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Jarheads #4
Tempering
Life should be nothing more than lazy Sunday afternoons and lots of hot sex for these two Marines and their favorite Redneck, but life never goes the way it should. Tempering explores what happens when life takes a hard left turn for Alex "Rigger" Roberts, Jim "Rock" South, and Dick Main, characters who appeared in the previous Sean Michael novel, Three Day Passes. This story stands on its own, testing the strength of the relationships between these extraordinary men as a single event shatters their world and makes them build it over again, stronger than before. When Rigger is caught in a savage act of violence, Rock, Dick, and Rigger all have to face things they'd rather not. Mortality. Hate. And their crumbling relationships, which they're not sure they can save. All of the wonderful heat and humor expected from these characters is in Tempering, but so is a core of pure steel that makes them not only likeable, but admirable.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
652 books1,209 followersOften referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 22, 2010
Three tough men find love together in a menage a trois. Rock is the older demanding marine sergant with family scars. Rigger is the middle Texan nurse with a healthy love of life. Dick is the young marine officer who is unsure just where he fits into the threesome. This is book three of the Jarhead series. The book has a thin story line with Rigger being beaten terribly in the men's room of a bar. Rig finds himself lost and afraid of everything and not knowing what to do. The rest of the book is plain old porn. It's a ful romp under the sheets and everywhere else in the house.
October 15, 2010
This book could have been so much better considering its serious subject matter, gay bashing. Instead I have three characters named Rigger, Rock and Dick (the porno-sounding names did nothing to help) who are three military guys in a polyamorous relationship. Not that I have a problem with lots of hot sex scenes between hunky guys, but after the second scene it was difficult (if not damn near impossible) to figure out just who was doing what to whom.
The men in question are just there. There's no sense of what they look like or why they're in such an unusual partnership in the first place. I found out later that Tempering is actually the third book in the Jarhead series, but I have little interest in reading the proceeding novel. Even if a novel is part of a series, it always helps to set a little background and give descriptions of the characters instead of assuming that a reader has read the first book.
Not to mention the gay bashing plot was far too important to be relegated to a footnote. I would have liked to have read far less sex and the novel concentrate instead on how the three men deal with the violence. Everything seemed a little too pat--the bashers getting their own version of military justice. I did enjoy Rig's family get-together scene, though it seemed as everyone was accepting of such a partnership, save the ne'er do well, bible-thumping brother of course. Overall, Tempering was just okay. Even all the sex scenes, which became rather mechanical and dry, wasn't enough to save it.
The men in question are just there. There's no sense of what they look like or why they're in such an unusual partnership in the first place. I found out later that Tempering is actually the third book in the Jarhead series, but I have little interest in reading the proceeding novel. Even if a novel is part of a series, it always helps to set a little background and give descriptions of the characters instead of assuming that a reader has read the first book.
Not to mention the gay bashing plot was far too important to be relegated to a footnote. I would have liked to have read far less sex and the novel concentrate instead on how the three men deal with the violence. Everything seemed a little too pat--the bashers getting their own version of military justice. I did enjoy Rig's family get-together scene, though it seemed as everyone was accepting of such a partnership, save the ne'er do well, bible-thumping brother of course. Overall, Tempering was just okay. Even all the sex scenes, which became rather mechanical and dry, wasn't enough to save it.
November 2, 2012
The best of the Jarheads series so far
JARHEADS SERIES: VOLUME 4 (chronologically), BOOK 2 (written second, as far as I can tell)
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- A PLOT! Not the world’s best, this is true, but there is SO much more going on character-wise in this novel than in the previous 3 Jarheads novels that this volume is a vast improvement over the earlier ones. The plot isn’t even the sort I typically enjoy (the majority of the story centers around a gay-bashing and the emotional/psychological issues that arise as a result), but I was surprised and delighted to read a story about these 3 characters that contained more than just sex every other page.
- The characterizations of the three men are solidified and expanded upon in this book. I have a significantly stronger picture in my head of the type of man each of the main characters is. Trauma brings out people’s true characters, and Rock, Rig, and Dick all prove to be strong and protective of each other in different ways. Each character (at different times) forms the glue that holds the three men together: Rock is gruff and physically protective, Rig is the one each of the others truly connects to, and Dick refuses to let their relationship fall apart in the aftermath of the attack and throughout the healing process.
- The proclamations of love I have been craving since reading the first Jarheads novel are (finally!) here, in almost every combination. Two of the guys say “I love you” to both of the others, and the third says it to one of his partners.
- There are several very sweet, emotional scenes/chapters, especially when the characters celebrate Rock and Rig’s 10-year anniversary and their 5-year anniversary as a threesome.
CONS:
- This isn’t an easy read. It’s emotionally exhausting (for me, anyway, because I’ve gotten so attached the characters as I’ve read the series) and gut-wrenching and painful. The character of Dick is especially tragic. As much as he feels to me like the integral screw that keeps the threesome together at times, he struggles constantly with feeling like the third wheel because he recognizes that Rock and Rig’s feelings for each other are stronger than their feelings for him. The other two repeatedly assure him that they’re a 3-man unit, not a 2-man with an add-on, but it’s still sad to me.
- The passage of time caught me off-guard more than once; when Rock says casually to another character that he and Rig have been together for 8 ½ years, my eyes widened and I thought, “Where did the time go?” Overall, though, this isn’t really a complaint. The entire series is essentially written as a bunch of vignettes showing slices from the men’s lives together, and it serves as a beautiful tribute to a relationship among men whose love goes beyond sex (even if they do tend to have a LOT of it).
- The ending of this novel is bittersweet (not sad, by any means…the guys are together and in love and happy): at the end of it the characters are feeling the effects of aging and of an intolerant society and the emotional trauma they’ve all experienced.
Overall comments: This is by far my favorite of the Jarheads books. I had about decided not to read anymore when I was halfway through Personal Leave, which I read before this one, simply because the earlier books are about sex and little else. But this one brought me back to Amazon to order Volume 5, and I think even if that one returns to the 90% sex / 10% beer formula of the earlier books, I’ll still like it, just because I’ve read the emotional journey related in Tempering.
JARHEADS SERIES: VOLUME 4 (chronologically), BOOK 2 (written second, as far as I can tell)
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- A PLOT! Not the world’s best, this is true, but there is SO much more going on character-wise in this novel than in the previous 3 Jarheads novels that this volume is a vast improvement over the earlier ones. The plot isn’t even the sort I typically enjoy (the majority of the story centers around a gay-bashing and the emotional/psychological issues that arise as a result), but I was surprised and delighted to read a story about these 3 characters that contained more than just sex every other page.
- The characterizations of the three men are solidified and expanded upon in this book. I have a significantly stronger picture in my head of the type of man each of the main characters is. Trauma brings out people’s true characters, and Rock, Rig, and Dick all prove to be strong and protective of each other in different ways. Each character (at different times) forms the glue that holds the three men together: Rock is gruff and physically protective, Rig is the one each of the others truly connects to, and Dick refuses to let their relationship fall apart in the aftermath of the attack and throughout the healing process.
- The proclamations of love I have been craving since reading the first Jarheads novel are (finally!) here, in almost every combination. Two of the guys say “I love you” to both of the others, and the third says it to one of his partners.
- There are several very sweet, emotional scenes/chapters, especially when the characters celebrate Rock and Rig’s 10-year anniversary and their 5-year anniversary as a threesome.
CONS:
- This isn’t an easy read. It’s emotionally exhausting (for me, anyway, because I’ve gotten so attached the characters as I’ve read the series) and gut-wrenching and painful. The character of Dick is especially tragic. As much as he feels to me like the integral screw that keeps the threesome together at times, he struggles constantly with feeling like the third wheel because he recognizes that Rock and Rig’s feelings for each other are stronger than their feelings for him. The other two repeatedly assure him that they’re a 3-man unit, not a 2-man with an add-on, but it’s still sad to me.
- The passage of time caught me off-guard more than once; when Rock says casually to another character that he and Rig have been together for 8 ½ years, my eyes widened and I thought, “Where did the time go?” Overall, though, this isn’t really a complaint. The entire series is essentially written as a bunch of vignettes showing slices from the men’s lives together, and it serves as a beautiful tribute to a relationship among men whose love goes beyond sex (even if they do tend to have a LOT of it).
- The ending of this novel is bittersweet (not sad, by any means…the guys are together and in love and happy): at the end of it the characters are feeling the effects of aging and of an intolerant society and the emotional trauma they’ve all experienced.
Overall comments: This is by far my favorite of the Jarheads books. I had about decided not to read anymore when I was halfway through Personal Leave, which I read before this one, simply because the earlier books are about sex and little else. But this one brought me back to Amazon to order Volume 5, and I think even if that one returns to the 90% sex / 10% beer formula of the earlier books, I’ll still like it, just because I’ve read the emotional journey related in Tempering.
January 15, 2010
The love they all share is amazing, I have read most of these books and they all seem to revolve around the hurt Rigger has suffered I would like it if Dick got the main line and they were helping him through something more often. (he's my favorite character)(and of course i cant change the way the book has been written) but thats how I feel. Other than that I love the way its written and the story line (though lacking in Dick -the person-)The interaction and banter and love is genuine and kept me turning pages late into the night.
December 31, 2024
Once again I cried like a little bitch...
This is one of the most emotionally gripping books I have read... Ever!!
A lot of books deals with trauma but none show the aftermath as realistic as this book, because this book spans three years we truly see what it's like to live with someone that is wounded soul deep.
I would rate this six stars if I could.
Reread dec 2024
This is one of the most emotionally gripping books I have read... Ever!!
A lot of books deals with trauma but none show the aftermath as realistic as this book, because this book spans three years we truly see what it's like to live with someone that is wounded soul deep.
I would rate this six stars if I could.
Reread dec 2024
January 18, 2015
I looked high and low and eventually had to get a magnifying glass but I managed to find a little plot buried amongst all the porn.
I love Sean Michael and I love sex in my books but this was just too much.
The sex got repetitive and at some points I actually couldn't work out who did what to whom. Also there were some editing issues where at one point Rock lifted Rock up into his arms.
I love Sean Michael and I love sex in my books but this was just too much.
The sex got repetitive and at some points I actually couldn't work out who did what to whom. Also there were some editing issues where at one point Rock lifted Rock up into his arms.
November 25, 2020
I enjoyed this just as much the second time around.
Original review was also 4 stars.
Original review was also 4 stars.
June 3, 2012
I have been reading this series in chronological order so this one was book #4 for me. It was the best so far. So much happens in this book, but then again its a lot of book weighing in at over 500 pages.
This book dealt with the horrific beating that Rig took by a crowd of Marines because he is gay. It almost kills him and not just physically. His soul and his relationship with the guys took a beating too. The one event changes lots of things and forces the guys to see just how strong their relationship truly is.
The book also highlights how important family is, milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, retirements, and moving.
The plot was stronger in this one with more dialogue and more expression of feelings by the guys. The story was so much better for it in my humble opinion. I felt so sad through the trial brought on them all after Rig's beating. I also had several moments when I just laughed out loud at their antics or even some of Rig's family just being themselves. It does not lack for the usual hot and steamy that the guys are known for, but this one just adds a little more character and relationship building.
Speaking of characters, I enjoyed the dynamics within their little family and what each individual brought to the table and how they were together. Rigs family were the usual well written secondary characters.
Definitely a great addition to the series!
This book dealt with the horrific beating that Rig took by a crowd of Marines because he is gay. It almost kills him and not just physically. His soul and his relationship with the guys took a beating too. The one event changes lots of things and forces the guys to see just how strong their relationship truly is.
The book also highlights how important family is, milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, retirements, and moving.
The plot was stronger in this one with more dialogue and more expression of feelings by the guys. The story was so much better for it in my humble opinion. I felt so sad through the trial brought on them all after Rig's beating. I also had several moments when I just laughed out loud at their antics or even some of Rig's family just being themselves. It does not lack for the usual hot and steamy that the guys are known for, but this one just adds a little more character and relationship building.
Speaking of characters, I enjoyed the dynamics within their little family and what each individual brought to the table and how they were together. Rigs family were the usual well written secondary characters.
Definitely a great addition to the series!
October 1, 2012
This book reads like a manuscript for porn. I swear. Guy comes home, he's cold cause the heater doesn't work in his car, him and his two lovers have sex to warm him up. Guy get's a his second consecutive negative HIV test, they celebrate with bareback sex. One of them wants to take a shower, they all join in and have sex. I like erotica but ... no.
April 25, 2018
I adore Sean Michael and the Jarheads. these stories are filled, just filled, with sex, sex and then more sex. Sean Michael knows how to keep it interesting though and writes about some unique and wonderful characters with truly entertaining stories, woven amongst all the sex!
Read
November 20, 2008Tempering by Sean Michael (2008)
November 6, 2010
Get the tissues.
December 27, 2011
Omg no reading in public! I cried like a baby!
November 5, 2018
Read from June 2 to 4, 2013
Re-read from November 4 to 6, 2018
4 stars
Re-read from November 4 to 6, 2018
4 stars
April 28, 2017
Great read!
I've read this book and the others in the series so many times. It's always a great read! Authors books always leave me wanting to read more if his works!!
I've read this book and the others in the series so many times. It's always a great read! Authors books always leave me wanting to read more if his works!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews