Triad

Courtland Chronicles #5

by Cat Grant

Eric Courtland has spent the last decade tucked away in a Tuscan villa with his wife, Allison—and their partner and lover, Nick Thompson. Worlds away from the bigotry and hatred they faced in the States, the triad has built an unconventional relationship that is unassailable. Or so they think.After years of disappointment, Allison is finally pregnant. But the happy news is soon blunted by a family crisis that brings them—reluctantly—back to the country they've foresworn and the emotional riptides that bide there.Assailed from every direction, the three face blackmail and a potential corporate takeover, but it's the devastating revelations from both Eric's and Nick's pasts that leave them shaken to the core. The three must stand together and face the maelstrom, or risk losing everything they've worked so hard to build—including the unique love that binds them.

Genres: Menage, M M Romance, M M F, Erotic Romance, Romance

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2009

About the author

If you're looking for epic sci-fi, fantasy, or historicals, that's not me. Contemporary all the way, baby!

However, if you're looking for down to earth, complicated characters dealing with real-world problems (and the occasional comfort read!), I might just fit the bill. :)

My Books:

Courtland Chronicles (m/m & m/m/f)
By Chance
Strictly Business
Complications
The Arrangement
Triad

Allegro Vivace (m/m)
Sonata Appassionata (m/m)

Icon Men (all m/m)
The First Real Thing (2012 EPIC Award Winner - Erotica)
Appearing Nightly
A Fool for You

Habanera (Originally titled Entangled Trio - 2012 EPIC Award Finalist - Erotica) (m/m/f)

Once a Marine (m/m)

Power Play (with Rachel Haimowitz) (m/m BDSM)
Power Play: Resistance
Power Play: Awakening

Irresistible Attraction (all m/m)
Priceless
Doubtless
Fearless
Flawless (2014 EPIC Award Finalist - Short Fiction)

Forthcoming:

The Only One Who Knows (with LA Witt) - January 2014

The Only One Who Matters (with LA Witt) - March 2014

Black Dog (Bannon's Gym #1) - April 2014

Takedown (Bannon's Gym #2) - July 2014

Guarded (with LA Witt) (work in progress)

Reviews

[Erotic Horizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a series comes to an end there is so much expectation and so much that you hope will happen, that you wish would never happen and all in all you want to know the final outcome but it is with regret that you see off a set of characters that you might have hated or loved in equal measure.

The Courtland Chronicles is that series for me. I love this series - I love the characters, I love the settings and more over I loved the fact that this was a series with a difference and it stuck right out of the pack like a toy that I must have. To begin this last review I must begin with the cover – the cover of a book for me says a lot – sometimes it doesn’t match but I still have my own preconception of what I expect are between the pages.

When I saw the cover of TRIAD – my first thought was how bright it was (colored), if you have seen the covers of the other books in the Courtland Chronicles there is a definitely mist over the books – right from there I knew the men were about to be separated from the boys… and I was not disappointed in my perception.

It’s eleven years after the last book and Ally and Eric have been legally married for all this time, but Europe have just lead the way in allowing marriages of three so Nick has just joined the other two legally instead of being the much talked about consort. I liked where I have found the three and I am happy for them as well as it has been a hard fought battle to get to this point.

As with all good writers Ms. Grant doesn’t let them stay happy for long, because she has a series to finish off and in this she must expose these three to some rather nasty business.

To begin the three has some rather pleasant news that they have been hoping for and praying for, for a long time. Because of this or rather in-spite of this when Nick has to finally face the bullet in terms of his career and Eric must approach the industrial market for a much needed lifeline they all three know they must leave their idyllic Tuscany home and forge into the mind field of American society that has still not come to grips with the fact that a leader of industry has not only chosen to acknowledge that he is gay but have the gall to be in an open ménage relationship.

Once they hit the airport in America they are immediately faced with the bigotry of small mined people. It doesn't however end there because someone is not only trying to destroy Eric's business and if possible Eric in the deal. Nick has his own share of issues that he has to deal with and Ally is left trying to be the peace-maker and the reluctant holder of secrets.

Rather than any of the tangible things that befalls them it is the secrets, lies and omissions that they have to work through and they are still the things that will make them only stronger as a unit or ultimately break them after coming this far.

Was this fifth and final book worth the wait - yes it definitely was. If you have not read this series before - you need to go catch up on the other four books to make sense of anymore of this review. If you have issues with ménage relationship back away from this review now and come back later.

Highlights

The trio has changed yet they remained the same. Eric has mellowed he is not as uptight and structured in his ways as I have always known him to be and is a bit more compromising when it comes to his relationship and those he care about - which if you know Eric the word compromise does not exist for him.

Nick is still the one I love the most – and I was pleased to see a bit of spine in him, however the things I hated in him from past book like his roll over attitude I find does not grate me so much now, As it’s just Nick being Nick and without that element to his personality he could not fit into this relationship.

Ally still also remains my least favorite character in this trio – but hats off to Ms. Grant for growing her to the level that I accepted her for the guys’ sake and I can see her ultimately making them happy.

One of the more realistic aspects of this book is that Ms. Grant does not insulate this trio – she tosses them out into the real world and the real world attacked. It makes a difference to see them struggle, she made them cry, and she made them fall and allowed them to pick themselves up and get on with making that thing that they have together work.

Old faces make an appearance and not all of it good. I can’t say I was happy to see or hear from a few of them but I needed closure on certain aspect of this plot. Some characters I loved, I was pleased to see their timeless grace still in evidence and they made for some rather nostalgic and emotional moments of this book. Other characters came in to close not only chapters of their life but give me closure on Eric's past and ultimately laid the groundwork for his future. These were all gut wrenching and dramatically tense scenes … but really some of the better scenes of the book in my opinion.

I can’t say enough about the dialogue of the book – between the trio, between antagonist, employer and employee, loved one and new players – it was perfectly done and with a book just a little over one hundred page, the dialogue made the difference to this book.

Other than the improved dialogue - the three made time for each other and themselves as well, which not only shows the development of their relationship as a whole, but just how comfortable they were with each other...

I had some issues with the last book that there was no true ménage scene at all, in TRIAD this was quickly rectified... and I got my happy smutty grin moment…

There is a full circle feel to this book although it took my heart a while to catch up with the facts that I knew in my head. None of these three were ready for some of the things that unfolded in this last book especially Eric, but I was very pleased at how they tackles each and every situation with gusto and knew that they could rely on each other.…

Bottom Line..

If you have not read the Courtland Chronicles you have been missing out on a great series. There is a lot to be said about an author that does not sugar coat her romance and writes about what and who she likes, it feel real, it feel possible and as much as I might not like some aspect of it – I ended up loving it all.

Writing, pace, scenes and storylines all did it for me… I watch these three grow from student to adult who have overcome a hell of a lot, from friends to lover and at the core of them they were still the same passionate trio that would do anything and everything for each other.

TRIAD is a perfect finish to this series – the author does not play around with a lot of back history if any to be honest and this gives her page time to show me the best of what Eric, Ally and Nick Courtland had to offer….

[Becky Condit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it is #5 in the Courtland Chronicle series, Cat Grant’s Triad is actually the sequel to the first book, The Arrangement. The other three books are all prequels to how we got here.

Triad demonstrates the concept of how a living, breathing menage marriage would work. It includes the shared joys as well as the jealousies that come out of there being three people in the marriage and marriage bed.

There are children involved in the story. To tell you their stories would be spoilers so I’ll leave it to you to discover them. Triad takes place approximately 10 years after The Arrangement and 20 years into Eric, Nick, and Allison’s relationship. That’s a long time and even so, we find that not everything is rocking right along. Aging parents, the public’s hatred of things not considered “normal”, a vengeful ex, and their own ups and downs make this a more realistic story than fairy tale.

I enjoyed the wrap up of the stories and can see that the future looks brighter for the trio than it has in the past.

Becky's complete 4 1/2 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Mary Devereaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is well written. The concept was a good one, but then I think it went too far.

In the end, I found myself wishing it had remained Nick and Erik. I felt like Allison fluctuated between annoying girlfriend and oversexed..,. Well, suffice it to say, I began to find her character annoying.

I'm left feeling there is true romantic, soul splitting love between the two men. Clearly they're made for one another. They were always destined to be soul mates. Allison is the "beard" that gets brought in and really should have bowed out gracefully. Perhaps she could have been a stronger character? Their friend and confidant and even the barer of their children. But as far as the formal relationship goes? She's a gnat I wanted to see swatted away.

Maybe it's because neither of the men ever seem to have that stomach flutter, moon eyed moment for her. Never. Not like they do for one another. So it's as if she's just been included so they don't hurt her feelings. And the continual yammering about three people marrying and then co-adopting got under my skin. I'm all about people loving who they love and marrying who they want, but Nick became a whiny girl about it. In reality, I think they'd be more aware of their unconventional relationship and understand that not everything can be "your way". Rather than pushing us into this concept of a three way marriage, maybe we could have seen a gay Senator in a committed gay relationship and how they deal with that and how he changes the minds of some people in the political world?

All in all, Ms, Grant writes a great story. The characters are well thought out. The editing is good and there are some great moments. I just would have loved more Erik and Nick and less Allison.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://threedollarbillreviews.com/201...

I’ve read each book in the Courtland Chronicles series written by Cat Grant, and Triad is the fifth and final book about Eric, Nick and Ally. As the final in a series, this book is very much an epilogue, a chance to catch up with the characters and to resolve things that were left outstanding after previous books. Although there are five books in the series, the middle three are really prequels to the first book, The Arrangement. Triad is a continuation of the story, picking up ten years after that book ended.

For readers that aren't familiar with the other books in the series, here's a general recap. In The Arrangement, we met Eric Courtland, his wife Ally, and his lover Nick. The book dealt with the relationship between Eric and the others, and Eric’s struggle with being bisexual and loving both Ally and Nick. The second book, Strictly Business, goes back in time just a bit, and Eric has been in a slightly strained relationship with Nick for several years. After the death of his father, Eric gets involved with Brandford Crane, a relationship he definitely comes to regret, and in the end turns back to his deep love for Nick.

By Chance is the third book and tells of the beginning of the relationship between Eric and Nick, when they were paired together as roommates at college. The fourth book is Complications where Eric and Nick's relationship has just ended and Eric ends up in a relationship, and marriage of convenience, with college friend Ally. Of course marriages of convenience never end up being "convenient" and deepening emotions and Nick end up causing a few bumps in the road.

Following the timeframe of the stories, the chronological order is By Chance, Strictly Business, Complications, The Arrangement and finally Triad. Quite different from the publication order. I personally read the books as they were published but I think it would be quite interesting to read in chronological order. Of course, reading the blurb for The Arrangement, you will know what the end result of the three prequels is but the books are still enjoyable.

In The Arrangement, Eric, Ally and Nick find a common ground, and a relationship that encompasses all three. Looking for a place that could accept them all as a unit, they all moved to a Tuscan villa, where they have been living happily together for ten years. Triad picks up with the trio in the future, where as of 2016 the European Union has voted to legalize multiple-partner marriage. Thanks to that, they’ve become husband, wife, and husband, cementing the relationship that has flourished over the years.

While celebrating the happiness of the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, Nick’s book publisher demands he do a publicity tour for his new release in the US. Since they have made a pact not to travel without one another, Eric and Ally decide to accompany him. When they arrive, one thing after another starts to happen to them that threatens their way of life, and their marriage. They have to find a way to work through things together, and decide what their future will look like in the face of so many changes.

Triad is an entertaining read, based very much on an idealized hope for what the future will bring. In light of the current struggle for gay civil rights, it’s necessary to suspend disbelief a bit to accept that any government body would be willing to legalize multiple-partner relationships, but for the setting of this books it’s understandable and not too difficult to accept. The writing flows well making this a quick and easy read. There were a few quirks that most readers probably wouldn’t notice like the overuse of the epithet “his husband” instead of a character’s name, but in general the story is clean and well executed. The plot is filled with angst, and Eric, Nick and Ally are possibly having the best and worst year of their lives together. So many things happen within the span of a few months that it borders on unbelievable. Where a story could easily be based on just one major event, here there are several going on at once. The benefit to the high level of angst is that it definitely makes this a page-turner, as it’s hard to stop reading when you’re desperate to know what happens next but it does disconnect from reality just a bit.

Having read four previous books means that these characters are very familiar, and their characterization within this story is in line with what has already been established. They each have a “role” within their relationship that they play, and that is reinforced here. Without being familiar with the rest of the series, readers might be slightly lost or feel like they are being dropped into the middle of a story already in progress. I highly recommend having at least read The Arrangement prior to reading Triad to understand what Eric, Ally and Nick have been through to find happiness with one another.

There is plenty of sex, and while there is never repetition within the scenes, I found that the abundance of erotic material at the beginning was a bit cumbersome. The prose got a bit flowery for me, with some choices like “diddle” and “raping Eric’s mouth with his tongue” and “their hands Braille-read every inch of her” a bit distracting. The reintroduction of the characters was done through a string of sexual encounters, and while I enjoy that connection between the three, what I was more looking forward to was jumping into the plot. Once I got past the beginning, I was able to become much more immersed in the story. Readers should be aware that this is a ménage story, and as expected there is sexual interaction between everyone. Ally gets to participate just as much as Eric and Nick do and a healthy balance is created.

As I said, this is a ménage story, which is clear from the cover image and the blurb. Eric is a bisexual male, which is the basis of most of the series as he loves both a man and a woman and struggles to find a way to balance those two loves. Nick is also bisexual in that he loves Eric and has come to love Ally just as much. This story can be marketed as a bisexual story, but what really must be emphasized is that this is a ménage, and is not necessarily a view of a “typical” bisexual relationship. The majority of bisexual people are engaged in relationships with a single partner, and being in a polyamorous relationship is not the norm.

What I’ve struggled with the most is a line from the very beginning of the book, “Once the Supreme Court rules on that bisexual rights case in a few months, the question of multiple-partner marriage will be moot.” This seems to imply that bisexual rights are synonymous with the right to be in a multi-partner relationship, and that by extension a bisexual person cannot be truly happy without both a man and a woman to love. This is a stereotype that is perpetuated by so many people that do not understand bisexuality, and I hesitated greatly when I read that line, especially as a bisexual myself. I enjoy ménage stories, but I enjoy them for what they are. To purport that bisexual rights inherently means multiple partners does a great disservice to the many bisexuals that enjoy single partner marriages and partnerships. In reading this story, it is necessary for readers to keep in mind that first and foremost this is a ménage story with bisexual characters, but that bisexual rights are much more aligned with gay and lesbian rights ~ the right to marry and love the person, no matter of gender.

Overall I enjoyed the story and was happy to see how these three overcome their issues to find happiness with one another. I recommend this book for anyone who has read the rest of the series, especially The Arrangement. If you're new to the series I would suggest starting with either The Arrangement or one of the prequels to get an idea of both Grant's writing style and the characterizations. This series is one of the better options in the ménage category, as it's not simply a rehashing of the "two guys are together and decide they want a woman too" plot. Here we have a bisexual male who struggles with how to balance his love for both a man and a woman. It's never easy and simple, but the result is a series that is worth reading.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat Grant's intensely emotional roller coaster ride, The Courtland Chronicles series, comes to an immensely satisfying but slightly melodramatic conclusion in Triad. After 20 years this loving and committed trio seem to be happy with things going their way overseas. It's not long before the real world comes knocking on their Tuscan fantasy in the form of a family member's failing health, a vengeful ex-lover, and another round of secrets to put this triad's devotion to the test. It's only through honesty and acceptance of what's truly important to them that they achieve a complete HEA.

Each member of this trio has aged and thus have become a bit wiser and deft at keeping a balance to their triad. Each member finally feels equal and you can truly see them as a family as they protect and support each other through thick and thin. Eric has changed the most as he's more inclined to talk than keep secrets now. Every decision he makes is now done with input from his spouses and I find this more open Eric delightful. He's still a commanding presence but it's tempered with a more kindhearted soul.

Nick is put put through the emotional wringer this time around as his mother's health starts to fade and a shocking secret kept by someone from his past comes to light. I ached for all the pain he had to endure but grateful he had so much support since there were moments in this series where he was on his own. While Nick and Eric are dealing with issues from the outside world Ally is put on the backburner throughout this story as she's dealing with her pregnancy. After losing a previous baby she's being extra careful this time. Her role is to be the voice of reason, the one to keep the peace, the glue to keeping their family close.

Many of the issues befalling this trio were a bit obvious and soap opera-ish in nature. The return of the vile Branford Crane bent on revenge using Eric's past as blackmail being the most annoying of all the issues. It takes up a big part of the book but is quickly wrapped up in an out of left field denouement. The actual ending of the book, while satisfying, left a few things slightly undone to leave us forming our own opinions as to the rest of this trio's life and how society will ultimately treat them.

Ms. Grant seamlessly incorporates political/societal responses to this lifestyle in a sympathetic and believable way. Once or twice it becomes a bit heavy-handed but on a whole it promotes thought-provoking conversation. The sexual interludes aren't as frequent as in the previous installments but just as satisfying in their intensity. This triad has definitely become a family and it's heartwarming to finally reach this hard fought conclusion. The journey's been difficult to witness at times but we'll worth the time invested. Ms. Grant has created an enticing and memorable saga that, though originally written a few years ago, still resonates today.

[Shirley Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

After all the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the betrayals, the making up sex, the screw ups and the successes I am happy to see the end of this series. No, not in that sense. I'm just finally glad to see this relationship going forward without having to struggle every step of the way to get there. I have finally accepted Allison's presence and it took this installment to get me there.

Since I have been following this relationship over the span of 20 years and my reality flew the coop in one of the previous books, I overlooked many things that didn't make sense to me and focused mainly on the characters and how they related to each other in this story. As always, the writing was very good with great dialogue, off-the-charts HOT sex scenes and a wonderful story where we get to see the bond these characters have developed shine through. There was the usual angst, the happy moments, the terrible ones and the sex.

This time around I found Eric to be more mellow and mature, Nick more assertive and comfortable in his place in the relationship and Allison more accepting and understanding. It was great to see a bit of development in them in this last installment, I didn't think they had it in them to do so.

If you have been following this couple through all the books in the Courtland Chronicles series, you should not miss this installment. If you are new to the series, I suggest you pick up a copy of By Chance . This will start you off right in staring the series and getting to know the characters and how they came about.

Triad was both entertaining and enjoyable. Although I breathed a sigh of relief at the end of the story I do admit that the story is farfetched at most. Taking into consideration the controversy gay marriage has brought about lately, can you imagine the conflict multiple-partner unions would bring? That's just one of the things that I could not get over, but that's just me.

I received this title from the author in exchange of my honest opinion.

[Rida · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book and in the four other books that make up the Courtland Chronicles, Cat Grant has written an exciting and gripping story. For a period of some 20 years we follow the lives of two men and a woman who share a relationship.

The story involves a homosexual relationship between Nick and Eric, heterosexual relationships between each of the two men and Allison and finally a menage between the three.

Cat has contrived to portray in one touching story the interaction of all three characters and their dreams, disappointments, achievements, and, above all else, their love for each other and one another.

A concept that is paramount in the Triad (the last book of the series) is that of legalised marriage between multiple partners. Many 'menage' stories include a marriage between two partners and the third partner being part of the relationship without the security, if it can be called that, of legality; the "legality" being an indication of social acceptance.

It would be interesting to see if other menage authors pick up on this concept and maybe even give it a push in their stories.

All told, Cat has written a well thoughtout story, a very good read with thought provoking ideas and well developed characters. The sex scenes of which there are many, fit well in the story and do not feel like add-ons just to add spice to the story.

I would like to comment on the reading order and strongly recommend that the books be read in the chronological order of the story rather than in the order they were written. This would be: By Chance, Strictly Business, Complication, The Arrangement and Triad.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five and the finale book in the "Courtland Chronicles series". The book starts with the trio in a hotel after they had their commitment ceremony in Italy where they have been living for the last ten years. Ally who has had several rounds of in vitro that lead to miscarriages is finally pregnant. The three decide to return to New York Nick has to go on a book tour Eric is dealing with his failing business and he goes to see his mom. Nick is shocked to see his mother and how she is living and he knows that something is wrong. Eric is being blackmailed by Bran Crane with naked pictures of him tied up and spanked and he is spreading rumors. I loved reading this series each of the MC's have come along way to be together especially Eric and Nick who have been together off and on for over twenty years. This was a really good book it was well written like the rest of them in the series. Eric learned that he can't control everything and they all learned that they have to communicate with each other. In this book they learn that Nick's former ex Laura died and that he has a ten year old son and Eric realizes that their something's more important than business with a child coming they each realize that family is more important than anything. This book has a really good epilogue. If you like reading about hot alpha males and menage than I recommend that you read this series.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last story that wraps up the Courtland Chronicles, what an outstanding series!! This latest story takes us through the continuing struggles that Eric, Allison and Nick are still going through I believe 10 years later. Gay Rights is the biggest on going issue in the USA and isn't that just ridiculous!! We are suppose to be the most advanced in our rights and freedoms. As beautifully written as these stories were they never lost site of the issues raised in the series. That is what made this series so terrific for me. Great job Cat Grant!! You raised awareness, told a terrific love story and introduced me to characters that I will never forget. Thank you.

[Tammy Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Cat, thank you for this story. I have to say, I didn't know if I would like reading about two guys. But something kept drawing me to read the first one "By Chance". Now I'm am so hooked I can't put them down I'm almost through with book 4 and can't wait for more. Your words are so true for a lot of people. Thank you for telling their story.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fitting end to the series although I wish it wasn't over. I love these characters, whether you love them or hate them, and you do both at times, they're well written and they really grab a hold of your heart.

[Stephanie Haefner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fitting end to the series...happily ever after! :) This book did not have quite as much drama as the rest of the books, but I liked it!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL SERIES

[Shaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series! what a shocker about Seth and then bran!

[Michele Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the entire 5 story series over a weekend while home sick. I really enjoyed it, but one of them (maybe book 3? can't remember now) had a couple of pieces of the backstory on Eric completely different than the rest of them. Other than that I was able to lose myself in the story.

[CB]

I read this a couple years ago and remember enjoying it.

I had lots of issues with Kobo getting this book ready to be re-read.

Here is the order:
By Chance (don't have)
Strictly Business
Complications (don't have)
The Arrangement
Triad

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set ten years after The Arrangement, the book opens with Eric, Nick and Ally finally happily settled in their relationship in their villa in Tuscany - and, thanks to more liberal laws in Europe, recently all three married to each other. (Now could we have those laws in reality, pretty please?) After years of trying, Ally is pregnant and all three can't wait for their family to grow. But it's not all happy news: Upon returning to the US that they've been happily avoiding over the past years, they find that Nick's mother has become seriously ill, an old girlfriend has left him a most unexpected surprise, and Eric's company is in deep trouble - and Branford Crane is behind it. After all that they've been through, this crisis could make or break their marriage once and for all.

Finally. Finally, with the last book in the series, the terrible messy clusterfuck of Eric, Nick and Ally has turned the corner to becoming a relationship I actually enjoyed reading about. This is what I'd been hoping and waiting for from the start, and the only reason I kept reading despite repeatedly screaming in frustration during previous books. A satisfying conclusion that makes me look forward to giving the spin-off a try as well.