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Triangle #1-4
Triangle: The Complete Series by Susann Julieva
What if the wrong guy turns out to be just right for you? When James falls in love with Casey, he knows he is in for trouble. Not only is Casey his best friend, he is also straight - or so James thinks, until notorious heartbreaker Danny Rizzo completely shakes things up. With troubled Nick adding his very own demons to the mix, nothing is set, and no-one is safe from surprises. Soon James finds himself faced with the Who does he really want to be with? For only one of them will stand by him as he struggles to face a chilling secret buried in his past... Four guys in college, four points of view. Who will get their happy ending?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 7, 2012
5 stars because I loved it, even though I wished it was longer! This book might not be for everyone - but for those looking for something a little different it's perfect. Triangle is unconventional from the get go, both in style and storytelling. It throws you in right into the middle of a developping love story, and grabs hold of you and drags you in. I for one was quickly hooked.
James is a strange hero - more of an anti-hero, really. He is introverted, he doesn't like people and he's very sarcastic and withdrawn. At the beginning he is in love with his best friend Casey and trying to hide it from him. The only person who sees right through him is Rizzo - a popular heartbreaker he despises. But Rizzo just won't leave him alone. We then find out that Casey actually has a crush on Rizzo. Things heat up quickly when James tries to get Rizzo to leave Casey alone, knowing that he's just toying with him. But Rizzo has his own hidden agenda. I first didn't know what to make of Rizzo. He seems like a real jerk when the story begins, but definitely a very sexy jerk. But there was something about him that made me want to know more. He intrigued me. Casey on the other hand I liked right away, but I soon had a feeling he and James weren't exactly a perfect fit. Casey is a dreamer, and James a realist to the core. James has to deal with a traumatic past, and Casey doesn't even know what to make of it. As the story unfolds and we learn more about these characters, it soon becomes obvious that it's not actually about James/Casey, but it's all about James/Rizzo. The chemistry between them is incredibly intense! When I had finished the book, I flipped through it and re-read all their scenes together, because they are so great. I loved how they bicker and banter, and how they very slowly grow closer and closer. That was really well done.
Rizzo to me became more and more interesting as the story unfolded. I love that we very slowly learn more about who he is. The way that he just gets James is very touching, and I soon started to root for him to get James in the end. Both of them do things to those they care about that are hurtful and thoughtless, but both of them learn their lesson in the end.
As James/Rizzo becomes more prominent, Casey (sadly) fades into the background, but it's okay because he had played his part in the story. Instead a new character joins the gang. A whole new love triangle begins with Nick, who is completely hooked on Rizzo. I first didn't know what to make of Nick and why the authors introduced a new character, but he really does the story good. I very much enjoyed the way they treated the relationship between Nick and Rizzo, and how it changes with time.
I'm not going to tell you what happens and who ends up with who in the end (go read for yourself!) But in conclusion I was well satisfied with how it all turned out. I thought the way the authors dealt with James' past was well done, not too prominently because it simply wasn't the main focus of the story. The focus is on the love story. It's a story about two people who couldn't be more different learning to respect each other - and to love each other. They both grow a lot and learn a lot over the course of the story. I always love it when there is actual character development. I thought all that was very touching and rang very true. All of these characters felt very real and multi-layered to me.
The only thing I didn't like as much was is that the ending felt a little rushed to me. I liked the ending itself very much and thought it was well done. But there is still so much more I would have liked to know about these characters. So maybe that's just me being greedy!
If you're trying to decide if this book is for you or not, ask yourself:
- Do you like love triangles, and are you willing to be surprised by what turns out to be the main pairing?
- Do you like first person point of view?
- Do you like unconventional books with unusual storytelling?
- Do you like m/m romance written by female authors?
Yes? Then go for it! It's a great read and a rare book.
James is a strange hero - more of an anti-hero, really. He is introverted, he doesn't like people and he's very sarcastic and withdrawn. At the beginning he is in love with his best friend Casey and trying to hide it from him. The only person who sees right through him is Rizzo - a popular heartbreaker he despises. But Rizzo just won't leave him alone. We then find out that Casey actually has a crush on Rizzo. Things heat up quickly when James tries to get Rizzo to leave Casey alone, knowing that he's just toying with him. But Rizzo has his own hidden agenda. I first didn't know what to make of Rizzo. He seems like a real jerk when the story begins, but definitely a very sexy jerk. But there was something about him that made me want to know more. He intrigued me. Casey on the other hand I liked right away, but I soon had a feeling he and James weren't exactly a perfect fit. Casey is a dreamer, and James a realist to the core. James has to deal with a traumatic past, and Casey doesn't even know what to make of it. As the story unfolds and we learn more about these characters, it soon becomes obvious that it's not actually about James/Casey, but it's all about James/Rizzo. The chemistry between them is incredibly intense! When I had finished the book, I flipped through it and re-read all their scenes together, because they are so great. I loved how they bicker and banter, and how they very slowly grow closer and closer. That was really well done.
Rizzo to me became more and more interesting as the story unfolded. I love that we very slowly learn more about who he is. The way that he just gets James is very touching, and I soon started to root for him to get James in the end. Both of them do things to those they care about that are hurtful and thoughtless, but both of them learn their lesson in the end.
As James/Rizzo becomes more prominent, Casey (sadly) fades into the background, but it's okay because he had played his part in the story. Instead a new character joins the gang. A whole new love triangle begins with Nick, who is completely hooked on Rizzo. I first didn't know what to make of Nick and why the authors introduced a new character, but he really does the story good. I very much enjoyed the way they treated the relationship between Nick and Rizzo, and how it changes with time.
I'm not going to tell you what happens and who ends up with who in the end (go read for yourself!) But in conclusion I was well satisfied with how it all turned out. I thought the way the authors dealt with James' past was well done, not too prominently because it simply wasn't the main focus of the story. The focus is on the love story. It's a story about two people who couldn't be more different learning to respect each other - and to love each other. They both grow a lot and learn a lot over the course of the story. I always love it when there is actual character development. I thought all that was very touching and rang very true. All of these characters felt very real and multi-layered to me.
The only thing I didn't like as much was is that the ending felt a little rushed to me. I liked the ending itself very much and thought it was well done. But there is still so much more I would have liked to know about these characters. So maybe that's just me being greedy!
If you're trying to decide if this book is for you or not, ask yourself:
- Do you like love triangles, and are you willing to be surprised by what turns out to be the main pairing?
- Do you like first person point of view?
- Do you like unconventional books with unusual storytelling?
- Do you like m/m romance written by female authors?
Yes? Then go for it! It's a great read and a rare book.
May 25, 2012
I just love this ebook! It's so well written - the perfect mix of angsty, thoughtful and funny. At first I thought the alternating point of views might not work for me, but it pulls you in from the first sentence, and after that you can't put it down. I read it in one go, and since there just seems to be something a little addictive about it, I may just read it again this weekend. I just can't get enough of James and Danny. I love all their scenes, their little fights and conversations best. They just have such chemistry! I love how James can't stand Danny at first, and then very slowly and believable starts to realize what he means to him. Danny is such a great character too - at first he seems so mean, but then you find out more about him, and why he did all those things, and what he feels for James. But they have to overcome a lot of obstacles, and I love that they both grow in the process. And I thought the whole storyline with Nick was so well done, too. He really grows on you. By the end of the book I felt so close to these characters that they felt so real, like people I actually got to know. All the remains to be said is that I hope there will be more from this author soon! I'll be sure to read it!
May 28, 2017
Чет я не поняла ничего. Называется треугольник, начинается как треугольник, описывается жизнь троих героев, которые должны сойтись в тройничок или сузится до пары. Яснопонятно, давай читать, - сказала я.
Первая часть хороша и вполне оправдала мои ожидания. Вторая... с , нуок, допустим, я знала, на что подписываюсь. В третьей на горизонте появляется четвертый герой. Секундочку! Зачем?? Ладно, я может и не против разнообразия, но так при этом один из первоначальных героев почти теряется. Автор описывает его тряпкой, наивным романтиком, который по необъяснимой причине не может понять своего парня, а потом еще и признается, что любит другого. WTF? Нет, я все понимаю, но я ничего не понимаю. DNF.
Первая часть хороша и вполне оправдала мои ожидания. Вторая... с , нуок, допустим, я знала, на что подписываюсь. В третьей на горизонте появляется четвертый герой. Секундочку! Зачем?? Ладно, я может и не против разнообразия, но так при этом один из первоначальных героев почти теряется. Автор описывает его тряпкой, наивным романтиком, который по необъяснимой причине не может понять своего парня, а потом еще и признается, что любит другого. WTF? Нет, я все понимаю, но я ничего не понимаю. DNF.
March 2, 2015
I've read the revised and translated version of this story first. In German it's called "Böse Jungs" meaning "Bad Boys".
I really liked both versions (the German one drastically diverging from this version because Nick is missing).
So to the book
4 Boys - or young men - searching for themselves and their place in the world. On this search they find each other. Or not? And who's finding whom anyway?
This is a beautiful and sensitively told story about the struggles of life, love and growing up. Maybe especially about "growing" -because that's what all the 4 lively (and most of the times lovely) protagonists of Susann Julieva and Romelle Engel do.
The quiet and cynical James with the dark past, the jovial and naive Casey, sexy bad boy Danny Rizzo (*drools*) and the troubled Nick.
4 (Bad) Boys - a recipe for disaster.
What I liked best about the story (and what in my eyes is really it's strength) is the very sensitive insight into the feelings of all characters. You get to read different chapters from different points of view in first-person narration. And you basically can't do anything but feeling, hoping, hurting and loving with them (well and maybe sometimes wanting to hit or strangle them just because argh… lol).
I especially loved the philosophical thoughts that were woven into the thoughts of the boys.
"There is magic in being noticed (…) Why is it so important to be seen just to know who we are?"
"There is beauty that's just skin-deep, and there are people (…) that you have to take time to really get to know before you see their beauty. But once you see it, they shine."
"So much for hoping against hope (…)But this I know for certain: The concept of all things unreachable is not to ever reach them, but to aspire to. "
And with good reason we only get the first chapter from Rizzo's point of view in Part Two because this way we're trying to figure him out just like Casey and James and can only go by their impressions of him - that couldn't be more different.
Like I already said, there is no Nick in the German version and all the events figured out a little differently for that reason - and I liked that way a little better at times (and the sex scenes where a little more explicit, that I also liked ^^) - but I also genuinely liked Nick. And for that fact alone I love "Triangle".
Plus the English language is really fitting for the story because it's set in an American High school and it's just perfect for the guys' banter. And there is no German equivalent for " Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -me already" ;)
So all in all I just love the story in all it's shapes and I'd give "Triangle" 4 stars but then it's got SO many "Hamlet" references that it made me FINALLY start reading that masterpiece of literature. So that deserves an extra star :)
P.S.: Funny thing is I would have chosen the titles the other way 'roud - with naming the German version starring 3 boys "Triangle" and this one with the 4 of them "Bad Boys". But I like both titles a great deal ;)
I really liked both versions (the German one drastically diverging from this version because Nick is missing).
So to the book
4 Boys - or young men - searching for themselves and their place in the world. On this search they find each other. Or not? And who's finding whom anyway?
This is a beautiful and sensitively told story about the struggles of life, love and growing up. Maybe especially about "growing" -because that's what all the 4 lively (and most of the times lovely) protagonists of Susann Julieva and Romelle Engel do.
The quiet and cynical James with the dark past, the jovial and naive Casey, sexy bad boy Danny Rizzo (*drools*) and the troubled Nick.
4 (Bad) Boys - a recipe for disaster.
What I liked best about the story (and what in my eyes is really it's strength) is the very sensitive insight into the feelings of all characters. You get to read different chapters from different points of view in first-person narration. And you basically can't do anything but feeling, hoping, hurting and loving with them (well and maybe sometimes wanting to hit or strangle them just because argh… lol).
I especially loved the philosophical thoughts that were woven into the thoughts of the boys.
"There is magic in being noticed (…) Why is it so important to be seen just to know who we are?"
"There is beauty that's just skin-deep, and there are people (…) that you have to take time to really get to know before you see their beauty. But once you see it, they shine."
"So much for hoping against hope (…)But this I know for certain: The concept of all things unreachable is not to ever reach them, but to aspire to. "
And with good reason we only get the first chapter from Rizzo's point of view in Part Two because this way we're trying to figure him out just like Casey and James and can only go by their impressions of him - that couldn't be more different.
Like I already said, there is no Nick in the German version and all the events figured out a little differently for that reason - and I liked that way a little better at times (and the sex scenes where a little more explicit, that I also liked ^^) - but I also genuinely liked Nick. And for that fact alone I love "Triangle".
Plus the English language is really fitting for the story because it's set in an American High school and it's just perfect for the guys' banter. And there is no German equivalent for " Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -me already" ;)
So all in all I just love the story in all it's shapes and I'd give "Triangle" 4 stars but then it's got SO many "Hamlet" references that it made me FINALLY start reading that masterpiece of literature. So that deserves an extra star :)
P.S.: Funny thing is I would have chosen the titles the other way 'roud - with naming the German version starring 3 boys "Triangle" and this one with the 4 of them "Bad Boys". But I like both titles a great deal ;)
September 14, 2019
4.5 Stars
I decided remove my review of Triangle Book #1 and leave a small review for all 4 books together. Why this story was originally divided up into 4 small ones I have no idea. They can't be read as stand-a-lones and none of the books end they just flow into the next one.
I loved the "first book" of this series but the next 2 had me so angry that I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading. The first part is sweet, the 2nd and 3rd are gut wrenching and difficult to read. As much as I loved James in the "first book" I disliked him immensely in the next couple and Danny (Rizzo) who was a complete ass turned out to be just the opposite. I think the author did an amazing job with all the guys I only wish there was more of Casey. I feel his story has been left somewhat incomplete. The "last book" does pull things together and did leave me with a fairly satisfying ending.
If you like angst and a roller coaster of a ride of emotions this series might be for you but be warned there are elements that will be triggers for some readers.
TAGS
-- sweet times -- feel good -- fast easy read -- college boys -- first time -- friends to lovers -- love the MCs...Casey, James, Danny (Rizzo) and Nick -- full of angst -- drug and alcohol abuse -- CHEATING -- SUICIDE ATTEMPT
January 8, 2020
As we wind our way through the dorms and the melodrama of Danny, James, Casey, and Nick at Woodhaven College, the boys fall in love, shed addictions, master their latent skills, and even go to class. There is a sweetness to this slightly over-written series that will keep you reading.
March 18, 2021
Es un YA muy raro en donde nadie te cae bien, no todos son maravillosos y la Universidad no es ni mucho menos un camino de rosas. Por ello al principio me costó mucho si embargo luego va mejorando pero realmente no es nada del otro mundo. Tres estrellas justísimas.
July 9, 2012
3.5 stars the first part
3 starts the second
2 stars the third
1 star the last part.
I was able to read the first half quickly and care for the characters, the second half was torture, I hate with all my soul the unjustified favoritism the authors showed to Danny, he was an asshole but everybody seems to think he shits rainbows, hell, from him, Nick and James he had the less fucked up childhood, I'll never EVER forgive how he treated Casey and how he Never apologized, and how he goes all high on his horse when he learns why James cut him out of his life, his rage is totally unjustified considering all the pain he caused to both James and Casey but being the asshole he is he doesn't give a fuck about Casey, he never redeemed to me.
Danny Rizzo joined the top three of my most hated MC's ever, He acts like a spoiled rich kid that doesn't give a fuck about everyone else, he doesn't care who he hurts just to get what he wants and when James stands against him and ditch this horrible bastard (who at that very moment had just finished fucked someone else) he acts like the life owes him, instead of growing from the pain of rejection he shrinks back to his usual persona and learns nothing out of it, and I couldn't stand at all his slutty way, the only reason he acts nice towards Nick in the second half of the book is because he was at the verge of dying.
Now talking about James It pained me how he went from a very good character with an interesting voice to a needy ball of insecurity, James had issues, but he wasn't this submissive weak character that he transforms in the end is like he lost all his essence and gets replaced by a cardboardish generic bottom by the last part and the scene where his past was finally revealed I feel like it was poorly treated, the scene lacked strength and James recovers too quickly, hell he should had therapy but somehow the authors wants us to believe than since he has Danny now he's everything James need.
I also hated how Casey faded from MC to third character, he deserved to more, I believe he had grea potential and then suddenly we just don't know anything from him anymore, hell even Nick was to me a least important character and we keep getting his POV until the end, but we don't know what happens to Casey anymore, I wanted to read about if he came to his parents as bisexual, if his next partner was a boy or a girl and I wanted to read more than anything how he moved over the asshole, the last straw was the letter, James was more close to Casey but who he decides to write to? Nick of course, totally unbelievable.
Nick was ok, hence I'm not going to write about him but I feel he had to much spotlight, is not that I didn't care for him, but he WASN'T a main character, The author who wrote his point of view should have wrote another book for him instead of cramming him between the story of James and Danny, it was messy and distracting.
Now talking about the story, the first two parts have a good writing style and interesting voices, in the later chapters is filled with boring stuff that we could really do without and drags too much in some parts, in the last book specially close to the ending it gets even amateurish in the writing and I was tempted to not finish it, If I'm honest i skipped most of the plane scene and the letter to Nick, boring and pointless to be honest.
It almost feels like in the end the authors were so tired of the story they just wanted to finish it and be done with.
3 starts the second
2 stars the third
1 star the last part.
I was able to read the first half quickly and care for the characters, the second half was torture, I hate with all my soul the unjustified favoritism the authors showed to Danny, he was an asshole but everybody seems to think he shits rainbows, hell, from him, Nick and James he had the less fucked up childhood, I'll never EVER forgive how he treated Casey and how he Never apologized, and how he goes all high on his horse when he learns why James cut him out of his life, his rage is totally unjustified considering all the pain he caused to both James and Casey but being the asshole he is he doesn't give a fuck about Casey, he never redeemed to me.
Danny Rizzo joined the top three of my most hated MC's ever, He acts like a spoiled rich kid that doesn't give a fuck about everyone else, he doesn't care who he hurts just to get what he wants and when James stands against him and ditch this horrible bastard (who at that very moment had just finished fucked someone else) he acts like the life owes him, instead of growing from the pain of rejection he shrinks back to his usual persona and learns nothing out of it, and I couldn't stand at all his slutty way, the only reason he acts nice towards Nick in the second half of the book is because he was at the verge of dying.
Now talking about James It pained me how he went from a very good character with an interesting voice to a needy ball of insecurity, James had issues, but he wasn't this submissive weak character that he transforms in the end is like he lost all his essence and gets replaced by a cardboardish generic bottom by the last part and the scene where his past was finally revealed I feel like it was poorly treated, the scene lacked strength and James recovers too quickly, hell he should had therapy but somehow the authors wants us to believe than since he has Danny now he's everything James need.
I also hated how Casey faded from MC to third character, he deserved to more, I believe he had grea potential and then suddenly we just don't know anything from him anymore, hell even Nick was to me a least important character and we keep getting his POV until the end, but we don't know what happens to Casey anymore, I wanted to read about if he came to his parents as bisexual, if his next partner was a boy or a girl and I wanted to read more than anything how he moved over the asshole, the last straw was the letter, James was more close to Casey but who he decides to write to? Nick of course, totally unbelievable.
Nick was ok, hence I'm not going to write about him but I feel he had to much spotlight, is not that I didn't care for him, but he WASN'T a main character, The author who wrote his point of view should have wrote another book for him instead of cramming him between the story of James and Danny, it was messy and distracting.
Now talking about the story, the first two parts have a good writing style and interesting voices, in the later chapters is filled with boring stuff that we could really do without and drags too much in some parts, in the last book specially close to the ending it gets even amateurish in the writing and I was tempted to not finish it, If I'm honest i skipped most of the plane scene and the letter to Nick, boring and pointless to be honest.
It almost feels like in the end the authors were so tired of the story they just wanted to finish it and be done with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2012
3.5
It was very difficult for me to decide what rating I should give this book. The first part would have been 2 stars, the second 3/4. I decided to give an overall 3.5.
There were things I liked and things I didn't. I'm not a fan of triangles but this book had a plot that caught my interest. I didn't feel too bad about the triangle, even though there's also cheating and I feel that's really strange, because I think I should have been angry or disappointed in some of the things the characters did. I wasnt, mostly I felt annoyed and I think it's because I found myself not really caring about any of the main three characters. They all are not very likable, in my opinion. Danny is slightly better than Casey and James, but overall the three of them all are quite selfish, which I never like in a character. With Casey and James, I also got very annoyed with how fickle they are: one moment they are in love with each other, a moment later they both love Danny. At least Danny always knew who he really was interested into.
Another problem I had with the characters is that I feel their respective issues aren't dealt with well enough for me to understand some of the things they did or to feel for them. James in particular has a difficult past but it came out in bits and pieces and too quickly for me to really connect to him on an emotional level.
About Casey, we barely know him and I feel like he got the shaft in the end. In the first part of the story he is one of the main characters, but slowly he fades into the background and in the end we get an epilogue which tells us what happens to all the other characters but him. I found it strange that Casey went from main character to basically nothing, not only in the story, but in James' life, in spite of them being, supposedly, best friends and very closed.
After what I've written, you might wonder what made me give this book 3 stars instead of less: it's Nick. He is introduced in the second part of the story and at times he took it over and boy was I happy about it! I feel he was the most likable character, the most interesting and above all, the one that was better developed. Maybe it's because his story is more condensed than the other 3 characters', being him introduced later. I just feel that his story had a beginning, a developing and an end, all well done.
When we first meet him, Nick is an addict with no real friends or relationship of any kind. All he does are drugs, alcohol and sex. His life is the result of big issues he has with his parents. Things for him start to change when his life crosses Danny's. I really liked the friendship that slowly developed between them, I think it was the most beautiful and meaningful relationship in the book, to the point I wanted them to end up together. After a difficult start and a major bad event for Nick, the friendship between the two made them both become better persons.
I really liked to read Nick's point of view, it was my favorite of the book, followed by Danny's. After Nick came into the story, I found myself less and less interested in reading about Casey and James, to the point of hoping Danny would just get rid of both and the story would keep focusing on Nick and Danny.
So Nick is what raised this book from 2 to 3.5 stars for me. Even 4 stars during those chapters that focus on him and his friendship with Danny.
It was very difficult for me to decide what rating I should give this book. The first part would have been 2 stars, the second 3/4. I decided to give an overall 3.5.
There were things I liked and things I didn't. I'm not a fan of triangles but this book had a plot that caught my interest. I didn't feel too bad about the triangle, even though there's also cheating and I feel that's really strange, because I think I should have been angry or disappointed in some of the things the characters did. I wasnt, mostly I felt annoyed and I think it's because I found myself not really caring about any of the main three characters. They all are not very likable, in my opinion. Danny is slightly better than Casey and James, but overall the three of them all are quite selfish, which I never like in a character. With Casey and James, I also got very annoyed with how fickle they are: one moment they are in love with each other, a moment later they both love Danny. At least Danny always knew who he really was interested into.
Another problem I had with the characters is that I feel their respective issues aren't dealt with well enough for me to understand some of the things they did or to feel for them. James in particular has a difficult past but it came out in bits and pieces and too quickly for me to really connect to him on an emotional level.
About Casey, we barely know him and I feel like he got the shaft in the end. In the first part of the story he is one of the main characters, but slowly he fades into the background and in the end we get an epilogue which tells us what happens to all the other characters but him. I found it strange that Casey went from main character to basically nothing, not only in the story, but in James' life, in spite of them being, supposedly, best friends and very closed.
After what I've written, you might wonder what made me give this book 3 stars instead of less: it's Nick. He is introduced in the second part of the story and at times he took it over and boy was I happy about it! I feel he was the most likable character, the most interesting and above all, the one that was better developed. Maybe it's because his story is more condensed than the other 3 characters', being him introduced later. I just feel that his story had a beginning, a developing and an end, all well done.
When we first meet him, Nick is an addict with no real friends or relationship of any kind. All he does are drugs, alcohol and sex. His life is the result of big issues he has with his parents. Things for him start to change when his life crosses Danny's. I really liked the friendship that slowly developed between them, I think it was the most beautiful and meaningful relationship in the book, to the point I wanted them to end up together. After a difficult start and a major bad event for Nick, the friendship between the two made them both become better persons.
I really liked to read Nick's point of view, it was my favorite of the book, followed by Danny's. After Nick came into the story, I found myself less and less interested in reading about Casey and James, to the point of hoping Danny would just get rid of both and the story would keep focusing on Nick and Danny.
So Nick is what raised this book from 2 to 3.5 stars for me. Even 4 stars during those chapters that focus on him and his friendship with Danny.
July 1, 2014
I'm going to be the odd one out by totally disliking this book. Every action has consequences, i you are deciding between right and wrong think how the people around your will feel.
It felt to me the bad guy got the HEA he didn't deserve. He felt his action might be justified, but when you look at it from the perspective of everyone around the main coupling there action speak of selfishness and deceit.
Spoilers may Follow
Let us look at Danny, he tricks a guy into falling in love with him to get to his best friend. Break the guys heart. Cheats with the guys boyfriend. Eventually breaks them up, and no matter how the author tried to deny he was breaking them up, it was obviously his fault. Uses another guy (on-and-off), treats him worse than rubbish, causing him to try and take his own life. After all that he has the audacity to be angry that the Guy he did this all for hurt him trying to protect his best friend. Why does he deserve a HEA, what was his redeeming qualities.
James continually cheats on his boyfriend, withholds important life decisions. Even before they got together they were best-friends. Now he can't even to be bothered with him. This was the guy that he was supposed to love. Further he treats Danny's other guy just as shit as Danny does. He even treats Danny cold and indifferently sometimes.
So if you hate the both MC's how can you love the novel.
Poor Cassy he sees his best-friend end up with the guy he loves. He never cheated, didn't deserve to be cheated on. Even later gives his blessing, WTF. I you look at it from the beginning why couldn't Danny have just approached James and then tried to romance him saving all the collateral damage. I know that wouldn't make an interesting novel, but it could have been trying to get the guy that loves someone else. It has it's own potential.
One final thought, if a relationship isn't meant to be it will eventually collapse. You don't have to break-up a relationship if it is meant to be.
What gives someone Cart Blanch to wreck relationships or their own selfious purposes.
It felt to me the bad guy got the HEA he didn't deserve. He felt his action might be justified, but when you look at it from the perspective of everyone around the main coupling there action speak of selfishness and deceit.
Spoilers may Follow
Let us look at Danny, he tricks a guy into falling in love with him to get to his best friend. Break the guys heart. Cheats with the guys boyfriend. Eventually breaks them up, and no matter how the author tried to deny he was breaking them up, it was obviously his fault. Uses another guy (on-and-off), treats him worse than rubbish, causing him to try and take his own life. After all that he has the audacity to be angry that the Guy he did this all for hurt him trying to protect his best friend. Why does he deserve a HEA, what was his redeeming qualities.
James continually cheats on his boyfriend, withholds important life decisions. Even before they got together they were best-friends. Now he can't even to be bothered with him. This was the guy that he was supposed to love. Further he treats Danny's other guy just as shit as Danny does. He even treats Danny cold and indifferently sometimes.
So if you hate the both MC's how can you love the novel.
Poor Cassy he sees his best-friend end up with the guy he loves. He never cheated, didn't deserve to be cheated on. Even later gives his blessing, WTF. I you look at it from the beginning why couldn't Danny have just approached James and then tried to romance him saving all the collateral damage. I know that wouldn't make an interesting novel, but it could have been trying to get the guy that loves someone else. It has it's own potential.
One final thought, if a relationship isn't meant to be it will eventually collapse. You don't have to break-up a relationship if it is meant to be.
What gives someone Cart Blanch to wreck relationships or their own selfious purposes.
June 17, 2012
2 - 2.5 stars.
It took me awhile to get into the book and it was not because the story was told by 4 persons.
It felt like I missed a part of the story between each chapter, like there was a (sometimes huge) gap…
But it gets better in the later chapters. :)
It took me awhile to get into the book and it was not because the story was told by 4 persons.
It felt like I missed a part of the story between each chapter, like there was a (sometimes huge) gap…
But it gets better in the later chapters. :)
July 2, 2021
“Triangle” is a story about James, Danny, Casey, and Nick at Woodhaven College. 4 guys with different, complex characters and relationship.
Book #1 (Triangle) 3,5 star : James & Casey, James & Danny and Casey & Danny
Book #2 (Redefinitions) 4 star : James & Danny
Book #3 (Recast) 2,5 star : very complicated, multilayer relationship between James & Danny, Danny & Nick, James & Casey and Danny & Casey
Book #4 (Retribution) 3,5 star : James & Danny
Book #1 (Triangle) 3,5 star : James & Casey, James & Danny and Casey & Danny
Book #2 (Redefinitions) 4 star : James & Danny
Book #3 (Recast) 2,5 star : very complicated, multilayer relationship between James & Danny, Danny & Nick, James & Casey and Danny & Casey
Book #4 (Retribution) 3,5 star : James & Danny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
I feel like the last two books were written by a completely different author...
January 1, 2025
Love the characters and the storyline really good for a love triangle square. Ending was so short though which sucked and there isn’t a book for nick and Mac which also sucks
December 12, 2013
James and Casey. James and Rizzo. Casey and Rizzo. Rizzo and Nick. Lovers. Friends. Enemies.
Triangle wasn't what I expected. It was more a tangled and complex web of relationships that weave in and out and around, firstly three main characters who are eventually joined by a fourth.
James has a traumatic past and is secretly in love with his best friend but attracted to another. Casey is a surprise, his feelings taking an unexpected turn. Rizzo is a mystery, manipulative and initially hard to like. Nick faces his own demons.
I don't want to spoil the story by expanding on how the characters are involved with each other but suffice it to say, you will be kept guessing throughout the story as they alternate from wild attraction, deep love, potential hate.
This is quite an emotional journey, focused on the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters which are shared through alternating POVs. It has a darker feel and a slightly uncomfortable undercurrent due to the continued anguish felt by the characters, the playing off against one another and the troubled pasts.
A few quotes to give a sense of the style of the book...
"Friend. Right. I'm inwardly screaming: For god's sake, turn your head, look at me! I'm right here, right beside you. Mere inches away. I'm someone, too. I see you. I don't want to be your friend. I want to be everything to you."
"Because when Casey looks at me like that, like I'm his every fantasy come true, I know I don't deserve to be held up so high. I don't get how I can be so incredibly happy, and at the same time...almost sad."
"I don't think that night ever ended, because I can always feel him now, underneath my skin. I try not to think about it, but I'm hooked, that's the way it is. I want more. Wow, and I think that's kinda pathetic."
"I bite down hard on my lower lip to keep the agony I'm feeling from spilling out of me. I'm such a creep. I'm worthless. I'm nothing. I'm less than nothing. I'm not even here. There's only blackness ahead, and the familiar mist if coming over me..."
"The realization comes as a surprise, but I have faith, I do. Faith in myself, faith in us, and for this one moment, even faith in this planets' sad population. Oh, this is gonna be good. Brace yourself, world, here we come."
I found myself quite drawn in, despite the sense of melancholy and was intrigued to find out how the story ended. The main downside was the sex. The build up regarding the sexual attraction was pretty intense and the characters come together in a way that is passionate and hot and hard and I wanted to get the full experience so felt slight let down as the scenes faded....maybe all the detailed action wasn't required for the story but I felt a little like I'd been left hanging.
All in all, a well told emotional story.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for my honest review.
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Triangle wasn't what I expected. It was more a tangled and complex web of relationships that weave in and out and around, firstly three main characters who are eventually joined by a fourth.
James has a traumatic past and is secretly in love with his best friend but attracted to another. Casey is a surprise, his feelings taking an unexpected turn. Rizzo is a mystery, manipulative and initially hard to like. Nick faces his own demons.
I don't want to spoil the story by expanding on how the characters are involved with each other but suffice it to say, you will be kept guessing throughout the story as they alternate from wild attraction, deep love, potential hate.
This is quite an emotional journey, focused on the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters which are shared through alternating POVs. It has a darker feel and a slightly uncomfortable undercurrent due to the continued anguish felt by the characters, the playing off against one another and the troubled pasts.
A few quotes to give a sense of the style of the book...
"Friend. Right. I'm inwardly screaming: For god's sake, turn your head, look at me! I'm right here, right beside you. Mere inches away. I'm someone, too. I see you. I don't want to be your friend. I want to be everything to you."
"Because when Casey looks at me like that, like I'm his every fantasy come true, I know I don't deserve to be held up so high. I don't get how I can be so incredibly happy, and at the same time...almost sad."
"I don't think that night ever ended, because I can always feel him now, underneath my skin. I try not to think about it, but I'm hooked, that's the way it is. I want more. Wow, and I think that's kinda pathetic."
"I bite down hard on my lower lip to keep the agony I'm feeling from spilling out of me. I'm such a creep. I'm worthless. I'm nothing. I'm less than nothing. I'm not even here. There's only blackness ahead, and the familiar mist if coming over me..."
"The realization comes as a surprise, but I have faith, I do. Faith in myself, faith in us, and for this one moment, even faith in this planets' sad population. Oh, this is gonna be good. Brace yourself, world, here we come."
I found myself quite drawn in, despite the sense of melancholy and was intrigued to find out how the story ended. The main downside was the sex. The build up regarding the sexual attraction was pretty intense and the characters come together in a way that is passionate and hot and hard and I wanted to get the full experience so felt slight let down as the scenes faded....maybe all the detailed action wasn't required for the story but I felt a little like I'd been left hanging.
All in all, a well told emotional story.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for my honest review.
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
December 4, 2013
Triangle Susann Julieva , Romelle Engel
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
Reading the description I was reminded of the voice-over for a serial in the 70's where each person seemed to be in a relationship, or dreaming of one, with at least two other people...the sound-bite was “Confused? You will be..” and I wondered if that's how I’d find this. In actuality though its not as confusing as the description suggests as Nick doesn't come into the book until around halfway through, and we concentrate on just James, Casey and Danny.
I liked the characters, intense, solitary James, who seems at odds with the rest of the world apart from long-time straight friend Casey. Casey's one of the good guys, friendly with everyone, affable and easy going and though he's straight. James believes he's in love with him, though dare not show his feeling to Casey in case it spoils their relationship. Then along comes Rizzo – Danny- who turns everything upside down. He's one of those who always is at the heart of controversy, who throws out comments and actions for effect. He pushes and riles James, Casey tells James he's in love with Danny, and poor, poor James is so heartbroken and jealous but stuck. He warns Danny to leave Casey alone but then Danny makes sexual approaches to him too, and he's then totally confused about how he feels for Danny, and what about his long-standing love for Casey...Its all very intense, and these three dance around their feelings. At times its a wonder they ever managed to get any college work done! Then slowly out come some of the skeletons from each of their backgrounds, and along comes Nick into the mix. He's another troubled character in love with Danny... There are so many hidden secrets coming out and some tragic consequences to actions.
Its a very intense, insular book, and though in a way its all about how each feels for the other(s) its also lacking on romance for me. Its all about thoughts and histories rather than what's actually happening in the present, and I felt quite detached from the characters at times. That's me though – I like dialogue based books best, ones where I can feel as if I’m in the persons head, and here I felt like an onlooker and didn't quite follow what was happening much of the while. I needed to get more invested in outcomes than I did, and that's why for me this is an OK book, but not one I’d re read. It does have lots of sweetness, lots of that young, intense love, but there was too much introspection and not enough action for me. Still, everyone wants different things and I’m sure this will feel just perfect for others. It was originally a serial and maybe the transition to novel affected the overall feel?
Stars: three.
ARC supplied via authors
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
Reading the description I was reminded of the voice-over for a serial in the 70's where each person seemed to be in a relationship, or dreaming of one, with at least two other people...the sound-bite was “Confused? You will be..” and I wondered if that's how I’d find this. In actuality though its not as confusing as the description suggests as Nick doesn't come into the book until around halfway through, and we concentrate on just James, Casey and Danny.
I liked the characters, intense, solitary James, who seems at odds with the rest of the world apart from long-time straight friend Casey. Casey's one of the good guys, friendly with everyone, affable and easy going and though he's straight. James believes he's in love with him, though dare not show his feeling to Casey in case it spoils their relationship. Then along comes Rizzo – Danny- who turns everything upside down. He's one of those who always is at the heart of controversy, who throws out comments and actions for effect. He pushes and riles James, Casey tells James he's in love with Danny, and poor, poor James is so heartbroken and jealous but stuck. He warns Danny to leave Casey alone but then Danny makes sexual approaches to him too, and he's then totally confused about how he feels for Danny, and what about his long-standing love for Casey...Its all very intense, and these three dance around their feelings. At times its a wonder they ever managed to get any college work done! Then slowly out come some of the skeletons from each of their backgrounds, and along comes Nick into the mix. He's another troubled character in love with Danny... There are so many hidden secrets coming out and some tragic consequences to actions.
Its a very intense, insular book, and though in a way its all about how each feels for the other(s) its also lacking on romance for me. Its all about thoughts and histories rather than what's actually happening in the present, and I felt quite detached from the characters at times. That's me though – I like dialogue based books best, ones where I can feel as if I’m in the persons head, and here I felt like an onlooker and didn't quite follow what was happening much of the while. I needed to get more invested in outcomes than I did, and that's why for me this is an OK book, but not one I’d re read. It does have lots of sweetness, lots of that young, intense love, but there was too much introspection and not enough action for me. Still, everyone wants different things and I’m sure this will feel just perfect for others. It was originally a serial and maybe the transition to novel affected the overall feel?
Stars: three.
ARC supplied via authors
August 14, 2016
A great, angsty, turbulent read, I rate 4.5
It's a story of college age guys dealing with love, lust, infatuation, sex, drugs - and a bit of study! Danny did come across early on as misunderstood - just waiting for someone to break through the bravado so I felt myself in his corner quite quickly. Casey kind of felt like the faceless character - not sure how I felt about him. Nick I just wanted to hug and take care of, and of all 4 main characters he is the one I would want to know how he gets on in future (& Mac!). James felt to me as the main character but I didnt get quite as invested in him as I might have done, though I was glad he got his happy ending.
This was originally a blog serial and this makes it more plot than character driven and as a reader of the complete book version, makes for a quite exhausting read! As each chapter released had to entice readers back, so each has its own drama and hook ending so making a roller coaster read when doing as a book - also makes you want to keep reading far too late at night!
Overall, a good angsty read about guys growing up emotionally that I did enjoy and will probably reread in future.
It's a story of college age guys dealing with love, lust, infatuation, sex, drugs - and a bit of study! Danny did come across early on as misunderstood - just waiting for someone to break through the bravado so I felt myself in his corner quite quickly. Casey kind of felt like the faceless character - not sure how I felt about him. Nick I just wanted to hug and take care of, and of all 4 main characters he is the one I would want to know how he gets on in future (& Mac!). James felt to me as the main character but I didnt get quite as invested in him as I might have done, though I was glad he got his happy ending.
This was originally a blog serial and this makes it more plot than character driven and as a reader of the complete book version, makes for a quite exhausting read! As each chapter released had to entice readers back, so each has its own drama and hook ending so making a roller coaster read when doing as a book - also makes you want to keep reading far too late at night!
Overall, a good angsty read about guys growing up emotionally that I did enjoy and will probably reread in future.
July 30, 2012
I've never written a review before, but it's hard not to say something when you enjoyed something so much. So here goes!
I liked this book a lot for many reasons, but perhaps the most important one is that it's so different to other books. One of the reasons might be that (at least that's what the author says herself) it wasn't planned as a novel, but it's more a story that just "happened". This is one of its strong points and also might be seen as one of its flaws by those who just like it tradional. The first person point of views made it easy for me to connect with the characters, and I thought the alternating points of view gave it a little something extra. My favourite characters were Rizzo and James.
I liked this book a lot for many reasons, but perhaps the most important one is that it's so different to other books. One of the reasons might be that (at least that's what the author says herself) it wasn't planned as a novel, but it's more a story that just "happened". This is one of its strong points and also might be seen as one of its flaws by those who just like it tradional. The first person point of views made it easy for me to connect with the characters, and I thought the alternating points of view gave it a little something extra. My favourite characters were Rizzo and James.
April 7, 2015
Absolutely 5 Amazing stars!
I really really love this book from start to finish, though at times I want to smack the MC's.. But this is worth reading for.. The story is like uniquely real! I really feel the emotions the characters conveyed.. I love the transition of Danny & Nick's relationship.. But I don't like how the friendship James & Casey have afterwards, why suddenly Nick & James becomes bff? That part really confused me! But overall, the auhors did really do a good job writing this masterpiece, kudos to them! I will look forward with their other books in the future.. I'm gonna miss Danny, James, Nick & Casey and the rest of the gang.. But there still a short sequel I see, so I'm off to read now... Ppyooongggg!
I really really love this book from start to finish, though at times I want to smack the MC's.. But this is worth reading for.. The story is like uniquely real! I really feel the emotions the characters conveyed.. I love the transition of Danny & Nick's relationship.. But I don't like how the friendship James & Casey have afterwards, why suddenly Nick & James becomes bff? That part really confused me! But overall, the auhors did really do a good job writing this masterpiece, kudos to them! I will look forward with their other books in the future.. I'm gonna miss Danny, James, Nick & Casey and the rest of the gang.. But there still a short sequel I see, so I'm off to read now... Ppyooongggg!
July 30, 2012
This is such a gorgeous, epic romance! It's complete genius, and beautifully delivered. Reading the story was wonderfully cathartic for me. I thought the character development was simply superb, they all change and grow in this story. You feel for James and Rizzo so much. The way James manages to come to terms with his past really struck a chord with me. He has so much to deal with, and by the end of the book you know that he's still got a long way to go - but at least he is on the right path. The dynamics between the characters are so believable, like real people - I only wish there was more than four books to this series!
September 2, 2012
I enjoyed this book. A lot. I thought the author did an amazing job of creating a compelling, intense love triangle. I kept thinking, "How did that Twilight book do so well when this. . .THIS is what a real love triangle should look like." Rizzo was kind of a dick. And James was clueless. And I kind of just wanted to pat Casey's cheek lovingly and say, "Oh, Casey." The tension between James and Rizzo was amazing. I felt like the book took a bit of a drop in the second half, but I loved the first half so much, I can't give it anything but five stars! A definitely recommended read.
September 6, 2015
I liked the story but the story line lacked the punch I had hoped for. In the end the tangled relationships of James paled compared to the side story of Nick.
The story was choppy and jumpy. Yes, it was originally written online in chapters but when compiled this could have been smoothed out a bit. The time jumps are abrupt and at times jumped out of nowhere.
It wasn't all bad though. The writing pulls the reader into the characters and really make you "feel" them.
The story was choppy and jumpy. Yes, it was originally written online in chapters but when compiled this could have been smoothed out a bit. The time jumps are abrupt and at times jumped out of nowhere.
It wasn't all bad though. The writing pulls the reader into the characters and really make you "feel" them.
June 10, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the way the author used the different point of views worked really well. I've been in a bit of a reading drought recently where everything I have read seemed a bit like same old story but different names, this was refreshingly different and it kept my interest.
January 5, 2015
Another book I couldn't get into. The writing style made me nuts, same goes for the story being told from so many different point of views. Life is too short for such a story. I might give the book a try again should my TBR pile slim down miraculously. Until then, on to new conquests. DNF
October 30, 2013
I enjoyed this a lot. The individual characters and plot was well thought out. I admit that I sort of skimmed a bit towards the end but I wanted to know how it ended. Will definitely read this series again.
November 26, 2021
I’ve literally re-read this probably three times. I absolutely love the hate in this book. I also enjoy the fact that it doesn’t take you where you think it’s going. One of my favs 💕
I wish there were more books by these authors
I wish there were more books by these authors
July 18, 2012
So well written, love the style, and the characters… I can't decide who I like most. The ending was perfect, makes me wish there was more!
September 26, 2012
I am not able to find a copy of the series to purchase/read - can anyone direct me? thanks
Pierre
Pierre
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