Blue Collar

by Sean Michael

Kendall Webber is deep in the closet. Between working as a mechanic in a garage, having served in the army during the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and being raised by a fundamentalist-preacher stepfather who sent him to summer camps to make him straight, he’s learned to hide his sexuality from absolutely everyone.

Still, when a tall, dark, and handsome stud named Barton Willis III roars into the garage in his vintage Mustang, Kendall can’t help but look admiringly and longingly at the man, just a little. And when the flirtatious Barton not only looks back but eagerly invites him to explore his hidden desires, Kendall’s whole world is turned upside-down.

Now, the question remains...can Barton help Kendall let go of the past and the attitudes he’s had, literally, beaten into him?

Gay / Contemporary / BDSM

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, M M Contemporary, Erotica, Romance

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2014

About the author

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, 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.

Reviews

[SheReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a six month self imposed Sean Michael drought, Baby went back to the Warped Zone



Come check our group review! (Sunny, Cupcake and myself)



Please note, I rate Sean Michael stories a little different than most. I compare the last one read to the current one. The last one was 2 stars and DNF due to the fact it was a watered down version of a bunch of his books. He has a formula, I get it. This author is the king of minimal sentencing. I just--*sighs* I don't know if I finally started to drink the abundant spunk filled waters in Sean Michael Warped Zone but the story wasn't half bad.

He uses the SM standard words, "aching, needing, wanting, oh, fuck, mine, growling, needy, Baby" (yep that's where Baby's from), however, I will update my Sean Michael dictionary to the latest version because "merging" is now added to the list.

"Inside me?"
"Yes. My cock. Your ass. Merged."

More merging this time. O_O
And of course, eating Italian food and CANNOLI GOBBLING!

There's a closeted virgin who went to one of those gay rehabilitation camps for his formative years, so now as a young adult (I think Kendall is in his early 20's) gay=bad to him. I think the author was trying to add depth to his character...but this Sean Michael. Depth don't live here anymore!

Kendall, a retired soldier cum mechanic is a virgin and lives in his car. He was kicked out his house by his evil preacher stepfather, don't you know? This shit sounds like an epic premise for a novel. But the story is not angsty at all because it's SM. Instead, Ken's problems get solved through cumeating, sounding and butt plugging. He needs therefore he jizzes?

Whatever. Who cares?! Barton is a rich investment manager, banker...something with money where he's super rich and drives a cherry red Mustang. He takes one look at Kendall and can tell he's gay, needing and in need of his dick in his ass.

The two fall in instalove within days (which is decades in Sean Michael Warper zone), then homophobic coworkers make it rough for a few pages around 75%...but not too much focus is on that. Let's get back to eating Italian food and sounding, m'kay?

Is it worse than the last SM I read? Nope. It wasn't bad and actually decent. Ends with a HEA and there's tons of sex.
My rating: 3.5 hearts Don't read too much into it, keep your hands inside during the ride, sit back and welcome to the Warped Zone.

Don't frown or a butt plug will find its way inside you!

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Virgin kink? Step right up and get your blushing, nervous, and incredibly turned on virgin here. That's right, a sweet, needy virgin, all for you. Wait, not all for you, you have to share him with a growly, appreciative top who has a predilection for kissing, biting, and nipple pinching. And...he has toys!

It's a party!

Don't think about how fast everything happens or how unlikely this Cinderella story is, and ignore the continuity issues...just relax and enjoy the steamy goodness.


Group review at

[Mtsnow13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

MtSnow reviews 'Blue Collar' by Sean Michael. ( This book was released by Amber Quill Press on August 3, 2014, 168 pgs )

 

Why I read this book: I was introduced to Sean Michael's work back when I was first reading M/M a few years ago. I haven't read many of his series, as I am not too much into the hardcore BDSM erotica he is so good at writing (ie., the Hammer series), but as a former U.S. Marine, I absolutely LOVED his 'Jarhead' series. I was thinking this might be similar, and I absolutely CRAVE the classic 1965 Fastback 2 Plus 2 Mustang on the cover, so was eager to see what was 'under' the hood, so to speak *smiles*. We received the book free for an honest review by the author and Will Pride Promotions. Thank you!



 

 

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Author: Sean Michael

Book Title: Blue Collar

Publication Date: August 3, 2014

Page Count: 168 pgs

Cover Artist: Trace Edward Zaber

 

Blurb: Kendall Webber is deep in the closet. Between working as a mechanic in a garage, having served in the army during the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and being raised by a fundamentalist-preacher stepfather who sent him to summer camps to make him straight, he’s learned to hide his sexuality from absolutely everyone.

Still, when a tall, dark, and handsome stud named Barton Willis III roars into the garage in his vintage Mustang, Kendall can’t help but look admiringly and longingly at the man, just a little. And when the flirtatious Barton not only looks back but eagerly invites him to explore his hidden desires, Kendall’s whole world is turned upside-down.

Now, the question remains...can Barton help Kendall let go of the past and the attitudes he’s had, literally, beaten into him?

 

“Are you wanting factory original or an upgrade to a catback?”

One dark eyebrow rose. “Which’ll make it run better?”

“Well, it depends. The cats give a great sound, but the Borlas? They’re loud and I love the look from the rear. It’s a matter of money and taste and sound.” Kendall headed to the office, rambling on about all the different types and prices and options.

“I like a good-looking rear,” the guy told him when he’d done talking.

“Then you might consider the Borlas. It’s a little pricey, but fine. This is my boss, Pete. He’ll hook you up.”

“Oh, I’d rather you hook me up.”

Was that as suggestive as it sounded?

“I… Okay. Okay, I can help.” He’d done a few custom orders, but Pete would have to approve everything.

The man held out his hand. “Barton Willis, the Third.”

“Kendall. Pleased.” He held out his hand, then pulled it back. He was a grease monkey after all. “I’ve been working, man.”

“I imagine I can wash my hands.”

“Yeah, I tell myself that a lot, but the grime’s pretty deep.” He was not flirting. Not.

“Nothing wrong with a dirty boy.”

 

Cover: Well, the photo of the classic muscle car got my interest peaked, so it did its job. The cover does look a bit spare and generic, but its not bad. Its just too bad there was not more mention of the car after the introductory chapter.

Title: 'Blue Collar' I am assuming is in reference to one of the MC's being a garage mechanic just out of the military. Not bad, again, but not really much to do with the story other than to give us a picture of the different income level between the MCs.

Story: I honestly had high hopes for this story after enjoying the Jarhead series back in the day. I loved those guys! I do recall I had started the Hammer series, and not being drawn in to any sort of plotline other than the hardcore BDSM club scene.

After stating that, I'd sort of say, if you like sex, and LOTS of it, without any real underlying angst or plotline, then Blue Collar is for you! Unfortunately for me, it ended up not being my cup of tea, but I CAN see where those that love Sean's style will definitely enjoy the pages upon pages of sex. Then more sex. Then more sex. In fact, I was more than half-way through the story before I saw any semblance of an attempt at a plot, and it seemed meager, at most.

In the first chapter we are introduced to Ken/Kendall's life as a mechanic in a garage after being out of the Army for about a year. We get teasers of his background story, and we get a little glimpse of Barton's life. But VERY little. Most of their time is spent 'getting away from it all' in the bedroom *grins*. It did pick up a bit on the storyline for the second half, and there was definitely a bit of 'insta-love' going between the MCs to be sure, so that's probably where the 'M/M Romance' came into play.

Basically, to me, this could've been labeled Erotica vice M/M Romance, as I wasn't really feeling any connection between the characters other than in bed, or on the table, or against the wall. You get the picture. *wink* It was pretty much about a 'Cinder-fella': A poor, low self-esteem younger man; being rescued by a rich 'fairy-godfather' or 'prince' depending on which works for you.

Overall, this rating and review reflects my personal taste, and nothing at all to do with the writer's success at writing a decent story. I've heard great things about his 'Mannies, Incorporated' series, for one! All you have to do is go to his Website , and you will see how many successful series this author has already published.

Sean Michael fans of the Hammer series will be most pleased, I am sure!

[Julie Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendall works as a mechanic at Peter’s Garage. One day, a vintage Mustang with a sexy owner roars into the shop with a muffler that’s shot. The car’s owner is Barton Willis III, and he starts hitting on Kendall immediately. The mechanic never knew what hit him. Barton has to leave his car for repairs, and he talks Ken into giving him a lift home. That one ride is going to change Ken’s life forever.

Okay, so this is my first Sean Michael novel. I’ve heard a lot about him and his books, I know he’s popular, so I thought I would see what the hype is all about for myself.

I’ll start out by saying this about that—he isn’t a bad writer, far from it. But I wouldn’t call him particularly good either. And I’ll explain that, before all you SM fans take umbrage, which you probably will anyway.

First, this book is 90% sex and maybe 10% plot. That’s way overbalanced in the direction of smut. Which is fine, if it’s smut you’re looking for. My mistake, as it isn’t labeled as such. Now, I’m not a prude, far from it, and I have no problem with explicit sex. Love it, honestly. But there comes a point when there’s too much of it. And this book easily reached that point. There is hardly a scene that doesn’t have sex in it. Even good sex gets old if you’re getting beaten in the head with it.

When it comes to the plot, it’s weak as hell. Which leads to my next gripe – lack of any sort of character development. He never fleshes out these characters. And this book also falls into the dreaded insta-love category. Again, I have no problem with insta-love, if it makes sense. But there should be some reasoning, logic, or something other than I see you, I love you. Barton seems like a nice guy. He has loads of money, which comes in handy ‘cause he can lavish it on the poor mechanic. The mechanic, Ken, is very deeply closeted, and was sent to a gay healing camp over several summers as a youth. He also served in the military, during the time of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. However, as a character, I found him to be weakly written. In fact, his strongest scene is the first one, when he meets Barton. After that, once he’s under Barton’s thumb and influence, he almost disappears as a person, and becomes more of a stereotype, sounding at times like a sleepwalker, or as if he had mental issues, although I hate to put it that way.

The romance is unbelievable, part of that insta-love syndrome. I have no idea what attracts Barton to Ken, although I can see attraction from Ken’s point of view better. I think if you worry about it too much, you’re overthinking it. And this book doesn’t stand up to much thinking about, you’re just supposed to accept the insta-love and go with it.

Warning: this book contains sounding. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, you might want to look it up before you read it. I had heard of it, never read it until now.

Second warning: This book is filled with dubious consent, and this totally makes my skin crawl. I do understand dubious consent, and in some contexts, it works. But not when the person involved keeps saying no (which Ken does) and Barton just rides roughshod over him, telling him he knows better, he knows what’s good for Ken, and so forth and so on. No, dude, just no! That is wrong on many levels. No means no, not what I think is best for you. It’s immaterial that Ken accepted it after the fact. What counts is he said no, and his wishes were ignored.

“You can deny it all you want, I know what you need.” That’s just an example of Barton’s philosophy.

We really see little of the plot outside of their bedroom antics, which cover all the basics and then some. He had the chance to make something really nice out of this story, it had potential. But he stuck with what I assume to be his formula, and let the opportunity pass him by.

I’d also like to mention that, at least in the copy I read, the editing is sloppy, which surprised me, as it’s an Amber Quill book. They are usually better than that.

So here is my dilemma. I’m sure his fans will eat this up, assuming all of his books are the same way. So in scoring it for its intended audience, it probably rates 5 stars. However, in my opinion, it is lackluster and wanting in too many areas to rate more than a three. So I’ll compromise and give it 4.

Will I read more by Sean Michael? Doubtful. Not that I think he’s bad, and yeah, the sex was hot. But when all is said and done, it just wasn’t memorable, and the characters were forgettable, and I think he is doing himself a disservice if this is what he’s putting out when I think he can do better. Granted, that’s just my opinion, you have to decide for yourselves. But frankly, there are too many better authors out there to go back to this one, even to get off with.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta gave with book 4.5 stars

I read the blurb for this book and was truly captivated by the premise of this book. Can a young man who was raised and beaten as a youth to be straight, truly find his own acceptance?

Kendall Webber is this young man who truly heart my heart. He wants so much to be “normal”. Or what normal is supposed to be according to his stepfather and the monsters at the De-gay camps. Kendall is hiding the fact that he’s gay. Even when he just looks at an attractive man, he tumbles into a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. Kendall is this really sweet guy. He’s so lovable and kind. You just want to wrap him up in your arms and keep him safe. He’s so worried about the being gay and if he does, what will happen to him. Geez, this guy just wants to be able to live his life. Unfortunately…he doesn’t truly know what that really entails.

Barton Willis III is this slightly older man who see Kendall and he wants him. Barton is used to getting what he wants. Yet, with him, it’s not that arrogant way…it’s more like his confidence and his charm are in full effect and you are along for the ride. Barton isn’t sure what he wants with Kendall, but he’s more than willing to take the time to find out. Barton is this wonderful man who sees something so special in Kendall and wants to help him bring that out. Barton is not quite selfless in his pursuit of Kendall, he wanted him, but he also wanted to help Kendall see that there was nothing wrong with being gay. With being who he truly wanted to be.

Now, if you’ve ever read a Sean Michael book before, you know that there are frequent sexy times in his books. This book was no different. I will say that even if some of the sexy times were just pure sex….there were times that you could really see and feel the growing intimacy between Barton and Kendall. It was like Barton opened up a whole new world for Kendall….which he truly did. He allowed Kendall to feel pleasure without the guilt that he was raised with. I will say that the sexy times were truly hot and my kindle was burning up. Go Sean!!

I will say that there were times that I felt that Kendall acted really young. At first I thought he was like 19 or 20 at the most and yet, I felt it was probably because he didn’t have the opportunity to grow up fully with the awareness to be ok with who he is. Kendall’s relationship with this entire family hurt. He was living in his truck and barely surviving. Pretty much kicked out of the house and his mother didn’t say or do anything for her firstborn child. I loved how sweet and naïve Kendall was. He just made my heart hurt, yet there was such strength in this young man.

This was such a sweet book and even though you were dealing with the homophobia that Kendall was raised in and also the machismo that was abound in the mechanic shop where he worked, this book really resonated with me. I am still thinking about this book days later. I’m not sure I can tell you just how this book made me feel, but know this….I will ALWAYS remember this book and the way that this story touched me.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, basically PWoP.

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blue Collar by Sean Michaels is a MM erotica romance book.

I did not like this, that's the whole gist of it. The relationship between the two MCs read less as a romance and more of a sugar daddy/baby relationship to me. Barton essentially showed off his riches to Kendall, fed him, took him to places, showed him the enormous multiple showers installed at his house, gave him rides in his expensive cars and they have lots and lots of sex right since the day they meet. There was not an ounce of chemistry between the two.

However I rewarded this an extra star because the author did make Kendall's past a part of the story with his preacher father sending him off to "summer camps" to turn him straight. Kendall's struggles and trauma were portrayed aptly throughout the book.

2 stars.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between two and three stars.

[Mystisith]

3.50 ⭐

[M.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Manic Monday REVIEW
3.75-4.00 stars

Hate makes you unhappy.

That’s a line from the story, and it sums the entire book up nicely. It’s about what hate, and the people who preach it, can do to a person. Kendall is a hard-working mechanic, just trying to get by. He’s so deep in the closet you couldn’t find him with a floodlight and a backhoe. But, thanks to his fundamentalist stepdad, it’s no wonder. Then, for good measure, throw in that Kendall served in the army during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The poor guy doesn’t just hide his sexuality, he’s been taught—forcibly—being gay is wrong. *shudders*

Then life takes a hard right turn when Barton Willis III roars into the garage in his vintage Mustang. The attraction is immediate, and Kendall has no clue what to do with his feelings. Not only that, he’s also fighting the teachings crammed down his throat that homosexuality is wrong, a sin. A sexy car, sizzling desire, and the need to find oneself bring two men together.

If you read Sean Michael, then you know there’s the usual loads and loads of sex, lol. Through that we get to see Kendall grow and find himself. There is some kink to the sex too. I didn’t really connect with Barton, but I sure did with Kendall, especially at the end. He’s so sweet and… Lord, he’s like a puppy you just want to cuddle. He isn’t inept; it’s just he’s had the gay practically beat out of him, and he comes across as so… lost. Yeah, that’s the word I want. He’s lost. Then Barton finds him, lol. I enjoyed the story very much.
~M

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Collar by Sean Michael is one of those books that stays with you long after you are done read it, the character’s emotional journey touched my heart and kept me turning the pages.
Kendall has literally been beaten into the closet so far he refuses to ever get out of it. But he is such a lost soul before he meets Barton. He needs to be rescued from his life and himself the question is …is Barton the man to do it?
Barton is a man who trusts his gut instincts and they are telling him Kendall is worth whatever he has to do to keep him. He might look like a rich man who is superficial but he is anything but that when you get to know him.
Over all I really enjoyed this book, the love and understanding Barton has for Kendall really shines through. The BDSM inside of it just enhances the storyline bringing these two closer. The ending is really sweet too, everyone should have someone who accepts them just the way they are I am very glad that Kendall found his someone in Barton.


Five Shooting Stars!!

[Dakota Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, I loved the two main characters Kendall and Barton. Barton is a sexy as hell, rich, muscle car driving, sweet as all get out guy who falls hard for Kendall. Kendall is a beautiful man inside and out,he went through hell (and I mean hell) I felt or him. He just wants to be on the side lines..alone, wow I loved Kendall so sweet . Until they meet...sparks fly, lightening strikes, the kink comes out..lol..love these two together, they love hard, they are awesome together, they are amazing characters. Great story, emotional in a good way, very sweet, loving and more. 4.5 stars
review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Carole-Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not actually happy about this one: Kendall is so deep in the closet he is totally inexperienced in everything. Barton is intense and pushy, and seems to get his own way all of the time.

OK: the story is cute; Kendall and Barton make a cute couple; but I still think there's a small amount of dub-con involved b/c Kendall is so totally unaware.

Typical SM writing; easy to read; fair amount of kinky sex (though slightly limited this time b/c of Kendall's lack of knowledge); and at least an HEA.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost want to mark this book as BDSM, but in the end I couldn't. While there seems to be fantasy moving to that direction, nothing seems to really happen in this book, which was kind of a disappointment. Still enjoyed the book. Very typical for this author, but that is fine with me.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendell is a working guy deep in his closet and trying to stay safe. But Barton shows up and rocks his world. In the end both of their lives are changed for the better.

[Anne in VA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was it really necessary for Barton to call Ken "baby" every other sentence? Ugh! So annoying!