What do you think?
Rate this book
Manhandled #3
The Director
Spring training is only a month away, and I’m supposed to be on vacation. The last place I want to be is snowed in with my arrogant teammate and the complete stranger he’s crushing on.
Vince Rossi is everything I hate. Too good looking, too talented, and totally unwilling to give me a pass for making one mistake. He treats me like every other cocky jock did growing up. And the stranger, Elio Basso, is the former porn star who owns the cabin we’re stuck in who looks at Vince like he hung the damn moon.
Watching Elio and Vince seduce each other makes me uncomfortable. Jealous. Confused. Agitated. The harsh feelings confuse the crap out of me, but nothing triggers me more than feeling left out. The only problem is—I’m not gay. At least—I don’t think I am, but the passionate way they kiss is just… It’s like everything I’ve always wanted but never let myself have. When Elio and Vince tell me there’s room for one more in bed, I catch fire. As the three of us give in to cabin fever, we burn too hot to remember that fevers, like winning streaks, are meant to break.
The Director is a full length MMM standalone romance. The third installment in The Manhandled Series features hate to love, forced proximity, bi-awakening, and scorching heat. (18+)
Vince Rossi is everything I hate. Too good looking, too talented, and totally unwilling to give me a pass for making one mistake. He treats me like every other cocky jock did growing up. And the stranger, Elio Basso, is the former porn star who owns the cabin we’re stuck in who looks at Vince like he hung the damn moon.
Watching Elio and Vince seduce each other makes me uncomfortable. Jealous. Confused. Agitated. The harsh feelings confuse the crap out of me, but nothing triggers me more than feeling left out. The only problem is—I’m not gay. At least—I don’t think I am, but the passionate way they kiss is just… It’s like everything I’ve always wanted but never let myself have. When Elio and Vince tell me there’s room for one more in bed, I catch fire. As the three of us give in to cabin fever, we burn too hot to remember that fevers, like winning streaks, are meant to break.
The Director is a full length MMM standalone romance. The third installment in The Manhandled Series features hate to love, forced proximity, bi-awakening, and scorching heat. (18+)
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
80 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
August Jones
14 books314 followersAugust Jones (She/They) is an author of queer romance and a voracious reader of smut. She resides in Texas with her family, pets, and books. However, she reads mostly on her phone because she’s cheap, it has a built in backlight, and it’s almost always in her hand.
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Threads
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Threads
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 9, 2023
DNFd @ 80%
I wanted to love this book. I really did. And I did really enjoy the first half. But oh my god, this needed some brutal editing.
First off, I feel like the author has no comprehension of money. My final straw that made me give up was trying to convince me two MLB players barely have any money when one is making 750k and the other probably 3.5 mil a year. But no they're going to struggle to afford rent and fly economy?
But the real issue with this book is the absolutely contrived drama that has no basis in reality. There is like 200 pages of back and forth relationship drama that is completely made up in their heads. They literally started out their relationship as a three way relationship but then convince themselves a three-way can't work, the reason for which is never explained, and so they go on and endless loop of each trying to be the martyr and bow out so the other two can be together by themselves, even though none of them want that. This isn't even the dreaded miscommunication trope. The just straight up refuse to have a conversation and stonewall each other, but then get pissed when they do the same thing back?
Then we have the big issue in their relationship - which is the long distance. Except there is zero reason given for why they have to be long distance. Elio rents a cabin in Utah but can work from anywhere. Instead of doing the obvious thing, which is go with Race and Vince for the few weeks they will be at training camp. Instead he's like 'no our relationship can't survive the distance, I'll have to let them go'. When he could just go with them. Then Vince hurts himself and so he leaves to go back with Elio and leave Race on his own, which he doesn't want to do. Again, it's only a few weeks. Why not just find a rental for all of you so you can be together?
It's not that damn hard!!!
This book will be perfect for anyone who loves slamming their head against a wall repeatedly out of frustration
I wanted to love this book. I really did. And I did really enjoy the first half. But oh my god, this needed some brutal editing.
First off, I feel like the author has no comprehension of money. My final straw that made me give up was trying to convince me two MLB players barely have any money when one is making 750k and the other probably 3.5 mil a year. But no they're going to struggle to afford rent and fly economy?
But the real issue with this book is the absolutely contrived drama that has no basis in reality. There is like 200 pages of back and forth relationship drama that is completely made up in their heads. They literally started out their relationship as a three way relationship but then convince themselves a three-way can't work, the reason for which is never explained, and so they go on and endless loop of each trying to be the martyr and bow out so the other two can be together by themselves, even though none of them want that. This isn't even the dreaded miscommunication trope. The just straight up refuse to have a conversation and stonewall each other, but then get pissed when they do the same thing back?
Then we have the big issue in their relationship - which is the long distance. Except there is zero reason given for why they have to be long distance. Elio rents a cabin in Utah but can work from anywhere. Instead of doing the obvious thing, which is go with Race and Vince for the few weeks they will be at training camp. Instead he's like 'no our relationship can't survive the distance, I'll have to let them go'. When he could just go with them. Then Vince hurts himself and so he leaves to go back with Elio and leave Race on his own, which he doesn't want to do. Again, it's only a few weeks. Why not just find a rental for all of you so you can be together?
It's not that damn hard!!!
This book will be perfect for anyone who loves slamming their head against a wall repeatedly out of frustration
![Profile Image for ♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1764457886i%2F137459201._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 11, 2024
2.5 ✰
this was filthy 🥵 but entertaining!
this was filthy 🥵 but entertaining!
May 20, 2025
All of the author's books I have read so far kind of fit the porn but with a lot of feelings category, and big feelings at that. This leans even more explicitly into the porn part, literally, since one of the main characters is a former actor and current director. And add to that two rival baseball players, and gay awakening(s).
It's ridiculous, it's over the top, the sex gets boring (I skimmed a lot ) but it had an interesting hook to the bit oh-no-we-can-not-be-together-all-3 angst () and I was just having fun with these idiots falling in love while having lots of sex. But it was too long (I got the serial vibe with this book also, but I have no idea what the real writing process was like and I could be wrong), excessive characters from other books on page (including 4 who supposedly have a baby though where did they put it ?!?), and it had again some of the technical things I disliked in the author's other books like messy dialogue attributions. But it's high energy fun, and maybe it is the product of lowered expectations, it was better than expected from blurb.
It's ridiculous, it's over the top, the sex gets boring (I skimmed a lot ) but it had an interesting hook to the bit oh-no-we-can-not-be-together-all-3 angst () and I was just having fun with these idiots falling in love while having lots of sex. But it was too long (I got the serial vibe with this book also, but I have no idea what the real writing process was like and I could be wrong), excessive characters from other books on page (including 4 who supposedly have a baby though where did they put it ?!?), and it had again some of the technical things I disliked in the author's other books like messy dialogue attributions. But it's high energy fun, and maybe it is the product of lowered expectations, it was better than expected from blurb.
August 4, 2025
There's no way this relationship lasts💀. Sorry but I'm absolutely NOT buying it. A year, tops. Two, maybe, if the sex stays hot.
Fundamentally incompatible.
Sexually incompatible.
Emotionally incompatible.
Temperamentally incompatible.
Still the funniest MMM story I've read thus far, and that's because these 3 are the furthest thing from people who should be getting into a throuple. With each other, at least.
The incessant red rage jealousy really made this for me.
This is a very sexual book. And not just because one of the MCs has a ten inch dick. They simply can not stop fucking.
Which is fine. Because that's the only time they didn't have something to fight about. Well. Except if one walked in on the other two going at it. Then all bets are off.
That's not to say this isn't an emotional story.
I THOUGHT it would help that the 3 of them got into the 'relationship' at pretty much the same time, so there'd be none left behind as a result of the other two having an emotional headstart.
Boy, was I wrong. They found a way to be mad at every permutation and combination that can be made out of a throuple.
Then there's the fact that two of them were rivals with a past of bickering like sister wives.
Loved the confusion of them being jealous of the other with Elio, but ALSO being jealous of Elio with the other💀
Then them being jealous of the other with Vince, but ALSO being jealous of Vince with the other💀
THEN them being jealous of the other with Race, but also— you get my point.
Jealousy all day, every day.
It did NOT help that one MC has erectile dysfunction, but has a MUCH easier time getting it up for one and not the other.
But not the one he was more emotionally drawn to at the start.
So we have a situation where one's jealous that two seem to be in love with each other and he's superfluous.
But then one of those two is more sexually compatible with him, and now one of the other pair gets to be jealous of that.
It was glorious but exhausting.
There's a significant portion of this where Elio was hung up on Race. But Race was hung up on Vince. And Vince is hung up on Elio 😂😂😂😂😂
I was honestly living for the jealousy. It came across as very authentic for people who were just figuring out the dynamics of an MMM coupling without having INTENDED to get into one.
At any one point, one of them was threatening to walk. Then the other two would mope around and eventually convince him not to, only to all reconnect then shortly after get right back on the jealousy train.
I really, really enjoyed one of the three telling another of the three that he loves HIM, and simply ignoring the other and how it might make him feel💀
Happened very early on, too. Best part was everyone felt more deeply for another who in turn felt more deeply for another.
Chaos incarnate.
Premium drama. No notes.
That said, what kind of person has a gloryhole in their home😂😂😂😂😂😂like whom are you expecting to use this with? Guests? Family? Friends?
Underpinning all this, though, is a LOT of sex scenes. A LOT. Like, an oppressive number of sex scenes.
This was smut sprinkled with a hint of plot.
I would have rated this higher if more time had been spent resolving their issues rather than fucking them away.
As it is, there's no way these 3 last. Barring multiple personality transplants.
Elio and Vince are both INDIVIDUALLY great pairings for Race, not for each other, even though they'd fight to the death to deny it.
And Race is a pro baseball player away for games a lot of the time. Leaving behind two needy, jealous AF bottoms, one of whom is open to being verse(mentally but NOT sexually) and resents the other a bit for being a strict bottom as this puts pressure on him to top.
Made worse by the fact that Elio doesn't really get hard for Vince. Who is in love with him and enraged that he gets it up pretty easily for Race, instead.
Yeah, that's going to work out.
I'm sure it really helps matters that Vince loves Elio to death, Elio loves Race to death and Race loves Vince to death.
These 3 don't work together but remove 1 and the other 2 don't work, either.
Damned by the narrative.
A masterpiece of a clusterfuck.
Fundamentally incompatible.
Sexually incompatible.
Emotionally incompatible.
Temperamentally incompatible.
Still the funniest MMM story I've read thus far, and that's because these 3 are the furthest thing from people who should be getting into a throuple. With each other, at least.
The incessant red rage jealousy really made this for me.
This is a very sexual book. And not just because one of the MCs has a ten inch dick. They simply can not stop fucking.
Which is fine. Because that's the only time they didn't have something to fight about. Well. Except if one walked in on the other two going at it. Then all bets are off.
That's not to say this isn't an emotional story.
I THOUGHT it would help that the 3 of them got into the 'relationship' at pretty much the same time, so there'd be none left behind as a result of the other two having an emotional headstart.
Boy, was I wrong. They found a way to be mad at every permutation and combination that can be made out of a throuple.
Then there's the fact that two of them were rivals with a past of bickering like sister wives.
Loved the confusion of them being jealous of the other with Elio, but ALSO being jealous of Elio with the other💀
Then them being jealous of the other with Vince, but ALSO being jealous of Vince with the other💀
THEN them being jealous of the other with Race, but also— you get my point.
Jealousy all day, every day.
It did NOT help that one MC has erectile dysfunction, but has a MUCH easier time getting it up for one and not the other.
But not the one he was more emotionally drawn to at the start.
So we have a situation where one's jealous that two seem to be in love with each other and he's superfluous.
But then one of those two is more sexually compatible with him, and now one of the other pair gets to be jealous of that.
It was glorious but exhausting.
There's a significant portion of this where Elio was hung up on Race. But Race was hung up on Vince. And Vince is hung up on Elio 😂😂😂😂😂
I was honestly living for the jealousy. It came across as very authentic for people who were just figuring out the dynamics of an MMM coupling without having INTENDED to get into one.
At any one point, one of them was threatening to walk. Then the other two would mope around and eventually convince him not to, only to all reconnect then shortly after get right back on the jealousy train.
I really, really enjoyed one of the three telling another of the three that he loves HIM, and simply ignoring the other and how it might make him feel💀
Happened very early on, too. Best part was everyone felt more deeply for another who in turn felt more deeply for another.
Chaos incarnate.
Premium drama. No notes.
That said, what kind of person has a gloryhole in their home😂😂😂😂😂😂like whom are you expecting to use this with? Guests? Family? Friends?
Underpinning all this, though, is a LOT of sex scenes. A LOT. Like, an oppressive number of sex scenes.
This was smut sprinkled with a hint of plot.
I would have rated this higher if more time had been spent resolving their issues rather than fucking them away.
As it is, there's no way these 3 last. Barring multiple personality transplants.
Elio and Vince are both INDIVIDUALLY great pairings for Race, not for each other, even though they'd fight to the death to deny it.
And Race is a pro baseball player away for games a lot of the time. Leaving behind two needy, jealous AF bottoms, one of whom is open to being verse(mentally but NOT sexually) and resents the other a bit for being a strict bottom as this puts pressure on him to top.
Made worse by the fact that Elio doesn't really get hard for Vince. Who is in love with him and enraged that he gets it up pretty easily for Race, instead.
Yeah, that's going to work out.
I'm sure it really helps matters that Vince loves Elio to death, Elio loves Race to death and Race loves Vince to death.
These 3 don't work together but remove 1 and the other 2 don't work, either.
Damned by the narrative.
A masterpiece of a clusterfuck.
December 13, 2024
This was intense and a freaking emotional rollercoaster.
Vincent who we met in The Baller and his teammate and enemy Race find them selves snowed in at a party in Aspen and ends us spending a week in forced proximity with former porn star and director Elio. Vincent is the only one who is out as a gay man and the other two men are having their first bi-awakening which makes everyone very vulnerable.
This is full of Hurt/comfort - Enemies to lovers - fast burn and high steam between the three men.
After the snowstorm is over and Vincent and Race have to go back to their baseball team, a different dynamic arises where Elio all of the sudden is the one left out and between trying g to figure out their relationship together and between each couple the emotions are high and the miscommuicantin took a bit of a tole on me but again, another thing August masters well.
August did another great job of diving into each MMC’s insecurities and emotional state of mind - She really always does a phenomenal job of going deep with her characters- which is why I enjoy her writing and this series so much..
Vincent who we met in The Baller and his teammate and enemy Race find them selves snowed in at a party in Aspen and ends us spending a week in forced proximity with former porn star and director Elio. Vincent is the only one who is out as a gay man and the other two men are having their first bi-awakening which makes everyone very vulnerable.
This is full of Hurt/comfort - Enemies to lovers - fast burn and high steam between the three men.
After the snowstorm is over and Vincent and Race have to go back to their baseball team, a different dynamic arises where Elio all of the sudden is the one left out and between trying g to figure out their relationship together and between each couple the emotions are high and the miscommuicantin took a bit of a tole on me but again, another thing August masters well.
August did another great job of diving into each MMC’s insecurities and emotional state of mind - She really always does a phenomenal job of going deep with her characters- which is why I enjoy her writing and this series so much..
November 26, 2023
The Director is the third book in August Jones’s The Manhandled series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. The Director is a MMM erotic, medium-high angst romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s told from a first person, triple point of view. As always, please review the content and trigger warnings and take care of yourself when reading! Here’s what you can expect from Elio, Vince, and Race:
- Age gap and forced proximity
- Hurt/comfort
- Enemies to lovers
- Former adult film star
- Kink, high steam, fast burn
Vince and Race are professional baseball teammates, and they don’t get along after a fateful incident last season. A series of (un)fortunate events leads them to be snowed in with Elio Basso, former adult film star and one of the most sought-after directors in the industry right now. There’s an undeniable attraction between Vince and Elio, and it gets under Race’s skin for reasons he can’t quite put a finger on. As the snow continues to fall, Elio and Vince find themselves inviting Race to join them and indulge in their passion. The snow has to stop eventually, and the connection these three men have built is beautiful but fragile. What could happily ever after possibly look like for three men that are so different, but feel so much together?
I’ve been looking forward to reading The Director since I devoured The Handler and The Baller. Oh my goodness, if it was possible to give this incredible story more than five stars I absolutely would. I simply couldn’t put this book down as Elio, Vince, and Race’s story drew me in deeper and deeper. I finished it in under 24 hours, and it was worth it! The first two books in this series are very different from one another, and The Director is also very different - and I mean this in the best way. August Jones has an amazing gift for mixing superb storytelling with amazing spice and kink. The character development in this book was excellent, and it was beautiful to watch the dynamic between these three men morph throughout the duration of the story.
This is probably one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read, and readers should be prepared for this when deciding whether or not they’d like to read it (you can find more information about what you can expect in the book’s content warning). I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of spice and kink in the book, and I believe every passionate encounter added something important to the story and furthered the plot of the book. As I mentioned, Elio, Vince, and Race’s dynamic at the beginning of the book (because make no mistake, this story is absolutely a fast burn) is drastically different from their dynamic at the end of the story. When coupled with their personal trauma, feelings, and needs it came together to create a plot that was beautiful, heartbreaking, and all-consuming.
I would absolutely classify this as a medium/high angst story. Yes, you’ll get the spice that will leave you reaching for a cold glass of water, but you’ll also go through the full spectrum of emotions. You’ll want to clunk their heads together at times, and other times wrap them up in the biggest hugs. I found myself rooting for these three men from the first time they found themselves together. There were moments in this book that were heartstopping, and their journey to a happily ever after isn’t easy by any means, but rest assured they do get it. All three characters had amazing arcs and development, and their happily ever after was hard fought but oh so worth it.
I absolutely adored the epilogue in this book, because I think it was so perfect for the characters. And I was excited to get cameos from Gideon and Jax and Adam and Sawyer! Their friendship is incredible, as is the bond they forge over the duration of the three books. I could easily challenge the character limit with this review and how much I enjoyed this book and series, but I think it’s something readers need to discover for themselves. I can’t recommend this book enough, particularly if you’re looking for something spicy, emotional, and totally unique and refreshing from a lot of books out there. Incredible work, August. You knocked this one out of the park (literally and figuratively)!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- Age gap and forced proximity
- Hurt/comfort
- Enemies to lovers
- Former adult film star
- Kink, high steam, fast burn
Vince and Race are professional baseball teammates, and they don’t get along after a fateful incident last season. A series of (un)fortunate events leads them to be snowed in with Elio Basso, former adult film star and one of the most sought-after directors in the industry right now. There’s an undeniable attraction between Vince and Elio, and it gets under Race’s skin for reasons he can’t quite put a finger on. As the snow continues to fall, Elio and Vince find themselves inviting Race to join them and indulge in their passion. The snow has to stop eventually, and the connection these three men have built is beautiful but fragile. What could happily ever after possibly look like for three men that are so different, but feel so much together?
“I liked watching you with him,” I confess. “The way he kissed your face. You’re both so beautiful. Light and dark. Two angels.”
I’ve been looking forward to reading The Director since I devoured The Handler and The Baller. Oh my goodness, if it was possible to give this incredible story more than five stars I absolutely would. I simply couldn’t put this book down as Elio, Vince, and Race’s story drew me in deeper and deeper. I finished it in under 24 hours, and it was worth it! The first two books in this series are very different from one another, and The Director is also very different - and I mean this in the best way. August Jones has an amazing gift for mixing superb storytelling with amazing spice and kink. The character development in this book was excellent, and it was beautiful to watch the dynamic between these three men morph throughout the duration of the story.
He scents me for a minute, and while I weather the wave of chills his primal behavior gives me, I stare at the beautiful boy in front of me.
Outside, the snow continues to fall.
This is probably one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read, and readers should be prepared for this when deciding whether or not they’d like to read it (you can find more information about what you can expect in the book’s content warning). I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of spice and kink in the book, and I believe every passionate encounter added something important to the story and furthered the plot of the book. As I mentioned, Elio, Vince, and Race’s dynamic at the beginning of the book (because make no mistake, this story is absolutely a fast burn) is drastically different from their dynamic at the end of the story. When coupled with their personal trauma, feelings, and needs it came together to create a plot that was beautiful, heartbreaking, and all-consuming.
“How long is the snow going to last again?” he asks.
Not long enough, I think. I could keep the two of them here with me forever. My two angels. Dark and light. “How long do you want it to last, caro?”
“Longer,” he whispers, his hands caressing my neck.
I would absolutely classify this as a medium/high angst story. Yes, you’ll get the spice that will leave you reaching for a cold glass of water, but you’ll also go through the full spectrum of emotions. You’ll want to clunk their heads together at times, and other times wrap them up in the biggest hugs. I found myself rooting for these three men from the first time they found themselves together. There were moments in this book that were heartstopping, and their journey to a happily ever after isn’t easy by any means, but rest assured they do get it. All three characters had amazing arcs and development, and their happily ever after was hard fought but oh so worth it.
“Where do you want me?” Elio asks.
Just here, I think. Save me from the way I feel about this man. The way I’ve felt about him since opening day.
I absolutely adored the epilogue in this book, because I think it was so perfect for the characters. And I was excited to get cameos from Gideon and Jax and Adam and Sawyer! Their friendship is incredible, as is the bond they forge over the duration of the three books. I could easily challenge the character limit with this review and how much I enjoyed this book and series, but I think it’s something readers need to discover for themselves. I can’t recommend this book enough, particularly if you’re looking for something spicy, emotional, and totally unique and refreshing from a lot of books out there. Incredible work, August. You knocked this one out of the park (literally and figuratively)!
“I love you,” he says, the words so urgent and soul deep. The way they sound every time he directs them my way. I can’t tell you how it makes me feel. Like anything’s possible. Like everything will be okay.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2023
“The problem is that no one’s in charge here—this isn’t some kind of harem. There’s no daddy—we’re just three lost guys who can’t let each other go.”
ARC Review~
This book is packed full of emotion, spice, vulnerability, excellent communication, and heart. It’s character driven and I could not put it down!
This is book 3 in her Manhandled series but can be read as a standalone. MMM is tricky for me but I adored the dynamics here and how Elio helped guide everyone and kept everyone equal. Vince and Race are both baseball players on the same team so a lot of the “drama” comes from them being able to easily be together and Elio being on the outside. Vince has this instalove/instant connection with Elio though and all 3 men want to make their relationship work. It’s a struggle to get to their HEA but so worth the journey!!
Added to that are some sensitive issues that impact their sex lives. The care taken to tell this story was beautiful and I loved how Vince handled Elio’s ED. I also loved that it never really held them back it just meant they had to get creative 😏
This whole series has been so powerful and The Director is an excellent addition. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
ARC Review~
This book is packed full of emotion, spice, vulnerability, excellent communication, and heart. It’s character driven and I could not put it down!
This is book 3 in her Manhandled series but can be read as a standalone. MMM is tricky for me but I adored the dynamics here and how Elio helped guide everyone and kept everyone equal. Vince and Race are both baseball players on the same team so a lot of the “drama” comes from them being able to easily be together and Elio being on the outside. Vince has this instalove/instant connection with Elio though and all 3 men want to make their relationship work. It’s a struggle to get to their HEA but so worth the journey!!
Added to that are some sensitive issues that impact their sex lives. The care taken to tell this story was beautiful and I loved how Vince handled Elio’s ED. I also loved that it never really held them back it just meant they had to get creative 😏
This whole series has been so powerful and The Director is an excellent addition. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
January 20, 2024
I’m noticing a theme with this series, in that I’m a bit slow to warm up to the story, but once I do I’m completely head over heels for it, and this one was no different.
As always, August Jones’ writing is fantastic, and I’m amazed at how well she is able to portray her character’s insecurities and weaknesses. All of her books feel very character-driven, so it’s as if I’m experiencing their emotions right alongside them. I love that.
I think that August did a particularly good job at representing the struggles of being in a MMM relationship. All 3 of the main characters grapple with a sense of inadequacy, and have difficulty figuring out their place in the trio. They don’t effortlessly slot together, as is the case with most poly books, so it takes constant effort and communication to make it work. This is really what the majority of the book focuses on, with minimal external drama.
I also liked how Elio’s sexual dysfunction was portrayed, and how that affected the dynamic of the group. It’s pretty unconventional for a romance novel to feature ED so heavily, but I loved that it didn’t inhibit their sex lives too much, and they found ways to enjoy each other in a mutually satisfying way.
The only thing holding me back from a higher rating this time is that I didn’t feel the group’s relationship problems had been sufficiently resolved by the end of the story. Maybe that’s the point though?
I know that throuples are never going to be straightforward, but this one was kind of a mess. Everybody did a whole lot of talking, but not a lot of listening, and it didn’t seem as though their connections were equal. Race seemed to be at the centre of the relationship, with Elio and Vince unable to function without him, and that didn’t sit right with me. I felt as though they used sex to solve their problems, rather than working through them.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and August’s writing, and I definitely think it’s worth a read if you’re into MMM+. It’s plenty spicy, but there’s a lot of heart in there too.
As always, August Jones’ writing is fantastic, and I’m amazed at how well she is able to portray her character’s insecurities and weaknesses. All of her books feel very character-driven, so it’s as if I’m experiencing their emotions right alongside them. I love that.
I think that August did a particularly good job at representing the struggles of being in a MMM relationship. All 3 of the main characters grapple with a sense of inadequacy, and have difficulty figuring out their place in the trio. They don’t effortlessly slot together, as is the case with most poly books, so it takes constant effort and communication to make it work. This is really what the majority of the book focuses on, with minimal external drama.
I also liked how Elio’s sexual dysfunction was portrayed, and how that affected the dynamic of the group. It’s pretty unconventional for a romance novel to feature ED so heavily, but I loved that it didn’t inhibit their sex lives too much, and they found ways to enjoy each other in a mutually satisfying way.
The only thing holding me back from a higher rating this time is that I didn’t feel the group’s relationship problems had been sufficiently resolved by the end of the story. Maybe that’s the point though?
I know that throuples are never going to be straightforward, but this one was kind of a mess. Everybody did a whole lot of talking, but not a lot of listening, and it didn’t seem as though their connections were equal. Race seemed to be at the centre of the relationship, with Elio and Vince unable to function without him, and that didn’t sit right with me. I felt as though they used sex to solve their problems, rather than working through them.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and August’s writing, and I definitely think it’s worth a read if you’re into MMM+. It’s plenty spicy, but there’s a lot of heart in there too.
December 3, 2023
This was a uniquely captivating read, I struggle to compare it to anything I have read before. It’s an absolutely fantastic story that’s written beautifully and the author is so generous with how she lays bare the vulnerabilities of these characters journeys.
This intensely emotional story is about teammates Vince and Race and Elio, an adult film director. It kicks off with irritation and animosity already bubbling over between Vincent and Race to the point of these two being powder kegs who just blow up and end up being snowed in at Elio’s home. Vince and Elio are already massively attracted to each other and this forced proximity with the three of them leads to start of this undeniable pull that leads to so much more.
The story follows the developing and stuttering and then repairing of the relationships between these three individually and as a group. The author chooses to authentically navigate the deep complex emotions and challenges that come with such a dynamic like jealousy, triggered vulnerabilities and even the fact that all of them are not progressing in the dynamic at the same pace. This is not an easy road for them and yet, the strength of first their attraction and then their love is holding the base steady to work on and overcome these obstacles to ensure they finally have a hard won HEA. That ending was stunningly euphoric!
This story was angsty, swoony, kinky and has all the feels and was so scorching hot it almost singed the pages. If emotional stories of distinct, complex, layered characters with loads of steam is what you love in your romance reads I would definitely recommend checking this out.
Expect:
* MMM
* Age gap
* Baseball Players x Adult Movie Director
* Forced Proximity
* Fast burn
* Hurt comfort
* enemies to lovers
* Bi awakening
* High heat, kink incl cockwarming, light bondage, voyerism etc
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
The author has provided a detailed list of tags and triggers warnings.
This intensely emotional story is about teammates Vince and Race and Elio, an adult film director. It kicks off with irritation and animosity already bubbling over between Vincent and Race to the point of these two being powder kegs who just blow up and end up being snowed in at Elio’s home. Vince and Elio are already massively attracted to each other and this forced proximity with the three of them leads to start of this undeniable pull that leads to so much more.
The story follows the developing and stuttering and then repairing of the relationships between these three individually and as a group. The author chooses to authentically navigate the deep complex emotions and challenges that come with such a dynamic like jealousy, triggered vulnerabilities and even the fact that all of them are not progressing in the dynamic at the same pace. This is not an easy road for them and yet, the strength of first their attraction and then their love is holding the base steady to work on and overcome these obstacles to ensure they finally have a hard won HEA. That ending was stunningly euphoric!
This story was angsty, swoony, kinky and has all the feels and was so scorching hot it almost singed the pages. If emotional stories of distinct, complex, layered characters with loads of steam is what you love in your romance reads I would definitely recommend checking this out.
Expect:
* MMM
* Age gap
* Baseball Players x Adult Movie Director
* Forced Proximity
* Fast burn
* Hurt comfort
* enemies to lovers
* Bi awakening
* High heat, kink incl cockwarming, light bondage, voyerism etc
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
The author has provided a detailed list of tags and triggers warnings.
December 20, 2023
August Jones is a new to me author, and The Director is definitely going down as a top fav!!
This is one of the most sexy, seductive, unique things I've read in a while, if ever. You could feel every emotion while reading. These 3 complex characters within their own storms of chaos, the characters' feelings, emotions, and inner dialog, are written so damn well! I was thoroughly immersed. Hypnotized by the porn director and 2 professional baseball players 🥵
The emotions within each of these mc's, their relationship together, and their relationship separately are deep, powerful, and intense. The author writes it so damn well that you are invested. You are with them. It was so realistic. Each of these characters. Beautiful together and beautiful separately.
I dont want to spoil anything, so i will be a bit vague here. I've never read a book with a topic/struggle written in this story, but I found myself not even realizing I was reading about it. It was written in such a way that it was still sexy and powerful. I couldn't get over it.
After the halfway point, I wish some things were expanded on & others less of. This book was pure heat 🔥 and you all know that's what I love. I just wish there was some more background info and the baseball players' job storyline for 2 of the mc's. The story focused more on 1 mc's life, job, etc. Although somewhat realistic, the back n forth kind of took me out of the story the last half of the book. It became too much and probably could have been edited out. Otherwise, I absolutely loved The Director!
This is one of the most sexy, seductive, unique things I've read in a while, if ever. You could feel every emotion while reading. These 3 complex characters within their own storms of chaos, the characters' feelings, emotions, and inner dialog, are written so damn well! I was thoroughly immersed. Hypnotized by the porn director and 2 professional baseball players 🥵
The emotions within each of these mc's, their relationship together, and their relationship separately are deep, powerful, and intense. The author writes it so damn well that you are invested. You are with them. It was so realistic. Each of these characters. Beautiful together and beautiful separately.
I dont want to spoil anything, so i will be a bit vague here. I've never read a book with a topic/struggle written in this story, but I found myself not even realizing I was reading about it. It was written in such a way that it was still sexy and powerful. I couldn't get over it.
After the halfway point, I wish some things were expanded on & others less of. This book was pure heat 🔥 and you all know that's what I love. I just wish there was some more background info and the baseball players' job storyline for 2 of the mc's. The story focused more on 1 mc's life, job, etc. Although somewhat realistic, the back n forth kind of took me out of the story the last half of the book. It became too much and probably could have been edited out. Otherwise, I absolutely loved The Director!
June 15, 2025
4.5⭐️
This MMM really delved into the realities of being involved in a triad and how insecurities and jealousy and lack of communication can lead to less than healthy relationships. I loved how honest this felt. This was hot as fuck from the get go and despite that each scene still felt like it progressed the plot and felt integral to the development of the relationship. This is the first MM/MMM+ book that I’ve ever read that involves ED as a pretty prominent issue a MC faces and it was really cool how it didn’t feel exploitative but was treated with dignity. I loved how soft and intense Vince was - honestly reminds me of myself. Race ended up being such a sweety but with a dominant edge that came out when needed. And Elio was passionate and such a great caretaker. They all fulfilled different needs within the triad and it just clicked for me. I really loved them all together and appreciated how this really took the time to help our MCs come to terms with this new development and work through the tricky bits.
This MMM really delved into the realities of being involved in a triad and how insecurities and jealousy and lack of communication can lead to less than healthy relationships. I loved how honest this felt. This was hot as fuck from the get go and despite that each scene still felt like it progressed the plot and felt integral to the development of the relationship. This is the first MM/MMM+ book that I’ve ever read that involves ED as a pretty prominent issue a MC faces and it was really cool how it didn’t feel exploitative but was treated with dignity. I loved how soft and intense Vince was - honestly reminds me of myself. Race ended up being such a sweety but with a dominant edge that came out when needed. And Elio was passionate and such a great caretaker. They all fulfilled different needs within the triad and it just clicked for me. I really loved them all together and appreciated how this really took the time to help our MCs come to terms with this new development and work through the tricky bits.
March 1, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 5
PoV: multiple, 1st person
Genre: contemporary erotic romance, MMM
Main tropes: forced proximity, teammates, sexual discovery
Steam: 5
PoV: multiple, 1st person
Genre: contemporary erotic romance, MMM
Main tropes: forced proximity, teammates, sexual discovery
November 24, 2023
The Director by August Jones is book 3 in The Manhandled series.
Here we follow Vince, who was a secondary character in The Baller and also Race, who had been briefly mentioned. We are also introduced to Elio, a new character.
I was excited when I heard that August had decided that her next book would be an MMM. I knew she'd be able to deliver a book with great heat, but I wondered if she'd be able to nail the dynamics of the MCs. MMMs are tricky and the last thing I want is to feel that one of the MCs is left out of the throuple. Which didn’t happened here. August's version of MMM really worked for me. Especially because of how hard these three men had to work to achieve their HEA. It was a long and winding road to get there.
The book is very character-driven. Most of the conflict comes from within the MCs or from the interactions they have with each other. That's something I really enjoyed, and it made a lot of sense to me. Each MC has different personalities, needs and motivations. Every relationship between each of them was also distinct, unique, so it was inevitable that this would lead to an imbalance and a lot of questioning. These guys and the messy situation they found themselves in felt real to me.
I don't want to give too much away, but I loved August's treatment of a subject related to masculinity that is very rarely addressed in MM romances. It was surprising to see this subject tackled in a story where sex is at the forefront. It was done beautifully and in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. This was undoubtedly my favorite aspect of The Director.
I don't know how it's possible, but this is August's steamiest book to date. So many sexy scenes that will please anyone who likes their books extra spicy.
The Director delivers exactly what you'd expect from an MMM. It was a privilege to be August's alpha reader and to have the chance to discover Elio, Vince and Race first hand. I'm more than excited that other readers will now have the chance to get to know them.
Here we follow Vince, who was a secondary character in The Baller and also Race, who had been briefly mentioned. We are also introduced to Elio, a new character.
I was excited when I heard that August had decided that her next book would be an MMM. I knew she'd be able to deliver a book with great heat, but I wondered if she'd be able to nail the dynamics of the MCs. MMMs are tricky and the last thing I want is to feel that one of the MCs is left out of the throuple. Which didn’t happened here. August's version of MMM really worked for me. Especially because of how hard these three men had to work to achieve their HEA. It was a long and winding road to get there.
The book is very character-driven. Most of the conflict comes from within the MCs or from the interactions they have with each other. That's something I really enjoyed, and it made a lot of sense to me. Each MC has different personalities, needs and motivations. Every relationship between each of them was also distinct, unique, so it was inevitable that this would lead to an imbalance and a lot of questioning. These guys and the messy situation they found themselves in felt real to me.
I don't want to give too much away, but I loved August's treatment of a subject related to masculinity that is very rarely addressed in MM romances. It was surprising to see this subject tackled in a story where sex is at the forefront. It was done beautifully and in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. This was undoubtedly my favorite aspect of The Director.
I don't know how it's possible, but this is August's steamiest book to date. So many sexy scenes that will please anyone who likes their books extra spicy.
The Director delivers exactly what you'd expect from an MMM. It was a privilege to be August's alpha reader and to have the chance to discover Elio, Vince and Race first hand. I'm more than excited that other readers will now have the chance to get to know them.
January 10, 2024
This was great but a tough one. They got their happy ending, but was it a battle to get to it. I was so stressed at some points.
I struggle with RH/Polly/MMM when a feel one person is left out. I hate that.
At one point or another, each one felt left our to me at some point, and that stresses me out.
The book is hot. It's super hot but also angsty and filled with tension.
I feel like a need a nice light fluffy book with no third act break up at all and little to no angst right now before I move on, lol
All and all, great and great series.
I struggle with RH/Polly/MMM when a feel one person is left out. I hate that.
At one point or another, each one felt left our to me at some point, and that stresses me out.
The book is hot. It's super hot but also angsty and filled with tension.
I feel like a need a nice light fluffy book with no third act break up at all and little to no angst right now before I move on, lol
All and all, great and great series.
December 5, 2023
There are no words to describe how I feel about this book.
When we read about throuples, all works like magic, everyone understand everyone. But in this book? The guys struggle with real life problems, like jealousy and which roll they have on the relationship.
We meet Race and Vince first. Enemies by some misunderstanding that left them both hurting. They find themselves snow in at Elliott's house, he was a pornstar that now directs movies.
Their relationship will evolve in a natural way, full of sexy times and emotional rides.
Will the figured out how to be a throuple? Or will they part ways?
Don't miss out, and find out all about it on this MMM romance.
When we read about throuples, all works like magic, everyone understand everyone. But in this book? The guys struggle with real life problems, like jealousy and which roll they have on the relationship.
We meet Race and Vince first. Enemies by some misunderstanding that left them both hurting. They find themselves snow in at Elliott's house, he was a pornstar that now directs movies.
Their relationship will evolve in a natural way, full of sexy times and emotional rides.
Will the figured out how to be a throuple? Or will they part ways?
Don't miss out, and find out all about it on this MMM romance.
January 21, 2024
dnf@74% This book is a nightmare for anyone triggered by jealousy and unhealthy poly relationships. These three guys, especially the 40 yr old porn director, are not equipped for their new triad relationship and it's stressful.
In a perfect world Race & Vince would live happily ever after with those fantastic sexual moves Race has and Elio can put his weird voyeuristic cameras up his ass.
3⭐ All for Race because he sounds hot AF
In a perfect world Race & Vince would live happily ever after with those fantastic sexual moves Race has and Elio can put his weird voyeuristic cameras up his ass.
3⭐ All for Race because he sounds hot AF
January 28, 2024
Taking break at 82%- first quarter was lovely. Felt organic and real. Then idk what happened but for as much as they all talked, I felt like nothing was ever decided. It got annoying. Idk if I just need a break or if I can go back. I like race a lot.
December 9, 2023
I'm in love 3 times over
Dee's Grade: A+
Kink:🚦🚦🚦.5/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬.5/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣.5/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5
** If the score is ONE EMOJI that means little to none of whatever category/trope was present in the book.
I'm still feeling all the feels from this book. I'm soooooooo in love with these three men. I love them differently the way they love each other. I just keep hearing Katerina Petrova telling me it's okay to love them both or in this case throttled.
I want into this book not know what to expect at all. The only thing I knew was that there would be three of them. I've read and loved this dynamic a lot so I was all in from the start. This book felt different though. So often when you read about throuples there's usually an established couple and a third joins them. While this book does feel like that sometimes in the beginning when we meet all of them...that's not their situation. They are strangers and/adversaries to start. It makes for very fraught relationship as they work out what each of them needs from the triad or even if they want to be a triad at all.
These men frustrated me as much as they frustrated themselves and each other. It wasn't for lack of communication. It was more that it wasn't always effective communication. They couldn't always articulate what they needed because it was more of a feeling or a need they couldn't adequately describe. They also each had their own traumas most of which were unresolved. They also had various insecurities they battled relating to these traumas that their dynamic triggered.
This is a really beautiful story of imperfect humans trying to hold on to a love they never thought they would have. It scares them and makes them want to run and shield themselves. We get to witness them work through all of this as we read their story. It feels raw and messy. It's not a linear love story. They take steps forward and leaps back or sideways. In the end they decide to lean into their HEA and I can't wait for you to discover what that looks like for them. Trust me this is one you want to read right now.
Dee's Grade: A+
Kink:🚦🚦🚦.5/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬.5/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣.5/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5
** If the score is ONE EMOJI that means little to none of whatever category/trope was present in the book.
I'm still feeling all the feels from this book. I'm soooooooo in love with these three men. I love them differently the way they love each other. I just keep hearing Katerina Petrova telling me it's okay to love them both or in this case throttled.
I want into this book not know what to expect at all. The only thing I knew was that there would be three of them. I've read and loved this dynamic a lot so I was all in from the start. This book felt different though. So often when you read about throuples there's usually an established couple and a third joins them. While this book does feel like that sometimes in the beginning when we meet all of them...that's not their situation. They are strangers and/adversaries to start. It makes for very fraught relationship as they work out what each of them needs from the triad or even if they want to be a triad at all.
These men frustrated me as much as they frustrated themselves and each other. It wasn't for lack of communication. It was more that it wasn't always effective communication. They couldn't always articulate what they needed because it was more of a feeling or a need they couldn't adequately describe. They also each had their own traumas most of which were unresolved. They also had various insecurities they battled relating to these traumas that their dynamic triggered.
This is a really beautiful story of imperfect humans trying to hold on to a love they never thought they would have. It scares them and makes them want to run and shield themselves. We get to witness them work through all of this as we read their story. It feels raw and messy. It's not a linear love story. They take steps forward and leaps back or sideways. In the end they decide to lean into their HEA and I can't wait for you to discover what that looks like for them. Trust me this is one you want to read right now.
February 21, 2024
Elio • Vincent • Jon (Race)
….
“What I’m trying to say is, can I see you again after the snow melts?”
.
“So, who gets to pick then? Who’s got the upper hand? Who’s the most wanted?”
….
This one hurt on such a different level I wasn’t prepared for. In each story August hits a spot for me, all my kryptonites, so unique. I don’t think I ever read a MMM dynamic formatted in such a powerful way:
“The problem is that no one’s in charge here—this isn’t some kind of harem. There’s no daddy—we’re just three lost guys who can’t let each other go.”
The subject and issues tackled in this one taken care with such sensitivity, strength and vulnerability. The rawness of it all. So to say I was captivated isn’t enough. Enthralled, enchanted, allured. This series is becoming one of my favorites for its originality and dialogues. I am on my tippy toes waiting for The Influencer.
Say it back… ♾️.
….
Shaya Zamora - Cigarette
.
orbit - Missing the Moon
….
“Find me.” // “What’s the matter, baby boy? Not getting enough attention?” // “Do you not want people to care about you, or are you afraid to ask them to?” // “…and they watch each other like predator and predator” // “…and while I weather the wave of chills his primal behavior gives me, I stare at the beautiful boy in front of me.” // “You’re so special, baby boy.” // “…my crush on the pretty rookie survived. And now it’s thriving.” // “For not being enough to make him stay.” // “We were supposed to be something.” // “Only if you don’t mind when you can’t find your car keys in the morning.” // “…and I haven’t breathed a word about.” // “…I was losing my goddamned mind with how good it felt to have so much of his attention.” // “After all, it’s not like there’s any universe that exists where I’d let Race get away.” // “I want anyone who sees us to be able to see that I was worth the risk after all.” // “You don’t have to say it. It’s written all over your perfect face.” // “Say it back.” // “Lean the fuck in.” …
….
….
“What I’m trying to say is, can I see you again after the snow melts?”
.
“So, who gets to pick then? Who’s got the upper hand? Who’s the most wanted?”
….
This one hurt on such a different level I wasn’t prepared for. In each story August hits a spot for me, all my kryptonites, so unique. I don’t think I ever read a MMM dynamic formatted in such a powerful way:
“The problem is that no one’s in charge here—this isn’t some kind of harem. There’s no daddy—we’re just three lost guys who can’t let each other go.”
The subject and issues tackled in this one taken care with such sensitivity, strength and vulnerability. The rawness of it all. So to say I was captivated isn’t enough. Enthralled, enchanted, allured. This series is becoming one of my favorites for its originality and dialogues. I am on my tippy toes waiting for The Influencer.
Say it back… ♾️.
….
Shaya Zamora - Cigarette
.
orbit - Missing the Moon
….
“Find me.” // “What’s the matter, baby boy? Not getting enough attention?” // “Do you not want people to care about you, or are you afraid to ask them to?” // “…and they watch each other like predator and predator” // “…and while I weather the wave of chills his primal behavior gives me, I stare at the beautiful boy in front of me.” // “You’re so special, baby boy.” // “…my crush on the pretty rookie survived. And now it’s thriving.” // “For not being enough to make him stay.” // “We were supposed to be something.” // “Only if you don’t mind when you can’t find your car keys in the morning.” // “…and I haven’t breathed a word about.” // “…I was losing my goddamned mind with how good it felt to have so much of his attention.” // “After all, it’s not like there’s any universe that exists where I’d let Race get away.” // “I want anyone who sees us to be able to see that I was worth the risk after all.” // “You don’t have to say it. It’s written all over your perfect face.” // “Say it back.” // “Lean the fuck in.” …
….
May 29, 2024
Let’s just say this was a ✨ride✨
This was intense! Like seriously. Working my way through the Manhandled Series has been so much fun but this one was slightly overwhelming for me and I’m such a fan girl for MMM.
Their characters individually were truly gorgeous, such beautiful souls. Vince, was flirty, fun, teasing & cheeky and I could definitely see why Elio fell for that lust. Elio, the tall, dark, broody with a giant … he had alot of personal issues which I felt was dealt with such care and understanding. Then my absolute favourite, Race.. the awakening this man had was incredible.. I really really loved the moments that he was in. That first night with the staring exercise. Urgh! My heart broke. He’s such a precious character and I really loved the development of him.
The journey these three went on was A LOT. Like I got hell of a lot of whiplash with the constant back and forth with their feelings and the nonstop petty jealousy between Vince & Elio! I felt awful for Race and how he being the youngest of the group ended up being the most mature and most understanding of the throuple was crazy. These men stressed me to not end but I’m so glad they finally sorted their dramas out.
I will state after all though, August is the absolute GOAT of writing smut scenes and with the mouth she gave these men.. that brought it alllllllll back for me. The vibes in the bedroom was outrageous like woooosh the smut was ✨smuttttting✨
4 stars for this one! I cannot wait to dive into the 4th and final book.. The Influencer 🖤
This was intense! Like seriously. Working my way through the Manhandled Series has been so much fun but this one was slightly overwhelming for me and I’m such a fan girl for MMM.
Their characters individually were truly gorgeous, such beautiful souls. Vince, was flirty, fun, teasing & cheeky and I could definitely see why Elio fell for that lust. Elio, the tall, dark, broody with a giant … he had alot of personal issues which I felt was dealt with such care and understanding. Then my absolute favourite, Race.. the awakening this man had was incredible.. I really really loved the moments that he was in. That first night with the staring exercise. Urgh! My heart broke. He’s such a precious character and I really loved the development of him.
The journey these three went on was A LOT. Like I got hell of a lot of whiplash with the constant back and forth with their feelings and the nonstop petty jealousy between Vince & Elio! I felt awful for Race and how he being the youngest of the group ended up being the most mature and most understanding of the throuple was crazy. These men stressed me to not end but I’m so glad they finally sorted their dramas out.
I will state after all though, August is the absolute GOAT of writing smut scenes and with the mouth she gave these men.. that brought it alllllllll back for me. The vibes in the bedroom was outrageous like woooosh the smut was ✨smuttttting✨
4 stars for this one! I cannot wait to dive into the 4th and final book.. The Influencer 🖤
March 5, 2024
I've read exactly two MMM romances in the last 2+ years of reading mainly MM, including this one. Usually poly is not for me. This is the second one I've read and if I'd started with this one maybe I would be into it more. The only reason I read this is because this series has blown me away so far, and I usually get bored of a series after a while but absolutely not this one.
I am just so hooked on this series and August Jones' writing, there's something incredibly refreshing about it, her writing style is captivating and interesting, some tropes perhaps overdone in MM romance but you are never ever going to be bored with an August Jones book, nothing drags.
ANYWAY, an MMM romance where everything isn't sunshine and roses and the characters are flawed and things are complicated AF is everything I needed. The amount of spice in this is appropriate and absolutely INSANE at the same time, I loved it.
The personal growth of the three of them individually was so captivating, but Race. RACE! BABY BOY. His development and acceptance of himself was just a joy to read and I love him and want to protect him at all costs. The end.
I am just so hooked on this series and August Jones' writing, there's something incredibly refreshing about it, her writing style is captivating and interesting, some tropes perhaps overdone in MM romance but you are never ever going to be bored with an August Jones book, nothing drags.
ANYWAY, an MMM romance where everything isn't sunshine and roses and the characters are flawed and things are complicated AF is everything I needed. The amount of spice in this is appropriate and absolutely INSANE at the same time, I loved it.
The personal growth of the three of them individually was so captivating, but Race. RACE! BABY BOY. His development and acceptance of himself was just a joy to read and I love him and want to protect him at all costs. The end.
December 2, 2025
This book is everything I didn't know I needed and more... It sounds dramatic A F, but it is true nonetheless.
The Director was... perfect in its imperfection. I will say more about this later.
This story is definitely not your typical MMM story. It is in a way, but it isn't.
Elio, Vince, and Race are just... I don't know, made for each other doesn't sound like enough. Elio and Vince have that old type of love, old as in... I've loved you in all my lifetimes, and I will continue to love you til the end of time. Elio, Race, and Vince have that new, all-consuming type of love that just blends their souls and destinies together from this moment until eternity ends. Race is the balance, the glue, and the breath these two take.
Their story is unconventional, but not because of the whole triad thing. It is unconventional in the way it started, the way it progressed, the way it feels.
Vince and Race had a fling a long time ago. It ended badly, and they've been enemies since then. Their whole mess is brought to the doorstep of Elio, a loner corn director, and after the fight of all fights, they find their way back to each other under the soft guidance of Elio. The way these three fall into each other is hectic, all-consuming, and soul shattering. I think those few days r!pped their souls and merged them together in a way they were unable to comprehend for a long, long time. This aspect is heavily shown and discussed in the book. They don't know how to be together, the three of them, but they don't know how to be in pairs either. They're possessive, jealous of each other, and obsessed beyond belief. They often fight, and they're often frustrated until they finally understand what each one brings to the table and the role each of them plays. It was a battle to get there, and they suffered a lot, but the way they managed to do it just shows how much they adore each other and how they will never be able to be fully be happy if not together, the three of them.
The communication was not always spot on. Sometimes, it was frustrating, but their situation is so unique, and their feelings are just too big. They do not know how to handle that, and I can't fault them.
The dynamic between them is the most fascinating thing I've ever read in an MMM book because it is like anything I've ever experienced. The way the story starts makes you think you know how it'll go, but as it progresses and they get to know each other better, let all those walls down and accept each other and this indestructible love they share, each and every one of them falls into their designated place, the one place that brings them the most joy. To get there, tho', we have to deal with insecurities ( from all 3 of them ) and jealousy... and tantrums. I loved how they finally managed to understand how to properly communicate cuz I think that was their biggest problem. Not communicating per se, but learning how to do it effectively so the others will understand what they need.
As I said, the roles and their dynamic were surprising, and I couldn't find even one thing to complain about. I was so curious to see how August would pull this off, and she did it in a spectacular fashion.
This story is not easy to read. While it is s3xy and steamy A F, the emotions are everything. They pour off the page, and there isn't a moment in which I felt like I wanted this book to end to see how it'll all sort out. I wanted to spend weeks reading about these 3, and I wish I had more story. When I closed the book, I felt... lonely, in a way. Crazy, right? But I just can't let them go yet.
This story was perfect in its imperfection because it was raw. It was honest. It was about three people who found each other and built a relationship from scratch. As I said already, the road was hard, and some things had to happen for this to work out, but... it was all worth it. There was no magic resolution. It was just pain, anger, lust, longing, frustration, and love. So, SO MUCH LOVE.
Vince and Race needed Elio to bring them together. Elio needed someone to accept him exactly how he is ( he has a condition I will not talk about in my review cuz it's a spoiler and it plays a big part in the story ). Race needed both Vince and Elio to learn how to accept himself and grow. Vince needed Elio and Race to feel loved and appreciated. Vince is the reason all three of them met, Elio is what brought them together, but Race... Race is the one that makes everything better. He is the one who holds all of them together and standing. See? There is no way they could function separately because no matter what, their souls would never feel complete.
This is a character based book, not a plot driven one, so... if you are looking for that, look someplace else, but if you want a love so honest and raw, that would make you fall in love... then this book is for you.
I don't think I will move on soon from this book, tbh. I feel like I will be back soon for a re-read. Or... re-listen? The audiobook is phenomenal. I highly recommend it.
This book is definitely in my top books for 2025. I don't have good enough words to describe how I feel, but dang, I love them...
infinite stars. always.
•••
L.E. - Dec '25.
I don't think I will ever get tired of this book. My re-read experience was even better, and somehow, even if I knew what's about to happen my feelings were the same. I fell in love with Vince, Elio and Race all over again. I think this will happen every time I'll do a re-read of this book. They are the definition of messy perfection, and their dynamic will never cease to surprise me in the best way.
Still infinite stars. For always.
The Director was... perfect in its imperfection. I will say more about this later.
This story is definitely not your typical MMM story. It is in a way, but it isn't.
Elio, Vince, and Race are just... I don't know, made for each other doesn't sound like enough. Elio and Vince have that old type of love, old as in... I've loved you in all my lifetimes, and I will continue to love you til the end of time. Elio, Race, and Vince have that new, all-consuming type of love that just blends their souls and destinies together from this moment until eternity ends. Race is the balance, the glue, and the breath these two take.
Their story is unconventional, but not because of the whole triad thing. It is unconventional in the way it started, the way it progressed, the way it feels.
Vince and Race had a fling a long time ago. It ended badly, and they've been enemies since then. Their whole mess is brought to the doorstep of Elio, a loner corn director, and after the fight of all fights, they find their way back to each other under the soft guidance of Elio. The way these three fall into each other is hectic, all-consuming, and soul shattering. I think those few days r!pped their souls and merged them together in a way they were unable to comprehend for a long, long time. This aspect is heavily shown and discussed in the book. They don't know how to be together, the three of them, but they don't know how to be in pairs either. They're possessive, jealous of each other, and obsessed beyond belief. They often fight, and they're often frustrated until they finally understand what each one brings to the table and the role each of them plays. It was a battle to get there, and they suffered a lot, but the way they managed to do it just shows how much they adore each other and how they will never be able to be fully be happy if not together, the three of them.
The communication was not always spot on. Sometimes, it was frustrating, but their situation is so unique, and their feelings are just too big. They do not know how to handle that, and I can't fault them.
The dynamic between them is the most fascinating thing I've ever read in an MMM book because it is like anything I've ever experienced. The way the story starts makes you think you know how it'll go, but as it progresses and they get to know each other better, let all those walls down and accept each other and this indestructible love they share, each and every one of them falls into their designated place, the one place that brings them the most joy. To get there, tho', we have to deal with insecurities ( from all 3 of them ) and jealousy... and tantrums. I loved how they finally managed to understand how to properly communicate cuz I think that was their biggest problem. Not communicating per se, but learning how to do it effectively so the others will understand what they need.
As I said, the roles and their dynamic were surprising, and I couldn't find even one thing to complain about. I was so curious to see how August would pull this off, and she did it in a spectacular fashion.
This story is not easy to read. While it is s3xy and steamy A F, the emotions are everything. They pour off the page, and there isn't a moment in which I felt like I wanted this book to end to see how it'll all sort out. I wanted to spend weeks reading about these 3, and I wish I had more story. When I closed the book, I felt... lonely, in a way. Crazy, right? But I just can't let them go yet.
This story was perfect in its imperfection because it was raw. It was honest. It was about three people who found each other and built a relationship from scratch. As I said already, the road was hard, and some things had to happen for this to work out, but... it was all worth it. There was no magic resolution. It was just pain, anger, lust, longing, frustration, and love. So, SO MUCH LOVE.
Vince and Race needed Elio to bring them together. Elio needed someone to accept him exactly how he is ( he has a condition I will not talk about in my review cuz it's a spoiler and it plays a big part in the story ). Race needed both Vince and Elio to learn how to accept himself and grow. Vince needed Elio and Race to feel loved and appreciated. Vince is the reason all three of them met, Elio is what brought them together, but Race... Race is the one that makes everything better. He is the one who holds all of them together and standing. See? There is no way they could function separately because no matter what, their souls would never feel complete.
This is a character based book, not a plot driven one, so... if you are looking for that, look someplace else, but if you want a love so honest and raw, that would make you fall in love... then this book is for you.
I don't think I will move on soon from this book, tbh. I feel like I will be back soon for a re-read. Or... re-listen? The audiobook is phenomenal. I highly recommend it.
This book is definitely in my top books for 2025. I don't have good enough words to describe how I feel, but dang, I love them...
infinite stars. always.
•••
L.E. - Dec '25.
I don't think I will ever get tired of this book. My re-read experience was even better, and somehow, even if I knew what's about to happen my feelings were the same. I fell in love with Vince, Elio and Race all over again. I think this will happen every time I'll do a re-read of this book. They are the definition of messy perfection, and their dynamic will never cease to surprise me in the best way.
Still infinite stars. For always.
August 5, 2025
i’m soooo obsessed with this book!!
i don’t think i’ve ever read an mmm and i absolutely fell in love with this one😍
the connection, feelings, emotions, build up, spice. it was all so perfect😭🥵
i specifically loved the ed topic in this because i don’t feel like it’s addressed much in books.
i loved how vince made elio feel so special🥹 i loved how elio made vince and race make up & talk. i loved how elio could let go with race.
who knew race could be such a top?!😏
if it weren’t for work and daily life i would of finished this book in one sitting!
such a perfect throuple💖
i don’t think i’ve ever read an mmm and i absolutely fell in love with this one😍
the connection, feelings, emotions, build up, spice. it was all so perfect😭🥵
i specifically loved the ed topic in this because i don’t feel like it’s addressed much in books.
i loved how vince made elio feel so special🥹 i loved how elio made vince and race make up & talk. i loved how elio could let go with race.
who knew race could be such a top?!😏
if it weren’t for work and daily life i would of finished this book in one sitting!
such a perfect throuple💖
December 8, 2023
This read was something else! I have read MMM before and loved it, it always brings the spice and complexity, but August Jones takes it one step further. This is the first MMM book I have read that show, in debt, the maze of feelings, insecurities and needs that need navigating when there are three people in the relationship. I thought this was beautifully done even if, at times, I just wanted them to figure it out. All three had their own issues and doubts about how this would work. And when not everyone is as good at communicating it creates friction and unintentional hurt. But when the communication flowed, and they were just together completely it was amazing. Their connection sparked off the page hot and heavy.
The spice levels in this book were of the charts, you start out in the steamiest forced proximity known to man that nobody ends up wanting to leave, moving to the angst and insecurities that leave you craving until they figure their dynamics out which leads you straight back to the extremely hot HEA.
I haven’t read the other books in the series, even though they interconnect The Director can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The spice levels in this book were of the charts, you start out in the steamiest forced proximity known to man that nobody ends up wanting to leave, moving to the angst and insecurities that leave you craving until they figure their dynamics out which leads you straight back to the extremely hot HEA.
I haven’t read the other books in the series, even though they interconnect The Director can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2024
Okay so more I think about it I think this was a 3/3.5 for me. I loved so much of this and I actually loved all of them individually but I struggled a little with the “reality” of two enemies and a stranger building a relationship based of a few days of being snowed in together? There was a lot of back and forth and jealousy and insecurity, idk I absolutely love this series but this one wasn’t my fave but I am really looking forward to reading The Influencer!
March 1, 2024
I just read in the author’s acknowledgment that she describes these books as mid angst and it fits perfectly. I’ve never read a mmm story like this before and I absolutely loved it! The angst is throughout because they find each other but there doesn’t seem to be a way to make it work. Vince and Race are baseball players so they have a strict schedule a lot of the year. And Elio…Elio has issues. I mean, all three have issues but Elio’s issues make him feel he needs to be alone in life. I love each character so much. Their vulnerability, their roles in the relationship, how they’re SO there for each other…AND they’re so hot 🥵
Asher’s book is next and I’m looking forward to it. Comes out in a couple days. Even though it takes me a bit to get into these books, I love how this author writes - it really works for me.
Asher’s book is next and I’m looking forward to it. Comes out in a couple days. Even though it takes me a bit to get into these books, I love how this author writes - it really works for me.
July 16, 2024
baby boy race is my fave for sure. him and vince are adorable together. elio is kinda annoying ngl.
July 24, 2025
I genuinely can’t remember the last time I didn’t finish a book. I was so close to the end but I just couldn’t do it. Why was the smut so grotesquely written it was genuinely making me nauseous.
December 14, 2023
Well…I’m lost for words honestly. So I will start by saying that was amazing and completely unexpected. This is the first I’ve read by this author and even though it’s the third in the series, it sounded intriguing and interesting, so I signed up for an ARC and I am so glad I did. This definitely can be read as a stand alone but I do wish I’d read the other two books in the series first cause those characters do pop up in this book. Same with her quad series. But I still absolutely loved it and the other books I don’t think impacted the enjoyment of this book at all. This story took me by surprise, I was expecting a lot of erotica with some plot but boy was I caught off guard with the angst and emotions. At one point I was crying too hard to read. This book made my heart ache, my eyes tear up. It made my heart soar. These three men are broken and each have their own complexities but together they are dynamite. Apart, that’s where the work comes in to make this triad work and they struggle, hard. There were so many surprising twists and turns. It started out like any other erotic triad, lots and lots of sex, very little angst but the second half? Boy, that hurt so good. These three are everything. I can’t put into words how much this book tore me up and then sewed me together. I feel shattered and healed. The writing was phenomenal. I can’t wait to dive into the next story by this author. She has quickly become a favorite. The sex scenes were so hot but sensual and erotic. Each of these guys have a different dynamic with one another and together, it was amazing to see. The chemistry was sizzling from the first moment. I was sucked in from the first page and couldn’t put it down.
December 17, 2023
The Director by August Hones is the third book in the Manhandled Series and is an absolute gem! 🌟
First things first, I haven't dipped into the first two books in "The Manhandled Series," but that didn't stop me from diving headfirst into this spicy MMM romance. And let me tell you, I'm so glad I did. I've never read this much spicy gay romance. Like, ever. It's always adorable moments and a little spice with a fast HAE. But not this book. This book had me edged... 😩😩😩
Elio, the former adult film star and present director, is a character with depth! He's the reason behind everything that has happened in this book! 🎬
Race, my baby boy, my absolute favorite person, a young baseball player. I was really drawn to his vulnerability and how he tried to keep his heart locked but couldn't. I cried for this man. (That says too much) 😢
Vince, the brooding baseball player, has a rocky start in his relationship with Race, which he still holds against him. And on the other hand, the start of his relationship with Elio - let's sayyy rockyy in the best wayy..🤭🔥
Now, the book itself - HOLY SMOKES. It's like a rollercoaster of emotions with steamy scenes that'll make you blush too hard. 🍅 All three of them had their ups and downs, but they bounced back. Their chemistry with each other 🔥, their chemistry as a trio 🔥. The writing style is addictive, and the angst level? Let's just say, be prepared to feel ALL the feels. The journey these three go on is a wild one. 🎢
The Director is a triple threat of passion, emotions, and downright sizzling chemistry. 🔥 Even if you haven't met the crew in the first two books, don't worry - this one stands tall on its own. 🤭
I received an ARC of this book.📚🙌
First things first, I haven't dipped into the first two books in "The Manhandled Series," but that didn't stop me from diving headfirst into this spicy MMM romance. And let me tell you, I'm so glad I did. I've never read this much spicy gay romance. Like, ever. It's always adorable moments and a little spice with a fast HAE. But not this book. This book had me edged... 😩😩😩
Elio, the former adult film star and present director, is a character with depth! He's the reason behind everything that has happened in this book! 🎬
Race, my baby boy, my absolute favorite person, a young baseball player. I was really drawn to his vulnerability and how he tried to keep his heart locked but couldn't. I cried for this man. (That says too much) 😢
Vince, the brooding baseball player, has a rocky start in his relationship with Race, which he still holds against him. And on the other hand, the start of his relationship with Elio - let's sayyy rockyy in the best wayy..🤭🔥
Now, the book itself - HOLY SMOKES. It's like a rollercoaster of emotions with steamy scenes that'll make you blush too hard. 🍅 All three of them had their ups and downs, but they bounced back. Their chemistry with each other 🔥, their chemistry as a trio 🔥. The writing style is addictive, and the angst level? Let's just say, be prepared to feel ALL the feels. The journey these three go on is a wild one. 🎢
The Director is a triple threat of passion, emotions, and downright sizzling chemistry. 🔥 Even if you haven't met the crew in the first two books, don't worry - this one stands tall on its own. 🤭
I received an ARC of this book.📚🙌
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews