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Just the Right Notes
Elliot is an up and coming architect who just opened his own firm. His lover Graham is a composer and conductor. They share their love and lives in a beautiful house designed by Elliot, and whenever things get too hard to handle, they run away to their little cabin getaway where Elliot becomes Dom to Graham's needy little sub.When things at Elliot's firm begin to crumble, Graham needs to be the strong one, the one to suggest the cottage and the games they play there, knowing Elliot's role as Dom will give him strength, that their games will recharge his lover. And together they keep working to find that precarious balance in their lives until an accident threatens to change everything. Will Elliot and Graham's love see them through and keep the music in their lives?
194 pages, ebook
Published June 8, 2010
6 people are currently reading
101 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 2, 2012
I love Sean's work. This was a great story about an established couple. I loved the dynamics between the MC's and overall really enjoyed the book.
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May 8, 2017 3 Hearts
I love romance with an established couple. Maybe because I have been in an established relationship/marriage for almost 16 years and simply love getting a couple that is still finding new ways with one another? I don’t know but I love reading about couples still falling in love with their partners, finding out new things about them or trying new things with them and seeing them work through their lives together. Romance for me isn’t just the meet, greet and trading first I love you's with the beginning of a relationship, it changes as the individuals change and grows into something deeper as the years spent together pass.
Elliott and Graham are a solid couple. Both men are professionals with Elliott being an architect and Graham a composer. They live a relatively modest life but when that life gets hectic, they have an escape to a cabin where they can let go, get down and reset. The cabin… goodness, wouldn’t I love a place outside of it all, the day to day where you could just go and deal with the stress laid upon you and come back to the grind of life fresh? Maybe I don’t need the BDSM play that Graham and Elliott do but it’s a comforting thought to think it could exist.
The story beings with Elliott arriving home to a very stressed out Graham who is trying to finish his opera. Seeing his partner in such a state, Elliott knows exactly what to do and wakes Graham to take him to the cabin. The cabin is where the couple play, where Elliott becomes the Dom to Graham’s sub and where Graham conveniently forgets to address his Dom and Sir. I liked these moments between them at the cabin. They were sexy and fun with how they use their form of kink to unwind and recharge in every way. The cabin play isn’t just about de-stressing from life, it’s also a way for the couple to reconnect at the deepest level for them. It was sweet and intense each time they walk through those doors and assume their roles.
Now while I liked the cabin and what goes on there, I have to say this book has a lot of sex. Like a lot. Like so much that I skimmed some of it because I can only read so many scenes of fisting for our resident size queen and while I love declarations, there was far too much between these men that it lost all meaning to me. I get that they are devoted, they love one another and there will never be anyone else for either of them but, it was just too much.
And then when it was too much sex, we’d get more of a story that brought me back to the sweet side. As I mentioned before, I like established couples and when both Graham and Elliott have a hard time at work, the other is there for support in any way they can. When Graham goes on tour, I felt how much they missed one another. I myself have only been apart from my husband for a single week and I will admit to losing it at about night three and just wanting to come the fuck home so I get how much they could miss one another for the length of time they are apart.
While the first part of the story is life issues presented followed by a weekend of kinky non-stop sex at the cabin, the second half of the story is pretty emotional after Graham’s accident and all both men go through to make him well. Recovery of any kind a tough as hell road and I like that the author showed sweet Graham to have one hell of a bitchy side when it came to his. Elliott did all that he could to make his lover’s progress go as smooth as possible and was simply there with love and support. This couple really is lovely to read, even with all the sex going on.
At the end, I think this was a sweet story but for me, way too much sex in it. I like my sex but I need a palate cleanser to go along or at least a chance to breathe. Maybe it’s the author's style and we don’t mesh well? I am not sure but even after all of it, Graham and Elliott were worth the read.
I love romance with an established couple. Maybe because I have been in an established relationship/marriage for almost 16 years and simply love getting a couple that is still finding new ways with one another? I don’t know but I love reading about couples still falling in love with their partners, finding out new things about them or trying new things with them and seeing them work through their lives together. Romance for me isn’t just the meet, greet and trading first I love you's with the beginning of a relationship, it changes as the individuals change and grows into something deeper as the years spent together pass.
Elliott and Graham are a solid couple. Both men are professionals with Elliott being an architect and Graham a composer. They live a relatively modest life but when that life gets hectic, they have an escape to a cabin where they can let go, get down and reset. The cabin… goodness, wouldn’t I love a place outside of it all, the day to day where you could just go and deal with the stress laid upon you and come back to the grind of life fresh? Maybe I don’t need the BDSM play that Graham and Elliott do but it’s a comforting thought to think it could exist.
The story beings with Elliott arriving home to a very stressed out Graham who is trying to finish his opera. Seeing his partner in such a state, Elliott knows exactly what to do and wakes Graham to take him to the cabin. The cabin is where the couple play, where Elliott becomes the Dom to Graham’s sub and where Graham conveniently forgets to address his Dom and Sir. I liked these moments between them at the cabin. They were sexy and fun with how they use their form of kink to unwind and recharge in every way. The cabin play isn’t just about de-stressing from life, it’s also a way for the couple to reconnect at the deepest level for them. It was sweet and intense each time they walk through those doors and assume their roles.
Now while I liked the cabin and what goes on there, I have to say this book has a lot of sex. Like a lot. Like so much that I skimmed some of it because I can only read so many scenes of fisting for our resident size queen and while I love declarations, there was far too much between these men that it lost all meaning to me. I get that they are devoted, they love one another and there will never be anyone else for either of them but, it was just too much.
And then when it was too much sex, we’d get more of a story that brought me back to the sweet side. As I mentioned before, I like established couples and when both Graham and Elliott have a hard time at work, the other is there for support in any way they can. When Graham goes on tour, I felt how much they missed one another. I myself have only been apart from my husband for a single week and I will admit to losing it at about night three and just wanting to come the fuck home so I get how much they could miss one another for the length of time they are apart.
While the first part of the story is life issues presented followed by a weekend of kinky non-stop sex at the cabin, the second half of the story is pretty emotional after Graham’s accident and all both men go through to make him well. Recovery of any kind a tough as hell road and I like that the author showed sweet Graham to have one hell of a bitchy side when it came to his. Elliott did all that he could to make his lover’s progress go as smooth as possible and was simply there with love and support. This couple really is lovely to read, even with all the sex going on.
At the end, I think this was a sweet story but for me, way too much sex in it. I like my sex but I need a palate cleanser to go along or at least a chance to breathe. Maybe it’s the author's style and we don’t mesh well? I am not sure but even after all of it, Graham and Elliott were worth the read.
April 5, 2012
A very long interlude into the lives of two men who love one another immensely. No actual plot, just small subplots - Elliot's failing business, Graham's musical touring, and then later, Graham's accident and recovery. There is a strong thread of BDSM, mutually shared and enjoyed from both characters. Graham was never 'seriously' punished, despite how many times he forgot [whether by accident or deliberately] to call Elliot 'sir.'
The scenes of conflict were painful and sad, but the characters clung together even when one or the other tried to push away. Their love was that strong.
Yes, Sean Michael has a long-standing habit of writing sex scene after sex scene after sex scene. I keep reading his novels though because he has great originality in most of them, and the connections between his characters just make the whole story worth while.
The scenes of conflict were painful and sad, but the characters clung together even when one or the other tried to push away. Their love was that strong.
Yes, Sean Michael has a long-standing habit of writing sex scene after sex scene after sex scene. I keep reading his novels though because he has great originality in most of them, and the connections between his characters just make the whole story worth while.
June 11, 2010
I really liked Graham, the sensitive musician, and Elliot, the architect who goes into business for himself. I think that their way of connecting with their deepest desires in a cabin away from "real life" was a nice variation on the Dom/sub lifestyle. How they use that space to overcome the small and big disasters in their lives (and yes, there is lots of hot and kinky sex) made for an entertaining story.
July 9, 2010
3.5 stars
"This book is surprisingly sweet despite the many sizzling hot sex scenes. Fans of the author and those looking to read a sweet yet sexy story will enjoy reading it. Recommended."
Complete review posted at Rainbow Reviews
"This book is surprisingly sweet despite the many sizzling hot sex scenes. Fans of the author and those looking to read a sweet yet sexy story will enjoy reading it. Recommended."
Complete review posted at Rainbow Reviews
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August 27, 2010Sometime there is a huge difference from what you do and are in the bedroom from what you really are in your day-to-day life. At the beginning Elliot and Graham seem to respect this assumption: Elliot owns a architecture firm, small but good, and Graham is a composer and performer; they have a good life and a wonderful relationship, and both their jobs have those mix of art and money that allows them to be equal. But sometime Graham has not the strength to face his problem alone, he needs the help of Elliot to find again his balance; when Elliot understands it, and he usually does it immediately, he brings Graham in their little isolated cabin to “play” Dom and submissive. Even if they are well aware that this is not a permanent condition, when they are alone in the cabin, Graham is able to let it go all the tension and to give Elliot the upper hand in their relationship, more he needs it.
But then a suddenly change in Elliot’s work position put at risk their perfect balance: Elliot looses his firm and Graham is the only one with an income; more, to support both of them he has to accept to tour the country, something he doesn’t like since, basically, he is not able to find that balance alone, far away from Elliot. Even if Graham is plenty of supportive with Elliot, I think Elliot feels as he lets Graham down, like he didn’t his best to protect his lover.
In a way what happens to Graham after that is good and bad; bad for sure since it’s a dramatic experience, but in a way it allows once again to Elliot to take care of his lover, without money involved.
As usual in a Sean Michael’s novel there is a lot of sex, probably the story turns around the sex and not vice versa. Almost each chapter begins and ends with the two of them in bed and most of their balance as a couple is given by what they are in the bedroom. Elliot and Graham don’t have a 24/7 BDSM relationship, but for sure, even if Graham doesn’t call Elliot “sir” outside their cabin, both of them knows who is the stronger in the relationship. For this reason Elliot losing his job and basically putting him in a dependence position from Graham was at risk of undermining their relationship. But Elliot and Graham are both lovers than partners and their agreement in and outside the bedroom will help them to find a solution to everything.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1610400038/?...
But then a suddenly change in Elliot’s work position put at risk their perfect balance: Elliot looses his firm and Graham is the only one with an income; more, to support both of them he has to accept to tour the country, something he doesn’t like since, basically, he is not able to find that balance alone, far away from Elliot. Even if Graham is plenty of supportive with Elliot, I think Elliot feels as he lets Graham down, like he didn’t his best to protect his lover.
In a way what happens to Graham after that is good and bad; bad for sure since it’s a dramatic experience, but in a way it allows once again to Elliot to take care of his lover, without money involved.
As usual in a Sean Michael’s novel there is a lot of sex, probably the story turns around the sex and not vice versa. Almost each chapter begins and ends with the two of them in bed and most of their balance as a couple is given by what they are in the bedroom. Elliot and Graham don’t have a 24/7 BDSM relationship, but for sure, even if Graham doesn’t call Elliot “sir” outside their cabin, both of them knows who is the stronger in the relationship. For this reason Elliot losing his job and basically putting him in a dependence position from Graham was at risk of undermining their relationship. But Elliot and Graham are both lovers than partners and their agreement in and outside the bedroom will help them to find a solution to everything.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1610400038/?...
March 1, 2020
This story about Graham, a sensitive musician/composer/conductor, and Elliot, an architect who has gone into business for himself, had me admiring the way they connect not only in everyday life, but also how they deal with the multiple stresses that come with their busy lives. Their way of connecting with their deepest desires in a cabin away from "real life" was a nice variation on the Dom/sub lifestyle. How they use that space to overcome the small and big disasters in their lives - and yes, there is lots of hot and kinky sex - made for an entertaining story with some of the most heated encounters I have read in a while.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 23, 2010
Typical Sean Michael, yes. But I felt a little disappointed - the BDSM was more play/spanking than anything. The story itself just didn't grab me. Sometimes I find Sean's stories to have an interesting plot line/development even though it's expressed in intermittent sentences, but I can't put this one in that category.
March 6, 2017
This is a story of true love through thick and thin with lots of sex and a wonderful Dom/Sub relationship. The Dom/Sub relationship is kept for cabin visits to reign them back in from reality getting overwhelming and not in there day to day lives.
Elliot (El) is an architect that owns his own firm. He loves what he does and, in fact, he designed their house. El is the Dom of the relationship and is absolutely in love.
Graham (G) is a composer and conductor. G is always creating new music and is very good at it. G is the Sub and wants nothing more than El.
I fell in love with this couple right away. Their connection is a real bond and one that everyone wants. Their cabin is their break from life’s troubles and a way to get centered. When Elliot has to file bankruptcy for the firm, Graham takes him to the cabin. As soon as they walk through the cabin door, there’s nothing but them. No problems, no worries and just to be with each other.
This Dom/Sub relationship just made me smile and happy. El is a Dom that loves to push his sub but is so loving and caring about it. G is a receptive Sub and loves being a brat. He tends to forget the word Sir, which may be on purpose. These two fine-tune each other perfectly and have an undying love that I would die for.
This author took a different approach by having hot sexy scenes the first half with character build up. Then, in the second half, you really get to know the characters on a much more personal level. I absolutely loved the devotion these two have for each. When one is down, the other is there to get them through it positively with love and caring ways.
I recommend this book for anyone that likes mushy love and hot sex.
4 OptimuMM's
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
Elliot (El) is an architect that owns his own firm. He loves what he does and, in fact, he designed their house. El is the Dom of the relationship and is absolutely in love.
Graham (G) is a composer and conductor. G is always creating new music and is very good at it. G is the Sub and wants nothing more than El.
I fell in love with this couple right away. Their connection is a real bond and one that everyone wants. Their cabin is their break from life’s troubles and a way to get centered. When Elliot has to file bankruptcy for the firm, Graham takes him to the cabin. As soon as they walk through the cabin door, there’s nothing but them. No problems, no worries and just to be with each other.
This Dom/Sub relationship just made me smile and happy. El is a Dom that loves to push his sub but is so loving and caring about it. G is a receptive Sub and loves being a brat. He tends to forget the word Sir, which may be on purpose. These two fine-tune each other perfectly and have an undying love that I would die for.
This author took a different approach by having hot sexy scenes the first half with character build up. Then, in the second half, you really get to know the characters on a much more personal level. I absolutely loved the devotion these two have for each. When one is down, the other is there to get them through it positively with love and caring ways.
I recommend this book for anyone that likes mushy love and hot sex.
4 OptimuMM's
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
March 1, 2020
This story about Graham, a sensitive musician/composer/conductor, and Elliot, an architect who has gone into business for himself, had me admiring the way they connect not only in everyday life, but also how they deal with the multiple stresses that come with their busy lives. Their way of connecting with their deepest desires in a cabin away from "real life" was a nice variation on the Dom/sub lifestyle. How they use that space to overcome the small and big disasters in their lives - and yes, there is lots of hot and kinky sex - made for an entertaining story with some of the most heated encounters I have read in a while.
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.
April 15, 2012
I enjoyed this story but I didn't love it as much as some of this author's other books. I think maybe it was because at the start of the book Elliot and Graham are already an established couple. At several points in the book the MCs briefly refer to when they first met and I wanted to know all about that! I like watching the couples meet in Sean Michael's books and also seeing them negotiate the rules and boundaries of their relationship. Particularly, I like watching the MCs fall in love and the way that their relationship evolves and develops. Despite this, Elliot and Graham were a great couple and it was nice to see the Dom in the relationship being slightly more vulnerable than usual.
September 15, 2011
This book traversed the fairly typical path I’d expect from this author, but *sheepishly* it’s the literary equivalent of eating comfort food for me:) There were a couple of plot twists that spiced things up a bit. In this case, they included Elliot (the Dom) having some issues with his business and needing Graham (the sub) to step up and be the strong one for a while, and secondly an accident that threatened everything comfortable and familiar for them. The relationship between Elliot and Graham (or “G”) was very lovey dovey and needy, nothing unexpected or terribly kinky (D/s, bondage, toys, spanking, enemas and fisting). All in, I’ll give this one 3.5 stars.
October 23, 2010
Good kinky m/m romance about an architect and a composer who periodically escape to their cabin for a weekend of D/s play. Will that be enough to keep them grounded when their lives go into crisis? 3.5 stars.
June 30, 2018
These men are an established couple and we get to peek into their world. Because of the bond they have formed in the past they are able to weather hardships head on. They fit so well together each complimenting the other. Together they provide the strength to do what needs doing.
October 11, 2021
just the Right Notes
Another beautifully written novel by Sean Michael so worth the read very very enjoyable. These two characters are amazing together puts into perspective how a relationship should be always stuck by his side.
Another beautifully written novel by Sean Michael so worth the read very very enjoyable. These two characters are amazing together puts into perspective how a relationship should be always stuck by his side.
July 12, 2010
Good for SM fans, but not one of his better efforts. Lots of "I love yous" though...
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