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Going for the Gold
Bases Loaded
Baseball player Brett has off-season orders from his team; get into rehabilitation for his shoulder if he wants another season in the Major League. He and his lover Benj take off to the boonies to stay with physical therapist Ralph, a tough-talking, routine setting kind of guy, and Jean, Ralph's Cajun lover, who cooks as well as he loves. Brett and Ralph butt heads from the beginning, speaking two different languages. Ralph wants Brett to be more in touch with his feelings, Brett wants Ralph to give him his therapy and leave him alone. Benj and Jean get along far better, with Jean showing Benj around the kitchen and reassuring him when things with Brett get hard to deal with. Before Ralph can even begin to work on Brett's shoulder, though, Brett is faced with an even more difficult physical challenge, one that does more than threaten his career. He and Benj have to work through some tough issues, making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives together. Their gradual friendship with Ralph and Jean helps them through the tough time, but even their friends' support may not be enough to pull them through. Can Brett and Benj survive the off-season, or will they strike out this time around?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
653 books1,210 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 14, 2020
Injuries are tough to deal with for anyone – but they can affect athletes, who depend on their bodies being top fit for their livelihood, in an even more fundamental way. And if they are macho I-have-no-feelings guys like Brett, the challenge to get them through the rehabilitation and healing stages can be almost insurmountable. As for their partner, especially if they are the more sensitive type like Brett’s partner Benj, things are just as bad, just in a different way. Suddenly Benj has to be “the strong one” while Brett needs help, and that role reversal on top of everything else puts enormous strain on their relationship.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 29, 2018
Bases Loaded (Going for the Gold) by Sean Michael
3 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Hmmm, this book, for me, just didn't deliver on what I have come to expect from Michael stories.
Injuries are hard for any athlete, but for Brett, I just had a very difficult time feeling back for his injury. He was rude, unforgiving and his interaction with Benj were strained and not at all filled with the relationship that I've come to love from Michael books. While are a rehab farm, it's up to Brett to figure out whether or not he can truly put in the work to make it to another season. Benj seems to be just walking on egg shells the whole story and he seemed very weak.
The trainers, Ralph and Jean are both kind and understanding, but I felt that their relationship was more forefront in this story than Benj and Brett. Maybe that's what it was supposed to be, but it seemed a strange swap of couples.
While the story progressed, while there was a twist, it wasn't enough to redeem the rest of the book, for me.
3 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Hmmm, this book, for me, just didn't deliver on what I have come to expect from Michael stories.
Injuries are hard for any athlete, but for Brett, I just had a very difficult time feeling back for his injury. He was rude, unforgiving and his interaction with Benj were strained and not at all filled with the relationship that I've come to love from Michael books. While are a rehab farm, it's up to Brett to figure out whether or not he can truly put in the work to make it to another season. Benj seems to be just walking on egg shells the whole story and he seemed very weak.
The trainers, Ralph and Jean are both kind and understanding, but I felt that their relationship was more forefront in this story than Benj and Brett. Maybe that's what it was supposed to be, but it seemed a strange swap of couples.
While the story progressed, while there was a twist, it wasn't enough to redeem the rest of the book, for me.
February 8, 2010
Sean Michael books are starting to run together. The author’s trademark style of including gratuitous sex in stories is well known and usually a high selling point. For that reasons fans may enjoy this latest offering, maybe. Unfortunately, as I’ve read most of his backlist this particular story is absolutely nothing new, innovative or particularly creative. The author relies on a lot of sex scenes that blend together in similarity and ultimately end up being rather boring. There is an attempt to add something different with the characters but this attempt felt obvious, awkward and unsuccessful. This is an incredibly fast and easy book to read as it’s composed mostly of dialogue and sex scenes, so you’re not investing a lot of time or thought at least.
The premise is rather expected with an athlete hurt off page and he and his lover travel to a rehab facility run by another pair of lovers complete with a typically bad medical crisis near the end. Together these four cook, fight, laugh, and have quite a bit of sex as they all work towards healing the athlete’s shoulder. There is no mixing of the two devoted couples but there is also no focus on one couple versus the other. Both are given equal time and lack of depth to fill the pages. Truly, this book feels like it was pushed out to fill the pages with a lot of sex and a weak, fluff story line. If the sex scenes had been more interesting and not reminiscent of every other sex scene from the author, perhaps this would be more entertaining to fans. As it stands, unless you want exactly the same sex scene you’ve read dozens of times from the author, this is probably not worth your time or money.
The characters are all rather weak and empty players used to increase story length with the appropriate body parts. Brett is the injured ball player who has a lot of anger and resentment over his injury but works incredibly hard at recovering. He is completely devoted to his partner Benji. That’s about all there is to Brett and Benji isn’t much better. Benji is a masseuse and is described ad nausea as sweet, pretty, and fluttering. These descriptions are almost the entirety of anything said about or around the man. There aren’t many problems in their relationship as Benji beams and bounces around, never staying upset for too long and is rather devoid of any substance unfortunately. His one strong feature is his unrelenting devotion to Brett.
Ralph is the rehab trainer who spouts about feelings and schedules and changes his mind daily about what Brett needs and constantly tries to create problems when there are none. Ralph continues with his holistic commentary and oxymoronic advice at every opportunity, trying to clash with the man he’s just trying to help. Ralph is not an antagonizing character because he’s simply just as empty as all the others. Most of his focus is on his lover and having sex with him as often as possible. Jean is Ralph’s lover and the cook of the rehab facility. The most color and life is attempted for Jean as he’s Cajun and given numerous and repeated affectations to his speech and dialogue. While this did differentiate the man, it felt forced and awkward within the context. Jean would say “Chou” while stirring gumbo then “y’all” while making cornbread. It’s as if the author couldn’t decide if Jean was a cowboy or a Cajun.
The story itself is not really about Brett rehabbing his injury or even the ridiculous, inconsistent and inaccurate medical drama that plagues the last third of the book. Really the story is about the devotion and strength of each couple, no matter what happens and their desire for a future together. In that view, the book is rather romantic for fans and the inclusion of numerous sex scenes may not bother them. I think you’re probably smarter to read one of the author’s better titles off the backlist.
The premise is rather expected with an athlete hurt off page and he and his lover travel to a rehab facility run by another pair of lovers complete with a typically bad medical crisis near the end. Together these four cook, fight, laugh, and have quite a bit of sex as they all work towards healing the athlete’s shoulder. There is no mixing of the two devoted couples but there is also no focus on one couple versus the other. Both are given equal time and lack of depth to fill the pages. Truly, this book feels like it was pushed out to fill the pages with a lot of sex and a weak, fluff story line. If the sex scenes had been more interesting and not reminiscent of every other sex scene from the author, perhaps this would be more entertaining to fans. As it stands, unless you want exactly the same sex scene you’ve read dozens of times from the author, this is probably not worth your time or money.
The characters are all rather weak and empty players used to increase story length with the appropriate body parts. Brett is the injured ball player who has a lot of anger and resentment over his injury but works incredibly hard at recovering. He is completely devoted to his partner Benji. That’s about all there is to Brett and Benji isn’t much better. Benji is a masseuse and is described ad nausea as sweet, pretty, and fluttering. These descriptions are almost the entirety of anything said about or around the man. There aren’t many problems in their relationship as Benji beams and bounces around, never staying upset for too long and is rather devoid of any substance unfortunately. His one strong feature is his unrelenting devotion to Brett.
Ralph is the rehab trainer who spouts about feelings and schedules and changes his mind daily about what Brett needs and constantly tries to create problems when there are none. Ralph continues with his holistic commentary and oxymoronic advice at every opportunity, trying to clash with the man he’s just trying to help. Ralph is not an antagonizing character because he’s simply just as empty as all the others. Most of his focus is on his lover and having sex with him as often as possible. Jean is Ralph’s lover and the cook of the rehab facility. The most color and life is attempted for Jean as he’s Cajun and given numerous and repeated affectations to his speech and dialogue. While this did differentiate the man, it felt forced and awkward within the context. Jean would say “Chou” while stirring gumbo then “y’all” while making cornbread. It’s as if the author couldn’t decide if Jean was a cowboy or a Cajun.
The story itself is not really about Brett rehabbing his injury or even the ridiculous, inconsistent and inaccurate medical drama that plagues the last third of the book. Really the story is about the devotion and strength of each couple, no matter what happens and their desire for a future together. In that view, the book is rather romantic for fans and the inclusion of numerous sex scenes may not bother them. I think you’re probably smarter to read one of the author’s better titles off the backlist.
January 22, 2018
I have to be completely honest and say when I first started reading this book that I was skeptical on whether I could finish it or not. When j first started it I thought that it was going to be a bit cheesy but I pushed forward and I read some more and before I knew it I was all into the book. I also have to say that Sean came up with some twists in this read that I did not see coming either that made this book all the more interesting.
Brett is a professional baseball player that is now on the injured list. He tore his shoulder and had to have surgery. Now after physical therapy and rehab, he is about to embark on his last resort for getting back to the game that he loves so much. And of course Benj is going to stand bwhind him 100 percent because he wants the man that he fell in love with back.
Jean and Ralph are what is considered Brett's last resort. Ralph is the one that is going to work on the physical therapy portion and Jean is going to work on the food does a body good portion. But what Brett does not know is these two men are going to a lot more then that for Brett. Not just Brett though, they are going to do some good for Brett and Benj's relationship. Since the injury Brett has not been himself and he has been pushing Benj away. Ralph and Jean are going to help these two men in ways they never expected or thought possible.
Brett and Benj just have to be willing to do the work. That may be where the real challenge comes into play.
This turned out to be such a better read then I expected. Like I said, Sean through in a twist that I never seen coming and in order to find out what that twist is, you will have to read the book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Brett is a professional baseball player that is now on the injured list. He tore his shoulder and had to have surgery. Now after physical therapy and rehab, he is about to embark on his last resort for getting back to the game that he loves so much. And of course Benj is going to stand bwhind him 100 percent because he wants the man that he fell in love with back.
Jean and Ralph are what is considered Brett's last resort. Ralph is the one that is going to work on the physical therapy portion and Jean is going to work on the food does a body good portion. But what Brett does not know is these two men are going to a lot more then that for Brett. Not just Brett though, they are going to do some good for Brett and Benj's relationship. Since the injury Brett has not been himself and he has been pushing Benj away. Ralph and Jean are going to help these two men in ways they never expected or thought possible.
Brett and Benj just have to be willing to do the work. That may be where the real challenge comes into play.
This turned out to be such a better read then I expected. Like I said, Sean through in a twist that I never seen coming and in order to find out what that twist is, you will have to read the book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
December 12, 2018
As I love romances with athletes, I was excited to read Bases Loaded by Sean Michael. And it didn't disappoint.
Brett's an injured baseball player. When he and his partner Benji go away for Brett to rehab, they get more than they expected.
Brett's physical therapist, Ralph and his partner, Jean, introduce a lot to this tale. Not only are they active characters in this story, but we also get to see their point of view and spend a lot of time getting to know them.
Sean Michael's use of two main couples is interesting and fun. We get to know both couples well, as they both get some hot scenes.
I love Brett and Benji. When we meet them, their relationship is starting to suffer from Brett's injury. It's fantastic the way that Ralph and Jean help to mend the fissures in Brett and Benji's relationship.
In fact, I find the idea of athletes going to rehab with Ralph and Jean a superb idea. It leads to a lot of unique moments. I wish there were more books of athletes rehabbing with this couple.
Overall, I enjoyed Bases Loaded a lot. I found the combination of two couples, an injury, relationship issues, and romance to be delightful.
Brett's an injured baseball player. When he and his partner Benji go away for Brett to rehab, they get more than they expected.
Brett's physical therapist, Ralph and his partner, Jean, introduce a lot to this tale. Not only are they active characters in this story, but we also get to see their point of view and spend a lot of time getting to know them.
Sean Michael's use of two main couples is interesting and fun. We get to know both couples well, as they both get some hot scenes.
I love Brett and Benji. When we meet them, their relationship is starting to suffer from Brett's injury. It's fantastic the way that Ralph and Jean help to mend the fissures in Brett and Benji's relationship.
In fact, I find the idea of athletes going to rehab with Ralph and Jean a superb idea. It leads to a lot of unique moments. I wish there were more books of athletes rehabbing with this couple.
Overall, I enjoyed Bases Loaded a lot. I found the combination of two couples, an injury, relationship issues, and romance to be delightful.
March 14, 2020
Injuries are tough to deal with for anyone – but they can affect athletes, who depend on their bodies being top fit for their livelihood, in an even more fundamental way. And if they are macho I-have-no-feelings guys like Brett, the challenge to get them through the rehabilitation and healing stages can be almost insurmountable. As for their partner, especially if they are the more sensitive type like Brett’s partner Benj, things are just as bad, just in a different way. Suddenly Benj has to be “the strong one” while Brett needs help, and that role reversal on top of everything else puts enormous strain on their relationship.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 4, 2018
I'm never quite sure what to expect from a Sean Michael book but this one, well it was interesting, and fun and hot and sweet, so basically it hit a lot of my buttons. Baseball really was secondary to Brett and Benj's love story; and Ralph and Jean's love story. And of course the rehab Brett needed to go through. Lots of tough love happened in this story. I will say I was worried there was going to be a foursome but thank goodness that didn't happen. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
April 19, 2018
I'm a person that thrives on multiple POV. I love seeing how everyone is dealing with situations, getting their thoughts not only seeing actions from one character. In this book we really have four main characters and get to experience this adventure from all of them. I LOVED IT!!!!
You can see my full review here: Christinas-Bookshelf
You can see my full review here: Christinas-Bookshelf
June 20, 2011
Brett is a pro baseball player whose shoulder was injured and he may not play again. He's been drowning his sorrows in a bottle but his team has made arrangement for him to go to a private rehab place for several months as a kind of last chance. He just wants to play out his contract then retire. His partner Benj goes with him. Brett is surly, angry at the world and the couple who run the centre, Jean (who deals with the nutrition side) and physiotherapist Ralph have difficulty getting Brett to get with the program, especially the mental/emotional side. It's almost like two stories because there is lots of Jean and Ralph and their sex-life (it is Sean Michael of course) and then Brett and Benj, and their efforts to get their life back on track. All this is derailed by discovery of another illness requiring Brett to have brain surgery as well. Jean didn't like Brett, but I didn't mind him, even if he's surly he always treated Benj well, and Benj is kind of your typical Sean Michael twink, sweet and adorable. The thing that might make some people crazy is Jean is a Cajun and "talks" with an accent and sometimes it took me a while to get into it. It wasn't bad after awhile but at first it would kind of slow me down as I adjusted to his accent. Lots of sex, I may have skimmed some, and some angst, but really two couples madly in love, and that part is never the conflict, it's the outside force of Brett's injuries.
February 13, 2018
Check out our
Bases Loaded
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance
Hmmm, this book, for me, just didn't deliver on what I have come to expect from Michael stories.
Injuries are hard for any athlete, but for Brett, I just had a very difficult time feeling bad for his injury. He was rude, unforgiving, and his interactions with Benj were strained and not at all filled with the relationship that I've come to love from Michael books. While at a rehab farm, it's up to Brett to figure out whether or not he can truly put in the work to make it to another season. Benj seems to be just walking on egg shells the whole story and he seemed very weak.
The trainers, Ralph and Jean, are both kind and understanding, but I felt that their relationship was more forefront in this story than Benj and Brett. Maybe that's what it was supposed to be, but it seemed a strange swap of couples.
While the story progressed, while there was a twist, it wasn't enough to redeem the rest of the book, for me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance
Hmmm, this book, for me, just didn't deliver on what I have come to expect from Michael stories.
Injuries are hard for any athlete, but for Brett, I just had a very difficult time feeling bad for his injury. He was rude, unforgiving, and his interactions with Benj were strained and not at all filled with the relationship that I've come to love from Michael books. While at a rehab farm, it's up to Brett to figure out whether or not he can truly put in the work to make it to another season. Benj seems to be just walking on egg shells the whole story and he seemed very weak.
The trainers, Ralph and Jean, are both kind and understanding, but I felt that their relationship was more forefront in this story than Benj and Brett. Maybe that's what it was supposed to be, but it seemed a strange swap of couples.
While the story progressed, while there was a twist, it wasn't enough to redeem the rest of the book, for me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews