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I’m in love with Val Russo, but if I tell him the truth, everything between us will change and I refuse to let that happen.
BARCLAY
Ever since college, I’ve kept everyone at a distance. Receiving a wedding invitation from the man who helped build my walls with his infidelity is a strong reminder why. I’m not deserving of the love my friends have found, so I know better than to go looking for it. But they’re on to something when they tease me about my long-term friend with benefits. I can’t stand the idea of losing Val when he realizes I’m not the man he thinks I am, so it’s better for me to keep things the same as they’ve always been.
***
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I know the only way to prove to Barclay how good we are together is to break things off with him…whether I like it or not.
VAL
Just because our relationship is open doesn’t mean Barclay isn’t enough for me. The casual physicality of our relationship has become normal, but as the years wear on, I find myself wanting more. I’ve seen the cracks in his armor and know he feels the same, even though he won’t admit it. I’ve had feelings for him since the start, and I realize the only way to get what I want is to call his bluff.
Our situation has always had an open door to the bedroom, but if he thinks he’d be okay with me seeing other people outside of those four walls, I’m ready to put him to the test. Meeting Jason is unexpected, but welcome, and apparently he’s just the thing Barclay needed to take action. I’ve had no idea how deep Barclay’s feelings go, and as he spills them out to me one by one, I fall a little more in love. Suddenly, there’s a rich future on the table that I’d never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams.
Now we’re together and everyone knows it. He’s ready to give me anything—and anyone—to keep me happy. I don’t know how he spent so long thinking he wasn’t worthy of this kind of happiness. His heart has so much to give and I’m always willing to take, so we’re faced with no option except to share.
BARCLAY
Ever since college, I’ve kept everyone at a distance. Receiving a wedding invitation from the man who helped build my walls with his infidelity is a strong reminder why. I’m not deserving of the love my friends have found, so I know better than to go looking for it. But they’re on to something when they tease me about my long-term friend with benefits. I can’t stand the idea of losing Val when he realizes I’m not the man he thinks I am, so it’s better for me to keep things the same as they’ve always been.
***
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I know the only way to prove to Barclay how good we are together is to break things off with him…whether I like it or not.
VAL
Just because our relationship is open doesn’t mean Barclay isn’t enough for me. The casual physicality of our relationship has become normal, but as the years wear on, I find myself wanting more. I’ve seen the cracks in his armor and know he feels the same, even though he won’t admit it. I’ve had feelings for him since the start, and I realize the only way to get what I want is to call his bluff.
Our situation has always had an open door to the bedroom, but if he thinks he’d be okay with me seeing other people outside of those four walls, I’m ready to put him to the test. Meeting Jason is unexpected, but welcome, and apparently he’s just the thing Barclay needed to take action. I’ve had no idea how deep Barclay’s feelings go, and as he spills them out to me one by one, I fall a little more in love. Suddenly, there’s a rich future on the table that I’d never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams.
Now we’re together and everyone knows it. He’s ready to give me anything—and anyone—to keep me happy. I don’t know how he spent so long thinking he wasn’t worthy of this kind of happiness. His heart has so much to give and I’m always willing to take, so we’re faced with no option except to share.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2024
79 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books935 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 16, 2023
RTC
….but this series has been amazing and I absolutely ADORE Barclay
….but this series has been amazing and I absolutely ADORE Barclay
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April 17, 2024The book was pretty good, I enjoyed it, but what’s up with that cover? The stock-photo-hunk cover is ugly at the best of times, but why does this man look so constipated? And why is his head so obviously photoshopped onto his body, with no effort at blending or matching the skin tones?
June 29, 2024
Barclay & Val deal with a fair amount of denial at first, but if you have read the first 4 books you know that they have been in love for a long time. That being said, Val seems to be unable to separate what he wants from what he needs an actual relationship with Barclay to look like.
This book is totally about the individual relationship between Barclay and Val but introduces a potential new love interest that Val meets in a stalled elevator. If the title didn’t make it obvious, anyone that doesn't care for or want "sharing” in their stories probably won’t be in any hurry to read this one. This story features an excellent examination of what defines an “open” relationship. It explores the ways a relationship functions are and should always be about the needs and wants of the parties involved and not the opinions of anyone outside of it.... even if they are best friends with the parties involved.
Barclay and Val are facing one of the biggest hurdles to what an actual relationship between them might look like. Mainly, the acceptance that consensual non-monogamy will remain an integral part of their chosen lifestyle. Before that these guys get thrown into the deep end of the angst pool. Barclay is determined to keep Val despite his certainty that everything will go wrong. More importantly is that this willingness leads to excellent character development on more than the romance front when acknowledging his love for Val makes Barclay reevaluate every important relationship in his life.
The heart of this series has been in the strength of the friendship between all the members of the "Trophy Doms Social Club". How they support each other through their life changes. Sometimes it doesn't look much like support with their bickering, and plain-spoken hard truths, but these men have set a high bar for friendships and life goals...they are, have always been, and always will be, there for one another in all facets of their lives. This is probably the last book in the series, but it has been a really great one.
This book is totally about the individual relationship between Barclay and Val but introduces a potential new love interest that Val meets in a stalled elevator. If the title didn’t make it obvious, anyone that doesn't care for or want "sharing” in their stories probably won’t be in any hurry to read this one. This story features an excellent examination of what defines an “open” relationship. It explores the ways a relationship functions are and should always be about the needs and wants of the parties involved and not the opinions of anyone outside of it.... even if they are best friends with the parties involved.
Barclay and Val are facing one of the biggest hurdles to what an actual relationship between them might look like. Mainly, the acceptance that consensual non-monogamy will remain an integral part of their chosen lifestyle. Before that these guys get thrown into the deep end of the angst pool. Barclay is determined to keep Val despite his certainty that everything will go wrong. More importantly is that this willingness leads to excellent character development on more than the romance front when acknowledging his love for Val makes Barclay reevaluate every important relationship in his life.
The heart of this series has been in the strength of the friendship between all the members of the "Trophy Doms Social Club". How they support each other through their life changes. Sometimes it doesn't look much like support with their bickering, and plain-spoken hard truths, but these men have set a high bar for friendships and life goals...they are, have always been, and always will be, there for one another in all facets of their lives. This is probably the last book in the series, but it has been a really great one.
June 12, 2025
I love this serie and i knew that one was gonna be more emotional than the rest.
Even though I liked both character… I was not shipping them together. Or at least not until Barclay got into therapy. Feeling worthless for being cheated on and dating a guy who wants to be shared is kinda contradictory.
I felt deep enough for barclay and even though all was not done in the purest and healthiest way it was good.
It is my least favorite of the serie because of that aspect but it is more a me problem because of the way the sharing was done than the writing or story itself.
I’ll def continue to read the next serie from this author because I love her.
Even though I liked both character… I was not shipping them together. Or at least not until Barclay got into therapy. Feeling worthless for being cheated on and dating a guy who wants to be shared is kinda contradictory.
I felt deep enough for barclay and even though all was not done in the purest and healthiest way it was good.
It is my least favorite of the serie because of that aspect but it is more a me problem because of the way the sharing was done than the writing or story itself.
I’ll def continue to read the next serie from this author because I love her.
January 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
idk why this didn’t hit as hard as some of the others - liked the ENM tho
idk why this didn’t hit as hard as some of the others - liked the ENM tho
March 18, 2024
Barclay and Val's story didn't fit the formula of most traditional romances, but I found myself genuinely enjoying their journey towards love. This story was one of the first times that I understood the non-monogamous aspects of a relationship, and I give Kate Hawthorne's writing a lot of credit for that. It was so clear to me that the physical and emotional aspects of Val and Barclay's relationship were entirely separate, and while the two of them were more open with who they allowed into their bedroom there was no question that their love was exclusive to each other. So while I was treated to multiple steamy scenes with other partners, and my god did things get *steamy* in this book, none of that made me feel any different about Val and Barclay's love for each other. Did I think Barclay was an idiot for letting his insecurities be the reason Val almost left him for good? Of course, but that had more to do with the partners who had let him down in the past than anything else. As things shifted from no strings attached to more, Val and Barclay did struggle to find their footing and express what they wanted from a committed relationship with each other. I think every new relationship has those growing pains, and I'm glad I got to see them talk it out with each other and the rest of the Trophy Doms instead of brushing past it to only focus on the happy bits. I could see how high the stakes were for Barclay and Val in the way they handled every situation that came their way, and I was so proud of them for finding a way to open up and let each other in. In the end, Val and Barclay's love felt as solid as any other romance I've read while still keeping true to their sexual preferences, and I have no doubt that these men are committed to making things work for the rest of their lives.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 28, 2024
This was a great end to the series and this author's writing just keeps getting better and better. Barclay is the last trophy dom to commit to a partner. He's been meeting regularly with Val for three years and their time together is passionate and physical. They are a great match, but Barclay keeps himself walled off from a deeper relationship with anyone due to very distant parents in his childhood, a bad college break-up, and other people who rejected him. He feels that the best way to avoid a painful break-up is to never commit again. He doesn't know why his friends keep telling him he's already partnered up with Val, but if he were to pick anyone it would be Va.
Val has been with Barclay these past three years. He knows Barclay has feelings for him more than as a casual hook-up, but Barclay doesn't seem to realize it himself. Val is patient and even willing to accept the status quo. Still, he wants more - the dating, the hanging out at home to cook and watch TV, and visit friends and family together. Does he dare ask for more and how will Barclay respond?
This book has a lot of ethical non-monogamy because it fits their lifestyle. Val likes to be shared and Barclay loves to share him because their relationship is always primary. The other trophy doms and their partners make appearances throughout the book as part of the supportive friend group. The pacing is this book is perfect and unexpected. The emotions run high without artificial angst. The kink is light, but spot-on. Best of all, we're now promised a Trophy Doms of New York series coming. I'll be reading that one, too. I highly recommend reading this entire series!
Val has been with Barclay these past three years. He knows Barclay has feelings for him more than as a casual hook-up, but Barclay doesn't seem to realize it himself. Val is patient and even willing to accept the status quo. Still, he wants more - the dating, the hanging out at home to cook and watch TV, and visit friends and family together. Does he dare ask for more and how will Barclay respond?
This book has a lot of ethical non-monogamy because it fits their lifestyle. Val likes to be shared and Barclay loves to share him because their relationship is always primary. The other trophy doms and their partners make appearances throughout the book as part of the supportive friend group. The pacing is this book is perfect and unexpected. The emotions run high without artificial angst. The kink is light, but spot-on. Best of all, we're now promised a Trophy Doms of New York series coming. I'll be reading that one, too. I highly recommend reading this entire series!
March 27, 2024
Barclay is in love with Val Russo, but he is convinced that if he tells him the truth, everything between them will change and he refuses to let that happen. When he receives a wedding invitation from his ex he is reminded exactly why he built walls and why his arrangement with Val is sex only. Val knows that just because their relationship it open doesn’t mean Barclay isn’t enough for him. As the years wear on, he finds himself wanting more so he realises the only way to get what he wants is to call his bluff. When Val meets Jason it is just what Barclay needed to take action. He has no idea how deep Barclay’s feelings go, and as he spills them out to him one by one, he falls a little more in love. Suddenly, there’s a rich future on the table that he’d never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams. Now they are together and Barclay is ready to give him anything and anyone to keep him happy.
I loved this story as Val's patience finally ran out and he took drastic action to get through to Barclay. This was about emotions, feelings, historic events and how they impact you and your thinking years into the future. I love their open relationship and the deep level of trust that exists between them. The writing meant that I lived their emotions and feelings with them. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story as Val's patience finally ran out and he took drastic action to get through to Barclay. This was about emotions, feelings, historic events and how they impact you and your thinking years into the future. I love their open relationship and the deep level of trust that exists between them. The writing meant that I lived their emotions and feelings with them. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
April 15, 2024
Shared by Kate Hawthorne is book 5 of the Trophy Doms Social Club and the final book in the series. Per usual it was heavy, intense, k!nky, steamy, and downright lovely. Kate has a way of running us through the wringer but we always come out on the other side grateful for it.
Barclay is part of the Trophy Doms. He is the most aloof and protests the hardest about his feelings, and maybe the lack thereof. Even if everyone else can see clearly his love. Val is his partner of three years but only with bedroom type activities. But, Val has met all of Barclay's friends. He is the only one who has slept in Barclay's actual bed. He is the only one. And when Val decides he is worthy of love, Barclay isn't able to commit.
It takes a lot for Barclay to admit to his feelings but the journey is fun to witness. The journey to self love and then love of others is always a gift to witness and Kate led us in such a way that we felt very much a part of the discovery.
I don't recommend this as a standalone. In the previous books we get a very detailed glimpse into their relationship and how each of them behave and think. I feel like that is needed to really understand where each MC is coming from and where they are going. But, if you are looking for a consistent 5 ⭐️series that is emotional and steamy af, then definitely get your hands on these men 😉
Barclay is part of the Trophy Doms. He is the most aloof and protests the hardest about his feelings, and maybe the lack thereof. Even if everyone else can see clearly his love. Val is his partner of three years but only with bedroom type activities. But, Val has met all of Barclay's friends. He is the only one who has slept in Barclay's actual bed. He is the only one. And when Val decides he is worthy of love, Barclay isn't able to commit.
It takes a lot for Barclay to admit to his feelings but the journey is fun to witness. The journey to self love and then love of others is always a gift to witness and Kate led us in such a way that we felt very much a part of the discovery.
I don't recommend this as a standalone. In the previous books we get a very detailed glimpse into their relationship and how each of them behave and think. I feel like that is needed to really understand where each MC is coming from and where they are going. But, if you are looking for a consistent 5 ⭐️series that is emotional and steamy af, then definitely get your hands on these men 😉
March 22, 2024
I read books 1-4 within the space of a week. That's how hooked on this series I was. I considered Rob and Grayson's story my favorite but Barclay and Val laughed in my fucking face. Christ!
I love monogamy but seeing the dynamic of Barclay and Val's open relationship especially with Jason was enticing. The fucking those three did was HOT! and felt like I had a front seat. I wanted to be Val so bad. Jesus!😂 Apart from the sex, I love how the writer works on her characters. Their development and multifacetness and how they keep the story going without being boring. Kate Hawthorne knows her stuff. Tbh, she's the best I've seen so far in this genre. Trophy Doms Social Club is the best series I've ever read and I mean it a 150%. I can't wait enough for Trophy Doms New York.
I love monogamy but seeing the dynamic of Barclay and Val's open relationship especially with Jason was enticing. The fucking those three did was HOT! and felt like I had a front seat. I wanted to be Val so bad. Jesus!😂 Apart from the sex, I love how the writer works on her characters. Their development and multifacetness and how they keep the story going without being boring. Kate Hawthorne knows her stuff. Tbh, she's the best I've seen so far in this genre. Trophy Doms Social Club is the best series I've ever read and I mean it a 150%. I can't wait enough for Trophy Doms New York.
March 22, 2024
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for ages - I was just so excited and Kate Hawthorne always delivers! These 2 stubborn, wonderful men are perfect for each other but somehow refuse to acknowledge it. Val and Barclay are absolute fire - enter Jason and you have a situation that works beautifully for all of them. The relationship is unique and that’s one of the things I love about this series and this author - fantastic read!
April 11, 2025
Kinktastic and so very sweet!!!😍😍😍
It's incredibly satisfying to finally read Barclay and Val's explosive coming together! 😉 Trophy Doms is a sexy, kink-filled delight. Shared is that culmination that !eaves you pleased if not satisfied. Barclay's damage is as frustrating as Val's determination to love him. This push and pull is exciting and sensual!😘 Definitely pick up this tremendously delicious series!!!😁 Thoroughly enjoyable!!!
It's incredibly satisfying to finally read Barclay and Val's explosive coming together! 😉 Trophy Doms is a sexy, kink-filled delight. Shared is that culmination that !eaves you pleased if not satisfied. Barclay's damage is as frustrating as Val's determination to love him. This push and pull is exciting and sensual!😘 Definitely pick up this tremendously delicious series!!!😁 Thoroughly enjoyable!!!
March 10, 2025
"It had taken me more than three years to get through them, but I knew the prize was waiting on the other side. And I found it over and over again in the way he smiled at me as we said our vows, and in the promise of his kiss when we sealed them in front of the clerk."
This was the best one, just wished it had more angst but oh well.
This was the best one, just wished it had more angst but oh well.
March 22, 2024
Barclay for the WIN!
I have loved every single Trophy Dom in this series and they just kept getting better with each story. Barclay and Val are simply the best and I loved getting to see B finally tear down those walls and let Val in. Beautiful story.
I have loved every single Trophy Dom in this series and they just kept getting better with each story. Barclay and Val are simply the best and I loved getting to see B finally tear down those walls and let Val in. Beautiful story.
March 23, 2024
Val and Barclay get the ending they deserve. The internal struggle for both of them played out well on the pages. I'm sad that it's over, but it ended on a high note. I loved the dynamic between these two and how well they fit in with the rest of the group.
April 2, 2024
Such a perfect way to end the series.
April 5, 2024
Trophy Doms
Such great reads. These books are fun reads. All the boys and Daddies are Wonderful and loving. I could stay in this world forever.
Such great reads. These books are fun reads. All the boys and Daddies are Wonderful and loving. I could stay in this world forever.
July 17, 2024
I loved this whole series (glad there's a New York version coming!). Usually I'm a huge fan of monogamy, but Kate sold this one.
August 8, 2024
Love the trophy doms
Wow. What a book... And to see all the different kinks. its surprising how her mind works writing these books awesome book
Wow. What a book... And to see all the different kinks. its surprising how her mind works writing these books awesome book
August 27, 2024
❤️❤️❤️
October 3, 2024
Not my favorite of the series but it was still good! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but over all I felt some stuff could’ve been clarified just a tiny bit more. Still 4 stars!
October 16, 2024
4,8 🌟
So now I wonder.... What's gonna happen with Jason? And with Drake? Hmmm, hopefully more books to come by Kate 🙏🏽 Hawthorne
So now I wonder.... What's gonna happen with Jason? And with Drake? Hmmm, hopefully more books to come by Kate 🙏🏽 Hawthorne
November 17, 2025
2.5⭐️
March 20, 2024
Barclay may be the final member of the Trophy Doms Social Club to fall, but Hawthorne brings this series full circle with yet another unique twist on the relationship and eventual romance between him and Val. After all, Barclay was really the first to find his match (at least as an adult), and readers have quietly understood how he and Val were inevitable from the first installment of this series. The men in question deal with a certain amount of denial first, with Barclay being the primary source of the “idiots in love” vibes I adore. That being said, Val isn’t an unfortunate casualty when he’s just as guilty of being unable to separate what he wants from what he needs in an actual relationship with Barclay.
At its core, this book is very much about the individual relationship between Barclay and Val, but introducing a potential new love interest is the inciting event that launches this arc. Keeping this review spoiler-free means not giving away certain details, but I can safely say that this is not an MMM book… but it’s also not, not an MMM story, thanks to Hawthorne’s usual deftness with storytelling that always pushes the limits of reader expectations in the best way possible. If the title didn’t make it obvious, readers who request “no sharing” in their book recommendations probably won’t be in a hurry to read this story. This is a shame because this novel features an excellent examination of the particular nuances of what defines an “open” relationship. This primarily involves how the way a relationship functions is about the needs and wants of the parties involved and not the opinions of those outside of it.
Developing a friendship with this new character leads to Barclay and Val finally facing one of the greatest hurdles to what an actual relationship between them might look like. Mainly, the acceptance that consensual non-monogamy will remain an integral part of their lifestyle. Before that, of course, Hawthorne throws both men into the deep end of the angst pool. Barclay’s willingness to strip himself emotionally bare to keep Val despite his certainty that everything will go wrong is heart-wrenching in all the best ways. Even more importantly, however, this willingness leads to excellent character development on more than the romance front when acknowledging his love for Val makes Barclay re-evaluate every important relationship in his life (for the better).
After all, the heart of this series lies in the strength of the friendship between the members of the Trophy Doms Social Club as they support each other through the changing natures of their lives. That support may come in the form of bickering, kitchen whiskey, and hard truths, but these men set a high bar for #friendshipgoals in both Hawthorne’s next series and any other collection of books that centers around this sort of found family.
Side note: I appreciate that Hawthorne makes canon what I’ve been saying from book 1 and that Grayson can now officially be my favorite Trophy Dom.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
At its core, this book is very much about the individual relationship between Barclay and Val, but introducing a potential new love interest is the inciting event that launches this arc. Keeping this review spoiler-free means not giving away certain details, but I can safely say that this is not an MMM book… but it’s also not, not an MMM story, thanks to Hawthorne’s usual deftness with storytelling that always pushes the limits of reader expectations in the best way possible. If the title didn’t make it obvious, readers who request “no sharing” in their book recommendations probably won’t be in a hurry to read this story. This is a shame because this novel features an excellent examination of the particular nuances of what defines an “open” relationship. This primarily involves how the way a relationship functions is about the needs and wants of the parties involved and not the opinions of those outside of it.
Developing a friendship with this new character leads to Barclay and Val finally facing one of the greatest hurdles to what an actual relationship between them might look like. Mainly, the acceptance that consensual non-monogamy will remain an integral part of their lifestyle. Before that, of course, Hawthorne throws both men into the deep end of the angst pool. Barclay’s willingness to strip himself emotionally bare to keep Val despite his certainty that everything will go wrong is heart-wrenching in all the best ways. Even more importantly, however, this willingness leads to excellent character development on more than the romance front when acknowledging his love for Val makes Barclay re-evaluate every important relationship in his life (for the better).
After all, the heart of this series lies in the strength of the friendship between the members of the Trophy Doms Social Club as they support each other through the changing natures of their lives. That support may come in the form of bickering, kitchen whiskey, and hard truths, but these men set a high bar for #friendshipgoals in both Hawthorne’s next series and any other collection of books that centers around this sort of found family.
Side note: I appreciate that Hawthorne makes canon what I’ve been saying from book 1 and that Grayson can now officially be my favorite Trophy Dom.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
May 14, 2024
I really loved this series and can not wait to read more from Kate!!!
October 13, 2024
4.25⭐️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews