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Box of Nails #2
This Young Stud
Jeff has hired on as the manager of the house owners Dev and Barney are trying to create for the servers at the Hammer Club, and dealing with all those twinks is like herding cats. Still, he loves his new job, which is partly due to meeting hot, interesting sub, Paul.
Paul is Devvie's best friend, a bartender at the Hammer Club, and a sweet little bottom. He believes he breaks Doms, though, so when he falls for Jeff, he figures the best thing he can do is stay away. Jeff won't let him hide, and soon they're seeing each other, despite Paul's worries.
Can Jeff and Paul overcome the past and make a life together?
Paul is Devvie's best friend, a bartender at the Hammer Club, and a sweet little bottom. He believes he breaks Doms, though, so when he falls for Jeff, he figures the best thing he can do is stay away. Jeff won't let him hide, and soon they're seeing each other, despite Paul's worries.
Can Jeff and Paul overcome the past and make a life together?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
7 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
653 books1,210 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 20, 2013
Review written for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 3.5 stars
This is book 2 of the Box of Nails series. Box of Nails, as Devin refers to the apartment complex he now runs with his partner/dom, Barney, is starting to come together. Young dom, Jeff, has come to their rescue to take on the duties of managing the nest of twinks. Thankfully, he comes with a good deal of experience in dealing with drama. He’s going to need it.
So, his first day there, he spots Dev’s best friend, Paul, another tenant of the house. Of course, it is instant lust/love for these two. Unfortunately, Paul is under the impression he has ruined his last dom and doesn’t have a very good track record with keeping guys happy. Paul is a sweetheart, with not a mean bone in his body, unlike a few other tenants. Paul convinces him he is able to have a relationship and still be available to carry out his duties for the house. Once the other tenants realize this, things go much more smoothly for them.
This one wasn’t quite as overly sweet as the previous book, but there is still plenty of sugar for those who enjoy that. There are plenty of honeys and apologies throughout. However, I enjoyed this one a little more now that things are getting established.
One of my favorite things about this book was the introduction of the super shy guy, Mike, who lives in the attic. Paul is the only one so far who had managed to befriend him, as it seems he is a pretty damaged soul. Jeff, worried about the evidence of cutting, makes it a point to become friends as well and earn his trust. I really hope we don’t have to wait too long to see his story.
So, if you love twinks and stories with happy endings, give this one a try. It’s a fun, easy reading series, much in the same fashion as the Hammer series without quite as much kink.
March 5, 2017
The second book in this Hammer spinoff series is as much fun to read and has as many kinky scenes as the first volume. This new "Hammer Light" with its emphasis on the loving part of a new relationship, little BDSM, and just a touch of D/s that helps the sub deal better with his life and makes the Dom a more fulfilled man, is definitely a success as far as I'm concerned. All the shenanigans of the subs living in one place, the drama they manage to produce, and the sheer chaos around them is a wonderful setting for new love to blossom.
Paul (Devon's best friend from book one) is a cute guy, wants to help, but has just about the lowest self-esteem of anyone I've ever read about. He actually believes that he makes people crazy, a "truth" his a**hat of a previous "Dom" has managed to drill into his head. It destroys Paul's hope for love, he doesn’t even dare call Jeff "Sir", and it's gotten to the point where he tries to hide so he doesn’t ruin other people's lives.
Luckily, Jeff, the new house manager for the place where Hammer subs and waiters can find a safe home, takes one look at Paul and begins to fall for him. He certainly isn’t about to believe that Paul will "damage" him. As the two men get to know each other and get closer, he slowly manages to get the truth out of Paul about what happened, and sets out to make it all better.
If you like reading about a man who thought he'd never find love, but wants it desperately, if you enjoy lots and lots of loving and kinky bedroom activity, and if the self-conscious, shy sub getting rescued by a kind and loving Dom is your thing, you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Paul (Devon's best friend from book one) is a cute guy, wants to help, but has just about the lowest self-esteem of anyone I've ever read about. He actually believes that he makes people crazy, a "truth" his a**hat of a previous "Dom" has managed to drill into his head. It destroys Paul's hope for love, he doesn’t even dare call Jeff "Sir", and it's gotten to the point where he tries to hide so he doesn’t ruin other people's lives.
Luckily, Jeff, the new house manager for the place where Hammer subs and waiters can find a safe home, takes one look at Paul and begins to fall for him. He certainly isn’t about to believe that Paul will "damage" him. As the two men get to know each other and get closer, he slowly manages to get the truth out of Paul about what happened, and sets out to make it all better.
If you like reading about a man who thought he'd never find love, but wants it desperately, if you enjoy lots and lots of loving and kinky bedroom activity, and if the self-conscious, shy sub getting rescued by a kind and loving Dom is your thing, you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 14, 2013
The stereotypes are so extreme in these books. Cute enough, but just kind of nothing that caught my interest. But I will likely buy the next one or the one about the poor little thing who's a cutter to see how it's handled, although I'm pretty sure it will be a fluffy "good fuck makes it all better" story. But we will see.
August 10, 2013
just about 3.5 stars
I like the Hammer series, and this spin off is rather on the fluffy side. The books are enjoyable but somewhat predictable.
I felt this was a better book than the last, and I do want to know what happens to the other boys in the house, particularly Little Mike, but my tolerance for this particular type of physically small and perfect yet emotionally and occasionally physically damaged twink sub is limited....
I like the Hammer series, and this spin off is rather on the fluffy side. The books are enjoyable but somewhat predictable.
I felt this was a better book than the last, and I do want to know what happens to the other boys in the house, particularly Little Mike, but my tolerance for this particular type of physically small and perfect yet emotionally and occasionally physically damaged twink sub is limited....
August 9, 2013
Sweet, sweet, sweet. Light on the BDSM. Just a book to read for fun, or as a "palate cleanser" after a tough read. I am looking forward to Mike's story.
August 11, 2013
3.5. Cute book. I enjoyed it.
August 8, 2013
I really hope there's a story about Little Mike and soon, lol. He really got to me. *grin* Loved Paul and Jeff, but Mike made me tear up.
~M
~M
August 5, 2024
Of the books in this series, I think this one is the best. I thought there were some missed opportunities for some interesting scenes (service oriented especially) between the two main characters, but the writer never developed them. I wish he had written a longer book to expand on this.
I didn't understand Paul’s logic on thinking he breaks Doms, ruined Daniel and was bad for asking to do things with his partner. I wasn't expecting the incident with Daniel, though. That was sad.
There were some discrepancies from this book and book 1. First was the location of Jeff’s room. This book says it is right next to Dev’s which is on the second floor (and has a deck) and they didn’t have to go through the common room but first book said the bottom floor had the room for Jeff. Plus Dev says he doesn't know who smoking but Rhett fell out the window from smoking in the first book.
2.5 stars; just can't round up to three stars. Too many editing snafus and missed opportunities.
I didn't understand Paul’s logic on thinking he breaks Doms, ruined Daniel and was bad for asking to do things with his partner. I wasn't expecting the incident with Daniel, though. That was sad.
There were some discrepancies from this book and book 1. First was the location of Jeff’s room. This book says it is right next to Dev’s which is on the second floor (and has a deck) and they didn’t have to go through the common room but first book said the bottom floor had the room for Jeff. Plus Dev says he doesn't know who smoking but Rhett fell out the window from smoking in the first book.
2.5 stars; just can't round up to three stars. Too many editing snafus and missed opportunities.
March 5, 2017
The second book in this Hammer spinoff series is as much fun to read and has as many kinky scenes as the first volume. This new "Hammer Light" with its emphasis on the loving part of a new relationship, little BDSM, and just a touch of D/s that helps the sub deal better with his life and makes the Dom a more fulfilled man, is definitely a success as far as I'm concerned. All the shenanigans of the subs living in one place, the drama they manage to produce, and the sheer chaos around them is a wonderful setting for new love to blossom.
Paul (Devon's best friend from book one) is a cute guy, wants to help, but has just about the lowest self-esteem of anyone I've ever read about. He actually believes that he makes people crazy, a "truth" his a**hat of a previous "Dom" has managed to drill into his head. It destroys Paul's hope for love, he doesn’t even dare call Jeff "Sir", and it's gotten to the point where he tries to hide so he doesn’t ruin other people's lives.
Luckily, Jeff, the new house manager for the place where Hammer subs and waiters can find a safe home, takes one look at Paul and begins to fall for him. He certainly isn’t about to believe that Paul will "damage" him. As the two men get to know each other and get closer, he slowly manages to get the truth out of Paul about what happened, and sets out to make it all better.
If you like reading about a man who thought he'd never find love, but wants it desperately, if you enjoy lots and lots of loving and kinky bedroom activity, and if the self-conscious, shy sub getting rescued by a kind and loving Dom is your thing, you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Paul (Devon's best friend from book one) is a cute guy, wants to help, but has just about the lowest self-esteem of anyone I've ever read about. He actually believes that he makes people crazy, a "truth" his a**hat of a previous "Dom" has managed to drill into his head. It destroys Paul's hope for love, he doesn’t even dare call Jeff "Sir", and it's gotten to the point where he tries to hide so he doesn’t ruin other people's lives.
Luckily, Jeff, the new house manager for the place where Hammer subs and waiters can find a safe home, takes one look at Paul and begins to fall for him. He certainly isn’t about to believe that Paul will "damage" him. As the two men get to know each other and get closer, he slowly manages to get the truth out of Paul about what happened, and sets out to make it all better.
If you like reading about a man who thought he'd never find love, but wants it desperately, if you enjoy lots and lots of loving and kinky bedroom activity, and if the self-conscious, shy sub getting rescued by a kind and loving Dom is your thing, you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 24, 2013
Please leave comments on Kiwi's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
This novella by Sean Michael tells Jeff and Paul’s story. Jeff was hired by the owners Dev and Barney (their story is told in This Old House) to keep the Hammer Club servers in line. Let me tell you that those boys can be a hand full; definitely in need of a firm hand. The blurb gives you the basic idea of what’s going on, however, there’s so much more to this short story. Paul’s ex-Dom and lover reappears but not in a way you would expect. The ex’s reappearance answers the question about why Paul felt the way that he did about himself. It’s really quite sad what happened to the ex, but Jeff is able to pull Paul through the feelings of guilt and sadness that threatened to engulf him. Once you saw that Paul was going to pull through with Jeff by his side, focus shifts to another boy in the house. All of the other boys in the house were introduced in the first book, so I was somewhat familiar with them. This boy was not because he lives in the attic. A past trauma prevents this boy from trusting anyone other than Paul and it’s through him that the boy is able to trust Jeff. Both men work together to help pull this boy out of his depression and fear. You’ll only get bits and pieces of this sub’s story in this installment but I suspect that the next story will be his. As usual, the sex was steamy, but there wasn’t quite as much of it in this story. That’s okay because the storyline was just as strong without it. Sean Michaels has this quirky little writing style that I absolutely love. This book is short but packs a big emotional punch.
This novella by Sean Michael tells Jeff and Paul’s story. Jeff was hired by the owners Dev and Barney (their story is told in This Old House) to keep the Hammer Club servers in line. Let me tell you that those boys can be a hand full; definitely in need of a firm hand. The blurb gives you the basic idea of what’s going on, however, there’s so much more to this short story. Paul’s ex-Dom and lover reappears but not in a way you would expect. The ex’s reappearance answers the question about why Paul felt the way that he did about himself. It’s really quite sad what happened to the ex, but Jeff is able to pull Paul through the feelings of guilt and sadness that threatened to engulf him. Once you saw that Paul was going to pull through with Jeff by his side, focus shifts to another boy in the house. All of the other boys in the house were introduced in the first book, so I was somewhat familiar with them. This boy was not because he lives in the attic. A past trauma prevents this boy from trusting anyone other than Paul and it’s through him that the boy is able to trust Jeff. Both men work together to help pull this boy out of his depression and fear. You’ll only get bits and pieces of this sub’s story in this installment but I suspect that the next story will be his. As usual, the sex was steamy, but there wasn’t quite as much of it in this story. That’s okay because the storyline was just as strong without it. Sean Michaels has this quirky little writing style that I absolutely love. This book is short but packs a big emotional punch.
August 30, 2013
Entertaining, but nothing special
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Paul and Jeff are sweet, and I was predictably rooting from them from about the second page on.
- I liked seeing more of Barney and Devon (from the first book in the series, This Old House), especially since they are instrumental in getting Paul and Jeff together.
- I love that Michael always introduces a new intriguing character with each new story. I will now be hoping that he writes a story about Little Mike sooner rather than later.
CONS:
- I would have liked to see a little more interaction between the two main guys and the secondary characters, particularly with how Jeff gets along with the twinks at the house.
- I liked Paul. He’s the typical Sean Michael submissive: sweet, fidgety, and adorable. But he seemed different in this book than he did in his brief appearances in Box of Nails. He’s not as timid as I expected, not quite as flighty or unsure of himself. And I found that I was disappointed by that.
Overall comments: I love Michael’s BDSM stories and enjoy reading even the ones that aren’t that great overall. Most of this author’s works have an element of instalove to them, and I never really mind it. Here, though, the attraction isn’t quite as well established as it usually is. So I found myself having to work harder at believing in the power of the men’s immediate connection.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Paul and Jeff are sweet, and I was predictably rooting from them from about the second page on.
- I liked seeing more of Barney and Devon (from the first book in the series, This Old House), especially since they are instrumental in getting Paul and Jeff together.
- I love that Michael always introduces a new intriguing character with each new story. I will now be hoping that he writes a story about Little Mike sooner rather than later.
CONS:
- I would have liked to see a little more interaction between the two main guys and the secondary characters, particularly with how Jeff gets along with the twinks at the house.
- I liked Paul. He’s the typical Sean Michael submissive: sweet, fidgety, and adorable. But he seemed different in this book than he did in his brief appearances in Box of Nails. He’s not as timid as I expected, not quite as flighty or unsure of himself. And I found that I was disappointed by that.
Overall comments: I love Michael’s BDSM stories and enjoy reading even the ones that aren’t that great overall. Most of this author’s works have an element of instalove to them, and I never really mind it. Here, though, the attraction isn’t quite as well established as it usually is. So I found myself having to work harder at believing in the power of the men’s immediate connection.
August 31, 2013
I enjoy most Sean Michael stories. This one was pretty good. This is Jeff & Paul's story. The thing about this was we were introduced to Matt and he was totally intriguing. I thought about him long after I finished the book. I can't wait (hands rubbing together with glee). If Michael gives Matt's story the attention he gave Trust than I'm a goner!
September 25, 2016
3.5*
Paul has had a rough go of it. His last Dom was a little crazy and made Paul feel like it was his fault. Jeff has to overcome these obstacles to get Paul to trust him. Jeff needs someone to serve him and Paul wants to serve someone. Perfect match!
Paul has had a rough go of it. His last Dom was a little crazy and made Paul feel like it was his fault. Jeff has to overcome these obstacles to get Paul to trust him. Jeff needs someone to serve him and Paul wants to serve someone. Perfect match!
February 22, 2015
I enjoyed this one especially as the dom seemed rather inexperienced. Very good read. I'm looking forward to book 3 which I hope is Mike's story.
September 6, 2013
The new house dom is immediately drawn to Pual but Paul is afraid of breaking him. It was beautiful to see them come together and just be. Can't wait for Mikey to get his own chance.
October 21, 2014
This one really really made me want the next story in the series. I so wanted Mikey's story!!!
November 12, 2014
3.5 Stars. Sweet, fluffy read. Not too angsty and lite on the kink.
August 28, 2013
Rating 3.5
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews