Audiobook Review: The Closet Boy (Iron Eagle #4) by Sean Michael

Way’ra Bernard is only twenty years old when his parents kick him out of the house. He has been brought up to believe being gay is wrong and he is going to go to hell for it. He tried very hard not to be gay but couldn’t change the way he felt. Now he’s living furtively in a closet on the third floor of the place he’s working as a janitor—the Iron Eagle Gym.

Neal McPherson is an unattached Dom in his midtwenties and a member of the gym. One evening after working out, he notices Way’ra on the stairs, and he’s immediately attracted and intrigued, so he asks Way’ra out. Unable to come up with a reason to refuse, and also interested in Neal, Way’ra accepts.

There are a lot of obstacles to the relationship they attempt to build after their date, not least of which is Way’ra’s upbringing and his lingering doubts about the kinky sex Neal enjoys. But with patience and persistence, Neal might convince Way’ra not only to accept himself, but to loosen his inhibitions enough to explore and find a happy ending together.

Narrated by: Jeff Gelder
Listening time: 7 hours and 18 minutes

Reviewer: Shee Reader

This is an interesting book, rich with classic Sean Michael insta-lust and soon insta-love, but I kind of liked that, in all honesty!

Way’ra is homeless so sleeps in a closet. Neal tries to coax Way out of his closet (pun intended) and is persistent in his wooing of the fragile young man. Way comes across as a lot younger than Neal, though the years are few, the experiences or lack thereof, makes a big difference. It could feel slightly predatory if not for Sean Michael’s unswerving pursuit of a happy ever after that always includes tonnes of sex!

I loved Way’s discovery that it’s ok to be gay and find happiness is charming, and that Neal wants to meet Way’s needs is cute. My favourite bit was the development of Way’s self esteem.
Jeff Gelder’s slightly breathy and bouncy delivery is unusual, but his voice is so lovely to listen to, that I got used to him in a few lines. The characterisation is super and the warmth is tangible. I enjoyed it so much, I’ve listened to it twice!

Highly Recommended.

I was given free copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review.