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Not As Easy As It Looks
Don Jenkins will do anything for a happy, thriving family and home, but keeping his farm going is a constant challenge. He’s always depended on Griff McAllister, his partner and first love, to support him in his work and in his need to submit in the bedroom. When he discovers Griff might be losing faith in him, he’s at a loss for how to mend the relationship. Then Howard Campbell―a man Don and Griff both love beyond words―is added to the mix. With jealousy threatening their bond and the viability of the farm in question, Don’s dreams begin to crumble. Nearly losing Howard in an accident serves as a wakeup call. They begin to pull their relationship out of the muck and work to remember why they came together in the first place. If they can figure out how to help one another and balance the dynamics of dominance and submission between them so each man gets what he needs, the trio might build the loving future they’ve dared to hope for. They must be brave enough to commit every resource they can muster―especially trust, understanding, and acceptance―and realize true love is never as easy as it looks.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2013
3 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Samms
105 books276 followersJaime Samms is a plaid-hearted Canadian who spends the too-long winters writing stories about love between men and the too-short summers digging in the garden. There are dust bunnies in the corners of her house—which she blames on a husky named Kai. There are dishes on the counter—which is clearly because teenagers! There is hot coffee in the pot and the occasional meal to keep her from starving—because her husband is remarkable and patient.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 18, 2015
3.5 stars
The story focuses on Griff, Howe and Don, from the time they are teenagers and covers about 10 years. Griff and Don are best friends from the time they meet in middle school. Howe is a year ahead of them and enters their lives in High School when he briefly dates Don. Throughout the years the men are together as friends, lovers and family. The relationships amongst them are very complex and the three men very different.
I loved the dynamics and the story, but the jumping back and forth at times took away from things for me a bit. There were points where I really wasn't sure where the relationship was at that given moment in time. I also would have liked to have more of the men actually together. The focus is on the emotional relationship between the men, with very little sex in the story, but there is some very light D/s play in the book. Otherwise it kept me engaged and made me care about the characters.
The story focuses on Griff, Howe and Don, from the time they are teenagers and covers about 10 years. Griff and Don are best friends from the time they meet in middle school. Howe is a year ahead of them and enters their lives in High School when he briefly dates Don. Throughout the years the men are together as friends, lovers and family. The relationships amongst them are very complex and the three men very different.
I loved the dynamics and the story, but the jumping back and forth at times took away from things for me a bit. There were points where I really wasn't sure where the relationship was at that given moment in time. I also would have liked to have more of the men actually together. The focus is on the emotional relationship between the men, with very little sex in the story, but there is some very light D/s play in the book. Otherwise it kept me engaged and made me care about the characters.
January 20, 2021
4.5 stars
Just the type of ménage story I like to read about: more about the relationship and characters than sex. Tired of reading ménage stories that end once the three MCs come together and get their HEA? This one will take you for a ride and help you explore the difficulties of making a ménage relationship work in the long term.
Just the type of ménage story I like to read about: more about the relationship and characters than sex. Tired of reading ménage stories that end once the three MCs come together and get their HEA? This one will take you for a ride and help you explore the difficulties of making a ménage relationship work in the long term.
November 12, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Not as easy -to read- as it should be!
Omg the random flashbacks I have no idea what order things happened in, was thrown on what was 'present time' and the situation at that point.
Basically:
Griff was outted
Don got with Howe
Don split with Howe got with Griff
Bad stuff happened and bam they're a threesome
Griff is with Don not Howe, but Don feels left out
Howe thinks Don doesn't want him
More bad stuff happens
They may or may not all be together
Family is FAMILY but a year later they're not actually together? But theyd sorted everything?
There was flirting which in light of everything is weird.
Also their dad's are alive, but Don carries sole weight of failing farm.. - don't worry some random family member has a solution, it's possibly the precocious 3yr old, I've no clue.
Oh and sudden BDSM vibe that REALLY doesn't fit with characters or anything here.
It could have been good, written capably just randomly. The setup doesn't work though, not without a map! No real chemistry between characters. What's there is lost to confusion.
Not as easy -to read- as it should be!
Omg the random flashbacks I have no idea what order things happened in, was thrown on what was 'present time' and the situation at that point.
Basically:
Griff was outted
Don got with Howe
Don split with Howe got with Griff
Bad stuff happened and bam they're a threesome
Griff is with Don not Howe, but Don feels left out
Howe thinks Don doesn't want him
More bad stuff happens
They may or may not all be together
Family is FAMILY but a year later they're not actually together? But theyd sorted everything?
There was flirting which in light of everything is weird.
Also their dad's are alive, but Don carries sole weight of failing farm.. - don't worry some random family member has a solution, it's possibly the precocious 3yr old, I've no clue.
Oh and sudden BDSM vibe that REALLY doesn't fit with characters or anything here.
It could have been good, written capably just randomly. The setup doesn't work though, not without a map! No real chemistry between characters. What's there is lost to confusion.
December 12, 2014
I picked this up as a freebie from DSP during one of their Tweet-aways, and boy, am I glad I did.
This was really, really good. The relationship dynamics, the flashbacks to their combined past, growing up together, figuring things out between them, all of it was well explored and made sense. Yes, this is an M/M/M menage story, but it's much more than just that. And if you're expecting a lot of time between the sheets from this, you'd be mistaken. The sexing is not described in minute detail, but every single scene has a purpose, and is never gratuitous.
Well done, Jaime Samms. This was fabulous! 4.5 stars.
This was really, really good. The relationship dynamics, the flashbacks to their combined past, growing up together, figuring things out between them, all of it was well explored and made sense. Yes, this is an M/M/M menage story, but it's much more than just that. And if you're expecting a lot of time between the sheets from this, you'd be mistaken. The sexing is not described in minute detail, but every single scene has a purpose, and is never gratuitous.
Well done, Jaime Samms. This was fabulous! 4.5 stars.
February 12, 2014
Days after I've finished this book and I still don't know where to start with the review.
Words fail me, and even though I took notes while reading, right now they are all over the place and make no sense at all... so please bear with me.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think MMM is sex. Lots and lots of sex. I mean, if two boys can have that much fun together, imagine what can happen with three of them in the same room, right?
Right there, that's your first mistake. If you are planning on picking up this book, you will have to think again about polyamorous relationships. For these MCs nothing is about sex, well not until very late in the story anyway.
I felt a very powerful connection to these characters, on different levels, I recognized myself in Don's need for family, Cliff's protective instincts and Howard's fears of not being enough.
Their poly dynamic is different from any other MMM book I've read. It is all about their relationship and how to make it work, taking care of each man’s needs, making sure they each get what they need out of their relationship.
It starts in a spontaneous way, more of a friend supporting another friend in a time of need. And after just one kiss, all three of them feel their world shift. They are not sure what to call it, or how to make it work, but Don and Cliff know that there is no way they can live without Howard in their lives.
Cliff is the papa bear of the troupe, he will protect the men he loves with everything he has. Always strong and confident.
And Howie… he will start as their weakest link. The one that needs the most, the lonely one. It will take a while for him to see that he fits, really fits with Don and Cliff.
Such an emotional, eye opening book. For me, their love, how they work to build a life where they can be open and sincere about their feelings. How they fight against the obstacles and stick together during the hard times.
Why not a 5* you ask? Well, the one thing that didn't work for me was how the story was told. See, it goes back and forth from age 7 to age 27, telling their story with different scenes at different times in their lives. So, it got confusing, and a bit hard to keep the timeline straight.
Don't go looking for the dirty, it’s mostly off page, right until the end. And boy, do we get a change of phase and a huge surprise there. The slow building to that moment is totally worth the wait, enjoy the ride.
Worth reading, if you enjoy the sub-genre. And if this is your first MMM, I can only say it's a great choice.
Reviewed by Connie
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Words fail me, and even though I took notes while reading, right now they are all over the place and make no sense at all... so please bear with me.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think MMM is sex. Lots and lots of sex. I mean, if two boys can have that much fun together, imagine what can happen with three of them in the same room, right?
Right there, that's your first mistake. If you are planning on picking up this book, you will have to think again about polyamorous relationships. For these MCs nothing is about sex, well not until very late in the story anyway.
I felt a very powerful connection to these characters, on different levels, I recognized myself in Don's need for family, Cliff's protective instincts and Howard's fears of not being enough.
Their poly dynamic is different from any other MMM book I've read. It is all about their relationship and how to make it work, taking care of each man’s needs, making sure they each get what they need out of their relationship.
It starts in a spontaneous way, more of a friend supporting another friend in a time of need. And after just one kiss, all three of them feel their world shift. They are not sure what to call it, or how to make it work, but Don and Cliff know that there is no way they can live without Howard in their lives.
All three of them are very unique characters, very special individuals. Don has a sense of family that cuts deep; he needs to belong to someone. His family is his rock, and he can only be happy if he is there to provide Cliff and Howie with that same safe environment. It might kill him in the way, he will fight demons he doesn't even know exist, and he will have to ask for help.
Cliff is the papa bear of the troupe, he will protect the men he loves with everything he has. Always strong and confident.
And Howie… he will start as their weakest link. The one that needs the most, the lonely one. It will take a while for him to see that he fits, really fits with Don and Cliff.
Such an emotional, eye opening book. For me, their love, how they work to build a life where they can be open and sincere about their feelings. How they fight against the obstacles and stick together during the hard times.
Why not a 5* you ask? Well, the one thing that didn't work for me was how the story was told. See, it goes back and forth from age 7 to age 27, telling their story with different scenes at different times in their lives. So, it got confusing, and a bit hard to keep the timeline straight.
Don't go looking for the dirty, it’s mostly off page, right until the end. And boy, do we get a change of phase and a huge surprise there. The slow building to that moment is totally worth the wait, enjoy the ride.
Worth reading, if you enjoy the sub-genre. And if this is your first MMM, I can only say it's a great choice.
Reviewed by Connie
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 23, 2015
Dreamspinner tweetaway 9.11.14
2.5 stars
contemporay menage-ish story of three men who have grown up together in a small rural town and the difficulties in their relationship. Told in 3rd person by 2 of the MC's the present day narrative is dotted with random flashbacks from ages 12 to 27 showing some of the main points in their relationship. This though just made it confusing to read for me
2.5 stars
contemporay menage-ish story of three men who have grown up together in a small rural town and the difficulties in their relationship. Told in 3rd person by 2 of the MC's the present day narrative is dotted with random flashbacks from ages 12 to 27 showing some of the main points in their relationship. This though just made it confusing to read for me
Want to read
November 9, 2014Not As Easy As It Looks by Jaime Samms is free for one hour! ('Til 10 Am Eastern - 11/9/14) #Tweetaway
http://t.co/8iszLqbKmE
http://t.co/8iszLqbKmE
November 3, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 hearts
For all the readers who have trouble with the concept of a ménage being viable in terms of having an ongoing relationship, this book is for you. You’ll probably feel a bit vindicated in your belief as you witness the realistic struggle of these three guys. As the title suggests, there’s nothing easy about the relationship between Don, Griff and Howard and the author puts all that doubt, jealousy, and raw emotion on full display.
The sequence of the story includes a lot of flashbacks. While I think this format was good in terms of providing quite a bit of backdrop in a short amount of space, I think it was also partly responsible for leading me to believe that this story was primarily about Don and Griff – that Howard/Howe really was more of a 3rd wheel. Don’t get me wrong, this story really does focus on Don and Griff. I think it’s the author’s way of showcasing the struggle of becoming three; however, the timeline hopping seemed to skim over some of the time in which Howard was a more prominent figure in the mix.
One of the elements of the story that I loved was the unusual occupation of farming – it’s hard work and a challenge in today’s economy – the author did a great job of highlighting this. Additionally, I loved the strength of family that came through loud and clear, but also their vulnerabilities and flaws. And I especially loved one very precocious 4 (almost 5) year old boy who managed to make the big boys squirm a bit! Last, but not least, the little bit of dominance/submission that made its way into their sex life made for a hint of drama and definitely some spice.
So, after a little blood, sweat and possibly even a few tears, Don does end up with the happy thriving family he so desperately wanted (not only the one he was born into, but the one he made), and we readers had quite the journey watching it evolve. While the relationship may not have been easy to come by, it should be an easy decision to grab this book and enjoy watching a hard won battle reap rewards!
For all the readers who have trouble with the concept of a ménage being viable in terms of having an ongoing relationship, this book is for you. You’ll probably feel a bit vindicated in your belief as you witness the realistic struggle of these three guys. As the title suggests, there’s nothing easy about the relationship between Don, Griff and Howard and the author puts all that doubt, jealousy, and raw emotion on full display.
The sequence of the story includes a lot of flashbacks. While I think this format was good in terms of providing quite a bit of backdrop in a short amount of space, I think it was also partly responsible for leading me to believe that this story was primarily about Don and Griff – that Howard/Howe really was more of a 3rd wheel. Don’t get me wrong, this story really does focus on Don and Griff. I think it’s the author’s way of showcasing the struggle of becoming three; however, the timeline hopping seemed to skim over some of the time in which Howard was a more prominent figure in the mix.
One of the elements of the story that I loved was the unusual occupation of farming – it’s hard work and a challenge in today’s economy – the author did a great job of highlighting this. Additionally, I loved the strength of family that came through loud and clear, but also their vulnerabilities and flaws. And I especially loved one very precocious 4 (almost 5) year old boy who managed to make the big boys squirm a bit! Last, but not least, the little bit of dominance/submission that made its way into their sex life made for a hint of drama and definitely some spice.
So, after a little blood, sweat and possibly even a few tears, Don does end up with the happy thriving family he so desperately wanted (not only the one he was born into, but the one he made), and we readers had quite the journey watching it evolve. While the relationship may not have been easy to come by, it should be an easy decision to grab this book and enjoy watching a hard won battle reap rewards!
March 10, 2019
OK. Sometimes a bit confusing as to what time period you are in.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 26, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
I am a big fan of menage stories but often I find that the nitty gritty parts of the relationship are smoothed over and it all seems too easy. Not As Easy As It Looks is the exact opposite – it does what it says on the box as they say because the relationship between Don, Howard and Griff is anything but easy.
The story is set over a decade in the lives of these three men from when they are in high school and just figuring things out until the present day when really they are still figuring things out.
If life had been meant to be easy Don and Griff would have been together as teen sweethearts and that would have been the end of it but Don kissed Howard first and that changed the way things worked out. Although Griff and Don end up together Howard is always around and the three of them slip into an on again off again relationship. When Howard is left devastated and on his own Griff and Don are there to help pick up the pieces and in reality things were never going to go back to how they were.
There is jealousy in this book, there is a feeling that no one quite knows what their role is, there are hard times and not enough money and it all adds to the stress of their reality. I loved that there was acceptance from their families – it was as though they were expected to be together and everyone was unsettled when they weren’t.
If you are going into this expecting a lot of sex between three men you will be disappointed. There is very mild BDSM but again it’s more about the reality of how that works between the three of them than it is about gratification. You can’t have two people doing something in a relationship of three!
There are a lot of flashbacks as the story unfolds and although they leave you feeling like you are jumping in and out they are necessary and they explain so much about where the men find themselves today.
Jaime Samms this was great! For whoever put it into the suggestion box on Prism…thank you!
I am a big fan of menage stories but often I find that the nitty gritty parts of the relationship are smoothed over and it all seems too easy. Not As Easy As It Looks is the exact opposite – it does what it says on the box as they say because the relationship between Don, Howard and Griff is anything but easy.
The story is set over a decade in the lives of these three men from when they are in high school and just figuring things out until the present day when really they are still figuring things out.
If life had been meant to be easy Don and Griff would have been together as teen sweethearts and that would have been the end of it but Don kissed Howard first and that changed the way things worked out. Although Griff and Don end up together Howard is always around and the three of them slip into an on again off again relationship. When Howard is left devastated and on his own Griff and Don are there to help pick up the pieces and in reality things were never going to go back to how they were.
There is jealousy in this book, there is a feeling that no one quite knows what their role is, there are hard times and not enough money and it all adds to the stress of their reality. I loved that there was acceptance from their families – it was as though they were expected to be together and everyone was unsettled when they weren’t.
If you are going into this expecting a lot of sex between three men you will be disappointed. There is very mild BDSM but again it’s more about the reality of how that works between the three of them than it is about gratification. You can’t have two people doing something in a relationship of three!
There are a lot of flashbacks as the story unfolds and although they leave you feeling like you are jumping in and out they are necessary and they explain so much about where the men find themselves today.
Jaime Samms this was great! For whoever put it into the suggestion box on Prism…thank you!
September 6, 2014
This book just didn't work for me at all. If it hadn't been a challenge book it would have ended up on my DNF pile. This book was just one big mess of flashbacks tangled up in a threesome relationship that just didn't seem to be there. Howe felt like a no show through most of the book as Dan and then Griff whined about how they wanted him. I never really felt the connection between these characters because I was to busy bouncing through time to pivotal points in the threes relationship. But unfortunately there isn't any real building of the relationships between Griff and Dan let alone Howe and the other two. To me spreading this threesome relationship over a decade where they don't manage to be together is unrealistic as well as the fact everyone family is A-ok with the threesome. I have no clue what the BDSM elements were even doing in this book since they were largely unexplored and just didn't fit with the the theme of the book.
October 25, 2015
What a pleasant switch - a menage where the sex is secondary to the story. A lovely tale told both in flashback when Howard, Griff and Don are teens and in present day. Got a little confused toward the end trying to differentiate between the two time periods but basically a character driven story about three guys and their families. Lots of angst and tragedy! I have to say that there were times I wanted to punch Howe (Howard) in the nose with his back and forth attitude. And I truly appreciated the acceptance of the family. I've read several menage books this month and invariably there is a family member who doesn't accept the relationship. But the very natural way that Don's and Griff's family handled things was a welcome change.
November 4, 2013
Great story!! I loved how the dynamic between the guys changed over time into what it was in the end, it just really seemed to work for them. The only complaint I had with the story was the switching between the past and present, sometimes it was hard to keep interest. I would have liked it better with it in chronological order, instead of back and forth.
August 20, 2018
Sexy MC's and wonderful menage love story. The book jumps from present day back to when the boys all first met (age 12) but I found jumps fairly easy to follow (the names of all Don's family members were harder to keep track of!). The blurb makes it sound like Howe was added in as they were adults but he's actually been an on/off 3rd since the beginning and it's easy to see why he had issues committing with the family trauma and age/maturity. It was lovely to read a book where the families were accepting and was not part of the angst that made up the story.
Definitely going right onto my to-be-read-again shelf!
Definitely going right onto my to-be-read-again shelf!
May 13, 2018
Not my favorite Samms...the narrative gets away from her a little in spots. But I do like the poly dynamic.
April 20, 2024
Don, Griff, and Howard take a long to time to get it together and there were just a few too many big misunderstandings. I liked the men and wanted them to get their HEA, but they all kept so many secrets from each other. I wanted to lock them in a room together until they told each other all the hard things! Luckily for them all, there were some nosy fathers and siblings that were not afraid to throw in their two cents worth of advice.
February 5, 2017
Four Stars! I'll give this story 4 stars although I am not really fond of flashback narration but I cannot but admit that the bits of past and present were so brilliantly woven to depict the story that it soon became one of the best aspects of the book.
Whenever I choose to read a mm menage I do it because I want to find out how the mc come together and merge as one , making their relationship work. it was no different for Griff and Don, who were best friendsever since they were 12 and Griff punched the school bully right in the face. What comes next is a beautiful friendship and later a blooming love (from Don because I'm sure Griff knew right from the start who he wanted). It takes some time and a summer affair with Howard, a laidback and flirting mechanic, for Don to realise that he wants Griff. They live together for ten years, all this time trying to coax Howe into their relationship when an accident forces Griff and Don to acknowledge that something, or someone, is missing from their lives. They are both nurturers and caring people, Griff being a real horse whisperer who heals broken animals, strays, just like Howe.
I liked the dynamics of this relation and I liked the acceptance and family values that both Griff and Don were surrounded with. I loved how open-minded and understanding their fathers were .....this is something so rare it seems unrealistic.
I loved Howe and I understood him completely with his need to reject and distance himself before letting the others reject him. It is his way of controlling what happens to him, thus making things hurt less. Oh, I understood completely his coping mechanisms and his reluctance to believe in any good for him after the harsh words Don said to him before their summer fallout. However, The author didn't quite manage to convince me how well the three of them worked together and completed each other.
Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written but it is the author who lifts the veil over those important scenes and moments from the past or present. You see and find only what the author wants. It's like a theatre play with one act after another and the curtain going up and down to reveal specific moments. I can't help but feel that I needed more when it came to Howe 's place in their relationship dynamics. If their struggle to get together and dance around each other expands over ten years, their final admittance and surrender to the love they have for each other happens really quick and then it's the end.
And the only sex scene which is described in detail raises some questions, too. I didn't expect the revelation that Griff and Don Make in front of Howe. And what does this mean? That Don couldn't completely sexually surrender to Griff because Howe was his first experience and loved him? Since Don and Howe didn't go all the way, He couldn't do that with Griff?
As I said, the author just gives us brushes of the whole picture in a suggestive way and I think this is where her talent lies.
It was the first book I read written by Jaime Samms but I'll definitely read others, as well.
Whenever I choose to read a mm menage I do it because I want to find out how the mc come together and merge as one , making their relationship work. it was no different for Griff and Don, who were best friendsever since they were 12 and Griff punched the school bully right in the face. What comes next is a beautiful friendship and later a blooming love (from Don because I'm sure Griff knew right from the start who he wanted). It takes some time and a summer affair with Howard, a laidback and flirting mechanic, for Don to realise that he wants Griff. They live together for ten years, all this time trying to coax Howe into their relationship when an accident forces Griff and Don to acknowledge that something, or someone, is missing from their lives. They are both nurturers and caring people, Griff being a real horse whisperer who heals broken animals, strays, just like Howe.
I liked the dynamics of this relation and I liked the acceptance and family values that both Griff and Don were surrounded with. I loved how open-minded and understanding their fathers were .....this is something so rare it seems unrealistic.
I loved Howe and I understood him completely with his need to reject and distance himself before letting the others reject him. It is his way of controlling what happens to him, thus making things hurt less. Oh, I understood completely his coping mechanisms and his reluctance to believe in any good for him after the harsh words Don said to him before their summer fallout. However, The author didn't quite manage to convince me how well the three of them worked together and completed each other.
Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written but it is the author who lifts the veil over those important scenes and moments from the past or present. You see and find only what the author wants. It's like a theatre play with one act after another and the curtain going up and down to reveal specific moments. I can't help but feel that I needed more when it came to Howe 's place in their relationship dynamics. If their struggle to get together and dance around each other expands over ten years, their final admittance and surrender to the love they have for each other happens really quick and then it's the end.
And the only sex scene which is described in detail raises some questions, too. I didn't expect the revelation that Griff and Don Make in front of Howe. And what does this mean? That Don couldn't completely sexually surrender to Griff because Howe was his first experience and loved him? Since Don and Howe didn't go all the way, He couldn't do that with Griff?
As I said, the author just gives us brushes of the whole picture in a suggestive way and I think this is where her talent lies.
It was the first book I read written by Jaime Samms but I'll definitely read others, as well.
February 12, 2014
Days after I’ve finished this book and I still don’t know where to start with the review.
Words fail me, and even though I took notes while reading, right now they are all over the place and make no sense at all… so please bear with me.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think MMM is sex. Lots and lots of sex. I mean, if two boys can have that much fun together, imagine what can happen with three of them in the same room, right?
Right there, that’s your first mistake. If you are planning on picking up this book, you will have to think again about polyamorous relationships. For these MCs nothing is about sex, well not until very late in the story anyway.
I felt a very powerful connection to these characters, on different levels, I recognized myself in Don’s need for family, Cliff’s protective instincts and Howard’s fears of not being enough.
Their poly dynamic is different from any other MMM book I’ve read. It is all about their relationship and how to make it work, taking care of each man’s needs, making sure they each get what they need out of their relationship.
It starts in a spontaneous way, more of a friend supporting another friend in a time of need. And after just one kiss, all three of them feel their world shift. They are not sure what to call it, or how to make it work, but Don and Cliff know that there is no way they can live without Howard in their lives.
All three of them are very unique characters, very special individuals. Don has a sense of family that cuts deep; he needs to belong to someone. His family is his rock, and he can only be happy if he is there to provide Cliff and Howie with that same safe environment. It might kill him in the way, he will fight demons he doesn’t even know exist, and he will have to ask for help.
Cliff is the papa bear of the troupe, he will protect the men he loves with everything he has. Always strong and confident.
And Howie… he will start as their weakest link. The one that needs the most, the lonely one. It will take a while for him to see that he fits, really fits with Don and Cliff.
Such an emotional, eye opening book. For me, their love, how they work to build a life where they can be open and sincere about their feelings. How they fight against the obstacles and stick together during the hard times.
Why not a 5* you ask? Well, the one thing that didn’t work for me was how the story was told. See, it goes back and forth from age 7 to age 27, telling their story with different scenes at different times in their lives. So, it got confusing, and a bit hard to keep the timeline straight.
Don’t go looking for the dirty, it’s mostly off page, right until the end. And boy, do we get a change of pace and a huge surprise there. The slow building to that moment is totally worth the wait, enjoy the ride.
Worth reading, if you enjoy the sub-genre. And if this is your first MMM, I can only say it’s a great choice.
Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews
Words fail me, and even though I took notes while reading, right now they are all over the place and make no sense at all… so please bear with me.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think MMM is sex. Lots and lots of sex. I mean, if two boys can have that much fun together, imagine what can happen with three of them in the same room, right?
Right there, that’s your first mistake. If you are planning on picking up this book, you will have to think again about polyamorous relationships. For these MCs nothing is about sex, well not until very late in the story anyway.
I felt a very powerful connection to these characters, on different levels, I recognized myself in Don’s need for family, Cliff’s protective instincts and Howard’s fears of not being enough.
Their poly dynamic is different from any other MMM book I’ve read. It is all about their relationship and how to make it work, taking care of each man’s needs, making sure they each get what they need out of their relationship.
It starts in a spontaneous way, more of a friend supporting another friend in a time of need. And after just one kiss, all three of them feel their world shift. They are not sure what to call it, or how to make it work, but Don and Cliff know that there is no way they can live without Howard in their lives.
All three of them are very unique characters, very special individuals. Don has a sense of family that cuts deep; he needs to belong to someone. His family is his rock, and he can only be happy if he is there to provide Cliff and Howie with that same safe environment. It might kill him in the way, he will fight demons he doesn’t even know exist, and he will have to ask for help.
Cliff is the papa bear of the troupe, he will protect the men he loves with everything he has. Always strong and confident.
And Howie… he will start as their weakest link. The one that needs the most, the lonely one. It will take a while for him to see that he fits, really fits with Don and Cliff.
Such an emotional, eye opening book. For me, their love, how they work to build a life where they can be open and sincere about their feelings. How they fight against the obstacles and stick together during the hard times.
Why not a 5* you ask? Well, the one thing that didn’t work for me was how the story was told. See, it goes back and forth from age 7 to age 27, telling their story with different scenes at different times in their lives. So, it got confusing, and a bit hard to keep the timeline straight.
Don’t go looking for the dirty, it’s mostly off page, right until the end. And boy, do we get a change of pace and a huge surprise there. The slow building to that moment is totally worth the wait, enjoy the ride.
Worth reading, if you enjoy the sub-genre. And if this is your first MMM, I can only say it’s a great choice.
Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews
December 18, 2014
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the toughest book critic. I have eclectic reading tastes and I'm an author who knows how difficult it is to sit down and write a story and then have the guts to share it with others and await their criticism - sometimes constructive and sometimes not - so I often give five or four stars to books that, may not be perfect, but hold enough appeal that I don't want to "downgrade" them based on my personal preferences. If I have any reservations, I usually mention them in a review, but keep the rating.
But then, on occasion, I do read the really great book; the one that gets full five stars with no reservations; the one that's pretty damn close to perfect. For me, this is one of those books.
This is a story about three men, so it's not a book for readers who are only into exclusively committed couples. But if you are open to reading about a less traditional arrangement, and if you want to see men who maybe aren't perfect, but try damn hard to be the best they can for their partners and work really hard to make love work, you should definitely read this book!
There isn't much I didn't love about it. The three main characters are perfectly drawn - each of them a distinct individual with his own quirks. The writing is beautiful, with descriptions that make you feel as though you were right there, looking over someone's shoulder. The sex scenes are there to drive the story without taking over, and as often as not we only get glimpses through the shuttered windows, instead of getting the full-on porn view (nothing wrong with full on porn, mind, but I prefer it in small doses unless I'm reading erotica.) The background characters are very well written too, both the good and the bad. Best of all, time is spent not just on the development of the relationship between the main characters, but also their relationships with various supporting characters.
I really liked that the story takes place over fifteen years - much of it told through flashbacks - and that we are really shown how it all came about and evolved with time. By the end of the book I felt like I knew everyone in the book, and I was not ready to let them go. In fact, if there is a room or even a corner of a barn free somewhere on the farm, I would love to stop in for a visit! Because these guys have to be real, right? The author couldn't have just used her imagination to create such a wonderful setting and cast of characters that were completely fictional. Except I'm pretty sure that she did, and for that I am completely in awe.
I haven't read that many books about threesomes, but for me this one best captured the complexity and beauty of this type of a relationship. I really loved it. Kudos to Jamie Samms on a job well done!
But then, on occasion, I do read the really great book; the one that gets full five stars with no reservations; the one that's pretty damn close to perfect. For me, this is one of those books.
This is a story about three men, so it's not a book for readers who are only into exclusively committed couples. But if you are open to reading about a less traditional arrangement, and if you want to see men who maybe aren't perfect, but try damn hard to be the best they can for their partners and work really hard to make love work, you should definitely read this book!
There isn't much I didn't love about it. The three main characters are perfectly drawn - each of them a distinct individual with his own quirks. The writing is beautiful, with descriptions that make you feel as though you were right there, looking over someone's shoulder. The sex scenes are there to drive the story without taking over, and as often as not we only get glimpses through the shuttered windows, instead of getting the full-on porn view (nothing wrong with full on porn, mind, but I prefer it in small doses unless I'm reading erotica.) The background characters are very well written too, both the good and the bad. Best of all, time is spent not just on the development of the relationship between the main characters, but also their relationships with various supporting characters.
I really liked that the story takes place over fifteen years - much of it told through flashbacks - and that we are really shown how it all came about and evolved with time. By the end of the book I felt like I knew everyone in the book, and I was not ready to let them go. In fact, if there is a room or even a corner of a barn free somewhere on the farm, I would love to stop in for a visit! Because these guys have to be real, right? The author couldn't have just used her imagination to create such a wonderful setting and cast of characters that were completely fictional. Except I'm pretty sure that she did, and for that I am completely in awe.
I haven't read that many books about threesomes, but for me this one best captured the complexity and beauty of this type of a relationship. I really loved it. Kudos to Jamie Samms on a job well done!
December 3, 2013
Review Written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Wow! This is one heck of a beautiful, sexy story; that was even better than I expected. The title and cover got my attention and the blurb reeled me in. I don’t reread too many books, but this one is worthy of a reread and will go on a new list of favourites!
Let me tell you a little bit about the story. Don and Griff became friends at age twelve when Griff, the new guy in school, stepped in and helped Don from a bully. They hit it off and became inseparable best friends.
Howard was a year older but had a thing for Don and one day when Don was 16 and Howard 17 they shared their first kiss and occasionally more when Howard would escape to Don’s dad’s farm from his abusive family. After a bout of jealousy, Griff and Don became lovers and since Griff was a bit possessive and jealous, Howard went his own way. Howards family life took yet another turn at age 19 and Griff and Don ended up being all the family he had. Things got really complicated when Griff kissed Howard and Don saw his chance to have both men. But life isn’t easy as it looks and the life Don, Howard and Griff have chosen is even harder. Is it possible for three men to love each other and have a happy perfect life like Don thinks he can have??
Oh boy is this one heck of a good story! It’s beautiful, happy and sad, and even though most of the sex is off the page it’s sexy as all get-out! Just when you think it can’t get any better BAM!! There comes another twist with Griff and Don that was smoking hot and sexy!
I loved everything about this story. I will say it’s pretty much escapism because even though in this story life and love wasn’t easy; in real life the amount of acceptance by all of Don’s and Griff’s family would be even more unlikely. But this is fiction and sometimes we need those stories that make us want things that seem out of reach, and love that is complicated can be a reality. This is one of those stories!! Charming, beautiful, suspenseful and sexy what more could you want?
If you like friends to lovers, long-term relationships, loving families, farm-boys, horses, ranchers (yes, I got my cowboys), light bdsm (mild, loving D’s), sensuous mansex, and a very good ménage a trois, this is definitely for you! I suggest if you’re looking to dip your toes in MM romance or even a M/M/M ménage this is a good one to start with. I think you will be hooked!
Wow! This is one heck of a beautiful, sexy story; that was even better than I expected. The title and cover got my attention and the blurb reeled me in. I don’t reread too many books, but this one is worthy of a reread and will go on a new list of favourites!
Let me tell you a little bit about the story. Don and Griff became friends at age twelve when Griff, the new guy in school, stepped in and helped Don from a bully. They hit it off and became inseparable best friends.
Howard was a year older but had a thing for Don and one day when Don was 16 and Howard 17 they shared their first kiss and occasionally more when Howard would escape to Don’s dad’s farm from his abusive family. After a bout of jealousy, Griff and Don became lovers and since Griff was a bit possessive and jealous, Howard went his own way. Howards family life took yet another turn at age 19 and Griff and Don ended up being all the family he had. Things got really complicated when Griff kissed Howard and Don saw his chance to have both men. But life isn’t easy as it looks and the life Don, Howard and Griff have chosen is even harder. Is it possible for three men to love each other and have a happy perfect life like Don thinks he can have??
Oh boy is this one heck of a good story! It’s beautiful, happy and sad, and even though most of the sex is off the page it’s sexy as all get-out! Just when you think it can’t get any better BAM!! There comes another twist with Griff and Don that was smoking hot and sexy!
I loved everything about this story. I will say it’s pretty much escapism because even though in this story life and love wasn’t easy; in real life the amount of acceptance by all of Don’s and Griff’s family would be even more unlikely. But this is fiction and sometimes we need those stories that make us want things that seem out of reach, and love that is complicated can be a reality. This is one of those stories!! Charming, beautiful, suspenseful and sexy what more could you want?
If you like friends to lovers, long-term relationships, loving families, farm-boys, horses, ranchers (yes, I got my cowboys), light bdsm (mild, loving D’s), sensuous mansex, and a very good ménage a trois, this is definitely for you! I suggest if you’re looking to dip your toes in MM romance or even a M/M/M ménage this is a good one to start with. I think you will be hooked!
July 7, 2015
A 3.5* read for me, I did enjoy it and would read again but I just felt a really great story was just out of reach.
It is told in three parts though they are consecutive. First from Don's pov, then Griff's then 'together' with Howe.
The story in told both in the now and through flashbacks to time from their early teens to very recent history. I would have liked more story in the now to flashback ratio as it was a bit confusing at times, however It was good to see how history was forming the men now.
Whilst it is a story of the three men - Don, who seems worn down by the pressures of his farm; Griff, who is a bit of an enigma really; Howe, a very mixed up guy following the tragic deaths in his family - I always felt as if I wasn't getting the whole story. I think this was the quick change between now and flashback - just as it got meaty, we went back. The inference is that Howe comes and goes in a relationship with the other two - there but apart.
It is only at the end that they come together with some cohesiveness as a three together.
The descriptions, especially Don in his beaten down combine, were excellent. Actually, I think the combine is a great secondary character!
It is told in three parts though they are consecutive. First from Don's pov, then Griff's then 'together' with Howe.
The story in told both in the now and through flashbacks to time from their early teens to very recent history. I would have liked more story in the now to flashback ratio as it was a bit confusing at times, however It was good to see how history was forming the men now.
Whilst it is a story of the three men - Don, who seems worn down by the pressures of his farm; Griff, who is a bit of an enigma really; Howe, a very mixed up guy following the tragic deaths in his family - I always felt as if I wasn't getting the whole story. I think this was the quick change between now and flashback - just as it got meaty, we went back. The inference is that Howe comes and goes in a relationship with the other two - there but apart.
It is only at the end that they come together with some cohesiveness as a three together.
The descriptions, especially Don in his beaten down combine, were excellent. Actually, I think the combine is a great secondary character!
November 30, 2016
Don Jenkins has been in what most people would see as an unconventional relationship since his early teens. In fact, it's so unconventional that those around him seemed to identify it even before Don did. Don's best friend, Griffith McAllister, has been there for him since they first met. And Howard Campbell provided Don with his first sexual experience. But can a relationship really work with three people? It's one or the other, right? People have to choose, don't they? Or, when the heart wants what the heart wants, is there a way to make it all work?
Oh. My. Angst. Seriously, this is one of the most angst-filled books I've read in a long time. But it's that good kind of angst that gently rumbles in the pit of your stomach just to make sure you don't forget it is there. And there's a lot here about trust. Not just trusting another person, but trusting yourself and trusting your heart. Basically don't get in your own way when love presents itself, even if it doesn't look like love in the way society has told you love should be...
Oh. My. Angst. Seriously, this is one of the most angst-filled books I've read in a long time. But it's that good kind of angst that gently rumbles in the pit of your stomach just to make sure you don't forget it is there. And there's a lot here about trust. Not just trusting another person, but trusting yourself and trusting your heart. Basically don't get in your own way when love presents itself, even if it doesn't look like love in the way society has told you love should be...
November 18, 2013
The flashbacks made the story confusing to follow. The complete and immediate acceptance of both Don and Griff's family of not only their sexual orientation, but their decision to be a threesome seemed a little unrealistic. If any family members took any time at all to come to terms with it, it was not addressed in the book. And I do not enjoy D/s relationships. Usually its pretty easy to avoid that because its either tagged as such or at least hinted at in the description. Not pleasant to be hit with it three quarters of the way through the book. I couldn't finish it. Not even Dreamspinner had it tagged for BDSM elements and they are usually pretty good about their tags.
December 5, 2013
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews at joyfullyjay.com
Read Amy's review in it's entirety here.
I’ve said it many times before in my reviews for m/m/m romances, but I’ll say it again: Writing a believable, intense, interesting m/m/m is extremely difficult. So when I find one that does it really well, I want to recommend it to everyone! Not As Easy as it Looks had me engaged from the first page to the last, intensely involved with the three main characters, and I really loved every page of it.
Read Amy's review in it's entirety here.
I’ve said it many times before in my reviews for m/m/m romances, but I’ll say it again: Writing a believable, intense, interesting m/m/m is extremely difficult. So when I find one that does it really well, I want to recommend it to everyone! Not As Easy as it Looks had me engaged from the first page to the last, intensely involved with the three main characters, and I really loved every page of it.
November 20, 2013
Through many life-changing circumstances Don, Griff and Howe start to form a three-way relationship that shouldn’t work, but somehow they make it work for awhile. When Howe is the target of a hate crime, it puts a wall up between him and the other men. With a few harshly spoken words and more than one misunderstanding, Howe goes his own way and leaves Don and Griff to try to stay afloat without him.
See the entire 3.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire 3.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
August 22, 2014
This one was a bit uneven for me. I like the idea of it, but I got frustrated with the choice the author made to jump around in time so much. I don't know if the intent was to keep in suspense the current situation between the three main characters, but it's not a mystery, so I didn't need suspense. I also felt the jumping allowed a bit of inconsistency in characterization to sneak in.
That being said, the author has an easy flowing writing style that makes for a quick read, and I do like the various characters, both main and supporting, and I felt well immersed in the farm setting.
That being said, the author has an easy flowing writing style that makes for a quick read, and I do like the various characters, both main and supporting, and I felt well immersed in the farm setting.
February 22, 2015
Two people together is already hard work, but three? Definitely HARD WORK. The title was more than appropriate. I love how understanding Don's and Griff's dads and whole family were. (I think I'm in that minority where I love it when that happens in books! ;) )
I love flashbacks but I do understand that it does sometimes gets confusing especially when the time frame wasn't that long.
All in all, I liked the book. It's tough to portray a relationship between three people (or for any relationship, come to think of it). It's a work in progress which is how the author portrayed it! :)
I love flashbacks but I do understand that it does sometimes gets confusing especially when the time frame wasn't that long.
All in all, I liked the book. It's tough to portray a relationship between three people (or for any relationship, come to think of it). It's a work in progress which is how the author portrayed it! :)
May 18, 2024
Love!!!
I re-read this book 1-2 times a year. It never gets old for me. I still have the expected reactions to the things that happen. I get upset and happy and angry. My favourite character would have to be Don. But I also wouldn’t love this story without Griff and Howe either. I. Just. Love. It. Soo. Much. If you’re into a great coming of age, childhood sweethearts story with m/m/m characters, this is it for you. Throw in farming, homegrown country roots, a huge loving family and all the angst one can handle. Amazing. Can’t say it enough.
I re-read this book 1-2 times a year. It never gets old for me. I still have the expected reactions to the things that happen. I get upset and happy and angry. My favourite character would have to be Don. But I also wouldn’t love this story without Griff and Howe either. I. Just. Love. It. Soo. Much. If you’re into a great coming of age, childhood sweethearts story with m/m/m characters, this is it for you. Throw in farming, homegrown country roots, a huge loving family and all the angst one can handle. Amazing. Can’t say it enough.
November 22, 2015
Damn this is as complicated as it looks. I'm surely as confused as I'd thought it would be lol. Although I'm all for commitment, and loyalty I can't handle the dynamics of their relationship. They are some strong and complicated men,but damn I wish I had 1/3 of their strength to keep that tangle of feelings they're working with. The whole immediate and extended family life was beautiful to me. Although the deaths and griefs were profound, the way they gathered together and wouldn't let anyone of the ones they cared about stray own their own floored me. Awesome story geez!!
February 10, 2014
Not As Easy As It Looks is a quiet book and focuses on the characters and their lives, both the good and the bad, from adolescence through adulthood. It’s perfect for when you’re in a mellow mood and just want to spend some quiet time getting to know these wonderful men. It’s not a typical menage and isn’t focused on the sexual aspect of the relationship as much as what it takes to get there.
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