The Eager Boy

Iron Eagle Gym #6

by Sean Michael

An Iron Eagle Gym Novel

Eight months ago Robin Secoya left his lover and master, Stack Lobond, because he didn’t believe Stack really cared about him. He was sure that for Stack, any warm body would do, and Robin wasn’t willing to be just a warm body anymore.

A chance meeting at the Iron Eagle Gym brings them back together, and old feelings aren’t far from the surface. They decide they can’t pass up a second chance at romance. But this time, it isn’t just Stack’s demanding career as a big-cat vet putting strain on their relationship. Robin also has a new job that takes up a lot of his time.

Will their kinky love affair crash and burn a second time, or can they find the balance that will allow the passion between them to flourish?

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Gay, Second Chance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

Often referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."

A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.

Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

No real resolution to the core relationship conflict. Unconvinced Stack and Robin would NOT continue to have problems, especially if Robin decided to stay and serve at home again.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do if you’re physically and mentally compatible, both like kink, but one partner needs emotions and the other doesn’t think he “does” feelings? Robin and Stack have been through a separation of several months only to find out it isn’t working for them to be apart. Robin knows it’s because he wants more, needs to feel loved and wanted. Stack is a tough Dom, or so he thinks, and is only just beginning to realize that what he had with Robin for three years was more than a BDSM relationship. Neither of them has moved on with a new partner, so when they run into each other they are free to give it another go – hopefully with different results this time.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Robin and Stack broke up several months ago when Robin felt like he wasn't being heard. Robin has since forged a new life that isn't miserable, but isn't happy either. He misses Stack, but thinks that his former lover and master doesn't really want him. They literally run into each other and find themselves trying to start anew.

Having read only one of the books in this series prior to this one, I didn't really feel like I was missing much by skipping ahead to this book. However, I did wonder if the breakup of Robin and Stack was mentioned in one of the other books since we jump right in with them already separated for eight months. Stack and Robin clearly have chemistry, and they are very much in sync with each other when in a scene. They also still love each other. Robin has grown through his struggles, but he still needed to learn how to communicate his needs better. I liked that Robin realized that he couldn't expect Stack to know everything and run after him. I also liked how Stack tried hard not to miss opportunities to show Robin that he was thinking about him. What I missed though was the more in-depth conversation that I thought they would have about the breakup and the events that lead to it. I also was disappointed that we didn't get to see how Robin moves forward in his professional life. That being said, I enjoyed this read overall and want to go back and catch up with the rest of this series when I get a chance.

I think most fans of this author will enjoy this book.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

I have read all the books in this series but this could be read as a stand alone. In true Sean Michael fashion this book is full of sex, love and tenderness...oh and piercings LOL. Robin left Stack 8 months ago and has been just getting by ever since. A chance encounter brings them back together. Stack and Robin have a lot to work out and it seems like everything is trying to make that not happen but they soldier on. These two guys are lovable and you can feel the love they have for each other. This was a fast read filled with hot sex, lota of love and low angst.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shee Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eager Boy (An Iron Eagle Gym Novel) by Sean Michael

Reviewed By Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews.

Find us on the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com

Rating 5 Hearts

Blurb:
An Iron Eagle Gym Novel

Eight months ago Robin Secoya left his lover and master, Stack Lobond, because he didn’t believe Stack really cared about him. He was sure that for Stack, any warm body would do, and Robin wasn’t willing to be just a warm body anymore.

A chance meeting at the Iron Eagle Gym brings them back together, and old feelings aren’t far from the surface. They decide they can’t pass up a second chance at romance. But this time, it isn’t just Stack’s demanding career as a big-cat vet putting strain on their relationship. Robin also has a new job that takes up a lot of his time.

Will their kinky love affair crash and burn a second time, or can they find the balance that will allow the passion between them to flourish?

This isn’t a classic start to a romance novel. The couple are broken up, but if you’ve read Sean Michael, you’ll know the risk of serious angst is low, the chance of a HEA is certain and the chance of kinky sex is pretty darned high too!

In Sean Michael world, the guys are beautiful, sometimes have amazing jobs (Stack is a vet for big cats at the zoo) and not always very flawed. In this book, the guys had both made mistakes in their relationship. The process of recovering from their break-up is where we meet Stack and Robin. Stack had been the master and Robin the sub, but it wasn’t a perfect situation. Robin left and Stack didn’t stop him. When they literally bump into each other after six months, the feelings are right there below the surface, and we start the story of Robin explaining to Stack what wasn’t working for him, and Stack starts the process of trying harder to give Robin what he wants and needs.

It’s always nice in a series to get glimpses of previous characters in the new story, and this is no exception.

I really enjoyed the book as the men wanted and missed each other, but had both made mistakes, and needed to accept responsibility for those mistakes the first time around, and work together to get their relationship back to being better than it was before. I loved the idea that the whole book was them working on their issues and trying to be the best men they could for the other. It was brilliant. If you like your MC’s to work together and communicate, this may well be the book for you.

Highly recommended!

[Debbie Bookers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series but I read it as my first book from this author and seemed ok as a standalone. I felt the book really focused on the two MC’s and so I was too lost on previous characters. I thought this author did a good job connecting me to the characters and how they were feeling. I felt as it was slightly repetitive at some points but overall, a good read. I like the concept of having the gym as part of the lifestyle. I mean, what better way to get all worked watching you Dom or Sub working their muscles and sweating. Yummy.

Robin left his Dom/lover because he didn’t believe his cared for him other than just being another Sub. Robin did good for himself by getting a job, a tiny apartment and was being self supporting. He was proud of himself for that but he missed his Master greatly. Robin was leaving the gym one day when he ran, I mean ran, into his old Master right in the chest. Robin just can’t turn down an invitation to dinner with him.

Stack has been devastated since Robin left him and couldn’t understand why he moved out except he knew he worked to much. When Stack got rammed in the chest by a man, he was so happy it was Robin. He asked him to dinner and then a costume party. The sparks go flying and they can’t keep their hands off each other. Sex was never the issue.

Can Robin learn to communicate what he needs from Stack? Can Stack give Robin what he needs both in and out of the Dungeon? Will these two figure out the happy ending? I don’t know, I guess you will have to read and figure out the answers for yourself.

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

I love a good second chance book and having one crop up in a series I already enjoy was just a bonus. :D Robin and Stack were together for three years before building tension forced Robin to confront his Master on the state of their relationship. More than a little dismissive, Stack wasn’t really listening to the problems Robin was attempting to address so, feeling as though he had no other choice, Robin left. Eight months later, months where both men attempted to move on with little success, Robin and Stack run into each other (literally) and it quickly becomes apparent that the spark and attraction that existed between them was still as strong as ever. Deciding to give things between them another chance isn’t as easy as taking that first step together but after nearly a year of separation, both men are more than willing to try.

I liked this a lot; aside from the usual amounts of kinky sex that I’ve come to expect from this author, I enjoyed the rebuilding of the relationship between the two main characters. In the time they spent apart, there were both good and bad things taking place; Robin proved to himself that he can make it on his own if he has to while Stack came to realize just what he had in Robin but subsequently lost due to his inattention and extreme focus on his job. While there remain some communication issues and general insecurities to get over, over the course of the story you do get to see signs that both men are making an effort to fix what went wrong in the past so that they can have a nice solid future. Stack listens more and actually makes an effort to pay attention to Robin and his needs rather than just giving like 90% of himself to his job and the animals he cares for. Robin communicates more and has become a bit more understanding that some things with Stack’s job just can’t be avoided but that it doesn’t have to ruin the time they spend together.

Overall I enjoyed the story and I think a lot of good progress was made on this second chance between Robin and Stack; I do really wish there had been some kind of epilogue or something given after that last scene of the book but with the series far from over I’m sure I’ll see how these two are doing eventually. If you’ve enjoyed the previous books of the series I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one but, even if you haven’t read the previous novels, this could easily be read as a standalone. Just make sure you’re in the mood for a good dose of kink before you dive in!

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do if you’re physically and mentally compatible, both like kink, but one partner needs emotions and the other doesn’t think he “does” feelings? Robin and Stack have been through a separation of several months only to find out it isn’t working for them to be apart. Robin knows it’s because he wants more, needs to feel loved and wanted. Stack is a tough Dom, or so he thinks, and is only just beginning to realize that what he had with Robin for three years was more than a BDSM relationship. Neither of them has moved on with a new partner, so when they run into each other they are free to give it another go – hopefully with different results this time.


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These men have been together but were torn apart by misunderstandings. It was wonderful to see that both men are torn up by being apart. Both of them seem to be willing put the work into reconnecting. You can see that Robin is still coming to terms with his time alone as well. It is great to see that they will be reunited.

[Nix Buttons · Rating 3 out of 5]

No plot, just relationship building and lots and lots and lots of snusnu. So really, just porn :D
Not bad, though I won't read it again. I like sexy times, but not all the time or it gets boring, some story in between is needed. Pure porn bores me after a few minutes.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series and the tease for the next book The Gentle Dom was just that. I Hope it's out soon

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Sean Michael series, I can’t wait for the next one. In the meantime I think I’ll go back and read the earlier ones again.

[~RMG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely 2 stars - Felt there was too much sex (some of it not to my liking) and too little depth to the story. :(

[WycEd Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out our The Eager Boy post on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have read all the books in this series, but this can be read as a standalone. In true Sean Michael fashion, this book is full of sex, love, and tenderness... oh, and piercings. LOL. Robin left Stack eight months ago and has been just getting by ever since. A chance encounter brings them back together. Stack and Robin have a lot to work out and it seems like everything is trying to make that not happen, but they soldier on. These two guys are lovable, and you can feel the love they have for each other. This was a fast read filled with hot sex, lots of love, and low angst.

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Eager Boy (Iron Eagle Gym #6) by Sean Michael to read and review.

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

Interesting story with 2 fascinating MC's

I found this book to be more say than anything else. Yes, there was kink in Stack and Robin's relationship, but I thought that it was simply the stage that the MC's utilized rather than the focus of the relationship (as in the previous books in this series).

In this book, Stack and Robin are already Master and boy, but they have allowed their relationship to fall into a rut, and Robin leaves Stack feeling unappreciated. Then, when Stack respects Robin's started desire to be left alone, Robin feels like he was never loved. Both characters have to work on communicating and reconnecting after months apart and adrift.

Overall, I loved the depth of feeling and exploitation of what being committed meant for these men, but it didn't have quite the same feel of an Iron Eagle Gym book to me.

[Jeri L. Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacked

MM masterpiece

I found and fell in love with Sean Michael when he was publishing under Torquere Press. While waiting for him to shift his books over to Amazon I tried out other MM authors but found most to be lacking. Sean has a way of capturing a beautiful snapshot of a couple's journey. Every story is strong in terms of plot and character development but I truly love the consensual sexual relationship Sean writes. He showcases the beauty that is a healthy BDSM relationship that is defined by safe, sane, and consensual.

[Fay MMBookworm]

I'm putting this one in my DNF list at 54% The book majority is all sex and not much storyline. The start totally put me off with the way it started especially with Master Stack didn't jell with me. His treatment of Robin didn't impress much for me. There are sentences that are repeated also. I liked the first coupla of book in the series but dont know about continuing these now.

[Mary Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

A master no more for this boy

Robin leaves his master because he feels unloved and alone...They chance meet and all is forgiven too soon I think and Robin finds himself so stressed extreme measures are taken