Sammy’s Place is the third book in Sean Michael’s Between Friends series, although chronologically it fits in second in the series. This novel can stand alone without the accompanying stories, but readers will enjoy it more if they at least read When Harry Met Jason first.

Sammy’s self-esteem is at an all-time low. Unable to find a job in his chosen field, he is stuck with a menial retail sales job that he hates and doesn’t pay the rent, and he is currently stuck in an abusive relationship with a man who would rather hurt him than love him. The only good thing in his life is his best friend Jason and Jason’s lover Harry. That is, until the day that Sammy meets Peter. Peter is Harry’s best friend, and he seems to be the answer to all of Sammy’s dreams.

When Sammy leaves his abusive lover, he knows that he has taken a step in the right direction. He likes to be dominated, and he likes rough play, but he is not looking to be hurt, and Peter understands just what he needs. As Sammy and Peter explore each other, they begin to build a bond that is both physical and deeply emotional. Harry and Jason don’t understand this unique relationship, however, and they are convinced that Peter is abusing Sammy as badly as others have in the past. Not only do the lovers have to deal with the doubts of their friends, but now Sammy’s ex-lover is stalking him and threatening harm. Who knew that finding love could be so difficult or so dangerous?

In Sammy’s Place, Sean Michael mixes deep emotion and adventurous sex with a dash of suspense and creates a story that is both moving and enjoyable. This is a story about one character, Sammy, rebuilding his self-esteem after a lifetime of being dragged in the dirt. A lot of time is spent on the physical relationship between the two main characters, but this does not detract from the story at all, because it is in that physical relationship that Peter helps to rebuild Sammy’s self-esteem. The story is smoothly plotted, and the characters are so well drawn as to feel almost lifelike. Sammy is a fragile soul – appropriately described as a “flaming queen” by his friend Harry – and desperately needs the backbone that Peter can give him. Peter is dominant but gentle with it.

Although Sammy and Peter explore each other sexually throughout Sammy’s Place, this story is more about love than it is about sex. Mr. Michael doesn’t let you forget that however kinky these two may act – and they do indulge in BDSM play that may very well raise a few readers’ eyebrows – they do it in the name of love. This is underscored by the reaction of their friends, who don’t understand this proclivity. Those readers who are familiar with the Between Friends characters will enjoy reading Sammy’s story. Those who are not will be tempted to read more about them.

Reviewed by: Whitney