About Gravity, a Hammer Novel
by Sean Michael
212 pages / 51700 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-725-0
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It's never easy to run into an ex-lover, especially when the break-up
was a bad one. That's exactly what happens to Hunter Barrister one evening
at the Hammer, though, and he's more upset over seeing the amazingly
beautiful Forrest Greune again than he ever thought he could be. When he
finds out that Forrest is not only back in town for good, but wants to join
the Hammer Club, board member Hunter balks and refuses to give his
consenting vote.
Forrest, a now retired model, isn't the same flighty young thing he was when
he and Hunter were together, and he wishes Hunter could just move on. When
that doesn't happen, he finds himself amusing himself, elsewhere with
disastrous results. Broken and injured, Forrest is surprised to find Hunter
the one at his bedside, the one who sticks with him and offers support
through everything.
Can Forrest and Hunter put their history behind them and be what they need
for each other, or will guilt, fear and the past put an end to the
relationship neither of them seem to be able to abandon?
Review
Jane Davitt, author of Drawing Closer and Wild Raspberries, writes: I love the
stories I've read so far in the 'Hammer' series and this was a wonderful
addition to it. Moving and emotionally compelling, 'Gravity' is a romance of
regrets transformed through tragedy into second chances. The story
introduces us to Hunter, bitter when he sees his former sub Forrest walk
back into the club years after cheating on him and breaking up their
relationship. Forrest was a model and he's still gorgeous, confident, and
hot and Hunter's reaction to seeing him again is intense enough that it
tells its own story.
I was as indignant as Hunter over Forrest's actions at first, but like him,
I didn't have all the facts and before long the story twists -- and then is
turned on its head by an act of violence that comes close to taking
everything away from both men. The story is heartbreaking at times, but
never depressing. There's too much being rediscovered, too much progress
being made for that. I was caught up in Hunter and Forrest's journey,
willing them on to find their happy ending.
The story is enriched by the secondary characters, particularly Oliver and
Jack, friends of both men, who provide much-needed emotional support and
love. I really liked them and what they brought to the book.
A beautiful example of hurt/comfort at its finest.
Sample
It had been a long damn day and Hunter Barrister was more than happy to be sliding into a chair at the Hammer, a sweet twink at his elbow, wanting to know exactly what he wanted. It didn't get much better than that.
"I want a shot of whiskey and a beer chaser."
"Yes, Sir." The sweet boy gave him the dearest little grin.
He smiled back, relaxing, feeling better already. He did love his club. He'd been a member for a little under eight years, and each year got better than the last. He watched the cute little ass as it disappeared toward the bar.
"Still hunting the young ones?" The voice was husky, low. Horribly familiar, for all he hadn't heard it in years. Fucking Forrest Greune.
Hunter's hands curled into fists. He looked over, hoping Forrest had turned into a troll or a beast or something. It hadn't happened. Hell, if anything Mr. All-American was more beautiful than ever. Bright blue eyes, perfectly trimmed hair, lightly muscled body dressed in perfectly fashionable clothes. A desperate surge of need went through him.
Fucker.
"Look what the rats dragged in." He could have kicked himself for the words; he didn't want Forrest to get the wrong idea and think he had any feelings left for the asshole. Even if he did. No, especially if he did.
"Not so. Jack invited me. Have you seen him?"
"I'm not the maître’d here."
"No. That's fairly obvious. You're one of the old bar flies, still in your same stool."
Anger flared, hot and sudden -- how could the man still get under his skin just like that? He stood, glaring down at Forrest. "I pay a membership here, yes. That gives me privileges and you don't have a single one, so if you don't want to be thrown out on your ass I suggest you get out of my sight."
Fuck, but the man was sex on legs.
"Gladly. Honestly, I was hoping you'd just moved on." Ice blue eyes stared him down, then the man just turned on his heel and walked away. Like Hunter meant nothing to Forrest.
God damn it.
Hunter clenched his teeth together to keep from spewing something nasty out. This was his club. His place. Forrest had no right. The man had played with him, but had never truly committed. Then he'd cheated. And now Forrest had the gall to come back in here and insult him?
Fucker.
Asshole.
Dickwad.
Punk.