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Honey Red
Two men suffering from visible and invisible wounds meet by chance circumstance.
Nick Traynor and Ian Donovan spend a lot of time and effort keeping it very hot, only physical, and purely superficial. But when their resolve starts to slip, a woman is tossed into their midst.
Hannah Williams wants nothing more than to do her job until something better comes along, but is forced to own up to her visceral reaction to Ian, her new boss, and later to Nick, his sometimes lover.
Lust has a funny way of turning into companionship, and eventually evolving into a deeper connection. Faced with the internal and external complications of their potential three-way relationship, they begin to heal and trust, to consider that it might work. Then life tosses them a hardball, forcing them back into their respective corners, where each must choose what is most important.
Three people determined not to commit, thrown together by fate and undeniable attraction--their nights heat up and emotions run high in spite of a claimed mutual desire to "keep it simple." In the process of honest self-discovery, can they learn that while love is never simple, it is definitely worth fighting for?
Nick Traynor and Ian Donovan spend a lot of time and effort keeping it very hot, only physical, and purely superficial. But when their resolve starts to slip, a woman is tossed into their midst.
Hannah Williams wants nothing more than to do her job until something better comes along, but is forced to own up to her visceral reaction to Ian, her new boss, and later to Nick, his sometimes lover.
Lust has a funny way of turning into companionship, and eventually evolving into a deeper connection. Faced with the internal and external complications of their potential three-way relationship, they begin to heal and trust, to consider that it might work. Then life tosses them a hardball, forcing them back into their respective corners, where each must choose what is most important.
Three people determined not to commit, thrown together by fate and undeniable attraction--their nights heat up and emotions run high in spite of a claimed mutual desire to "keep it simple." In the process of honest self-discovery, can they learn that while love is never simple, it is definitely worth fighting for?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2012
4 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Liz Crowe
100 books1,231 followersLiz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.
The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 25, 2015
2.5...but would have easily been a 4 star read without the "f" in m/m/f...stars!
I really enjoyed the first half of this one! Unfortunately, once the female was put into the mix, I totally lost interest. I thought she was unlikable and thought the whole 3-way relationship felt...off. I was very much invested in the first 60%, then ended up skimming through the rest just to get the gist of what happened.
This starts out with Ian, a bisexual guy who spends his life getting high and drunk and has a dead-end job. When a woman that he has been sleeping with gets pregnant, she claims she is going to get an abortion. Months later he gets a call from the hospital bearing news that not only is he a father, but the mother has abandoned the baby and left his information. He is now a single dad.
Then there is Nick. I loved Nick!!! He is a Marine that has recently toured in Iraq and lost his sight during an attack. During this attack, a fellow Marine and Nicks love for the past two years dies. So when he goes back to the States, he has to stay with his sister, is missing his lover, and is getting used to being blind. He is beyond depressed, and is plagued by the nightmares of that horrible day.
Then Hannah gets in the mix. She's been busy with school and such, so she hasn't dated or had sex in 6 years. Yeah, not much to say about her.
Basically Ian and Nick hook up a few times, but decide they should just be friends even though there are feelings on both sides. So Ian starts to hook up with Hannah whom he works with, but they also have a "friends with benefits" type of thing going on. When Hannah and Nick are introduced, there is an attraction...blah blah blah. Eventually they all get together...yada yada.
So besides the heroine (who was extremely slutty and forward for someone who has only been with one other person), I just was not feeling anything with the three of them together. I would have loved just having Nick and Ian. Nicks story was extremely sad, and some tears were shed for what he had gone through, and what he was feeling.
The time changes put me off too. There was no warning with each chapter if there was time that had passed. Some were next day, while others were 6 weeks or even two months later. This slowed me down a little, as I had no references to what was going on.
So mostly just a "meh" read for me. This seemed to work for others though.
I really enjoyed the first half of this one! Unfortunately, once the female was put into the mix, I totally lost interest. I thought she was unlikable and thought the whole 3-way relationship felt...off. I was very much invested in the first 60%, then ended up skimming through the rest just to get the gist of what happened.
This starts out with Ian, a bisexual guy who spends his life getting high and drunk and has a dead-end job. When a woman that he has been sleeping with gets pregnant, she claims she is going to get an abortion. Months later he gets a call from the hospital bearing news that not only is he a father, but the mother has abandoned the baby and left his information. He is now a single dad.
Then there is Nick. I loved Nick!!! He is a Marine that has recently toured in Iraq and lost his sight during an attack. During this attack, a fellow Marine and Nicks love for the past two years dies. So when he goes back to the States, he has to stay with his sister, is missing his lover, and is getting used to being blind. He is beyond depressed, and is plagued by the nightmares of that horrible day.
Then Hannah gets in the mix. She's been busy with school and such, so she hasn't dated or had sex in 6 years. Yeah, not much to say about her.
Basically Ian and Nick hook up a few times, but decide they should just be friends even though there are feelings on both sides. So Ian starts to hook up with Hannah whom he works with, but they also have a "friends with benefits" type of thing going on. When Hannah and Nick are introduced, there is an attraction...blah blah blah. Eventually they all get together...yada yada.
So besides the heroine (who was extremely slutty and forward for someone who has only been with one other person), I just was not feeling anything with the three of them together. I would have loved just having Nick and Ian. Nicks story was extremely sad, and some tears were shed for what he had gone through, and what he was feeling.
The time changes put me off too. There was no warning with each chapter if there was time that had passed. Some were next day, while others were 6 weeks or even two months later. This slowed me down a little, as I had no references to what was going on.
So mostly just a "meh" read for me. This seemed to work for others though.
November 9, 2014
Honey Red? Yeah, I read it. *rolls eyes*
It went a little something like this:
Blah, blah, my life is a mess. Blah, blah, oops! Blah, blah, beer.
Blah, blah, your life is a mess. Blah, blah, that was amazing, but it's never happening again. Blah, blah, my life really is a fucking mess. Blah, blah, beer.
Blah, blah, I hate you, but you're hot. Blah, blah, beer. Blah, blah, that was amazing, but it's never happening again.
Blah, blah, you smell like honey. Blah, blah, you're both hot. Blah, blah let's have a threesome. Blah, blah, you taste like honey.
Blah, blah, oops! Blah, blah, I hate you. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three.
Blah, blah, beer. Blah, blah, oops!
Blah, blah, I love you. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three.
Blah, blah, I do. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three. And they all lived happily ever after, blah, blah, beer.
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.
It went a little something like this:
Blah, blah, my life is a mess. Blah, blah, oops! Blah, blah, beer.
Blah, blah, your life is a mess. Blah, blah, that was amazing, but it's never happening again. Blah, blah, my life really is a fucking mess. Blah, blah, beer.
Blah, blah, I hate you, but you're hot. Blah, blah, beer. Blah, blah, that was amazing, but it's never happening again.
Blah, blah, you smell like honey. Blah, blah, you're both hot. Blah, blah let's have a threesome. Blah, blah, you taste like honey.
Blah, blah, oops! Blah, blah, I hate you. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three.
Blah, blah, beer. Blah, blah, oops!
Blah, blah, I love you. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three.
Blah, blah, I do. Blah, blah, me too. Blah, blah, me three. And they all lived happily ever after, blah, blah, beer.
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.
December 20, 2012
HONEY RED
by Liz Crowe
5 stars
Shh Mom's Reading
www.shhmomsreading.com
and join the conversation at
www.facebook.com/ShhMomsReading
@shhmomsreading
Honey Red is the best menage story I have ever read. Ms. Crowe crafted a powerful, emotional and heartwarming story of three people who struggle to accept the nature of their feelings for each other.
All three of these characters are really well developed; each coming with their own wounds that are laid out for the reader with a beautifully detailed backstory.
Nicholas Traynor is a Marine who has returned home wounded. I will not share all the details of his injury as I think it is more powerful if the reader uncovers them for themselves.
I will say Crowe's vivid and realistic portrayal of Nick's PTSD broke my heart and then with amazing storytelling rebuilt it again.
Ian Donovan is a single Dad, whose journey to the man he is when Nick meets him is engaging. Many of you know first hand that having a child changes you. Ms. Crowe really illustrated that with Ian and his son. The interactions with Jamie, Ian's son were wonderful. There is a scene with marconi and cheese that will make you chuckle out loud!
Jamie's interactions with Nick and Hannah truly build in the story. They are funny, touching and they were so true to the observations of 4 year old little boy (oh the things kids say).
Hannah Williams is woman who worked hard to earn her MBA. She put her head down and made her way through school. No men, no partying - just working hard to make something of herself. Upon graduation she finds herself unable to find a "real" job so she accepts a Head of Marketing role with a local brewing company. Her interview will have you laughing out loud. Hannah's evolution as she opens up to Ian and then Nick is endearing, lustful and so truly enjoyable to read.
The secondary characters in the book truly added layers - Alyssa's concern for her brother, Nick; Gavin's interactions and banter with his twin brother, Ian; the "characters" involved with Nick's war wounds all added to the story.
All of this helped create a world you will feel drawn into, one that will make you not want to put your book down.
In true Liz fashion the sex scenes are beyond steamy, you can feel the chemistry between each of the characters. The scenes range from the portrayal of pure lust to tender love making to needing to connect deeply with your lover.
Ms Crowe keeps each scene unique and will make you want to turn the page.
Please note the men in this book do touch each other - and yes it is hot.
Keep your eyes out for the dog tags in the book cover; that scene one of the most powerful I have read in some time. It will make your heart pound. You may cry, then smile and in the end it will make you feel; which I think is the sign of a really well written book.
In fitting with her mantra "Romance for Real Life" I truly enjoyed how this story kept it real, whose watching the kid, what will people think; how will this work, she makes the characters address it.
I will NOT disclose anything about the catalysts and conflicts in this story. I will simply say that it is masterful. Ms Crowe uses both the past and hopes for the present and it makes for truly engaging read. I could not put this book down!
The range of emotions when reading this book will astound you. You will laugh, you may even shed a tear but in the end it will leave you feeling happy to took the time to curl up with this stories and these characters.
The Epilogue to this book was outstanding. It will warm your heart and make you smile from ear to ear.
Congratulations to Ms Crowe, this book should be a benchmark to which all menage readers are judged.
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
by Liz Crowe
5 stars
Shh Mom's Reading
www.shhmomsreading.com
and join the conversation at
www.facebook.com/ShhMomsReading
@shhmomsreading
Honey Red is the best menage story I have ever read. Ms. Crowe crafted a powerful, emotional and heartwarming story of three people who struggle to accept the nature of their feelings for each other.
All three of these characters are really well developed; each coming with their own wounds that are laid out for the reader with a beautifully detailed backstory.
Nicholas Traynor is a Marine who has returned home wounded. I will not share all the details of his injury as I think it is more powerful if the reader uncovers them for themselves.
I will say Crowe's vivid and realistic portrayal of Nick's PTSD broke my heart and then with amazing storytelling rebuilt it again.
Ian Donovan is a single Dad, whose journey to the man he is when Nick meets him is engaging. Many of you know first hand that having a child changes you. Ms. Crowe really illustrated that with Ian and his son. The interactions with Jamie, Ian's son were wonderful. There is a scene with marconi and cheese that will make you chuckle out loud!
Jamie's interactions with Nick and Hannah truly build in the story. They are funny, touching and they were so true to the observations of 4 year old little boy (oh the things kids say).
Hannah Williams is woman who worked hard to earn her MBA. She put her head down and made her way through school. No men, no partying - just working hard to make something of herself. Upon graduation she finds herself unable to find a "real" job so she accepts a Head of Marketing role with a local brewing company. Her interview will have you laughing out loud. Hannah's evolution as she opens up to Ian and then Nick is endearing, lustful and so truly enjoyable to read.
The secondary characters in the book truly added layers - Alyssa's concern for her brother, Nick; Gavin's interactions and banter with his twin brother, Ian; the "characters" involved with Nick's war wounds all added to the story.
All of this helped create a world you will feel drawn into, one that will make you not want to put your book down.
In true Liz fashion the sex scenes are beyond steamy, you can feel the chemistry between each of the characters. The scenes range from the portrayal of pure lust to tender love making to needing to connect deeply with your lover.
Ms Crowe keeps each scene unique and will make you want to turn the page.
Please note the men in this book do touch each other - and yes it is hot.
Keep your eyes out for the dog tags in the book cover; that scene one of the most powerful I have read in some time. It will make your heart pound. You may cry, then smile and in the end it will make you feel; which I think is the sign of a really well written book.
In fitting with her mantra "Romance for Real Life" I truly enjoyed how this story kept it real, whose watching the kid, what will people think; how will this work, she makes the characters address it.
I will NOT disclose anything about the catalysts and conflicts in this story. I will simply say that it is masterful. Ms Crowe uses both the past and hopes for the present and it makes for truly engaging read. I could not put this book down!
The range of emotions when reading this book will astound you. You will laugh, you may even shed a tear but in the end it will leave you feeling happy to took the time to curl up with this stories and these characters.
The Epilogue to this book was outstanding. It will warm your heart and make you smile from ear to ear.
Congratulations to Ms Crowe, this book should be a benchmark to which all menage readers are judged.
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2013
A special thanks to Liz Crowe for providing Honey Red in exchange for an honest review.
To read more of this review and others visit http://thebookwranglers.com
WORD FEUD!
Where your favorite reviewers duke it out
Synopsis:
The phrase ‘SEX WITH NO STRINGS’ takes on a new meaning in Honey Red. When you’ve got two gorgeous men and a woman determined have noncommittal sex and emotions that are running rampant I guess things can get a little messy.
Ian Donovan has always known it doesn’t take much for either sex to ruffle his feathers and get his juices flowing. So when his ex-girlfriend skips town leaving him with a new born and a tone of stress he isn’t too surprised by his immediate attraction to Nick Traynor.
To help relieve all the stress that Ian and Nick are experiencing they decide to spend a lot of time getting to know one another ‘between the sheets.’ Their hot and purely physical relationship is just what they need to keep their minds off of their own baggage, however neither one is prepared when Hannah Williams, Ian's new employee, is thrown into the mix.
Hannah pretty much knows that this position is temporary until she can find something better, but when she’s forced day-in and day-out to be around the super sexy alpha male Ian, her new boss, she can’t get out of her mind what it would be like to have him all to herself.
After several failed attempts of denying the chemistry that Hannah and Ian share, they decide to engage in a three-way relationship with Nick–spicing things up a bit. Although all the cards were laid out and it was known that this was only a physical need between the three of them, the lust they had for one another took on a new light. Their HOT & STEAMY relationship grew into a serious companionship where certain parties began to depend on one another. Unfortunately, while Hannah continues to grow more attached to her men and pictures a future with them, Ian has let his own selfish ideas and demands get in the way, and Nick can’t get past his own tragic past to see what’s right in front of his eyes. It soon becomes clear that they must each choose if their relationship is more than just the hot sex or if they are the support system and family they’ve been searching for.
The Best Thing: by Deidré D.
I’ve now read a couple of books by Liz and I can truly say that I’m a fan. I’d like to take a moment to praise Liz on how she captures the humanity in her characters. She presents her readers with emotionally flawed and sometimes morally challenging situations that makes us step back from the pages and question our own lives. (at least that’s what she does to me!)
This is the case for me when reading Honey Red. Although, Honey Red packed some seriously delicious heat between Ian, Nick, and Hannah, I connected more with the fact that all three of these characters were searching for something/ someone special to give them purpose again. Unlike so many plots today that end in despair, Liz made these characters fight for what they needed to live their best lives and not give into all the unfortunate things that have happened. It's inspiring to read about each of their stories and know that however real and troubling their situations were a little bit of love can go a long way. Yay Liz!!
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
To read more of this review and others visit http://thebookwranglers.com
WORD FEUD!
Where your favorite reviewers duke it out
Synopsis:
The phrase ‘SEX WITH NO STRINGS’ takes on a new meaning in Honey Red. When you’ve got two gorgeous men and a woman determined have noncommittal sex and emotions that are running rampant I guess things can get a little messy.
Ian Donovan has always known it doesn’t take much for either sex to ruffle his feathers and get his juices flowing. So when his ex-girlfriend skips town leaving him with a new born and a tone of stress he isn’t too surprised by his immediate attraction to Nick Traynor.
To help relieve all the stress that Ian and Nick are experiencing they decide to spend a lot of time getting to know one another ‘between the sheets.’ Their hot and purely physical relationship is just what they need to keep their minds off of their own baggage, however neither one is prepared when Hannah Williams, Ian's new employee, is thrown into the mix.
Hannah pretty much knows that this position is temporary until she can find something better, but when she’s forced day-in and day-out to be around the super sexy alpha male Ian, her new boss, she can’t get out of her mind what it would be like to have him all to herself.
After several failed attempts of denying the chemistry that Hannah and Ian share, they decide to engage in a three-way relationship with Nick–spicing things up a bit. Although all the cards were laid out and it was known that this was only a physical need between the three of them, the lust they had for one another took on a new light. Their HOT & STEAMY relationship grew into a serious companionship where certain parties began to depend on one another. Unfortunately, while Hannah continues to grow more attached to her men and pictures a future with them, Ian has let his own selfish ideas and demands get in the way, and Nick can’t get past his own tragic past to see what’s right in front of his eyes. It soon becomes clear that they must each choose if their relationship is more than just the hot sex or if they are the support system and family they’ve been searching for.
The Best Thing: by Deidré D.
I’ve now read a couple of books by Liz and I can truly say that I’m a fan. I’d like to take a moment to praise Liz on how she captures the humanity in her characters. She presents her readers with emotionally flawed and sometimes morally challenging situations that makes us step back from the pages and question our own lives. (at least that’s what she does to me!)
This is the case for me when reading Honey Red. Although, Honey Red packed some seriously delicious heat between Ian, Nick, and Hannah, I connected more with the fact that all three of these characters were searching for something/ someone special to give them purpose again. Unlike so many plots today that end in despair, Liz made these characters fight for what they needed to live their best lives and not give into all the unfortunate things that have happened. It's inspiring to read about each of their stories and know that however real and troubling their situations were a little bit of love can go a long way. Yay Liz!!
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
January 6, 2013
Liz Crowe ALWAYS makes me cry. Every time. Without Fail. Honey Red is no exception - these men broke my heart. There's so much emotional pain going on here, so much heartbreak - I found myself completely willing them to find that unconventional Happy Ever After that hovered, tantalisingly, just out of their reach.
Honey Red is another deeply poignant read from Liz Crowe. The central trio of Ian, Nick and Hannah take us on an emotionally exhausting journey that left my heart breaking for them several times during the story.
Ian is a man drifting through life at the beginning of the book. He's bisexual and, when one of his casual affairs with a meth-addicted woman results in the premature birth of a fragile baby boy, he decides to get himself together and work with his twin brother and get his life into some sort of order.
His twin, Gavin, has been dating Alyssa after the breakdown of his marriage and a dinner at Alyssa's house one evening, brings Ian into contact with Nick, her brother. Nick is a war-wounded marine who has lost his soldier lover in the same road-side bombing that has blinded him. He's suffering from PTSD and brutal flashbacks and grieving for Dan, his lost gay lover. Nick just about broke my heart - his loss is so heartfelt and his struggle to deal with the aftermath of the devastating incident that robbed him of his sight and his lover had me pretty much ugly crying on several occasions.
Ian and Nick begin a no-strings, sex-only, fuck-buddies affair and they both continue to sleep with other people. Nick sleeps with another guy and Ian begins an intense physical relationship with Hannah, a woman he and Gavin have hired to work for them at their brewery.
Hannah is relatively sexually inexperienced but the passion between her and Ian burns white hot and they just can't keep their hands off one another. When Ian introduces her to Nick, their mutual attraction ends up in some seriously delicious ménage sex but can they all stick to the 'sex only, no commitment' relationship that they have all agreed they are having without allowing their growing feelings for another to get in the way??
This is a deliciously hot erotic read but it's so much more than that. All three central characters have moved on significantly by the end of the book and, after starting out so very broken, their relationship together makes them whole again. They take challenging emotional journeys together and their growing affections and intense physical connections helps them to heal the wounds left gaping by their pasts.
4 stars delicious ménage romance
ARC courtesy of Tri-Destiny Publishing.
Win a copy at our blog Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Honey Red is another deeply poignant read from Liz Crowe. The central trio of Ian, Nick and Hannah take us on an emotionally exhausting journey that left my heart breaking for them several times during the story.
Ian is a man drifting through life at the beginning of the book. He's bisexual and, when one of his casual affairs with a meth-addicted woman results in the premature birth of a fragile baby boy, he decides to get himself together and work with his twin brother and get his life into some sort of order.
His twin, Gavin, has been dating Alyssa after the breakdown of his marriage and a dinner at Alyssa's house one evening, brings Ian into contact with Nick, her brother. Nick is a war-wounded marine who has lost his soldier lover in the same road-side bombing that has blinded him. He's suffering from PTSD and brutal flashbacks and grieving for Dan, his lost gay lover. Nick just about broke my heart - his loss is so heartfelt and his struggle to deal with the aftermath of the devastating incident that robbed him of his sight and his lover had me pretty much ugly crying on several occasions.
Ian and Nick begin a no-strings, sex-only, fuck-buddies affair and they both continue to sleep with other people. Nick sleeps with another guy and Ian begins an intense physical relationship with Hannah, a woman he and Gavin have hired to work for them at their brewery.
Hannah is relatively sexually inexperienced but the passion between her and Ian burns white hot and they just can't keep their hands off one another. When Ian introduces her to Nick, their mutual attraction ends up in some seriously delicious ménage sex but can they all stick to the 'sex only, no commitment' relationship that they have all agreed they are having without allowing their growing feelings for another to get in the way??
This is a deliciously hot erotic read but it's so much more than that. All three central characters have moved on significantly by the end of the book and, after starting out so very broken, their relationship together makes them whole again. They take challenging emotional journeys together and their growing affections and intense physical connections helps them to heal the wounds left gaping by their pasts.
4 stars delicious ménage romance
ARC courtesy of Tri-Destiny Publishing.
Win a copy at our blog Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
December 23, 2012
WOW, I mean WOW! It is no secret that I am a Liz Crowe fan. I have loved every book of hers that I have read and this story is no exception. The mill of emotions that became a part of me while I followed the journey with Hannah, Ian and Nicholas was par for the course and is one of the reasons I love her writing so much. Whether it was the sigh of admiration I made when Hannah describes Ian to us through her eyes, or the slight swell of my heart when Ian describes how Jaime melts his heart, or the anguish I felt when Nicholas recalled the events that left him the wounded war veteran that he has become...I felt it all deeply.
The story follows Ian through tough times and the events the have shaped him into the man he is when he meets Hannah and Nick and then helps you understand why all three of them are damaged in some way and why they resist the pull of each other through out the story. At the end of the story, there is no question left unanswered, there is nothing that is incomplete and you are left with the feeling that these are people you would want to be a part of your life. Between the main characters and the supporting characters, you can't help but love them all and embrace them as real individuals. To me that is a testament to what a fantastic author Liz Crowe is and how she writes "Romance for Real Life." I look forward to recommending this book to my friends and family just so that I will be able to talk with them about these characters. If you have not read a book by Liz Crowe yet, there is no reason why this one wouldn't be a great one to start with!!!
The story follows Ian through tough times and the events the have shaped him into the man he is when he meets Hannah and Nick and then helps you understand why all three of them are damaged in some way and why they resist the pull of each other through out the story. At the end of the story, there is no question left unanswered, there is nothing that is incomplete and you are left with the feeling that these are people you would want to be a part of your life. Between the main characters and the supporting characters, you can't help but love them all and embrace them as real individuals. To me that is a testament to what a fantastic author Liz Crowe is and how she writes "Romance for Real Life." I look forward to recommending this book to my friends and family just so that I will be able to talk with them about these characters. If you have not read a book by Liz Crowe yet, there is no reason why this one wouldn't be a great one to start with!!!
July 25, 2016
This is my favorite type of ménage story, and I have to say that HONEY RED was such a refreshing read. Each of these characters has flaws, but I think that was the beauty of their relationship. Things didn’t just snap easily together, and it took a lot of trial and error to make things work out for these three. I’ve found that so few books now days can evoke emotional reactions out of me, but HONEY RED was able to make me laugh, cry, smile, and make me angry all in one fantastic read.
Ian Donovan is in a slump, and he has spent his life in the shadow of his brother feeling like an overall failure in life. After fate throws him a curveball, he has to make some serious life changes as he heads back to Michigan to help his brother with his new brewery.
Nick Traynor is struggling to live life on a daily basis after being injured in combat and losing Dan…the love of his life. His sister attempts to fix him up with her boyfriend’s brother Ian, and as sparks fly they decide to embark in a purely sexual relationship. Emotions start to get involved, but Nick is fighting his own personal demons though and feels like he is too broken for Ian. But then he meets Hannah, and everything changes.
Hannah Williams has put sexual relationships on the back burner while she finished up her degree. Now she just wants to do her job until she can find something better, but her sexy as sin boss Ian is making things exceedingly difficult when she can’t focus on anything but him. She tries in vain to resist temptation, but she can’t help how drawn she is to Ian. When he takes her as his date to his brother’s wedding, she meets yet another temptation she can’t resist…Ian’s lover Nick.
HONEY RED had loads of angst, but it was also such a sweet story as well. We watch them struggle in vain to keep things strictly sexual as they deal their own personal issues along the way. They have so much chemistry making for some steamy moments in the bedroom, but they also have a lot to work on to make this relationship last. As things quickly heat up, unforeseen consequences just about destroy everything they have together. I loved HONEY RED so much, because it just felt so real to me. I really enjoyed their deeply emotional journey to love, and I have to say that I think this is one of my favorite ménage reads I’ve read. So with all that said, I definitely going to recommend this one to you guys.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
Ian Donovan is in a slump, and he has spent his life in the shadow of his brother feeling like an overall failure in life. After fate throws him a curveball, he has to make some serious life changes as he heads back to Michigan to help his brother with his new brewery.
Nick Traynor is struggling to live life on a daily basis after being injured in combat and losing Dan…the love of his life. His sister attempts to fix him up with her boyfriend’s brother Ian, and as sparks fly they decide to embark in a purely sexual relationship. Emotions start to get involved, but Nick is fighting his own personal demons though and feels like he is too broken for Ian. But then he meets Hannah, and everything changes.
Hannah Williams has put sexual relationships on the back burner while she finished up her degree. Now she just wants to do her job until she can find something better, but her sexy as sin boss Ian is making things exceedingly difficult when she can’t focus on anything but him. She tries in vain to resist temptation, but she can’t help how drawn she is to Ian. When he takes her as his date to his brother’s wedding, she meets yet another temptation she can’t resist…Ian’s lover Nick.
HONEY RED had loads of angst, but it was also such a sweet story as well. We watch them struggle in vain to keep things strictly sexual as they deal their own personal issues along the way. They have so much chemistry making for some steamy moments in the bedroom, but they also have a lot to work on to make this relationship last. As things quickly heat up, unforeseen consequences just about destroy everything they have together. I loved HONEY RED so much, because it just felt so real to me. I really enjoyed their deeply emotional journey to love, and I have to say that I think this is one of my favorite ménage reads I’ve read. So with all that said, I definitely going to recommend this one to you guys.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
May 20, 2013
Ok, this was a VERY different read for me. I don't typically pick up books that have M/M or three-way relationships. It's just not something that really appeals to me. So naturally when I was first asked if I'd like to review it, I was a little iffy, but since I've absolutely loved everything of Liz's that I've read so far I decided to give a chance. After all, she does write some epic love stories, and I love how she always writes about the craft beer industry. I'm a sucker for a good beer. Needless to say, I already had a long list of reviews scheduled so it took me a little time to get around it Honey Red.
Even though I had decided to give it a shot, I still wasn't sure I was going to like it so I opened it a little reluctantly. And of course, after all that I fell in love with it, but I was still struggling with whether or not I would review it. But I finally decided that, at the center of everything it's just a love story. Granted an unconventional one, but I fell in love with the characters, and realized that they were struggling with their own story just like I was struggling with my decision to review it, and that's when I realized that yes, of course I would review it because it's a good book! So duh, that's what it's all about.
Ultimately, this is a story about love and loss and confusion, which are all things that make for a great story, but the way Liz tells the story is what makes it so unbelievably engrossing. The story is told from all 3 POVs, which allows the reader to really understand the motivations and feelings of each character. These are 3 very different people trying to come to terms with a very unconventional way of life and love while each battling their own insecurities and pasts.
Honey Red is heartwarming and captivating and just an all around good love story. I seriously hope that, if you are like me and a little reluctant, that you will give this book a try. Admittedly, it's not for everyone. I wrote this review with my personal approach to the book for a reason. Many of you out there are probably wondering why I feel the way I do, and have probably read books with similar relationships; however, I never have. So I wanted to give you all my honest perspective. This was a new adventure for me, and at times I know I blushed furiously. But the beauty of this love story really shined, and I really felt compelled to share it. I hope you all love it as much as I did.
Even though I had decided to give it a shot, I still wasn't sure I was going to like it so I opened it a little reluctantly. And of course, after all that I fell in love with it, but I was still struggling with whether or not I would review it. But I finally decided that, at the center of everything it's just a love story. Granted an unconventional one, but I fell in love with the characters, and realized that they were struggling with their own story just like I was struggling with my decision to review it, and that's when I realized that yes, of course I would review it because it's a good book! So duh, that's what it's all about.
Ultimately, this is a story about love and loss and confusion, which are all things that make for a great story, but the way Liz tells the story is what makes it so unbelievably engrossing. The story is told from all 3 POVs, which allows the reader to really understand the motivations and feelings of each character. These are 3 very different people trying to come to terms with a very unconventional way of life and love while each battling their own insecurities and pasts.
Honey Red is heartwarming and captivating and just an all around good love story. I seriously hope that, if you are like me and a little reluctant, that you will give this book a try. Admittedly, it's not for everyone. I wrote this review with my personal approach to the book for a reason. Many of you out there are probably wondering why I feel the way I do, and have probably read books with similar relationships; however, I never have. So I wanted to give you all my honest perspective. This was a new adventure for me, and at times I know I blushed furiously. But the beauty of this love story really shined, and I really felt compelled to share it. I hope you all love it as much as I did.
June 3, 2013
**A special thanks to Liz Crowe for providing Honey Red in exchange for an honest review. **
Rating – 4 Stars
Cover – 4.5 Stars - Loved how it fits the story perfect!!
Character Development - 4 Stars - alot of growth
Steam Factor – 5 stars - it is Erotic M/M/F book yum!
Ending – HEA!!
I love menage books but I usually lean more toward M/F/M then M/M/F so this was a very nice change of pace. Liz done an amazing job of writing a sweet, emotional, angsty, captivating book that tugs at your heart strings at the same time it heats up your panties!!
It's a story about three emotionally & physically damaged people that thought all they wanted with each other was "No Strings Attached" sex. But when you put that much chemistry, two smokin hot guys and a women who is who is lonely but thinks unattached sex is the answer, you get trouble with a capital T..lol
First you have Ian who is a stressed, emotionally damaged playboy turned single father who meets Nick. Nick is physically damaged and so emotionally messed up from his time in the War that he is angry at everyone including himself! They are great together in bed but can't get past the emotional scarring to make it work. Then Hannah is thrown in the mix. The three are all an beyond messed up but they are perfect for each other even if they don't know it themselves.
I loved watching Ian, Nick & Hannah find themselves and each other. It was a sad, sweet, angsty, journey but was full of hope and longing. It was a hell of a ride and I loved every minute of it.
Rating – 4 Stars
Cover – 4.5 Stars - Loved how it fits the story perfect!!
Character Development - 4 Stars - alot of growth
Steam Factor – 5 stars - it is Erotic M/M/F book yum!
Ending – HEA!!
I love menage books but I usually lean more toward M/F/M then M/M/F so this was a very nice change of pace. Liz done an amazing job of writing a sweet, emotional, angsty, captivating book that tugs at your heart strings at the same time it heats up your panties!!
It's a story about three emotionally & physically damaged people that thought all they wanted with each other was "No Strings Attached" sex. But when you put that much chemistry, two smokin hot guys and a women who is who is lonely but thinks unattached sex is the answer, you get trouble with a capital T..lol
First you have Ian who is a stressed, emotionally damaged playboy turned single father who meets Nick. Nick is physically damaged and so emotionally messed up from his time in the War that he is angry at everyone including himself! They are great together in bed but can't get past the emotional scarring to make it work. Then Hannah is thrown in the mix. The three are all an beyond messed up but they are perfect for each other even if they don't know it themselves.
I loved watching Ian, Nick & Hannah find themselves and each other. It was a sad, sweet, angsty, journey but was full of hope and longing. It was a hell of a ride and I loved every minute of it.
March 13, 2016
✰✰✰½
Overall, a good read from a new-to-me author. One thing bugged me though - .
Time was taken to build each relationship and Nick was never made to feel like less even though he couldn't see. Will definitely look at more from this author.
Overall, a good read from a new-to-me author. One thing bugged me though - .
Time was taken to build each relationship and Nick was never made to feel like less even though he couldn't see. Will definitely look at more from this author.
February 21, 2013
Sometimes, someone tells you about a book and you grab it immediately. Other times, you hear about a book and wonder if it’ll be as good as the hype. Sadly, I spent a month in the wrong category when it came to Honey Red by Liz Crowe. I have no good reason. I just wasn’t sure it was going to be my cup of tea.
Of course, when I heard about the book, I was still under the assumption that a menage with two men would be weird and awkward. That was probably a contributing factor. Now, I’ve seen the light and Nick, Ian and Hannah have earned a place in my heart as one of the BEST menage families I’ve met.
Of course, when I heard about the book, I was still under the assumption that a menage with two men would be weird and awkward. That was probably a contributing factor. Now, I’ve seen the light and Nick, Ian and Hannah have earned a place in my heart as one of the BEST menage families I’ve met.
March 31, 2013
An outstanding menage story.
To read my full review: http://marywhispers.blog.com/?p=1110
February 2, 2013
I was provided a copy of Honey Red by Liz Crowe’s publisher Tri Destiny Publishing after a friend of mine hooked me up! I’ve never read anything of Liz’s but I’ve heard of her and after discussing this book I was very intrigued! This is a M/M/F ménage, which might not be for everyone, but I read all types of romance and knew this would be right up my alley. With ALL that being said let’s get to it!
Honey Red opens up with Ian Donovan in the midst of an alcoholic, drug induced haze missing his “younger” bartender boyfriend who walked out on him. Ian is on a path of self-destruction and continues to take up with his co-worker, Carrie. Ian has no problems with his sexual preferences and he admits he his bi-sexual. Carrie & Ian have “hooked” up before and well………………………………………………
The book started “hot” and I was drawn in immediately but don’t think this book is all about the sex OH NO this book has a real-life aspect to it and story-line that will absolutely pull you into the story and soon you will forget the everything in the outside world, that’s what it did for me. Ian & Carrie continued your their ill-fated “romance” until after he brings her to visit his twin brother Gavin’s family in Michigan for Thanksgiving where Carrie tells Ian she is pregnant and she will DEAL with it……………………………………………………………………………………………….
I thought I was going to freaking fall out of my chair! Time passes and Ian is notified by the hospital that “Crazy Carrie” has given birth to his son, James Donovan, affectionally referred to as Jamie throughout the remainder of the book. When Ian gets that call I swear I could picture him doing this……….
Well that’s not even the icing on the cake NOPE Carrie gives birth, provides Ian’s name as the “Daddy”, checks out leaving Jamie behind and is never seen or heard from again. I so wanted to do this to her………………………………………………
Ian packs up Jamie and heads home to Michigan to work for Gavin. Gavin owns Ypsilanti Brewing Company which in the five years since Ian joined had grown and being the Head Brewer he didn’t have time to do “marketing” so he convinces Gavin that they need to hire someone and what better place to look for someone without paying top dollar than EMU a recent graduate would fit that billing. At this same time Gavin admits that he met someone and he had fallen in love. Poor Gavin was married to a………………………………………………………………….
They divorced, she took his two boys and moved west but when someone with some deep pockets came around magically Gavin’s boys were allowed to have more face-to-face time with him. Gavin meets Alyssa Traynor through work see Alyssa Traynor is… “Traynor… as in Traynor Wholesale Company.” their distributor the one Ian wanted to fire because in his words “they suck.” I can just picture Ian doing this once he figures out exactly who Alyssa is………………….
Alyssa invites Ian to accompany Gavin to her house for dinner and your probably asking yourself why is Kim explaining that? But you see this is a pivotal moment in the book Alyssa’s brother Nicholas, “Nick”, is living with her. He’s an Iraqi Marine Corp Vet who was seriously wounded while in Iraq. Nick was blinded in a firefight and was discharged with a Purple Heart and a Navy Cross. He has a service dog that assists him and also works as an Internet Security Consultant.
Ian thinks that Gavin & Alyssa are trying to set him up with Nick since Nick is gay. Ian met Nick prior to him being wounded when he had a meeting with Alyssa so he remembers the “handsome” young man. Ian hadn’t gotten laid in four years and I swear when I read that part I was literally……………………………
When Ian arrives at Alyssa’s and hears Nick’s “rough, sexy as hell voice” all he could do was let his eyes wander over Nick’s form causing Ian’s entire body to go on alert. The description of Nick when Ian lays eyes on him had me thinking that if it was me and I would totally want to be a……………………………………………
Nick is suffering from horrible nightmares or what I likened to “flashbacks” of the firefight. He suffered not only mentally but also physically with debilitating headaches and he is on a cocktail of different medications in an attempt to alleviate some of the pain. When Nick relives his dreams I was doing this………………………………….
Oh yeah, my heart was ripped to out and then sliced and diced into millions of little tiny pieces. His story is so heartbreaking and Liz did an AMAZING job relating that in written form where I as the reader could actually feel his pain and depression oozing from the book. Nick lost his lover Dan in the incident and to see his thoughts and read his ever-present nightmares will move you in a way that not many books will.
Let’s just say that after dinner that night Ian & Nick wasted no time getting down to business and boy oh boy was I could’ve done this………………………………………
[image error]
HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN! I couldn’t imagine two finer specimens getting it on ;) But I still have a little more to share with you so I shall not get sidetracked any further. We still need to discuss Ian & Gavin hiring their new Marketing Representative who comes in the form of a fiery red head Hannah Williams who recently completed graduate school at EMU and is desperately in need of a job making more money so she could continue to support herself and her mother as well as pay her mountain of debt.
Hannah arranges her interview with Ian over the telephone and all she could focus on was his sexy deep masculine voice that “curled around in her brain and nestled in her psyche.” Men had zero affect on Hannah and she hadn’t paid attention to anything other than her schoolwork in the past six years after a failed relationship with her “first”. But just hearing Ian’s voice had her……………..
Hannah arrives the following morning for her interview with the Donovan brothers. What transpired next had me literally……………………………………………….
It was CLASSIC. Well needless to say Hannah is offered the position and good ole’ Ian is battling some major attraction and Hannah’s not immune herself. What about Nick you ask? Well, you see things are complicated. Ian manages to “hook-up” with Nick again and the outcome of that will have you………………………
Yes again, I know, but trust me on this I’m not some big cry-baby it’s just this story moved me in ways that are difficult for me to put into words other than trust me you HAVE to read this. The funny thing is before Ian hooked up with Nick a second time he had planned on seducing Hannah but things just didn’t turn out the way Ian had planned them in his mind. He does admit this to Hannah who was shocked to say the least as she thought Ian was gay but he clears that up quickly by admitting he is bi-sexual oh and he is in love with Nick. Hannah’s mind was telling her to………………………………………………………………….
Girl you just needed to keep on walking was my first thought, but where’s the fun in that? So I laid out a little bit for you but I’m not going to tell you anymore. I don’t do spoilers and you need to read this one for yourself to see how all the “key” players come together and what ultimately transpires in the end but as always I will share my emotional roller coaster with you from this point forward. There’s some………………………………………………………………………
Well there’s actually quite of few of those. I had a lot of…………………………………..
As the story progressed there were times I literally………………………………………….
I’m telling you it truly was a roller coaster ride for me but the best kind with those really big highs and some really big lows. You see the three of them struggle to see where they fit in each other’s lives. True feelings for one another are not out in the open. I just wanted to yell sometimes and say, “Take that leap of faith!”
The story is told from all three POV’s and that is what really made it for me and I don’t think a story like this could’ve been told any other way. In order for you to truly understand the characters and have that ultimate connection you needed to be in each of their heads. As with real life things happened it’s not smooth sailing. Feelings needed to be revealed, pasts needed to be dealt with and sometimes a tragedy in the making is needed for everyone to take stalk in what really is important in life. Kudos Liz I lived this book and when it ended I felt sad like I was walking away from a best friend. I didn’t want it to end I wanted to continue to live it!
The secondary characters were well developed in such a way that I even had a connection with them! The epilogue well let’s just say I was doing this after reading it……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I recommend you read Honey Red and take a journey into the lives of Ian, Hannah and Nick. You will not be disappointed! This is a 5 star read all the way for me! I cannot think of one thing that didn’t work for me! I look forward to diving right into more of Liz’s books!
Honey Red opens up with Ian Donovan in the midst of an alcoholic, drug induced haze missing his “younger” bartender boyfriend who walked out on him. Ian is on a path of self-destruction and continues to take up with his co-worker, Carrie. Ian has no problems with his sexual preferences and he admits he his bi-sexual. Carrie & Ian have “hooked” up before and well………………………………………………
The book started “hot” and I was drawn in immediately but don’t think this book is all about the sex OH NO this book has a real-life aspect to it and story-line that will absolutely pull you into the story and soon you will forget the everything in the outside world, that’s what it did for me. Ian & Carrie continued your their ill-fated “romance” until after he brings her to visit his twin brother Gavin’s family in Michigan for Thanksgiving where Carrie tells Ian she is pregnant and she will DEAL with it……………………………………………………………………………………………….
I thought I was going to freaking fall out of my chair! Time passes and Ian is notified by the hospital that “Crazy Carrie” has given birth to his son, James Donovan, affectionally referred to as Jamie throughout the remainder of the book. When Ian gets that call I swear I could picture him doing this……….
Well that’s not even the icing on the cake NOPE Carrie gives birth, provides Ian’s name as the “Daddy”, checks out leaving Jamie behind and is never seen or heard from again. I so wanted to do this to her………………………………………………
Ian packs up Jamie and heads home to Michigan to work for Gavin. Gavin owns Ypsilanti Brewing Company which in the five years since Ian joined had grown and being the Head Brewer he didn’t have time to do “marketing” so he convinces Gavin that they need to hire someone and what better place to look for someone without paying top dollar than EMU a recent graduate would fit that billing. At this same time Gavin admits that he met someone and he had fallen in love. Poor Gavin was married to a………………………………………………………………….
They divorced, she took his two boys and moved west but when someone with some deep pockets came around magically Gavin’s boys were allowed to have more face-to-face time with him. Gavin meets Alyssa Traynor through work see Alyssa Traynor is… “Traynor… as in Traynor Wholesale Company.” their distributor the one Ian wanted to fire because in his words “they suck.” I can just picture Ian doing this once he figures out exactly who Alyssa is………………….
Alyssa invites Ian to accompany Gavin to her house for dinner and your probably asking yourself why is Kim explaining that? But you see this is a pivotal moment in the book Alyssa’s brother Nicholas, “Nick”, is living with her. He’s an Iraqi Marine Corp Vet who was seriously wounded while in Iraq. Nick was blinded in a firefight and was discharged with a Purple Heart and a Navy Cross. He has a service dog that assists him and also works as an Internet Security Consultant.
Ian thinks that Gavin & Alyssa are trying to set him up with Nick since Nick is gay. Ian met Nick prior to him being wounded when he had a meeting with Alyssa so he remembers the “handsome” young man. Ian hadn’t gotten laid in four years and I swear when I read that part I was literally……………………………
When Ian arrives at Alyssa’s and hears Nick’s “rough, sexy as hell voice” all he could do was let his eyes wander over Nick’s form causing Ian’s entire body to go on alert. The description of Nick when Ian lays eyes on him had me thinking that if it was me and I would totally want to be a……………………………………………
Nick is suffering from horrible nightmares or what I likened to “flashbacks” of the firefight. He suffered not only mentally but also physically with debilitating headaches and he is on a cocktail of different medications in an attempt to alleviate some of the pain. When Nick relives his dreams I was doing this………………………………….
Oh yeah, my heart was ripped to out and then sliced and diced into millions of little tiny pieces. His story is so heartbreaking and Liz did an AMAZING job relating that in written form where I as the reader could actually feel his pain and depression oozing from the book. Nick lost his lover Dan in the incident and to see his thoughts and read his ever-present nightmares will move you in a way that not many books will.
Let’s just say that after dinner that night Ian & Nick wasted no time getting down to business and boy oh boy was I could’ve done this………………………………………
[image error]
HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN! I couldn’t imagine two finer specimens getting it on ;) But I still have a little more to share with you so I shall not get sidetracked any further. We still need to discuss Ian & Gavin hiring their new Marketing Representative who comes in the form of a fiery red head Hannah Williams who recently completed graduate school at EMU and is desperately in need of a job making more money so she could continue to support herself and her mother as well as pay her mountain of debt.
Hannah arranges her interview with Ian over the telephone and all she could focus on was his sexy deep masculine voice that “curled around in her brain and nestled in her psyche.” Men had zero affect on Hannah and she hadn’t paid attention to anything other than her schoolwork in the past six years after a failed relationship with her “first”. But just hearing Ian’s voice had her……………..
Hannah arrives the following morning for her interview with the Donovan brothers. What transpired next had me literally……………………………………………….
It was CLASSIC. Well needless to say Hannah is offered the position and good ole’ Ian is battling some major attraction and Hannah’s not immune herself. What about Nick you ask? Well, you see things are complicated. Ian manages to “hook-up” with Nick again and the outcome of that will have you………………………
Yes again, I know, but trust me on this I’m not some big cry-baby it’s just this story moved me in ways that are difficult for me to put into words other than trust me you HAVE to read this. The funny thing is before Ian hooked up with Nick a second time he had planned on seducing Hannah but things just didn’t turn out the way Ian had planned them in his mind. He does admit this to Hannah who was shocked to say the least as she thought Ian was gay but he clears that up quickly by admitting he is bi-sexual oh and he is in love with Nick. Hannah’s mind was telling her to………………………………………………………………….
Girl you just needed to keep on walking was my first thought, but where’s the fun in that? So I laid out a little bit for you but I’m not going to tell you anymore. I don’t do spoilers and you need to read this one for yourself to see how all the “key” players come together and what ultimately transpires in the end but as always I will share my emotional roller coaster with you from this point forward. There’s some………………………………………………………………………
Well there’s actually quite of few of those. I had a lot of…………………………………..
As the story progressed there were times I literally………………………………………….
I’m telling you it truly was a roller coaster ride for me but the best kind with those really big highs and some really big lows. You see the three of them struggle to see where they fit in each other’s lives. True feelings for one another are not out in the open. I just wanted to yell sometimes and say, “Take that leap of faith!”
The story is told from all three POV’s and that is what really made it for me and I don’t think a story like this could’ve been told any other way. In order for you to truly understand the characters and have that ultimate connection you needed to be in each of their heads. As with real life things happened it’s not smooth sailing. Feelings needed to be revealed, pasts needed to be dealt with and sometimes a tragedy in the making is needed for everyone to take stalk in what really is important in life. Kudos Liz I lived this book and when it ended I felt sad like I was walking away from a best friend. I didn’t want it to end I wanted to continue to live it!
The secondary characters were well developed in such a way that I even had a connection with them! The epilogue well let’s just say I was doing this after reading it……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I recommend you read Honey Red and take a journey into the lives of Ian, Hannah and Nick. You will not be disappointed! This is a 5 star read all the way for me! I cannot think of one thing that didn’t work for me! I look forward to diving right into more of Liz’s books!
December 24, 2012
This is an ARC in exchange for honest review
Ian Donovan has twin brother Gavin, who is everything that Ian isn't successful, yet can't seem to be bothered by that either. Ian is a man drowning in a life that he's not even sure he wants. Ian's life and world are turned upside down with the srrival of his son Jamie. Flash forward four years, Ian a former assistant brewer of Charleston Brewing Company and head brewer of Ypsilanti Brewing Company(YBC) that he runs with his brother Gavin. Ian's life focus is on his son and creating brews for YBC. Ian tells Gavin they need a marketing specialist or at least fire Traynor Wholesale Company as their distributor and go with someone else. Gavin tells Ian that they can't fire Traynor Wholesale Company because he's now dating company President Alyssa Traynor. Gavin wants Ian to come to Alyssa's house for dinner. Ian goes to dinner and stunned by the sexy blind Marine Nick Traynor. Nick Traynor is a wounded soldier struggling thru his daily life and loss of his lover Dan. The attraction between Nick and Ian is explosive from the get go. Ian can't get enough of Nick and the feeling is mutual.
Gavin reluctantly agrees to look for marketing specialist and only suitable candidate is Hannah Williams. Hannah turns Ian world upside down yet he wants her as much as he wants Nick. Ian tries very hard not to want Hannah which is affecting his work. Hannah is frustrated with Ian Donovan from his looks to his attitude she can't help feel the attraction to him. Hannah knows that Ian's gay which doesn't seem to matter to her all that much. Ian demands that Hannah learn the process of brewing YBC's beers so she can understand the process and to stop her yelling at Ian that her sales projections are now off.
Hannah becomes involved with Ian and eventually Nick. The three of them become sexual partners yet they are denying their emotional needs. Hannah sees both Nick and Ian's needs yet somehow denies her own. Can Hannah, Nick, and Ian admit their feelings? What will keep them apart? What will bring them back together? Your answers await you in Honey Red.
Ian Donovan has twin brother Gavin, who is everything that Ian isn't successful, yet can't seem to be bothered by that either. Ian is a man drowning in a life that he's not even sure he wants. Ian's life and world are turned upside down with the srrival of his son Jamie. Flash forward four years, Ian a former assistant brewer of Charleston Brewing Company and head brewer of Ypsilanti Brewing Company(YBC) that he runs with his brother Gavin. Ian's life focus is on his son and creating brews for YBC. Ian tells Gavin they need a marketing specialist or at least fire Traynor Wholesale Company as their distributor and go with someone else. Gavin tells Ian that they can't fire Traynor Wholesale Company because he's now dating company President Alyssa Traynor. Gavin wants Ian to come to Alyssa's house for dinner. Ian goes to dinner and stunned by the sexy blind Marine Nick Traynor. Nick Traynor is a wounded soldier struggling thru his daily life and loss of his lover Dan. The attraction between Nick and Ian is explosive from the get go. Ian can't get enough of Nick and the feeling is mutual.
Gavin reluctantly agrees to look for marketing specialist and only suitable candidate is Hannah Williams. Hannah turns Ian world upside down yet he wants her as much as he wants Nick. Ian tries very hard not to want Hannah which is affecting his work. Hannah is frustrated with Ian Donovan from his looks to his attitude she can't help feel the attraction to him. Hannah knows that Ian's gay which doesn't seem to matter to her all that much. Ian demands that Hannah learn the process of brewing YBC's beers so she can understand the process and to stop her yelling at Ian that her sales projections are now off.
Hannah becomes involved with Ian and eventually Nick. The three of them become sexual partners yet they are denying their emotional needs. Hannah sees both Nick and Ian's needs yet somehow denies her own. Can Hannah, Nick, and Ian admit their feelings? What will keep them apart? What will bring them back together? Your answers await you in Honey Red.
March 11, 2013
Ian Donovan is very clear that he’s bisexual. Nick Traynor is very clear that he is gay. Hannah Williams is very clear that she’s heterosexual. So how did the three of these people end up in one relationship?
I’m now a diehard fan of Liz Crowe. She has the unique ability to create interesting and compelling characters and then have them be in the most complex and extraordinary situations and keep her readers conflicted about them and the things they do. This story is no different as both Ian and Nick have some pretty serious damage in their background and Hannah’s life hasn’t been all sweetness and light. But, there are varying degrees of dysfunction and Hannah, being the most level-headed, is the one that binds the relationship together, for better or for worse. And, Nick is the one that ultimately wants Hannah as part of his and Ian’s life.
All three are extremely appealing and the romance is at times painful but always, always sensual and heartfelt. Needless to say, the steam meter exploded and the erotic scenes are hot and wonderfully done. I was so drawn into each of them I was reluctant to let them go.
The beginning of the story had me worried for a time as it doesn’t seem to connect with the heart of the story, at least initially. It all begins to make sense pretty quickly and then I was hooked. I still can’t decide which is my favorite character as they all have their individual appeal.
If you like conflict in your romance, really hot and erotic scenery and a well-told story, you should add this book to your shelf. It is definitely going to be a re-read for me.
(I was provided an ARC from the publisher)
I’m now a diehard fan of Liz Crowe. She has the unique ability to create interesting and compelling characters and then have them be in the most complex and extraordinary situations and keep her readers conflicted about them and the things they do. This story is no different as both Ian and Nick have some pretty serious damage in their background and Hannah’s life hasn’t been all sweetness and light. But, there are varying degrees of dysfunction and Hannah, being the most level-headed, is the one that binds the relationship together, for better or for worse. And, Nick is the one that ultimately wants Hannah as part of his and Ian’s life.
All three are extremely appealing and the romance is at times painful but always, always sensual and heartfelt. Needless to say, the steam meter exploded and the erotic scenes are hot and wonderfully done. I was so drawn into each of them I was reluctant to let them go.
The beginning of the story had me worried for a time as it doesn’t seem to connect with the heart of the story, at least initially. It all begins to make sense pretty quickly and then I was hooked. I still can’t decide which is my favorite character as they all have their individual appeal.
If you like conflict in your romance, really hot and erotic scenery and a well-told story, you should add this book to your shelf. It is definitely going to be a re-read for me.
(I was provided an ARC from the publisher)
September 17, 2013
3.0-3.5 stars
Man this one was tough to get through. I had such(self appointed) high hopes, and sadly, was let down.
First thing, I loved Ian and Nick.. in the beginning. Their chemistry was smoking, and I thought, "This is gonna be SO good!", but then we get a flash forward of sorts that cuts off that line of thinking right quick. In fact, this flash forward thing kind of happens a few times.
Ok, but then Hannah shows up. Yes, I knew she was coming. I was the idiot who chose a ménage book in the first place, right? Soooo, I don't like her. Plain and simple. She gets on my nerves, she oozes perfect cute aloofness that gets under my skin. Ugh, Ian, don't do it, Man! Damn. He did it.
So, eventually we do get our threesome. But it's weird, and sneaky, and IMO, extremely distasteful the way Hannah convinces Ian to work this plan, trying to get Nick interested in her. Nick, who has been gay since he was young. Nick, who was so in love with a man in his military unit he was ready to settle down with him in a year,
There are a lot of separation times for all three, and eventually I did warm a tiny bit to Hannah, but overall I was a bit confused and a little more disappointed. But that's my own fault.
I would certainly still give this author another chance, and hopefully not let my personal dislikes get in the way of the story. ;)
Man this one was tough to get through. I had such(self appointed) high hopes, and sadly, was let down.
First thing, I loved Ian and Nick.. in the beginning. Their chemistry was smoking, and I thought, "This is gonna be SO good!", but then we get a flash forward of sorts that cuts off that line of thinking right quick. In fact, this flash forward thing kind of happens a few times.
Ok, but then Hannah shows up. Yes, I knew she was coming. I was the idiot who chose a ménage book in the first place, right? Soooo, I don't like her. Plain and simple. She gets on my nerves, she oozes perfect cute aloofness that gets under my skin. Ugh, Ian, don't do it, Man! Damn. He did it.
So, eventually we do get our threesome. But it's weird, and sneaky, and IMO, extremely distasteful the way Hannah convinces Ian to work this plan, trying to get Nick interested in her. Nick, who has been gay since he was young. Nick, who was so in love with a man in his military unit he was ready to settle down with him in a year,
There are a lot of separation times for all three, and eventually I did warm a tiny bit to Hannah, but overall I was a bit confused and a little more disappointed. But that's my own fault.
I would certainly still give this author another chance, and hopefully not let my personal dislikes get in the way of the story. ;)
January 7, 2013
I was not sure how it was possible for Liz to keep her "Romance for Real Life" going when it involves a threesome. Let's be honest, they are fantasy in their nature, so how can it be "real" life. Well, she so managed to nail it. I guess that was a poor choice of words, but you catch my drift. I could not put it down.
Watching these three very broken people as they worked towards taking control of their lives and making them lives worth living was such an intense ride. This does not follow the typical romance "oh they met, immediately fall in love, something happens to threaten their love, but no worries all is fine" story arc. While those are great sometimes, it was nice to venture outside that box. If you like honest emotions even when they are uncomfortable, non-traditional relationships, and a love story that breaks all the romance novel rules, this book is probably just what you have been looking for.
Watching these three very broken people as they worked towards taking control of their lives and making them lives worth living was such an intense ride. This does not follow the typical romance "oh they met, immediately fall in love, something happens to threaten their love, but no worries all is fine" story arc. While those are great sometimes, it was nice to venture outside that box. If you like honest emotions even when they are uncomfortable, non-traditional relationships, and a love story that breaks all the romance novel rules, this book is probably just what you have been looking for.
March 4, 2013
Honey Red started out slow. In fact, if I hadn't read an excerpt from the middle of the book, I might have stopped reading it, and that would have been a shame.
Ian Donovan is an A double S and a jerk in the first chapters of Honey Red, but you need to see him there to understand where he goes.
Honey Red has everything I love in a romance: Damaged heroes, (one a military man), a tough, take charge heroine, great supporting cast, steamy love scenes and heart!
I admit I cries (okay bawled) a few times. Don't miss out on this great love story
Ian Donovan is an A double S and a jerk in the first chapters of Honey Red, but you need to see him there to understand where he goes.
Honey Red has everything I love in a romance: Damaged heroes, (one a military man), a tough, take charge heroine, great supporting cast, steamy love scenes and heart!
I admit I cries (okay bawled) a few times. Don't miss out on this great love story
May 28, 2015
DNF @ 70%
2 stars
I enjoyed it until the woman, Hannah, was put into the mix; I just wasn't feeling her. How is it she went from no sex to a seductress? And I can't believe how she spoke to her employer. She just didn't seem like a believable character. I liked the story lines with Ian and Nick as individuals and how they came together so this would have been at least 3 1/2 stars, maybe more if I could have finished it. But my dislike of Hannah grew to be too much for me. 2 Stars.
2 stars
I enjoyed it until the woman, Hannah, was put into the mix; I just wasn't feeling her. How is it she went from no sex to a seductress? And I can't believe how she spoke to her employer. She just didn't seem like a believable character. I liked the story lines with Ian and Nick as individuals and how they came together so this would have been at least 3 1/2 stars, maybe more if I could have finished it. But my dislike of Hannah grew to be too much for me. 2 Stars.
December 29, 2012
Another Liz Crowe masterpiece that I couldn't put down. This book made me feel which is my favorite thing about reading. I think that people who have avoided ménage books should try this one out. It's hot, emotional & believable.
October 18, 2015
I decided to get this one off Mt TBR list. I don't know what I expected with this book. It was okay it didn't hate it but I didn't love it. The main characters while interesting I didn't love them.
The writing was good but over all it was just okay for me.
The writing was good but over all it was just okay for me.
December 30, 2012
Liz's new book is an amazing story of love and heart!!! You will not be able to put it down!!!
December 29, 2012
I was given the opportunity to read Honey Red as an ARC and completely fell in love with the complexity of the characters.
Supporting a fellow Michigander. Great job Liz!
Supporting a fellow Michigander. Great job Liz!
November 19, 2014
Wow!! Absolutely amazing!! So much better than the popular billionaire/virgin type books. Sexy and emotional all rolled into one great book. Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down!!
March 21, 2020
Bizarre that his brother, the straight-laced businessman would ever say something new agey like lol “thank all the gods” but whatever. A blip. The angst was dramatic, if the logistics a bit unreal.
January 14, 2013
It is no secret that Liz Crowe knows how to write about real life and romance. If there is any author that can write a menage story that is both hot and steamy as well as captivating and with purpose it is definitely Ms. Crowe. I am no stranger to her books and I can honestly say that she brings out many emotions to her readers. This isn't your typical ménage story. This novel deals with the emotional issues of three damaged characters who fight their affections and try to resolve their conflicts regarding each
other.
We are introduced to Ian Donavan. Ian can't seem to commit to a long term relationship. He sabotaged his last one, which had lasted six months, by sleeping with a woman. He tends to look for solutions from the bottom of a bottle, and doesn't seem to care, at least on the surface, that his life is not heading in the direction that he or his family would want. Until that one night, when Ian gets a call that changes everything. He now finds himself to be a single father and makes the decision that he needs to make a better life for he and his son. He decides to move back home and in with his brother.
Nick Traynor, is a Marine who returned home due to a wound suffered in the war. While overseas, he lost his partner and a large part of himself. His life has taken such a dramatic turn that he is not sure he has it in him to keep fighting. He is angry, heartbroken and depressed. He lives with his sister and finds that, for the first time in his life due to a devastating injury, he is having to depend on others. Each day is a struggle for him.
Nick's sister, Alyssa is dating Ian's brother Gavin, is extremely concerned for Nick. Alyssa and Gavin decide to introduce Ian and Nick in the hopes that maybe Ian can help Nick take his mind off his troubles, even for just one night. Nick and Ian met briefly a few years ago.
The chemistry between these two is instantaneous when they meet again. Their initial encounter quickly turns hot and steamy and neither one can deny the attraction. But given their circumstances they agree that what they have is simply sex.
At this point Hannah comes into their lives. For the past 6 years since her father died and her ex-boyfriend decided he wanted to be with someone else, Hannah has put all her concentration into school and a career. She first meets Ian when she goes on an interview at his brewery, that he owns with his brother. Ian can not deny the sexual attraction he has for Hannah, but does everything in his power not to act on it. But as time goes by the sexual tension between them is evident and they eventually give in to it. Ian once again tells himself that this is only great sex, or so he thinks.
When Ian introduces Hannah to Nick for the first time he had no idea how much that meeting would change his life. He started fantasizing about things happening between Nick and Hannah and he wasn't sure how he felt about these thoughts and emotions.
The three of them have an amazing night together. They continue with their "sex only " relationship. But with a
twist, life takes a turn in a direction that shocks the three of them and things become too complicated. Feelings surface, denials are issued and hearts are broken.
Each person is damaged in their own way. They have let their past histories determine their emotions. They let their fear of getting too close to someone ruin any chance of happiness that they might find. Can these three overcome their fears and admit their feelings for one another?
Ms. Crowe has done an amazing job with this novel. She creates background stories for each character in a way that prompts the reader to feel their emotions and to root for them to find happiness. Ian is adorable with his son and relationship that Hannah and Nick have built with him is a treat to read. Nick's story tugged at my heart and Ms. Crowe has managed to capture his struggle with PTSD in such a pure and genuine way. She has also managed to create strong, imaginative secondary characters such as Alyssa and Gavin,
who play important roles in this story.
Although this story brought tears and some heartache, it also brought laughter and smiles as well. The sex was hot, but that is no surprise coming from this author. The ending was simply amazing, another fine job Ms. Crowe!
other.
We are introduced to Ian Donavan. Ian can't seem to commit to a long term relationship. He sabotaged his last one, which had lasted six months, by sleeping with a woman. He tends to look for solutions from the bottom of a bottle, and doesn't seem to care, at least on the surface, that his life is not heading in the direction that he or his family would want. Until that one night, when Ian gets a call that changes everything. He now finds himself to be a single father and makes the decision that he needs to make a better life for he and his son. He decides to move back home and in with his brother.
Nick Traynor, is a Marine who returned home due to a wound suffered in the war. While overseas, he lost his partner and a large part of himself. His life has taken such a dramatic turn that he is not sure he has it in him to keep fighting. He is angry, heartbroken and depressed. He lives with his sister and finds that, for the first time in his life due to a devastating injury, he is having to depend on others. Each day is a struggle for him.
Nick's sister, Alyssa is dating Ian's brother Gavin, is extremely concerned for Nick. Alyssa and Gavin decide to introduce Ian and Nick in the hopes that maybe Ian can help Nick take his mind off his troubles, even for just one night. Nick and Ian met briefly a few years ago.
The chemistry between these two is instantaneous when they meet again. Their initial encounter quickly turns hot and steamy and neither one can deny the attraction. But given their circumstances they agree that what they have is simply sex.
At this point Hannah comes into their lives. For the past 6 years since her father died and her ex-boyfriend decided he wanted to be with someone else, Hannah has put all her concentration into school and a career. She first meets Ian when she goes on an interview at his brewery, that he owns with his brother. Ian can not deny the sexual attraction he has for Hannah, but does everything in his power not to act on it. But as time goes by the sexual tension between them is evident and they eventually give in to it. Ian once again tells himself that this is only great sex, or so he thinks.
When Ian introduces Hannah to Nick for the first time he had no idea how much that meeting would change his life. He started fantasizing about things happening between Nick and Hannah and he wasn't sure how he felt about these thoughts and emotions.
The three of them have an amazing night together. They continue with their "sex only " relationship. But with a
twist, life takes a turn in a direction that shocks the three of them and things become too complicated. Feelings surface, denials are issued and hearts are broken.
Each person is damaged in their own way. They have let their past histories determine their emotions. They let their fear of getting too close to someone ruin any chance of happiness that they might find. Can these three overcome their fears and admit their feelings for one another?
Ms. Crowe has done an amazing job with this novel. She creates background stories for each character in a way that prompts the reader to feel their emotions and to root for them to find happiness. Ian is adorable with his son and relationship that Hannah and Nick have built with him is a treat to read. Nick's story tugged at my heart and Ms. Crowe has managed to capture his struggle with PTSD in such a pure and genuine way. She has also managed to create strong, imaginative secondary characters such as Alyssa and Gavin,
who play important roles in this story.
Although this story brought tears and some heartache, it also brought laughter and smiles as well. The sex was hot, but that is no surprise coming from this author. The ending was simply amazing, another fine job Ms. Crowe!
January 19, 2013
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
I really hate to say this but Honey Red has dethroned Paradise Hops as my favorite Liz Crowe book. How could it not? There is so much going on in Honey Red that it's difficult to know where to begin.
I've read a handful of menage stories and with each one I hoped that it would be the one to change my mind about menage romances. Needless to say it took Honey Red for me to realize that a menage can work and it can work beautifully. It was erotic AND romantic without being trashy or overbearing. Honey Red is more about the emotional journey of three damaged people than the sexual relationship they share.
Every time I begin a new book I am eager to see which character I will relate to best. With Honey Red, I connected with Ian, Hannah and Nick. All three were lost and knew it. All three met at the most inconvenient time in their lives and of course, as real people are bound to do, jumped into relationships with other people in order to try and fill that void in their lives that seemed to hunt them down no matter where they went.
Hannah is a surprise. She presents herself as a confident, sexy and intimidating woman but at the heart of it all, she's unsure, vulnerable and caring. She may not have all the answers and might be terrified of first, her attraction to Ian and later her attraction to Nick but she's brave enough to stick it out and see where things lead.
Ian Donovan is struggling to catch up to and maintain the pace life has set for him. It seems like over night he goes from a bachelor screw up, to a father of a child, to a steadily employed man. It's a lot to take in for one person and Ian doesn't always handle it well. Adding to the pressure is the constant presence of his twin brother Gavin, who seems to have the perfect life. It's tough for Ian to get out of the shadow of his ever successful sibling.
But Ian's a walk in the park compared to Nick Traynor, a blind ex-marine with more emotional issues than is comfortable. I've read books that featured ex-military servicemen and women but this is the first time I've felt like I've gotten an idea of what they may go through when they come home from a war. While Nick had an overwhelming amount of obstacles to overcome, Liz made sure to create sympathy for him, even when he was lashing out at people. Along with his physical injuries, Nick suffers from survivor's guilt and that makes it almost impossible for anyone to reach him. Giving him a service dog was a great touch as many service men and women can be seen with service animals these days.
What can be difficult in a menage romance is finding a balance between the three people in the relationship. In a "traditional" relationship, there are two people and it's almost natural the way the relationship progresses. In a menage, there's an additional person in the mix and it can be a recipe for jealousy and preferences.
Honey Red balances the multiple relationships realistically and passionately. There are three people involved but there are four relationships that need to be represented equally. In case you're confused, Ian, Hannah and Nick are one relationship, Ian and Nick are the second, Ian and Hannah are the third and Nick and Hannah is the fourth.
Liz Crowe makes each relationship sexy, erotic and interesting. It doesn't matter if it's between Ian and Nick or Nick and Hannah.
While not as emotionally raw as say, Paradise Hops, Honey Red does excel at bringing three imperfect people together who, through many obstacles, begin realize that they might just need each other in order to start healing.
Honey Red is one of Liz Crowe's best works in my humble opinion. It is a story that will please her long time fans and hopefully find new ones. If you have not yet read a Liz Crowe book, then you should definitely start with this one.
I really hate to say this but Honey Red has dethroned Paradise Hops as my favorite Liz Crowe book. How could it not? There is so much going on in Honey Red that it's difficult to know where to begin.
I've read a handful of menage stories and with each one I hoped that it would be the one to change my mind about menage romances. Needless to say it took Honey Red for me to realize that a menage can work and it can work beautifully. It was erotic AND romantic without being trashy or overbearing. Honey Red is more about the emotional journey of three damaged people than the sexual relationship they share.
Every time I begin a new book I am eager to see which character I will relate to best. With Honey Red, I connected with Ian, Hannah and Nick. All three were lost and knew it. All three met at the most inconvenient time in their lives and of course, as real people are bound to do, jumped into relationships with other people in order to try and fill that void in their lives that seemed to hunt them down no matter where they went.
Hannah is a surprise. She presents herself as a confident, sexy and intimidating woman but at the heart of it all, she's unsure, vulnerable and caring. She may not have all the answers and might be terrified of first, her attraction to Ian and later her attraction to Nick but she's brave enough to stick it out and see where things lead.
Ian Donovan is struggling to catch up to and maintain the pace life has set for him. It seems like over night he goes from a bachelor screw up, to a father of a child, to a steadily employed man. It's a lot to take in for one person and Ian doesn't always handle it well. Adding to the pressure is the constant presence of his twin brother Gavin, who seems to have the perfect life. It's tough for Ian to get out of the shadow of his ever successful sibling.
But Ian's a walk in the park compared to Nick Traynor, a blind ex-marine with more emotional issues than is comfortable. I've read books that featured ex-military servicemen and women but this is the first time I've felt like I've gotten an idea of what they may go through when they come home from a war. While Nick had an overwhelming amount of obstacles to overcome, Liz made sure to create sympathy for him, even when he was lashing out at people. Along with his physical injuries, Nick suffers from survivor's guilt and that makes it almost impossible for anyone to reach him. Giving him a service dog was a great touch as many service men and women can be seen with service animals these days.
What can be difficult in a menage romance is finding a balance between the three people in the relationship. In a "traditional" relationship, there are two people and it's almost natural the way the relationship progresses. In a menage, there's an additional person in the mix and it can be a recipe for jealousy and preferences.
Honey Red balances the multiple relationships realistically and passionately. There are three people involved but there are four relationships that need to be represented equally. In case you're confused, Ian, Hannah and Nick are one relationship, Ian and Nick are the second, Ian and Hannah are the third and Nick and Hannah is the fourth.
Liz Crowe makes each relationship sexy, erotic and interesting. It doesn't matter if it's between Ian and Nick or Nick and Hannah.
While not as emotionally raw as say, Paradise Hops, Honey Red does excel at bringing three imperfect people together who, through many obstacles, begin realize that they might just need each other in order to start healing.
Honey Red is one of Liz Crowe's best works in my humble opinion. It is a story that will please her long time fans and hopefully find new ones. If you have not yet read a Liz Crowe book, then you should definitely start with this one.
November 17, 2014
4.5 Crowns
Liz Crowe is one of my favourite authors... I am a huge fan of her Stewart Realty series and have been lucky enough to be an early reader on her new Love Brother's series. Her books never let me down and Honey Red is no exception.
Ian Donovan has hit rock bottom. Sleeping around with anyone, anywhere he drinks too much and not only disappoints himself but fails to match the success of the twin brother he adores. When he gets a call from a hospital to tell him that he has a baby son by a meth addicted mother, he knows its time to get a grip. He finally relents and heads to Michigan to help his brother Gavin build his beer brewing company and rebuild his life.
5 Years later and the company is going great guns but it needs direction and more staff. When Gavin then starts dating the distributor that Ian is keen to get rid of and refuses to recruit he feels like he is banging his head against a brick wall. Adding to the frustration is the lack of any sex in 5 years as he focuses on bringing up his son Jamie. He loves his son but he is lonely. Until he meets someone/s that may change the direction his life is heading in.
Nick Traynor is a decorated and wounded ex marine. Having lost his life and the man he loves in a car bomb, he is struggling to adapt to life. Surrounded in darkness both physically and emotionally, he lives with his sister as he adjusts to life as not just a gay man but a blind one as well. Will he ever be able to move on? he doesn't think so. That is until he meets Ian Donovan. Ian makes him feel things he didn't think he could ever feel again, but as surprising as that is, it scares the hell out of him and he knows he has to avoid him at all costs.
Enter Hannah Williams, new marketing director and red headed, innocent beauty. She has an instant attraction to Ian, her new boss and they soon find themselves wrapped up in a purely sexual relationship. When she meets Nick, she should feel jealous shouldn't she? So why does she find herself aroused and equally attraction to this damaged soul.
Three people all battling their own issues and insecurities. They are all determined to keep things light and simple. So when things get more serious, how will they react? Will there pasts come back to haunt them and spoil the future for our threesome? or will they fight to find the happiness and love that they all desperately want?
One word... HOT!! This book is a hot and steamy look at the trials and tribulations of sexual identity, sexual liberation and finding love in relationship that is seen by society as taboo. The characters all have lives that have meat to them and combining the the three characters this becomes a book less about sex and more about how you create happiness in a unconventional way and against everything you believed yourself to be. I honestly loved the underlying message in this book. The characters had real depths to them; Ian struggling to match the successes of his twin brother, Nick struggling to overcome his grief and disability and Hannah fighting to spread her wings away from debt and the responsibility she feels for her mother.
If you are looking for a ménage read that isn't just sex but actually focuses on the real life challenges of falling for two people of opposite sexes - Honey Red is a MUST READ!
Liz Crowe is one of my favourite authors... I am a huge fan of her Stewart Realty series and have been lucky enough to be an early reader on her new Love Brother's series. Her books never let me down and Honey Red is no exception.
Ian Donovan has hit rock bottom. Sleeping around with anyone, anywhere he drinks too much and not only disappoints himself but fails to match the success of the twin brother he adores. When he gets a call from a hospital to tell him that he has a baby son by a meth addicted mother, he knows its time to get a grip. He finally relents and heads to Michigan to help his brother Gavin build his beer brewing company and rebuild his life.
5 Years later and the company is going great guns but it needs direction and more staff. When Gavin then starts dating the distributor that Ian is keen to get rid of and refuses to recruit he feels like he is banging his head against a brick wall. Adding to the frustration is the lack of any sex in 5 years as he focuses on bringing up his son Jamie. He loves his son but he is lonely. Until he meets someone/s that may change the direction his life is heading in.
Nick Traynor is a decorated and wounded ex marine. Having lost his life and the man he loves in a car bomb, he is struggling to adapt to life. Surrounded in darkness both physically and emotionally, he lives with his sister as he adjusts to life as not just a gay man but a blind one as well. Will he ever be able to move on? he doesn't think so. That is until he meets Ian Donovan. Ian makes him feel things he didn't think he could ever feel again, but as surprising as that is, it scares the hell out of him and he knows he has to avoid him at all costs.
Enter Hannah Williams, new marketing director and red headed, innocent beauty. She has an instant attraction to Ian, her new boss and they soon find themselves wrapped up in a purely sexual relationship. When she meets Nick, she should feel jealous shouldn't she? So why does she find herself aroused and equally attraction to this damaged soul.
Three people all battling their own issues and insecurities. They are all determined to keep things light and simple. So when things get more serious, how will they react? Will there pasts come back to haunt them and spoil the future for our threesome? or will they fight to find the happiness and love that they all desperately want?
One word... HOT!! This book is a hot and steamy look at the trials and tribulations of sexual identity, sexual liberation and finding love in relationship that is seen by society as taboo. The characters all have lives that have meat to them and combining the the three characters this becomes a book less about sex and more about how you create happiness in a unconventional way and against everything you believed yourself to be. I honestly loved the underlying message in this book. The characters had real depths to them; Ian struggling to match the successes of his twin brother, Nick struggling to overcome his grief and disability and Hannah fighting to spread her wings away from debt and the responsibility she feels for her mother.
If you are looking for a ménage read that isn't just sex but actually focuses on the real life challenges of falling for two people of opposite sexes - Honey Red is a MUST READ!
May 22, 2013
Originally posted at DJ's Book Corner
Call me a freak, but I knew I would like this book. Yeah, the menage was fun to witness but there was an actual plot filled with real emotions and drama. That's so important in a book like this, and the author got it right.
Ian is the first character we meet and I liked him from the jump. At first he seems very aware of his weaknesses and his strengths, but of course, as the book wears on, we find out he doesn't know himself all that well at all. The only thing he is sure about is that he is bi-sexual. I will be honest, I don't believe in bi-sexuality. Either you're gay or you're not. Not that I care either way. But if I was ever convinced that someone could truly be bi-sexual, Ian would have convinced me. I really believed he loved both Nick and Hannah with all of his soul.
We meet Nick next, an ex-marine who was gravely injured on the battlefield. I won't tell you his injury. That's half the drama. But you find out pretty early on what it is so your curiosity will be quelled within a short time. Nick is very complicated, but understandably so. I loved him even though he frustrated me to the point of banging my Nook against my head a few times.
Hannah had her own set of issues, but none as grave as Ian and Nick's to me. I liked her, but I felt she wasn't as special as Ian and Nick thought she was. I guess the appeal of Hannah was that she fit into their lives so perfectly and adapted to them and their complications with ease.
I think the author threw the perfect curveball into the story. I kind of expected it, but that didn't make it any less dramatic when it happened. And it had to happen because it was the only way to truly test the parameters of their relationship with each other.
The ending was all a bit too tidy for me. I like endings that tie up all loose ends but leave you with the promise of drama and chaos to come. Not necessarily with another book, but just so in my mind I know that these characters don't really think things are about to be this happily ever after forever and ever. But overall, good read that I blew through in a couple of days. I would recommend it to adults only, of course. But you have to be down with reading about threesomes and gay-lovin'. If you are, then this book is worth the time!
Call me a freak, but I knew I would like this book. Yeah, the menage was fun to witness but there was an actual plot filled with real emotions and drama. That's so important in a book like this, and the author got it right.
Ian is the first character we meet and I liked him from the jump. At first he seems very aware of his weaknesses and his strengths, but of course, as the book wears on, we find out he doesn't know himself all that well at all. The only thing he is sure about is that he is bi-sexual. I will be honest, I don't believe in bi-sexuality. Either you're gay or you're not. Not that I care either way. But if I was ever convinced that someone could truly be bi-sexual, Ian would have convinced me. I really believed he loved both Nick and Hannah with all of his soul.
We meet Nick next, an ex-marine who was gravely injured on the battlefield. I won't tell you his injury. That's half the drama. But you find out pretty early on what it is so your curiosity will be quelled within a short time. Nick is very complicated, but understandably so. I loved him even though he frustrated me to the point of banging my Nook against my head a few times.
Hannah had her own set of issues, but none as grave as Ian and Nick's to me. I liked her, but I felt she wasn't as special as Ian and Nick thought she was. I guess the appeal of Hannah was that she fit into their lives so perfectly and adapted to them and their complications with ease.
I think the author threw the perfect curveball into the story. I kind of expected it, but that didn't make it any less dramatic when it happened. And it had to happen because it was the only way to truly test the parameters of their relationship with each other.
The ending was all a bit too tidy for me. I like endings that tie up all loose ends but leave you with the promise of drama and chaos to come. Not necessarily with another book, but just so in my mind I know that these characters don't really think things are about to be this happily ever after forever and ever. But overall, good read that I blew through in a couple of days. I would recommend it to adults only, of course. But you have to be down with reading about threesomes and gay-lovin'. If you are, then this book is worth the time!
March 24, 2014
After years of drugs, booze and kinky sex, Ian Donovan returns home to Michigan with a newborn and a promise to his twin brother Gavin to help get Ypsilanti Brewing Company off the ground. Raising James has shown Ian that he’s dying for a connection to someone, and he finds it when he meets decorated Marine veteran Nick Traynor. Blind and broken, Nick has been struggling just to survive after losing most of his team in a roadside blast, and it’s not until Ian comes into his life that his pain begins to ease. The men share an incredibly potent attraction to one another, but when the fiery redheaded temptress Hannah Williams begins working at the brewery, Ian can’t help but be insanely drawn to her as well. Torn between the deep feelings he has for both Nick and Hannah, it’s not until the two of them meet that it’s clear they want one another just as much. Nick always considered himself gay, so his complete obsession with the woman who smells like honey and somehow calms his soul has him completely off balance. As the trio navigates between the ups and downs of an unconventional situation, it will take more than just lust to get them through.
A Liz Crowe book wouldn’t be complete without heavy doses of emotional turmoil and smoldering chemistry that wreaks havoc on your senses and Honey Red is no exception. Ms. Crowe takes her time in developing Ian, Nick and Hannah’s characters, making the reader feel invested in their lives and the outcome of their connection. Ian is inexplicably flawed, tainted by life experience, while Nick is completely self-destructive and unable to handle the changes in his life that his injury caused. Hannah is a terrific character, the catalyst for the two men to embrace their feelings to each other. The sex scenes between Ian and Nick are passionate yet tender, and when Hannah joins them, the chemistry between them all is almost overpowering in its intensity. When Nick finally gave in to Ian and Hannah’s seduction, I literally groaned in pleasure! The only reason I didn’t rate Honey Red a solid 5 was the number of spelling and grammatical errors I came across in the book. That said, don’t let it deter you from picking up this mouth-watering read by a brilliant author!
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
A Liz Crowe book wouldn’t be complete without heavy doses of emotional turmoil and smoldering chemistry that wreaks havoc on your senses and Honey Red is no exception. Ms. Crowe takes her time in developing Ian, Nick and Hannah’s characters, making the reader feel invested in their lives and the outcome of their connection. Ian is inexplicably flawed, tainted by life experience, while Nick is completely self-destructive and unable to handle the changes in his life that his injury caused. Hannah is a terrific character, the catalyst for the two men to embrace their feelings to each other. The sex scenes between Ian and Nick are passionate yet tender, and when Hannah joins them, the chemistry between them all is almost overpowering in its intensity. When Nick finally gave in to Ian and Hannah’s seduction, I literally groaned in pleasure! The only reason I didn’t rate Honey Red a solid 5 was the number of spelling and grammatical errors I came across in the book. That said, don’t let it deter you from picking up this mouth-watering read by a brilliant author!
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
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