, he’s having a tantrum of epic proportions. The big guy sends Joey’s lover Bane in to give Joey an attitude adjustment. Can Bane work his magic in time for them to make sure Santa’s sleigh is full this year?

Review:

Whew! When it comes to writing hot and steamy romances, Sean Michael is truly a master at what he does! Not only is Christmas Elves are Ringing a gem of a Christmas story, it’s both sweet and sexy. I swear the chemistry between the two heroes, Joey and Bane, really steamed up my computer screen! *Fans self*

Joey is sick of Christmas. He’s sick of his co-workers, the music and making toys for all of the good little boys and girls. He needs some quality time with his lover, Bane, but with their hectic Christmas schedule, they haven’t been able to spend much time together. When Bane finds out about Joeys negative attitude, he decides he must do what he can to put a smile back on Joey’s face as well as bring joy back into the Christmas season for his lover.

I loved this short! I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas stories lately, but when it comes to writing hot and sexy romances, none of them compare to Joey and Bane’s sizzling story. Not only did Bane bring a smile back to Joey’s face, their sexual relationship brought the temperature in my house up MANY degrees. I loved these two heroes together and in the end I wished there had been more about them. If you are looking for a HOT, sizzling short story with some unique and interesting heroes then Christmas Elves are Ringing is definitely something to put on your Christmas list! Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Box of Nails: This Old House by Sean Michael

Title: Box of Nails: This Old House
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Pages: 145
Characters: Devon, Barney
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Devon used to be a server at the Hammer Club, the most exclusive BDSM club in town. But that was before he inherited a lot of money from his grandmother and decided to buy a big old house and convert it into apartments for Hammer Club waiters. It’s hard to find decent, affordable housing and he wants to do something good for his fellow twinks. Unfortunately the house is in much worse repair than he knew when he bought it and he’s slowly drowning under the weight of the demands from both the house, and the boys who live in it.

Enter Barney, the contractor Devon calls in for an emergency fix of the building’s pipes. Barney’s heard of the Hammer Club, in fact he’s saving up for a membership, but it’s going to take a while on his blue collar salary. He falls for Devon on the spot and can only hope the feeling is mutual. He also wants to make sure none of Devon’s twink friends are running roughshod over the man, and he’s determined to help.

Can they work together to find a way to keep Devon, and his old house, afloat?

Review:

I loved this book! Sean Michael writes stories that are not only fun and sexy to read, his characters are highly addictive to read about. Box of Nails: This Old House is a spin-off of Mr. Michael’s Hammer series and believe me, it is just a kinky and…well…hot as all of his other books! The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so there’s no need to summarize it again, so I thought I’d talk about what I liked about this book and why I’m anxiously waiting to read the next book in the series.

Devon is a hard worker with a heart of gold. He’s sensitive, smart and always puts others before himself. When he has the opportunity to buy a large home where he can rent out rooms to his fellow Hammer waiters to live, he jumps at the chance. But all of his tenants are demanding subs and keep Devon (who is a sub himself) on his toes with their many demands and needs. To make matters worse, the house is old and in need of a lot of repair which is also draining Devon’s meager bank account. When the plumbing backs up, he calls handyman, Barney, to hopefully fix it without putting him in the poor house. As soon as the two men meet, Devon is drawn to Barney’s take friendly but firm personality and when Barney seems to want to protect Devon and take him under his wing, Devon begins to believe that maybe his bad luck is starting to change for the better.

I loved Barney and Devon. There is a strong attraction and affection between them that really jumps off of the written page. They really seemed to fit together and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also appreciated how much Barney looked out both for Devon and his tenants. Barney really fit himself easily into Devon’s life and in my opinion; they were really perfect for each other. Devon is quite inexperienced at sex and being a sub, and I loved how Barney was really patient with him in and out of a scene. The sex in this book is smokin’ hot and plentiful which kept me very warm on a cold winter’s night.

This Old House has everything I look for when I read a Sean Michael book…steamy sex, sexy and well-written heroes and a fast moving plot that kept this reader enthralled with it from the first page to the last word. I can NOT wait for the next book in the series and see what Mr. Michael’s has in store for us yet! Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Carved in Wood by Sean Michael

Title: Carved in Wood
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 103
Characters: Wood, Daniel
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Paranormal,Erotic Romance
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Can a rescue turn into love?

In a brutal world where werewolves are hunted and killed, Wood runs a group that smuggles wolves out of the city to safety. But when Wood meets Daniel, nearly dead from the silver bullet in his shoulder and with a story about entire packs being stolen and forced to work in labor camps, Wood begins to question whether or not he’s really helping anyone at all. Is he simply smuggling wolves out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire?

Meanwhile, as Daniel heals, he and Wood form a bond, coming together in a way neither man ever expected, and bringing up feelings neither man has ever experienced. Will their becoming mates muddy the waters, or make everything perfectly clear?

Review:

Let’s face it; I’m a huge fan of Sean Michael’s books. I think I’ve read almost everything he’s written and enjoyed every one of the books I’ve read. Some I’ve liked more than others, but all of them are definitely worth the read and always a great escape for me from my everyday life.

One of the things I found very refreshing about this book was the way the shape-shifters were portrayed. In many ways their ‘wolf’ side is definitely a strong part of their personalities and mannerisms. These men are not your typical wolf men; they’re very instinctual and are easily led by these basic instincts/needs/desires. They’re not your everyday shifters we read so much of these days and I really liked this about each of the main characters.

I also enjoyed the intense chemistry between the two heroes. Both Wood and Daniel are interesting heroes who I liked very much. I really appreciated how protective Wood was to Daniel and I enjoyed watching the two heroes work together to try to save Daniel’s pack. The world-building in this book was also creatively told and I found myself really caring what happens to these two heroes. Daniel is almost overwhelmed with survivor’s guilt and I really appreciated how Wood stepped in and tried to soothe Daniel’s pain.

There is a lot of sex in this book, but honestly I’ve come to expect this from Mr. Michael’s previous books. As always, they are sizzling hot and the emotional and physical connection between the two heroes practically steamed up my computer screen as I read each scene. There is definitely a happy ending, but I also had unanswered questions by the end of the book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and more about these two unique and sexy heroes. Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Every Rose Has His Thorne by Sean Michael

Title: Rose and Thorne Book 1: Every Rose Has His Thorne
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Changeling Press
Pages: 45
Characters: Rose, Thorne
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: BDSM, Erotic Romance
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Rose has just lost his job as a bouncer — apparently he’s too scary for the job. He’s working out at the gym and considering going back into competitive bodybuilding when he meets Thorne.

Short, slender and covered in ink, Thorne couldn’t be any more different from Rose, but he feels a connection with the big man the moment they meet. As they spend the evening together, he believes they were meant to be. Now he just needs to convince Rose.

Review:

Sean Michael is a master at writing hot chemistry between his main characters that sizzle off of the written page. He’s one of those automatic buy authors for me because I love his simplistic, easy-going writing style and his stories easily give me several hours of guilty pleasure.
Since the blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, I won’t go into a long description of the story. Instead, I thought I take a few moments to write why I liked this novella and why I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rose is down on his luck. He just lost his job and is working out his frusteration and aggression at the local gym. Rose is built like a brick house and takes very good care of his body, almost to the point of being obsessed with what he eats and does to keep himself in shape. When he meets cute, heavily inked up Thorne, Rose is unsure of what to think abou him. For a short guy, Thorne has a take-charge attitude and his straightforwardness and confidence in himself makes Rose attracted to him. Rose isn’t really used to be bossed around. He’s a big man and his looks often intiminate others, so when Thorne walks into his life and immediately takes charge over him, Rose is surprised by how easy it is for him to allow to take control over his life.

I really liked these two characters. Both Rose and Thorne were likeable men and the chemistry they had between them was very intense and addictive to read. Thorne introduces Rose to some light D/s play and although Rose is somewhat confused by his submission to Thorne, he finds himself wanting to give into Thorne’s demands. Another thing I liked about this book was that Thorne is not your typical Dom. Most of the time in BDSM stories it’s the large, alpha male who is dominant over the submissive, but in this book, it’s the smaller man who dominates over the bigger one. I thought this was quite refreshing and interesting and all in all I enjoyed watching this couple meet, get to know each other and start to form a relationship together.

I do wish the story had been longer. I’m thrilled to see that it’s a series and I can’t wait to see where Rose and Thorne’s relationship will go next. As usual, Mr. Michael really was able to make this reader really care about his characters and crave to see what will happen to these characters as the series progresses. Every Rose Has His Thorne will surely be a hit with his fans and it would be a great book for those who has never read anything by Sean Michael before. The BDSM isn’t over the top, and the characters are intriguing and sexy, so I can easily recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a short, spicy read.

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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