Double Vision

Buffalo Intimadators #3

by Cassandra Carr

[Menage Erotic Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, HEA] Everything Red Armstrong knew about relationships is called into question when he stumbles upon his roommate Fredrik Nieminen and his girlfriend Liz Langer going at it hot and heavy and Liz invites him to join them. Struggling with recovering from a knee injury, the young defenseman doesn't know what to make of his attraction to Liz—after all, she's his teammate's woman, right? As an older player, Fredrik's been around the rink a time or ten, and he knows he has an awesome thing going with Liz. He envisions a future with her, but isn't sure how their interludes with Red fit into the long-term picture. Liz thinks Fredrik's her forever-guy, but her sudden attraction to Red is causing doubts. The more they play together in the bedroom, the more their outside lives—and emotions—become entangled. When the unthinkable happens, all three must take a hard look at what they want and make some surprising decisions in the process. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Genres: Menage, Sports, Sports Romance, Erotica, Erotic Romance

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2012

About the author

Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.

She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.

Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com

Reviews

[Ni_kii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

The Buffalo Imitators seem to have a habit of sharing their women and they aren’t afraid who knows. Red has watched his colleagues all fall into these types and relationships and, although he’s fascinated by them, he can never imagine himself in one. Besides, he is only attracted to one woman at the moment and she’s his roommate’s girl.

When he arrives home early and finds Fredrik and Liz hot and heavy on the couch, he doesn’t quite know where to look. But when they ask him to join in, he sure as hell isn’t saying no. What happens next is the best sex of his life but what happens next? Now he has to live with the two people he can’t face.

Fredrik and Liz have been discussing bringing a third into their relationship for a while and Red is on the very very short list of candidates. When they finally get him involved, the sex is explosive for all involved. Only now Red is running scared, avoiding them all of the time and it’s turned into a very awkward living situation. When Red asks to rejoin them and then runs again in the morning, its clear what was supposed to be a fantasy relationship has turned into a nightmare. Can Red let go off all his inhibitions and allow them to be happy? Or will he move out and let Fredrik and Liz go back to being a happy relationship?

This series is all about ménages and this one has a plot which is different than most. I am used to relationships beginning as a ménage, but another man joining into an existing relationship is one I don’t see often. There are always two questions I ask myself in such an occurrence; do I think everyone is happy with the situation and does it enhance the relationship. I can’t answer the first as, being a short, there is little mention of them as a relationship before Red but the second is a big yes.

Liz wants a ménage. She also wants Red. She has the unusual issues with “cheating” on Frederick but, once she has his reassurances, she is more than happy with going forward with a ménage. I quite liked her because she has certain character traits that work well in an erotic romance. She is completely inhibited when it comes to sex, self sufficient and just fun. I enjoyed her in this tale. Fredrik is also good with a ménage. The thought of Liz having sex with someone else really revs his engine and he enjoyed his relationship with Red. There were no sexual overtures to their relationship but he was happy enough with Liz’s choice of a third and went out of his way to try to make him feel comfortable.

Red was a whole bundle of nerves and mixed feelings regarding his relationship with Fredrik and Liz. He wanted it, he didn’t want it, he wanted it.... you get the picture. Did it get old? A little but I understood where he came from so I dealt with it; it’s not every day that you consider a permanent ménage. I was a little shocked with the way that the other two were considering a relationship after only one night of sex... I would have thought it would have taken more thought.

The mini suspense plot was probably the only complaint I have. It was a blink and you miss it and it had so little build up that I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Because I hadn’t really met the other characters also under threat before this scene, I wasn’t actually scared for them all. It just felt a bit odd.

Overall, this was a sexy short that ticked most of my boxes. With a good cast of characters, some incredibly hot sex, a myriad of sexy sportsman and a good amongst of angst, I enjoyed this one immensely! Can’t wait for the next one :D

[Simply Love Book Reviews]

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 stars

With the third installment in The Buffalo Intimidators series, Double Vision, we are treated to an erotic, sultry, sexy tale about three people who know what they want, but not aren’t exactly sure how to make their fantasies a reality.

This story starts out blazing hot and never lets up. Fredrik and Red are roommates and teammates. They both play professional hockey for the Buffalo Intimidators. Red has always had a burning desire for Fredrik’s girlfriend, Liz, and he has always felt guilty for having these thoughts.

Fredrik and Liz have been talking about adding a third to their relationship. There are a few players on the team (this is where book 1 and book 2 fit in) that are living in a permanent ménage. They feel as though this would be a great fit for them as well. Liz suggests they ask Red to be their third. She has always been attracted to him. Fredrik agrees but isn’t exactly sure how to approach the subject. One night Red walks in on Fredrik and Liz, they see this as the perfect opportunity. He is invited to join them. He’s raging with hormones, has a passionate craving for her, and is not about to refuse. Immediately after they are finished the guilt and uneasiness sets in and he runs from them.

This book focuses mostly on how these three people can learn to overcome the stereotype of what a “normal” relationship is. It brings up a lot of valid points such as children, family, public eye and the team. Red is really confused about how this situation could ever work. He knows exactly what his body wants but his brain won’t go along and keeps throwing out the logical implications.

I loved how honest this story is was. These characters are truly concerned for each other’s feelings. They all struggle in their own way to try to be honest with themselves about what they truly want and need. There are a lot of personal obstacles that they must learn to work through and we get to experience that right along with them. And in the midst of all the confusion, and second thoughts about making anything real and permanent, we get to enjoy a lot of sweaty sheet scratching sex. Ms. Carr has a great talent for writing erotic scenes that leave you needing a fan and a drink.

This is a fairly short book, so don’t look for a lot of back story on the characters, and don’t look for a lot of projections into their future. Read it in the “here and now” context that it was meant to be. Also this book mainly delves into the characters lives, so there is not a lot of actual hockey action. We do get a few snippets of characters from the previous books. Not a lot, but just enough to let us know they are happy. If you’re looking for a fast paced, extremely hot and sexy, intense read you won’t want to miss out on this one.

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read (and loved) a bunch of books by Cassandra Carr. Double Vision is no different in that regard. However, the content was a bit different. And I barely took any notes because I just couldn’t put the book down, so bear with me here…

Red is a young guy on the Buffalo Intimidators hockey team. He’s red-headed (hence the name) and about 6’4”. He’s roomies with Fredrik, who is about 15 years older and described as a blond haired, blued eyed Nordic god. So right off the bat we are off to a terrific start. The woman in this equation is named Liz (yay!) and she is dating Fredrik. Liz (yay!) and Fredrik have been discussing finding a third to have a ménage relationship. Several other couples on the team have ménage relationships and it is working wonderfully for them. If you don’t believe me, you can read their books!

Liz (yay!) has Red in mind. Every time she sees him she gets horny. But even aside from that, he is a good guy. Red is polite, funny, intelligent, and athletic. He’s just about perfect. Well, aside from the fact that he can’t seem to wrap his red head around the fact that a ménage relationship is not wrong. In fact, he nearly drives her (and me) crazy with his flip flopping back and forth.

At first I thought it was a bit refreshing, a nice change of pace, to have someone who didn’t just jump into a ménage full force. I found it even more refreshing since it was a young guy who was dragging his feet. But his insecurity and old fashioned ingrained sense of being began to wear on me a little bit. See, because Red actually wanted this. He wanted to be with Liz, and Fredrik is his best friend, so it was a like a natural progression. His own natural instincts were at war with what he “thought” was right and wrong. And then his doubts cause Liz doubts, and it turns into a big doubt fest with big ol’ Fredrik sittin pretty in the middle. But even with his doubts, it didn't overshadow the story for me. I still loved getting to know these new characters on the team, and loved watching them grow to love each other.

The sex scenes were very hot in this story, very much up to par with Cassandra Carr’s usual work. She definitely did not let me down this time. The storyline was very much centered around the attraction between the three for most of the book, with a few sidesteps here and there. All in all, while not my favorite book by this author, I still felt it was a really hot story, and a great addition to the Buffalo Intimidators series!

[The Romance Evangelist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A copy of this book was provided to me by the author for an honest review at SeductiveMusings.blogspot.com.

The Buffalo Intimidators are a hockey team renowned for their consistently winning seasons, and as shown in previous series installments, their players’ apparent predilection for menage relationships. But unlike the previous two books in the series, in Double Vision the move toward a permanent triad comes from the older player and his girlfriend, not from the two men looking for a woman who is willing to love them both. This is the story of how those two teammates discover that the woman loved by one of them could be the woman loved by both of them.

Fredrik and Liz are an established couple, sharing their lives and beginning to plan for their long term future once Fredrik retires from playing professional hockey. The idea of inviting Red to their bed was initially Liz’s, as she’d always wanted to try a threesome and Red was clearly interested in her sexually. Red is younger and much less experienced, and was raised in a very traditional household where the idea of two men sharing one woman was not to be discussed, let alone tolerated. Both Fredrik and Liz want Red to see that their connection could be more than a temporary sexual fling. What will it take for Red to realize that they need him as much as he can’t seem to admit he needs them?

I’m a big fan of the Buffalo Intimidators series, not only for the satisfying portrayals of committed multiple partner relationships, but also for how they are seamlessly incorporated into the daily lives of professional hockey players. My own knowledge of hockey is minimal at best, yet for me, Cassandra Carr successfully conveys the level of personal commitment required for a player to remain at the top of his game without shirking his responsibilities to his teammates. I also love how she manages the level of suspense for whatever external dilemma might be required to bring around the partner still unsure about the relationship. When that moment arrives for Fredrik, Liz and Red, this perfect level of exposition results in a most satisfying ending.

I don’t know if we’ll see any further additions to this series, but I've enjoyed it enough to start working my way through other series by Cassandra Carr. I’m looking forward to more of that steady hand balancing stories of people with demanding athletic careers pursuing genuine emotional connections (and seriously hot sex).

Ratings:

Overall: 4.5
Sensuality level: 4

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful and sexy installment in The Buffalo Intimidators series, about young and old hockey players and the women who steal their hearts.

Red is a young hockey player who lives with the older seasoned Fredrik. They have become great friends and much to his guilt, Red has admired Fredrik’s girlfriend Liz from afar. Red knows he should not have these thoughts about Liz and actually tries to avoid them when they are together in the house. However, one night Red walks in on Fredrik and Liz and as he tries to back out of the room and away from the situation, Liz invites him to join them. Red is momentarily taken back but with the encouragement of both Fredrik and Liz he joins them and has one of the best experiences of his life.

Fredrick has dated Liz for several months and he does not know if it is his age or just her, but he is starting to think that Liz is the one. He enjoys being around her and they get along great. They have recently spoken about including another person in their relationship and Liz has mentioned that she would like to ask Red. There are several ménage relationships that are working with other players on the hockey team and they both would like to pursue this type of relationship.

After the first encounter with Fredrik and Liz, they tell Red that anytime he would like to join them he should feel free, that they are open to a relationship with him and although he does knock on the door to join on another night, he feels like an intruder and a little embarrassed so after that takes extra steps to try to avoid another situation.

The emotional struggle between Red and Liz is stirring and you really feel for Red as he tries to rationalize the relationship and fit it into a normal world. Fredrik on the other hand seems to be fine with the situation and tries to be the middle man calming both Red and Liz as they both withdrawal when Red seems to panic. A scary situation and a cute small dog help to bring everyone back together as they realize that there is no such thing as normal in the world and they should do what feels right for them. A very sexy and erotic read that is thoroughly enjoyable.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Double Vision by Cassandra Carr and the ménage story between Fredrik, Liz and Red. I was instantly hooked after the first few pages and the first sex scene was hot and had my heart racing. The author created characters that readers could care about and the sex scenes always scorching. I liked the fact that Red thought things thru and really cared about what would happen to Fredrik and Liz's already established relationship as a couple if he agreed to being in a ménage relationship with them. This showed he had heart and cared about other people's feelings which was a total turn-on and endeared him to me more. He was young but still thought with his heart and not just his "manly" parts. Fredrik showed how much he cared about Liz's happiness when they suggested entering into a ménage relationship. He never displayed any jealousy and was always understanding when things heated up between Red and Liz and he was always there for Liz when things were strained with Red due to his undecisiveness. Fredrik was the strong and sexy hero a woman could depend on. Liz was the strong, independent and sexy heroine who was not afraid of what she wanted and she wanted both Fredrik and Red. She was caring and understanding when Red voiced his doubts and concerns about entering into this unique relationship. She was not afraid to turn to Fredrik for comfort when they encountered problems. I thought these three characters really complemented each other well and were perfect for entering into a ménage relationship. I found myself rooting for all things to fall into place so that they could make this work. I really love this series and I hope there will be more books in the future.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...

Sometimes accepting what your heart desires takes a little time and gentle persuasion, even when you’re one of the NHL’s hottest players.

Fredrick and Liz have a passionate and honest relationship. The sort many people are jealous of–they just fit so well together–and to top it all he’s a handsome hockey player and she’s a gorgeous, independent woman. So when Liz gets the hots for Red, Fredrick’s much younger teammate who also happens to live with him, things crank up a level to scorching. Phew!

I’ve read Ms Carr before and enjoy her style. The writing flows, the characters are three-dimensional and the sex is steamy enough to cloud my spectacles! Double Vision is no different. With three very unique characters, scenes that lift from the page and a plot that ticks along nicely, I read it in a couple of sittings.

I liked Liz and Fredrick’s relationship especially. It was solid and full of love and respect. Red, I also liked, but his doubts about what he’d been told did over and over did make me want to shake him at times and tell him to just get on with it already! But he was younger and had doubts so I’ll forgive him for that. The plot had quite a dramatic twist near the end that I hadn’t seen coming, it did add to the story, and helped with the HEA so that was all good.

If you enjoy contemporary ménage you should consider adding Double Vision to your reading list. And if you like sexy hockey players who don’t mind sharing a woman, it’s a must.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may just be my favourite Buffalo Intimidators installment yet. Each of the characters appealed to me, especially Red, he is such a sweetheart. I couldn’t blame Liz for the feeling she had for him, when Red acted so genuinely adorable with the lost dog he had me swooning. Red may be the more immature out of the three in the ménage but he more than makes up for it in heart. I liked how Liz was the initiator of sorts for a ménage relationship and how Fredrik was willing to do whatever he could to help fulfil Liz’s fantasies.

Fredrick is like the glue holding all three of them together, helping Red find the confidence to be comfortable as part of a ménage, while keeping Liz strong and feeling loved. Though i do have to say, I would have liked to see some Red and Fredrik action.

I could have read more and more from these three, the pages just flew by, and it ended a bit too soon for my liking. I would have liked to have read about Red going back to see his family and how they would have taken the relationship. A ménage can be written badly, it can be written well or it can be done the Cassandra Carr way, which is just the way I like it. I would give this read four and a half stars.





*Submitted for review by author*

[Niina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was bit of a different ménage tale as Fredrik and Liz were already a couple and Red was very uncomfortable with taking things further even though he thoroughly enjoyed himself when he let go of his inhibitions. I hadn't read the other two books before this one, so I don't know if there was more hockey in them, but I would have liked a little more in this one.

Now about the charahters... First of all Fredrik's a Finn, and this made me very very happy, you know, me being a Finn as well. And having Saku Koivu as his inspiration just sits so well with me, after all he helped bring World Championship to Finland! Yeah we Finns do love our hockey. ;) I also found Fredrik's enthusiasm watching Liz and Red a huge plus. I do have to point out that while I enjoyed Red's young character I found his indecisiveness and bit off a but off in certain occasions. Liz was bit shadowed by the two guys, but she was uninhibited and fun through out the book.

The romance was slow to start but that suited the story, it was lot about sex until things begun to deepen for everyone. I enjoyed Double Vision a whole bunch and once again Cassandra Carr proves she writes awesome stuff!

Sorry for the short review, I can't seem to shake this flu and it's messing up my thought process. :(

[JoAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the first 2 books in the Buffalo Intimidators, you know that the guys on this hockey team like to share their women. Both of the first books the heros have shared women and find the women they want a committed relationship with and the men have to convince the heroine to accept a menage relationship. Well meet two teammates/roommates that do not actively share women. Fredrik is currently dating Liz. They are thinking about adding a third. Liz finds Fredrik's teammate/roommate, Rick "Red", attractive. And picks him as their third. He's a newer member of the team and has set ideas on what a relationship should be. Red is attracted to Liz. After Liz invites him to participate in a little fun with her and Fredrik, Red freaks out. Can Liz and Fredrik convince Red that a menage relationship can work out?
I think seeing a hero struggle with a menage relationship is what grabbed me most about the book. The awkwardness after the first encounter and the guilt he deals with is so touching.
Thanks for another great book Cassandra!

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story into the Buffalo Intimidators lives. This is the 3rd in the series and they just keep getting hotter and hotter.

In this installment we meet long-time hockey player Fredrik and Red (a nickname due to his hair color), who are roommates. Fredrik is involved with Liz, but she has started having feelings for Red, but Fredrik does not mind sharing, a feeling Red just does not understand. From here the story progresses as to how their relationship can work, will they give it a shot, or will Red not understand that until they all communicate, they will not have a relationship, can Liz and Fredrik get him to realize that a ménage can work out between them.

I enjoyed reading that Liz was such a strong woman, as she is the one that took the bull-by-the-horns and initiated their first experience together.

To find out what happens, make sure you pick up a copy, you will not be disappointed.

[Rhayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

This is a fairly short book, so don’t look for a lot of back story on the characters, and don’t look for a lot of projections into their future. Read it in the “here and now” context that it was meant to be. Also this book mainly delves into the characters lives, so there is not a lot of actual hockey action. We do get a few snippets of characters from the previous books. Not a lot, but just enough to let us know they are happy. If you’re looking for a fast paced, extremely hot and sexy, intense read you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Complete Review also posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...

[Annabeth Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a typical menage reader--it takes a lot to get me to suspend disbelief and get into the sexy fantasy. What I loved about this story was Red--he's earnest and sweet and that makes things much more believable for me. He's living every young dude's fantasy: his roommate's hot girlfriend asks him to join in. But beyond the fantasy, we come to see that Liz really needs BOTH men in her life. She needs Red's sweetness and Fredrick's HAWT take-charge attitude. This is a great first menage story for readers unfamiliar with the subgenre.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is my favorite of the series!

Red accidentally walks in when Fredrik and Liz are having sex in the living room. When Red tries to leave, Liz invites him to join. What happens from Red's view is what struck me the most with this story.

Liz and Fredrik had been talking about a 3-some for months and Liz chose Red. What Liz feels when Red has concerns tore at my hear strings.

It is amazing how a person's feelings can change based on one or two events.

[8o's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Vision by Cassandra Carr is the third book in her Buffalo Intimidators series. Each book can be read as a standalone book.

Double Vision is a hockey romance that features a menage relationship. I liked the three main characters, especially Red. I did find his constant indecisiveness annoying at first but then when I re-read that his age was twenty three it made perfect sense. He was definitely acting his age. I did enjoy the plot and definitely recommend this book.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is my favorite of the series!

Red accidentally walks in when Fredrik and Liz are having sex in the living room. When Red tries to leave, Liz invites him to join. What happens from Red's view is what struck me the most with this story.

Liz and Fredrik had been talking about a 3-some for months and Liz chose Red. What Liz feels when Red has concerns tore at my hear strings.

It is amazing how a person's feelings can change based on one or two events

[Rosebud · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to come.