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Chess #7
Pre-Game
Before there were four, there were three. Learn how Rook, Knight and Bishop came together.
When Rook and Knight meet at a live drawing class Rook is modeling for, it’s lust at first sight. Open and eager with his sexuality, Rook immediately draws Knight’s attention. Lust soon turns to love for the two men. The question, though, is what happens when a third man feels like he belongs with them?
Dive into this story of how Rook, Knight and Bishop met to become the threesome who invited Jason to join them in the Chess series.
General Release Date: 27th October 2015
When Rook and Knight meet at a live drawing class Rook is modeling for, it’s lust at first sight. Open and eager with his sexuality, Rook immediately draws Knight’s attention. Lust soon turns to love for the two men. The question, though, is what happens when a third man feels like he belongs with them?
Dive into this story of how Rook, Knight and Bishop met to become the threesome who invited Jason to join them in the Chess series.
General Release Date: 27th October 2015
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2015
11 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
652 books1,209 followersOften referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 3, 2015
In real-life chess, the pre-game phase can be boring – all that setting up of chess pieces, aligning them, and making sure they’re all in the right spot for the game to begin. However, like the five main books in the ‘Chess’ series by Sean Michael, this prequel is exciting, hot, and particularly fun if you’ve already read the remaining volumes. It tells the story of Rook and Knight’s first encounter and how they added Bishop to their relationship. I loved not just the insight into these three men when they were younger, but also watching the dynamic between them develop from scratch.
Rook is a happy-go-lucky young man who has just inherited a ton of money and is considering what to do with it and his life. He decides to buy a sex toy shop (so typical for him!), against the desire of his lawyer. But Rook couldn’t care less. It’s his money, right? Right. He also sits for an art class, as a model, and this is where he encounters Knight.
Knight is already a successful artist, but he “gets bored” and likes to go back to various classes to amuse himself. When he sees Rook he is interested, and leaves him a very creative invitation to coffee. Not that they ever get around to actually drinking it – they are too busy running to Knight’s place to “make like bunnies”, as Rook puts it. And my, are they good at it!
Bishop makes his first entrance just after their first date, then has another run-in with them a few weeks later. Suddenly the chemistry goes three ways, but I was relieved to see the guys show at least some restraint before approaching a fundamental change to their relationship. Bishop is very different from the other two, but clearly has something to add. He and Knight take their first steps into what will later become a very intense part of the triad/foursome. Fascinating!
If you haven’t read the ‘Chess’ series yet, read this book first; it explains a lot of the interpersonal goings-on that form the basis for these three men adding Jason in ‘Opening Moves’. If you already read all or part of the Chess series, keep this one until you’re done with the others. I definitely liked reading it last and finding out these extra bits about the original threesome while already knowing where they end up. Whatever situation you’re in, this is a fun, hot, entertaining read with lots, and lots, and lots of action between, on, and under the sheets.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Rook is a happy-go-lucky young man who has just inherited a ton of money and is considering what to do with it and his life. He decides to buy a sex toy shop (so typical for him!), against the desire of his lawyer. But Rook couldn’t care less. It’s his money, right? Right. He also sits for an art class, as a model, and this is where he encounters Knight.
Knight is already a successful artist, but he “gets bored” and likes to go back to various classes to amuse himself. When he sees Rook he is interested, and leaves him a very creative invitation to coffee. Not that they ever get around to actually drinking it – they are too busy running to Knight’s place to “make like bunnies”, as Rook puts it. And my, are they good at it!
Bishop makes his first entrance just after their first date, then has another run-in with them a few weeks later. Suddenly the chemistry goes three ways, but I was relieved to see the guys show at least some restraint before approaching a fundamental change to their relationship. Bishop is very different from the other two, but clearly has something to add. He and Knight take their first steps into what will later become a very intense part of the triad/foursome. Fascinating!
If you haven’t read the ‘Chess’ series yet, read this book first; it explains a lot of the interpersonal goings-on that form the basis for these three men adding Jason in ‘Opening Moves’. If you already read all or part of the Chess series, keep this one until you’re done with the others. I definitely liked reading it last and finding out these extra bits about the original threesome while already knowing where they end up. Whatever situation you’re in, this is a fun, hot, entertaining read with lots, and lots, and lots of action between, on, and under the sheets.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 18, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
5* for tying together the series beautifully.
It is rather sad to come to the end of the series, even if it is really the beginning! You could read this first and then read 1-6, and I almost think it would change some of your opinions of the story! I am going to assume in my review that you have read the previous books though.
Because of the strong connection that we have seen all through the series between Bishop and Knight, it was a little bit of a shock to find that in the very beginning it was Knight and Rook who fell in love first - admittedly very soon afterwards they both met Bishop, and the rest as they say is history. The other lovely touch is that Knight and Rook met just as Knight found Jason. I love all these links and ties which make us consider the assumptions we have made. It is hot, innocent (relatively) and explains some of the underlying dynamics.
I have really enjoyed reading this series over a number of weeks - but when I get the chance I will be rereading it all in one go and enjoying a glut of overheated men and their wonderful chemistry together. Thank you Mr Michael.
5* for tying together the series beautifully.
It is rather sad to come to the end of the series, even if it is really the beginning! You could read this first and then read 1-6, and I almost think it would change some of your opinions of the story! I am going to assume in my review that you have read the previous books though.
Because of the strong connection that we have seen all through the series between Bishop and Knight, it was a little bit of a shock to find that in the very beginning it was Knight and Rook who fell in love first - admittedly very soon afterwards they both met Bishop, and the rest as they say is history. The other lovely touch is that Knight and Rook met just as Knight found Jason. I love all these links and ties which make us consider the assumptions we have made. It is hot, innocent (relatively) and explains some of the underlying dynamics.
I have really enjoyed reading this series over a number of weeks - but when I get the chance I will be rereading it all in one go and enjoying a glut of overheated men and their wonderful chemistry together. Thank you Mr Michael.
February 9, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
3.5 STARS
Pre-Game is listed as book #7 within the Chess series but can be read as a stand alone.
Pre-Game takes you to the beginning of this relationship, how one became two and eventually three. Rook loves being on display. He loves to see what other people see in him. So he models for the local art school. While he sits for a particular class he notices a sexy student sketching him. Rook can't wait to see they guys work but he's gone before Rook can talk to him. He leaves his drawing and a note to meet. Knight and Rook start hot and heavy from that initial meeting. When Bishop is thrown into the mix, you can see the sparks fly. Even from day one Bishop can see what Knight needs from him, you get to see how the relationship evolved and grew.
I loved getting to see how they all came together. I enjoyed this series especially Rook, his personality was so fun. This is one sexy series that shouldn't be passed on.
3.5 STARS
Pre-Game is listed as book #7 within the Chess series but can be read as a stand alone.
Pre-Game takes you to the beginning of this relationship, how one became two and eventually three. Rook loves being on display. He loves to see what other people see in him. So he models for the local art school. While he sits for a particular class he notices a sexy student sketching him. Rook can't wait to see they guys work but he's gone before Rook can talk to him. He leaves his drawing and a note to meet. Knight and Rook start hot and heavy from that initial meeting. When Bishop is thrown into the mix, you can see the sparks fly. Even from day one Bishop can see what Knight needs from him, you get to see how the relationship evolved and grew.
I loved getting to see how they all came together. I enjoyed this series especially Rook, his personality was so fun. This is one sexy series that shouldn't be passed on.
February 8, 2016
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
I have read all previous books in this series and this book just makes me miss that series even more! I loved finding how everything began and how everyone came together. I love all these guys and hated to see this series end. I will be reading this series over and over again!
Characters: well written
Sex: oh yeah!
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
I have read all previous books in this series and this book just makes me miss that series even more! I loved finding how everything began and how everyone came together. I love all these guys and hated to see this series end. I will be reading this series over and over again!
Characters: well written
Sex: oh yeah!
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
December 11, 2015
4 Stars – 4 Flames
I LOVED THIS!!! After reading the series about adding the forth lover to the mix, I LOVED reading about it all started.
I never would have thought that Rook and Knight were first. I always assumed that since Bish and Knight were the closest, they were first. Boy was I wrong. Only proved the saying about assuming. Dammit.
Rook and Knight were so stinking cute together. No wonder Rook’s feelings were hurt when Knight bought that cottage (previous installment). But man! Adding Bish in to the game was just pure…WOW!!!
Read this, you’ll love it. It’s short and sweet and everything in between.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED THIS!!! After reading the series about adding the forth lover to the mix, I LOVED reading about it all started.
I never would have thought that Rook and Knight were first. I always assumed that since Bish and Knight were the closest, they were first. Boy was I wrong. Only proved the saying about assuming. Dammit.
Rook and Knight were so stinking cute together. No wonder Rook’s feelings were hurt when Knight bought that cottage (previous installment). But man! Adding Bish in to the game was just pure…WOW!!!
Read this, you’ll love it. It’s short and sweet and everything in between.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I loved going back to see how Rook, Knight and Bishop came together. First they are a twosome, then a threesome. This book shows us the loving, affectionate characters that we already adore. I liked seeing and little vulnerability from Bishop. These three are so brave with their hearts. I was a pleasure reading Pre-Game and the entire Chess series. I love these guys.
I loved going back to see how Rook, Knight and Bishop came together. First they are a twosome, then a threesome. This book shows us the loving, affectionate characters that we already adore. I liked seeing and little vulnerability from Bishop. These three are so brave with their hearts. I was a pleasure reading Pre-Game and the entire Chess series. I love these guys.
February 10, 2016
I loved this! Was a nice pre-Jason story seeing how Knight, bish & rookie came together before Jason entered the picture. Will forever be my favorite foursome. Sean Michaels please feel free to continue writing more & more about this guys. I can't get enough. Hope one day they'll be a never ending series. Lol
October 28, 2015
Damn...What a perfect book...How Rook met Knight and then Bishop...This is the perfect end to the Chess series.....Seeing how they met each other before Jason was just amazing....Rook his usual bouncy self....My Knight the artist and Bishop the top who needs his men.....Perfect x
May 14, 2016
This prequel addition to the Chess story works beautifully to give a backwards look at how these three powerful, accomplished, and physical men become one. Wonderful story of seduction and love.
September 13, 2018
The last book in the Chess Series but I suggest reading it first as it is actually the story of how the original 3 (Rook, Knight and Bishop) met; however, the rest all need to be read in order.
A total of 7 books in this series - 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?
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 or, as I suggest below, last.
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
A total of 7 books in this series - 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?
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 or, as I suggest below, last.
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
March 3, 2025
Fun quick read that gives insight into how Rook, Knight, and Bishop got together as a couple and then as a triad. All the smutty goodness you would expect from a short like this, with just enough plot to keep it interesting.
February 26, 2019
This is my Second of Sean's book's that I have read and im sure there is more I will pick up and I am loving this series so far, now on to the next one.
October 29, 2019
I read part of this series years ago and I’m glad the author wrote this. It’s great to see how it all started. Such a fun way to kick off a great series.
April 1, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Posing as a nude life model for a local art class is just part of the routine for Rook but when he spots a dark haired man in the back that he’s never seen before, he finds himself more interested in the proceedings than ever before. Accepting an invitation for coffee and then more is a no brainer for Rook and when he and Knight come together its fairly explosive. The two men fit well together and the sex is great but when another man catches their attention, they don’t hesitate to invite him for a bit of fun. Things that work for two may not work for three, however, and Bishop may break them apart rather than bring the three men closer together.
And at the end we’re all the way back to the beginning. I was really interested in reading this story, especially since parts of Knight’s past were alluded to in previous books. I hate to say it though but I was a little disappointed in this one; the grumpy workaholic Knight that I fell in love with in the first books was nowhere to be seen in this one and the past that was discussed before wasn’t included in this book either. Things were just too easy. I guess I was expecting a little more push/pull, especially with the new relationship between Rook and Knight being intruded upon by Bishop. Rook was still the bubbly sex addict he was in the other books but I only got hints of Bishop’s toppy tendencies and I’ve already said what I think of Knight. This was basically a ton of sex and a few minor set ups for how things were established before the first book and while that isn’t bad it just isn’t what I was hoping to see.
Posing as a nude life model for a local art class is just part of the routine for Rook but when he spots a dark haired man in the back that he’s never seen before, he finds himself more interested in the proceedings than ever before. Accepting an invitation for coffee and then more is a no brainer for Rook and when he and Knight come together its fairly explosive. The two men fit well together and the sex is great but when another man catches their attention, they don’t hesitate to invite him for a bit of fun. Things that work for two may not work for three, however, and Bishop may break them apart rather than bring the three men closer together.
And at the end we’re all the way back to the beginning. I was really interested in reading this story, especially since parts of Knight’s past were alluded to in previous books. I hate to say it though but I was a little disappointed in this one; the grumpy workaholic Knight that I fell in love with in the first books was nowhere to be seen in this one and the past that was discussed before wasn’t included in this book either. Things were just too easy. I guess I was expecting a little more push/pull, especially with the new relationship between Rook and Knight being intruded upon by Bishop. Rook was still the bubbly sex addict he was in the other books but I only got hints of Bishop’s toppy tendencies and I’ve already said what I think of Knight. This was basically a ton of sex and a few minor set ups for how things were established before the first book and while that isn’t bad it just isn’t what I was hoping to see.
December 2, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
After reading the Chess series a couple of times now this was a real treat. It takes us back to the time before Jason when first there were two before there were three.
Rook is his usual ‘out there’ self as he poses naked for the art class and glows with all the attention of people admiring his body. It feels a bit like déjà vu that Knight discovers the first love of his life whilst drawing him naked at a class he really doesn’t need to attend. They love each other fast and hard and yep you guessed it they end up in bed very quickly.
Whilst dating and getting to know each other and also whilst dancing naked in the rain they meet dark and handsome Bishop. This time it’s not love at first sight, it’s not really even lust at first sight but there is something…something that plays on each man’s mind until they see each other again. Two very quickly become three and we see the first signs of how their relationship will eventually balance out with their very different needs.
After reading the Chess series a couple of times now this was a real treat. It takes us back to the time before Jason when first there were two before there were three.
Rook is his usual ‘out there’ self as he poses naked for the art class and glows with all the attention of people admiring his body. It feels a bit like déjà vu that Knight discovers the first love of his life whilst drawing him naked at a class he really doesn’t need to attend. They love each other fast and hard and yep you guessed it they end up in bed very quickly.
Whilst dating and getting to know each other and also whilst dancing naked in the rain they meet dark and handsome Bishop. This time it’s not love at first sight, it’s not really even lust at first sight but there is something…something that plays on each man’s mind until they see each other again. Two very quickly become three and we see the first signs of how their relationship will eventually balance out with their very different needs.
December 7, 2015
I needed this story, answered the questions I had.
No spoilers, but we finally get to find out how Rook’s get to meet Knight and Bishop. Who connects the names first. And were the money comes from. We all understand Knights money, oblivious, the art. But Rook and Bishop. Who meets whom first, who puts on the moves first.
All so thrilling!
What I really enjoyed was the connection that these three had, pretty much from the beginning, they all were in the right place, mentally, physically emotionally.
No spoilers, but we finally get to find out how Rook’s get to meet Knight and Bishop. Who connects the names first. And were the money comes from. We all understand Knights money, oblivious, the art. But Rook and Bishop. Who meets whom first, who puts on the moves first.
All so thrilling!
What I really enjoyed was the connection that these three had, pretty much from the beginning, they all were in the right place, mentally, physically emotionally.
October 28, 2015
A good beginning to the series
I really enjoyed going back to the beginning to see how these three guys got together very sweet and less drama than the rest off the series. If you liked the series you have to read this.
I really enjoyed going back to the beginning to see how these three guys got together very sweet and less drama than the rest off the series. If you liked the series you have to read this.
October 29, 2015
OMG, dancing naked in the rain, do I heed to say more. This book shows us how Knight, Rook and Bishop come together. AND WOW do they come together, this book sizzled with all the heat coming from the boys. Great read
November 19, 2015
If you loved the Chess series you have to read this! I was so excited for this to come out and Michaels didn't disappoint. The back story of Rook, Knight and Bishop was perfect in every way and like all of the books hotter than hot!
December 20, 2015
These Guys are Great
I'm so glad you wrote this book!
It ties everything together neatly. I'm trying to decide if I would have liked it better as book one, but ended up thinking that it didn't matter! So great!
I'm so glad you wrote this book!
It ties everything together neatly. I'm trying to decide if I would have liked it better as book one, but ended up thinking that it didn't matter! So great!
July 27, 2017
One of my favorite series. It was great to see how it all started.
November 1, 2015
I would have loved more!
November 2, 2015
Hotttttttt !!!!
Loved everything about this book !!
I'm so glad we got to see where it all began and how Rook, Knight and Bishop came to be.
Loved everything about this book !!
I'm so glad we got to see where it all began and how Rook, Knight and Bishop came to be.
November 16, 2015
How can you not like these 3 sexy, loving, comfortable in thier own skin, dark, accepting, smoking hot threesome?
Wow one of my favorite series of all time!!!!!!
Fantastic
Wow one of my favorite series of all time!!!!!!
Fantastic
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews