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Hammer #16
Beaten
Little Francis is recovering from an abusive relationship that put him in the hospital. He's doing fine now, working at Permanent Ink and staying in one of the spare bedrooms at Treat and Killian's place. He knows now that love and the lifestyle aren't in the cards for him, and he's trying to make peace with that.
Enter Nick, a single Dom who falls for Francis the moment he lays eyes on him. Nick has to battle not only an overprotective Killian just to get a date with Francis in the first place, but also Francis' own beliefs that he's somehow responsible for bringing out his abuser's dark side.
Just when things seem to be going Nick and Francis' way, Francis' past comes back to haunt not only Francis, but everyone he's close to as well.
Can Nick convince Francis that not only is an abusive Dom is the exception and not the rule, but that Francis wasn't responsible for the man's actions? And will Little Francis ever let himself fall in love again?
Enter Nick, a single Dom who falls for Francis the moment he lays eyes on him. Nick has to battle not only an overprotective Killian just to get a date with Francis in the first place, but also Francis' own beliefs that he's somehow responsible for bringing out his abuser's dark side.
Just when things seem to be going Nick and Francis' way, Francis' past comes back to haunt not only Francis, but everyone he's close to as well.
Can Nick convince Francis that not only is an abusive Dom is the exception and not the rule, but that Francis wasn't responsible for the man's actions? And will Little Francis ever let himself fall in love again?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
162 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 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 7, 2013
This was a DNF for me at page 111, after I read Ginny's review. I made an executive decision that I'm not getting any younger, and life is too short.
EDIT: and frankly I'm an idiot for thinking this would be different.
EDIT: Finally read the rest in Jan 2013. Shouldn't have bothered.
EDIT: and frankly I'm an idiot for thinking this would be different.
EDIT: Finally read the rest in Jan 2013. Shouldn't have bothered.
January 2, 2013
Yeah, yeah, I keep buying them and I keep reading them. Anything that has tattoos kind of sucks me in and the whole wounded twink/sub thing too. Sigh. I thought the end as someone noted seemed kind of "out there" and while supposedly they are into more hardcore stuff, you don't see too much. It was okay, it is what it is, and I read the whole thing so it wasn't bad, just nothing that made me go "yeah, that was exceptionally good this time."
January 2, 2013
Nick and Francis don't exactly have a 'standard' D/s relationship and I have to say that I really liked how flexible Nick was in light of what happened to Francis. It proves how good of a Dom he really is, and the degree to which he was able to control his own urges in favor of supporting his sub was impressive and goes to the core of the "safe, sane, consensual" principle that should be at the core of every power exchange, but so often isn't. Or maybe it is, but it isn’t shown to be the case, so people who don’t know a lot about the dynamics easily misinterpret how it works. And that is very dangerous.
Francis has suffered a lot of pain, disappointment and heartbreak. He loved the man who then abused him horribly, and while he still wants to submit (since that is clearly hardwired into him), he has decided never to fall in love again. He believes that is what caused the issues, and he wants to protect himself from more heartbreak. In fact, he believes the reason that his previous Dom became violent was his fault, and in the somewhat twisted way of so many victims blames himself. This story is about his mental and emotional recovery, and his journey back toward the ability to have a healthy relationship with a man who wants to dominate him, and whom he wants to submit to.
Nick is a great guy. He calls himself hard core, and his playroom, as well as some of the potential scenes and activities he discusses with Francis, prove that. He wants it all. And yet – he understands that Francis isn’t ready and may not be ready for quite a while. He is prepared to do anything he can to help the man he has quickly fallen in love with. Nick experiments with Francis, gives him a taste of what things might be like one day, and, above all, teaches Francis to trust that his safeword is sacrosanct; as sacrosanct as it should be.
Quite a few of the recent Hammer novels have taken a somewhat less traditional approach to the interpretation of BDSM and the role of a Dom, and while not everyone may like this, I find it interesting to explore the "softer" side of the coin, so to speak. Mind you, in this couple's specific case, I can see them going much further once the basic trust has been built between them. If you'd like to explore the "softer" side of BDSM, if you're as interested in the psychology as the physical side, and if you still want to read about some truly hot action between two great men, you will probably like this novel. I'm rooting for a sequel!
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Francis has suffered a lot of pain, disappointment and heartbreak. He loved the man who then abused him horribly, and while he still wants to submit (since that is clearly hardwired into him), he has decided never to fall in love again. He believes that is what caused the issues, and he wants to protect himself from more heartbreak. In fact, he believes the reason that his previous Dom became violent was his fault, and in the somewhat twisted way of so many victims blames himself. This story is about his mental and emotional recovery, and his journey back toward the ability to have a healthy relationship with a man who wants to dominate him, and whom he wants to submit to.
Nick is a great guy. He calls himself hard core, and his playroom, as well as some of the potential scenes and activities he discusses with Francis, prove that. He wants it all. And yet – he understands that Francis isn’t ready and may not be ready for quite a while. He is prepared to do anything he can to help the man he has quickly fallen in love with. Nick experiments with Francis, gives him a taste of what things might be like one day, and, above all, teaches Francis to trust that his safeword is sacrosanct; as sacrosanct as it should be.
Quite a few of the recent Hammer novels have taken a somewhat less traditional approach to the interpretation of BDSM and the role of a Dom, and while not everyone may like this, I find it interesting to explore the "softer" side of the coin, so to speak. Mind you, in this couple's specific case, I can see them going much further once the basic trust has been built between them. If you'd like to explore the "softer" side of BDSM, if you're as interested in the psychology as the physical side, and if you still want to read about some truly hot action between two great men, you will probably like this novel. I'm rooting for a sequel!
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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April 4, 2022DNF.
January 28, 2013
One must always remember when reading another installment in the Hammer series by Sean Michael that three things are going to happen.
1. There will be a terribly wounded sub (on rare occasions a Dom) who can only be brought back to the land of the living by being forced to face his demons.
2. There will always be an insta-love response by one of the main characters for the other and that will almost always include self doubt, a bit of despair and a certain satisfying relationship angst.
3. There will be pet names that will make you laugh out loud and shake your head.
I love the Hammer series--it is most decidedly my guilty pleasure. I love that Sean Michael delivers consistent stories and pulls in previous characters so often that you cannot help but be immersed in the idea of a BDSM club and feel as though you are a fly on its proverbial wall.
Beaten is yet another solid installment in the series. So...why only four stars? Allow me to give you a bit of background to make it clear what vital element was lacking in this otherwise fine story.
Little Frances (so called because there is another Frances who also provides tattoos across town) Has lived through a soul shattering abusive relationship that landed him in the hospital where friends Treat and Killian find him and bring him home. As time passes Killian (who in a former novel, tragically lost the sub that lived and played with he and his partner Treat) grows possessive of Frances--not wanting him to be exposed to yet another relationship that could threaten his fragile recovering psyche and soul.
Unfortunately Nick, a Dom who has never found a sub who he desired to attach himself to, enters the scene and immediately is smitten by the wounded tattoo artist. And so begins, the courting process that will include restoring Frances' faith in himself and the idea that it is safe to love again and to trust a Dom to care for him.
The story itself is vintage Hammer...however...there is an integral piece lacking for this story to carry the weight needed to support the idea by novel's end that Frances is, indeed, on the path of healing. Little Frances has a back story, a horribly painful and abusive back story that we never really hear about. Hence it is difficult to understand why a grown man would submit to the nickname of "Kitten" (see point 3 above) and trust Nick so completely in such a short amount of time.
I realize that we need not be privy to the entire sordid tale of Frances' abusive relationship--but...but...how can he possibly build a new and lasting relationship with Nick if he never shares his pain fully with his future partner?
I believe it was a critical plot point that was lacking and what normally was a stretch of the imagination even for me who loves these sappy stories, became a really big leap of faith that the story could manage without the two men sharing.
Even still--a good addtion to the Hammer series overall.
1. There will be a terribly wounded sub (on rare occasions a Dom) who can only be brought back to the land of the living by being forced to face his demons.
2. There will always be an insta-love response by one of the main characters for the other and that will almost always include self doubt, a bit of despair and a certain satisfying relationship angst.
3. There will be pet names that will make you laugh out loud and shake your head.
I love the Hammer series--it is most decidedly my guilty pleasure. I love that Sean Michael delivers consistent stories and pulls in previous characters so often that you cannot help but be immersed in the idea of a BDSM club and feel as though you are a fly on its proverbial wall.
Beaten is yet another solid installment in the series. So...why only four stars? Allow me to give you a bit of background to make it clear what vital element was lacking in this otherwise fine story.
Little Frances (so called because there is another Frances who also provides tattoos across town) Has lived through a soul shattering abusive relationship that landed him in the hospital where friends Treat and Killian find him and bring him home. As time passes Killian (who in a former novel, tragically lost the sub that lived and played with he and his partner Treat) grows possessive of Frances--not wanting him to be exposed to yet another relationship that could threaten his fragile recovering psyche and soul.
Unfortunately Nick, a Dom who has never found a sub who he desired to attach himself to, enters the scene and immediately is smitten by the wounded tattoo artist. And so begins, the courting process that will include restoring Frances' faith in himself and the idea that it is safe to love again and to trust a Dom to care for him.
The story itself is vintage Hammer...however...there is an integral piece lacking for this story to carry the weight needed to support the idea by novel's end that Frances is, indeed, on the path of healing. Little Frances has a back story, a horribly painful and abusive back story that we never really hear about. Hence it is difficult to understand why a grown man would submit to the nickname of "Kitten" (see point 3 above) and trust Nick so completely in such a short amount of time.
I realize that we need not be privy to the entire sordid tale of Frances' abusive relationship--but...but...how can he possibly build a new and lasting relationship with Nick if he never shares his pain fully with his future partner?
I believe it was a critical plot point that was lacking and what normally was a stretch of the imagination even for me who loves these sappy stories, became a really big leap of faith that the story could manage without the two men sharing.
Even still--a good addtion to the Hammer series overall.
December 21, 2012
Don't promise me a hardcore Dom and not deliver >:O!
July 20, 2016
Read for the 2014 Pushing Boundaries Challenge
Typical Hammer story. But I do love the sweet subs and the Sirs who master them.
Felt so bad for Little Francis that his first experience ended so badly, but with good friends and a new master things are turning around for him. Until someone from his past decides to put an end to his new happiness.
Good story. Recommended.
Typical Hammer story. But I do love the sweet subs and the Sirs who master them.
Felt so bad for Little Francis that his first experience ended so badly, but with good friends and a new master things are turning around for him. Until someone from his past decides to put an end to his new happiness.
Good story. Recommended.
December 5, 2022
Well 2.5 stars really - simply because it's a Sean Michael muddled up repetitive story - which I'm quite used to.
Francis, running away from an abusive Dom, has found refuge with Treat and Killian at their tattoo place. Nick, supporting Josef getting a tattoo, falls immediately (OK insta-love/lust thing) for Francis but gets warned off by Killian.
However, Nick is not prepared to give up. There's no true resolution to Francis's situation, but that's normal for Sean Michael.
Francis, running away from an abusive Dom, has found refuge with Treat and Killian at their tattoo place. Nick, supporting Josef getting a tattoo, falls immediately (OK insta-love/lust thing) for Francis but gets warned off by Killian.
However, Nick is not prepared to give up. There's no true resolution to Francis's situation, but that's normal for Sean Michael.
January 9, 2020
Another great Hammer Club story
Thankfully Sean Michael has put The Hammer Club series on KU. I love this series. This story is about Francis, who is living with Treat and Killian. Francis had been in abusive relationship and Treat and Killian are looking out for him as he works for them in their tattoo shop. Nick comes into the tattoo shop and falls for Francis.
Thankfully Sean Michael has put The Hammer Club series on KU. I love this series. This story is about Francis, who is living with Treat and Killian. Francis had been in abusive relationship and Treat and Killian are looking out for him as he works for them in their tattoo shop. Nick comes into the tattoo shop and falls for Francis.
September 14, 2019
A very impacting book
This was about abuse and recovering sub was hard but to be beaten and tormented and then find someone you click..And to find that trust with another top is scary..But he does
This was about abuse and recovering sub was hard but to be beaten and tormented and then find someone you click..And to find that trust with another top is scary..But he does
December 15, 2018
Wooo
It was a good book, can't wait for the next! Could have been longer, but the chemistry could be felt threw the pages.
It was a good book, can't wait for the next! Could have been longer, but the chemistry could be felt threw the pages.
February 1, 2021
As others probably have already mentioned I was really psyched about reading a story that portrayed the more edgier side of BDSM. I mean just the word cane in there had me all excited to get to that part.
Alas it wasn't meant to though. The story took a turn into battling against Francis trauma and that side of the BDSM was never visited.
I only hope that given the reviews about how everyone was expecting to read that it will motivate Sean Michael to give it to us next time ;)
Alas it wasn't meant to though. The story took a turn into battling against Francis trauma and that side of the BDSM was never visited.
I only hope that given the reviews about how everyone was expecting to read that it will motivate Sean Michael to give it to us next time ;)
January 22, 2013
Hurt-comfort storyline that’s sweet but nothing special
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I’m a sucker for hurt-comfort storylines, and this story is pretty hardcore hurt-comfort. Francis is emotionally fragile, and Nick is wonderfully gentle while still managing not to treat Francis like a child.
- In spite of Francis’s emotional pain and his uncertainty regarding men and the BDSM lifestyle, he doesn’t have the air of a victim about him. He has moments of weakness, but overall he’s blunt and strong.
- I love reading stories in which BDSM is given a nontraditional slant so that it works within the scope of an individual relationship. The basic tenets of the lifestyle work for a lot of people, but for those with special circumstances, the lifestyle can be fashioned so that it works for them specifically. My favorite example of that in this story is the men’s decision to have a hug word in addition to a safeword.
CONS:
- I’m not sure this is a con, and it’s certainly not something that readers will notice unless they’ve read a LOT of Sean Michael books, like I have...but the tone of the writing here is a little different than a typical story by this author. The fragments and the internalized narrative style and the frenetic pacing--as well as other hallmarks of Michael’s writing--are here, but there’s something about it that’s just a little...off.
- Like most books by Sean Michael, this one has more than its share of editing mistakes. It did seem to me as though there were fewer here than in the last several Hammer books, though.
Overall comments: I’m addicted to this series and have read every single story in it (as far as I know). So naturally, I liked this. I wouldn’t call it a standout among the Hammer stories, but the characters are sweet and their connection gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. The main thing that struck me about the book was the writing style: the story still has a conversational tone, but the writing isn’t quite as choppy as what I’m used to from this author.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I’m a sucker for hurt-comfort storylines, and this story is pretty hardcore hurt-comfort. Francis is emotionally fragile, and Nick is wonderfully gentle while still managing not to treat Francis like a child.
- In spite of Francis’s emotional pain and his uncertainty regarding men and the BDSM lifestyle, he doesn’t have the air of a victim about him. He has moments of weakness, but overall he’s blunt and strong.
- I love reading stories in which BDSM is given a nontraditional slant so that it works within the scope of an individual relationship. The basic tenets of the lifestyle work for a lot of people, but for those with special circumstances, the lifestyle can be fashioned so that it works for them specifically. My favorite example of that in this story is the men’s decision to have a hug word in addition to a safeword.
CONS:
- I’m not sure this is a con, and it’s certainly not something that readers will notice unless they’ve read a LOT of Sean Michael books, like I have...but the tone of the writing here is a little different than a typical story by this author. The fragments and the internalized narrative style and the frenetic pacing--as well as other hallmarks of Michael’s writing--are here, but there’s something about it that’s just a little...off.
- Like most books by Sean Michael, this one has more than its share of editing mistakes. It did seem to me as though there were fewer here than in the last several Hammer books, though.
Overall comments: I’m addicted to this series and have read every single story in it (as far as I know). So naturally, I liked this. I wouldn’t call it a standout among the Hammer stories, but the characters are sweet and their connection gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. The main thing that struck me about the book was the writing style: the story still has a conversational tone, but the writing isn’t quite as choppy as what I’m used to from this author.
March 26, 2015
I've been holding onto this book forever and I finally read it!
Not bad. ..Francis, or Kitten as nick calls him, is a sub whose only experience with a Master was being abused repeatedly and eventually beaten so badly that he was hospitalized and the "master" sent to prison. Francis is a tattoo artist working for Treat and Killian. Nick meets Francis when he accompanies a single sub to the tattoo shop.
Sparks fly! But Francis must learn that a real Dom would never hurt their sub.
Nick works hard to prove himself to francis.
The story wasn't bad but it wasn't really thrilling either. Even the sex scenes were kinda blah and predictable. Idk just not very impressive. and it was quite long! I kept feeling like it was a good 30 pages longer than necessary. I think length isn't as important as quality. The characters were great as I would expect from this author. The characters felt well developed and who they were as pe ople was always apparent. If only the story had been a little juicer :-/
Not bad. ..Francis, or Kitten as nick calls him, is a sub whose only experience with a Master was being abused repeatedly and eventually beaten so badly that he was hospitalized and the "master" sent to prison. Francis is a tattoo artist working for Treat and Killian. Nick meets Francis when he accompanies a single sub to the tattoo shop.
Sparks fly! But Francis must learn that a real Dom would never hurt their sub.
Nick works hard to prove himself to francis.
The story wasn't bad but it wasn't really thrilling either. Even the sex scenes were kinda blah and predictable. Idk just not very impressive. and it was quite long! I kept feeling like it was a good 30 pages longer than necessary. I think length isn't as important as quality. The characters were great as I would expect from this author. The characters felt well developed and who they were as pe ople was always apparent. If only the story had been a little juicer :-/
February 9, 2017
I generally like Sean Michael and this book was no exception. I felt bad for Francis and what he suffered at the hands of his ex and loved how those around him were so protective and supportive while he got his feet back under him. I also enjoyed seeing more of Treat and Killian as they've been mentioned in many of the other Hammer Series books. Enter Nick; Nick was just what Francis needed though, as another reviewer mentioned, he's labeled a hard core Dom and yet I didn't really see that in his interactions with Francis. At all. That's not a bad thing but why put it in the book then? Another small complaint is the overuse of the pet name Nick gave Francis; its common in the Hammer Series though so I can over look that. Overall I enjoyed the book and would read it again even with the small issues.
January 28, 2013
Out of all of the Hammer stories this is the most gentle and patient. There is a tiny bit of spanking, a nice amount of hot sex, and references to heavier BDSM activities that may occur in the future, but it is all presented with explanations and rationale that anyone in the lifestyle will recognize and those outside will accept. There is an angsty, suspenseful, actual cops and bad guys shoot-out near the end that results in people being beaten and shot, but all of it is of a criminal nature, not a BDSM scene. The epilogue contains a strong HFN with indications that Nick and Francis are headed for a long-term HEA. Great story. Enjoy.
Please see my complete review on February 1, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review on February 1, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
December 25, 2012
It is interesting to see Killen and Treat caring for Francis but still saying they don't want another partner in their lives. I still think there is someone out there for them someday. Nick is instantly drawn to Francis and wants what is best for him. I love the line in Chapter 6 "God the man gave him a happy.". The last few chapters are full of dramatic action. Another great addition to the Hammer family.
December 28, 2016
Some of the reviews on this aren't very complimentary, but I enjoyed this story. Francis has been badly damaged and is slowly finding his place living and working with Treat and Killian.
Enter Nick who sees Francis, and wants him, but being warned by Killian and Treat, he is gentle and backs off, putting the power into any growing relationship into Francis's hands.
I found this to be a really sweet story about someone finding health and happiness they didn't expect.
Enter Nick who sees Francis, and wants him, but being warned by Killian and Treat, he is gentle and backs off, putting the power into any growing relationship into Francis's hands.
I found this to be a really sweet story about someone finding health and happiness they didn't expect.
December 24, 2012
I love it everytime I find out there is a new Hammer Novel for me to read. I loved the development of the relationship between Little Francis and Nick. It seemed very realistic to me and I was also able to get a glimpse of other characters that I've missed.
August 4, 2015
I never know how to rate Sean Michaels books. The plot is usually not great, there tends to be too much sex and the romance too fluffy. Still nothing quite beats his books when you just want a mindless read and a happy ending.
December 21, 2012
3.5 stars
December 20, 2012
3.5 stars.... started well with plot and promise but became typical Hammer storyline
December 25, 2012
Хуже, чем остальные тексты "Хаммера". Лучше бы автор написал продолжение для какой-нибудь из уже существующих пар.
February 22, 2015
I adored Little Frances and Nick. Great couple!
December 28, 2012
4.5 stars
December 23, 2012
What a great start to this new relationship.
Can't wait to read more about Frances and Nick once they have months under their belts and total trust is truly established.
Can't wait to read more about Frances and Nick once they have months under their belts and total trust is truly established.
January 9, 2013
I liked that this time the Dom ended up with a special tatt. Usually the boy gets the mark.
October 21, 2014
Little Francis is one of the strongest Characters I have read in a long time. The inner strength the author portrays in this MC just made me fall in love with him.
December 28, 2014
I liked how Nick protected Francis. Nick also brought laughter into Francis' life.
October 30, 2016
3.5 stars
Nice addition to the series.
Nice addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews