The Foreman

Hard Hat #1

by J.T. Hall

An erotic romance short M/M

Tim’s got a problem with his new job as a carpenter. His foreman, Gary Zucker, is just too damned sexy. With a mustache, hairy arms, and a solid gut, Gary exudes power and confidence, and it’s driving Tim crazy. When Gary notices Tim’s attraction, he figures it’s all over. The foreman will probably fire him for having the wrong kind of wood.

Then Gary surprises him. He shows he knows how to be the boss in more than one way. The question remains if this will be a one time thing, or something more. Tim’s got one chance to show the man how good he can be, before his dream man slips through his fingers.

Warnings for themes of domination and submission and light BDSM.

Genres: M M Romance, Erotica, Short Stories, Contemporary, BDSM, LGBT

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

J.T. Hall is a Riptide author of the Oddities series (Murder Once Seen, Fraud Twice Felt, etc.) and has been a writer for over twenty years. Her LGBT titles include gay and lesbian romance, paranormal suspense, and femdom. Outside of writing fiction, J.T. works as a technical writer in healthcare and has volunteered with the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for LGBT causes and fundraising. J.T. is also a member of the local leather scene.

Check out J.T.'s latest projects, reviews of LGBT titles, and musings at her blog here: http://jthallwriting.wordpress.com

Sign up for her newsletter with previews, special announcements and more: http://eepurl.com/4TQCn

Reviews

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story begins with Tim, a new carpenter, cutting his finger while cutting drywall. He is unfocused and can’t concentrate and it’s all due to the mustache and body of the foreman, Gary Zucker. The hair and look, “like he should be starring in a 70’s film about running from cops”, are Tim’s weakness. When Gary notices, he sends Tim off on a break to take care of his problem. Unfortunately, he also catches Tim while trying to do so.

It’s the beginning of a lusty time, with Gary setting rules. Do what I say, at work you are just another guy, and have no expectations. Okay then.

While it’s tagged as BDSM, I thought it more just Gary is forceful. There is direction and orders, but nothing beyond that. I have to admit, gruff Gary admits nothing but I did like the ending very much.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by The Blogger Girls.

This is a hot little quickie. It takes place over the course of the day as Tim gets distracted at work, and Gary, the foreman, takes notice. It doesn’t take long for Tim to admit that Gary is the source of Tim’s distraction.

Gary orders Tim to take a break to take care of his problem in order to refocus so he can do his job. He ends up helping out a little with the promise of more after hours. I liked these guys, what little we got to know them. Gary is a no nonsense guy, who lays down the rules early on – they can fool around but Tim is to make no assumptions about anything further, and whatever Gary says goes. Basically, he isn’t to show any interest at work, but must keep things professional. Simple enough, and Tim is fully on board.

This isn’t really BDSM inasmuch as Gary is just a dominant top. It’s quite sexy though, and a very enjoyable fast-paced quick read. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these guys.

[Anna.E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

I gave this book 3.5, rounded up to 4 stars. It lost stars for it's short length, but gained them again for it's smut level.

This is a short about a sexual encounter with Tim and his foreman Gary.
Tim is about 15yrs younger then Gary but that doesn't stop Tim day dreaming about him.
Gary is obviously the boss at work and we find when he takes Tim home, he is in the bedroom too.

Although the story is very short it is also very hot. I feel as if it could be just a snippet or the beginning of their story. (No there's no indication of more to come).
I liked it's heat level and would really like to see a full story of this.
Warning, it is short, under 30mins, but I think if you know that going in you won't be disappointed.

[Maverickgirl31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.

HOT! HOT! HOT!

At about 14-15 pages of story, there’s not much of a beginning or end with these two but what we do know is this:
--Tim has been jonesing for his boss Gary so hard for the last couple of weeks that he can barely concentrate
--Gary has a nice hard gut, hairy arms, and MUSTACHE! (Tim loves MUSTACHES!!!)
--Gary takes his position of authority seriously and there’s nothing else Tim would rather be doing than saying “Yes sir!” to everything Gary wants.

I don’t mind saying how much I could relate to this story. I’ve wanted to be Tim on more than one occasion and I can tell you that’s exactly how it played out. I mean how hard could it be to cut drywall…really HARD if you’re hot boss is standing over you. JH makes the characters come to life and keeps this quick story moving without getting bogged down in minutiae.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t get a smidgen of background on our characters to flush them out…they aren’t strangers in a back alley…they’re work colleagues and even as the story ends you can imagine day to day interactions like looks and pats on the back to be followed up by rushing to Gary’s house to release the tension.

The sex was just right for this story given the length. The story opens up with tension (maybe on both parties??), followed by a brief exploration, more tension (this time anticipatory), finally the denouement, and then a chance at future encounters. Needless to say, the attraction between these two lonely souls felt as real as their physical descriptions.

I appreciated the honesty and courage of both the MCs. I will definitely be looking out for more stories by Hall.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review by Cindy

With only 19 pages it’s really hard to write a review for this story but here it goes.

Tim is a man who’s looking for something and he would like to find it with his boss Gary. But Gary is straight and a little scary so he keeps his attraction to himself. Until Gary catches him in an embarrassing situation that quickly turns hot as hell. And maybe Gary isn’t as straight as Tim thinks.

This story is too quick for any kind of build-up, but it’s well written, the sex is hot and it leaves you with a happy-for-now ending that has promise for the future. The author gives us a hint of Tim’s vulnerability and his need for submission but there’s really not enough time to become attached to him or Gary in any way.

Anything more would give away the whole story and I hate to do that. This seems like a story that maybe should have been part of a collection of short stories. If you’re looking for something quick and hot that will make you smile this story is for you.

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!

[Sarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking forward to this one, especially since it had been on my TBR and I wanted to like it more, I really did. Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. Was there a good bit of sex? Yes, yes there was. And it was even kind of hot sex. The problem was that I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. At all. No connection, no nothing. It could be because, even for a short story, the sex was jumped into really quickly for me and there was no time to build any kind of connection between the two characters. Usually I have more of a sense of who the characters are before the smexing happens but...*shrugs* I'm sure lots of other people will like this one but it just didn't do anything for me but leave me feeling vaguely disappointed.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for a honest review from the author.

Tim just started this job as a carpenter and he has a problem. He has a crush on his foreman, Gary Zucker. When Tim gets caught messing up and sent on break to get his head together. While on break Gary comes over to check on him and finds him playing with his head. When questions him regarding who is the cause for it, he's shocked that's it him. Now things take a turn for both of them. Will Gary boss him around at work and in the bedroom? Will his be a one time thing?

I recommend this book to others. This is my second book reading by this author and I liked it. J.T. is a very good author. I can't wait to read others books by J.T.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book free by the author for an unbiased review.
Not sure really what to make of this book. It is very short, 19 pages, and really there isn't any time for the story to decelop.
Tim a new carpenter is distracted by Gary the foreman and fantasizes about him. At the end of the day he goes home with him and the rest of the book is really just one long sex scene.
I think it wuld be great if this book could be expanded into a regular length novel to develop the characters of Tim and Gary.

[Jay Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

While BDSM is not generally my thing, the two main characters of the story are compelling enough to make me relish each separately and their workplace hookup as hot, sexy, and enticing. And the BDSM element is very understated, and actually done in a manner as just make the storyline and characters all the more appealing. The erotica is sweet and hot, very well written. It is a fun read and well worth the modest price.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a shortie, this one packed a punch. The chemistry between Tim and Gary was almost tangible. ***Fanself!!

I need to know more about these two, so hope there will be a sequel. **Nudges JT Hall.

Copy received as a gift from the author. A review was not requested but I chose to write one.

[Tori Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

No plot all sex.... but it was hot sex!

[blub · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tim's cousin helps him get a job on a construction site. He's crushing really hard on the foreman, Gary, to the point he gets easily distracted and in one incident cuts himself. Seeing that his attention isn't all there Gary forces Tim to take a break and to take care of his little problem. Seeing no way about it Tim returns to his truck to take care of his issue noticing too late that Gary just literally cause him with his hands down his pants. With a little help from Gary and a promise of more after work.

The story actually turned out a bit more fleshed out than I expected it to be.I mean it was still an erotic m/m story but with a tad more detail than was expected. I just expected it jump straight to the sex with no explanations. I like that the characters were so straight forward and were in mutual agreement about their relationship. The setup of rules was interesting to see. Overall not a bad read at all.

[Reflection · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable read about Tim and his boss Gary. It was almost a couple of vignettes - a glimpse into the day in the life of two blue collar workers at work and then in private.

I enjoyed the story but I didn't find it satisfying. It may benefit from a little more length used to round out Gary's character some more.

I liked Tim a great deal, but did not engage enough with Gary to have a truly satisfying read (perhaps as unlike Tim bearded guys don't really do it for me, and therefore I would have liked a wee bit more depth to his character). This may be a perfect opportunity to expand the story or revisit the couple as their relationship progresses, I would certainly like to get to know them better.

All the same a fun read 'The Foreman' should leave you with a smile on your face. My thanks to J T Hall for the opportunity to read. I received this book in exchange for a review as part of the Male/Male Romance Group Don't Buy Me Love event.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This story was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.)

Calling this little short (and I do mean short) Gay Hardcore is a bit of a misnomer. This was very light on the Dom/sub, BDSM themes that I expected, especially when the author calls your attention to it. A little talk about calling the shots and a "slap and tickle" are in no way D/s, that's standard foreplay for most vanilla couples.

Our young man, Tim, lusts after his foreman, Gary (15 years his senior), and Gary gets a little domineering and gives him a "helping hand" one afternoon. They take it back to Gary's apartment at the end of the day for a romp in the... Hey, I kept waiting for the ropes or cuffs, or at least a hand holding Tim down...nary a shackle in sight. Sigh.

I wasn't really sure what to expect knowing how short this story was. It was okay, but lacked the punch of others I've read of similar length. Sorry, Ms. Hall, but this just didn't do it for me.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

More story than I expected.

This sounded like it would be a quick, dirty read and it definitely was that. The surprise comes from the quality of the writing. There are no grammar issues. Tim is actually developed enough to be a likable character with enough of Gary presented for me to feel pretty confident that I'll like reading more of him from his perspective in the next installment. The chemistry and moments between them are very hot with light kink/control elements. My favorite thing is the definite feeling that this could become a relationship between the two characters.

My only gripe is that it's a duet that had to be bought in two parts rather than just being a dual POV novella or longer. I'm stingy, so $3.98 total for about 80 pages feels a bit much, but it's worth it in the end. This was so delightfully good and there is no way I'm not reading Gary's side of this.

[Dreamer80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tim is a young carpenter and he’s in “lust” with his foreman, Gary. Gary is fifteen years older than Tim and he has a mustache that drives Tim wild. One day, Gary notices the way Tim looks at him and after reproaching Tim for being too distracted on his job (he’s always hard when his boss is around), Tim knows that he can't hide his secret anymore. But, what Tim doesn’t imagine, it's that Gary wants to possess him and after a very HOT sex scene between those two, Tim knows that Gary won’t let him go anymore.
This was very brief but I really liked how the writer wrote everything with a suspense that want me to see more of Gary and Tim together.
4 to 5 stars.

[Parkq · Rating 3 out of 5]

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The Foreman is a short 16 page description of two encounters between the main character, Tim, and his crush, Gary, who is the foreman on Tim's job. A short piece does not necessarily mean that the reader can't get engaged in the story, but in this case, I never really got a sense of the characters, especially Gary. He pushes all of Tim's hot buttons, but was strangely detached in his interactions with him.

That said, the writing was good and I thought there was potential in the premise of the story. I expected a light-hearted, lusty romp, and though it didn't quite deliver, was an enjoyable, quick read.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.

Hot damn, this book is smexy! The sex is H-O-T, and I'm a sucker for kink.

That said, like everyone else, I'd have loved for it to be longer. It's well written and there weren't any glaring spelling or grammatical issues that I can think of off the top of my head. I usually like more build up in my kink, but this was smokin', and for how long it was, it had enough character development to appease me.

I especially liked that the characters were described as being real people shaped (as opposed to perfect body types).

This is a great short read for when you're in the mood for something red hot.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, and delivers what you expected.

This well written mm story is a good quick read, the characters are as well developed as you would expect in a short story, and it would be nice to hear more about Gary and Tim in another tale.

The two sex scenes are good, with some nice, though very straight forward, action, it certainly is BDSM. But good sex is good sex so why complain.

In the end a good short sweet read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Roger - president of NBR United - · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty good erotic vignette. I would have loved for it to be longer. it was well written and well edited, it didn't have a lot of gramatical errors that were obvious that would make me gnash my teeth. Tim is new on his job and young and nervous. Gary is the foreman in the title a mustached older man who Doms Tim and that relaxes Tim enough that he can do the work.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This is nice short story. Tim is attracted to Gary, his boss and foreman. After an eye opening encounter Tim goes to Gary's place that evening. It's a short and sexy HFN story.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and steamy

This story was very hot and all together too short. I wanted too revel in these characters, but I'll have to wait for future installments of this serial to get my fix.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hot short sexy read.
Not a lot more can be said

[Otterpuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick hot read. Surprisingly well written and it was more fleshed out than I expected.
I'd like to read the next in the series but £1.99 for 20 pages seems excessive...

[Averin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not mmr, don't expect it.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy little story that made me want more.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story I enjoyed it.

[Mae Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, short story. On my e-reader it's 20 pages.

Interesting set up. I may like the series better as a whole instead of reading it in piece meal but we'll see.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short hot read...perfect for an hours read x