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Golden
Four years ago, after winning Olympic medals gold, Justin retired from swimming, and he's been floundering ever since. For years swimming was everything, but his Coach waved him off once he'd retired. The Fourth of July finds him contemplating doing something stupid, so Justin calls up Coach. To his surprise, Chris answers.
When Justin retired, Chris cut all ties with the swimmer he'd fallen in love with, wanting to make sure that Justin didn't stay with him as a lover just because it was the easy thing. He's been waiting for a long time for Justin to come back to him, so when Justin calls, he immediately offers to let Justin back into his life, and into his arms.
When he finds out that Justin is lost, drowning in a pool of self-doubt and the belief that his happy years are behind him, Chris realizes maybe he made a mistake letting go so suddenly. He brings Justin to his home, and gives in to the urges they’ve ignored for a long time. Now Chris can love Justin, give him rules and structure that Justin needs. As long as he can convince Justin that it’s really love. Can Justin and Chris put the last four years behind them and find themselves a golden moment?
When Justin retired, Chris cut all ties with the swimmer he'd fallen in love with, wanting to make sure that Justin didn't stay with him as a lover just because it was the easy thing. He's been waiting for a long time for Justin to come back to him, so when Justin calls, he immediately offers to let Justin back into his life, and into his arms.
When he finds out that Justin is lost, drowning in a pool of self-doubt and the belief that his happy years are behind him, Chris realizes maybe he made a mistake letting go so suddenly. He brings Justin to his home, and gives in to the urges they’ve ignored for a long time. Now Chris can love Justin, give him rules and structure that Justin needs. As long as he can convince Justin that it’s really love. Can Justin and Chris put the last four years behind them and find themselves a golden moment?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
10 people are currently reading
79 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 26, 2018
Just can’t do this to myself. DNF @12%
BAD WRITING
SILLY PREMISE
UNBELIEVABLE CHARACTERS
BAD WRITING
SILLY PREMISE
UNBELIEVABLE CHARACTERS
dnf
March 14, 2013BDSM is supposed to be safe, sane, and consensual. Telling someone you're now their Dom the night after you see each other for the first time in four years, after the first time you fuck, and without the other person agreeing to take part in this kind of lifestyle is fucking disturbing.
There is not enough HELL NO in the world.
There is not enough HELL NO in the world.
July 24, 2013
I need to begin this review by stating that I have enjoyed many novels by this author in the past and expect to do so in the future. However this particular one, Golden, does not fall in the keeper category for me. In fact, I must be honest, had I not been obligated to review this book, I would have abandoned it early on and relegated it to my DNF (Did Not Finish) shelf well before the ending. I am going to review this by drawing on the two main areas I felt weakened and, ultimately, derailed what could have been an interesting story line and a good novel overall.
The Plot: In a nutshell, this was a story of a former Olympic Swimmer and four-time gold medal winner, Justin Pattern and how his life went from happy and regimented to dismal and lost. After his Olympic career came to an end, Justin secretly hoped that his Coach, Chris Jarvis would keep him, love him, just as he loved Coach. However, Coach felt that Justin needed the opportunity to be on his own, find his way, and, despite, being in love with him, he sets Justin free. Four years later, Justin is in a job he hates, living in squalor and drinking most nights to escape. One drunken night, amidst thoughts of suicide he calls his former Coach who comes to the rescue and their love for one another resurfaces to save Justin from a life that he had grown to hate.
Sounds promising doesn’t it? The possibilities for this plot line were endless. Unfortunately, they also had the very real threat of becoming formulaic, predictable and just plain boring and that is where Golden ended up. Coach swoops in and suddenly four years of bad living, drinking most nights, absolutely no exercise and not one moment of pool time are eradicated. Justin is restored to his former Olympic glory from the first time he jumps in the pool. How can that be? Four years of drinking and eating poorly and the boy doesn’t have an ounce of fat on his body? Four years of never stepping inside the pool and he can do an hour of laps without even breaking a sweat? This was not only implausible it was insulting to read.
When a story line is so farfetched—so far outside the realm of possibility, it is no longer entertaining it is just frustrating. There should have been immense reconditioning for Justin, both mentally and physically. He had been abandoned by his Coach, whom he loved, and then abandoned the place he loved, the pool. Both of these things should have left him not only unable to cope with the idea of swimming but certainly a bit more winded poolside. It just did not compute that he could be this amazing athlete still after four years of neglect.
And that brings us to the second area that needs to be addressed: Sex.
Yes, please, I do know whose novel I am reading and that sex should not only be expected but also guaranteed. This is normally a place where the author excels, as well. Usually hot, intense, exploratory and with definite elements of BDSM, sex written by Sean Michael is normally intense and well done. However, in this novel, Golden it became the vehicle which moved the story forward, kept it afloat and was not, by an means, the way in which the character rediscovered himself, or regained his sense of balance. It was just sex, and so, so, so much of it that I found myself hoping for the end to come quickly.
Golden, was a series of small and less than exciting vignettes held together by copious amounts of sex that by mid-story were no long exciting to read but rather unsurprising and rather boring. I found myself becoming really upset that the author did not give e a smarter story, a more compelling plot, even better more inventive sex. The time and attention to detail and self-discovery that is so much a part of a good Sean Michael novel was sadly missing. I forced myself to finish this book. I cannot recommend you do the same. Golden, by Sean Michael, was unfortunately not the shining star I had hoped for or have come to expect from this author.
The Plot: In a nutshell, this was a story of a former Olympic Swimmer and four-time gold medal winner, Justin Pattern and how his life went from happy and regimented to dismal and lost. After his Olympic career came to an end, Justin secretly hoped that his Coach, Chris Jarvis would keep him, love him, just as he loved Coach. However, Coach felt that Justin needed the opportunity to be on his own, find his way, and, despite, being in love with him, he sets Justin free. Four years later, Justin is in a job he hates, living in squalor and drinking most nights to escape. One drunken night, amidst thoughts of suicide he calls his former Coach who comes to the rescue and their love for one another resurfaces to save Justin from a life that he had grown to hate.
Sounds promising doesn’t it? The possibilities for this plot line were endless. Unfortunately, they also had the very real threat of becoming formulaic, predictable and just plain boring and that is where Golden ended up. Coach swoops in and suddenly four years of bad living, drinking most nights, absolutely no exercise and not one moment of pool time are eradicated. Justin is restored to his former Olympic glory from the first time he jumps in the pool. How can that be? Four years of drinking and eating poorly and the boy doesn’t have an ounce of fat on his body? Four years of never stepping inside the pool and he can do an hour of laps without even breaking a sweat? This was not only implausible it was insulting to read.
When a story line is so farfetched—so far outside the realm of possibility, it is no longer entertaining it is just frustrating. There should have been immense reconditioning for Justin, both mentally and physically. He had been abandoned by his Coach, whom he loved, and then abandoned the place he loved, the pool. Both of these things should have left him not only unable to cope with the idea of swimming but certainly a bit more winded poolside. It just did not compute that he could be this amazing athlete still after four years of neglect.
And that brings us to the second area that needs to be addressed: Sex.
Yes, please, I do know whose novel I am reading and that sex should not only be expected but also guaranteed. This is normally a place where the author excels, as well. Usually hot, intense, exploratory and with definite elements of BDSM, sex written by Sean Michael is normally intense and well done. However, in this novel, Golden it became the vehicle which moved the story forward, kept it afloat and was not, by an means, the way in which the character rediscovered himself, or regained his sense of balance. It was just sex, and so, so, so much of it that I found myself hoping for the end to come quickly.
Golden, was a series of small and less than exciting vignettes held together by copious amounts of sex that by mid-story were no long exciting to read but rather unsurprising and rather boring. I found myself becoming really upset that the author did not give e a smarter story, a more compelling plot, even better more inventive sex. The time and attention to detail and self-discovery that is so much a part of a good Sean Michael novel was sadly missing. I forced myself to finish this book. I cannot recommend you do the same. Golden, by Sean Michael, was unfortunately not the shining star I had hoped for or have come to expect from this author.
February 28, 2020
Ever since Sean Michael's "sports series" (the Going for Gold books about a swimmer, a diver, and a gymnast with their respective coaches), I have secretly been hoping for more books just like them. Well, not exactly like them, but in the same tradition. 'Golden' delivers this in spades. It has the dynamic between swimmer and coach, the subtle and less subtle D/s, and yet it is also new and different. For one thing, the romance takes place after the swimmer has retired, includes a long separation, and the swimmer having had to face real life. For another, the coach is more human; he has made a major mistake and is far from perfect. I really liked this more 'flawed' version!
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 28, 2020
Ever since reading Sean Michael's "sports series" (the Going for Gold books about a swimmer, a diver, and a gymnast with their respective coaches), I have secretly been hoping for more books just like them. Well, not exactly like them, but in the same tradition. 'Golden' delivers what I was hoping for in spades, and I loved rereading it. Makes me want to go back and reread the whole ‘Going for Gold’ series as well! ‘Golden’ has a special dynamic between swimmer and coach, some subtle and not-so-subtle D/s, and yet it is also new and different. For one thing, the romance takes place after the swimmer has retired, includes a long separation, and the swimmer having had to face real life. For another, the coach is more human; he has made a major mistake and is far from perfect. I really liked this more “flawed” version!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 26, 2015
I found some of the BDSM annoying, and yet alluring at the same time. I loved the two main characters. I could see how Chris used BDSM to give Justin structure to his life after he stopped competing as a swimmer, and some of the erotic BDSM scenes were unbelievably hot, but it's still not my scene, but I totally enjoyed the book anyway. It's really 4 and 1/2 stars for me.
March 4, 2013
Why did I pick up this book? Two reasons:
1. It's Sean Michael, and
2. The book cover model swimmer's back.
Four years ago, after winning Olympic medals gold, Justin retired from swimming, and he’s been floundering ever since. For years swimming was everything, but his Coach waved him off once he’d retired. The Fourth of July finds him contemplating doing something stupid, so Justin calls up Coach. To his surprise, Chris answers.
When Justin retired, Chris cut all ties with the swimmer he’d fallen in love with, wanting to make sure that Justin didn’t stay with him as a lover just because it was the easy thing. He’s been waiting for a long time for Justin to come back to him, so when Justin calls, he immediately offers to let Justin back into his life, and into his arms.
When he finds out that Justin is lost, drowning in a pool of self-doubt and the belief that his happy years are behind him, Chris realizes maybe he made a mistake letting go so suddenly. He brings Justin to his home, and gives in to the urges they’d ignored for a long time. Now Chris can love Justin, give him rules and structure that Justin needs. As long as he can convince Justin that it’s really love. Can Justin and Chris put the last four years behind them and find themselves a golden moment?
Can I ask for more? Will there be more?
This was a well written book (I mean, it is a Sean Michael! Hello!) although I must be honest enough to admit that there was too much erotica going on and I wanted more character development.
This is a typical older man-younger man relationship where the older man is the typical "older/father-figure" who knew just what to do with his boy. There is some BDSM, although those who live the lifestyle would probably cringe at the way it is portrayed or even call the BDSM slant as "amateurish."
But that is all beside the point.
Justin is obviously someone who needs guidance, as he had been guided for most of his life by Chris or Coach, as Justin cannot seem to call him anything but. Coach is literally his life coach as well as his swimming coach. (Need I add his sex coach?)
Their relationship seemed solid enough at the beginning and it got even stronger once they ironed out the real and imagined wrinkles. The only disappointment I had was the ending.
It just ended in a great and romantic, even HEA way. But it was sort of a cliffhanger ending and I was expecting more chapters or at least a memo from the author that may be there is a second book in the future.
Please, please, please? Can I ask for more?
1. It's Sean Michael, and
2. The book cover model swimmer's back.
Four years ago, after winning Olympic medals gold, Justin retired from swimming, and he’s been floundering ever since. For years swimming was everything, but his Coach waved him off once he’d retired. The Fourth of July finds him contemplating doing something stupid, so Justin calls up Coach. To his surprise, Chris answers.
When Justin retired, Chris cut all ties with the swimmer he’d fallen in love with, wanting to make sure that Justin didn’t stay with him as a lover just because it was the easy thing. He’s been waiting for a long time for Justin to come back to him, so when Justin calls, he immediately offers to let Justin back into his life, and into his arms.
When he finds out that Justin is lost, drowning in a pool of self-doubt and the belief that his happy years are behind him, Chris realizes maybe he made a mistake letting go so suddenly. He brings Justin to his home, and gives in to the urges they’d ignored for a long time. Now Chris can love Justin, give him rules and structure that Justin needs. As long as he can convince Justin that it’s really love. Can Justin and Chris put the last four years behind them and find themselves a golden moment?
Can I ask for more? Will there be more?
This was a well written book (I mean, it is a Sean Michael! Hello!) although I must be honest enough to admit that there was too much erotica going on and I wanted more character development.
This is a typical older man-younger man relationship where the older man is the typical "older/father-figure" who knew just what to do with his boy. There is some BDSM, although those who live the lifestyle would probably cringe at the way it is portrayed or even call the BDSM slant as "amateurish."
But that is all beside the point.
Justin is obviously someone who needs guidance, as he had been guided for most of his life by Chris or Coach, as Justin cannot seem to call him anything but. Coach is literally his life coach as well as his swimming coach. (Need I add his sex coach?)
Their relationship seemed solid enough at the beginning and it got even stronger once they ironed out the real and imagined wrinkles. The only disappointment I had was the ending.
It just ended in a great and romantic, even HEA way. But it was sort of a cliffhanger ending and I was expecting more chapters or at least a memo from the author that may be there is a second book in the future.
Please, please, please? Can I ask for more?
March 8, 2013
Okay, 2 stars for plot, 3 stars for plenty of sex.
As long as you know what you are getting into when you start this book, you’ll likely enjoy it, however I might suggest spreading it out over a few days to avoid burnout.
Justin is feeling down, his life sucks and he’s actually borderline suicidal when he finally calls his coach who wouldn’t even take his phone calls the first year after he retired. They get together and Coach is determined that now he’s given Justin a chance to be on his own, they can hook up and have a nice kinky relationship. Only Justin has no clue what BDSM is or how a D/s relationship works.
Chris falls a bit into the smug Dom zone here. He “knows” that Justin will like X and that’s the end of it. Of course, for convenience of the romance he does like it, even if he resists. The big thing here is nipple torture and it did get a bit repetitive for me.
Where I never really got over Chris’ behaviour, was he knew Justin thrived on structure (probably many athletes do) but he never really thought about what just tossing the kid out there on his own would do to him. He never checked up on him, he doesn’t seem to have other people check on him, just hoped for the best thinking it was better than making it look like he still wanted to control him. Then now it was kind of like “hey, we’re together now so that makes it all okay, get over it.” This pretty much summed it up.
I kind of thought Chris didn’t feel guilty enough, but that’s just me. Anyway, this is typical Sean Michael, small bit of plot (meet kids at pool, talk about coaching them), sex, small bit of plot (take cooking class), sex, decide to go out for dinner, have sex first, wash dishes, take break for sex. When you are in the mood for it, it hits the spot, but don’t expect any great plot. The entire book takes place only over a few weeks, so I suppose the fact they are boinking like bunnies every ten seconds makes sense, new relationship and all that. Go in with your eyes wide-open and you’ll be fine.
As long as you know what you are getting into when you start this book, you’ll likely enjoy it, however I might suggest spreading it out over a few days to avoid burnout.
Justin is feeling down, his life sucks and he’s actually borderline suicidal when he finally calls his coach who wouldn’t even take his phone calls the first year after he retired. They get together and Coach is determined that now he’s given Justin a chance to be on his own, they can hook up and have a nice kinky relationship. Only Justin has no clue what BDSM is or how a D/s relationship works.
Chris falls a bit into the smug Dom zone here. He “knows” that Justin will like X and that’s the end of it. Of course, for convenience of the romance he does like it, even if he resists. The big thing here is nipple torture and it did get a bit repetitive for me.
Where I never really got over Chris’ behaviour, was he knew Justin thrived on structure (probably many athletes do) but he never really thought about what just tossing the kid out there on his own would do to him. He never checked up on him, he doesn’t seem to have other people check on him, just hoped for the best thinking it was better than making it look like he still wanted to control him. Then now it was kind of like “hey, we’re together now so that makes it all okay, get over it.” This pretty much summed it up.
“You didn’t even care what the hell happened to me. All those years together and you never once even called me!”
“I didn’t think I could! Not without begging you to come home to me. And that was clearly a mistake, one that I regret, but you can’t keep punishing us both for it.”
“Sure I can.” Justin looked at him, looking ten years older, all of the sudden. “I shouldn’t, because it’s just stupid and won’t help, but don’t fool yourself. I totally can.”
I kind of thought Chris didn’t feel guilty enough, but that’s just me. Anyway, this is typical Sean Michael, small bit of plot (meet kids at pool, talk about coaching them), sex, small bit of plot (take cooking class), sex, decide to go out for dinner, have sex first, wash dishes, take break for sex. When you are in the mood for it, it hits the spot, but don’t expect any great plot. The entire book takes place only over a few weeks, so I suppose the fact they are boinking like bunnies every ten seconds makes sense, new relationship and all that. Go in with your eyes wide-open and you’ll be fine.
May 22, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
In pure Sean Michael fashion this book was heavy on the love and sex. Justin is a former Olympian who isn't happy and one night feels like he wants to jump from his porch to the pool below and see if he can make it. He is drunk and decides to call his former coach Chris. Chris hasn't talked to Justin since he retired four years ago. Both men were in love with each other four years ago and never did anything about it. Coach thought he was doing the right thing making Justin go out and make a name for himself after he retired, now he thinks he has made a huge mistake. The chemistry between these two is on fire and you can feel the love they have for each other. Coach wants to be there for Justin not only as his friend and love but also his dominate. I thought this was a sweet love story and I really enjoyed it just like I do almost every Sean Michael book, low angst, lots of love and sex.
In pure Sean Michael fashion this book was heavy on the love and sex. Justin is a former Olympian who isn't happy and one night feels like he wants to jump from his porch to the pool below and see if he can make it. He is drunk and decides to call his former coach Chris. Chris hasn't talked to Justin since he retired four years ago. Both men were in love with each other four years ago and never did anything about it. Coach thought he was doing the right thing making Justin go out and make a name for himself after he retired, now he thinks he has made a huge mistake. The chemistry between these two is on fire and you can feel the love they have for each other. Coach wants to be there for Justin not only as his friend and love but also his dominate. I thought this was a sweet love story and I really enjoyed it just like I do almost every Sean Michael book, low angst, lots of love and sex.
February 28, 2020
Ever since Sean Michael's "sports series" (the Going for Gold books about a swimmer, a diver, and a gymnast with their respective coaches), I have secretly been hoping for more books just like them. Well, not exactly like them, but in the same tradition. 'Golden' delivers this in spades. It has the dynamic between swimmer and coach, the subtle and less subtle D/s, and yet it is also new and different. For one thing, the romance takes place after the swimmer has retired, includes a long separation, and the swimmer having had to face real life. For another, the coach is more human; he has made a major mistake and is far from perfect. I really liked this more 'flawed' version!
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 23, 2013
Lots of sex. Per formula. However here it felt more needed because it was a tool to help heel and to communicate. Basically Justin could not hide with the sex. Somehow that worked for me. I liked the concept of an Olympic has been struggling - there are always many more sides to people than you think and it doesn't shock me at all what Justin went through. Fame is fleeting aptly fits - how do you come back from that? Good characters, very little kink outside of a complete OCD obsession with nipples (or "nips" as SM says) - and I do mean OBSESSED. I was quite concerned with Chris's obsession with Justin's nips. Nip said.
February 22, 2013
2.5 stars
I normally like Sean Michaels books a lot and I'm a fan of his Personal Best 1: A Going for the Gold Novel stories and Jesse and Mike but this book about a former Olymipic swimmer and his trainer was boring and repetitive. I think if there had been less sex and more plot it would have been great because the plot was promising...
I normally like Sean Michaels books a lot and I'm a fan of his Personal Best 1: A Going for the Gold Novel stories and Jesse and Mike but this book about a former Olymipic swimmer and his trainer was boring and repetitive. I think if there had been less sex and more plot it would have been great because the plot was promising...
May 17, 2017
Golden by Sean Michael
3 stars
M/M Romance with power exchange dynamic
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Chris is a swim coach. He has coached an Olympian - Justin. But, when Justin decides to retire, Chris is left starting over. He trains because it's what he knows. But his heart is still with Justin.
Justin is literally drowning in life. He isn't able to hold a job that he likes and he misses his coach. For a while, Coach was his whole life. They ate, slept (just sleeping) and trained together.
Despite having a gold medal, Justin needs something more. When he finally reaches out to Chris, Justin is on the verge of a huge depressive episode. Not only is he floundering in life, but he's having a hard time relating to people his own age.
When Chris comes in and "saves" Justin, they just fall in to this strange love story. It is almost like an insta-love story, but you know that they have known each other for years. However, the chemistry between Justin and Chris felt strained - almost faked. While the physical relationship was described as steamy and hot, I just never really felt that they had a great connection. Their tie together was swimming.
Overall, this was more about finding yourself and believing in yourself.
3 stars
M/M Romance with power exchange dynamic
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Chris is a swim coach. He has coached an Olympian - Justin. But, when Justin decides to retire, Chris is left starting over. He trains because it's what he knows. But his heart is still with Justin.
Justin is literally drowning in life. He isn't able to hold a job that he likes and he misses his coach. For a while, Coach was his whole life. They ate, slept (just sleeping) and trained together.
Despite having a gold medal, Justin needs something more. When he finally reaches out to Chris, Justin is on the verge of a huge depressive episode. Not only is he floundering in life, but he's having a hard time relating to people his own age.
When Chris comes in and "saves" Justin, they just fall in to this strange love story. It is almost like an insta-love story, but you know that they have known each other for years. However, the chemistry between Justin and Chris felt strained - almost faked. While the physical relationship was described as steamy and hot, I just never really felt that they had a great connection. Their tie together was swimming.
Overall, this was more about finding yourself and believing in yourself.
March 26, 2019
DNF after 3 chapters. Probably the worst depiction of a bdsm "relationship" I've ever read. Zero consent given, wouldn't let his sub even think about the relationship, just forced him into it, wouldn't let him go home, forced him to leave his job. And this was all in the first 3 chapters. Disgusting. Sickening. Just a steaming pile of nope.
July 21, 2020
Sorry to say this will be a DNF. Started out promising, with Justin dealing rather believable with depression and a loss of enjoyment in life and quickly devolved into a BDSM relationship with his old coach. You know, because sex fixes everything, especially when it's with a drunk person and not discussed beforehand."
March 1, 2018
consigliato solo se siete feticisti dei capezzoli, in caso contrario assolutamente da evitare
April 16, 2018
If you are into dubcon and nipple play, and hate being hampered by character development (or personality), then you might like this book.
February 26, 2019
Cute little read with very typical characters of Sean Michael's.
February 25, 2013
2.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Although the idea behind the story was good enough Golden failed to give the expected entertainment. More to that it was very disturbing at the beginning.
The story starts with Justin, a retired swimmer, contemplating suicide. For four years he’s been lost in a world he doesn’t understand and he doesn’t belong. His days of being worth something are over and the hurt his Coach caused him when he pushed him away like damaged goods is drowning him under. The man he saw as his best friend and whom he loved never cared for him, never answered any of his calls and in a last desperate attempt Justin makes one more try.
This time Chris answered and is immediately at Justin’s side.
So far so good with the story. Chris goes and find Justin, piss drunk and in a very low state of self-esteem. What happens next left me with my jaw hanging and not quite believing was I was reading. Chris takes Justin home with him despite Justin’s not wanting to. Chris makes all sort of different things to Justin despite him being piss drunk and in no state of reasoning with himself. And Chris goes all Dom/sub on Justin despite the guy being completely lost and having no trust in his Coach after the way he was treated… That just didn’t sit well with me, not in this context anyway.
The author lets us know how both men felt since the story was written from both of their point of view, and we clearly saw the confusion from Justin’s side. Of course it was later proved that the way Coach treated him was exactly what Justin needed, but for me I felt like I was reading some very nonrealistic sex fantasies and simply couldn’t shake off that feeling.
Character wise I disliked both of them. Just most of the time felt stupid to me, or rather juvenile. It was as if he had the brain of a sixteen year old in the body of a twenty-seven. His complete failure to think for himself was disturbing, as was the fact that for four years he lived like a teen, not like a hard working ex Olympian. It just didn’t fit and I just didn’t make sense of this character. As for Chris, oh my, I think he’s one of the rare characters that have managed to repulse me.
Story-wise I expected something from a 211 pages novel. As it is that something was all about 90% sex-scenes and 10% story. Not my cup of tea. The repetition of phrases such as: “He'd refused to let Justin lean on him when the kid had retired because it would have been so easy to just become Justin's lover and that wasn't right.” on all possible variations, and the obsession with his nipples at every single intimate scene, were brain-wrecking. The description boarded to sensory overload, ending in a tiresome imagery over and over and then some. I reached a point that I was contemplating skipping scenes in a futile effort to find something different from a shower or bedroom. And with all those love declarations, damn it would’ve been nice if I could feel even a third of that reaching me.
Frankly it was a bizarre read, I’d rather have it edited and a much shorter one than this. Who knows I might’ve liked more that way. As it is I simply reached the end shaking my head and still wondering about it. Not good enough for me, not nearly good enough.
Thommie.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Although the idea behind the story was good enough Golden failed to give the expected entertainment. More to that it was very disturbing at the beginning.
The story starts with Justin, a retired swimmer, contemplating suicide. For four years he’s been lost in a world he doesn’t understand and he doesn’t belong. His days of being worth something are over and the hurt his Coach caused him when he pushed him away like damaged goods is drowning him under. The man he saw as his best friend and whom he loved never cared for him, never answered any of his calls and in a last desperate attempt Justin makes one more try.
This time Chris answered and is immediately at Justin’s side.
So far so good with the story. Chris goes and find Justin, piss drunk and in a very low state of self-esteem. What happens next left me with my jaw hanging and not quite believing was I was reading. Chris takes Justin home with him despite Justin’s not wanting to. Chris makes all sort of different things to Justin despite him being piss drunk and in no state of reasoning with himself. And Chris goes all Dom/sub on Justin despite the guy being completely lost and having no trust in his Coach after the way he was treated… That just didn’t sit well with me, not in this context anyway.
The author lets us know how both men felt since the story was written from both of their point of view, and we clearly saw the confusion from Justin’s side. Of course it was later proved that the way Coach treated him was exactly what Justin needed, but for me I felt like I was reading some very nonrealistic sex fantasies and simply couldn’t shake off that feeling.
Character wise I disliked both of them. Just most of the time felt stupid to me, or rather juvenile. It was as if he had the brain of a sixteen year old in the body of a twenty-seven. His complete failure to think for himself was disturbing, as was the fact that for four years he lived like a teen, not like a hard working ex Olympian. It just didn’t fit and I just didn’t make sense of this character. As for Chris, oh my, I think he’s one of the rare characters that have managed to repulse me.
Story-wise I expected something from a 211 pages novel. As it is that something was all about 90% sex-scenes and 10% story. Not my cup of tea. The repetition of phrases such as: “He'd refused to let Justin lean on him when the kid had retired because it would have been so easy to just become Justin's lover and that wasn't right.” on all possible variations, and the obsession with his nipples at every single intimate scene, were brain-wrecking. The description boarded to sensory overload, ending in a tiresome imagery over and over and then some. I reached a point that I was contemplating skipping scenes in a futile effort to find something different from a shower or bedroom. And with all those love declarations, damn it would’ve been nice if I could feel even a third of that reaching me.
Frankly it was a bizarre read, I’d rather have it edited and a much shorter one than this. Who knows I might’ve liked more that way. As it is I simply reached the end shaking my head and still wondering about it. Not good enough for me, not nearly good enough.
Thommie.
July 25, 2017
Review originally posted on Just Love Reviews: https://justlovereviews.com/2017/06/1...
If you’ve been around for a bit you know that I LOVE sports romances. So I was looking forward to this, but this book ended up being a bit of a drag for me, unfortunately.
The first half of the book was them getting Justin out of his current life (job, apt) and into one Chris crafted for him. The relationship started very suddenly after not talking for four years. Usually that would be no big deal, because people meet and it’s not the right time and then later it is. However, Chris just took control of Justin’s life, after saying he distanced himself because he didn’t want Justin to be dependent on him after he was done competing.
You don’t want someone to be dependent on you and then you take control of their life? It was very weird. Especially when Chris threw down a bunch of rules on day one. It was just weird because Coach (Chris) was adamant about Justin making the decision to call him and start things, but then he immediately took over everything. You’re worried about Justin not wanting this and then you tell him what to do?
Here’s an example:
“No more drinking.” He got up and padded to the bathroom, came back with a glass of water and a bottle of Tylenol.
“Not until after breakfast, for sure.”
“Not without my permission, any time of the day.” They were going to have a long list of rules, Chris was sure.
Um. No. I prefer relationships involving equals (both in books and in my personal life). It really puts me off to hear someone imposing rules and controlling someone. Not to pin everything on 50 Shades of Grey, but ever since that came out a lot of people have written BDSM or submissiveness as having someone controlling vs someone who is super submissive. That’s not what BDSM is.
Sure that might work for some people in those kinds of relationships, but there needs to be talking to establish those things. Having a character just take over someone’s life, to me, seems abusive more than anything else. This is especially true of Chris because he doesn’t listen to Justin’s need to think things out or any objections he had to the situation. I don’t like it when people’s concerns aren’t being heard by their partner. It doesn’t mean those concerns are valid or a deal breaker or whatever, but to just talk over them is a put off for me.
The second half of the book was basically just sex, Chris telling Justin he was breaking the “rules,” and Justin being super insecure. It was boring and Chris’ controlling nature completely put me off. It was also super boring because there was no build-up to their relationship in the first half of the book, and then the second half had no relationship growth.
All in all the book was repetitive and boring and the relationship was one-sided control and sex. Not my thing. I think if you want to read something smutty and don’t care about the dialogue or build up you’d enjoy this more than I did. If you’re looking for something plotty, actually BDSM, or romantic I’d pass on this.
If you’ve been around for a bit you know that I LOVE sports romances. So I was looking forward to this, but this book ended up being a bit of a drag for me, unfortunately.
The first half of the book was them getting Justin out of his current life (job, apt) and into one Chris crafted for him. The relationship started very suddenly after not talking for four years. Usually that would be no big deal, because people meet and it’s not the right time and then later it is. However, Chris just took control of Justin’s life, after saying he distanced himself because he didn’t want Justin to be dependent on him after he was done competing.
You don’t want someone to be dependent on you and then you take control of their life? It was very weird. Especially when Chris threw down a bunch of rules on day one. It was just weird because Coach (Chris) was adamant about Justin making the decision to call him and start things, but then he immediately took over everything. You’re worried about Justin not wanting this and then you tell him what to do?
Here’s an example:
“No more drinking.” He got up and padded to the bathroom, came back with a glass of water and a bottle of Tylenol.
“Not until after breakfast, for sure.”
“Not without my permission, any time of the day.” They were going to have a long list of rules, Chris was sure.
Um. No. I prefer relationships involving equals (both in books and in my personal life). It really puts me off to hear someone imposing rules and controlling someone. Not to pin everything on 50 Shades of Grey, but ever since that came out a lot of people have written BDSM or submissiveness as having someone controlling vs someone who is super submissive. That’s not what BDSM is.
Sure that might work for some people in those kinds of relationships, but there needs to be talking to establish those things. Having a character just take over someone’s life, to me, seems abusive more than anything else. This is especially true of Chris because he doesn’t listen to Justin’s need to think things out or any objections he had to the situation. I don’t like it when people’s concerns aren’t being heard by their partner. It doesn’t mean those concerns are valid or a deal breaker or whatever, but to just talk over them is a put off for me.
The second half of the book was basically just sex, Chris telling Justin he was breaking the “rules,” and Justin being super insecure. It was boring and Chris’ controlling nature completely put me off. It was also super boring because there was no build-up to their relationship in the first half of the book, and then the second half had no relationship growth.
All in all the book was repetitive and boring and the relationship was one-sided control and sex. Not my thing. I think if you want to read something smutty and don’t care about the dialogue or build up you’d enjoy this more than I did. If you’re looking for something plotty, actually BDSM, or romantic I’d pass on this.
October 9, 2013
2.5 stars
I liked it but like half way through it got kinda repetitive, there were way too many sex scenes and not enough emphasis on Justin's mental transformation from being freaked out about bdsm to accepting it and calling him master (that was completely out of the blue). And his transformation from depressed to happy. Also I don't think there was enough emphasis on the sane and consensual part of bdsm since Chris was kinda assuming he knew about everything Justin wanted needed after 4 years apart and never having a sexual relationship before. It seemed to me that Justin was depressed and suicidal, his life pretty much feel apart and Chris was the link to his happy past and was going to 'make him happy' with his love, but depression doesn't work like that. So I think the story was one dimensional overly long somewhat poorly written erotica.
I liked it but like half way through it got kinda repetitive, there were way too many sex scenes and not enough emphasis on Justin's mental transformation from being freaked out about bdsm to accepting it and calling him master (that was completely out of the blue). And his transformation from depressed to happy. Also I don't think there was enough emphasis on the sane and consensual part of bdsm since Chris was kinda assuming he knew about everything Justin wanted needed after 4 years apart and never having a sexual relationship before. It seemed to me that Justin was depressed and suicidal, his life pretty much feel apart and Chris was the link to his happy past and was going to 'make him happy' with his love, but depression doesn't work like that. So I think the story was one dimensional overly long somewhat poorly written erotica.
April 12, 2013
Coach Chris wanted to give Justin space and let him decide to come back to him without pressure when Justin finished his swimming career. The result of that decision is nearly fatal but thankful Justin reaches out to Chris at the last minute. The rest of the story shows these two mean building a relationship and rebuilding the trust. They must redefine who they are to each other in ways that are different but yet in some ways the same.
February 24, 2013
If you've never read SM's Hammer series and PWP is your thing you might enjoy this...for everyone else Golden will read like the the 1035th iteration of Tanny and Billy's relationship with swimming *facepalm*
February 23, 2013
There is no question that this is a Sean Michael book, sex, sex a short witty dialogue. BUT....
This one was a little repetitive and parts of it were dragged out. If the editing had been better it could have been the first half of a great story.
This one was a little repetitive and parts of it were dragged out. If the editing had been better it could have been the first half of a great story.
March 25, 2013
i don't like how it painted justin as dumb or slow... it is like he could not functon alone
April 16, 2013
See Lady McNeill's 3 1/2 sweet pea review on April 18, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
December 1, 2018
I liked this. ..some light BDSM, just enough to be a turn on and not enough to scare me off.
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