Entwine

Shadow Thorne #1

by Autumn M. Key

Luke Garrett
We are three.
Three hearts in love with each other.
Three souls entwined in a world that is unaccepting.
I am her stepson.
She is nine years older.
He cannot come to terms with his own sexuality.
Our love is a burning pyre of desire that we must keep hidden.
In the end, when our taboo affair is discovered, how can our love survive?
Everyone in my life leaves.
Once our secrets are revealed, Rachel and Evan will leave me too.

The Shadow Thorne Series is about a polyamorous MMF relationship that extends through the entire series. The books should be read in order as it is one consistent story broken up into four books. The series includes a taboo theme as well as reverse age gap, friends to lovers, struggling with sexual identity, bisexuality, loss and comfort, and an immortal stranger who will affect their relationship in ways they never could have imagined. The story reflects the intricacies of complicated love with in depth emotions and the effects society has on those feelings.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

564 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2023

About the author

I grew up in the deep south where we don't talk about any of the things I write about, which is what makes it so much fun! Since I was a kid I have been writing something - books, poems, journals - always something. It wasn't until a few years ago that I embraced the story that was burning in my heart and invading my dreams. It turned into my debut novel, Apothecary Tea.

I am living my own happily ever after which is why I love to write about love and romance. I'm married and madly in love with my soul mate. We have one beautiful daughter who is the light of my life. We also have four pet rabbits. I've realized my dream of living by the sea, and when I'm not writing, I'm usually drawing, painting, reading, sea shell hunting or cross-stitching. Honestly though, if I'm not working I'm writing!

Reviews

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Bring on book 2! Age gap and stepmom/stepson tropes! The dynamic between Luke, Rachel and Evan is off the charts. Luke lost his mom and his dad married Rachel. Luke at first wasn’t so sure of Rachel. It seems like he couldn’t stand her. Rachel is a nurse who took care of Luke’s mom. A tragic accident than killed Luke’s dad. Evan is Luke’s best friend. His parents are unbelievable. They have a tight hold on what he does and who he sees. Eventually sparks start flying between Rachel and Luke after an unfortunate event with Rachel’s dad. Wait til you see what happens! Soon enough, it seems Luke, Rachel and Evan can’t fight their feelings for each other. The chemistry is fire between all three of them! They are so entwined! Evan though seems to still be hiding his feelings for Luke. Will they eventually come out? Will anyone catch wind of this trio being together? You will want to keep reading this page turner. The end will have you shocked and saying “no keep going, don’t end.”

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This story was different from what I normally read. I liked the story and how entwined the main characters are. It seems like fate, like everything is meant to happen the way it did, no matter how tragic.

Luke, Evan & Rachel have amazing chemistry, and it is very spicy. This story consists of an age gap, why choose, taboo, step son/step mother, best friends to lovers tropes.

I could have done with less of the emotional thinking that was happening throughout the story. Straight to the point would have been better as it kind of dragged the book out a bit. Besides that I enjoyed it. It also finishes on a cliffhanger.

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke first lose his mother but befriends Rachel who was his mother nurse. Now months later his father marries Rachel and shattered his world all over. Now, years later he finds himself falling for Rachel and his best friend Evan. But he suffers another tragic as his father dies in an accident, they all fight their feelings for each other until they couldn’t denied them anymore. But be prepare for an shocking cliffhanger ending.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a trope I usually read, but I loved Evan, Luke and Rachel! Seeing how they all came together and how they didn't let anyone stop them was the best part. I am excited for future books and how their story plays out!

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man was this book all kinds of good. This was just unbelievably good. When I first read the blurb I knew I had to read this and boy was it the best idea.

These character's Rachel, Luke and Evan share a bond that some people very rarely share you get to watch as 2 people through tragedy fall completely in love with each other and the 2 best friend's who are like brother's develope deeper feeling's towards each other, and fall in love with each other, but 1 of them is fighting his true feeling's because he's scared of what other's will say.

You need to go in blind reading this and take the emotional rollercoaster ride that these 3 bring you on then when they give into their feeling's it is one wild hot af moment after another. You can't help falling in love with these 3 as they will own your heart.

This does end on a cliffhanger, so I'm needing book 2 to find out what's going to happen. I would definitely recommend.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to key this short because if I really get into this review, I’ll end up writing my own novel lol. Luke, Evan , and Rachel, taboo love, but true and genuine love. Their love wasn’t accepted for what it was. But the emotions, the depth, the sincerity. No words can describe what these three were to one another. Their love for one another was not genuine than most people. This brought so many emotions to the surface for me. I cried, I was hurt, my heart was filled with so much love for these guys. I’ve never read a story like this before, but it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever. This is a definite must read.

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was raw and emotional. Wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at how I became engrossed in this story.

Rachel and Luke have been intertwined since he was thirteen. First as his mother’s nurse then as his stepmom. But unexpected feelings arise no one expected and not just with her. His best friend Evan and him are dealing with their own drama as they realize the feelings they have for one another are not platonic. Circumstances keep pushing these three together and eventually it explodes into a love that, though not expected or correct, is exactly what they need.

Fair warning this is a forbidden love based on the ages of the guys. But I overlooked that as I came to realize these three are connected in a way one rarely finds in love or life. Not to say what they have is healthy - they still need to grow and the coming books will show that.

That ending was expected but still raw and haunting.

[Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Autumn Key.

So had I not received an ARC of this book I may not have read it for a while, but that’s a me problem with my unmedicated high anxiety self. The universe was on my side and knew what I needed obviously better than I did with this forced deadline!

This book will make you feel EVERYTHING. I became so immersed in their lives, I HAD to keep going, and now I have to wait till the next book!? This story is all I think about now, I read possibly an unhealthy amount of books per year, and very few stories stay with you or grip you like this one has for me.

With unexpected characters, and these 3 beautiful people that deserve so much, Autumn makes you feel like you are on this journey with them. You feel every emotion right along with them.

No spoilers, no long drawn out review, just read the damn book. No matter your level of anxiety, it will be so worth it.
And Autumn, please hurry, we need more!

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s just us. No one but us.

WOW. WHAT A STORY!!! This was my first Autumn Key book and it is safe to say I am now an addict. The passion between these three characters was so intense, it was like nothing I had ever read before. I normally prefer my books to be dark and super naughty but this one was a slow burn and it still kept my interest the whole way through and I only wanted MORE MORE MORE.
The angst, OH MY GOSH THE ANGST THIS BOOK HAD. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT MANY TIMES. This author does a FANTASTIC job of not letting you know if there is going to be a happy ending coming or not. You have NO idea what is about to happen. You may think you are about to get a great happy smiley chapter and BAM, TEARS GALORE.

Luke, wow that guy had the weight of the world on his shoulders and if it wasn't for Evan who knows where this story would have went. I LOVEEEEDDD their connection more than anything. I know that Luke, Evan and Rachel are so perfect for one another and their energy together was everything and then some, but there was just something beautiful about Evan and Luke's friendship blossoming into more throughout this story. How they went from bros/brothers to lovers. It gave me chills. It just..I honestly have no words for it. I am still speechless over their relationship and this is only book 1. I cannot WAIT to see it bloom even more. Like I am GIDDY.

"I’m in love with him.  I love my best friend. My brother. I love him like I’ve never loved anyone, not even Rachel."

Then enter Rachel. The glue that binded these two together even more. The one who saved them all basically. I felt for her so deeply. She has such a kind heart. And she didn't get a fair hand in life. She had a bad upbringing then when she finally decides to settle down and marry someone, she falls head over heels in love with someone she shouldn't and not just one, but two of them. But that wasn't the only obstacle. She has MULTIPLE. But she is SUCH a strong wonderful woman, I loved her so so so much, she handles it like a boss. What I loved the most about Rachel is she was written so genuinely. She was like an everyday woman. She wasn't abnormally beautiful, she couldn't kick grown men's asses, she just wasn't written like a fairytale woman. And I loved that about her.

"She was made for this, for us"

When they were all three in bed together for the first time and they didn't touch it seemed normal and just right. Then when they were all three in bed for the second time and they started to let their hands wander a little but not much, just the fingertips, I was on the EDGE OF MY FREAKING SEAT. That right there was what edging feels like. Because nothing more happened and I felt like I had to go and change a whole drawer of panties. THEN THEN THEN THEN
"When the three of us touch it makes the world go up in flames. "

[Nicole Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

✅Taboo/ Forbidden
✅MMF
✅Stepmom/stepson
✅Friends to lovers
✅Small town
✅Virgin MMC’s
✅Reverse age-gap

When a 13 year old Luke loses his mom to cancer and his dad ends up marrying her nurse, Rachel, just 8 months later, his childhood is over. He trusted Rachel. She comforted him while his mom died. He loves her in a way. Then she tries to replace her? 𝘕𝘰. Over the next 5 years, he remains angry with her, barely acknowledging her. Until one morning when he walks in on her and her dad in the kitchen with his dad calling out his moms name, not Rachel’s. Suddenly, he recognizes what their relationship truly is. A bandage. Something for his dad to cope. Rachel deserves more. He’ll give her more.

Rachel has been living in the shadow of a ghost. Her husband doesn’t look at her while they have sex. He doesn’t even say her name. He calls out for his deceased wife. She’s learned to cope with it, just helping her husband heal but keeping her mouth shut. When Luke brings up what he heard, she’s mortified. He tells her she deserves better. 𝘐𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺?

Evan is a normal high schooler and Luke’s best friend. Hormones are a bitch! Attempting to fight his attraction to his best friend’s stepmom AND his best friend is endlessly tiring. Evan is NOT gay. He can’t be. It isn’t right. At least to his family. So he watches porn with his best friend? So they jerked each other off that one time. That doesn’t mean anything, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵?

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

I loved this book so much! It is full of angst and emotion! I loved all the twists and turns and I can’t wait to see how this all evolves! I love the relationship between Rachel, Luke and Evan. The struggles they go through are so relatable. I cannot wait to start the second book, Unravel!

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Ms.Key's work many times before I always look so forward to picking up more of her books! From the moment this book was announced I wanted It in my life! I picked it up as soon as i could and got right into the Shadow Throne world! I so enjoyed this first book!

This start to Luke, Evan, and Rachel's journey pulled my heart and I in! Rachel becomes Luke stepmother and Evan is his best friend. As three collide, will they take a chance on their hearts?

I really liked how I got right into Luke, Evan, and Rachel's story. These three had me going through all kinds of emotions from start to finish! I didn't know how everything was going to play out for them and that had me even more glued to their story.

The connection and chemistry these characters shared was undeniable, blushworthy, and full of heart. There was such realness to it all that got to me. I enjoyed the way their story touched on things I don't see often. Also, there were so many aspects that I couldn't get enough of!

I've been wanting more MMF in my life and this story is what I've been needing!

With Entwine, Ms.Key has created such a good start that brought the feels and real with this orginal read! I so need more! I can't wait to dive into book two, Unravel!

Be sure to read the author's note.

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Passion Author Services / the author*

[Joy Avery Lovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? ✅️

Do I recommend it? ✅️

Tropes: taboo romance, MMF, reverse age gap, forbidden, friends to lovers, stepmom/stepson, surprise pregnancy

Luke, Rachel, and Evan are three hearts in love with each other. Three souls entwined in a world that doesn't accept them. Luke is Rachel's stepson, and she's nine years older than him. Evan has been his best friend, and as feelings begin to develop, he struggles with coming to terms with his sexuality. Their love is a burning pyre of desire that must be kept hidden. When their taboo affair is discovered, how can their love survive? Everyone seems to leave Luke. Once their secrets are revealed, Rachel and Evan may leave him, too.

This story was a pleasant surprise. It had so many layers that led to a complicated emotional plot. There is so much grief, judgment from the outside, and intolerance. It really touched my heart. I was a little surprised by how long this book was, and it's only the beginning. There are three more books in this throuple's story. Despite the length, I rarely got bored, and I am really looking forward to the next installment. I am definitely recommending this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!!

It was a bit difficult to get into the book at the beginning. I understand we had to get into the idea of Luke growing up without his mom, whom she lost for cancer when he was 13. Then seeing his father marrying a new woman after less than year. And not only any woman, but the nurse who was helping Luke's mom towards the end, the nurse who Luke felt a connection with, the only one who was able to see him and console him.
As the book went on, I felt even more intrigued to what was going on their 'famiky' life, how also Evan, Luke's best friend, had a place in their family.

They way they gravitated around and towards each other felt magical and every time they were together was fire.

I have loved reading about the spicy stuff because it's not spice for spice sake, it was love. It was like reading about love and the way people feel when they fall and make love for the first time with thwire partner.

I felt love but I also felt struggle in the way Evan reacted and behaved. Feeling the love but not willing to compromise or 'give up' into what his family believes to be wrong.

After the cliffhanger at the end I had to continue reading book 2!

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ends on a cliffy!

So it took me a long time to finish this book, not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but because sometimes the emotional rollercoaster from the multiple MC’s was a bit much and I grew tired of the back and forth and needed breaks. That being said, I really did enjoy the story overall. It sure ended on a big cliffhanger though! - This book has Tab00 tropes to some: threesome; stepson w stepmom; stepson loving his best friend who he calls his little brother. Also warning for loss of parent(s); abusive father for one of the MC’s; religious people being super judgy and nosey; small town gossip, etc. - it takes a while for the really spicy stuff to hit the fan, but once it does… they’re bang!ng like bunnies. - Spice level: 4/5.(also, kind of a supernatural element in the book, although it wasn’t a huge part of book 1)

[Ireadromancetoescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed..

I am completely obsessed with this world and the paranormals The Phayed. This the first book of Evans backstory. We were introduced to the characters in the cresent moon series.
When I learned that their was going to be a series about Evan I was so excited and intrigued, because A Onion has less layers than Evan, after this book is definitely a understatement.
The amount of questions answered along with more questions. I am counting the days till next book. I recommend to start with the Cresent Moon Phayed Series to avoid confusion

[Madam Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book, cause it's very different from my regulars, but it was very good.It grabbed me from the start, the story unveiling.The best about this book was the character building.Excuisite. You get to see each character with their reasoning, beliefs and fears.What they go through, how everything affects them it was crafted with perfection. It had very strong emotions, very angsty and sexy.Once that fire was let loose it was inferno.
It ends on clify so I can't wait for the next.

[TINA WILLIAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entwine was a unique and emotional new awakenings story that I devoured in one sitting. This story is full of angst, desire and so much raw emotion. This book is different than anything I have read in a long while. I started reading and couldn’t stop. I was on the edge of my seat with every chapter. This author has a unique voice and writes beautiful, gut wrenching stories that I love. I was shocked by that ending and can’t wait for the next book.

[Jen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subject matter a tad taboo but the read was so worth it. This story will pull at your heartstrings while making you wonder about your sanity (in a good way). I am so ready to find out more. There is a slow burning build up to the spice but once it hits OHMYWOW!! Autumn Key has won me over to the dark taboo side of love!

[Pebbles Lacasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read.

This is a story about forbidden love on so many layers. Love is love and I’m glad the author waited until reaching the age of consent before introducing sex. I laughed, cried, got angry, asked W.T.F. out loud while wearing my headphones, and felt the love. If you like age gap, secret love, and battling of inner religious beliefs, you’ll love this book.

[Suzen McCord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

This story was amazing! She writes these characters with such depth and compassion it's hard not to completely fall in love with them. It's all so heartbreaking and taboo but still so well written it doesn't feel that way. The love Luke, Evan & Rachel feel for each other leaps off the pages. Highly recommend this read😍

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless all I can really say is this is an absolute mistake read. It covers a multitude of feelings and is written so dang well. No way I could not have read this and not feel anything.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read

Loved this book. The taboo subject matter was unexpected but not unwelcomed. Autumn Key helped you feel the love, pain, and craziness of it all. Can't wait to read book 2

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their love is nothing anyone would understand but they need each other and that's all that matters.... until the consequences of their actions come crashing down around them. Can their love survive out in the open?

This book brought out all the emotions! I cannot wait for book 2!!