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Almost
Hammer let Lane drive him away, but now he’s determined to make Lane the one who almost got away.
Lane lost his legs while saving his unit overseas. It’s been two years and he’s doing his best to come to terms with things, including the fact that he dumped his lover to free the man up from being stuck with a gimp for the rest of his life. Luckily, Lane inherited his Gramps’ cottage—it just needs some renovations to make it wheelchair friendly. He’s determined to make the best of what he’s got.
Hammer was one of the men Lane saved…and his lover while they were in the Army together. He let Lane drive him away back when the man first got hurt, but now he’s hunting Lane, determined to make Lane the one who almost got away. Will Lane be able to see past his injuries far enough to realise Hammer’s in it for the long haul?
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".
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.
Lane lost his legs while saving his unit overseas. It’s been two years and he’s doing his best to come to terms with things, including the fact that he dumped his lover to free the man up from being stuck with a gimp for the rest of his life. Luckily, Lane inherited his Gramps’ cottage—it just needs some renovations to make it wheelchair friendly. He’s determined to make the best of what he’s got.
Hammer was one of the men Lane saved…and his lover while they were in the Army together. He let Lane drive him away back when the man first got hurt, but now he’s hunting Lane, determined to make Lane the one who almost got away. Will Lane be able to see past his injuries far enough to realise Hammer’s in it for the long haul?
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".
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.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2014
9 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
652 books1,209 followersOften referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 13, 2014
Now THAT'S how you write a stellar short story featuring hurt/comfort! With a few insanely passionate military men thrown in, I have no problem at all giving this baby 5 glorious stars.
Prepare for a lovely treat of hot sex, deep emotions, incredible passion, all packaged up in a tiny book for a sweet, quick fix when you don't have time to monkey with any of the back story nonsense. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
March 15, 2014
3.5
Short but who cares when two alpha males are naked and getting it on? The healing here was a little simplistic, and I would have preferred this as a full-length novel with background information on the guys' relationship prior to Lane losing his leg. But there was intense passion and heat galore.
Short but who cares when two alpha males are naked and getting it on? The healing here was a little simplistic, and I would have preferred this as a full-length novel with background information on the guys' relationship prior to Lane losing his leg. But there was intense passion and heat galore.
November 16, 2016
A touching story about two men who each thought they were doing the other a favor by splitting up, this tale about two ex-soldiers grabbed my heart form the beginning and didn’t let go until the last page. Lane lost his legs, and with them his self-respect and courage to live. Hammer lost Lane – just because he let the man push him away. Both men are in pain and lost without the other, both need to find a new way to relate to each other, and I loved them both equally.
Lane showed incredible courage when he saved his unit overseas, but now that he’s lost both legs and is wheelchair bound (since he refuses to wear the prosthetics) he sees only the “cripple” side of himself. Never mind that he survived, is handling the remodeling of his grandfather’s cabin all by himself, and has more determination than three average men put together. All he focuses on is what he has lost. And I can understand that, and relate to that, but only to a point. He has so much to live for! But that doesn’t become clear to him until Hammer, his former lover and Army buddy, turns up on his doorstep and refuses to go away this time. Lane isn’t quite sure how to handle that, tries his usual scare-the-guy-away tactics, and is shocked when they don’t work. Secretly, it gives him hope though, and I loved seeing that blossom in his heart.
Hammer made a mistake when he listened to Lane two years ago, just after the guy lost his legs to a landmine rescuing him and the others in their unit. It took him some time to realize, but he loves Lane with everything he is, and cannot, will not, live without him. Even though he is a “lifer”. And cannot see himself be anything other than a soldier, he also knows Lane is more important. So he decides to camp out in the guys cabin until he sees sense as well. I loved the determination and patience he showed, and the way he jokes with Lane like they used to. His whole way of looking at Lane and seeing him, not the lack of legs, is heartwarming.
If you like stories about tough men dealing with the tough realities of life, if you enjoy reading about a man with a war-caused disability coming into his own again with the help of his lover, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is blisteringly hot, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Lane showed incredible courage when he saved his unit overseas, but now that he’s lost both legs and is wheelchair bound (since he refuses to wear the prosthetics) he sees only the “cripple” side of himself. Never mind that he survived, is handling the remodeling of his grandfather’s cabin all by himself, and has more determination than three average men put together. All he focuses on is what he has lost. And I can understand that, and relate to that, but only to a point. He has so much to live for! But that doesn’t become clear to him until Hammer, his former lover and Army buddy, turns up on his doorstep and refuses to go away this time. Lane isn’t quite sure how to handle that, tries his usual scare-the-guy-away tactics, and is shocked when they don’t work. Secretly, it gives him hope though, and I loved seeing that blossom in his heart.
Hammer made a mistake when he listened to Lane two years ago, just after the guy lost his legs to a landmine rescuing him and the others in their unit. It took him some time to realize, but he loves Lane with everything he is, and cannot, will not, live without him. Even though he is a “lifer”. And cannot see himself be anything other than a soldier, he also knows Lane is more important. So he decides to camp out in the guys cabin until he sees sense as well. I loved the determination and patience he showed, and the way he jokes with Lane like they used to. His whole way of looking at Lane and seeing him, not the lack of legs, is heartwarming.
If you like stories about tough men dealing with the tough realities of life, if you enjoy reading about a man with a war-caused disability coming into his own again with the help of his lover, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is blisteringly hot, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 5, 2014
Wow!
This book took me by surprise, it left me wanting more but in a good way!
I have only read a handful or two of Sean Michaels books so I thought I had a grip on how he usually goes about writing. Oh no..while this one had some FANTASTIC sexin' goin on, it had so much more packed into it's 52 pages.
This book took me by surprise, it left me wanting more but in a good way!
I have only read a handful or two of Sean Michaels books so I thought I had a grip on how he usually goes about writing. Oh no..while this one had some FANTASTIC sexin' goin on, it had so much more packed into it's 52 pages.
June 1, 2016
I re-read this. :))
It was one of my de-stressing books.
(I'm upping the rating. Originally 4 stars)
********************************************************************
This is too short. I loved how Hammer didn't give up on Lane..
It was one of my de-stressing books.
(I'm upping the rating. Originally 4 stars)
********************************************************************
This is too short. I loved how Hammer didn't give up on Lane..
June 6, 2014
This was SO good.
I am SUCH a sucker for military M/M. Like most everyone else has said in their reviews, I just wish it was longer; I wish we knew their backstory. That's how good this was! I wanted MORE!
Great book!
I am SUCH a sucker for military M/M. Like most everyone else has said in their reviews, I just wish it was longer; I wish we knew their backstory. That's how good this was! I wanted MORE!
Great book!
April 24, 2014
There are parts of this story I absolutely love.
I loved both men, I loved how Hammer was not going to give up on them and their love this time, I loved that Lane finally gave in and believed and started to see himself through Hammer's eyes.
Now there is a lot of healing though magical dick/sex but I knew that ( or strongly assumed it) going in, so that didn't bother me, but I would have really LOVED this book to be longer.
It had enormous potential to be full length novel and me loving it, I'm still really glad I read it and I've been looking for more books like this since I read Wheels, Permanently Legless and Puzzle Me This.
There aren't enough books out there with MCs with disabilities.
August 11, 2016
Good story - wish it could have been longer.
November 28, 2017
Lane lost his legs in military combat and after returning to the US pushed away his soldier lover and has been living in his Grandfather's cabin and fixing it up to accommodate his wheelchair. When boom, Hammer shows up determined to get him back. Lane assumes he's just on leave and Hammer doesn't disabuse him of the notion for awhile, but Lane agrees he can stay and help and Hammer is determined to let Lane know his lack of legs don't matter to him.
Less emphasis on sex than usual in this one (although still plentiful) and more on Lane accepting that his lack of legs don't make him less of man nor unworthy of love. So if you like stories of wounded vets along with reunited lovers this is a good one.
Less emphasis on sex than usual in this one (although still plentiful) and more on Lane accepting that his lack of legs don't make him less of man nor unworthy of love. So if you like stories of wounded vets along with reunited lovers this is a good one.
July 9, 2017
3 stars!
Almost is a short second chance story about Hammer and Lane, who met each other when fighting together overseas. When Lane lost his legs at war, he is driving Hammer away with all his force, being sure that Hammer deserves a complete man. After a while, Hammer is however not willing to play along and he is doing everything in order to win back Lane's love.
Almost has been an entertaining short, that has however been lacking in the character development. It might have been a little short to develop the feelings of the two characters fully and that's what made some aspects feel a little rushed. And I have to admit that some expressions have been overused, which has been kind of annoying!
Still a nice short story for inbetween!
Almost is a short second chance story about Hammer and Lane, who met each other when fighting together overseas. When Lane lost his legs at war, he is driving Hammer away with all his force, being sure that Hammer deserves a complete man. After a while, Hammer is however not willing to play along and he is doing everything in order to win back Lane's love.
Almost has been an entertaining short, that has however been lacking in the character development. It might have been a little short to develop the feelings of the two characters fully and that's what made some aspects feel a little rushed. And I have to admit that some expressions have been overused, which has been kind of annoying!
Still a nice short story for inbetween!
December 12, 2016
★★★★☆
Short and sexy and meaningful too! Lane has been hiding out at his Gramp's cottage renovating it for his new reality - losing his legs in the service after saving his troop, coming out in his hospital room and having his family turn their back on him, and sending the love of his life away because who'd want him now that he's damaged and scarred plus he can't even get it up?!
Hammer, said love of Lane's life, finally puts two and two together and gets his own life in order, mustering out, and coming back to prove his love and attraction to Lane in whatever way possible.
Well....since this a Sean Michael read, you all know what that means, sexy times and wonder of wonders - Lane can get it up with hunky Hammer showing his love in touch, action and words.
Hot lunchtime read! Thank you, darling Helle, for this secret Elf/Friend gift!
Short and sexy and meaningful too! Lane has been hiding out at his Gramp's cottage renovating it for his new reality - losing his legs in the service after saving his troop, coming out in his hospital room and having his family turn their back on him, and sending the love of his life away because who'd want him now that he's damaged and scarred plus he can't even get it up?!
Hammer, said love of Lane's life, finally puts two and two together and gets his own life in order, mustering out, and coming back to prove his love and attraction to Lane in whatever way possible.
Well....since this a Sean Michael read, you all know what that means, sexy times and wonder of wonders - Lane can get it up with hunky Hammer showing his love in touch, action and words.
Hot lunchtime read! Thank you, darling Helle, for this secret Elf/Friend gift!
April 13, 2014
This was a really sweet short story. I loved Laney & Hammer...
I enjoyed the writing style, the pace and the ending. Well done Sean.
I enjoyed the writing style, the pace and the ending. Well done Sean.
September 24, 2017
Another great short story by an author that knows how to draw you in and leaves you wanting more, oh, but in a most delicious way possible! 😆
May 7, 2022
Likeable characters and a heartwarming story. Short and sweet.
March 31, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25912
Lane was in the Army until one day when he lost his legs in action. Lane is unhappy and lonely still living with memories of what once was. Lane is slowly coming to terms with his new future and figures it will be alone because who can love someone like him?
Hammer has made a lot of bad decisions in his life but leaving Lane is one of his biggest. Lane was not just a fellow solder but also his lover and the love of his life. However, he let Lane’s anger get to him and drive him away. Now, Hammer had made some big changes in his life and is willing to push Lane so the both get what they want.
The chemistry between Hammer and Lane is blistering. I loved how stubborn Hammer was in dealing with Lane. He was not willing to let Lane’s attitude drive him away again. The sex scenes were hot but not too over the top.
I really like the message that this story tells. It reinforces the message that it’s what its inside that counts and not what you look like. I found this book very well written. I was drawn into the story because of the engaging and inspiring characters. Overall, this was a wonderful story.
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25912
Lane was in the Army until one day when he lost his legs in action. Lane is unhappy and lonely still living with memories of what once was. Lane is slowly coming to terms with his new future and figures it will be alone because who can love someone like him?
Hammer has made a lot of bad decisions in his life but leaving Lane is one of his biggest. Lane was not just a fellow solder but also his lover and the love of his life. However, he let Lane’s anger get to him and drive him away. Now, Hammer had made some big changes in his life and is willing to push Lane so the both get what they want.
The chemistry between Hammer and Lane is blistering. I loved how stubborn Hammer was in dealing with Lane. He was not willing to let Lane’s attitude drive him away again. The sex scenes were hot but not too over the top.
I really like the message that this story tells. It reinforces the message that it’s what its inside that counts and not what you look like. I found this book very well written. I was drawn into the story because of the engaging and inspiring characters. Overall, this was a wonderful story.
March 25, 2014
Could have used some more background development, but overall a good read
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Michael manages to put a wealth of sadness and regret into Lane’s thoughts without ever quite tipping the scale toward overwhelming self-pity.
- I love how matter-of-fact Hammer is about Lane’s legs. He doesn’t ignore them, but he doesn’t dwell on them either.
CON:
- Because the story is so short, there’s almost no explanation of the men’s history together. And in a story like this--in which the men were in an established relationship years earlier, before a horrible accident caused them to separate for a while, and they’re now coming back together--I think some insight into their background is important.
Overall comments: Much as I wanted some more development of the men’s history, I thought this was a pretty nicely contained story in the amount of space it takes up (which is just over 600 Kindle locations). There are some hot sex scenes and a couple of touching moments.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Michael manages to put a wealth of sadness and regret into Lane’s thoughts without ever quite tipping the scale toward overwhelming self-pity.
- I love how matter-of-fact Hammer is about Lane’s legs. He doesn’t ignore them, but he doesn’t dwell on them either.
CON:
- Because the story is so short, there’s almost no explanation of the men’s history together. And in a story like this--in which the men were in an established relationship years earlier, before a horrible accident caused them to separate for a while, and they’re now coming back together--I think some insight into their background is important.
Overall comments: Much as I wanted some more development of the men’s history, I thought this was a pretty nicely contained story in the amount of space it takes up (which is just over 600 Kindle locations). There are some hot sex scenes and a couple of touching moments.
March 13, 2014
When I begin reading a Sean Michael story I never know what to expect. Maybe I’m going to love it or maybe I really won’t like it, because previously I’ve rated his books from 1 star all the way up to 5 stars. Almost falls somewhere in the middle.
Two years ago Lane lost his legs saving his lover and many other soldiers from IEDs while in the military. Although he was very much in love with Hammer he saw himself as broken and not good enough so he broke off their relationship and is now living in an isolated cabin, left to him by his grandfather. When Hammer unexpectedly arrives at the cabin Lane is happy to see him but at the same time hurt by the reminder of what he has lost.
You can find my review on The Blog Of Sid Love http://sidlove.com/2014/03/09/book-re...
Two years ago Lane lost his legs saving his lover and many other soldiers from IEDs while in the military. Although he was very much in love with Hammer he saw himself as broken and not good enough so he broke off their relationship and is now living in an isolated cabin, left to him by his grandfather. When Hammer unexpectedly arrives at the cabin Lane is happy to see him but at the same time hurt by the reminder of what he has lost.
You can find my review on The Blog Of Sid Love http://sidlove.com/2014/03/09/book-re...
February 21, 2015
Well written short story, worth the price if you want love, tears, and dedication
This is one of the best well written short stories I've read. No, you don't need prior history of these two proud men because the author makes clear their history. Lane and Hammer were in the military serving together when in action Lane was injured and lost his legs. They had been lovers but when Lane was injured he pushed his lover, Hammer, away not wanting to tie down the man he loved beyond anything. Lane was strong and was determined to do everything on his own. This is the story of Hammer taking back the one person he needed to love. I cried for both of them and the reality of war in our time. I hope all our soldiers have a male or female Hammer in their lives, someone to take back the night and bring love and light into their lives.
This is one of the best well written short stories I've read. No, you don't need prior history of these two proud men because the author makes clear their history. Lane and Hammer were in the military serving together when in action Lane was injured and lost his legs. They had been lovers but when Lane was injured he pushed his lover, Hammer, away not wanting to tie down the man he loved beyond anything. Lane was strong and was determined to do everything on his own. This is the story of Hammer taking back the one person he needed to love. I cried for both of them and the reality of war in our time. I hope all our soldiers have a male or female Hammer in their lives, someone to take back the night and bring love and light into their lives.
September 1, 2016
Love. Lovelovelove.
Ive forgotten how minimalistically magical Sean Michael's writing can be. He can get more done in 10 pages than most can in 100.
This was short, sweet, poignant, unflinching, and HOT. Highly recommended. I almost rated it 4 stars because I would have loved to know more about their past... but i reconsidered when I realized this was not ABOUT their past... this was about NOW. And to be honest, many books like this (second chance romance where one MC has a major physical disfigurement or change) get too bogged down in the characters' past, and we spend pages and pages of painful "but you want me to be like I waaaaaas". It didn't happen here, and it didn't need to happen here... because it was addressed briefly, succinctly, and convincingly. So... 5 stars.
*walks away smiling...*
Ive forgotten how minimalistically magical Sean Michael's writing can be. He can get more done in 10 pages than most can in 100.
This was short, sweet, poignant, unflinching, and HOT. Highly recommended. I almost rated it 4 stars because I would have loved to know more about their past... but i reconsidered when I realized this was not ABOUT their past... this was about NOW. And to be honest, many books like this (second chance romance where one MC has a major physical disfigurement or change) get too bogged down in the characters' past, and we spend pages and pages of painful "but you want me to be like I waaaaaas". It didn't happen here, and it didn't need to happen here... because it was addressed briefly, succinctly, and convincingly. So... 5 stars.
*walks away smiling...*
March 15, 2014
Very nice story and its quite refreshing to have a book about ets who's life is not completely overrun by ptsd. Although that is a very very real issue its nice to focus on other issues for a change.
Lane is an amputee who had broken up with is partner out of fear of future rejection. Hammer aka Hank aka Sarge decided after 2 years that he needed his man.
One of the things I liked abt this book was how "manly" the characters were and how the dialogue supports their buff army personalities. It was very very sexy!
I didnt like how short the story was! I totally feel like the story could have continued!
Lane is an amputee who had broken up with is partner out of fear of future rejection. Hammer aka Hank aka Sarge decided after 2 years that he needed his man.
One of the things I liked abt this book was how "manly" the characters were and how the dialogue supports their buff army personalities. It was very very sexy!
I didnt like how short the story was! I totally feel like the story could have continued!
August 19, 2015
Love me some hurt-comfort. I'm something of a sucker for hurt/comfort fiction and this one ticked all the boxes. Short, sweet, HOT!!!, and two men finding their way back to each other mainly because one of them is too stubborn to let go... Did it once, not repeating that mistake.
If you want something short to read with a nice happy ever after feeling and some hotness in the form of studly stud then I'd heartily recommend this as a quick read.
If you want something short to read with a nice happy ever after feeling and some hotness in the form of studly stud then I'd heartily recommend this as a quick read.
July 20, 2014
I don't think i've ever given a Sean Michael book under five stars...This was a very short book but sweet....Hammer trying to get Lane to accept himself as he now is....Without his legs and with his scars he wanted him to realise he was still the same man he fell in love with....It was done very sympathetically and i loved it just for that...amazingly sweet x
February 15, 2015
This book is SO worth the read. It's a wonderful hot romance between two soldiers who were separated following a tragedy. Reunited thanks to Hammer's determination, the flames between Hammer and Lane burst forth immediately. I enjoyed being on the receiving end of the joy this couple found, without having to witness the prior tragic pain that was suffered.
May 6, 2016
I loved this book for many reasons one of them being that I to am disabled and in a wheelchair too but I have never found an erotic novel, m/m or m/f that has a disabled lead character. I feel like shouting to all the authors out there 'yes I'm disabled but we get horny too!', it's seems that Sean Michael has the balls to take on a risky subject and did a great job on it too.
March 20, 2014
That was one awesome story, even if it was too short. Hammer was so incredible to come and find Lane and prove to him that he is still all man. It was sexy as hell when he picked Lane up out of his wheelchair and carried him to bed, I had to fan myself! Great story of hurt and comfort!
August 28, 2014
Sweet book with "hot" sex! Wounded soldiers, pride, hot bodies, stubborn personalities, and then love and friendship. It was great to watch Hammer take over Lane's fears and bring everything back together. Sweet, hot, quick read!
January 17, 2015
Very powerful story full of strong love. Lane thinks sending Hammer away is for the best. And now Hammer knows better and won't let up until his man understands. It was fun seeing Hammer storm the castle and prove all of Lane's excuses to be totally wrong.
February 14, 2022
WOW!!!
I read a short about these guys years ago and wondered how it all began. Just saw this one in my kindle library and was so excited. Love these guys. Sean Michael’s characters stay with you.
I read a short about these guys years ago and wondered how it all began. Just saw this one in my kindle library and was so excited. Love these guys. Sean Michael’s characters stay with you.
March 20, 2014
Good book, and I wanted to keep reading
April 2, 2017
I just can't resist an injured hero. Throw in a growly alpha, and I'm a gonner!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews