Spoken

Hammer #9

by Sean Michael

Kendall thinks he's stuffy, boring, and losing his lover, Eric. He and Eric survived a terrible cancer scare together, but now it seems like Eric is determined to live life to its fullest. Without Kendall. Eric is out every night and every weekend without him, and Kendall is worried that Eric is having an affair. Eric knows now that life is too short to spend it wanting things and not going after them. He wants Kendall, but he also wants to explore his fantasies, things he's been dreaming of all his life. When Eric gets a chance to go to the Hammer, a premiere BDSM club, he jumps at the chance, hoping to find a way to introduce Kendall to the kinds of games he wants to play. When Eric realizes that Kendall is terrified that they're drifting apart, he tries to ease Kendall into the lifestyle he finds so intriguing. Can Eric convince Kendall that he doesn't want to leave, that he just wants them to try new things? Or will Kendall run from the things that scare him, even at the risk of losing Eric? Other novels in the popular Hammer series include Bent and Forged!

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Romance, Adult, Gay

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

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

[Daisiemae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric and Kendall have weathered many storms together. When Eric was diagnosed with Cancer, Kendall was unfailingly devoted at doing everything he could from making sure Eric got well from taking him to his doctor's appointments to being his most important cheerleader...especially when times got tough.

Now as a Cancer survivor, Eric wants to live life to the fullest, and he wants Kendall along for the ride. Kendall on the other hand, is content with his nine to five job, and has no desire to go parachuting or bungee-jumping off of a cliff. Kendall knows Eric loves him, but senses that they are starting to drift apart. He fears that Eric has become bored with him, but doesn't know quite how to fix it.

When Eric starts staying out at night more, Kendall believes that Eric has found someone else and knows that the life he fought for so long is coming to an end. When Kendall decides to confront Eric, he is surprised that not only is Eric NOT cheating on him, but has been meeting with other Doms at the exclusive BDSM club Hammer. Eric's desire to control Kendall in the bedroom has become harder to ignore since he has survived the deadly disease. Eric confides to Kendall that he has been scared of Kendall's reaction to his fantasies and is afraid he will lose Kendall because of them.

Kendall is immediately relieved and intrigued by Eric's confession. Even though Kendall has had no desire to try out bondage and so on, he agrees to try out some new things to keep Eric happy. But, once they start hanging out and expermenting with the BDSM lifestyle, will it be what both of them want out of their relationship?

I loved this book because of the devotion Kendall and Eric have for one another. Even though Eric has the desire to be a Dom, he only wants Kendall. His attraction, love and commitment he has for Kendall was never a question for him. I liked that both men were able to work through hard times, communicate their needs and work as a true partnership that I found endearing as I continued to read their story. Both Kendall and Eric are well suited and very likeable people. They are people I would be proud to call friends and I am glad they found a place in their relationship where they BOTH were comfortable and happy with.

If you are offended by BDSM practices this book may not be for you.

[JenMcJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoken is the third book in the Hammer series. So far it is my least favorite of the four (Bent, Forged, Spoken, Found) because I never did warm up to Eric that much. He started off selfish and self-centered and never did redeem himself fully in my eyes, even though I have to give him props for trying, in an “it’s all about me” sort of way.

But calling it my least favorite still makes it a better book than many others out there. It has all the right elements of romance, angst, tension, sex, self-awareness, hope and renewal that one expects of a great story.

Part of the reason this book does not quite stand up to its brothers is that the premise is weak. I found it really hard to believe that two men in a 9 year relationship that included a year of cancer illness have never had anything but extremely vanilla sex. So much so that just the idea of holding his partner hands down during sex is new and thrilling and something Eric was scared to try.

I think I would have been convinced of his angst if he really wanted to try something more extreme than simple toys and spankings. That seems like something that you can bring up after a couple glasses of wine just a few months or years into your relationship.

Eric has had dominant leanings (according to him) all his life but never said anything because he thought Kendall would not like it. Only after he survives cancer and is nursed through it all by Kendall does Eric decided that he has to break his silence because life is too short. He thinks Kendall will not be able to accept this and he is not sure how he will move forward in the relationship. This is something that bothered me. I do think that if Kendall had not responded to these needs, Eric would have left him in the end. In the way of romances and Happily Ever After everywhere, that doesn’t happen, but I know, deep down, it would have and that leaves me cold toward Eric and dampened by enjoyment of this book.

I could be wrong, but it just seemed like a lot of angst over something trivial and more easily overcome then the selfish and thoughtless way that Eric does it. By the time Kendall is apprised of the true situation with Eric he is so starved for affection that when asked by one of the subbies what he likes best, his first answer is “the attention”. That just made me sad.

As far as the BDSM element in this book, ironically, it is really very vanilla. Eric and Kendall never really do much more than very descriptive talk. They don’t get to any restraining or spanking. Just some toy play. There is no over the top D/s situations at all in this book except maybe by some of the peripheral secondary characters.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that Eric and Kendall have had a long term relationship. It was interesting to watch these two wonderful heroes make efforts to stay together instead of giving up. The love that these two had for one another was very apparent throughout the book. Wonderful reading.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third story in the Hammer series features couple Eric and Kendall. They've been together for 9 years and have been through a lot, including Eric's testicular cancer. Now that he's recovered Eric has discovered a renewed zest for life and an interest in bringing his sexual fantasies to life.

Eric's sudden desire to explore different aspects of his fantasies lead him to form a friendship with some of the other characters from the previous books, Bent and Forged. He visits Hammer and longs to try new things but can't actually bring it up with Kendall for fear of how he will react.

For his part Kendall is a quiet man who prefers to stay home than to go out. As he sees Eric going out more and more and enjoying himself he starts to worry that he will lose his lover. Unaware of what Eric is searching for Kendall is left wondering what is happening to their relationship.

Once Eric begins talking to Kendall their misunderstandings are quickly resolved and they decide to try new things together. Although this book is a part of the Hammer series it is very light on the BDSM. Eric and Kendall have sex, a lot of it, but their relationship is not D/s. They enjoy talking about some of the aspects of D/s, such as the use of toys and bondage, rather than actually doing any heavy kinks.

Since the characters have been together for so long and the plot of the story is basically about rejuvenating Eric and Kendall's sex life there is no real character development in this story. They do learn new things about each other and strengthen their commitment but the emphasis is really on sex. Kendall changes his job towards the end of the story and they go through one more medical problem which in my opinion wasn't researched well enough to have been included in the story.

Although I liked the book I don't believe it's one of the author's best stories and definitely not as good a read as either Bent or Forged. Still, if you're a fan of Sean Michael, as I am, you'll enjoy this book. I recommend it to anyone looking to read an easy story with no real angst or heavy problems other than some initial misunderstandings. This is a story of two men in love rediscovering and redefining their sexual relationship in a new and for them unexpected way.

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little different than the usual Hammer stories

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- I loved reading about a couple who are both discovering their kinky sides at the same time.
- Several characters from other Hammer novels appear in this book, and I enjoyed seeing them befriend and mentor Eric and Kendall. The relationship in this novel is not as hardcore as any of the others referenced (Billy and Tanny from Found, Marcus and Jim from Bent, etc.), but none of the other characters look down on Eric and Kendall’s dynamic.
- Most of Sean Michael’s D/s characters fit into certain molds: the subs are uncertain and flighty, and the Doms are incredibly confident and suave. Much as I enjoy those molds, it was nice to read a story in which the characters seem a bit more original.

CONS:
- There’s probably too much sex for a lot of readers. I like Michael’s sex-heavy writing style, and even I have to put his stories down now and then and take a breather because the monotony gets to me.
- The editing is pitiful. Not as bad as it is in this writer’s more recent works, but still quite sad.

Overall comments: Usually, BDSM stories involve people who are both/all already in the lifestyle or one who’s being lovingly introduced by his more experienced partner(s). I loved seeing the awkward fumbling that occurs periodically as these two characters forge into kinkdom together. This isn’t the best written of Michael’s Hammer books, but these are two of my favorite Hammer characters.

[A.K.M. Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoken is proof that Sean Michael is either (A) the pen name used by two different writers or (B) suffers from split personality disorder. This book is part of the Hammer series and shares some traits with Sean’s typical work but also surprisingly (in a good way) deviates from the writer’s norm.

It has the typical sex scenes and suffers from minor over usage of certain phrases and word. However, it never totally sinks into the MINE, YOURS, BABY, LOVE, or LOVER that the other books in this series are burdened down with. This book is more about heart, feelings and the love the MCs share.
Kenny and Eric are foremost a couple. They have been together in a vanilla relationship for over nine years. They love and respect each other and have built a life together. Unlike the other books these two share joint bank accounts, budget, retirement accounts etc. You never get that sharing with the other couples in the series.

Eric has recovered from testicular cancer and is ready to make some changes. Kenny is a home body. He is shy and loves hearth and home. Eric finally works up enough courage to tell Kenny about his sexually fantasies. The two work together to figure out what part of the lifestyle they want. Neither wants pain, kneeling, Sir/Master, or following orders like the others in their circle of new friends. Eric likes spending time giving Kenny pleasure with toys and words. Kenny loves the “spoken” when Eric tells him all the things he is going to do to him.

If Sean does suffer from split personalities, I wish the personality that created Spoken and the Manny series would get to come out and write more often!

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although part of the Hammer series I wouldn't consider this one actually BDSM. I'm not usually too big on books with established couples but for some reason I really enjoyed this one. From the start I liked Eric and especially Kendall. I found their relationship intriguing and their forays into testing the waters of the lifestyle interesting.

[Mary Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicing up a relationship with a few toys is good

Who says you can't fall in love with someone again these !an did and added a few plugs nipple clamps and a whole lofts love ...so hot 🔥

[Kassa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb is a rather thorough summary of the book with very few added surprises so if it sounds good to you, you most likely will enjoy this quick and easy read. Although this is technically a book set within the “Hammer” series, the BDSM aspects of the book are very light and almost negligible. The book focuses on the renewed sexual connection between Kendall and Eric as they rejuvenate their relationship after a cancer scare. Written with Michael’s trademark emphasis on lots of hot sex with just a hint of kink laced in with likable enough characters, fans of the author will enjoy this fun read while those new to the Hammer series can easily pick this story up without having read any prior books.

The plot is somewhat weak considering there is not much of one. The book focuses on the sex between Kendall and Eric, and there is a lot of sex. Jumping from sex scene to sex scene with a good bit of dialogue and lack of angst make for a very fast read but leave little in the way of plot progression. Eric mentions his fantasies to Kendall, which revolve around light bondage and use of sex toys but nothing that most fun, semi-adventurous couples wouldn’t explore on their own. The mere mention of these fantasies seems to add excitement to their sexual escapades without actually doing them. There is a bit of power play hinted at but it’s more so delayed satisfaction than focus on the actual power dynamics inherent within dominance and submission. Both Eric and Kendall openly admit they are not interested in power plays as much as an added sexual thrill to their relationship. The incorporation of the Hammer BDSM club and individuals within provide more of a friend basis that both characters lack than the addition of BDSM to the couple’s sexual exploits.

Due to the emphasis on sex within the book, there is also very little character progression. The story opens after Kendall and Eric have been together nine years and been through quite a bit, including Eric’s fight with testicular cancer. Because of the established nature of the relationship and characters, the book focuses on their renewed sex life and infuses new energy and vitality to possible doldrums. The relationship actually reads as if they were starting over with the fresh excitement to see each other, whole weekends lost to sex, and the rush of heady emotion. Both Kendall and Eric reiterate, almost ad nausea, their overwhelming love for each other. While there is no question they are committed to each other and yes, love each other, the repetition grew old after a while when it seemed to be one of the only things they did say to each other.

Eric comes across as a rather selfish character with his emphasis on living life, without his partner. He later blames his sudden desire to be out and about with friends on his growing need for something more out of their relationship and reveals his sexual longings. Eric seems to entirely drop all his extracurricular activities such as sky diving once the bedroom antics between he and Kendall heat up. However, the implication is still clear that without the added sexual adventure, Eric would be off seeking his thrills another way. He does redeem himself somewhat with the realization of his selfish behavior but whether he has changed is questionable as again, the story focuses on their sex and not so much on character development and progression.

Kendall for his part is likable enough as a brainy librarian who is rightly worried that his lover is seeking fun elsewhere. In an attempt to keep Eric happy, Kendall eagerly agrees to the sex games Eric wants to play and surprises himself by getting into them as well. However, Kendall constantly needs reassurance that Eric loves him, needs him and is happy with him. This might stem from the recent activities Eric has taken up, but also seems to be a part of Kendall’s personality that he needs almost constant reassurance. There is an additional side story about Kendall changing jobs, but it’s abrupt as Kendall is depicted as quite happy in his job at the onset.

Although the two men never really talk about anything other than sex, when to have sex, what to try next, what turns them on and the friends they’ve made that also like kinky sex ~ the story is easy to read and the sex is yes, hot and kinky. With the overuse of nicknames and “babe” and a questionable plot, this slides more onto the side of erotica with a heavy dose of romance than an erotic romance. The writing is decent and fun to read making for a quick story that will please fans. It’s not the best book in either the series or Michael’s backlist but it’s pretty typical of the author. Be sure to ignore the medical aspects of the MRSA, which are utterly ridiculous and show the absolute lack of any research done for the book. The whole aside can be cut from the book, which would actually improve the story. But if you’re looking for a guaranteed hot read without much in the way of story or character progression with an emphasis on sex, this is exactly what you’ll want.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually, I can count on more story with the longer SM books, but this one had less than I was expecting. Still all the needing, caring, and possessive kinky sex a reader could want.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. It was far from the usual predictability of the Hammer novels. I liked that Kendall and Eric were kinky, but not necessarily lifestyle Dominant/submissives. It was a nice change, and I liked the emphasis placed on the different ways people live a D/s lifestyle. (Sean Michael particularly focused on the fact that different people get different things out of kinky lifestyles, that no two couples (or three- or four- etc somes) live exactly the same way, and that there is no One Twue Way--partners customize the lifestyle to fit their needs.) The characters, as per usual in the Hammer novels, were sweethearts. They were easy to fall in love with and to cheer on! The story wasn't my favorite of all Sean Michael's plots (I'm a sucker for the Dom Charming rescues a feisty sub and they learn and grow and live happily-ever-after plots--possibly because I'm something of a feisty sub myself :)) but it was by far one of his best-written.
All in all, one of my favorite kinky novels.

[Tamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

After surviving the "c-year" Eric is ready to get out and really live life, and live his fantasies. He's out making new friends and finding new interests but along the way he may be losing his partner, Kendall.

Kendall also survived Eric's "c-year" but now that Eric is healthy and doing so well Kendall is afraid that Eric thinks he is boring and that they are going to end up splitting up.

Eric wakes up and realizes that even though he wants to go out and live his fantasies, those fantasies INCLUDE Kendall. So they begin some life changes and adventuring, together.

I've been reading a lot of Sean Michael lately, in fact this was the last of about 12 that I had on my reader, and luckily I saved the best for last. This was a loving story about two partners rediscovering their love for each other while learning new things about themselves.

Great story, Highly recommended. ENJOY!!!

[Jimmy Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Hot, hot, hot! The Kendall/Eric pairing is enigmatic simply because they've been together for so long, already have a loving relationship that kind of got derailed but is still holding on, somewhat desperately in Kendall's case.
It was interesting, reading about the introduction of the Hammer and BDSM scene to a pair who - previously - had no experience in it. Ollie's helping of Eric and everyone's encouragement for both Kendall and Eric was heartening in a way that I've found to be prevalent in the Hammer novels. Also, the very definite line that both Eric and Kendall draw, about it being only for play and most definitely not master/slave or to be 24/7 by any means, is kind of refreshing after having been so involved in the Marcus/Jim pairing and the Billy/Tanny pairing.
AND, I finally got to find out what the whole "figs" thing was about ... hehehehe. ^_^;;

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the Hammer series and this book in particular was one of my favorites.

Why? Because instead of the usual older man takes younger man under his wing and slowly but surely unveils his submissive side, you have two characters who have been in an established vanilla relationship for several years.

Eric, who had survived cancer, lives his life to the fullest and he eventually discovers the dominant side of his personality. I liked the way that the author weaved him into the existing Hammer environment but I have to tell you that I was put off by Oliver's questioning of Eric (do you need another sub?). I think he pushed that comment twice in the book and that really ticked me off. I felt like Oliver wasn't respecting the relationship between Eric and Ken.

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I've owned this book for a while, I still hesitated to read it; probably because I wasn't sure how much of the book was taken up with Kendall feeling as though his partner is cheating on him. I really enjoyed this, though, and while other books in the series showcased bringing someone into the bdsm scene, this one wasn't as hardcore into it. I liked that the book dealt with an established couple and that they didn't dive into the deep end with the kinky things. It was more about reconnecting and expanding their horizons a little. Now that I've actually read this one, I know I'll read it again in the future.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of Kendall and Eric. They already had a long term established relationship and had already had to over come as they called it the big C. I also appreciated the way that it was shown that there are as many ways to approach BDSM as their are people participating in it. Also, when Eric's interest leads to misunderstanding he is more than willing to apologize. This is a couple with a very strong relationship and it gives them the freedom to find out what they want and what they don't.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if it was that they were a long standing couple or that the words "I love you" were thrown around every second page. I just couldn't get into this one. I really like Sean Michael so this isn't the end for me!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my LEAST favorite of the Hammer series. Audiophilia isn't that much of a kink to me *shrugs*

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

always good. This is one to show us that BDSM can mean many different things.

[Marsha Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. I loved the couple being long term and one finally admitting to what he needs. Just loved the whole idea!

[Lee Brazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

my fave in this series so far... I liked both characters

[Me Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This couple are good for each other. Book was very good from start to finish.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the way I think normal average coulpes in the real world start out exploring the BDSM world.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little change up from the same old typical Hammer story. Still, it didn't wow me.

[Sara]

both of them are bumbling and clueless, total turn off.

[Becky Condit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trish's review: http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....