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The Marriage Groups #1.5
Steamy
When Dr. Tabansi Vorlundiz entered the gym called Elabore in the middle of the day, he had no idea that his life was going to change forever. Aware of the gorgeous doctor for a while, police sheriff, Maddock Perrington, has been trying to figure out a way to approach the very man he was set to marry years before. A tragic accident, taking away the two other men who were to be in the marriage group with him, put an end to that dream. With two new men, Jordy Dyer and Taggart Undertson, now making up an official marriage group with him, Maddock is ready to claim the one man he's been fantasizing about.
But first the Marriage Group will have to break through the walls Tabansi built after the death of the two men he was desperately in love with and then they will have to show Tabansi how well suited they are for each other.
What better way to do that than late one night in the gym showers?
But first the Marriage Group will have to break through the walls Tabansi built after the death of the two men he was desperately in love with and then they will have to show Tabansi how well suited they are for each other.
What better way to do that than late one night in the gym showers?
49 pages, ebook
First published July 23, 2012
2 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Vicktor Alexander
55 books341 followersVicktor Alexander “Vic” wrote his first story at the age of 10 about his youngest sister and her destruction of the world…with her breath. Much to his youngest sister’s dismay the story was a hit and became the first story of a series all dealing with the planets that were destroyed by his siblings and their strange quirks and body odors. Vic now enjoys writing about shifters, humanoids, cowboys, firemen, rent boys, fairies, elves, dancers, doctors, Doms, Subs, and anything else that catches his fancy, all sexy men falling in love with each other and having lots of naughty, dirty, man-on-man sex. Author of the best-selling series, The Tate Pack, Vic is a huge fan of the “happily-ever-after” ending. But while his characters all ride off into the proverbial sunset, all sexually satisfied and in love, they all bear the scars of fighting for that love, just like in real life. Out and proud, Vic does not believe that love only comes in one form, one race, one gender and that not only is gender fluid, by sexuality as well. Vic loves to make people laugh and when he’s not writing, or rather, procrastinating in writing, he’s reading, playing the Sims 3, hanging out with his very supportive adopted family, talking to his adopted daughter, whom he affectionately calls "Chipmunk", seeking the man or men who can handle his crazy, stressful, soap opera-esque life and being distracted from his writing by drooling over pictures of John Barrowman, Scott Hoying, Charlie David and Shemar Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 13, 2018
The story seemed interesting: erotic sci-fi, polyamorist society, DP… I was totally up for it.
BUT.
The storyline is gappy, the characters’ feelings for one another are based on only their perfect appearances, and the social system is ridiculous: the ONLY legal form of marriage is the union of four men. If you have only two partners, you don’t get a marriage license, and it is also illegal to have penetrative sex.
The main character, Tabansi, had found two wonderful men, Trevor and Christopher on his very first “soiree”, but they were unable to find a fourth partner for a long time. Trevor and Christopher died in an accident when they had been on their way home with news about the guy they'd finally found to complete their marriage group. Tabansi is devastated since then, and now he has very limited choices to proceed in his life. He has to find a marriage group to join soon, or he will be forced back to the “soiree house” to find new partners. He is allowed to have only three more soirees, and if he fails, he is going to be declared a spinster, and he will be in danger of losing his job as a doctor (why???) and forced into prostitution (again, why???). What kind of fucked up system is that???
The story starts with Tabansi encountering three men in the gym, Maddock, Jordy and Taggart, and he is instantly, insanely drawn to them, and it totally mutual. Maddock happens to be the guy Trevor and Christopher had found back then. After their death, Maddock was devastated too, but meeting Jordy and Taggart has eased his grief a little… At the beginning of the story, Maddock’s intentions are romantic and noble: he wants to give a future to Tabansi, but he is afraid what happens when Tabansi finds out who he is. But it never happens, Maddock never tells Tabansi he was supposed to be the fourth partner to their marriage group, so this problem is solved.
The writing is awful, and not just because it’s repetitive (the term “older man” appears 25 times, “younger man” 47 times, “Trevor and Christopher” or “Christopher and Trevor” 22 times), but because of the poor depiction of characters and of their relationship too. Maddock had fallen in love with Tabansi just by looking at a picture Trevor and Christopher showed him. Later Maddock states love is not an option for him.
How happy his partners, Jordy and Taggart, would be if they knew this… If Maddock has never felt love before, what kind of relationship was that with them?
Maddock wants to keep things with Tabansi “purely physical”. A couple of pages later they all united in a sublime ceremony with earth-shattering orgasms, white lights and all.
What was he???
Apart from the poor writing and the superficial portrayal of emotions and relationships, it’s not the kind of polyamory I want to read about. The beautiful thing in polyamory is that it is so free-form, you have so many choices. I’m a polyamorist, but I don’t think it is the only way people should live. Forcing a certain form of relationship or marriage system on people, even if it happens in fiction, is not right.
BUT.
The storyline is gappy, the characters’ feelings for one another are based on only their perfect appearances, and the social system is ridiculous: the ONLY legal form of marriage is the union of four men. If you have only two partners, you don’t get a marriage license, and it is also illegal to have penetrative sex.
The main character, Tabansi, had found two wonderful men, Trevor and Christopher on his very first “soiree”, but they were unable to find a fourth partner for a long time. Trevor and Christopher died in an accident when they had been on their way home with news about the guy they'd finally found to complete their marriage group. Tabansi is devastated since then, and now he has very limited choices to proceed in his life. He has to find a marriage group to join soon, or he will be forced back to the “soiree house” to find new partners. He is allowed to have only three more soirees, and if he fails, he is going to be declared a spinster, and he will be in danger of losing his job as a doctor (why???) and forced into prostitution (again, why???). What kind of fucked up system is that???
The story starts with Tabansi encountering three men in the gym, Maddock, Jordy and Taggart, and he is instantly, insanely drawn to them, and it totally mutual. Maddock happens to be the guy Trevor and Christopher had found back then. After their death, Maddock was devastated too, but meeting Jordy and Taggart has eased his grief a little… At the beginning of the story, Maddock’s intentions are romantic and noble: he wants to give a future to Tabansi, but he is afraid what happens when Tabansi finds out who he is. But it never happens, Maddock never tells Tabansi he was supposed to be the fourth partner to their marriage group, so this problem is solved.
The writing is awful, and not just because it’s repetitive (the term “older man” appears 25 times, “younger man” 47 times, “Trevor and Christopher” or “Christopher and Trevor” 22 times), but because of the poor depiction of characters and of their relationship too. Maddock had fallen in love with Tabansi just by looking at a picture Trevor and Christopher showed him. Later Maddock states love is not an option for him.
He had never loved anyone before. He didn't know how to love someone. So while some part of him wanted to… love Tabansi, the rest of him was well aware of the fact that he was incapable of such an emotion. It was practically foreign to him.
How happy his partners, Jordy and Taggart, would be if they knew this… If Maddock has never felt love before, what kind of relationship was that with them?
Maddock wants to keep things with Tabansi “purely physical”. A couple of pages later they all united in a sublime ceremony with earth-shattering orgasms, white lights and all.
Being who he was… what he was, he was more likely to destroy someone if he truly loved them and he couldn't destroy Tabansi.
What was he???
Apart from the poor writing and the superficial portrayal of emotions and relationships, it’s not the kind of polyamory I want to read about. The beautiful thing in polyamory is that it is so free-form, you have so many choices. I’m a polyamorist, but I don’t think it is the only way people should live. Forcing a certain form of relationship or marriage system on people, even if it happens in fiction, is not right.
December 25, 2012
Sadly, I couldn't focus on the characters and the plot as I was constantly distracted by the unanswered questions throughout the book.
There is potential in the story. However, I personally could not get attached to the characters, therefore the 2 star rating.
There is potential in the story. However, I personally could not get attached to the characters, therefore the 2 star rating.
July 21, 2012
I liked this story quite a bit. I think it had a great potential for the world, but it also fell short of what I needed by way of explanation of the world itself. I had so many world-building questions left at the end, I was confused and very disappointed they weren't answered.
The general idea is a world (not Earth, based on the country/city names) where men bond in groups of four. In order to be recognized as an official group, there must be four. Why is not explained.
And one of those four must be a coração (means 'heart' in Portuguese and in this story). What one is, why/how they are different, why they are treated differently legally from other men (not allowed to have sex before being married), etc. is not explained. What the "soiree" is is not explained. Is it just coraçãos that are required to go to the "soiree"? Just not explained.
So, Tabansi, a coração, has 2 men he loves dearly, but they're not allowed to be married until they have a fourth. Those 2 are killed on their way home to Tabansi to tell him they've met a potential fourth. The fourth knows who Tabansi is, but Tabansi doesn't know who he is. Tabansi will eventually be forced back into the soiree if he doesn't find another group to marry, and he just can't imagine being disloyal to their memory.
We eventually meet the man who was to be the fourth, who feels guilty that the other two men were killed and Tabansi was left without them, and he's made it his goal to find Tabansi another suitable group for marriage.
And it so happens they're all fairly attracted to each other as they meet.
I think this story would be fabulous if it were longer and more fleshed out, but as it is, it does not satisfy my questions about the world and WHY things are like they are, and that takes away from Tabansi's story and my ability to emotionally connection to him.
There were also some things which felt inconsistent to me, but those probably wouldn't have bothered me as much if other things (mentioned above) had been explained.
2.5 stars because of what I consider to be missing world-building and some "kicked me out of the story" moments. I just wasn't quite satisfied in the end.
The general idea is a world (not Earth, based on the country/city names) where men bond in groups of four. In order to be recognized as an official group, there must be four. Why is not explained.
And one of those four must be a coração (means 'heart' in Portuguese and in this story). What one is, why/how they are different, why they are treated differently legally from other men (not allowed to have sex before being married), etc. is not explained. What the "soiree" is is not explained. Is it just coraçãos that are required to go to the "soiree"? Just not explained.
So, Tabansi, a coração, has 2 men he loves dearly, but they're not allowed to be married until they have a fourth. Those 2 are killed on their way home to Tabansi to tell him they've met a potential fourth. The fourth knows who Tabansi is, but Tabansi doesn't know who he is. Tabansi will eventually be forced back into the soiree if he doesn't find another group to marry, and he just can't imagine being disloyal to their memory.
We eventually meet the man who was to be the fourth, who feels guilty that the other two men were killed and Tabansi was left without them, and he's made it his goal to find Tabansi another suitable group for marriage.
And it so happens they're all fairly attracted to each other as they meet.
I think this story would be fabulous if it were longer and more fleshed out, but as it is, it does not satisfy my questions about the world and WHY things are like they are, and that takes away from Tabansi's story and my ability to emotionally connection to him.
There were also some things which felt inconsistent to me, but those probably wouldn't have bothered me as much if other things (mentioned above) had been explained.
2.5 stars because of what I consider to be missing world-building and some "kicked me out of the story" moments. I just wasn't quite satisfied in the end.
September 11, 2012
Pretty badly written pornography with lots of inconsistencies and no real explanation of the world. It was sexy, but pretty cheesy and not great work.
I was expecting better from Vicktor Alexander's reputation.
I was expecting better from Vicktor Alexander's reputation.
April 18, 2015
3.5 - Yes, that was steamy :) Love the interpretation of the photo. Thank you Vicktor Alexander, for donating your story, time and talent.
November 11, 2014
PWP that didn't really connect with me.
March 31, 2019
I`m not much into poly stories and this especially felt crowded with unnecessarry characters and not very interesting sex Scenes. Also, I felt it was a bit too dramatic. However, I liked the Setting and would like to know more About this world.
February 17, 2024
Erotic short read.
August 24, 2014
Ugh, this world has so much potential and yet I don't think I will read The Marriage Groups #1 because both books seem to suffer from the same problem: illogical sequences of events.
Insta-love is not a deal breaker for me. As long as there's good writing, likeable characters, and an engaging plot, I can usually be distracted from it. But here? Not only am I already having trouble keeping track of the characters, but the MC specifically points out:
And then he even though it's technically illegal at this point (or something like that - the various rules of this world weren't explained fully), and it was the one thing
Basically, the characters in this story acted like puppets whose strings needed to be pulled for various (unlikely) events to happen.
Insta-love is not a deal breaker for me. As long as there's good writing, likeable characters, and an engaging plot, I can usually be distracted from it. But here? Not only am I already having trouble keeping track of the characters, but the MC specifically points out:
Second of all, what did he really know about the three older men? He knew they were gorgeous, yes, and what they did for a living. He knew they were nice and funny and sweet... but other than that, he didn't know anything about them at all.
And then he even though it's technically illegal at this point (or something like that - the various rules of this world weren't explained fully), and it was the one thing
Basically, the characters in this story acted like puppets whose strings needed to be pulled for various (unlikely) events to happen.
August 18, 2016
This is a fun short story with some great ideas and concepts (the group of four men as a legal marriage unit, for example), and I enjoyed the main characters getting to know each other. There are some pretty hot moments as well. This story idea could go far if more details were worked out. The whole background of this society sounds fascinating, and I want more!
Tabansi is still grieving for the loss of his two lovers, who were not enough to let them legally marry. The moment they finally find a forth, they die in an accident, and Tabansi's pain is palpable. He's spent enough time grieving, even if he himself doesn't think so, but moving on requires 'infidelity' to his two dead lovers. As long as he thinks this, it'll never happen.
Thank God Maddock, the fourth potential partner of the original marriage group, still wants Tabansi and figures out a way to help.
If you like stories set in very different worlds, if you enjoy a bit of mystery, and if you;re looking for a very ht read with four-way action, you will probably like this story.
Tabansi is still grieving for the loss of his two lovers, who were not enough to let them legally marry. The moment they finally find a forth, they die in an accident, and Tabansi's pain is palpable. He's spent enough time grieving, even if he himself doesn't think so, but moving on requires 'infidelity' to his two dead lovers. As long as he thinks this, it'll never happen.
Thank God Maddock, the fourth potential partner of the original marriage group, still wants Tabansi and figures out a way to help.
If you like stories set in very different worlds, if you enjoy a bit of mystery, and if you;re looking for a very ht read with four-way action, you will probably like this story.
July 30, 2012
It's basically pornography with very little world building.
The sex was hot! And I like the double-penetration scene very much, haven't read many of those. But there was a lot of things left unexplained. Ex.
- Each marriage group always has 4 people, they can't get permission to marry unless there are 4. But for what purpose? - To create more hotness?! *roll eyes*
- Tabansi mentioned in the book, if he fails to get married, he might be sold into prostitution. But what's about his family? Where did they all come from? Except for the Prince, there was little mention of the guys' family. Maybe they're cloned?
- Why one group is not allowed to have sex until they're officially married, and the other unmarried can, *in public"?
The sex was hot! And I like the double-penetration scene very much, haven't read many of those. But there was a lot of things left unexplained. Ex.
- Each marriage group always has 4 people, they can't get permission to marry unless there are 4. But for what purpose? - To create more hotness?! *roll eyes*
- Tabansi mentioned in the book, if he fails to get married, he might be sold into prostitution. But what's about his family? Where did they all come from? Except for the Prince, there was little mention of the guys' family. Maybe they're cloned?
- Why one group is not allowed to have sex until they're officially married, and the other unmarried can, *in public"?
September 6, 2015
I actually read the longer version of this that the author offered. I also read Elian first which I do think helps since Steamy is actually written in a time frame after Elian. With having done that the whole of the setting and world made more sense to me. The characters were enjoyable and I may have gave a 5 star but I wanted more...can't say what more but I just felt the story was incomplete but that may have to do with it being part of a series.
August 4, 2012
Very hot.... Would love to have the prequel to this story and a sequel too if you can. Want to know more about Trevor and Christopher together with Tabansi and also the story of the four of them - Maddock, Taggart, Jordy and Tabansi. Who was the peeping tom, my guess is Poppy. Why is he angry with them? Is there a story in it? So many questions for you to answer, please write a sequel for them. Thank you for the story, really enjoy it.
August 5, 2016
1.5 stars
I didn't understand this world where Tabansi, a young doctor, would have to give up his profession to become a prostitute if he didn't find three other men to bond with.
What kind of society would force a highly trained professional into the sex trade if he didn't find a mate? The premise is interesting (if odd) but more explanation is needed. This looks to be part of a series but as a part of this event should have worked as a stand-alone.
August 22, 2013
When this was recommended to me I thought it was a stand alone since it's part of the M/M Love is Always Write editions, but I was wrong. I did not read the first book in the series and felt lost in the world building. Things did not make any sense. I never made a connection to any of the characters and although there was a lot of sex for such a short novel and a double penetration scene which I'd never read about before, it did nothing for me. Too many unanswered questions.
Want to read
July 29, 2012
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Nine.
December 2, 2012
Really short, and while well written, it left a LOT of unanswered questions. I will say that the author writes some STEAMY sex scenes... :)
I would like to learn more about this world. Here's hoping there's more to come.
I would like to learn more about this world. Here's hoping there's more to come.
July 18, 2012
more please 
July 24, 2012
LOVED IT!!
July 30, 2012
I have to admite to walking away with some questions like how do you decide who has to remained untouched and many more, however wow that story was hot.
August 29, 2012
2 star story, 5 star sex.....
September 28, 2012
2.5 stars
Read
October 4, 2012*gg* Steamy!
June 9, 2013
Well steamy is a great name for this story. Some very unusual trust in this one.
October 12, 2012
I just have to ask, where do I get a ticket to Kartas?
Love me a poly story!
Love me a poly story!
February 4, 2013
There were some shining moments in this story that make me want to try more from this author, but sadly this story was too all over the place for me.
February 8, 2013
Damn Vicktor! This was just freaking HOT!
June 17, 2013
Free short story from Bookstrand. On mantano.
May 12, 2013
I enjoyed this short section of Tabanasi's story but knew it was the middle section when I read it. Even so I think it stands well on its own as a short.
March 26, 2014
This could have made a great novel. I loved the premise but there was more sex than story and no depth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews