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Table Topped #6
Party of Three
Pia
My dreams of a career as an artist are too big to let a little thing like love derail them.
Funny how it takes a drag show to reach inside my soul, show me a glimpse of who I truly am, and bring my two best friends into my life. After a lifetime as collateral damage to Mom’s serial monogamy, I never thought I’d have room for the inevitable heartache of romance. Yet I can’t help myself when it comes to the two men who mean more to me than I ever imagined possible.
Emil
Coming out is never easy, but staying in the closet is crushing my soul.
I’ve known who I am for most of my life. Jewish, drag king, trans man, teacher, brother, son, uncle. But rejection and fear have kept my truth locked up inside for years. Drag gives me my one safe outlet to be myself, but it takes Pia and Gregor’s unwavering support to find the courage to embrace every part of myself. They give me the strength to step out of the closet and the drive to fight for love.
Gregor
Some days, getting out of bed seems like more than I can manage.
My mom was my rock for most of my life. Single by choice, she showed me that family is who we choose. She is the reason I went into nursing, the reason I fell in love with drag. When I lost her, it seemed like my entire life fell apart. Depression consumed me. It isn’t until I meet my online best friends in person that I truly relearn how to live. Now I’m hoping the three of us can become the family I’ve longed to rebuild ever since I lost mine.
Party of Three is an M/M/X nerdy contemporary romance with two trans leads who have different experiences of what that means for them. It is book six in the series, but it can stand alone or function as a series prequel. This is part one of a two-part duology featuring these three characters and it ends with an HEA/HFN. The CW information for both books about these three characters is in the author’s note.
My dreams of a career as an artist are too big to let a little thing like love derail them.
Funny how it takes a drag show to reach inside my soul, show me a glimpse of who I truly am, and bring my two best friends into my life. After a lifetime as collateral damage to Mom’s serial monogamy, I never thought I’d have room for the inevitable heartache of romance. Yet I can’t help myself when it comes to the two men who mean more to me than I ever imagined possible.
Emil
Coming out is never easy, but staying in the closet is crushing my soul.
I’ve known who I am for most of my life. Jewish, drag king, trans man, teacher, brother, son, uncle. But rejection and fear have kept my truth locked up inside for years. Drag gives me my one safe outlet to be myself, but it takes Pia and Gregor’s unwavering support to find the courage to embrace every part of myself. They give me the strength to step out of the closet and the drive to fight for love.
Gregor
Some days, getting out of bed seems like more than I can manage.
My mom was my rock for most of my life. Single by choice, she showed me that family is who we choose. She is the reason I went into nursing, the reason I fell in love with drag. When I lost her, it seemed like my entire life fell apart. Depression consumed me. It isn’t until I meet my online best friends in person that I truly relearn how to live. Now I’m hoping the three of us can become the family I’ve longed to rebuild ever since I lost mine.
Party of Three is an M/M/X nerdy contemporary romance with two trans leads who have different experiences of what that means for them. It is book six in the series, but it can stand alone or function as a series prequel. This is part one of a two-part duology featuring these three characters and it ends with an HEA/HFN. The CW information for both books about these three characters is in the author’s note.
Unknown Binding
Published May 19, 2023
8 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 13, 2023
I.. don't think I have ever gotten so attached to characters as poignantly as I have with Pia, Emil, and Gregor. These characters, the writing, the background, all pulled me in from the very first page. I literally did nothing but read this book for two hours straight, I read it all the way through with no breaks in between. Mainly because I couldn't physically stop reading, I didn't want to, I couldn't! The only thing I did other than read this book was gush about it to my friends that I have in a group chat with them. One that's very similar to the group chat these characters met in.
I can relate to this book in a lot of different ways, the main one being connecting with people who were once strangers but who become your closest confidants. I met my best friends online in a group chat about a year ago, and they are my biggest allies and supporters. I've shared so many things with them, that they've morphed from strangers I met online to being family I chose to have around me and in my life.
The other reason/reasons I feel so attached to this book is Gregor's job. He's a nurse who works in a nursing home helping the elderly patients. My mom was a nurse and she used to work in a nursing home as well, and the stories she's told me about her job are very similar to those of Gregor's job! I was smiling while I read the scenes where he was working cause what was written about those moments, I could relate to cause my mom experienced similar things at her job! And that was just so awesome and amazing. I really appreciate how much time and work Alex had to put in to make that as accurate as possible, and I can definitely say they achieved that..
As someone who's an ally/supporter, it feels validating to read about characters who are trying to figuring things out and where/how they fit into this world, and what that looks like for them. While I was reading this I got emotional because my friends have shared their stories with me and I could see them being represented in this book. And that, is something that is so incredible and makes me so happy. I wish that the world becomes more accepting rather than casting judgement, what Emil went through with his doctor along with how his mother treated him is horrible. Thankfully though he found people who became his family when his own wasn't being what family should be. And Pia? Her questioning themselves and trying out new labels to see what fits her best was such a profound moment. I don't know if my friends ever went through a moment/moments just like the ones these characters did, but if they did, then they got represented in this book. I think it's really important to have characters you can relate to, and these characters had me right in my feels the whole time.
The pacing of this book was incredible, there was definitely a slow burn happening but there was a reason for that! The friends to lovers aspect was done so beautifully, and I am so excited for the second part in this duo. I can't wait to see what these characters are up to next! The writing was flawless, it draws you in and does not let go! There was so much attention to detail when it came to really fleshing out each and every character and giving them not only a great backstory but also making them feel real. You will get immersed in this world alongside these characters, and you will not want to leave this world once you finish this book. I loved this story! And I'm so excited to see what's next for Emil, Pia, and Gregor.
I can relate to this book in a lot of different ways, the main one being connecting with people who were once strangers but who become your closest confidants. I met my best friends online in a group chat about a year ago, and they are my biggest allies and supporters. I've shared so many things with them, that they've morphed from strangers I met online to being family I chose to have around me and in my life.
The other reason/reasons I feel so attached to this book is Gregor's job. He's a nurse who works in a nursing home helping the elderly patients. My mom was a nurse and she used to work in a nursing home as well, and the stories she's told me about her job are very similar to those of Gregor's job! I was smiling while I read the scenes where he was working cause what was written about those moments, I could relate to cause my mom experienced similar things at her job! And that was just so awesome and amazing. I really appreciate how much time and work Alex had to put in to make that as accurate as possible, and I can definitely say they achieved that..
As someone who's an ally/supporter, it feels validating to read about characters who are trying to figuring things out and where/how they fit into this world, and what that looks like for them. While I was reading this I got emotional because my friends have shared their stories with me and I could see them being represented in this book. And that, is something that is so incredible and makes me so happy. I wish that the world becomes more accepting rather than casting judgement, what Emil went through with his doctor along with how his mother treated him is horrible. Thankfully though he found people who became his family when his own wasn't being what family should be. And Pia? Her questioning themselves and trying out new labels to see what fits her best was such a profound moment. I don't know if my friends ever went through a moment/moments just like the ones these characters did, but if they did, then they got represented in this book. I think it's really important to have characters you can relate to, and these characters had me right in my feels the whole time.
The pacing of this book was incredible, there was definitely a slow burn happening but there was a reason for that! The friends to lovers aspect was done so beautifully, and I am so excited for the second part in this duo. I can't wait to see what these characters are up to next! The writing was flawless, it draws you in and does not let go! There was so much attention to detail when it came to really fleshing out each and every character and giving them not only a great backstory but also making them feel real. You will get immersed in this world alongside these characters, and you will not want to leave this world once you finish this book. I loved this story! And I'm so excited to see what's next for Emil, Pia, and Gregor.
July 28, 2023
Firm Friends to Found Family
Sharing drag life in common, Pia - she/they - a Uni student, Emil, he/him - nursery teacher and Gregor - he/him Nurse, become fast friends in an online group chat.
Pia is new to drag and in their first year of studies whilst also thinking about gender. For her, the drag performance allows them to "get to experience life free of all the little ways gender intrudes" on her. * Pia uses a mix of her and their identifying as nonbinary though it is more complicated as she discovers more.
Pia and Emil are delighted when Gregor moves to Vancouver where they both live, following being busy with his Mom’s end-of-life care and then grieving her. The chance for the three to meet is scary, new and exciting.
Emil meanwhile is dealing with the prejudices and fears encountered being a trans masc, and the sometimes patronising and negative attitudes of the medical professionals. In addition he is experiencing dysphoria (as is Pia) and is conflicted about his religion; both missing the link of the Jewish community and seeing his family, though his Mom is less than adaptable.
There's a definite juxtaposition between his home life, his decision to start T hormones and the pressure from his mom "to be a good girl" and find a nice husband.
Thankfully, as best friends now living close to each other, they have a mutual support network, their own found family and friends who understand what they are going through.
Some of the interesting other characters are Errol/Shadow plus Ari and Ben (Emil's brothers).
A lot of the novel centers on Pia's fear of failed relationships based on their mom's past relationships and the pressure similar to Emil experiences; be a good girl, drop the art, get a real job and man etc.
It's a terrific dynamic and just starts the story which follows in Balanced Party (7) and this one does end with a HFN.
It's sexy, funny, sweet, emotional, romantic, life affirming and the whole book has a respectful and positive viewpoint towards trans lives and body positivity.
Also as someone grieving my Dad, who was in a similar place to Gregor, I really connected with that story arc.
A great book.
Sharing drag life in common, Pia - she/they - a Uni student, Emil, he/him - nursery teacher and Gregor - he/him Nurse, become fast friends in an online group chat.
Pia is new to drag and in their first year of studies whilst also thinking about gender. For her, the drag performance allows them to "get to experience life free of all the little ways gender intrudes" on her. * Pia uses a mix of her and their identifying as nonbinary though it is more complicated as she discovers more.
Pia and Emil are delighted when Gregor moves to Vancouver where they both live, following being busy with his Mom’s end-of-life care and then grieving her. The chance for the three to meet is scary, new and exciting.
Emil meanwhile is dealing with the prejudices and fears encountered being a trans masc, and the sometimes patronising and negative attitudes of the medical professionals. In addition he is experiencing dysphoria (as is Pia) and is conflicted about his religion; both missing the link of the Jewish community and seeing his family, though his Mom is less than adaptable.
There's a definite juxtaposition between his home life, his decision to start T hormones and the pressure from his mom "to be a good girl" and find a nice husband.
Thankfully, as best friends now living close to each other, they have a mutual support network, their own found family and friends who understand what they are going through.
Some of the interesting other characters are Errol/Shadow plus Ari and Ben (Emil's brothers).
A lot of the novel centers on Pia's fear of failed relationships based on their mom's past relationships and the pressure similar to Emil experiences; be a good girl, drop the art, get a real job and man etc.
It's a terrific dynamic and just starts the story which follows in Balanced Party (7) and this one does end with a HFN.
It's sexy, funny, sweet, emotional, romantic, life affirming and the whole book has a respectful and positive viewpoint towards trans lives and body positivity.
Also as someone grieving my Dad, who was in a similar place to Gregor, I really connected with that story arc.
A great book.
May 22, 2023
I'm a big fan of the Table Topped series and it's so good to have the origin story for Pia, Emil and Gregor as they are in an established relationship when we meet them in book one.
This book is actually the first in a duology as we first meet Pia when she first moves to Vancouver for college, Emil isn't Emil yet, and Gregor is still dealing with the loss of his mum and hasn't yet moved to Vancouver. All three get to know each other in an online chat room before meeting at Pia's first drag night. From there, their friendship only blossoms and becomes even closer, giving each of them the support, identity and love that they need to freely be themselves.
It's sad to read the struggles they all face. Emil faces a battle when it comes to transitioning with medical care, coming out at work, and telling his family. Pia had their eyes opened when they visited a drag bar for her sister's hen night. It's a whole new world that she falls in love with and feels a part of. They are able to explore themselves, their identity and their sexuality, all with the support of her new friends. Gregor has been dealing with the loss of his mum, someone he was extremely close to, and feels the time is right to move as he grows closer to Pia and Emil and has a new job opportunity.
What becomes complicated for them as they support each other through the daily trials and tribulations, is the attraction that grows for each of them equally for each other but there are fears and hesitations about ruining their friendships that hold at least one of them back.
Alex Silver continues to give readers a wonderful look into the minds of characters who are finding themselves in so many different areas, and deals with several tough topics including depression, transphobia and transitioning. I cannot wait to see how things develop for the trio in the second book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This book is actually the first in a duology as we first meet Pia when she first moves to Vancouver for college, Emil isn't Emil yet, and Gregor is still dealing with the loss of his mum and hasn't yet moved to Vancouver. All three get to know each other in an online chat room before meeting at Pia's first drag night. From there, their friendship only blossoms and becomes even closer, giving each of them the support, identity and love that they need to freely be themselves.
It's sad to read the struggles they all face. Emil faces a battle when it comes to transitioning with medical care, coming out at work, and telling his family. Pia had their eyes opened when they visited a drag bar for her sister's hen night. It's a whole new world that she falls in love with and feels a part of. They are able to explore themselves, their identity and their sexuality, all with the support of her new friends. Gregor has been dealing with the loss of his mum, someone he was extremely close to, and feels the time is right to move as he grows closer to Pia and Emil and has a new job opportunity.
What becomes complicated for them as they support each other through the daily trials and tribulations, is the attraction that grows for each of them equally for each other but there are fears and hesitations about ruining their friendships that hold at least one of them back.
Alex Silver continues to give readers a wonderful look into the minds of characters who are finding themselves in so many different areas, and deals with several tough topics including depression, transphobia and transitioning. I cannot wait to see how things develop for the trio in the second book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 19, 2023
I love when authors take us on a journey with their characters and Party of Three documents the transformations of two of it's characters, one becoming a trans man and the other embracing their more fluid nature and interchangeable she/they/her pronouns.
Pia was always an enigma in the first five books and I was glad that Alex Silver has taken us back to Pia's roots and helped us understand their first steps into becoming comfortable as themself. Because this is the first book in a duology about this throuple, the book is understandably slow burn as the MCs become friends then besties then more...
I can't wait to see what transformations happen within the relationship when we get our second look with the next book!
Pia was always an enigma in the first five books and I was glad that Alex Silver has taken us back to Pia's roots and helped us understand their first steps into becoming comfortable as themself. Because this is the first book in a duology about this throuple, the book is understandably slow burn as the MCs become friends then besties then more...
I can't wait to see what transformations happen within the relationship when we get our second look with the next book!
May 21, 2023
Pia, Emil, and Gregor are each beautifully realized, complex, and interesting characters, and getting to know them as they navigate finding themselves and the kind of relationships they want with each other makes for a captivating read. It’s a process for each of them, maneuvering through expectations and norms to get to the freedom of expressing who they are and what they need, and it’s so easy to want the best for them as they do–well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 19, 2023
A fantastic story of finding your true self, braving the world to be who you are and love. Navigating life is hard enough but navigating it as a queer person in a poly relationship can be extra challenging. Between societal expectations and familial expectations, staying true to who you are and who you love is scary. But the ultimate love and joy is so worth it! As proven in this fantastic story of Pia, Emil and Gregor.
May 21, 2023
Great story
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a fantastic story, the details and affirmations of all of the emotions. This story dealt with a lot of sensitive issues and they were all handled so beautifully. It was like a warm hug from a treasured friend. I can’t wait for the next part.
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a fantastic story, the details and affirmations of all of the emotions. This story dealt with a lot of sensitive issues and they were all handled so beautifully. It was like a warm hug from a treasured friend. I can’t wait for the next part.
May 22, 2023
What a way to introduce us to these 3 beautiful characters. I loved the group chat exchanges between them. Watching their friendship and relationship grow and unfold was beautiful.
September 3, 2025
Interesting book. Two trans men and a bi/non-binary woman become a throuple, and we meet all their families, too. Not a whole lot of sex, but not every book needs that.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews