TMI

ILYBSM #2

by J.E. Birk, Rachel Ember, Leslie McAdam

Two firefighters. One twink. Can an evil twin, a small-town holiday competition, and revealed secrets bring them together?

I returned to Vermont to write an article about Mayor Doug McEmbirk and his town’s battle to win their local Holiday-Off. Even before I knew him, I had a crush on him. Because have you seen the man? OMG. With his big biceps and easy charm, Doug’s straight out of my firefighter fantasies. But I wasn’t planning on my inconvenient attraction to his scowly, grumpy roommate, Zeke, who’s the identical twin of my high school bully. That’s… messy.

Life gets even messier when Zeke confesses to the entire town that he’s bisexual—and that he’s been in love with Doug for years. Problem is, Doug’s straight.

Or is he?

Now, I’m on a mission to bring these two hot men together. I volunteer my services as a love coach, because these burly guys can’t even kiss without my assistance. Except both men seem to be into me as well. This is one confusing holiday season.

Things only get more complicated when meddling newspaper editors and kidnapped cows become involved. Not to mention some accidental texts and eggnog-fueled confessions. Will Zeke, Doug, and I be able to navigate our newfound feelings? Or is this relationship as doomed as the Holiday-Off competition appears to be?

TMI is a holiday m/m/m romance that includes a grandma-chic house, lots of cheer, and many OTT fantasies. It stars Max, a journalist without a filter, Zeke, a grumbly Viking pirate, and Doug, a himbo mayor who makes excellent cinnamon rolls. Cameos from Sherbert and the guys from ILYBSM included. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, M M M, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Holiday, Polyamory

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2023

About the author

J.E. Birk was raised in Vermont and is now adulting in Colorado with intermittent success. She is a long-time lover of stories, and she writes and reads in worlds where imperfect characters find their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

TMI is book two in the ILYBSM series by the amazing trio of authors, J.E. Birk, Rachel Ember and Leslie McAdam. This book was simply adorable. It is pretty much zero angst and full of swoons and smiles. I think I enjoyed it even more than the first book!



Max Rivers is a freelance journalist. After a local journalist for La Fierte, Vermont wrote a scathing article about their new young mayor, Max is on the case to find the real story. But he is apprehensive about his stay in La Fierte because he grew up in the town right next door and was bullied his entire childhood by a certain person. When he arrives at his Airbnb he is shocked when the bully he has never gotten over walks in, only to soon discover it’s not him at all but his twin brother, Zeke. Zeke is best friends with the mayor and they share the house.



Doug McEmbirk is twenty eight years old and is the mayor of La Fierte, Vermont. He and Zeke James have been best friends since childhood and roommates since they were eighteen. Both are also firefighters. Doug is like the sunshine, always smiling, upbeat, maybe a little naive. Zeke is the grumpy scowler. His life hasn’t been easy. His parents divorced when he was eight and he is forced to deal with his horrible excuse of a dad and his bully of a twin brother. Zeke also has a huge secret that he hasn’t shared with anyone. He is bi-sexual and he has been in love with his best friend, Doug, for years.



Both Doug and Zeke are huge men, muscles and brawn for miles. Max, on the other hand, is small. I adored Max. It didn’t take him long to figure out what was going on between Doug and Zeke. And he decided he would be the one to bring these two together, declaring himself their coach. The last thing he ever expected, though, is for these two men who starred in every fantasy Max has ever had, to also fall for him!

“I’m here to write an article, but my new roommates are stirring up more sinful thoughts than journalistic ones.”

I think I smiled most of the way through this book. There were hi-jinks galore! As well as a town dedicated to beating their neighboring town in the Holiday-Off, a town decorating competition between the two towns. But along the way, these three men discover that love has many definitions. And Doug finds out the true impact he is able to have as mayor of the city he loves.

This was just such a wonderful, feel good story and I adored it. These three authors clearly work beautifully together and I hope to see more of their collaborations in the future.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet holiday story filled with the same humor and heart that made book one in this series so enjoyable for me last year. The romance, however, was a bit lackluster for me. While the three men were cute together, and it was clear they gave each other strength, the chemistry didn’t shine through for me in the intimate moments. I wanted more between Doug and Zeke during the heated scenes, but each one was centered almost entirely on Max. I liked Max, and am glad he was fully included, but all the years Zeke spent longing for Doug did not translate into their physical connection, and it was disappointing. This was still overall very sweet; I just preferred the first book.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fab poly romance from these three authors

I really liked the first book these three wrote together, so I had high hopes for this one too.

In the main, they were all met. My only complaint is that I wanted more and one of the times they were together took a kinky turn I don't think had perhaps had enough build up for it to not feel slightly awkward when reading.

However, that's not to say it wasn't written well, that isn't the case, it was more that it seemed a bit stilted rather than it organically developing from their continued growth and a throuple.

But, that's my only niggle, it was still pretty hot in the execution and overall the feelings this book created were very strong and solid.

It's got the same humorous tone at times as the first book did and we get to catch up with the '3way' at the Christmas tree farm, plus everyone's favourite cantankerous goat also makes an appearance.

We also get cows with strange markings, a local paper having a mean-spirited attack on our erstwhile Mayor Doug, and family dramas with unexpected outcomes.

On the way, it touches on more serious subjects, including bullying, as well as examining what makes a place special.

I adored all three of the men in this story but I must admit to an extra fondness for Zeke, who finally gets the courage to tell his best friend he's been in love with him for years.

This is very much an all parts equal relationship, it never feels like Max is a third wheel addition.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I need like a minute to put together a review ...

BUT, funny story ... Yesterday afternoon I went full on panic mode on Heather from 1852 Media (PR handling this promotion) because I was like "whaaaaaaaaaat? my calendar says December 7 and I just got this last Wednesday and I can't possible read this by tomorrow (that's today for those of you coffee deprived right now (me, I'm the coffee deprived)) #sendhelp *cries hard*"

Well, clearly all that was unnecessary because I don't even think I blinked the entire duration of my reading. Yes, it is THAT entertaining!!!

I'll be back with more words .... (but it's available NOW, so you can go do the thing :) https://geni.us/TMIRomance)

[mimiroscoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Periodically confusing

This wasn't necessarily a BAD book? But I found the tone confusing and now I wonder if I was picking up on there being 3 authors. The book was cutesy small town drama then it was suddenly super kinky in one scene without any buildup? Also, I hated all the text convos and especially the "oops, wrong chat" stuff. That's funny once and never again.

[Scarlette Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

TMI TYSM

This review is being written late at night and with no professionalism whatsoever, but, I couldn’t not leave one! This was such a great follow up to ILYBSM, which I adored. It can be hard for a sequel to make me feel as good as the first, especially when the first is a book I REALLY loved, but I think this did it! I love the characters so much and I loved their journey together so much. My only complaint is that I can’t read more of them right now, immediately. If you enjoyed ILYBSM, you need to read TMI ASAP!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. The combination of drama, tension, raw emotions, steam, heart, humor and intense feels is seductive and quickly and easy ensnares you in a luscious web that you are thrilled to be in. A truly fabulous read!!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of fun, with deep emotions and a surface lightness and humor. There were so many funny, snarky moments. I really enjoyed it.

KU

[Katy Cuthbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING!!! I absolutely loved every bit of it!!!!!! It’s five stars and then some!

[Tanathebookworm_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me. While I did enjoy Zeke, Doug, & Max as characters, and their connections with each other, I didn't buy the romance so much. They had sexual chemistry but I didn't see the romantic chemistry as much as I would have liked. I also would have liked to see more of Doug & Zeke being intimate together. It felt like when it came to the smut scenes it was all about Max. Lucky Max, but considering Zeke has been in love with Doug for 15 years I would have liked to see their physical connection more. Also, the parts of the story involving the Holiday-off were just a little too cheesy for me.

That being said there were moments I enjoyed. The group chat at the start of every chapter, Max giving TMI, and what Doug decided to do at the end.

Best friend who doesn’t know that I’m bi or in love with him: check.
Brand-new crush who can’t stop looking at me like I’m the devil incarnate: check.
Happy fucking holidays to me.

I’m used to people not warming up to Zeke right away. He has that growly face. And then there’s the actual growling. And the swearing. He works pretty hard to keep it a secret, but Zeke is the nicest and most thoughtlessly generous and awesome person in the world.

“I don’t know,” he murmurs. “I don’t know what I feel. All I know is that you’ve always been the person I wanted to see every day. You’ve always been the person I wanted to come home to, ever since we started living together. No one on earth is more important to me than you, Zeke. And I always thought, sure, that’s how best friends are supposed to be.

“I know he’s supposed to just be a journalist working on an article,” he says. “But he’s more than that, already. You know?”
“He is,” I agree gruffly. He’s so much fucking more than that. He’s Max. He’s energy and light, full of a kind of individualized self-confidence that I can only ever imagine having. He hasn’t been staying with us very long, and it already feels like he’s changed our entire house. Changed us.
Without Max, I’m not sure I ever would have been able to do what I did at the town hall yesterday. I’m not sure I ever would have told Doug the truth.
I just hope that truth hasn’t come at too high of a price.

As our eyes lock, I realize just how pretty Max’s are behind his glasses. I always knew I liked them, but now I see how many different shades of blue are floating through them, swirling and intermingling with one another like a painting that’s not quite finished.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



When Max returns to Vermont, the last place he ever thought he'd go back to, he has misgivings. His high school years were not good, and now he finds one of his new roommates is the twin of the guy who made his childhood a living hell. But is it possible he'll actually find love and the fulfillment of all his fantasies?



Zeke has a secret, well, 2 secrets, that he hasn't told his best friend and roommate. They're secrets he can't tell or risk losing his friendship with Doug. But when investigative journalist Max comes to town and rents a room from Doug, he somehow becomes the catalyst for all 3 of them coming together. The grumpy firefighter, the happy go lucky mayor, and the newcomer. But is Max going to stick around after he completes his article on Doug?



Max, Zeke and Doug are so perfect for each other. Max is the catalyst - for them to find love, to explore their fantasies, to find their identities. Along the way they all did some healing, came to some realizations, and of course, fell headlong in love. I couldn't have asked for a better holiday love story!



ARC provided by 1852 Media for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a dirty Christmas romcom movie, then TMI checked all the boxes with this book in that genre. It includes holiday shenanigans, a small town curmudgeon, the best dirty fantasies turned real life and super steamy, best friends to lovers, and great secondary characters. TMI is the the perfect holiday book to kick off the Christmas season.

This is a new holiday story from McAdam, Birk, and Ember, the writing trio that loves bringing trios together at the holiday time.🔥TMI is a story that brings two long-time best friends even closer and heals some old wounds from their B&B guest while he's there to write a story about the Holiday-Off, a holiday competition between two small Vermont towns and the hot mayor, who also happens to be a fireman, that is under fire for said competition. 🤣 I can't help myself with a good pun.

Zeke and Doug have been friends since their childhood, whereas Max grew up in a town nearby. Max isn't exactly excited to be back in Vermont, as he was bullied as a child, but he does love his job and the thought of interviewing two hot firefighters certainly lights his fire. Luckily he'll be staying with two dreamy firemen, it's basically fulfilling one of his hot fantasies, but all dreaming aside, once Max sets aside his childhood trauma he becomes the flint to set the fire on some very big pieces of wood.😉 I literally can't help myself.🤣

Doug and Zeke may have always been best friends and even done basically everything thing together, but Zeke has been holding a secret for a very long time, he harbors feelings for Doug and its not until Max enters their lives that his truth actually spills out, and then shockingly once that fire is lit, it's hard to put out, making for one hot Christmas. I'm sorry, I'll try to stop.

And...the fantasies...my, oh my...Max sure knows how to get Doug and Zeke talking and going for TMI. I loved it because that is my modus operandi 🤣 I try to warn people I have no filter, but that TMI usually just comes running right out. 😉 Hence, I loved Max and his open loving heart and total lack of filter. He may not have known Zeke or Doug long, but sometimes you just know when you meet someone and that person fits so easily into your life and they just make everything better. Max is the jelly in their peanut butter sandwich, he is the bridge that connects their paths, he just fits and slides...wink, wink...perfectly between them. If you couldn't tell, this new book is full of fun, holiday spirit, and steamy good times. Well...I tried.

With a wink and a nod to all three authors in Doug's last name of McEmbirk and of course the obvious listing of the authors names on the cover, TMI contains the best fusion of writing talent. Honestly, if there weren't three names listed on the book cover, I wouldn't know this book was written by three individual people, with that being said, I really hope this isn't the last we see of McEmbirk😉 and that they continue writing together.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I loved this story, it was the perfect mix for a sweet, hilarious, not too much spicy MMM book.
We already met Doug and Zeke, the hot firefighters who help at the 3way farm, in ILYBSM: Zeke is handsome, grumpy, practical, protective, Doug is a sunshine guy, generous, altruistic, always ready to help, who decided to run for mayor election to help save the firehouse. Doug is straight while Zeke is a closeted bisexual and he's been in love with his best friend for years.
They live together and they have a solid routine based on their closeness and the ability to read each other very well.
The one who will shake the situation is Max.
Max is a journalist just arrived in town to interview the mayor; he's not a stranger, though, because he spent his teenage years in the close city, being severely bullied by Zeke's twin, Jonah. Max is extrovert, blunt, honest, he will provide the sparkle that will push Zeke to admit his feelings and Doug to take a chance on the two of them.
After a initial shock, Zeke and Doug grow closer but they soon realise that something is missing: their connection is not complete without Max.

I really really like that the dynamic 2 tops / 1 bottom was not the popular one I often see in MMM stories: Max is not their toy to use whenever they like; he's more like a catalyst, a facilitator who will help them to overcome their insecurities until the intimacy will feel easier and natural.
I also loved how the author handled the fact that Zeke was in love with Doug and how they made Max slowly insert himself into their established friendship/relationship; Max was never the odd man, he was equally loved and cherished by the two men, both physically and emotionally.
Like Jeb, Adam and Embry's relationship, in this throuple there isn't a person who dominate over the others or one who's completely submissive. Instead, there's a solid balance between them.

The hilarious parts, like in ILYBSM, are the group chats: I wish the author would write bonus scenes totally about those chats, they would be a great gift for the readers.
Laslty, I wouldn't have minded read more about the guys of the 3way farm and Sherbert is still terrifying.

I don't know if the authors are planning on writing more books in this series, there are some characters worth to know more about. We'll see.

In the meantime, I absolutely recommend this book.

[Drew H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so a firefighter himbo, a grump with a heart of gold, and twink reporter walk into an AirBNB.

Chaos ensues.

This was a really good time! Honestly, I liked the coming together of the relationship so much more than the first one, because the addition of Max who is new(ish) to town and changes the whole dynamic, who Doug and Zeke hadn't known prior, made the whole thing a lot more organic feeling. As opposed to the first book which was mostly internal and interpersonal drama between the boys, this book had some actual external drama for them to deal with, which is honestly why I feel better about their relationship than the first one. They were very us vs. the problems, and I lived. Yes, both of the external conflicts wrapped a little quickly and implausibly, but let's be so serious, I did not come to this holiday queer male throuple romance sequel set in the midst of a Holiday-Off between two rival Vermont towns for realistic drama de-escalation.

I was here for the boys, and the boys boyed wonderfully! Each boy was one of my all-time favorite romance boy tropes: Hard Boy Receives Affection And Is Finally Allowed To Be Soft, Bullied Queer Boy Finds Inner Peace Once He Realizes He's Safe Here, and Yes He's A Naive Idiot But He's MY Naive Idiot And I'll Be DAMNED If You Make Him Feel Bad About Himself. And I ate up every goddamn moment of them together. Especially that one sex scene. You know the one. But also just all the quiet moments where they find comfort with each other and can't keep their hands off each other. A story like this, with two childhood best friends and all the one-sided pining that entailed, and then the addition of a new boy, could have so easily been imbalanced in favor of Doug/Zeke's relationship, with Max thrown in to check the box, and it never felt like that.

Unlike the last book, this didn't feel like they were setting up another story at the end (unless it's Marty and Samara, but idk) so this might be the end of the road, but also PLEASE HOLY SHIT DO NOT LET THIS BE THE END OF THE ROAD, GIVE ME HOLIDAY QUEER MALE THROUPLE ROMANCE 2024 I BEG...

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee's Grade: A

Kink:🚦🚦🚦/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬.5/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5


** If the score is ONE EMOJI that means little to none of whatever category/trope was present in the book.

Zeke and Doug have been best friends most of their lives. They do everything together. The only aspect of their lives they don't share is there love lives because Zeke has been secretly in love with Doug for years.

Hurricane Max blows into town with hos own baggage. He's still a total delight. He helps the men finally come to terms with their feelings only to catch his own for both of them.

I loved their dynamic as a triad. Given Doug and Zeke's history the book does a great job of developing an individual relationship between Doug & Max and Max & Zeke and all three of them together. I would have loved to see more of was Doug & Zeke in their new dynamic though. One of the most important conversations they have takes place during a chapter that is in neither of their POV. It was also important because they'd had a pretty big disagreement that we didn't get to witness the resolution of.

Sometimes it felt like Max was all that mattered. Max was awesome I loved him. I understand why the guys did too. I just would've loved to see more of just the two of them as well.

However, as an MMM story the books gives all the feels. You get the long time love and insta love they both feel for Max. The communication between the men is great. It's pretty low angst. Most of the drama is outside of their relationship. You will love these men and the way they love each other.

[Victoria Pritchett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I am a 'fun reader' not a 'critical reader' so there's a lot of stuff I don't notice or can get past, but this book just didn't sit completely right with me.
So there's 3 men - I understood that going in, I wanted that when picking up this book.
One man was bullied in high school, and his bullies twin is one of the guys he gets with.
The twin is very nice and sweet - and obviously the bully was not.
When they first met, he thought the twin WAS the bully (that misunderstanding didn't last long at all thankfully).
After all the men are together for a bit and had some fun time together (sex, they had sex) the one guy admits that there were some times where he was turned on when getting bullied - his bully having power over him and such.
Normally I don't read bully romances (I don't get the 'romance' part in those - but that's just me) but occasionally I can get past it if it's not a lot. I was willing to with this one - I loved the first book so much, and I liked this one up until this part.
His 2 men were so quick to go along with bullying during their next time together - which felt weird given their characters up until this point. And they used the exact same words and nicknames the bully used (including calling the mans parts, female parts - I don't know what words GR allows so I apologize for not just saying them) - they had a safe word, so technically that wasn't an issue. It was how fast they agreed to it. And I was stuck on this: You hated your bully, hated what he did. And you want his twin, who looks just like him, to call you the same things, and call your parts the same words, that your bully did? That just sat weird to me.

If you can get past that it's a good book for a 'fun reader' - and I finished it, just felt really off in a few chapters because of what I said above. And I am glad there's not a third book in the series - because while I loved the first, I don't think I could read more after what happened in this one.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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My favourite writing throuple brings us another trio this holiday season. It’s got all the best parts of a Christmas story - small-town inter-city holiday competition, a curmudgeonly elderly newspaperman, and townsfolk who are all up in your business. But these men aren’t going to sleep with visions of sugar plums dancing - Zeke, Doug, and Max are all safely on Santa’s naughty list with the fantasies they’re imagining. Get ready for some TMI!

This story brings together tall and built childhood best friends Zeke and Doug. They work together as a fireman, but Doug has also been elected mayor. And he’s in the hot seat thanks to an editorial that wasn’t too kind of the truly sweet and precious Doug. Zeke is his protector and cheerleader. He may grunt a lot, but believe me he is a marshmallow of a man.

Max finds his way into the middle of these two hulking men when comes to town to write a story about the mayor the holiday competition. He’s also renting a room from them. This spitfire of a man with absolutely no filter brings a level of cheery chaos (and dirty fantasies) that makes a beautiful (and steamy) addition to this polycule.

It’s not all fun and cow-napping, there is plenty of introspection, healing, and personal growth for all three of these men (and a few others two) to make this a perfect holiday read.

PS. If you’ve read ILYBSM you’ll be happy to know Sherbert is still gleefully causing chaos amongst all that come to visit him.

These three authors are all amazing in their own right, but together they make magic

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year ILYBSM (I Love You Both So Much) was one of my December of 2022 top reads. So to say I was ready for Zeke and Doug’s book was a serious understatement. We met lots of people in ILYBSM, but there were two that stuck out the most and they were Zeke and Doug.
Doug is the mayor of the small town La Fierte and is also a firefighter in town. If you look up cinnamon roll hero in the dictionary this man's gorgeous face would be in there. He is so kind, open hearted, generous, and loving. He recently took over living in his grandmother's large old house in town and has his best friend Zeke lives with him. In order to make a little extra money they decide to rent rooms on a room share app, and that is where freelance reporter Max comes in. Max back in his hometown to write a follow up holiday story ends up staying with Doug and Zeke. Their introduction via text message is hilarious and continues throughout the book ... .the text messages might be one of my favorite things about this series because each character's personality really gets to shine! Max, while successful and awesome, has some strong reservations about being back in Vermont and facing the bully that made his life hell in high school.
Zeke is living with his best friend that he is also in love with but hasn’t really admitted it to Doug or many others. While Zeke might come off as the broodiest grump around this strong firefighting hockey coach has the biggest softest heart around. And his biggest soft spots are Doug and Max.
As feelings are shared and the three men become closer their physical closeness also heats up. And wowzer these three have some serious chemistry ... .while I would say this book might be considered a slow burn for some it really truly takes this trio some time to build a relationship and move their relationship to the next steps. The sexual tension is also off the charts so it makes it that much better when they trio come together. Their relationship and friendship never take a backseat and these three work so well together. This book is filled to the brim with amazing small town goodness, lots of humor, fun banter, hilarious farm animals and little mystery along with a lot of heart and emotions! If you enjoy small towns, poly relationships and firefighters this book is for you! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention we get more of Sherbert (yaaayyyy)!!!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

These three authors are an amazing combo to make a hilarious, holiday m/m/m romance. I could not put this story down and I laughed the whole way through! One of the best parts of this books were the group chats between our main characters, Zeke, Doug, and Max. The amount of accidentally sending the wrong text to their group had me in stitches. In this story we start with the familiar faces (if you read ILYBSM) that are Zeke and Doug. Best friends and firefighters, these two are inseparable. But Zeke has kept a pretty big secret from Doug. He’s bisexual and in love with Doug. But telling him and ruining their friendship? Too big a risk. For now. They’ll meet that missing piece of their puzzle when Max comes to town. Max is a freelance journalist who returns to Vermont to write an article about Doug, who is mayor, and the Holiday-Off competition between their rival town. Max has avoided coming home because of the bad memories of high school where he was bullied. And his biggest tormentor happens to have the face of his one of his new roommates: Zeke. Complicated. But with Doug, Zeke, and Max living together and getting to know one another, things are about to change for all of them. And that change can only occur with the three of them by one another’s sides. I adored this story! It was just a fun read. The romance between these three was so sweet. Zeke finally gets the courage to speak up, Doug is realizing what has been in front of him this whole time, and Max can’t help but develop feelings for the two of them as well. And of course, Zeke and Doug have feelings for Max as well. They know how special he is and the chemistry between the three of them is everything. I also loved the humor in this book! It is called TMI for a reason and it’s hilarious. Plus if you read ILYBSM, then you know there are some quirky animals that will of course make the page. Such a fun story! And I really hope these three authors work together for another holiday book next year!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Asteroula · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite MMM romances so far. I have not read so many, but this one is light, Christmasy, and really really cute!

It has everything!
Two "Viking" firefighters, one self-proclaimed and proved to be "size Queen" photojournalist, one adorable cow, and one equally adorable, according to Zeke, goat... many fun side characters and small-town rivalries. I told you it has everything!

I had a niggling feeling that the connection between Zeke, Doug and Max was too quick for my liking. But considering that Doug and Zeke have been in love with each other since forever and Max is the catalyst that helped them acknowledge and explore their feelings, then it does feel natural in the end!

I feel also the need to mention that someone needs to teach these three how to handle different message groups at the same time. Their miss-messaging is excruciating! 😅

Good job to the authors for this book. You know how sometimes author collaborations can go extremely wrong. Not this one though!

[Rubz]

Way less angst than in ILYBSM which made the reading experience way more enjoyable. Max is the most confident character I think I’ve ever come across so in tune with who and what he is, guess he had to learn the hard way but still it didn’t break him as it would have most of us.
I would have liked to meet Reyna, the best friend but she was so MIA, it actually was a bit disturbing.
Doug was made out to have golden retriever energy but I never felt that when reading his character, Jeb, yes, to an extent but Doug, nah. Doug was more of too good to be true kind of person.
Jeb and Doug for me represented how better humans are supposed to be, you know, and it’s sad that they are not the norm so they get labeled as naive, golden retriever energy, etc
Zeke was another Embry……the grumpy sweetheart

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one hot fire fighter but two. Is it Christmas? Oh yes it is.

Viking pirate hot fire fighters at that. Mayor Doug McEmbirk is the perfect guy. He’s thoughtful and kind and loves his town, La Fierte. He also loves his best friend since forever, Zeke James, but he doesn’t realise that Zeke loves him too and that Zeke wants to rub his naked body all over him.

Along comes journalist Max with his license to twink and happy holidays with a candy cane on top. I just really, really love threesomes. Max is the perfect sandwich filling between the two hot firemen.

As hot and spicy as a hot and spicy thing. Bring on the mulled wine and Christmas carols. Dear Santa, please can I have a La Fierte fireman calendar please? I have mostly been a good girl this year.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked the first book in this series better because I liked those characters more. But, I enjoyed this installment too.
As with the previous one, the best part for me was the texts in their group chat. So funny. Poly stories can be difficult for me because of trying to get attached to all the MCs equally and wanting time fairly with them all. I very much appreciated the 3 POVs and felt like I was getting to know them well, but I would have liked more of the relationship between Doug and Zeke, and felt like Max was the shining star. He was being portrayed as the impetus to get the relationship going, but I wanted to have more of Zeke’s finally getting what he had longed for satisfaction. (3.5 stars)

[Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second holiday special, continuing after ILYBSM, focusing on the best firefighter duo, Doug and Zeke.

After Doug was elected as mayor, he’s gone a bit viral thanks to an over the top Holiday-Off with the neighboring town.
Following the story Max decides to come home to write a story about Doug. What he does not expect is that he will end up being in the middle of a firefighter sandwich.

Similar to the previous book this was a cozy, funny fluffy holiday romance. Doug, Zeke and Max have their own unique dynamic and their chemistry is hot.

Dough is just the best person ever, sweet and caring and just overall a great person, which balances Zeke’s gruff, rough and grunting personality perfectly. And Max takes them to the next level with his lack of filter and bubbly personality.

Plus we get to see some Embry, Jeb and Adam moments along with everyone’s favorite demon goat.

[paisean13]

How are these the same authors of ILYBSM? The fist book writes a poly relationship so well. ILYBSM shows equal love as well as balance and intimacy between ALL three MCs. TMI only focuses Zeke and Doug's desires onto Max. It definitely does not create the same intimacy shared equally between all three partners as in ILYBSM. It feels more as if Max is the main love interest, wherein Zeke and Doug only tolerate each other sexually so they can keep Max. As others point out in their reviews, this reads more like a MFM where swords reluctantly cross sometimes. I'm too sad to rate this book. I refuse to give a crap rating when the writing is well done and I enjoy all three authors (normally), therefore, the stars shall remain empty. Like my heart.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this Holiday MMM Romance! The authors have given us readers a real treat with TMI. It’s full of heartfelt emotions, tender romance and tons of laughs. Three men, two longtime friends and a visiting journalist, take us on a journey of self discovery, learning the true meaning of being oneself as they face the adversity of their own upbrings and fears of losing the comfort of their current lives. The above blurb will give you the gist of the book but it doesn’t tell you how well written and truly heartwarming this holiday romance is. I can’t recommend it enough. Grab it up ASAP, you won’t be sorry you did.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad! But not nearly as good as ILYBSM: I Love You Both So Much.

The plot was fine. The characters were fine. I still laughed at multiple points. I just didn't fall in love with these weird and quirky characters and the ridiculous storyline the way I did with ILYBSM.

It was almost that ILYBSM was so over the top that it almost crossed that line of "this is way too much", but it didn't cross it. TMI? I think it did cross it and that's the problem I had.

That's my two cents.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. This story has 2 firefighters, and lifelong friends, and a visiting journalist. This is an MMM romance, and a journey of self-discovery and self-worth.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with emotions, revelations, humor, witty banter, friendships, and love, with a small town holiday competition, and love, which leads to an entertaining, heartwarming, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Heather Himmelspach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great holiday romance book! I laughed so much while reading this book. It's perfect for the holidays. Max has to return to Vermont to write a story about the mayor Doug. What Max doesn't expect is to have a crush on Doug's grumpy roommate Zeke. Come to find out, Zeke has a crush on Doug who is straight or so you think. Max plans to get Zeke & Doug together but they both start to like Max. What will they all do? Can they all be together? I loved this story & how everything plays out. Perfect for the holidays!

[JACKI LARSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! Max, Zeke, and Doug were a delight. Zeke and Doug are firefighters in a small Vermont town. Doug is mayor of his town as well. Max comes to town as a journalist doing an article on the mayor based on an about Doug that goes viral. This book has some hilarious scenes as well as lots of spice. Through Max, Zeke and Doug are able to explore their feelings for one another. The relationship between all three men is written very well. If you want a sweet and spicy holiday book, this is the book for you.