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Chess #4
Helpmate
Can a working threesome find a fourth to help them balance their lives? Rook, Knight and Bishop believe so.
The happy threesome know there's something missing and when they find Jason, they're pretty sure he's just what they need.
Join these four sexy men as they explore the dynamics between them and work toward finding a happy ending of their very own.
Book four in the Chess series
Knight is home from the hospital, so everything should be back to normal, right? Things are never that easy, though, and the men of Chess must fight to get their lives back.
Knight has returned home from the hospital, but is far from recovered. Things seem to be going well, but depression slowly winds its way around Knight, and he spends all his time in bed sleeping, slipping farther and farther away from his lovers and life.
Rook just wants everything to go back to normal now that their lover is home and Bishop is out of his depth when it comes to Knight's depression. Can Jason figure out what's wrong and take the steps needed to help Knight find himself again?
The struggle has just begun in Knight's recovery—are the men of Chess up to the task? Find out in this fourth instalment of the Chess series.
Sean Michael
Often referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organising 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 pursuing the kama sutra by channelling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago".
The happy threesome know there's something missing and when they find Jason, they're pretty sure he's just what they need.
Join these four sexy men as they explore the dynamics between them and work toward finding a happy ending of their very own.
Book four in the Chess series
Knight is home from the hospital, so everything should be back to normal, right? Things are never that easy, though, and the men of Chess must fight to get their lives back.
Knight has returned home from the hospital, but is far from recovered. Things seem to be going well, but depression slowly winds its way around Knight, and he spends all his time in bed sleeping, slipping farther and farther away from his lovers and life.
Rook just wants everything to go back to normal now that their lover is home and Bishop is out of his depth when it comes to Knight's depression. Can Jason figure out what's wrong and take the steps needed to help Knight find himself again?
The struggle has just begun in Knight's recovery—are the men of Chess up to the task? Find out in this fourth instalment of the Chess series.
Sean Michael
Often referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organising 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 pursuing the kama sutra by channelling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago".
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
7 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
664 books1,211 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 32 reviews
October 16, 2015
After the shock of Knight almost dying in the third book, and him now finally back at home, the real work of healing beyond the physical can begin. As always, the title is a hint at the chess analogy, although I have to admit I had to look this one up. "Helpmate" is defined as a type of chess problem in which both sides cooperate in order to achieve the goal of checkmating Black (don’t ask me why it has to be Black, not White, but I have to admit it is a fit with Knight's slightly dark character). In chess, although the two sides cooperate, all moves must be legal and according to the rules – an issue the men of the Chess Series do not have to deal with. A bit of cheating and loving unfair play, in fact, is very much needed to get Knight out of his depression.
When Knight comes home from the hospital after weeks of moaning and groaning and refusing to do his physiotherapy, he thinks he can just let himself go and vanish into oblivion, He hates his broken body, misses his art, and is generally being difficult. All of that is pretty much in character, except it gets to be pretty extreme and life-threatening when his depression is so deep he doesn’t even get out of bed anymore.
Jason recognizes the signs, he knows enough about physical therapy, after all, but he doesn’t really know what to do. He pushes a little and finally puts his foot down, and it was great to see him grow like that. He has truly become an important part of this foursome, even though his deepest love is still for Rook.
Rook, in this case isn’t much help other than to love and morally support Jason. He is too much of an optimist, hates confrontation of any kind, and is overwhelmed by the messiness of having to push Knight into recovery. Rook just wants it all to go back to normal. But with a little guidance from Jason, he learns how to pull his weight.
Bishop loves Knight deeply, and in the end plays a crucial role in pulling him back into the land of the living, but his love is also his biggest weakness. It's very tempting to baby Knight out of gratitude that he is still alive, but that isn’t what the curmudgeony artist needs most. Bishop has to remember what makes them work as a couple, and find the courage to do what he is best at: top Knight into submission. When he gives Knight his first spanking after his return home, I cheered them both on. That return to normal for them is exactly what is needed, and they progress from there.
This fourth volume is another great installment of the series. Different from the first three because the "team" has settled into their roles and this is the first real test for them to see if they can make their unique family work. If you like sexy men who don’t necessarily agree about what needs doing but learn to trust each others' strengths, if you love to see them interacting physically wherever and whenever the need strikes them, and if you're interested in seeing the chess analogy continue and be tested, you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Knight comes home from the hospital after weeks of moaning and groaning and refusing to do his physiotherapy, he thinks he can just let himself go and vanish into oblivion, He hates his broken body, misses his art, and is generally being difficult. All of that is pretty much in character, except it gets to be pretty extreme and life-threatening when his depression is so deep he doesn’t even get out of bed anymore.
Jason recognizes the signs, he knows enough about physical therapy, after all, but he doesn’t really know what to do. He pushes a little and finally puts his foot down, and it was great to see him grow like that. He has truly become an important part of this foursome, even though his deepest love is still for Rook.
Rook, in this case isn’t much help other than to love and morally support Jason. He is too much of an optimist, hates confrontation of any kind, and is overwhelmed by the messiness of having to push Knight into recovery. Rook just wants it all to go back to normal. But with a little guidance from Jason, he learns how to pull his weight.
Bishop loves Knight deeply, and in the end plays a crucial role in pulling him back into the land of the living, but his love is also his biggest weakness. It's very tempting to baby Knight out of gratitude that he is still alive, but that isn’t what the curmudgeony artist needs most. Bishop has to remember what makes them work as a couple, and find the courage to do what he is best at: top Knight into submission. When he gives Knight his first spanking after his return home, I cheered them both on. That return to normal for them is exactly what is needed, and they progress from there.
This fourth volume is another great installment of the series. Different from the first three because the "team" has settled into their roles and this is the first real test for them to see if they can make their unique family work. If you like sexy men who don’t necessarily agree about what needs doing but learn to trust each others' strengths, if you love to see them interacting physically wherever and whenever the need strikes them, and if you're interested in seeing the chess analogy continue and be tested, you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 11, 2014
After the shock of Knight almost dying in the third book, and him now finally back at home, the real work of healing beyond the physical can begin. As always, the title is a hint at the chess analogy, although I have to admit I had to look this one up. "Helpmate" is defined as a type of chess problem in which both sides cooperate in order to achieve the goal of checkmating Black (don’t ask me why it has to be Black, not White, but I have to admit it is a fit with Knight's slightly dark character). In chess, although the two sides cooperate, all moves must be legal and according to the rules – an issue the men of the Chess Series do not have to deal with. A bit of cheating and loving unfair play, in fact, is very much needed to get Knight out of his depression.
When Knight comes home from the hospital after weeks of moaning and groaning and refusing to do his physiotherapy, he thinks he can just let himself go and vanish into oblivion, He hates his broken body, misses his art, and is generally being difficult. All of that is pretty much in character, except it gets to be pretty extreme and life-threatening when his depression is so deep he doesn’t even get out of bed anymore.
Jason recognizes the signs, he knows enough about physical therapy, after all, but he doesn’t really know what to do. He pushes a little and finally puts his foot down, and it was great to see him grow like that. He has truly become an important part of this foursome, even though his deepest love is still for Rook.
Rook, in this case isn’t much help other than to love and morally support Jason. He is too much of an optimist, hates confrontation of any kind, and is overwhelmed by the messiness of having to push Knight into recovery. Rook just wants it all to go back to normal. But with a little guidance from Jason, he learns how to pull his weight.
Bishop loves Knight deeply, and in the end plays a crucial role in pulling him back into the land of the living, but his love is also his biggest weakness. It's very tempting to baby Knight out of gratitude that he is still alive, but that isn’t what the curmudgeony artist needs most. Bishop has to remember what makes them work as a couple, and find the courage to do what he is best at: top Knight into submission. When he gives Knight his first spanking after his return home, I cheered them both on. That return to normal for them is exactly what is needed, and they progress from there.
This fourth volume is another great installment of the series. Different from the first three because the "team" has settled into their roles and this is the first real test for them to see if they can make their unique family work. If you like sexy men who don’t necessarily agree about what needs doing but learn to trust each others' strengths, if you love to see them interacting physically wherever and whenever the need strikes them, and if you're interested in seeing the chess analogy continue and be tested, you will probably like this novel as much as I did.
When Knight comes home from the hospital after weeks of moaning and groaning and refusing to do his physiotherapy, he thinks he can just let himself go and vanish into oblivion, He hates his broken body, misses his art, and is generally being difficult. All of that is pretty much in character, except it gets to be pretty extreme and life-threatening when his depression is so deep he doesn’t even get out of bed anymore.
Jason recognizes the signs, he knows enough about physical therapy, after all, but he doesn’t really know what to do. He pushes a little and finally puts his foot down, and it was great to see him grow like that. He has truly become an important part of this foursome, even though his deepest love is still for Rook.
Rook, in this case isn’t much help other than to love and morally support Jason. He is too much of an optimist, hates confrontation of any kind, and is overwhelmed by the messiness of having to push Knight into recovery. Rook just wants it all to go back to normal. But with a little guidance from Jason, he learns how to pull his weight.
Bishop loves Knight deeply, and in the end plays a crucial role in pulling him back into the land of the living, but his love is also his biggest weakness. It's very tempting to baby Knight out of gratitude that he is still alive, but that isn’t what the curmudgeony artist needs most. Bishop has to remember what makes them work as a couple, and find the courage to do what he is best at: top Knight into submission. When he gives Knight his first spanking after his return home, I cheered them both on. That return to normal for them is exactly what is needed, and they progress from there.
This fourth volume is another great installment of the series. Different from the first three because the "team" has settled into their roles and this is the first real test for them to see if they can make their unique family work. If you like sexy men who don’t necessarily agree about what needs doing but learn to trust each others' strengths, if you love to see them interacting physically wherever and whenever the need strikes them, and if you're interested in seeing the chess analogy continue and be tested, you will probably like this novel as much as I did.
November 13, 2015
3.5 Stars – 3 Flames
You know what I really like about this series? The fact that the storyline gets better and better with each one. Where the first installment started off with raw animalistic lust/sex, we’re now seeing the character traits of each guy and growing to love each one differently. Just like they love each other differently.
Knight is home from the hospital and has become the diva of the house. Not in the sense you may think, purely depressing and utterly annoying at times. It’s up to the guys to help pull him from his funk, all while trying to keep the “family” together.
With each installment, I find myself loving Jason and Bishop more and more. I can see how they have become the best friends out of the family. Rook is still good ‘ol Rook. Always using his sexy ways to mend the broken. But it’s the way Jason steps up to the plate as a new member of the family that has captured my heart.
Are there lots of hawt sex scenes? Yep. But you’ll find that they aren’t as frequent as they were in the beginning of the series: which I happen to like. But don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed. These boys know how to make each other feel better.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
You know what I really like about this series? The fact that the storyline gets better and better with each one. Where the first installment started off with raw animalistic lust/sex, we’re now seeing the character traits of each guy and growing to love each one differently. Just like they love each other differently.
Knight is home from the hospital and has become the diva of the house. Not in the sense you may think, purely depressing and utterly annoying at times. It’s up to the guys to help pull him from his funk, all while trying to keep the “family” together.
With each installment, I find myself loving Jason and Bishop more and more. I can see how they have become the best friends out of the family. Rook is still good ‘ol Rook. Always using his sexy ways to mend the broken. But it’s the way Jason steps up to the plate as a new member of the family that has captured my heart.
Are there lots of hawt sex scenes? Yep. But you’ll find that they aren’t as frequent as they were in the beginning of the series: which I happen to like. But don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed. These boys know how to make each other feel better.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2013
My e-reader could not turn pages fast enough to keep up with me as I skipped through the monumental amount of sex to find the few bits of plot. (Note to self: read Sean Michael on computer only, where I can scroll through the sex much faster...) I liked the idea and I liked what there was of the plot and I wouldn't have minded the sex, but there was SO MUCH of it that I got bored and wanted to skip ahead to the conversational bits. *blink*
After reading all four books my opinion is that it was interesting enough but I wasn't really satisfied with the dynamics of the group and kind of felt like Jason got the short end of the stick. He was my favorite, followed by Bishop, then the other two. I went back on forth on whether I liked Knight or not. To me he seemed very selfish and everything had to be about him and the others let him get away with it. Jason always took a back seat to everyone else, but especially to Knight and I just really wanted more of an effort by all three of the other men to convince him that he was loved and needed and no longer just their "toy".
After reading all four books my opinion is that it was interesting enough but I wasn't really satisfied with the dynamics of the group and kind of felt like Jason got the short end of the stick. He was my favorite, followed by Bishop, then the other two. I went back on forth on whether I liked Knight or not. To me he seemed very selfish and everything had to be about him and the others let him get away with it. Jason always took a back seat to everyone else, but especially to Knight and I just really wanted more of an effort by all three of the other men to convince him that he was loved and needed and no longer just their "toy".
November 5, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
With Knight finally home and Rook, Bishop and Jason determined to provide all the care he needs for his recovery you would think things would be looking up for the boys of the Chess series. The reality is very much different from the dream as Knight spirals into depression and the boys seem lost for a while.
Once again Jason proves just how important he has become to the relationship. Whether it’s because he is not as close to Knight or whether it’s his insight into his condition through his previous job it is Jason that finally drags Knight from his bed, literally, and pushes him back into the land of the living.
Helpmate feels very much like two couples rather than a foursome and even more so at the end when Knight drops a surprise on his lovers and Jason looks as though his dreams are about to be fulfilled. There is all the sex you have come to expect from Sean Michael as the boys try to get some normal back in their lives.
With Knight finally home and Rook, Bishop and Jason determined to provide all the care he needs for his recovery you would think things would be looking up for the boys of the Chess series. The reality is very much different from the dream as Knight spirals into depression and the boys seem lost for a while.
Once again Jason proves just how important he has become to the relationship. Whether it’s because he is not as close to Knight or whether it’s his insight into his condition through his previous job it is Jason that finally drags Knight from his bed, literally, and pushes him back into the land of the living.
Helpmate feels very much like two couples rather than a foursome and even more so at the end when Knight drops a surprise on his lovers and Jason looks as though his dreams are about to be fulfilled. There is all the sex you have come to expect from Sean Michael as the boys try to get some normal back in their lives.
December 19, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The fourth book in the Chess series gives us a good amount of story with a nice amount of naked time - but not too much. Knight has returned home from hospital but he is not really interested in getting back to living. Bish, Rook and Jase work to help Knight recover from his accident. While Rook and Bish have accepted Jase into their lives I still feel like I feel that Knight and Jase are yet to fully connect. I hope we will get to see that in the future. After a slow start, this series has really got me and I'm really loving spending time with these guys.
The fourth book in the Chess series gives us a good amount of story with a nice amount of naked time - but not too much. Knight has returned home from hospital but he is not really interested in getting back to living. Bish, Rook and Jase work to help Knight recover from his accident. While Rook and Bish have accepted Jase into their lives I still feel like I feel that Knight and Jase are yet to fully connect. I hope we will get to see that in the future. After a slow start, this series has really got me and I'm really loving spending time with these guys.
November 30, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
Things are still rocky after Knights accident but the men do everything they can to make things back to normal. When things seem to go bad, tough love seems to be the only way to handle it and Jason steps up and shows that he is there and as much a part of the foursome.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes, so hot
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M/M/M/Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
Things are still rocky after Knights accident but the men do everything they can to make things back to normal. When things seem to go bad, tough love seems to be the only way to handle it and Jason steps up and shows that he is there and as much a part of the foursome.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes, so hot
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M/M/M/Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
October 26, 2015
This particular installment in the series is much more story based with only a few gratuitous sex scenes thrown in for good measure. I do feel like I need to make sure my teeth are well-brushed from all the gooey-sweetness. Perhaps that's somewhat OTT. If not for all the over done ILYs, this would have been a 4-star read for me.
November 2, 2013
Imagine Treat's Hammer book mashed up with New, another Hammer book featuring Gil and Xan, include some rehashed Jarhead's story lines and you've got this whole series. If you've read the other books I mentioned just save your money....I wish I did :/
October 15, 2015
LOVE LOVE LOVED this !! Reading about Knight's struggles and how each of the guys helped him. Seeing their relationship develop further all of it was just amazing !!! Fantastic !!
February 1, 2016
This had so many feel good moments & touching moments that I loved. Really gonna miss these guys when I'm done with their series. Onto book 5!
November 2, 2019
This was a tough one. I felt for all the guys. It was painful and scary for all of them just in different ways. I was so scared for Knight and I thought for sure Bishop would lose it completely. Seeing the dynamics between them all during their struggle was beautiful though.
April 1, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Knight is finally home from the hospital but the road to recovery is a long one and he’s just started on that road. Disinterested in everything, even his art, he starts to slip into depression and stops even trying to get his life back. What he doesn’t count on, however, is how much the men in his life love him and they’re determined to bring him back to the land of the living; even if they have to do it with him kicking and screaming along the way.
This is a direct continuation of the previous book, En Prise, and won’t really make much sense unless you’ve read that one first. Recovery can be a long hard road and that’s illustrated quite well here; Knight was seriously injured and even though he’s been released from the hospital, he still needs to fight his way back to where he was before the accident. At times you see him frustrated, at others angry. Most often, however, Knight displays a lifelessness on par with how hopeless he finds the entire situation. I felt as though this was a more serious book than the last, especially with how Knight is a more active participant in this one. Jason still managed to shine with his knowledge of what Knight needs to heal and progress while Bishop and Rook defer to him. Nothing is as easy or perfect as it was before but the men in the book were still determined to work through the difficulty; I really enjoyed seeing the love and support between them and it was great getting to see Knight come back to himself. I think this may be my favorite book in the series so far.
Knight is finally home from the hospital but the road to recovery is a long one and he’s just started on that road. Disinterested in everything, even his art, he starts to slip into depression and stops even trying to get his life back. What he doesn’t count on, however, is how much the men in his life love him and they’re determined to bring him back to the land of the living; even if they have to do it with him kicking and screaming along the way.
This is a direct continuation of the previous book, En Prise, and won’t really make much sense unless you’ve read that one first. Recovery can be a long hard road and that’s illustrated quite well here; Knight was seriously injured and even though he’s been released from the hospital, he still needs to fight his way back to where he was before the accident. At times you see him frustrated, at others angry. Most often, however, Knight displays a lifelessness on par with how hopeless he finds the entire situation. I felt as though this was a more serious book than the last, especially with how Knight is a more active participant in this one. Jason still managed to shine with his knowledge of what Knight needs to heal and progress while Bishop and Rook defer to him. Nothing is as easy or perfect as it was before but the men in the book were still determined to work through the difficulty; I really enjoyed seeing the love and support between them and it was great getting to see Knight come back to himself. I think this may be my favorite book in the series so far.
June 19, 2014
Some sweet scenes on the road to recovery
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Jason’s acceptance of Knight’s bitter attitude toward physical recovery is a little sad, but it’s also sweet. Rather than being too upset with Knight’s negative attitude toward him, Jason tries to understand the reasons behind Knight’s behavior.
- (This is a similar point to the one above, but whatever.) Knight’s recovery allows for some sweet scenes in which the other three men care for Knight in different ways. And I liked that the injury brings out a softer side in Knight also.
- There are moments of jealousy and exasperation from various characters that feel very honest, very realistic.
CONS:
- The ups and downs on the road to recovery are certainly realistic, but they’re not necessarily a lot of fun to read. I found the setbacks disheartening.
- I wanted to see more improvement--not just in Knight’s physical state, but also in the mending of the men’s emotional relationships. Or I suppose it would be more accurate to say I wanted to see *further* along the road of improvement.
Overall comments: Knight seems more appreciative of his partners in this volume than in previous ones. (Or at least more outwardly demonstrative of his appreciation.) I can’t say that I was entirely happy with where the story ends, but perhaps this won’t be the final installment.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Jason’s acceptance of Knight’s bitter attitude toward physical recovery is a little sad, but it’s also sweet. Rather than being too upset with Knight’s negative attitude toward him, Jason tries to understand the reasons behind Knight’s behavior.
- (This is a similar point to the one above, but whatever.) Knight’s recovery allows for some sweet scenes in which the other three men care for Knight in different ways. And I liked that the injury brings out a softer side in Knight also.
- There are moments of jealousy and exasperation from various characters that feel very honest, very realistic.
CONS:
- The ups and downs on the road to recovery are certainly realistic, but they’re not necessarily a lot of fun to read. I found the setbacks disheartening.
- I wanted to see more improvement--not just in Knight’s physical state, but also in the mending of the men’s emotional relationships. Or I suppose it would be more accurate to say I wanted to see *further* along the road of improvement.
Overall comments: Knight seems more appreciative of his partners in this volume than in previous ones. (Or at least more outwardly demonstrative of his appreciation.) I can’t say that I was entirely happy with where the story ends, but perhaps this won’t be the final installment.
November 24, 2015
This continuation of the series gives us more about how Knight is doing with his recovery and how everyone else is doing with handling the change in the dynamic between the men and the running of the home.
We have a pretty big time jump, five plus months. And during that time everyone pretty much is letting Knight wallow in his own pity and misery. Doing as little as possible including bathing, eating and exercising.
However, during this time, Jason and Bishop are developing a tighter bond, which is thrilling to Rook but once Knight finds out decides he’s really no longer needed. Jason, decides enough.
What I loved most about this book, is we really see Jason develop in this one. Not just as a four in bed, but as an equal and at times a leader in which Bishop and Rook both defer to, during the most difficult times trying to get Knight back into the man he was.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
We have a pretty big time jump, five plus months. And during that time everyone pretty much is letting Knight wallow in his own pity and misery. Doing as little as possible including bathing, eating and exercising.
However, during this time, Jason and Bishop are developing a tighter bond, which is thrilling to Rook but once Knight finds out decides he’s really no longer needed. Jason, decides enough.
What I loved most about this book, is we really see Jason develop in this one. Not just as a four in bed, but as an equal and at times a leader in which Bishop and Rook both defer to, during the most difficult times trying to get Knight back into the man he was.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
December 20, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth in a series and they need to be read in order - I will assume that you have read the previous books in my review, so if you haven't go and do so, before you read on!
I am enjoying this series very much - although the accident at the end of the previous book was a bit of a blow. This installment deals very well with Knight's slow and painful recovery. It gives Jason an opportunity to cement his position in the menage, which means that future books can move onto the quartet, rather than trio plus one. I cannot wait! Even with Knight incapacitated, there is plenty of healing just how Rook likes it best! Oh to be a voyeur in that house ... never a dull moment!
This is the fourth in a series and they need to be read in order - I will assume that you have read the previous books in my review, so if you haven't go and do so, before you read on!
I am enjoying this series very much - although the accident at the end of the previous book was a bit of a blow. This installment deals very well with Knight's slow and painful recovery. It gives Jason an opportunity to cement his position in the menage, which means that future books can move onto the quartet, rather than trio plus one. I cannot wait! Even with Knight incapacitated, there is plenty of healing just how Rook likes it best! Oh to be a voyeur in that house ... never a dull moment!
September 13, 2018
The fourth in the Chess Series - Whew! I just loved this series (a total of 7 books) - it's like porn with really lovable characters and an actual plot. Who else but Sean Michael can pull off a whole series ménage à quatre?
Six of the books focus on the same 4 MC's. But, the last book in the series, Pre-Game, is actually the story of how the original 3 (Rook, Knight and Bishop) met and can be read first; however, the rest all need to be read in order.
Note that #6 "The Piercer's Game" is almost a stand-alone because it only very briefly just mentions the 4 MC's. It's about Luke (a minor character who pierces Knight, Rook & Jason) and Temple. A lovely story but could be read separately.
So here is my planned re-reading order:
#7 - Pre-Game
#1 - Opening Moves
#2 - Middle Game
#3 - En Prise
#4 - Helpmate
#5 - End-Game
#6 - The Piercer's Game
Six of the books focus on the same 4 MC's. But, the last book in the series, Pre-Game, is actually the story of how the original 3 (Rook, Knight and Bishop) met and can be read first; however, the rest all need to be read in order.
Note that #6 "The Piercer's Game" is almost a stand-alone because it only very briefly just mentions the 4 MC's. It's about Luke (a minor character who pierces Knight, Rook & Jason) and Temple. A lovely story but could be read separately.
So here is my planned re-reading order:
#7 - Pre-Game
#1 - Opening Moves
#2 - Middle Game
#3 - En Prise
#4 - Helpmate
#5 - End-Game
#6 - The Piercer's Game
December 20, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
My heart broke for Knight. He's accident changed him in ways none of them expected. Bishop, Rook and Jason try everything in their power to bring Knight back to them, back to what was their normal. Knight's broken, depressed and feels not needed within the family. Bishop, Rook and Jason show Knight that they need him and want him but is it enough?
I am in love with this series, my only complaint is the amount of times in one page that Rook and Jason tell each other they love the other. I get it. It's nauseating to read over and over and over again.
My heart broke for Knight. He's accident changed him in ways none of them expected. Bishop, Rook and Jason try everything in their power to bring Knight back to them, back to what was their normal. Knight's broken, depressed and feels not needed within the family. Bishop, Rook and Jason show Knight that they need him and want him but is it enough?
I am in love with this series, my only complaint is the amount of times in one page that Rook and Jason tell each other they love the other. I get it. It's nauseating to read over and over and over again.
January 11, 2014
3+ stars
Not quite the satisfying next part of the story I was hoping for after En Prise... Knight is still recovering, and it's still affecting Bishop, Rook, and Jason, too. But the story skips around, and it felt a little "dialed in", rather than really exploring this interesting foursome and their home and relationship dynamics. Nothing much new happens. Mainly a lot of steamy sex scenes between some combo of the guys; while that's one of the reasons I love this series, it's not the only reason. But this book felt as if that was its only purpose - to titillate us with the sex, even though, once again, nothing was really new or unusual.
And that's a shame, 'cuz I love these boys.
Not quite the satisfying next part of the story I was hoping for after En Prise... Knight is still recovering, and it's still affecting Bishop, Rook, and Jason, too. But the story skips around, and it felt a little "dialed in", rather than really exploring this interesting foursome and their home and relationship dynamics. Nothing much new happens. Mainly a lot of steamy sex scenes between some combo of the guys; while that's one of the reasons I love this series, it's not the only reason. But this book felt as if that was its only purpose - to titillate us with the sex, even though, once again, nothing was really new or unusual.
And that's a shame, 'cuz I love these boys.
November 14, 2013
I LOVE this series. Helpmate not as great as it could have been, or the previous 3 books. Felt there was so much opportunity for storyline in Jason training Knight.. but it wasn;t deeply explored. Wanted more between knight and Jase... Have since book 1. I just don't feel the knight cares deeply for Jason yet.
Not sure if there are going to be more.. ending read like it could go either way.
Fingers crossed there will be
Not sure if there are going to be more.. ending read like it could go either way.
Fingers crossed there will be
May 16, 2014
Wow...i loved this series...The way Knight was after his accident was heartbreaking but they way they all pulled together to help him...This one was more of them being in couples rather than a foursome and now we know there's gonna be a fifth book...the final one called End Game....Will they stay as a foursome or become two couples...I hope they stay as a foursome x
January 21, 2014
Compared to the first three books this one did nothing for me. The characters seemed to have different personalities, which was weird. Truth be told Rook ruined anything that could have been good about this book for me, I REALLY didn't like him in this one.
March 16, 2014
I can't believe it's over. I'm so happy I read these books. So much fluff. So much smut. And ALL my feels. I fell hard for Rookie. So hard. And Jase. What a great set of characters. What a fantastic book series. Highly recommend if you want light mooshy reading. Sigh. I'll miss the boys.
February 13, 2015
I love the fact that Jason is allowed to continue to grow and become his own man as the little of their special little family. The also continue to support Knight in his recovery and sometimes you just have to take things in hand.
August 9, 2016
Okay Helpmate isn't as good as En Prise as far as the story goes. Knight is home now and things are starting to shift around with the dynamics of the guys. I thought there would be more to Jason and Knight other that the therapy. On to the next one.
October 28, 2013
3.5 stars
December 11, 2013
Fab hope this series keeps going.
April 29, 2014
Beautifully written can't wait for the next one
July 20, 2014
Knight is still my favourite and I really, really want to read more about him. I love them all, but it is all about Knight for me!
September 22, 2014
I liked how the group handled Knight's recovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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