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Courtland Chronicles #4
The Arrangement
Most people are lucky to find one love—Eric Courtland found two. He's spent the last decade in and out of a tempestuous relationship with his lover, Nick. But all that is nearly over when his new bride, Allison, discovers that his vows of fidelity came with an exception. Suddenly, Eric is at risk of destroying all he cares about, from his burgeoning political career, to the two loves of his life.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
226 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2008
27 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Cat Grant
51 books463 followersIf 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)
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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 10, 2013
Here we are again - Eric screwing up, Nick feeling left out and Allison still getting on my nerves.
When I started reading this series I fell in love with Eric immediately. By the second book I was having my doubts about him, but was supportive because in life people lose their way and deserve a second chance. By the third book I was on the verge of giving up on him, but held on to the hope that he would see the light. So when I started reading The Arrangement I was expectant to see how it would all play out and how Eric would redeem himself in my eyes.
I am sorry to say that he didn't. In any case my heart went out to Nick more and more. Eric broke my heart, but unlike Nick, I don't forgive that easily. I truly wanted Eric to make a decision about his relationship with Nick, but I just don't think he made the right one.
Okay, enough about my disappointment with Eric. Let's move on with the content of the story.
In this fourth installment of the Courtland series we find that Eric and Nick have gotten back together and started having an affair after Eric and Allison returned from their honeymoon. Nick is as sweet as he's ever been, Eric is as selfish as ever and Allison is a disturbing presence through it all. (Sorry, I really don't like her and that did not change after reading this title.)
After deciding to pursue a relationship between the three of them, Eric, Nick and Allison find themselves with feelings of jealousy, neglect and frustration. Eric has this naive outlook that everything will work out for the best if they just wait a while and keep they relationship under wraps while he takes his position in the Senate regardless of how it makes the other parties involved feel - mainly Nick. Yeah, he was THAT deluded and selfish!
Anyway, having said all that, I have to admit that Cat Grant did a great job of telling this story by bringing to the page a whole range of emotions that gave me a clear picture of what each character was feeling and where they were coming from. As with the other books, I enjoyed the times that Nick and Eric got together. Their chemistry was as explosive as the first time they got together and their connection real. In regards to Allison, I just could not connect to her on a deeper level so I just ignored her all together. (Once again, sorry).
Cat Grant's writing was engaging and entertaining, with an interesting set of events and enough insightful dialogue that kept me reading on to see how everything would work out for these characters despite my feelings towards Eric and Allison. Although I don't agree with Eric's decision and how he behaved towards his wife and lover, I have to say that Grant did a wonderful job with him as a character. She managed to make me analyze his intentions and his feelings even while I wanted to smack some sense into him.
While I was reading, I tried to get over this whole relationship mess they had gotten into, but I could not let go that easily. I really believed that Nick and Eric's love was true and that they were meant to be together, but while reading how it was all playing out and how Eric was behaving I kept thinking that I would rather see them part and move on. Even Allison, who I loath. You'd be surprised to know that I came to accept their decision to make their relationship work after everything they went through. I don't like it and Allison could disappear for all I care (did I say I don't like her?) but it is what it is and I'll go along with that since I am already emotionally invested in Nick and Eric's relationship. I am looking forward to see how their journey continues in the next book.
I received this title from Cat Grant in exchange of my honest opinion.
When I started reading this series I fell in love with Eric immediately. By the second book I was having my doubts about him, but was supportive because in life people lose their way and deserve a second chance. By the third book I was on the verge of giving up on him, but held on to the hope that he would see the light. So when I started reading The Arrangement I was expectant to see how it would all play out and how Eric would redeem himself in my eyes.
I am sorry to say that he didn't. In any case my heart went out to Nick more and more. Eric broke my heart, but unlike Nick, I don't forgive that easily. I truly wanted Eric to make a decision about his relationship with Nick, but I just don't think he made the right one.
Okay, enough about my disappointment with Eric. Let's move on with the content of the story.
In this fourth installment of the Courtland series we find that Eric and Nick have gotten back together and started having an affair after Eric and Allison returned from their honeymoon. Nick is as sweet as he's ever been, Eric is as selfish as ever and Allison is a disturbing presence through it all. (Sorry, I really don't like her and that did not change after reading this title.)
After deciding to pursue a relationship between the three of them, Eric, Nick and Allison find themselves with feelings of jealousy, neglect and frustration. Eric has this naive outlook that everything will work out for the best if they just wait a while and keep they relationship under wraps while he takes his position in the Senate regardless of how it makes the other parties involved feel - mainly Nick. Yeah, he was THAT deluded and selfish!
Anyway, having said all that, I have to admit that Cat Grant did a great job of telling this story by bringing to the page a whole range of emotions that gave me a clear picture of what each character was feeling and where they were coming from. As with the other books, I enjoyed the times that Nick and Eric got together. Their chemistry was as explosive as the first time they got together and their connection real. In regards to Allison, I just could not connect to her on a deeper level so I just ignored her all together. (Once again, sorry).
Cat Grant's writing was engaging and entertaining, with an interesting set of events and enough insightful dialogue that kept me reading on to see how everything would work out for these characters despite my feelings towards Eric and Allison. Although I don't agree with Eric's decision and how he behaved towards his wife and lover, I have to say that Grant did a wonderful job with him as a character. She managed to make me analyze his intentions and his feelings even while I wanted to smack some sense into him.
While I was reading, I tried to get over this whole relationship mess they had gotten into, but I could not let go that easily. I really believed that Nick and Eric's love was true and that they were meant to be together, but while reading how it was all playing out and how Eric was behaving I kept thinking that I would rather see them part and move on. Even Allison, who I loath. You'd be surprised to know that I came to accept their decision to make their relationship work after everything they went through. I don't like it and Allison could disappear for all I care (did I say I don't like her?) but it is what it is and I'll go along with that since I am already emotionally invested in Nick and Eric's relationship. I am looking forward to see how their journey continues in the next book.
I received this title from Cat Grant in exchange of my honest opinion.
July 10, 2009
THE ARANGEMENT is the book that makes up the bulk of The Courtland Chronicles, it’s the present that all the prequels are trying to fill in the gaps and answer all the little questions that are jumping around in our head. Firstly the blurb is spot on and as i mentioned before in another review
When I read a book I have none of the usual hang ups about what is decent and right in a relationship,I might not agree with it, but it’s not the end of the world
So right from the moment I started the book I was tossed into the deep end. Eric and Ally are now married and my hats of to them, they are trying to make a decent go of it. Eric doing his senatorial stint along with running his company, Ally going places with the paper that she now works for, flying here and there and enjoying her marital status.
Eric is however living a double life - as Nick has come back into his life and this was not with the OK of Ally – this was very much hush, hush and eventually something had to give and sooner rather than later Ally becomes aware of Nick’s part in Eric’s life and she is livid.
Eric, never one to sidestep an issue or miss an opportunity to turn things into his favour – quickly comes up with a solution to their impasse.
The solution was not a comfortable fit for everyone that is except for Eric (Like that’s a surprise) but with time Nick and Ally makes peace and as some ground rule are set the three sets a blaze that not only grips the tabloid but crosses a continent and almost cost them every thing that have worked so hard for .
THE ARRANGEMENT is a solid read at a little over two hundred pages, it takes in alot of the development between the three main protags and gives us a broader look at the relationship between the three.
Eric has to walk a fine line between his wants and his needs while showing the outward appearance of a man with the world on string. To be honest he had it good until some home truths come hurling towards him and them all. On his second marriage and with a male consort, he is really having his cake and eating it too in one sense – on the other hand, his life is a tangled webs of secrets and lies and he quickly reverts to his youthful “I am an Island” attitude with Ally and Nick rotating around him – and that does not bode well for any of the three.
Ally – also has her shares of high an highs, finding a foothold in the news industry sees opportunity coming her way and she glides along with a buzz all the while navigating around Nick and Eric. She is still my least favourite of the three and the emotional link that should be their between three, I am not getting it with her. She however for for all intense and purpose give the societal norm to Eric’s life. The only thing missing was the 2.5kids and a dog, instead they had Nick and i doubt any of the two would have it any other way.
Someone had to shoulder the responsibility and bear the load of the relationship and that would be Nick – from the first Nick ends up getting the raw end of the stick and up to a point that was still happening, When intrusion and blackmail finds it’s way into their life's, Eric makes a decision that sees them becoming the headline of the tabloid and strains and cracks starts showing in the little world that they have built. Nick however is as always caught in the middle and he being the man that he is – spreads himself thin trying to be there ands be all to everyone, including parents, friends and partners.
The usual suspects are all present and accounted for in THE ARRANGEMENT, and they give a great showing. There was a lone surprise of Nick’ mother that made the scenes she was presented in not earth shattering – but she is a big voice in Eric’s and Nick’s life’s and she definitely brings a timelessness and realness to the book that is very hard to overlook.
The pace of the book was phenomenal, not only did it move with the twists and turns that Ms. Grant peppered the book with – but it kept perfect steps with the prequels (or the prequels kept steps with it). THE ARRANGMENT is not a cut and dry love or romance story – it characters are fully developed they grow, they have faults,they loved, they fight, they knew when to say sorry and more over they knew when to start again or when to cut their losses.
If I could find a fault with this book it’s would be for a true ménage scene to happen between the three, as at no point did the three actually get their groove on together and as much as there is one very HAWT voyeuristic scene there is also a remoteness to the relationship between Nick and Ally. Eric will forever be the love of Nick’s life and by thoughts and deeds Nick is really the Love of Eric's live -
THE ARRANGEMENT would have been author Cat Grant first book and it’s a cracker of a read. Her voice is clear and it’s strong. There is no fluffing around with her characters, they are personalities that I certainly won’t be forgetting in a long time. As much as I loved the fact that I came to know of this series, three books after THE ARRANGEMENT I can see the logic behind how the books were release. THE ARRANGEMENT is the canvas and love or hate the characters they form the whole and it was brilliant to use the prequels as fine prints, because that is exactly what they are – small slices of Eric, Ally and Nick life up to the point of THE ARRANGEMENT.
Bottom line
Good to the very last drop.
When I read a book I have none of the usual hang ups about what is decent and right in a relationship,I might not agree with it, but it’s not the end of the world
So right from the moment I started the book I was tossed into the deep end. Eric and Ally are now married and my hats of to them, they are trying to make a decent go of it. Eric doing his senatorial stint along with running his company, Ally going places with the paper that she now works for, flying here and there and enjoying her marital status.
Eric is however living a double life - as Nick has come back into his life and this was not with the OK of Ally – this was very much hush, hush and eventually something had to give and sooner rather than later Ally becomes aware of Nick’s part in Eric’s life and she is livid.
Eric, never one to sidestep an issue or miss an opportunity to turn things into his favour – quickly comes up with a solution to their impasse.
The solution was not a comfortable fit for everyone that is except for Eric (Like that’s a surprise) but with time Nick and Ally makes peace and as some ground rule are set the three sets a blaze that not only grips the tabloid but crosses a continent and almost cost them every thing that have worked so hard for .
THE ARRANGEMENT is a solid read at a little over two hundred pages, it takes in alot of the development between the three main protags and gives us a broader look at the relationship between the three.
Eric has to walk a fine line between his wants and his needs while showing the outward appearance of a man with the world on string. To be honest he had it good until some home truths come hurling towards him and them all. On his second marriage and with a male consort, he is really having his cake and eating it too in one sense – on the other hand, his life is a tangled webs of secrets and lies and he quickly reverts to his youthful “I am an Island” attitude with Ally and Nick rotating around him – and that does not bode well for any of the three.
Ally – also has her shares of high an highs, finding a foothold in the news industry sees opportunity coming her way and she glides along with a buzz all the while navigating around Nick and Eric. She is still my least favourite of the three and the emotional link that should be their between three, I am not getting it with her. She however for for all intense and purpose give the societal norm to Eric’s life. The only thing missing was the 2.5kids and a dog, instead they had Nick and i doubt any of the two would have it any other way.
Someone had to shoulder the responsibility and bear the load of the relationship and that would be Nick – from the first Nick ends up getting the raw end of the stick and up to a point that was still happening, When intrusion and blackmail finds it’s way into their life's, Eric makes a decision that sees them becoming the headline of the tabloid and strains and cracks starts showing in the little world that they have built. Nick however is as always caught in the middle and he being the man that he is – spreads himself thin trying to be there ands be all to everyone, including parents, friends and partners.
The usual suspects are all present and accounted for in THE ARRANGEMENT, and they give a great showing. There was a lone surprise of Nick’ mother that made the scenes she was presented in not earth shattering – but she is a big voice in Eric’s and Nick’s life’s and she definitely brings a timelessness and realness to the book that is very hard to overlook.
The pace of the book was phenomenal, not only did it move with the twists and turns that Ms. Grant peppered the book with – but it kept perfect steps with the prequels (or the prequels kept steps with it). THE ARRANGMENT is not a cut and dry love or romance story – it characters are fully developed they grow, they have faults,they loved, they fight, they knew when to say sorry and more over they knew when to start again or when to cut their losses.
If I could find a fault with this book it’s would be for a true ménage scene to happen between the three, as at no point did the three actually get their groove on together and as much as there is one very HAWT voyeuristic scene there is also a remoteness to the relationship between Nick and Ally. Eric will forever be the love of Nick’s life and by thoughts and deeds Nick is really the Love of Eric's live -
THE ARRANGEMENT would have been author Cat Grant first book and it’s a cracker of a read. Her voice is clear and it’s strong. There is no fluffing around with her characters, they are personalities that I certainly won’t be forgetting in a long time. As much as I loved the fact that I came to know of this series, three books after THE ARRANGEMENT I can see the logic behind how the books were release. THE ARRANGEMENT is the canvas and love or hate the characters they form the whole and it was brilliant to use the prequels as fine prints, because that is exactly what they are – small slices of Eric, Ally and Nick life up to the point of THE ARRANGEMENT.
Bottom line
Good to the very last drop.
December 21, 2014
OMG I cannot read about Allison anymore.....DNF around 65%
Ally is an annoying stupid bitch!
Eric is a selfish asshole!
Nick is a wuss!
I'm done with this series, will not be reading the last book. I'm sorry I wasted my time with the other books in this ridiculous series. It's a shame as Nick & Eric had so much potential but.....
March 1, 2010
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.
April 25, 2013
Ugh, this series was frustrating. In ever felt a connection between any of them, but I could not stop reading. Well, I guess I just skimmed. The thing is, if I could find the last book, I'd probably read it. I liked each of the MC's, but none of them had enough page time. All their conversations were rushed, event were rushed, plot was rushed...just rushed! If more was put into making me believe they loved each other, I would have been happier. Hell, if more was put into understanding why they each acted like such assholes to each other for so many years before finally getting it right, I'd have cared more. Between the books where years span with no knowledge of how they got to where they were, it got confusing as to why I should care. Yet, I still could not stop. I needed to know how it ended. Maybe I just needed to try and get my money's worth.
Really not my favorite series, but ugh! Where is the last book?
Really not my favorite series, but ugh! Where is the last book?
Read
April 27, 2009Well, this is for sure a book which tests a lot of my "no no no" in romance. First of all it's a menage, and well, I don't like a lot menage: maybe it's my jealousy nature, but I always feel one of the three in the menage like an intruder. Plus the story starts with a cheating, even if really the story is a bit more complex.
Eric and Nick were at college together. For what we know Eric is bisexual and Nick was in love with him since forever. They had a clandestine relationship which lasted through the first marriage of Eric (with a woman of course). But Eric has political aspirations and a gay lover is not a thing he could have and so he broke with Nick and married another woman, Ally, another former college mate and also a former girlfriend of Nick.
Eric was honest with Ally, he doesn't love her, but he likes her, and being him a very wealthy man, he could help her career. But he was not honest with her regarding their marriage, better he was not "straight" about it: because since the first week after their honeymoon, Eric started again to see Nick. When Ally discovers the truth she also realizes that she doesn't want to see her marriage broken, and accept to share Eric with Nick, and sometime, also to share Nick. But really they don't have a real menage, with Eric living in Washington and Ally and Nick in New York, and when they are all in the same house, most of the time sleeping in separate rooms, with Eric that changes bed as he likes.
Of all the three characters I like better Nick. Actually I think he is the only one who has real and deeply love feelings. He is in love with Eric since forever, Eric was his first love and the first man (even if it is not said I think Eric is the only man for Nick). He tried to move on their relationship, he tried also to marry, but he realizes that he can't do that to another human being, since he will always love only Eric. And so he contents himself with bits of life, what he can rip off from Eric's official life, only to be again and again punch down and shield away.
Ally is a woman with self consciousness problems. She doesn't consider herself at the same level of Eric or Nick, she knows that they have something before her and since they continued also after her marriage, she somewhat imagines that she isn't enough for her husband. Plus she is not fulfilled with her works and so she suffers a lot from the workaholic behaviour of her husband. She is not even satisfy when she has not one but two men for her.
And in the end Eric. He is the only reason both for Nick than Ally. They lean to him for everything, his word is law. He is a very commanding man, even if he is not physically the stronger, actually Nick has the body of an former football player, and instead Eric is long and lean, but in spite of this, also in bed with Nick, he has the upper hand. Eric has an aloof behaviour and a frozen heart: his parents had a very bad marriage relationship and he learnt to not trust love. It is not that he can't love, only that he always thinks that people knows that he loves them without him giving a proof. And not a material thing, he is plenty of capable to buy things, but he is pretty reluctant with feelings. Actually when you drag him by force in front of the truth, he is able to understand, he is not dumb, but it's not his first impulse.
I don't know if feel content that this is not really a menage, since there aren't scene with multiple partners (there is only a scene where Ally witnesses to Eric and Nick making love) or not. Given that I don't really like menage, maybe it's better, but on the other hand I always felt Ally like an intruder and when Eric and Ally made love, I always felt like they were cheating on Nick. Yes since I feel like Eric and Nick being the real couple, both since they were together before and also since Eric was really free and comfortable only when he was with Nick... I had the feeling that, when he was with Ally, he was always playing a role, of the man in control, of the man that must never fail. Probably since Ally needs a man like that.
And so, always the same question... I like this book? It's not an easy answer. Probably yes since, first I finish it in only one night, and this means that the book is easily to read and flows smoothly, and second since it make me think, on the characters and on their behaviour, and this means that they arrive to me. All right maybe of the three characters, I really like only Nick, but, well, why do you have to like all the characters of a book to like a book? A character could be imperfect if it suit the story, and, well, without Eric and his total imperfection, the book would have no reason to exist.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00190ERXG/?...
Eric and Nick were at college together. For what we know Eric is bisexual and Nick was in love with him since forever. They had a clandestine relationship which lasted through the first marriage of Eric (with a woman of course). But Eric has political aspirations and a gay lover is not a thing he could have and so he broke with Nick and married another woman, Ally, another former college mate and also a former girlfriend of Nick.
Eric was honest with Ally, he doesn't love her, but he likes her, and being him a very wealthy man, he could help her career. But he was not honest with her regarding their marriage, better he was not "straight" about it: because since the first week after their honeymoon, Eric started again to see Nick. When Ally discovers the truth she also realizes that she doesn't want to see her marriage broken, and accept to share Eric with Nick, and sometime, also to share Nick. But really they don't have a real menage, with Eric living in Washington and Ally and Nick in New York, and when they are all in the same house, most of the time sleeping in separate rooms, with Eric that changes bed as he likes.
Of all the three characters I like better Nick. Actually I think he is the only one who has real and deeply love feelings. He is in love with Eric since forever, Eric was his first love and the first man (even if it is not said I think Eric is the only man for Nick). He tried to move on their relationship, he tried also to marry, but he realizes that he can't do that to another human being, since he will always love only Eric. And so he contents himself with bits of life, what he can rip off from Eric's official life, only to be again and again punch down and shield away.
Ally is a woman with self consciousness problems. She doesn't consider herself at the same level of Eric or Nick, she knows that they have something before her and since they continued also after her marriage, she somewhat imagines that she isn't enough for her husband. Plus she is not fulfilled with her works and so she suffers a lot from the workaholic behaviour of her husband. She is not even satisfy when she has not one but two men for her.
And in the end Eric. He is the only reason both for Nick than Ally. They lean to him for everything, his word is law. He is a very commanding man, even if he is not physically the stronger, actually Nick has the body of an former football player, and instead Eric is long and lean, but in spite of this, also in bed with Nick, he has the upper hand. Eric has an aloof behaviour and a frozen heart: his parents had a very bad marriage relationship and he learnt to not trust love. It is not that he can't love, only that he always thinks that people knows that he loves them without him giving a proof. And not a material thing, he is plenty of capable to buy things, but he is pretty reluctant with feelings. Actually when you drag him by force in front of the truth, he is able to understand, he is not dumb, but it's not his first impulse.
I don't know if feel content that this is not really a menage, since there aren't scene with multiple partners (there is only a scene where Ally witnesses to Eric and Nick making love) or not. Given that I don't really like menage, maybe it's better, but on the other hand I always felt Ally like an intruder and when Eric and Ally made love, I always felt like they were cheating on Nick. Yes since I feel like Eric and Nick being the real couple, both since they were together before and also since Eric was really free and comfortable only when he was with Nick... I had the feeling that, when he was with Ally, he was always playing a role, of the man in control, of the man that must never fail. Probably since Ally needs a man like that.
And so, always the same question... I like this book? It's not an easy answer. Probably yes since, first I finish it in only one night, and this means that the book is easily to read and flows smoothly, and second since it make me think, on the characters and on their behaviour, and this means that they arrive to me. All right maybe of the three characters, I really like only Nick, but, well, why do you have to like all the characters of a book to like a book? A character could be imperfect if it suit the story, and, well, without Eric and his total imperfection, the book would have no reason to exist.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00190ERXG/?...
May 31, 2017
Eric Courtland is on his second marriage, to Allison Taylor-Courtland. She is the perfect wife for a man running a race to be a US senator. While he loves his wife, he cannot be completely available to her as he is also in love with another. Ever since college, Nick Thompson has been in love with Eric. Their on-again, off-again relationship is a series of secret trysts that must fit within the confines of Eric’s busy life. When Allison discovers the affair, she confronts Nick, and demands that he ends the relationship. Eric however proposes a different solution and the three embark on a journey to determine if there is a way for them to cultivate a relationship without sacrificing their own needs.
Eric truly loves Allison and Nick, and needs both of them in order to be happy. Although they each love Eric as well, that doesn’t necessarily mean that either one wants to accommodate a third person in their relationship. Initially Allison and Nick fight for Eric’s attention and affections, but they quickly learn that they both want the same thing and to share is better than to not have at all. However knowing that does not stop the natural jealousy that comes with sharing your lover. They both work to embrace their new relationship, and over time their emotions and sexual desires for each other deepen. They find that their bond together is as strong as the one they each share with Eric. Through various trials, Allison and Nick provide support for both each other and Eric while at the same time struggling with communication issues within their relationship.
The Arrangement is a powerful emotional journey which explores the very realistic issues that exist when three people decide to enter into a relationship together. It delves into the emotional challenges that both Allison and Nick face in their struggle to love Eric and accept each other. It is refreshing to read a story that does not gloss over the difficulties that come with any relationship. The foundation is hard work, and each character stumbles along the way, especially when it comes to communication. Eric has been so focused on a singular purpose regarding his political career that he often neglects those he loves and doesn’t allow them to be themselves. Allison and Nick, on the other hand, have become experts at making things easier for Eric, ignoring their own needs and careers. The characters are true to life and their tale is gripping and captivating.
The About the Author section at the end of The Arrangement describes how Cat Grant is “writing about the intimate relationships between men and women, and how love doesn’t always happen the way we expect.” This short statement encapsulates the core of this story. Love often enters our lives when we least expect it, in ways that we could never anticipate. We can only hope that when it happens, we are able to recognize it and embrace it before it is lost forever, as do the characters of the wonderful story.
Eric truly loves Allison and Nick, and needs both of them in order to be happy. Although they each love Eric as well, that doesn’t necessarily mean that either one wants to accommodate a third person in their relationship. Initially Allison and Nick fight for Eric’s attention and affections, but they quickly learn that they both want the same thing and to share is better than to not have at all. However knowing that does not stop the natural jealousy that comes with sharing your lover. They both work to embrace their new relationship, and over time their emotions and sexual desires for each other deepen. They find that their bond together is as strong as the one they each share with Eric. Through various trials, Allison and Nick provide support for both each other and Eric while at the same time struggling with communication issues within their relationship.
The Arrangement is a powerful emotional journey which explores the very realistic issues that exist when three people decide to enter into a relationship together. It delves into the emotional challenges that both Allison and Nick face in their struggle to love Eric and accept each other. It is refreshing to read a story that does not gloss over the difficulties that come with any relationship. The foundation is hard work, and each character stumbles along the way, especially when it comes to communication. Eric has been so focused on a singular purpose regarding his political career that he often neglects those he loves and doesn’t allow them to be themselves. Allison and Nick, on the other hand, have become experts at making things easier for Eric, ignoring their own needs and careers. The characters are true to life and their tale is gripping and captivating.
The About the Author section at the end of The Arrangement describes how Cat Grant is “writing about the intimate relationships between men and women, and how love doesn’t always happen the way we expect.” This short statement encapsulates the core of this story. Love often enters our lives when we least expect it, in ways that we could never anticipate. We can only hope that when it happens, we are able to recognize it and embrace it before it is lost forever, as do the characters of the wonderful story.
May 23, 2012
Well ok...hmmm....
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Ini buku ke 4 dari 5 buku the Courtland chronicles....tentang Eric Courtland, CEO,politician yang berambisi mencalonkan diri jadi Presiden Amerika.
Menikah dengan Allison (F) dan memiliki kekasih,cinta sejati , Nick (M).
Main belakang di luar pernikahan mereka akhir nya ketauan juga sama Ally,kalo Eric masih tidur bareng Nick,seminggu after pernikahan mereka.
Eric memang sangat mencintai Nick yang di kencaninya sejak kuliah , dan menikahi Ally demi karir politiknya.....
Ally yang tadinya marah,akhirnya dengan terpaksa mengikuti permintaan Eric untuk mengajak Nick tinggal di rumah mereka...wowowoowowowo...high style sex life [image error]
Walau awalnya kesel setengah mati, Ally yang pernah pacaran sama Nick juga waktu kuliah sebelum ketauan kalo Nick tidur dengan Eric, lama2 tertarik juga dengan kehidupan 2 lawan 1 ini....akhir nya Ally juga tidur dengan Nick...kadang bertiga..kadang dia cengok juga waktu Eric lebih memilih tidur di kamar Nick dari pada di kamar istrinya sendiri...
Banyak intrik politik, termasuk saat paparazzi mengambil foto Nick dan Eric after ML...juga Nick dan Ally saat berciuman ... wartawan juga sibuk dengan kehidupanmereka termasuk lawan2 politik Eric.
Eric akhirnya memberikan pengumuman di press soal kehidupan sex nya..hufft..menurut aku sih, Ally nih yg enak, ada pilihan hihihihihiii....antara Eric yg agak kasar dan Nick yang lembut...wkwkkwkwkwk [image error]
Ceritanya agak membosankan dan terlalu panjang dan banyak pengulangan2 yang gak penting...beberapa bagian malah mengingatkan aku sama Christian Grey yg di Fifty Shades , karakter Eric mirip2 Christian...megalomaniac, control freak dan self center.... [image error]
Eric yang tadinya di tinggalkan oleh Nick dan Ally,karena memilih kembali ke Washington after serangan jantung...akhirnya ga tahan juga pisah sama kedua cinta nya itu, setelah sebulan berpisah, mereka balikan lagi..bertiga..ke kehidupan mereka semula, kali ini jadui diri sendiri, tanpa intri politik..that's it, that's all.... [image error]
WARNING :
Contains explicit sex , M/F/M,M/M, anal sex,fellatio, cunnilingus and some uncommon sex life style..
Only suitable for mature adult, and open minded readers....
Please be careful to save this, make it away from your kids and teenager's reach [image error]
Ini buku ke 4 dari 5 buku the Courtland chronicles....tentang Eric Courtland, CEO,politician yang berambisi mencalonkan diri jadi Presiden Amerika.
Menikah dengan Allison (F) dan memiliki kekasih,cinta sejati , Nick (M).
Main belakang di luar pernikahan mereka akhir nya ketauan juga sama Ally,kalo Eric masih tidur bareng Nick,seminggu after pernikahan mereka.
Eric memang sangat mencintai Nick yang di kencaninya sejak kuliah , dan menikahi Ally demi karir politiknya.....
Ally yang tadinya marah,akhirnya dengan terpaksa mengikuti permintaan Eric untuk mengajak Nick tinggal di rumah mereka...wowowoowowowo...high style sex life [image error]
Walau awalnya kesel setengah mati, Ally yang pernah pacaran sama Nick juga waktu kuliah sebelum ketauan kalo Nick tidur dengan Eric, lama2 tertarik juga dengan kehidupan 2 lawan 1 ini....akhir nya Ally juga tidur dengan Nick...kadang bertiga..kadang dia cengok juga waktu Eric lebih memilih tidur di kamar Nick dari pada di kamar istrinya sendiri...
Banyak intrik politik, termasuk saat paparazzi mengambil foto Nick dan Eric after ML...juga Nick dan Ally saat berciuman ... wartawan juga sibuk dengan kehidupanmereka termasuk lawan2 politik Eric.
Eric akhirnya memberikan pengumuman di press soal kehidupan sex nya..hufft..menurut aku sih, Ally nih yg enak, ada pilihan hihihihihiii....antara Eric yg agak kasar dan Nick yang lembut...wkwkkwkwkwk [image error]
Ceritanya agak membosankan dan terlalu panjang dan banyak pengulangan2 yang gak penting...beberapa bagian malah mengingatkan aku sama Christian Grey yg di Fifty Shades , karakter Eric mirip2 Christian...megalomaniac, control freak dan self center.... [image error]
Eric yang tadinya di tinggalkan oleh Nick dan Ally,karena memilih kembali ke Washington after serangan jantung...akhirnya ga tahan juga pisah sama kedua cinta nya itu, setelah sebulan berpisah, mereka balikan lagi..bertiga..ke kehidupan mereka semula, kali ini jadui diri sendiri, tanpa intri politik..that's it, that's all.... [image error]
WARNING :
Contains explicit sex , M/F/M,M/M, anal sex,fellatio, cunnilingus and some uncommon sex life style..
Only suitable for mature adult, and open minded readers....
Please be careful to save this, make it away from your kids and teenager's reach [image error]
March 5, 2013
The rocky road of romance, hot sex, and miscommunication to a HEA continues in The Arrangement, the fourth book in the Courtland Chronicles by Cat Grant. Just when it looks like Eric, Ally, and Nick finally find some moments of happiness the many truths being hidden finally come out in this explosive installment of this melodramatic and scintillating saga.
Eric continues his path of being self-involved and manipulating his lovers to his desires in this frustrating story that makes me wonder yet again why they're drawn to him as he continues to be overbearing, uncommunicative, and self-absorbed. Everything he does he claims to do because he wants to keep his lovers safe and I believe that, I just wish he'd actually talk things out. I know that actions speak louder than words but in this case actions create even bigger problems and almost tear their triad apart. The brief glimpses of sadness and weakness that we see from Eric are what I long to see as this humanizes him and makes me drawn to him too.
By marrying Eric, Ally thought all her problems were over but her loneliness and low self-esteem lead to problems with alcohol that brings anger from the outside to their doorstep. Just when you think she's conquered her demons her weaknesses return and another roadblock comes between them and their HEA. She's just as guilty as Eric in jumping to conclusions and keeping life altering events from those she loves.
Nick is the stabilizing force in their triad and is my favorite by far as he's always supportive of the others. He asks for very little in their triad, just to be acknowledged and not a dirty secret. He's the one to mediate their issues and is the voice of reason at all times. Even as a traumatic event befalls his family he's still there for others. Of all of them he's the one most deserving of a HEA.
When they can shut away the harsh realities of the world the bedroom becomes a steamy and immensely satisfying place where they all ultimately find a way to be equal. A lot of times though sex is in place of talking which gets frustrating knowing that their lives would be so much better if they JUST TALKED. Politics also get in the way as Eric uses work to hide out from the issues in their triad. The political world is portrayed vividly as are the ramifications of being left of center. It was implausible to think Eric could continue in politics with his real life just bubbling beneath the surface but the issues of blackmail felt out of place and a bit over the top.
On a whole though I still find myself drawn to these characters no matter how infuriating they can be. This saga continues to be heartwrenching and with the triad's HEA still uncertain I can't help but be invested in their story. These characters are flawed but through Ms. Grant's talented writing you can't help but be drawn to them foibles and all. So here's to the continuing soap opera that the ending of The Arrangement promises to bring next.
Eric continues his path of being self-involved and manipulating his lovers to his desires in this frustrating story that makes me wonder yet again why they're drawn to him as he continues to be overbearing, uncommunicative, and self-absorbed. Everything he does he claims to do because he wants to keep his lovers safe and I believe that, I just wish he'd actually talk things out. I know that actions speak louder than words but in this case actions create even bigger problems and almost tear their triad apart. The brief glimpses of sadness and weakness that we see from Eric are what I long to see as this humanizes him and makes me drawn to him too.
By marrying Eric, Ally thought all her problems were over but her loneliness and low self-esteem lead to problems with alcohol that brings anger from the outside to their doorstep. Just when you think she's conquered her demons her weaknesses return and another roadblock comes between them and their HEA. She's just as guilty as Eric in jumping to conclusions and keeping life altering events from those she loves.
Nick is the stabilizing force in their triad and is my favorite by far as he's always supportive of the others. He asks for very little in their triad, just to be acknowledged and not a dirty secret. He's the one to mediate their issues and is the voice of reason at all times. Even as a traumatic event befalls his family he's still there for others. Of all of them he's the one most deserving of a HEA.
When they can shut away the harsh realities of the world the bedroom becomes a steamy and immensely satisfying place where they all ultimately find a way to be equal. A lot of times though sex is in place of talking which gets frustrating knowing that their lives would be so much better if they JUST TALKED. Politics also get in the way as Eric uses work to hide out from the issues in their triad. The political world is portrayed vividly as are the ramifications of being left of center. It was implausible to think Eric could continue in politics with his real life just bubbling beneath the surface but the issues of blackmail felt out of place and a bit over the top.
On a whole though I still find myself drawn to these characters no matter how infuriating they can be. This saga continues to be heartwrenching and with the triad's HEA still uncertain I can't help but be invested in their story. These characters are flawed but through Ms. Grant's talented writing you can't help but be drawn to them foibles and all. So here's to the continuing soap opera that the ending of The Arrangement promises to bring next.
May 31, 2015
This is book four of the "Courtland Chronicles" series and my favorite book in this series so far. Eric Courtland's heart is in two places he has been in a on again off again relationship with Nick Thompson since his junior year in college. He married Ally Taylor when Nick left him to marry Laura he also helped her with her career because he needed a wife to help him with his political run for the senate which he won. In this book we find Eric trying to hide the fact that he is in a relationship with Nick as well as his wife. Eric is under a lot of stress and so is Ally and Nick with each of them leaving him a few times. When he comes out as Bi Nick agrees to come back to them with the extra security it drives Ally crazy. Ally thought all her problems were over but her loneliness and low self-esteem lead to problems with alcohol that brings anger from the outside to their doorstep. Eric is controlling and often does things for them without telling about it. Nick who I love is getting tired of being Eric's dirty little secret which to me I felt that he had every right to be mad at Eric. After Nick's father dies and Eric comes out the trio goes on a months vacation to Italy where things seem to be going ok until Eric and Nick have to leave Ally who is hurt that Eric forgot her birthday leaves the villa to go the city when she meets a woman she thought she could trust and gets drunk and starts talking about her relationship with Nick and Eric only to have it in every tabloid that causes her and Nick to lose there jobs and Eric gets so mad that he has a heart attack. This was a really good book I loved how these three have been through a lot of crap together with Eric being a control freak and how Nick and Ally have stood by him because they love him and he loves them. This book was very well written like the rest of the books in this series and I can't wait to read the next book.
May 31, 2015
Where to start, this isn't a bad book, but for the story to rate higher, I really needed some character development. You see all the way through the book I was wondering what in the hell they saw in Eric - all I saw was a guy who wasn't willing to compromise anything himself and expected everyone else to make all of the sacrifices. I couldn't understand why they would both sacrifice so much to be with him. And when they did break up, then got back together. there was no resolution, it was instant forgiveness and back to the way they were.
He wasn't the one one who needed filling in either, the other two main characters needed fleshing out more. We have hints of issues, but things are pretty much skirted over.
I feel a bit that the author couldn't decide to do straight erotica, or tell the full story of this triad. What we got instead was something in the middle.
Now I didn't realise when I read this book that it's book 4 in a series, but I can't see that having read the others would have made me change my mind about the overall review of this title. Even books part of a series should stand on their own merit.
In summary, it was an ok shortish read, but I wouldn't read the rest in the series personally.
He wasn't the one one who needed filling in either, the other two main characters needed fleshing out more. We have hints of issues, but things are pretty much skirted over.
I feel a bit that the author couldn't decide to do straight erotica, or tell the full story of this triad. What we got instead was something in the middle.
Now I didn't realise when I read this book that it's book 4 in a series, but I can't see that having read the others would have made me change my mind about the overall review of this title. Even books part of a series should stand on their own merit.
In summary, it was an ok shortish read, but I wouldn't read the rest in the series personally.
December 5, 2010
Cat Grant does not write simple characters. Each one is multi-layered and she reveals them the way a flower opens its petals in the sun, with an inexorable tension that keeps you reading until the very end. I found myself disliking Eric and his arrogance while still being drawn to him, much the way that Ally and Nick are. He's charismatic and sexy, you want to let him have his way. There were moments where I wanted Ally and Nick to spurn him, but beneath Eric's commanding exterior lies a man with vulnerabilities. Without that, neither Ally nor Nick would have stayed with him.
For me, this story was about the layers to each character, the things that the author reveals to us about them. She writes with a skill so refined you never realize how she has sucked you into her story until you reach the last page and say, "WOW!" Her sex is hot, especially her M/M scenes. What's even hotter is her peek into the lives, heads, and hearts of people who have something other than the conventional happily ever after.
This is a must read for anyone who wants something that is non-formulaic and intensely erotic. It's a brilliant story and I highly recommend it and Strictly Business as well.
For me, this story was about the layers to each character, the things that the author reveals to us about them. She writes with a skill so refined you never realize how she has sucked you into her story until you reach the last page and say, "WOW!" Her sex is hot, especially her M/M scenes. What's even hotter is her peek into the lives, heads, and hearts of people who have something other than the conventional happily ever after.
This is a must read for anyone who wants something that is non-formulaic and intensely erotic. It's a brilliant story and I highly recommend it and Strictly Business as well.
December 5, 2010
I loved The Arrangement. I felt that the characters were interestingly flawed--very realistic. Cat did an excellent job of portraying the charismatic Eric in a believable manner. He's exactly the sort of powerful personality that would attract two people and get them to re-think their prejudices in order to be with him. It's an interesting and believable exploration of human psychology and how people end up in the relationships they do.
But that's just one level. On a more romantic level, as the book progresses, you slowly get drawn into the threesome to the point where you want to make it a foursome. The book is very erotic, but the love that grows between them and the support through the difficult times is what a relationship is all about.
Or you can read it for the hot sex. ;-D
Enjoy! I certainly did.
But that's just one level. On a more romantic level, as the book progresses, you slowly get drawn into the threesome to the point where you want to make it a foursome. The book is very erotic, but the love that grows between them and the support through the difficult times is what a relationship is all about.
Or you can read it for the hot sex. ;-D
Enjoy! I certainly did.
January 24, 2011
even though I really didn't plan on reading this since it is not the genre I usually read it relly took me by its plot... I completely agree when people say that sometimes it goes way far from reality, still liked the complicated life of this 3 people, found that I would love to have Nick as a boyfriend(of course without the 3 thing) but still I'm really drawn to his character I found that his character is the more down to earth from between him, Eric, and Ally.
Love the concept that people can love more than one person at a time and that it can get pretty confusing and hurt too much to handle leaving one behind, and for the EXPLICIT scenes, well they were really well written but I can't comment too much on that side since I have not much experience on this books...still great read
Love the concept that people can love more than one person at a time and that it can get pretty confusing and hurt too much to handle leaving one behind, and for the EXPLICIT scenes, well they were really well written but I can't comment too much on that side since I have not much experience on this books...still great read
May 23, 2013
This was another outstanding addition to the Courtland Chronicles Series! In this wonderfully entertaining installment we have lots of hot insta-wet moments. As Eric, Allison and Nick work through the arrangements of how all three are going to make this three way marriage work. Because it has to work with all involved and happy. In Eric's political career he finds that you can't trust friends, family or loved ones. This book took Eric, Allison and Nick to the edge of love and back. It tested their friendship and their true feelings about each other. They held each other through death of loved ones. They also took an interesting stand against illness. This was a terrific strong story, just what the series needed at this point. Onto the next and final installment.....
March 4, 2013
4.5 stars. Ah, my love/hate relationship with Eric Courtland continues in The Arrangement. This fourth installment in Cat Grant’s Courtland Chronicles series begins with Eric’s wife, Ally, discovering his affair with his on again/off again lover Nick Thompson. Eric’s solution for the three of them is a committed ménage relationship. Nick and Ally agree, but their relationship is soon challenged by jealousy, Eric’s political career, blackmail and a health crisis. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.
January 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book - the first of its kind & I was more than impressed. The creativity in the writing is superb, ensuring that the visitor travels from farm, to penthouse, to Italian villa & Washington. The characters are distinctly individual & the discovery, hurt, acceptance and exploration of each part of the relationship intrigues you to find out more..... the sex is hot and did I say hot? A great story.
May 6, 2010
Can definitely tell this is the first book she wrote for this series...it is the best! I really enjoyed it. I chose to read the books chronologically instead of in order of how they were written. Glad I had all the background info but this book does make the first 3 seem kinda blah. They were good too....but just not as good.
January 3, 2013
This book was awful. There just isn't enough love in the world to put up with the total bullshit that is Eric Cortland. The man has a giant ego, is manipulative and puts his career above everything and everyone. Both his wife and lover just through hoops for him. The verbal fights were so contrived, and pointless when the results are the same each time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2014
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.
March 7, 2013
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.
March 10, 2013
Please see my stop on Cat Grant's blog tour for The Arrangement on March 11, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index..... We'll have an interview with one of the characters and give away an autographed copy of the book. Contest closes on March 13, 2013.
August 6, 2013
I usually don't read these type of books. but I won it from goodreads. I started to read it & got hook on it. I didn't read the other books 1-3. I didn't get lost or wonder if I missed something. you won't be disappointed.
October 23, 2013
I LOVE THIS SERIES A MUST READ
September 4, 2013
Very interesting addition to the series. Loved it!
January 6, 2014
I thought I was reading part three, but I was so lost. I didn't find out this was four until after I finished. I think this series is one of the best. I am loving it!!
January 14, 2019
As a Polyamours person I loved this book. Now it is not an ideal Poly book and cheating is a big no no in the Poly world. BUT for the fact that it's an erotic Bisexual poly love story OMG I loved it! You don't find many of those and I really did enjoy it. I will be reading the rest of these.
February 26, 2024
If you like bisexual man on man this is the book for you
I enjoyed being able to read some erotica with a story. Especially where 2 men were involved sexually. My sexual fantasies were played out in this book
I enjoyed being able to read some erotica with a story. Especially where 2 men were involved sexually. My sexual fantasies were played out in this book
February 9, 2017
Not sure how to review this one. It's longer than most eBooks, and oddly chaptered. There are big sections divided into parts. Strangely enough, you get two epilogues, one in the middle of the book.
Story wise, it's a newlywed couple where the husband is fooling around with another guy. Only the third wheel (Nick) had dated both the husband (Eric) and wife (Ally) at one time or another. (Both men are obviously bi-sexual.) So, instead of getting a divorce, they try an open marriage, a loosely coupled threesome.
Most m/m/f romances I've read have been true menage a trois. More often than not, all three are together at the same time. In this case, it was like three pairings. Husband/wife. Husband/boyfriend. Wife/boyfriend. There were a couple true threesomes, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Sleeping arrangements were basically separated, as well. Usually if all three were present it would be husband/wife in one room, and boyfriend in another. Odd.
The big conflict was that Eric was a Senator, so image was everything and there was a great deal of sneaking around, revelations, and cover ups.
Pretty solid "okay" book, for me. Didn't dislike either the characters or the plot, but wasn't particularly wowed either. Good but forgettable, I'm guessing. (Just finished reading this 10 minutes ago, so give me a day or so. *g*) I probably won't look for other books in this series. Just not compelling enough for me.
Despite the series information, All Romance eBooks was offering this as a "first in the series" book. I'm guessing the chronological and published order differ, but I haven't bothered to confirm that guess.
Story wise, it's a newlywed couple where the husband is fooling around with another guy. Only the third wheel (Nick) had dated both the husband (Eric) and wife (Ally) at one time or another. (Both men are obviously bi-sexual.) So, instead of getting a divorce, they try an open marriage, a loosely coupled threesome.
Most m/m/f romances I've read have been true menage a trois. More often than not, all three are together at the same time. In this case, it was like three pairings. Husband/wife. Husband/boyfriend. Wife/boyfriend. There were a couple true threesomes, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Sleeping arrangements were basically separated, as well. Usually if all three were present it would be husband/wife in one room, and boyfriend in another. Odd.
The big conflict was that Eric was a Senator, so image was everything and there was a great deal of sneaking around, revelations, and cover ups.
Pretty solid "okay" book, for me. Didn't dislike either the characters or the plot, but wasn't particularly wowed either. Good but forgettable, I'm guessing. (Just finished reading this 10 minutes ago, so give me a day or so. *g*) I probably won't look for other books in this series. Just not compelling enough for me.
Despite the series information, All Romance eBooks was offering this as a "first in the series" book. I'm guessing the chronological and published order differ, but I haven't bothered to confirm that guess.
May 27, 2010
I was ultimately disappointed in this book although it had a lot to recommend it. The basic story is that CEO, and future Senator, Eric Courtland is in love with his best friend, a guy, but is married to a woman he likes. His best friend and his wife were former lovers and now close friends. When she catches him in bed with Nick, Eric proposes a threesome. Not sex with three, but a triangle of 2s. What didn't work for me was that I didn't see any emotional connection between husband and wife. Nick was the bonding agent and while he was likable, it didn't feel like enough to keep the marriage together. I also thought that Republican Eric Courtland would have been drummed out of the Senate when he first revealed he was bisexual. Openly gay would have been one thing, but actively bisexual? I don't think so. Although this is an erotic romance, there isn't a lot of sex in this story. That also would have worked had the plot been more developed but all the elements seemed superficial.
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