What do you think?
Rate this book
Chess #3
En Prise
Just when things seem to be at their best, disaster strikes. Will all the men of Chess survive?
It's the holiday season and Jason is having the best Christmas he can remember in a long time. He's in love with Rook and settling in with Bishop and Knight, figuring out where he fits and learning to love their appetites. He might even be feeling like he belongs.
Holiday bliss is followed by disaster, though, when Knight is involved in an accident and is hospitalized. Will Jason, Bishop and Rook be able to rally around their lover and each other? Or will the strain put on their relationship tear them all apart?
Follow the moves made by the men of Chess and find out…
Publisher's Note: This book was previously released under the same title. It has been expanded for re-release with Pride Publishing.
General Release Date: 13th October 2015
It's the holiday season and Jason is having the best Christmas he can remember in a long time. He's in love with Rook and settling in with Bishop and Knight, figuring out where he fits and learning to love their appetites. He might even be feeling like he belongs.
Holiday bliss is followed by disaster, though, when Knight is involved in an accident and is hospitalized. Will Jason, Bishop and Rook be able to rally around their lover and each other? Or will the strain put on their relationship tear them all apart?
Follow the moves made by the men of Chess and find out…
Publisher's Note: This book was previously released under the same title. It has been expanded for re-release with Pride Publishing.
General Release Date: 13th October 2015
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
662 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 13, 2014
Damn book ended at 90% wtf. for 4.50 you'd think we could get 99% at least.
March 14, 2013
This series has to be a very guilty pleasure of mine. Otherwise I would not keep on hoping that the next book will be better. Or maybe I'm just a hopeless optimist and romantic. I don't know.
Basically. Marting Freeman does it best.
It was .. horrible. I kept on thinking that soon I would throw my laptop out of the window. I like Sean Michael, I truly do, but this series is ready to make me shoot myself.
Knight is the biggest, brattiest, and most annoying little kid I have read about in a long time. Like that is not enough, everything has to be about him.
I had actually been looking forward to some angst and drama, shake up the relationship a bit and what do I get? Nothing. I get childish plays and temper tantrums and that is about it.
Jason is the only good thing about this series, but I want him to have a book where he screams and rants. Threatens with leaving and make himself known in the non I-am-the-strong-one-in-this-party guy he has turned out to be.
Instead I get constant Bish & Knight declaring their love and spankings. I thought the series would honestly be about Jason's adventure into bdsm and the unknown. Apparently not.
I am done with this shit - but you bet I will review the next book too. Just to rant. Ha.
Basically. Marting Freeman does it best.
It was .. horrible. I kept on thinking that soon I would throw my laptop out of the window. I like Sean Michael, I truly do, but this series is ready to make me shoot myself.
Knight is the biggest, brattiest, and most annoying little kid I have read about in a long time. Like that is not enough, everything has to be about him.
I had actually been looking forward to some angst and drama, shake up the relationship a bit and what do I get? Nothing. I get childish plays and temper tantrums and that is about it.
Jason is the only good thing about this series, but I want him to have a book where he screams and rants. Threatens with leaving and make himself known in the non I-am-the-strong-one-in-this-party guy he has turned out to be.
Instead I get constant Bish & Knight declaring their love and spankings. I thought the series would honestly be about Jason's adventure into bdsm and the unknown. Apparently not.
I am done with this shit - but you bet I will review the next book too. Just to rant. Ha.
October 15, 2015
The saying "if something seems too good to be true, it probably is" (or similar versions) certainly applies to the four men in this third volume of the 'Chess' series. Or, getting back to the chess analogy of the series, by being happy and finally meshing into a family unit, they are leaving themselves vulnerable. "En Prise" means "exposed to capture" and while this is true for Jason, who has now dropped his barriers and is joining the three lovers in more than name, it is also valid when looking at them as a group. By exploring and admitting the love they feel for each other, as different as that may be from case to case, they are also "exposing themselves", or becoming vulnerable.
It all begins harmlessly enough. The men are getting ready for Christmas, Jason has truly settled in, has found his place, and there are many hot encounters between individual couples as well as all four of them. Holiday preparations have rarely been this sexy! Jason and Rook are definitely more of a couple, as are Knight and Bishop, but the balance with four works much better than it used to work with three. Each of the couples have their own way of doing things, of communicating, yet all four men together also work well. As it turns out they desperately need that strength.
Knight's accident sorely tests them as individuals and as a group. It was fascinating to see how each of their roles became crystal-clear as the crisis deepened and time progressed. Bishop, predictably, is the one most emotionally affected since he is closest to Knight. He is also the one who needs to be strong, who feels he has to hold them together. Rook completely collapses initially, he just cannot deal with the fear for Knight's health; but he is also the one whose optimism and joy for life they need as they pull out of the worst of it. Interestingly, it is newcomer Jason who keeps a cool head and keeps everything on an even keel. Both Bishop and Rook recognize this and I believe it is true: they could not have survived the situation without Jason. Well, certainly not without even more stress, a couple of meltdowns, and some hurtful yelling at each other.
This third volume is another great installment. The balance between the chess analogies and erotica definitely works for me, and this stage of their story was as explosive as I had hoped. If you like sexy men who challenge and support each other in equal measure, 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, 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.
It all begins harmlessly enough. The men are getting ready for Christmas, Jason has truly settled in, has found his place, and there are many hot encounters between individual couples as well as all four of them. Holiday preparations have rarely been this sexy! Jason and Rook are definitely more of a couple, as are Knight and Bishop, but the balance with four works much better than it used to work with three. Each of the couples have their own way of doing things, of communicating, yet all four men together also work well. As it turns out they desperately need that strength.
Knight's accident sorely tests them as individuals and as a group. It was fascinating to see how each of their roles became crystal-clear as the crisis deepened and time progressed. Bishop, predictably, is the one most emotionally affected since he is closest to Knight. He is also the one who needs to be strong, who feels he has to hold them together. Rook completely collapses initially, he just cannot deal with the fear for Knight's health; but he is also the one whose optimism and joy for life they need as they pull out of the worst of it. Interestingly, it is newcomer Jason who keeps a cool head and keeps everything on an even keel. Both Bishop and Rook recognize this and I believe it is true: they could not have survived the situation without Jason. Well, certainly not without even more stress, a couple of meltdowns, and some hurtful yelling at each other.
This third volume is another great installment. The balance between the chess analogies and erotica definitely works for me, and this stage of their story was as explosive as I had hoped. If you like sexy men who challenge and support each other in equal measure, 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, 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.
October 28, 2015
4.5 Stars – 4 Flames
What the??? OMG!!! Even though I read the blurb, I truly didn’t see that one coming. Disaster is an understatement when reading about what Knight went through. Good thing his men were there…
By far this installment is the best one out of the series thus far. There was a fantastic storyline that, since the characters were previously built up, made this awesome. Just when I was starting to feel bad for Jason, he becomes the unknown hero, making sure that everyone stays glued together.
We get to see a softer side of Bish, a crazy/nervous side of Rook, and the tender/caring side of the newly appointed “boss”, Jason. But it’s the realistic feel of Knight becoming a complete butthole during his recovery that makes you want to jump through the book and hug the crap out of everyone.
Now that we’ve made it through the “drama”, I’m excited to see what’s in store for these men of Chess.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
What the??? OMG!!! Even though I read the blurb, I truly didn’t see that one coming. Disaster is an understatement when reading about what Knight went through. Good thing his men were there…
By far this installment is the best one out of the series thus far. There was a fantastic storyline that, since the characters were previously built up, made this awesome. Just when I was starting to feel bad for Jason, he becomes the unknown hero, making sure that everyone stays glued together.
We get to see a softer side of Bish, a crazy/nervous side of Rook, and the tender/caring side of the newly appointed “boss”, Jason. But it’s the realistic feel of Knight becoming a complete butthole during his recovery that makes you want to jump through the book and hug the crap out of everyone.
Now that we’ve made it through the “drama”, I’m excited to see what’s in store for these men of Chess.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2013
I swear I'm being kind with my 2 star rating!
January 31, 2016
So glad Knight made it through in one piece. Will do a full review when I'm done with the series. And now..onto book 4!
November 6, 2017
I must be a hopeless optimist, because I kept hoping this series would get better, that it would start to have something resembling a plot. Or emotions. Or, god forbid, a real four-way relationship. Instead, it was more of the same, sometimes almost literally. Jason and Rook were sweet together and fucked pretty much at every occasion, and the rest was a big smut fest. I stopped reading after this one.
October 21, 2015
The saying "if something seems too good to be true, it probably is" (or similar versions) certainly applies to the four men in this third volume of the 'Chess' series. Or, getting back to the chess analogy of the series, by being happy and finally meshing into a family unit, they are leaving themselves vulnerable. "En Prise" means "exposed to capture" and while this is true for Jason, who has now dropped his barriers and is joining the three lovers in more than name, it is also valid when looking at them as a group. By exploring and admitting the love they feel for each other, as different as that may be from case to case, they are also "exposing themselves", or becoming vulnerable.
It all begins harmlessly enough. The men are getting ready for Christmas, Jason has truly settled in, has found his place, and there are many hot encounters between individual couples as well as all four of them. Holiday preparations have rarely been this sexy! Jason and Rook are definitely more of a couple, as are Knight and Bishop, but the balance with four works much better than it used to work with three. Each of the couples have their own way of doing things, of communicating, yet all four men together also work well. As it turns out they desperately need that strength.
Knight's accident sorely tests them as individuals and as a group. It was fascinating to see how each of their roles became crystal-clear as the crisis deepened and time progressed. Bishop, predictably, is the one most emotionally affected since he is closest to Knight. He is also the one who needs to be strong, who feels he has to hold them together. Rook completely collapses initially, he just cannot deal with the fear for Knight's health; but he is also the one whose optimism and joy for life they need as they pull out of the worst of it. Interestingly, it is newcomer Jason who keeps a cool head and keeps everything on an even keel. Both Bishop and Rook recognize this and I believe it is true: they could not have survived the situation without Jason. Well, certainly not without even more stress, a couple of meltdowns, and some hurtful yelling at each other.
This third volume is another great installment. The balance between the chess analogies and erotica definitely works for me, and this stage of their story was as explosive as I had hoped. If you like sexy men who challenge and support each other in equal measure, 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, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
It all begins harmlessly enough. The men are getting ready for Christmas, Jason has truly settled in, has found his place, and there are many hot encounters between individual couples as well as all four of them. Holiday preparations have rarely been this sexy! Jason and Rook are definitely more of a couple, as are Knight and Bishop, but the balance with four works much better than it used to work with three. Each of the couples have their own way of doing things, of communicating, yet all four men together also work well. As it turns out they desperately need that strength.
Knight's accident sorely tests them as individuals and as a group. It was fascinating to see how each of their roles became crystal-clear as the crisis deepened and time progressed. Bishop, predictably, is the one most emotionally affected since he is closest to Knight. He is also the one who needs to be strong, who feels he has to hold them together. Rook completely collapses initially, he just cannot deal with the fear for Knight's health; but he is also the one whose optimism and joy for life they need as they pull out of the worst of it. Interestingly, it is newcomer Jason who keeps a cool head and keeps everything on an even keel. Both Bishop and Rook recognize this and I believe it is true: they could not have survived the situation without Jason. Well, certainly not without even more stress, a couple of meltdowns, and some hurtful yelling at each other.
This third volume is another great installment. The balance between the chess analogies and erotica definitely works for me, and this stage of their story was as explosive as I had hoped. If you like sexy men who challenge and support each other in equal measure, 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, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 15, 2013
2~2.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Bishop, Knight, Rook and Jason are having their first Christmas together. They couldn’t be happier, their family finally established and all of them finding a place in their home. But life is a bitch and when they felt happier things had to go crashing down. Knight’s horrible accident leaving him in between life and death will change everything and their family will have to fight and fight hard to keep it together and not fall apart.
The story starts and up until page 48 it is sex, sex, sex, and then more sex. I don’t mind it, really I don’t, I love orgies and threesome and foursome, but this one was indistinguishable. I did get the notion that Bishop is the Dom of the party because he says “come” and people do, especially Knight, who appears to be a top while all the time is a needy bottom… Rokkie, he’s the slut of the family and Jason the baby boy, who is somewhat in training and the plaything of them all. Now between the men’s physical description there is vagueness and some serious similarities (their piercings) that lead into a blur of information making you wonder whose body the author in talking about at particular times. The head-hoping doesn’t help either and you’re constantly on your toes trying to figure out who’s talking now.
So anyway, up to this point there is nothing peculiar making me care about any of them characters, they are to me just a bunch of guys living the orgy-life 24/7 and with remarkable energy resources and recovery time. When the accident happens though things change a bit and I picked a favorite out of them. It was easy too as Jason was the only character that was solid and had some damn logic working around. Rookie apparently is the drama queen of the party when Knight is not around and Bishop even he tried to be really tough and in control, well failed.
Some emotions stirred during the hospital phase but still it was rather annoying the fact that there was repetition of lines such as “I want him awake/home” making for the get-it-on-already sentiment. In the end, it ended; just like that leaving me going back and forth a couple of times checking that the story really ended and it was my mistake jumping a page or two. Abrupt doesn’t nearly cover it.
As much as I wanted to like this read I just couldn’t. Something went missing badly for me and the fact that I couldn’t wait to finish this and be over with is not a good indication either. So even though I am a fan of orgies and threesomes and parties, this one just didn’t do it for me.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Bishop, Knight, Rook and Jason are having their first Christmas together. They couldn’t be happier, their family finally established and all of them finding a place in their home. But life is a bitch and when they felt happier things had to go crashing down. Knight’s horrible accident leaving him in between life and death will change everything and their family will have to fight and fight hard to keep it together and not fall apart.
The story starts and up until page 48 it is sex, sex, sex, and then more sex. I don’t mind it, really I don’t, I love orgies and threesome and foursome, but this one was indistinguishable. I did get the notion that Bishop is the Dom of the party because he says “come” and people do, especially Knight, who appears to be a top while all the time is a needy bottom… Rokkie, he’s the slut of the family and Jason the baby boy, who is somewhat in training and the plaything of them all. Now between the men’s physical description there is vagueness and some serious similarities (their piercings) that lead into a blur of information making you wonder whose body the author in talking about at particular times. The head-hoping doesn’t help either and you’re constantly on your toes trying to figure out who’s talking now.
So anyway, up to this point there is nothing peculiar making me care about any of them characters, they are to me just a bunch of guys living the orgy-life 24/7 and with remarkable energy resources and recovery time. When the accident happens though things change a bit and I picked a favorite out of them. It was easy too as Jason was the only character that was solid and had some damn logic working around. Rookie apparently is the drama queen of the party when Knight is not around and Bishop even he tried to be really tough and in control, well failed.
Some emotions stirred during the hospital phase but still it was rather annoying the fact that there was repetition of lines such as “I want him awake/home” making for the get-it-on-already sentiment. In the end, it ended; just like that leaving me going back and forth a couple of times checking that the story really ended and it was my mistake jumping a page or two. Abrupt doesn’t nearly cover it.
As much as I wanted to like this read I just couldn’t. Something went missing badly for me and the fact that I couldn’t wait to finish this and be over with is not a good indication either. So even though I am a fan of orgies and threesomes and parties, this one just didn’t do it for me.
Thommie
April 1, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
In this next installment of the series, Jason is finally beginning to feel as though he really belongs with the three men that have changed his life. He’s happy with the decision he made to stay and this holiday season is shaping up to be the best he’s ever had. While still somewhat reserved, Jason continues to grow and flourish under the attentions of Rook, Knight and Bishop. When disaster strikes, however, its Jason who knows what has to be done but is he strong enough to keep everyone together right when everything is falling apart?
I adored this book! You really get to see a different side to all of the characters here; Bishop goes from being the group’s rock to needing the support of someone else while Rook just seems to collapse in on himself. Jason was really the star of this one, however, as he shows what he’s made of outside of the bedroom. This isn’t the happy sex filled continuation of the series and I appreciated that. Don’t mistake me, there is sex here but its muted and the focus is really on the injuries Knight sustains and how those around him try and deal with it. I really felt the connections between the characters in this one and it just made them more real than they were in the previous books. This was a good start to the next story arc with these characters and I liked it quite a bit.
In this next installment of the series, Jason is finally beginning to feel as though he really belongs with the three men that have changed his life. He’s happy with the decision he made to stay and this holiday season is shaping up to be the best he’s ever had. While still somewhat reserved, Jason continues to grow and flourish under the attentions of Rook, Knight and Bishop. When disaster strikes, however, its Jason who knows what has to be done but is he strong enough to keep everyone together right when everything is falling apart?
I adored this book! You really get to see a different side to all of the characters here; Bishop goes from being the group’s rock to needing the support of someone else while Rook just seems to collapse in on himself. Jason was really the star of this one, however, as he shows what he’s made of outside of the bedroom. This isn’t the happy sex filled continuation of the series and I appreciated that. Don’t mistake me, there is sex here but its muted and the focus is really on the injuries Knight sustains and how those around him try and deal with it. I really felt the connections between the characters in this one and it just made them more real than they were in the previous books. This was a good start to the next story arc with these characters and I liked it quite a bit.
November 30, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
I just love this series; each book is so hot! Another great book and man, I just can’t get enough of these four guys. Everything is going good and then tragedy strikes and all the guys are thrown into a tailspin. Even with the accident these guys still find a way to make it work and make everyone feel loved. I just can’t get enough of Rookie, Bishop, Knight and Jason.
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~
I just love this series; each book is so hot! Another great book and man, I just can’t get enough of these four guys. Everything is going good and then tragedy strikes and all the guys are thrown into a tailspin. Even with the accident these guys still find a way to make it work and make everyone feel loved. I just can’t get enough of Rookie, Bishop, Knight and Jason.
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~
December 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This series needs to be read in order, to appreciate the dynamics and the characters.
Amazingly the four men are getting ready for Christmas, and life seems good ... inevitably something derails this - but little did anyone expect just how much. It gives Jason a chance to be the man he is, and everyone grows closer and stronger ...
These guys are seriously hot, and somehow the author has crafted a story which draws in the reader, and really can only engender jealousy at such a tight knit family - really enjoyable, sexy storytelling.
Looking forward to the next installment.
This series needs to be read in order, to appreciate the dynamics and the characters.
Amazingly the four men are getting ready for Christmas, and life seems good ... inevitably something derails this - but little did anyone expect just how much. It gives Jason a chance to be the man he is, and everyone grows closer and stronger ...
These guys are seriously hot, and somehow the author has crafted a story which draws in the reader, and really can only engender jealousy at such a tight knit family - really enjoyable, sexy storytelling.
Looking forward to the next installment.
December 12, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The continuation of the Chess series see us celebrate Christmas with the guys. They are living happily as a foursome and as always enjoying plenty of naked fun.
When an accident leaves one of them in hospital they all have to pull together. This shows how each of them fits into the picture and how they each contribute to the relationship. It also proves that Jase is now a permanent part of their family.
I am really getting into this series now and am enjoying spending time with Bish, Knight, Rookie and Jase. I look forward to reading Helpmate to see where to from here.
The continuation of the Chess series see us celebrate Christmas with the guys. They are living happily as a foursome and as always enjoying plenty of naked fun.
When an accident leaves one of them in hospital they all have to pull together. This shows how each of them fits into the picture and how they each contribute to the relationship. It also proves that Jase is now a permanent part of their family.
I am really getting into this series now and am enjoying spending time with Bish, Knight, Rookie and Jase. I look forward to reading Helpmate to see where to from here.
December 11, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
En Prise is the third in the series and it has to be my favorite so far. The emotion is so raw. You can feel the pain that Bishop goes through. Don't get me wrong, Rook and Jason are upset as well but being that Knight gets hurt, Bishop of course has the toughest. I love that they are a foursome but two sets of twosomes as well. The connections are perfect in this one. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for the boys.
En Prise is the third in the series and it has to be my favorite so far. The emotion is so raw. You can feel the pain that Bishop goes through. Don't get me wrong, Rook and Jason are upset as well but being that Knight gets hurt, Bishop of course has the toughest. I love that they are a foursome but two sets of twosomes as well. The connections are perfect in this one. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for the boys.
October 15, 2015
Another well deserved 5+++++++ stars for this series !!!
Rook is so far my favourite of the guys as he's the one who seems to wear his heart on his sleeve the most. This book, even though it's still got some seriously sexy scenes in it, was a lot more emotional as we see more of Knight's stubbornness, Bishop's persistence, and Jason's ability to keep calm even in the most dire of situations. Jason is definitely turning out to be the glue in this foursome as he's able to keep a level head more than Rook or Bishop. Now i can't wait to get into book 4 to see what happens next !!
Rook is so far my favourite of the guys as he's the one who seems to wear his heart on his sleeve the most. This book, even though it's still got some seriously sexy scenes in it, was a lot more emotional as we see more of Knight's stubbornness, Bishop's persistence, and Jason's ability to keep calm even in the most dire of situations. Jason is definitely turning out to be the glue in this foursome as he's able to keep a level head more than Rook or Bishop. Now i can't wait to get into book 4 to see what happens next !!
January 10, 2016
Uhm, I feel like the author is actually pairing of the group. It's sad because I really like them to be together. Also, the story is beginning to be a it corny, I dont know why I feel like this. I mean, I like this author based from past works but this series is starting to be a bummer for me. I'll probably continue reading because my opinion might change as I go on
February 16, 2013
This was good. Very porny but it is Sean Michael. Serious stuff at the end. I don't like that it ends and you turn the page and it is over. Love the guys. Jason has found his place and everyone is part of the family.
April 18, 2014
Oh the tears and then the laughs, This was so well written
November 2, 2019
Omg this one had me worried for all the guys not just Knight. How would they handle whatever the outcome was? I couldn’t put it down because I had to know. So much emotion inside this read.
Read
July 6, 2022The porn is like alright but the DRAMA?! Hello, yes it's so good, exquisite
June 18, 2014
Not spectacular, but I liked it
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I love that Jason is so adamant about never joining in on the teasing when the other two partners are picking on Rook. Jason is not afraid to stand his ground, not afraid to be the sweet, devoted one.
- Even as Jason is developing feelings of love for Bishop and Knight in addition to his love for Rook, his feelings for the three men are different. The partners in this foursome are by no means interchangeable.
- The positive thing about one of the men getting hurt is that it slows things down in the sex department. Not that the sex isn’t hot (and varied, what with the sheer number of body parts available when there are four participants rather than the usual two)…but I liked the focus on emotional rather than physical in this one.
CONS:
- The story focuses very much on the present, which means that we don’t get to see much of the past. There are little comments here and there--for instance, that Rook is Bishop’s oldest friend, and Rook loves all three of his partners, but he loved Knight first--that hint at the men’s background but give no real insight as to how the men all came to be in their poly relationship together.
- There’s an element of sadness in Jason’s interactions with the other three. Even as he develops feelings for Bishop and Knight, he admits to himself that the relationship “wasn’t what he’d thought it would be, or even what he’d hoped.”
Overall comments: I’ve read several Sean Michael stories in which one of the main characters is in the hospital for some reason for another, and the stories all have some striking similarities. However, this one manages not to be exactly like any of the others. I certainly wouldn’t recommend reading this without reading the first two in the series first.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I love that Jason is so adamant about never joining in on the teasing when the other two partners are picking on Rook. Jason is not afraid to stand his ground, not afraid to be the sweet, devoted one.
- Even as Jason is developing feelings of love for Bishop and Knight in addition to his love for Rook, his feelings for the three men are different. The partners in this foursome are by no means interchangeable.
- The positive thing about one of the men getting hurt is that it slows things down in the sex department. Not that the sex isn’t hot (and varied, what with the sheer number of body parts available when there are four participants rather than the usual two)…but I liked the focus on emotional rather than physical in this one.
CONS:
- The story focuses very much on the present, which means that we don’t get to see much of the past. There are little comments here and there--for instance, that Rook is Bishop’s oldest friend, and Rook loves all three of his partners, but he loved Knight first--that hint at the men’s background but give no real insight as to how the men all came to be in their poly relationship together.
- There’s an element of sadness in Jason’s interactions with the other three. Even as he develops feelings for Bishop and Knight, he admits to himself that the relationship “wasn’t what he’d thought it would be, or even what he’d hoped.”
Overall comments: I’ve read several Sean Michael stories in which one of the main characters is in the hospital for some reason for another, and the stories all have some striking similarities. However, this one manages not to be exactly like any of the others. I certainly wouldn’t recommend reading this without reading the first two in the series first.
March 14, 2013
3.5 stars
Tough book... the "twist" is that Knight gets hurt while running... something about a snowplow? Did the snowplow run over him? I'm not quite sure; but because of the extensive damage, I'm guessing that I either missed something or it was implied.
Jason really comes to the forefront in this book. He's got PT experience, and he knows about injuries. He's also the calm in the storm for both Rook and Bishop, while they freak about Knight's condition - initially and through the various surgeries he has to go through. Knight remains in a coma for days - weeks?
It's tough to know what the future holds, especially for Knight. He won't take well to not being able to paint or sketch. He broke at least one arm in the accident, but I'm hoping that because towards the end of the book that he seems to painting as part of his PT that he'll be OK. But will he walk? That's not completely established.
The reason that this isn't 4 stars or higher is because of all the ambiguity of Knight's condition. I understand that, until now, the focus has been on these 3 men and Jason - how they're relationships are developing. But when the characters take a serious turn like in this book, I expect a bit more than a bunch of make-out scenes interspersed between freak out scenes and hospital scenes. Seems like this one was written quickly and not thoroughly?
But I'm a sucker for this series...
Tough book... the "twist" is that Knight gets hurt while running... something about a snowplow? Did the snowplow run over him? I'm not quite sure; but because of the extensive damage, I'm guessing that I either missed something or it was implied.
Jason really comes to the forefront in this book. He's got PT experience, and he knows about injuries. He's also the calm in the storm for both Rook and Bishop, while they freak about Knight's condition - initially and through the various surgeries he has to go through. Knight remains in a coma for days - weeks?
It's tough to know what the future holds, especially for Knight. He won't take well to not being able to paint or sketch. He broke at least one arm in the accident, but I'm hoping that because towards the end of the book that he seems to painting as part of his PT that he'll be OK. But will he walk? That's not completely established.
The reason that this isn't 4 stars or higher is because of all the ambiguity of Knight's condition. I understand that, until now, the focus has been on these 3 men and Jason - how they're relationships are developing. But when the characters take a serious turn like in this book, I expect a bit more than a bunch of make-out scenes interspersed between freak out scenes and hospital scenes. Seems like this one was written quickly and not thoroughly?
But I'm a sucker for this series...
November 3, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
I’m really enjoying my time back with the boys of the Chess series. As I have said before I have a soft spot for them and although there is really more sex than story their personalities draw me in and keep me interested
There is a slightly different feel to En Prise. After the boys celebrate Christmas together disaster strikes and Knight is injured in an accident, almost fatally. Bishop is left broken, Rook is afraid of snow ploughs and Jason proves just how vital he is to them both.
As Bishop and Rook fall apart and barely function whilst trying to cope Jason really comes into his own and steps up to provide every kind of support he can for his men. This no longer feels like a business transaction or an experiment, it feels more real and as though Jason has truly found his place.
Most of the story is based around the hospital as the three men wait for their lover to wake from a coma. The injuries are significant and there is going to be no quick fix. Given Knights history with manic mood swings and out of control behaviour you can only imagine how difficult it is going to be when they get him home. This is where this book concludes – just as they take Knight home but signs aren’t good for it being an easy task!
3.75 Stars
I’m really enjoying my time back with the boys of the Chess series. As I have said before I have a soft spot for them and although there is really more sex than story their personalities draw me in and keep me interested
There is a slightly different feel to En Prise. After the boys celebrate Christmas together disaster strikes and Knight is injured in an accident, almost fatally. Bishop is left broken, Rook is afraid of snow ploughs and Jason proves just how vital he is to them both.
As Bishop and Rook fall apart and barely function whilst trying to cope Jason really comes into his own and steps up to provide every kind of support he can for his men. This no longer feels like a business transaction or an experiment, it feels more real and as though Jason has truly found his place.
Most of the story is based around the hospital as the three men wait for their lover to wake from a coma. The injuries are significant and there is going to be no quick fix. Given Knights history with manic mood swings and out of control behaviour you can only imagine how difficult it is going to be when they get him home. This is where this book concludes – just as they take Knight home but signs aren’t good for it being an easy task!
February 25, 2013
Third book in the Chess series.
I purchased this book from the publisher Total-E-Bound were VIP access gives you the ability to read a book before the general release date. Started and finished it yesterday. Did not want to put it down!
I enjoyed the other two books in the series although I was a little worried about the ending in book two. Wasn't sure where the author was going to take the younger two-some.
But let me tell you how this book delivered! This has all of the elements of the first two books and just exploded. Awesome job, really!
Now that the characters are getting comfortable in their unique love nest it seems that the author is going to keep us jumping and wanting more.
One part of the book is based on Knight- and I will be honest he is my very favorite character in the series and maybe in all of Sean Michael's books. And I love him and BIshop together.
Knight is injured and the other three men have to deal. I hope we get to see some of the recovery time in a future book. I like the set up that the author ended with and when and if a book four comes out I will so be there!
I purchased this book from the publisher Total-E-Bound were VIP access gives you the ability to read a book before the general release date. Started and finished it yesterday. Did not want to put it down!
I enjoyed the other two books in the series although I was a little worried about the ending in book two. Wasn't sure where the author was going to take the younger two-some.
But let me tell you how this book delivered! This has all of the elements of the first two books and just exploded. Awesome job, really!
Now that the characters are getting comfortable in their unique love nest it seems that the author is going to keep us jumping and wanting more.
One part of the book is based on Knight- and I will be honest he is my very favorite character in the series and maybe in all of Sean Michael's books. And I love him and BIshop together.
Knight is injured and the other three men have to deal. I hope we get to see some of the recovery time in a future book. I like the set up that the author ended with and when and if a book four comes out I will so be there!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2014
This continues the story of Jason, Rook, Bishop and Knight. Jason has finally settled in and found his place among the men, become a part of their family. They celebrated a wonderful Christmas and rang in the New Year together. They’re happy together. Knight is involved in an accident that almost costs him his life and you really see how these men pull together for him. This story was the best of the trio as you will see that the relationship between these men is based on more than sex. You see how Jason becomes the solid foundation these men need to bring them through this ordeal. The sex took a backseat and it was more about showing Knight that the love—the bond that the four of them share allows them conquer any and every situation that life throws their way. I liked this book better than the first two. Sean Michaels has this quirky writing style that I really like. Although I will say that in all of his books his characters tend to have the same…voice or tone, the book is an enjoyable read. It’s sort of like his signature or something, that odd style of writing. It works.
September 29, 2015
Ok, totally my own fault for not reading the first few books in the series. So I started this book without really knowing who each character was and what their positions were in the M/M/M/M relationship. However, I do think that Sean Michael does a good job of clarifying the relationship dynamics within the first few scenes.
I'll admit, I was thinking that this was PWP for the first 1/2 of the book. Then Knight is involved in a serious accident, and the other three have to step up in various ways to take care of him and each other. I'm still not sure I'm invested in them enough as a quadtuple (not sure if that's a word), but I already downloaded the next book in the series so we'll see. Because Knight pretty much acts like an ass in this book, and I'm not sure I saw enough to redeem him in this story. Hopefully in the next one. (I know that Knight was injured and is recovering, but I'm not sure that excuses his behavior towards his partners who are just trying to help.)
I'll admit, I was thinking that this was PWP for the first 1/2 of the book. Then Knight is involved in a serious accident, and the other three have to step up in various ways to take care of him and each other. I'm still not sure I'm invested in them enough as a quadtuple (not sure if that's a word), but I already downloaded the next book in the series so we'll see. Because Knight pretty much acts like an ass in this book, and I'm not sure I saw enough to redeem him in this story. Hopefully in the next one. (I know that Knight was injured and is recovering, but I'm not sure that excuses his behavior towards his partners who are just trying to help.)
September 13, 2018
The third 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
November 20, 2015
This is book three in the series and should be read in order.
It’s Christmas, and all the men and getting ready, buying a tree, thinking about dinner, and what to stuff in stockings.
Jason is settling more into his role, totally in love with Rook but that no longer scares him. And getting more comfortable with Bishop and Knight.
When disaster strikes, all the men react the way you’d expect. Which was perfect. Rook, was perfectly hysterical and cute. Bishop was the rock that everyone needed, and Jason ended up being the voice, the stabilizer. It all worked perfectly.
As the everything settles back down and the men realize the new roles and feelings we get ready for book four.
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
It’s Christmas, and all the men and getting ready, buying a tree, thinking about dinner, and what to stuff in stockings.
Jason is settling more into his role, totally in love with Rook but that no longer scares him. And getting more comfortable with Bishop and Knight.
When disaster strikes, all the men react the way you’d expect. Which was perfect. Rook, was perfectly hysterical and cute. Bishop was the rock that everyone needed, and Jason ended up being the voice, the stabilizer. It all worked perfectly.
As the everything settles back down and the men realize the new roles and feelings we get ready for book four.
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
June 21, 2015
I wanted to give this book a higher rating but I just don't care for Jason. At all. I don't like him even a little bit. Love Knight. He can bitch and moan all he wants. The man was mowed over by a snow plough for christs sake !! Bishop has his moments. Rook really needs to take his girl panties off and start being a man like this book says he his. Sometimes I forget I'm ready about a man.
February 16, 2013
I really liked this story :) Yes, there was a lot of sex, but all the characters were so much fun to read about. I cried and I had a big smile on my face while reading this book :) But the cliffhanger... Guess I'll just have to wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews