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The Foster Family
Growing up in foster care has left Kerry Grey with little self-esteem or hope for his future. A college dropout, Kerry scrapes by on a part-time job at a garden nursery. His friendship with his boss and working with the plants are the only high points in Kerry’s life. He’s been dating the man who bullied him at school, but when his boyfriend abandons him at a party, Kerry wanders down the beach to drown his sorrows in a bottle of scotch.
Malcolm Holmes and Charlie Stone have been together for fifteen years. Despite Charlie's willingness to accept Malcolm's unspoken domination in bed, something is missing from their relationship. Early one morning, they rescue a passed out Kerry from being washed away by the tide and Charlie immediately senses a kindred spirit in the lost younger man. When Kerry’s roommate kicks him out, Malcolm and Charlie invite him into their home. As Charlie and Kerry bond over Charlie’s garden, Malcolm sees Kerry may be just who they have been looking for to complete their lives. All they have to do is show Kerry, and each other, that Kerry's submissive tendencies will fit their dynamic.
But someone is sabotaging Kerry at every turn. As he struggles to discover the culprit, he fears for the safety of his new friends. If Malcolm and Charlie cannot help, their lifelong search for their perfect third may not end with the happily ever after they imagined.
Malcolm Holmes and Charlie Stone have been together for fifteen years. Despite Charlie's willingness to accept Malcolm's unspoken domination in bed, something is missing from their relationship. Early one morning, they rescue a passed out Kerry from being washed away by the tide and Charlie immediately senses a kindred spirit in the lost younger man. When Kerry’s roommate kicks him out, Malcolm and Charlie invite him into their home. As Charlie and Kerry bond over Charlie’s garden, Malcolm sees Kerry may be just who they have been looking for to complete their lives. All they have to do is show Kerry, and each other, that Kerry's submissive tendencies will fit their dynamic.
But someone is sabotaging Kerry at every turn. As he struggles to discover the culprit, he fears for the safety of his new friends. If Malcolm and Charlie cannot help, their lifelong search for their perfect third may not end with the happily ever after they imagined.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2014
23 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Samms
106 books277 followersJaime Samms is a plaid-hearted Canadian who spends the too-long winters writing stories about love between men and the too-short summers digging in the garden. There are dust bunnies in the corners of her house—which she blames on a husky named Kai. There are dishes on the counter—which is clearly because teenagers! There is hot coffee in the pot and the occasional meal to keep her from starving—because her husband is remarkable and patient.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
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January 12, 2018I'm abandoning this book almost at the end of it. Why? Definitely not because it's bad, not at all, it's well written, it has developed MCs and all but I can't take the way it makes me feel anymore. I guess it's too real and it personifies all that makes me cautious about reading ménage stories.
You know I always wonder how can they manage to maintain their relationship without asking questions like: "Does he love me as much as him?" "Does he need me as much as him?" or "Who is more important to him?" If I was a part of a ménage relationship I would probably torture myself with such questions all the time.
This book is adressing exactly this problem and does so in a very real way, at least for me, and I can't take all the insecurity I feel from MCs.
Also there's one thing that makes it even worse, they spent more time as couples and very little time as a threesome and I can understand why would the third feel kinda excluded.
You know I always wonder how can they manage to maintain their relationship without asking questions like: "Does he love me as much as him?" "Does he need me as much as him?" or "Who is more important to him?" If I was a part of a ménage relationship I would probably torture myself with such questions all the time.
This book is adressing exactly this problem and does so in a very real way, at least for me, and I can't take all the insecurity I feel from MCs.
Also there's one thing that makes it even worse, they spent more time as couples and very little time as a threesome and I can understand why would the third feel kinda excluded.
April 19, 2016
“How do I stay?” Charlie asked in the smallest voice I’d ever heard from a grown man. “How do I stay with him, knowing he isn’t enough? How do I tell him he isn’t enough and not crush him completely?”
4.5 beautiful, bright shining stars. This book was so not what I thought it would be. It blindsided me. Took me totally by surprise and broke my heart. This story had 3 MC's, each of them having been a part of the foster care system. Each of them having a different experience and coming out of it with their own strengths and weaknesses.
These three men come together in a fashion, but their first meeting is fraught with stress, anxiety, misunderstandings, miscommunication until Kelly finally uses a family emergency to return to his foster father’s home and help out. He uses this time to try and sort out his feelings and figure out where he belongs in this unique relationship that he has started with Charlie and Mal. Finally returning to them, in the hopes of having found the place where he belongs, where his heart tells him he wants to be.
I loved how this story unfolded, the dynamics were so layered and complex. The give and take between these three men as they struggle to reform the relationship between Malcolm and Charlie to include Kelly and give each of them what they need.
He smiled and nodded. “It’s a hard, hard thing to let go of mine and me and think our and us.”
“I want to be able to do that.”
There was no big steamy sex scene at the end of this book, no HEA or a HFN, but a promise. A promise of what might be, what could be, what should be.
4.5 beautiful, bright shining stars. This book was so not what I thought it would be. It blindsided me. Took me totally by surprise and broke my heart. This story had 3 MC's, each of them having been a part of the foster care system. Each of them having a different experience and coming out of it with their own strengths and weaknesses.
These three men come together in a fashion, but their first meeting is fraught with stress, anxiety, misunderstandings, miscommunication until Kelly finally uses a family emergency to return to his foster father’s home and help out. He uses this time to try and sort out his feelings and figure out where he belongs in this unique relationship that he has started with Charlie and Mal. Finally returning to them, in the hopes of having found the place where he belongs, where his heart tells him he wants to be.
I loved how this story unfolded, the dynamics were so layered and complex. The give and take between these three men as they struggle to reform the relationship between Malcolm and Charlie to include Kelly and give each of them what they need.
He smiled and nodded. “It’s a hard, hard thing to let go of mine and me and think our and us.”
“I want to be able to do that.”
There was no big steamy sex scene at the end of this book, no HEA or a HFN, but a promise. A promise of what might be, what could be, what should be.
January 9, 2018
4.0 Stars
Well, even given the book blurb that was a whole lot more angsty and even less porny than I thought it would be. It was definitely intimate, but less so erotic; there just weren't as many of those scenes as I've come to expect from a story focusing on a three-person relationship. Of course, those other books weren't as deeply explored when it comes to how the three MCs fit together in said relationship...and thus I really liked this one.
There's tons of character growth, self-awareness, acceptance, angst...from all the characters. The acknowledgment of how their own pairing wasn't working right (Mal & Charlie) was amazing - which made them admitting adding a third wasn't always the right move (kinda like having a kid to save a marriage, I'm thinking) - weakening their bond some when one got more attached - kind of refreshingly honest. And I adored how Mal wasn't the Perfect Dom - he made mistakes, he needed his own comfort & release, had some serious caretaker issues. Charlie's journey was a little less emotionally draining, but he had his own self-esteem and needs issues to work through, too. Kerry was frequently a whiney, immature kid (he's 20; I'm inclined to let that go), but when he stepped up he really showed some insight & growth. I'm kind of impressed with how he took the initiative to stand on his own, to figure out what he wanted and how to get it...but only after he was really introspective and examined the life he'd lived until that point. Again, refreshing.
There's a bit when they're finally all reunited where Malcolm tells Kerry that he's not replaceable, that he is loved and wanted for himself and not just as this other person spicing up their sex life: “None of them were ever brave enough to tell us we were too broken for them. They came between us...You brought us together." I think that says a lot about this whole book, honestly, and came at the perfect point in the story...because they were all finally ready for it to work.
As for the drama? Well, the harassment/vandalism issue was really anticlimactic and I would have preferred a much more solid resolution...and maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment but I would probably crawl through glass for Andrew's whole story given how he treated Kerry, what he admitted to about the condoms and the less-than happy bit near the end.
Also, some plot threads were left dangling...I'd have loved an update about Matt, and that social worker/ex-foster kid Charlie took all that time to locate (online) to give Malcolm closure...especially since he worked in the city Kerry used to live with his own foster family. (There was a hint that maybe he knew Nash & Dave but nothing was ever explored.)
Still, if you don't mind there not being a whole lot of kinky sex in your menage (what there is, IS hot though with an interesting D/s aspect) and aren't just looking for the happyhappyjoyjoy time but would like to see the struggle to work through solidifying this kind of relationship...then this is definitely the book to read.
(Oh, damn, I forgot to mention that Greg Tremblay did an amazing job...as usual!)
Well, even given the book blurb that was a whole lot more angsty and even less porny than I thought it would be. It was definitely intimate, but less so erotic; there just weren't as many of those scenes as I've come to expect from a story focusing on a three-person relationship. Of course, those other books weren't as deeply explored when it comes to how the three MCs fit together in said relationship...and thus I really liked this one.
There's tons of character growth, self-awareness, acceptance, angst...from all the characters. The acknowledgment of how their own pairing wasn't working right (Mal & Charlie) was amazing - which made them admitting adding a third wasn't always the right move (kinda like having a kid to save a marriage, I'm thinking) - weakening their bond some when one got more attached - kind of refreshingly honest. And I adored how Mal wasn't the Perfect Dom - he made mistakes, he needed his own comfort & release, had some serious caretaker issues. Charlie's journey was a little less emotionally draining, but he had his own self-esteem and needs issues to work through, too. Kerry was frequently a whiney, immature kid (he's 20; I'm inclined to let that go), but when he stepped up he really showed some insight & growth. I'm kind of impressed with how he took the initiative to stand on his own, to figure out what he wanted and how to get it...but only after he was really introspective and examined the life he'd lived until that point. Again, refreshing.
There's a bit when they're finally all reunited where Malcolm tells Kerry that he's not replaceable, that he is loved and wanted for himself and not just as this other person spicing up their sex life: “None of them were ever brave enough to tell us we were too broken for them. They came between us...You brought us together." I think that says a lot about this whole book, honestly, and came at the perfect point in the story...because they were all finally ready for it to work.
As for the drama? Well, the harassment/vandalism issue was really anticlimactic and I would have preferred a much more solid resolution...and maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment but I would probably crawl through glass for Andrew's whole story given how he treated Kerry, what he admitted to about the condoms and the less-than happy bit near the end.
Also, some plot threads were left dangling...I'd have loved an update about Matt, and that social worker/ex-foster kid Charlie took all that time to locate (online) to give Malcolm closure...especially since he worked in the city Kerry used to live with his own foster family. (There was a hint that maybe he knew Nash & Dave but nothing was ever explored.)
Still, if you don't mind there not being a whole lot of kinky sex in your menage (what there is, IS hot though with an interesting D/s aspect) and aren't just looking for the happyhappyjoyjoy time but would like to see the struggle to work through solidifying this kind of relationship...then this is definitely the book to read.
(Oh, damn, I forgot to mention that Greg Tremblay did an amazing job...as usual!)
March 10, 2014
This is a really interesting book to comment on because I liked the story but didn't necessarily understand the dynamics of the relationship. However this didn't stop me enjoying the story.
I did like the characters. I liked their 'brokenness'. I liked the challenges faced by the younger Kerry as he deals with his broken relationship and loss of home. I liked his foster background and the way this connected him with Malcolm. I liked the struggles of the older couple, Charlie and Malcolm as they try to find the right balance in their relationship and the key part to 'make them work' even after all those years together.
This story wasn't the typical menage story I was expecting. It was more focused on the emotional journey of all three men and less on the three way sex. I also found the BDSM took a back seat.
This is definitely a story for anyone who likes a focus on a relationship with an age difference.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I did like the characters. I liked their 'brokenness'. I liked the challenges faced by the younger Kerry as he deals with his broken relationship and loss of home. I liked his foster background and the way this connected him with Malcolm. I liked the struggles of the older couple, Charlie and Malcolm as they try to find the right balance in their relationship and the key part to 'make them work' even after all those years together.
This story wasn't the typical menage story I was expecting. It was more focused on the emotional journey of all three men and less on the three way sex. I also found the BDSM took a back seat.
This is definitely a story for anyone who likes a focus on a relationship with an age difference.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
August 7, 2016
I didn't enjoy this book. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and nothing they did made any sense to me. I didn't like any of them. For most of the book, it seemed like no one knew what the hell was going on, yet they thought and spoke in a way that implied that they did. They seemed to speak in code, saying things like "You know what you need to do" (I'm paraphrasing here), and all I could think was Really? Cause I don't think he does, and I don't think you do either. Could someone kindly inform me what needs to be done because I don't know WTF you're talking about.
Turns out, all that needed to happen was for . Who knew the solution could be so simple?! *eyeroll*
Anyway, there's also a side plot that kind of gets forgotten about until it's mentioned in passing in the epilogue like "Oh yeah, that big dramatic thing? It's all good now, no biggie." Still, the book wasn't horribly written, so it gets two stars.
Also, there is a random extra hand on the cover.
Turns out, all that needed to happen was for . Who knew the solution could be so simple?! *eyeroll*
Anyway, there's also a side plot that kind of gets forgotten about until it's mentioned in passing in the epilogue like "Oh yeah, that big dramatic thing? It's all good now, no biggie." Still, the book wasn't horribly written, so it gets two stars.
Also, there is a random extra hand on the cover.
February 16, 2014
A surprisingly well written and emotionally satisfying read. Similar in parts to Riley Hart's Broken Pieces but this carried more resonance for me. It felt more realistic...infinitely more painful but so much more rewarding at the end.
Yeah, angst to the nth degree, but I was in the mood for it so I wallowed with masochistic glee. : P
Not a lot of on page sex in this, and I was surprisingly disappointed because there was such great chemistry between the guys, but it did add to the delicious tension. The story is told from Kerry's POV but it also focuses on Malcolm, an outwardly commanding but touchingly fragile Dom who is struggling with demons of his own. His relationship with Charlie is complex and at times confusing and I loved that as more is revealed about their dynamics a future with Kerry seems not only possible but very, very necessary.
February 19, 2014
I'm not sure what I feel about this read. There were parts of it that I liked but that lead to parts where I had huge issues. I will say that I felt compelled to find out what happened with everyone.
October 31, 2014
This story turned out to be a lot more complex than I was expecting and it took me a while to sort through the dynamics of the main couple, Charlie and Malcom, together for 15 years, and what exactly each man thought Kerry could bring to the relationship. The men bring Kerry into the household without really setting out what his position in relation to them would be, and therein lies quite a bit of their problem. In addition, Kerry's presence brings to light problems Malcom and Charlie were overlooking in their own relationship.
Kerry is at an especially low point in his life and has a lot of baggage to sort through, but he is also able to recognize the difficulties Charlie and Malcom are having. The threesome really doesn't come together for quite some time, and if you are looking for a book full of hot sex, this one is not going to be for you. The men all have issues to work through personally before they can really get to the problems that the three of them as a unit might face.
There was a lot to the story and I would love to see more about the men moving forward as unit, especially since I was so intrigued by the dynamics of how that relationship will work.
Kerry is at an especially low point in his life and has a lot of baggage to sort through, but he is also able to recognize the difficulties Charlie and Malcom are having. The threesome really doesn't come together for quite some time, and if you are looking for a book full of hot sex, this one is not going to be for you. The men all have issues to work through personally before they can really get to the problems that the three of them as a unit might face.
There was a lot to the story and I would love to see more about the men moving forward as unit, especially since I was so intrigued by the dynamics of how that relationship will work.
March 14, 2014
I’m a big fan of ménage stories and after reading the premise of The Foster Family I was instantly intrigued. The fact that Jaime Samms is a new author to me made me burst with curiosity. I had to read the story.
Malcolm and Charlie’s relationship is far from stable. Over the years they have invited other men into their lives without really examining what it was they were searching for. When Kerry comes along his honesty makes them realise they need to make some vital changes in order to find themselves, whilst also coming to terms with the fact that Kerry can’t just fill in the cracks, he needs to belong, and find the right place for himself.
Malcolm… *sigh* had been through the foster system himself, calling his last foster dad ‘Foster Demon’, I guess the title speaks for itself. Malcolm is an untamed, rough diamond, dominant on the outside but inside he’s a sensitive soul, vulnerable and easily stressed. The helplessness he feels at his inability to get through to Charlie, just killed me. Charlie on the other hand is also stressed. His job as the assistant to the gallery owner from hell, makes his life a misery… ohhh, how I hated that bitch! So submitting sexually to Malcolm is Charlie’s own way of coping with his horrible job.
I fell so deeply for Malcolm, because as convinced as he is that Kerry is the missing piece to save his relationship with Charlie and complete them, he of all people realises that Kerry needs to leave in order to find himself first, before all three of them can find their happily ever after.
“I was a foster kid too, Kerry. I know what that’s like. Can I please be the one to show you that sometimes, there are people out there who want to look after you just because you’re worth looking after? Can you please just let me do this? Today, let me be your sugar daddy, or your man, or whatever it is you want to fill that title out with. Let me make decisions and look after you and buy you things because no one has ever done that for you and I want to be the one to do that. Please?”
Kerry’s journey from being alone and withholding himself from friendship and love, to that of a young man who learns to love himself, to trust and to belong, was interesting and gripping to read. He is one of those sad, lost characters that just breaks your heart.
Kerry and Malcolm’s past in the foster care system made me think about all the foster children out there, about their personal hell, lonely, unloved and unwanted. I adored Nash, Kerry’s foster dad, who cares so much about Kerry, loves him with all his heart and finally is the one who makes Kerry realise that he has to break down the walls around his heart first, before building a true and caring relationship with Malcolm and Charlie is even a possibility. Kerry’s reconnecting with Nash was breath-taking to watch. Loved it!
If your concept of a perfect ménage story requires an instant connection and never ending kinky three-way sex, then The Foster Family might not be the right choice for you. It’s more about three broken men hitting rock bottom and finding their way to come to terms with everything that’s happened to each of them. It’s about coping with the past, shifting dynamics, and finding their place within a stable, loving relationship without losing themselves.
I really enjoyed reading this. The storyline is complex, the characters lovable and the writing style deeply emotional, powerful and gripping. The Foster Family is one of those books that made me think about how others cope with the pain of their past, even years later, and how we as individuals deal with those emotions that makes us who we are today.
Overall it is a wonderful story and I recommend it to anyone who expects more from a story than a cute romance and hot sex. It has the perfect mix of inner struggles, angst, friendship, humour and love. I’m soooo hoping for a sequel, because I really think those three guys deserve one! I want to see all three men actually living together enjoying a happy, stable relationship.
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October 9, 2016Overall book rating: I don’t even know..
First three quarters: 4.5
Last quarter: 2 YOU MESSED THIS UP STARS!!
Audio Book: NA
Book Cover: 2
You sometimes read something that “touches you”. Something that’s not just another read, something that makes you get that all excited feeling inside because you can sense the greatness to come.
I had that feeling with this book. I don’t know how I got to reading it exactly. It was one of those unplanned things I just randomly picked up and tried.
This isn’t light and fluffy. It’s not dark and dangerous. It’s emotional and layered and complicated and drawn out because it has to be. It’s reading that takes effort and understanding even if you don’t agree.
In this book we have three guys. Carrie, Malcolm and Charlie.
When we first meet Carrie he’s a 20 year old lost kid. An orphan who lets himself be used for any kind of attention, be it good or bad. He’s a mixture between hostile teenager and hungry for direction and someone to give this to him. Carrie doesn’t really value himself, resulting in him being used and mistreated by Andrew,
X-high school bully and current closeted “lover”. He sees everyone in his life, be it current or past, has fleeting moments. He doesn’t attached himself to them and at this point in his mind he sees himself as an outsider who doesn’t really matter. Nothing matters, he just keeps going and doesn’t allow any attachments.
Enters Malcolm “Mal” , and Charlie. The two older men find Carrie passed out on the beach in front of their house on a morning jog. They offer him some help, which he in typical teenage belligerent fashion wants to refuse at first . He showers in their outdoor shower and upon finishing demands a hot cup of coffee from Malcolm who took it upon himself to fix them all some breakfast. Here we are introduced to the dynamics of the relationship between Mal and Charlie. We get a little small preview and it immediately drew me like a moth to a flame.
Mal is dominant in nature. Mal is the BOSS and no one tells him what to do, especially not in his own home.
Mal warns Charlie not to get attached to this boy as he “always” does with the boys. He then proceeds to “vet” the young orphan for his Charlie. You get the impression that Charlie likes to play but that the boys never last long and it leaves him sad and vulnerable. Therefore Mal, who indulges his lover, tries to shield him from this hurt.
Mal brings Carrie home. And here starts a journey that makes your heart break, your head spin and your mouth dry at times. Because everything you “THINK” you know gets turned upside down.
Charlie is much stronger that you assume him to be. Seeing has when you hear the word submissive, you automatically think him to be a kind hearted soft soul. Charlie is all that. He is kind and caring and deep, but he is no push over either. In fact, Charlie is the glue that keeps Mal from falling apart. Charlie warns Carrie not to let Mal close if he’s planning on leaving and a whole new world opens up to you.
It’s messy! Really messy! Because Carrie forces the lovers to acknowledge how “broken” they’ve become. Just how far they’ve allowed themselves to drift away from what is important. Carrie brings all the cracks to surface. This was difficult to read. Because your rooting for Carrie to find a home. A place he belongs and someone to love him, but he’s always on the outer lines of this dynamic. He’s kind of left to figure it out for himself and it’s a mess because not even Mal and Charlie really knows what is happening. Everything falls to pieces. Mal gets possessive about Carrie and Charlie sees the train wreck coming from a mile away but he can’t even help himself, so he can’t avoid Mal hitting the wall at 100 miles an hour either.
I think this was done brilliantly. Even though it hurt, it was REAL. There was no quick fix and no third party holding them all together and miraculously fixing them. Carrie didn’t come BETWEEN them. They had to fix themselves first. Again. BRILLIANT.
In this turmoil Carrie comes to his own acceptance that he is worth something. That he has people in his life who really cares, even though he tried hard to not acknowledge that. He finds that some of the “enemies” in his life are actually friends and that he has a home and a family. His own place to fall back on outside of Mal and Charlie’s circle.
THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT!!! It was a definite 4.5 average masterpiece!
This brilliant scene where Carrie is at long last allowed into their bedroom, where something so small has Malcolm putting his pants over Carrie’s on a corner chair opens something profound. It blurred the lines. He’s no longer “separate” from them. It’s so beautiful and you want to hyperventilate for what’s to come at long last.
And then the author did this.....She takes a baseball bat to her own masterpiece I’m sorry to say.
WARNING – MAJOR SPOILER
And also, I get that this whole relationship was not based on the “sex” from the start...but really? Really?? Dragging us through pages and pages of emotional turmoil and then giving us a version of watered down cool aid? It’s like bacon with NO SALT!! It’s like Decaffeinated Coffee!! It’s like “LITE ICE CREAM!!! Why would you do that??
Why would you reduce this amazing journey to this? And where the hell was her beta readers??? Because if I was one of them I would have straight out told her that this is NOT RIGHT.
First three quarters: 4.5
Last quarter: 2 YOU MESSED THIS UP STARS!!
Audio Book: NA
Book Cover: 2
You sometimes read something that “touches you”. Something that’s not just another read, something that makes you get that all excited feeling inside because you can sense the greatness to come.
I had that feeling with this book. I don’t know how I got to reading it exactly. It was one of those unplanned things I just randomly picked up and tried.
This isn’t light and fluffy. It’s not dark and dangerous. It’s emotional and layered and complicated and drawn out because it has to be. It’s reading that takes effort and understanding even if you don’t agree.
In this book we have three guys. Carrie, Malcolm and Charlie.
When we first meet Carrie he’s a 20 year old lost kid. An orphan who lets himself be used for any kind of attention, be it good or bad. He’s a mixture between hostile teenager and hungry for direction and someone to give this to him. Carrie doesn’t really value himself, resulting in him being used and mistreated by Andrew,
X-high school bully and current closeted “lover”. He sees everyone in his life, be it current or past, has fleeting moments. He doesn’t attached himself to them and at this point in his mind he sees himself as an outsider who doesn’t really matter. Nothing matters, he just keeps going and doesn’t allow any attachments.
Enters Malcolm “Mal” , and Charlie. The two older men find Carrie passed out on the beach in front of their house on a morning jog. They offer him some help, which he in typical teenage belligerent fashion wants to refuse at first . He showers in their outdoor shower and upon finishing demands a hot cup of coffee from Malcolm who took it upon himself to fix them all some breakfast. Here we are introduced to the dynamics of the relationship between Mal and Charlie. We get a little small preview and it immediately drew me like a moth to a flame.
Mal is dominant in nature. Mal is the BOSS and no one tells him what to do, especially not in his own home.
Mal warns Charlie not to get attached to this boy as he “always” does with the boys. He then proceeds to “vet” the young orphan for his Charlie. You get the impression that Charlie likes to play but that the boys never last long and it leaves him sad and vulnerable. Therefore Mal, who indulges his lover, tries to shield him from this hurt.
Mal brings Carrie home. And here starts a journey that makes your heart break, your head spin and your mouth dry at times. Because everything you “THINK” you know gets turned upside down.
Charlie is much stronger that you assume him to be. Seeing has when you hear the word submissive, you automatically think him to be a kind hearted soft soul. Charlie is all that. He is kind and caring and deep, but he is no push over either. In fact, Charlie is the glue that keeps Mal from falling apart. Charlie warns Carrie not to let Mal close if he’s planning on leaving and a whole new world opens up to you.
It’s messy! Really messy! Because Carrie forces the lovers to acknowledge how “broken” they’ve become. Just how far they’ve allowed themselves to drift away from what is important. Carrie brings all the cracks to surface. This was difficult to read. Because your rooting for Carrie to find a home. A place he belongs and someone to love him, but he’s always on the outer lines of this dynamic. He’s kind of left to figure it out for himself and it’s a mess because not even Mal and Charlie really knows what is happening. Everything falls to pieces. Mal gets possessive about Carrie and Charlie sees the train wreck coming from a mile away but he can’t even help himself, so he can’t avoid Mal hitting the wall at 100 miles an hour either.
I think this was done brilliantly. Even though it hurt, it was REAL. There was no quick fix and no third party holding them all together and miraculously fixing them. Carrie didn’t come BETWEEN them. They had to fix themselves first. Again. BRILLIANT.
In this turmoil Carrie comes to his own acceptance that he is worth something. That he has people in his life who really cares, even though he tried hard to not acknowledge that. He finds that some of the “enemies” in his life are actually friends and that he has a home and a family. His own place to fall back on outside of Mal and Charlie’s circle.
THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT!!! It was a definite 4.5 average masterpiece!
This brilliant scene where Carrie is at long last allowed into their bedroom, where something so small has Malcolm putting his pants over Carrie’s on a corner chair opens something profound. It blurred the lines. He’s no longer “separate” from them. It’s so beautiful and you want to hyperventilate for what’s to come at long last.
And then the author did this.....She takes a baseball bat to her own masterpiece I’m sorry to say.
WARNING – MAJOR SPOILER
And also, I get that this whole relationship was not based on the “sex” from the start...but really? Really?? Dragging us through pages and pages of emotional turmoil and then giving us a version of watered down cool aid? It’s like bacon with NO SALT!! It’s like Decaffeinated Coffee!! It’s like “LITE ICE CREAM!!! Why would you do that??
Why would you reduce this amazing journey to this? And where the hell was her beta readers??? Because if I was one of them I would have straight out told her that this is NOT RIGHT.
February 23, 2014
Very engrossing, angsty, emotional read. Why only 3 stars? These guys were just a hot mess and they didn't know if they were coming or going most of the time. You know how when you read about threesomes, your not sure if one person will feel left out? That's this whole book. Angst, angst, angst. And, in my opinion, not enough happy times to make up for it. After finishing this book, I felt sort of icky because I can't see these guys making it together. After all the angst, I wanted a happier ending!
Still, the writing definitely kept me glued to my kindle.
Still, the writing definitely kept me glued to my kindle.
May 26, 2014
I finished reading this book just an hour ago. Like some other books recently, it has left me emotionally revealed. Like those others, I'm not shying away from it.
These three men - Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry - all arrived at the beginning of this story thinking they knew why they were there, as did I.
We were all wrong, and this story is the slow, painful, careful, messy and joyful peeling back the layers that life has added, scarring and knowledgeable and hopeful.
For me, the BDSM aspect - I would say BDSM-lite at that - was merely a way introduce these three characters. It's also the thing that, at times, separates them from each other, tries to blind the truth, educates, opens doors, heals scars, begs questions and lays out the possibilities for all of them to finally feel like they have a home to share, from now on, in all of the ways that having one can mean.
I won't even really try to describe each of these three men. They are complicated and do change throughout this story, the same way many of us change when someone comes into our lives and, whether intentional or not, shifts everything, causing new light and forced glare on us. I just know I... I'm not even sure how to put that into words, how I feel about each of them. It's different and yet the same, how they are and what they did to me.
As for supporting characters, they are all beautifully unique, some more likable than others, some more concrete than others. None of them are throw-aways, none are unimportant, and I like that I now know them, as well.
I liked that, throughout most of the story, I really didn't know how things were going to turn out. Whether it was between Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry, or with Kerry's family, his friends, his past, the police, but ultimately, between Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry, in any combination. Actually, I don't want to use the word "between", it holds too much power in this book. The past getting between any of them and their futures, present pain between seeing the truth in friendship and not, words and habits getting between happiness fulfilled and unending emptiness. Instead I'll say there were so many things "next to" each of these men, I didn't know if, when, how they'd be able to deal with it all. I could feel how much they wanted... well, everything, but everything else was right next to them, threatening to keep those walls well-maintained.
Actually, this leads to something else I really liked about this: it wasn't always about the three of them together, or decisions being made that involved all three of them. Instead, many times, the interactions and resulting actions and feelings involved two of them. Malcolm's assumptions warring with Charlie's abilities, Kerry's self-aware needs going unseen by Malcolm, Charlie's uncertainties eating away at his love for Malcolm, as well as his need for Kerry. In other words, they're all individuals within this trio trying to become just that.
There were a few editorial issues technically but only once did they pull me out of the story, realizing the wrong name had been used. I passed over that quickly, though.
There were a few parts of scenes that were confusing, almost like gaps made by missing puzzle pieces. It almost felt like I was reading as the author was writing, trying to get it all out without losing any of the emotional impact. Again, I moved quickly by those and my overall experiences wasn't greatly affected.
The writing is strong, honest. This author does some emotional digging from which I couldn't turn my gaze, unable to stop from feeling what she was offering. As difficult as it was for me, I would love to have more, especially with this little world with Kerry, Nash, Malcolm, Grey, Charlie, Lissa, David, Matt and Marcus.
He let Charlie take it. He wanted to follow this wherever it was going, because the tightness had closed up inside him, then exploded and ripped him open, and instead of backing away from the mess, Charlie had crawled inside him and began to clean it all up. To put things back where they belonged. Some dusty bits of Malcolm's psyche were being rubbed clean and put back, and he hadn't even known those bits had fallen loose.
These three men - Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry - all arrived at the beginning of this story thinking they knew why they were there, as did I.
We were all wrong, and this story is the slow, painful, careful, messy and joyful peeling back the layers that life has added, scarring and knowledgeable and hopeful.
For me, the BDSM aspect - I would say BDSM-lite at that - was merely a way introduce these three characters. It's also the thing that, at times, separates them from each other, tries to blind the truth, educates, opens doors, heals scars, begs questions and lays out the possibilities for all of them to finally feel like they have a home to share, from now on, in all of the ways that having one can mean.
I won't even really try to describe each of these three men. They are complicated and do change throughout this story, the same way many of us change when someone comes into our lives and, whether intentional or not, shifts everything, causing new light and forced glare on us. I just know I... I'm not even sure how to put that into words, how I feel about each of them. It's different and yet the same, how they are and what they did to me.
As for supporting characters, they are all beautifully unique, some more likable than others, some more concrete than others. None of them are throw-aways, none are unimportant, and I like that I now know them, as well.
I liked that, throughout most of the story, I really didn't know how things were going to turn out. Whether it was between Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry, or with Kerry's family, his friends, his past, the police, but ultimately, between Malcolm, Charlie and Kerry, in any combination. Actually, I don't want to use the word "between", it holds too much power in this book. The past getting between any of them and their futures, present pain between seeing the truth in friendship and not, words and habits getting between happiness fulfilled and unending emptiness. Instead I'll say there were so many things "next to" each of these men, I didn't know if, when, how they'd be able to deal with it all. I could feel how much they wanted... well, everything, but everything else was right next to them, threatening to keep those walls well-maintained.
Actually, this leads to something else I really liked about this: it wasn't always about the three of them together, or decisions being made that involved all three of them. Instead, many times, the interactions and resulting actions and feelings involved two of them. Malcolm's assumptions warring with Charlie's abilities, Kerry's self-aware needs going unseen by Malcolm, Charlie's uncertainties eating away at his love for Malcolm, as well as his need for Kerry. In other words, they're all individuals within this trio trying to become just that.
There were a few editorial issues technically but only once did they pull me out of the story, realizing the wrong name had been used. I passed over that quickly, though.
There were a few parts of scenes that were confusing, almost like gaps made by missing puzzle pieces. It almost felt like I was reading as the author was writing, trying to get it all out without losing any of the emotional impact. Again, I moved quickly by those and my overall experiences wasn't greatly affected.
The writing is strong, honest. This author does some emotional digging from which I couldn't turn my gaze, unable to stop from feeling what she was offering. As difficult as it was for me, I would love to have more, especially with this little world with Kerry, Nash, Malcolm, Grey, Charlie, Lissa, David, Matt and Marcus.
He let Charlie take it. He wanted to follow this wherever it was going, because the tightness had closed up inside him, then exploded and ripped him open, and instead of backing away from the mess, Charlie had crawled inside him and began to clean it all up. To put things back where they belonged. Some dusty bits of Malcolm's psyche were being rubbed clean and put back, and he hadn't even known those bits had fallen loose.
February 17, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 hearts
Unexpected is the best word to describe this story. It does follow the basic premise of the blurb – Malcolm and Charlie (an established couple) meet Kerry and consider bringing him into their relationship, and Kerry definitely has some bad luck as well as a bit of trouble following him around. Beyond that outline, however, the book doesn’t progress anything like I imagined. And that, frankly, left me feeling torn.
My romantic side always wants that instant connection, soul deep bond, and confident commitment in all relationships. My practical side realizes there are bound to be some realistic struggles in any relationship – particularly a ménage that starts with an established couple. Perhaps it was the fact that this story highlighted so much more of what my practical side worries about and not nearly enough of what my romantic side craves that had me torn.
For much of this book, the primary emotion I felt was sadness and the majority of that stemmed from the fact that Malcolm and Charlie had anything but a stable relationship before Kerry came along. They played at a Dom/sub relationship (very light BDSM), but never really called it what it was or formalized it. They invited many other men into their relationship over the years, but never really examined why or what they were searching for. The cracks were there, but fairly well disguised. It took Kerry’s honesty to shine a bright light and expose them – make Malcolm and Charlie see that he couldn’t just be the putty to fill in the cracks.
The fact that Kerry grew up as a foster child seemed to have a strong influence on his tendency to be cautious in all of his relationships. It was Malcolm who made Kerry see that he was withholding himself. While this added to my sadness, it also led to the one major happy spot in the story for me – Kerry reconnecting with his favorite foster dad and finding joy in belonging.
Because the majority of this story seems to focus on the relationship between Malcolm and Charlie vs. all three of them, I think it will leave some readers feeling as conflicted as I did. I rated this story based on the complexity of the plot, the richness of the characters, and the fact that I was invested and feeling emotional based on what happened. If I were rating it based on the romantic relationship alone (of the threesome), it would have been lower. I’m holding out hope that a sequel might be a potential for these guys, because I really think they deserve one!
Unexpected is the best word to describe this story. It does follow the basic premise of the blurb – Malcolm and Charlie (an established couple) meet Kerry and consider bringing him into their relationship, and Kerry definitely has some bad luck as well as a bit of trouble following him around. Beyond that outline, however, the book doesn’t progress anything like I imagined. And that, frankly, left me feeling torn.
My romantic side always wants that instant connection, soul deep bond, and confident commitment in all relationships. My practical side realizes there are bound to be some realistic struggles in any relationship – particularly a ménage that starts with an established couple. Perhaps it was the fact that this story highlighted so much more of what my practical side worries about and not nearly enough of what my romantic side craves that had me torn.
For much of this book, the primary emotion I felt was sadness and the majority of that stemmed from the fact that Malcolm and Charlie had anything but a stable relationship before Kerry came along. They played at a Dom/sub relationship (very light BDSM), but never really called it what it was or formalized it. They invited many other men into their relationship over the years, but never really examined why or what they were searching for. The cracks were there, but fairly well disguised. It took Kerry’s honesty to shine a bright light and expose them – make Malcolm and Charlie see that he couldn’t just be the putty to fill in the cracks.
The fact that Kerry grew up as a foster child seemed to have a strong influence on his tendency to be cautious in all of his relationships. It was Malcolm who made Kerry see that he was withholding himself. While this added to my sadness, it also led to the one major happy spot in the story for me – Kerry reconnecting with his favorite foster dad and finding joy in belonging.
Because the majority of this story seems to focus on the relationship between Malcolm and Charlie vs. all three of them, I think it will leave some readers feeling as conflicted as I did. I rated this story based on the complexity of the plot, the richness of the characters, and the fact that I was invested and feeling emotional based on what happened. If I were rating it based on the romantic relationship alone (of the threesome), it would have been lower. I’m holding out hope that a sequel might be a potential for these guys, because I really think they deserve one!
September 25, 2015
Who out there is a fan of the Fun with Dick and Shane series? I have always been a little frustrated that we have never been told the story of how Dick, Shane and Gillian became a triad. We know the generalities, but the details are like a closely guarded secret. Well, if you need that itch scratched, I recommend The Foster Family. It's not humorous, but it does feature an established couple bringing in a 'stray'. It features domestic discipline, but a very mild dose. Not so mild is the hurt/comfort, lots of that all around. In the end, it was a nice family story and a nice self realization story. I liked it.
January 25, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Sometimes a book comes along that really surprises you.....this is exactly what this one did.
From the reading the blurb I thought I knew what to expect. I was looking forward to 3 men with elements of BDSM in their relationship but this was so much more. This story isn’t about 2 men who find a 3rd that easily slots into their lives and they all live happily ever after. This was 3 men who had to work really hard for what they wanted when sometimes they weren’t even sure what it was they were working towards. 3 men who had lived and survived the foster care system with different results that were still impacting on their lives.
When we meet Kerry he is not in a great place. His parents died when he was very young and he spent his childhood being passed around. His last foster parent Nash had a huge impact on his life but it came too late to nurture him completely. He aged out of the system at 18 and moves across the country to College. He is currently in an abusive relationship with Andrew who was the jock that bullied him through High School. Andrew is deeply in the closet and a destructive influence on Kerry who has dropped out of college and is now working at a local gardening centre.
When Kerry arrives at a frat party hoping to surprise his ‘boyfriend’ he is left devastated. Andrew is there with a girl and completely ignores Kerry. To ease the pain and humiliation he feels he gets drunk on the beach and passes out. When 2 men wake him up hours later the tide is coming in, he is soaking wet with a raging hangover and he has been robbed. The men take him home and let him clean up but as breakfast is being served there is something in their dynamic that both scares and appeals to Kerry and he runs.
Malcolm and Charlie have been together for 15 years and to the outside world they seem to be the perfect couple. Malcolm also still suffers from the affects the foster system had on him but in different ways from Kerry. Malcolm craves control and though not spoken about he is Charlie’s Dom in most aspects of his life. Charlie is happy with Malcolms domination but there is something missing in their relationship that neither man is brave enough to discuss and slowly things are falling apart.
They have tried over the years to find a 3rd person for their relationship but each time this person has left them. Charlie needs more than he has at the moment and Malcolm is very aware of this. The fact that they don’t discuss it leaves both men flailing for the answers. Each time someone leaves the cracks become worse but it has become a viscous circle, both men are hurting and neither of them is having their emotional needs met.
Due to circumstances beyond his control and someone seeming determined to make his life miserable Kerry finds himself homeless once again and sleeping on his employers couch at the garden centre. When Malcolm stops by to purchase Charlie some plants the following day he offers Kerry a part time gardening job and eventually the spare room at their house.
Kerry is submissive by nature and fits in well with the dynamics of the house but his relationship isn’t sexual with the 2 men and he is beyond frustrated. He also finds himself questioning and challenging them both on how well their own relationship works. He desperately wants to fit in but there is such a lack of communication between the 3 of them he fears it will never happen. As Charlie and Kerry bond it feels like Malcolm struggles more to be sure of his place and he feels himself slipping back into old and very harmful habits.
When a family crisis means Kerry has to leave and return home to help Nash Charlie is devastated and things become even more fragile. Charlie finally takes control of his work and home life and slowly helps put Malcolm back together. For the first time they talk about their D/s relationship and what each of them need from it and over the next few weeks things finally look like they are back on track. The only thing missing is Kerry who still hasn’t returned.
When he does return to surprise Charlie at an art show things have vastly changed and they must now discover whether Kerry can fit back into their lives. I loved the relationship they ended up with. It is completely different from what I have read before but it filled in the cracks and gave all 3 men what they needed. Charlie really had been missing something from his relationship with Malcolm and Kerry was exactly what he needed. Their first time in bed together was such a challenge for all of them but particularly Charlie who had to be strong and vulnerable in so many different ways.
It really doesn’t matter how your relationship works in the eyes of other people as long as it works for you......Communication is the key!!!
AUDIO 5 Stars
This was just as good the second time round and is still a book I would highly recommend.
The Foster Family is a complex story about three individuals all searching for something, all with different needs and all coming into something that they are not sure about.
Malcolm and Charlie have been together for fifteen years and are still deeply in love but regardless of that love there is still something missing. That in itself is a huge difficulty for them as it leaves Charlie constantly feeling as though he isn’t enough and Malcolm feeling as though he wants too much. The problem is generally unspoken about but it still hovers like an elephant in the room. They have tried adding a third to their relationship numerous times but long term this has never worked and each time they lose someone the problem becomes that much bigger.
When they find Kerry passed out on a beach one morning their only thought is to rouse him and make sure he is well. Kerry is not in a great place in his life having lost his parents as a young child and then bouncing around the foster care system. He is currently having sex with a bully who doesn’t even acknowledge him outside of the bedroom. After being rescued by Malcolm and Charlie his day gets worse when he returns home to find out his house has been ransacked and most of his belongings destroyed. He is now also homeless and has to sleep on his friend and employers couch.
In the bedroom Malcolm is dominant and Charlie has always been more than happy to be the submissive in the relationship. Outside of the bedroom however Charlie is very much not a submissive and this is where the cracks appear. Malcolm needs more than just sexual dominance but knows that is a hard limit for his lover. This is where a third to their relationship would fit well and the more time they spend getting to know Kerry the more they both start to think they may have finally found the perfect person but with so many failed attempts in their past they fear it going wrong again.
Life doesn’t always work out as planned though as a family crisis pulls Kerry away and he leaves with mixed feelings about what Malcolm and Charlie want from him. Malcolm and Charlie also have a lot of hard thinking to do and are left feeling deserted when Kerry leaves.
This is a complicated look at ménage where the answer isn’t just to all fall into bed. The men have to work hard and think harder about what they want and how they can achieve it if they are to finally have the relationship all three of them desire.
My View – Narration:
Greg Tremblay did an excellent job and was a pleasure to listen to!
Sometimes a book comes along that really surprises you.....this is exactly what this one did.
From the reading the blurb I thought I knew what to expect. I was looking forward to 3 men with elements of BDSM in their relationship but this was so much more. This story isn’t about 2 men who find a 3rd that easily slots into their lives and they all live happily ever after. This was 3 men who had to work really hard for what they wanted when sometimes they weren’t even sure what it was they were working towards. 3 men who had lived and survived the foster care system with different results that were still impacting on their lives.
When we meet Kerry he is not in a great place. His parents died when he was very young and he spent his childhood being passed around. His last foster parent Nash had a huge impact on his life but it came too late to nurture him completely. He aged out of the system at 18 and moves across the country to College. He is currently in an abusive relationship with Andrew who was the jock that bullied him through High School. Andrew is deeply in the closet and a destructive influence on Kerry who has dropped out of college and is now working at a local gardening centre.
When Kerry arrives at a frat party hoping to surprise his ‘boyfriend’ he is left devastated. Andrew is there with a girl and completely ignores Kerry. To ease the pain and humiliation he feels he gets drunk on the beach and passes out. When 2 men wake him up hours later the tide is coming in, he is soaking wet with a raging hangover and he has been robbed. The men take him home and let him clean up but as breakfast is being served there is something in their dynamic that both scares and appeals to Kerry and he runs.
Malcolm and Charlie have been together for 15 years and to the outside world they seem to be the perfect couple. Malcolm also still suffers from the affects the foster system had on him but in different ways from Kerry. Malcolm craves control and though not spoken about he is Charlie’s Dom in most aspects of his life. Charlie is happy with Malcolms domination but there is something missing in their relationship that neither man is brave enough to discuss and slowly things are falling apart.
They have tried over the years to find a 3rd person for their relationship but each time this person has left them. Charlie needs more than he has at the moment and Malcolm is very aware of this. The fact that they don’t discuss it leaves both men flailing for the answers. Each time someone leaves the cracks become worse but it has become a viscous circle, both men are hurting and neither of them is having their emotional needs met.
Due to circumstances beyond his control and someone seeming determined to make his life miserable Kerry finds himself homeless once again and sleeping on his employers couch at the garden centre. When Malcolm stops by to purchase Charlie some plants the following day he offers Kerry a part time gardening job and eventually the spare room at their house.
Kerry is submissive by nature and fits in well with the dynamics of the house but his relationship isn’t sexual with the 2 men and he is beyond frustrated. He also finds himself questioning and challenging them both on how well their own relationship works. He desperately wants to fit in but there is such a lack of communication between the 3 of them he fears it will never happen. As Charlie and Kerry bond it feels like Malcolm struggles more to be sure of his place and he feels himself slipping back into old and very harmful habits.
When a family crisis means Kerry has to leave and return home to help Nash Charlie is devastated and things become even more fragile. Charlie finally takes control of his work and home life and slowly helps put Malcolm back together. For the first time they talk about their D/s relationship and what each of them need from it and over the next few weeks things finally look like they are back on track. The only thing missing is Kerry who still hasn’t returned.
When he does return to surprise Charlie at an art show things have vastly changed and they must now discover whether Kerry can fit back into their lives. I loved the relationship they ended up with. It is completely different from what I have read before but it filled in the cracks and gave all 3 men what they needed. Charlie really had been missing something from his relationship with Malcolm and Kerry was exactly what he needed. Their first time in bed together was such a challenge for all of them but particularly Charlie who had to be strong and vulnerable in so many different ways.
It really doesn’t matter how your relationship works in the eyes of other people as long as it works for you......Communication is the key!!!
AUDIO 5 Stars
This was just as good the second time round and is still a book I would highly recommend.
The Foster Family is a complex story about three individuals all searching for something, all with different needs and all coming into something that they are not sure about.
Malcolm and Charlie have been together for fifteen years and are still deeply in love but regardless of that love there is still something missing. That in itself is a huge difficulty for them as it leaves Charlie constantly feeling as though he isn’t enough and Malcolm feeling as though he wants too much. The problem is generally unspoken about but it still hovers like an elephant in the room. They have tried adding a third to their relationship numerous times but long term this has never worked and each time they lose someone the problem becomes that much bigger.
When they find Kerry passed out on a beach one morning their only thought is to rouse him and make sure he is well. Kerry is not in a great place in his life having lost his parents as a young child and then bouncing around the foster care system. He is currently having sex with a bully who doesn’t even acknowledge him outside of the bedroom. After being rescued by Malcolm and Charlie his day gets worse when he returns home to find out his house has been ransacked and most of his belongings destroyed. He is now also homeless and has to sleep on his friend and employers couch.
In the bedroom Malcolm is dominant and Charlie has always been more than happy to be the submissive in the relationship. Outside of the bedroom however Charlie is very much not a submissive and this is where the cracks appear. Malcolm needs more than just sexual dominance but knows that is a hard limit for his lover. This is where a third to their relationship would fit well and the more time they spend getting to know Kerry the more they both start to think they may have finally found the perfect person but with so many failed attempts in their past they fear it going wrong again.
Life doesn’t always work out as planned though as a family crisis pulls Kerry away and he leaves with mixed feelings about what Malcolm and Charlie want from him. Malcolm and Charlie also have a lot of hard thinking to do and are left feeling deserted when Kerry leaves.
This is a complicated look at ménage where the answer isn’t just to all fall into bed. The men have to work hard and think harder about what they want and how they can achieve it if they are to finally have the relationship all three of them desire.
My View – Narration:
Greg Tremblay did an excellent job and was a pleasure to listen to!
February 19, 2014
I'm a bit at a loss what to write. It was a riveting tale, that's for sure. I feel as if I read it non stop over that last couple of days. No thought of DNF or putting it aside for a time, no I had to know what happened next. I'm not sure, I'm reading so many books, but I think this was the first one with this structure of a three-way-relationship. And told in such a dark way on top.
It was interesting and gripping to follow Kerry along his way from being alone, in an unhealthy relationship with his old friend, letting himself being abused, to the place he finds himself in the end, with lots of family and people loving him, giving him what he needs. I think, his development and the pace with which is was told was believable.
Well, my problems started around 60%. I couldn't follow Malcolm's and Charlie's actions, sorry. Either my English isn't good enough to understand or it really was the way the characters behaved. Somehow it didn't work for me. Even in the end I was flabbergasted about the dynamics within the threesome. It was clear that obviously every one of them was happy with the way it was, for me as a reader I couldn't follow; there was too much left out. Especially the epilogue was rushed. It was a nice end for the story, but I think a too long period of time was dealt with too few short sentences.
Well, a mixed bag so I stick to 3.5 stars.
It was interesting and gripping to follow Kerry along his way from being alone, in an unhealthy relationship with his old friend, letting himself being abused, to the place he finds himself in the end, with lots of family and people loving him, giving him what he needs. I think, his development and the pace with which is was told was believable.
Well, my problems started around 60%. I couldn't follow Malcolm's and Charlie's actions, sorry. Either my English isn't good enough to understand or it really was the way the characters behaved. Somehow it didn't work for me. Even in the end I was flabbergasted about the dynamics within the threesome. It was clear that obviously every one of them was happy with the way it was, for me as a reader I couldn't follow; there was too much left out. Especially the epilogue was rushed. It was a nice end for the story, but I think a too long period of time was dealt with too few short sentences.
Well, a mixed bag so I stick to 3.5 stars.
January 31, 2015
What a difference good narration makes to a book. If you bought this book thinking you were going to get a porn filled book, you bought the wrong book. This book is filled with the emotional turmoil that each man brings to the table. Greg Tremblay brought that emotion to life. I will admit to tearing up multiple times while listening. This was very enjoyable.
Read
December 14, 2018Вообще не алло. Надежда теплилась до последнего, но не свезло :( то, чего мне так хотелось (а именно этапа начала их общей жизни на равных), показали в быстрой перемотке. Не круто.
January 1, 2015
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Kerry Grey, a young man with low self-esteem and past bullying victim of his current lover, Andrew, shouldn’t be shocked to find himself ditched at a college party where he had hoped to be seen and envied for dating the star football player. Wandering down to the beach with a bottle of booze as his companion, he passes out and nearly drowns. Charlie Stone and his Dom, Malcolm Holmes find him and drag him back to their home where they clean him up and feed him.
Though the couple has been together for fifteen years, they have frequently sought a third— someone to fill the gap in their relationship and they think that Kerry might be that person because none of the others worked out and they sense that Kerry’s submissive nature might work well with them. But Kerry has qualms about coming between them, especially when he observes that they seem to be in the midst of dysfunction as a couple. Malcolm is the Dom, yet he seems quiet and withdrawn and bows to Charlie’s wishes more often than not. Charlie is artistic, a photographer who has abandoned his dreams to sell his work and taken a job as an assistant to a micro-manager at a local art gallery. He loves to garden but his job has been keeping him away from this restful hobby so Malcolm suggests that they hire Kerry to help. Kerry has been working part time at a local nursery since he dropped out of college and can certainly use the work.
Just after accepting their offer, Kerry is kicked out of his apartment by his roommate. Apparently someone took his keys when he was passed out on the beach and robbed his roommate’s and his electronics and other valuables. Worrying about his safety, Malcolm and Charlie insist he move in with them, and because they can see the submissive in him, propose that they explore the possibility of him being their third.
One thing they all have in common is that they have all grown up in the foster system. Kerry is very aboveboard about his experiences, most of them negative, but some positive, especially with his last foster dad, Nash, a man who Kerry eventually contacts and goes to visit when things don’t look good with Charlie and Malcolm. In the meantime, it’s apparent that Charlie and Malcolm have things to work out between themselves. Malcolm is too close-mouthed about his past and he’s allowing Charlie to feel neglected and at loose ends.
Though the story eventually winds its way to a resolution for all three men, it doesn’t happen before there’s quite a bit of intrigue and danger from the unknown person who is apparently harassing Kerry, first by the theft and then by other means. It also doesn’t happen until Charlie finally leaves his long-suffering job, he and Malcolm come to terms with their needs, and Kerry finds his own strength and validates his own needs after his visit to his foster dad.
I had high hopes going into this story. When I read the blurb I thought it would be a great story with M/M/M and BDSM elements, but I was disappointed for a number of reasons. I didn’t care for the dynamic among any of them—not Malcolm and Charlie, not Charlie and Kerry, and not Kerry with both men. I didn’t like the voice that the narrator gave to Charlie. It sounded morose all the time, even when he was relaying what should have been upbeat information. I also didn’t like the voice given to Kerry in that it was whiney all the time and, since the story was in his POV, that whine was always present. The narrator may have intended the voice to be fast and youthful but it constantly irritated me. This, coupled with what I found to be a weak romance hidden among what would have been a good mystery/stalker/action story, really pulled me down. I found myself wanting to get to the end or at least the point where the threesome would be together, but when that finally happened, it was very disappointing. So much so, that I wished I had an e-copy so that I could go back over the scenes and see if I missed something important because there was some mention that Kerry had been in bed with the men earlier, and then I was hearing that it was his first time with them and, to be honest, I’m still not clear on that.
All in all, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook. I think I’d give the story itself a 3 star rating, and I may have liked it if I had read it, but the narration pulled the audiobook down for me so I wouldn’t go higher than 2.5 stars.
Kerry Grey, a young man with low self-esteem and past bullying victim of his current lover, Andrew, shouldn’t be shocked to find himself ditched at a college party where he had hoped to be seen and envied for dating the star football player. Wandering down to the beach with a bottle of booze as his companion, he passes out and nearly drowns. Charlie Stone and his Dom, Malcolm Holmes find him and drag him back to their home where they clean him up and feed him.
Though the couple has been together for fifteen years, they have frequently sought a third— someone to fill the gap in their relationship and they think that Kerry might be that person because none of the others worked out and they sense that Kerry’s submissive nature might work well with them. But Kerry has qualms about coming between them, especially when he observes that they seem to be in the midst of dysfunction as a couple. Malcolm is the Dom, yet he seems quiet and withdrawn and bows to Charlie’s wishes more often than not. Charlie is artistic, a photographer who has abandoned his dreams to sell his work and taken a job as an assistant to a micro-manager at a local art gallery. He loves to garden but his job has been keeping him away from this restful hobby so Malcolm suggests that they hire Kerry to help. Kerry has been working part time at a local nursery since he dropped out of college and can certainly use the work.
Just after accepting their offer, Kerry is kicked out of his apartment by his roommate. Apparently someone took his keys when he was passed out on the beach and robbed his roommate’s and his electronics and other valuables. Worrying about his safety, Malcolm and Charlie insist he move in with them, and because they can see the submissive in him, propose that they explore the possibility of him being their third.
One thing they all have in common is that they have all grown up in the foster system. Kerry is very aboveboard about his experiences, most of them negative, but some positive, especially with his last foster dad, Nash, a man who Kerry eventually contacts and goes to visit when things don’t look good with Charlie and Malcolm. In the meantime, it’s apparent that Charlie and Malcolm have things to work out between themselves. Malcolm is too close-mouthed about his past and he’s allowing Charlie to feel neglected and at loose ends.
Though the story eventually winds its way to a resolution for all three men, it doesn’t happen before there’s quite a bit of intrigue and danger from the unknown person who is apparently harassing Kerry, first by the theft and then by other means. It also doesn’t happen until Charlie finally leaves his long-suffering job, he and Malcolm come to terms with their needs, and Kerry finds his own strength and validates his own needs after his visit to his foster dad.
I had high hopes going into this story. When I read the blurb I thought it would be a great story with M/M/M and BDSM elements, but I was disappointed for a number of reasons. I didn’t care for the dynamic among any of them—not Malcolm and Charlie, not Charlie and Kerry, and not Kerry with both men. I didn’t like the voice that the narrator gave to Charlie. It sounded morose all the time, even when he was relaying what should have been upbeat information. I also didn’t like the voice given to Kerry in that it was whiney all the time and, since the story was in his POV, that whine was always present. The narrator may have intended the voice to be fast and youthful but it constantly irritated me. This, coupled with what I found to be a weak romance hidden among what would have been a good mystery/stalker/action story, really pulled me down. I found myself wanting to get to the end or at least the point where the threesome would be together, but when that finally happened, it was very disappointing. So much so, that I wished I had an e-copy so that I could go back over the scenes and see if I missed something important because there was some mention that Kerry had been in bed with the men earlier, and then I was hearing that it was his first time with them and, to be honest, I’m still not clear on that.
All in all, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook. I think I’d give the story itself a 3 star rating, and I may have liked it if I had read it, but the narration pulled the audiobook down for me so I wouldn’t go higher than 2.5 stars.
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed the audiobook version. Greg Tremblay's narration was, as usual, a winner, and I think this story with the BDSM element was made more believable with the switch in POVs and Greg's way of putting emotion into his characterization. I loved it. Not much as far as a sexual element, but more the emotional element, and a sweet yet realistic portrayal of how people raised through the foster system can feel afloat, and not know how to fit in or find a home or place to belong. Kerry's character was fundamental to healing between Malcom and Charlie, and Nash, well, I loved his gruff personality with open arms. This story definitely dealt with what makes a family....and how it can be so much in our own perceptions.
February 13, 2014
Whatever you’re expecting to read when you start this book is not what you’re going to get. I should probably start out by saying that I really enjoyed reading this because I have a feeling this review is going to head in a negative sounding direction. That’s not because I didn’t like it but lately I’ve been burying myself in sweet, low angst reads and I feel like Foster Family just dumped a load of emotional upset on my unprepared head.
You can find my review on the Blog of Sid Love http://sidlove.com/2014/02/13/pre-rel...
You can find my review on the Blog of Sid Love http://sidlove.com/2014/02/13/pre-rel...
February 25, 2014
Reading BDSM books can be a challenge. Sometimes authors write about the power exchange and the deep emotional connections, and other times they just write it as kinky sex fun time.
Now, this book has lots of hot sex, so be ready for that. However, this book does give us the more serious dynamics of the lifestyle and all the technical things that go along with it. It is not light and fluffy, so if that is what you are going for, then this might not be for you.
However, I was very glad that I read the book and I can put it in the pile of some of my fav BDSM reads.
Now, this book has lots of hot sex, so be ready for that. However, this book does give us the more serious dynamics of the lifestyle and all the technical things that go along with it. It is not light and fluffy, so if that is what you are going for, then this might not be for you.
However, I was very glad that I read the book and I can put it in the pile of some of my fav BDSM reads.
Read
July 11, 2014Unfortunately, I DNF this one.
I could not relate to the characters at all.
I struggled through the first 20% and than just gave up.
Shame, the synopsis sounded real good :(
I could not relate to the characters at all.
I struggled through the first 20% and than just gave up.
Shame, the synopsis sounded real good :(
Want to read
July 25, 2015Only $1 right now at Dreamspinner and Amazon, and get the audio for only $1.99 more!! 7/25/15!
March 13, 2017
While I really enjoyed the overall story, I must admit to being a little confused in places as to how the dynamics between the three worked, or was going to work. This was a highly emotional book, not a bit light and fluffy. All three characters were flawed and a little broken.
The sex is rather light and I would have liked to have seen more of the three of them together. It would have cemented their arrangement more, but the book really isn't about sex but about needs and support.
The supporting characters were great and all served a purpose. I loved Lissa and Nash.
I will definitely try another if this authors works. I listened to the audiobook and Greg Tremblay did a great job bringing it to life.
The sex is rather light and I would have liked to have seen more of the three of them together. It would have cemented their arrangement more, but the book really isn't about sex but about needs and support.
The supporting characters were great and all served a purpose. I loved Lissa and Nash.
I will definitely try another if this authors works. I listened to the audiobook and Greg Tremblay did a great job bringing it to life.
March 7, 2014
'The Foster Family' was my first read by Jaime Samms. I have heard many good things about her writing and once I read the description I was eager to jump in. The length of the book was a little daunting, but since I somehow always end up reading and reviewing the long ones, I figured what the heck? I was struck immediately by the easy flow and ebb of the writing and it pulled me right into the story of Kerry, Malcolm, and Charlie.
Kerry is a sad, lonely guy who in his attraction and obsession with a childhood friend/high school bully has managed to fool himself for years that this guy really wanted him. Kerry messed up his education due to his obsession and now he's living hand to mouth, working part-time at a nursery having thrown away his opportunity at a botany degree. Malcolm and Charlie have been together for fifteen years when they find Kerry hungover and asleep on their beach. Malcolm knows what's going to happen before it even does and he's not sure he can handle another fixer-upper who ends up leaving them. Charlie has a tendency to find strays, they take them in, Malcolm and Charlie fix them (so to speak), and they're left alone when the young man leaves to find his forever love. Malcolm wants to be someone's forever love, he and Charlie both. There's something they need in their relationship, but Malcolm is afraid to believe it might be Kerry. But Charlie is convinced that Kerry is different and he just knows that this is the one to make Malcolm and him whole.
I was about a quarter of the way through this book when I realized why it was so long. This was no simple, cut and dried, story of two men in their thirties, one a Dom, the other a sub, who help a young man and bring him into their family. Nope. The author didn't take the easy road. She definitely took the road less traveled. Kerry is complicated and such a hurting and lost soul. He has allowed people to treat him like dirt his entire life while keeping them a safe distance from his heart. He has always been attracted to powerful men, but a huge part of him is terrified of being submissive. Charlie is content to sub for Malcolm, but Charlie's day job is as a personal assistant to a horrid woman and so, in his words, "I want someone to indulge who I don't also have to obey." And, then there's Malcolm, the Dom, who shields his heart against being hurt and claiming he's only helping to make Charlie happy. Malcolm has a lot of his own issues and some of them he's never even talked to Charlie about and vice versa. After fifteen years together, there's still a lot these guys need to resolve.
This was not an easy read. There is a lot of angst, drama, and serious soul searching. There's anger and pain and fear and hope. It's Kerry's honesty that highlights the serious cracks in Malcolm and Charlie's relationship and Kerry knows he can't stay and be the putty. Malcolm and Charlie have to get their crap together before Kerry can be a part of their lives. It's painful, sad, heartbreaking, and sometimes I felt as if my very being was turned to stone from the emotions pouring from the pages. Not a one of these men turned out to be who I initially thought they were. No. They were even better. The story was very far from stereotypical and took me places I wasn't expecting to go.
This was a very intense story about family. At the heart of it all, family is who we make it and it sustains us through all the ups and the downs. My first introduction to Jaime Samms. But it won't be my last.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kerry is a sad, lonely guy who in his attraction and obsession with a childhood friend/high school bully has managed to fool himself for years that this guy really wanted him. Kerry messed up his education due to his obsession and now he's living hand to mouth, working part-time at a nursery having thrown away his opportunity at a botany degree. Malcolm and Charlie have been together for fifteen years when they find Kerry hungover and asleep on their beach. Malcolm knows what's going to happen before it even does and he's not sure he can handle another fixer-upper who ends up leaving them. Charlie has a tendency to find strays, they take them in, Malcolm and Charlie fix them (so to speak), and they're left alone when the young man leaves to find his forever love. Malcolm wants to be someone's forever love, he and Charlie both. There's something they need in their relationship, but Malcolm is afraid to believe it might be Kerry. But Charlie is convinced that Kerry is different and he just knows that this is the one to make Malcolm and him whole.
I was about a quarter of the way through this book when I realized why it was so long. This was no simple, cut and dried, story of two men in their thirties, one a Dom, the other a sub, who help a young man and bring him into their family. Nope. The author didn't take the easy road. She definitely took the road less traveled. Kerry is complicated and such a hurting and lost soul. He has allowed people to treat him like dirt his entire life while keeping them a safe distance from his heart. He has always been attracted to powerful men, but a huge part of him is terrified of being submissive. Charlie is content to sub for Malcolm, but Charlie's day job is as a personal assistant to a horrid woman and so, in his words, "I want someone to indulge who I don't also have to obey." And, then there's Malcolm, the Dom, who shields his heart against being hurt and claiming he's only helping to make Charlie happy. Malcolm has a lot of his own issues and some of them he's never even talked to Charlie about and vice versa. After fifteen years together, there's still a lot these guys need to resolve.
This was not an easy read. There is a lot of angst, drama, and serious soul searching. There's anger and pain and fear and hope. It's Kerry's honesty that highlights the serious cracks in Malcolm and Charlie's relationship and Kerry knows he can't stay and be the putty. Malcolm and Charlie have to get their crap together before Kerry can be a part of their lives. It's painful, sad, heartbreaking, and sometimes I felt as if my very being was turned to stone from the emotions pouring from the pages. Not a one of these men turned out to be who I initially thought they were. No. They were even better. The story was very far from stereotypical and took me places I wasn't expecting to go.
This was a very intense story about family. At the heart of it all, family is who we make it and it sustains us through all the ups and the downs. My first introduction to Jaime Samms. But it won't be my last.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 2, 2015
Before I get to my thoughts on the actual book, I need to talk about the cover. I mean, I think it’s hot...but it appears that there are too many hands. I’m talking about the hands at the bottom on the Main Guy’s abs…that looks like two rights overlapping to me – and they’re different colors. The top hand is definitely a right, and it would be an awkward position for the way his arm is reaching to overlap his own left hand. Right? For the two men whose torsos are pictured – their hands are accounted for. Anyone else see this?
Okey Doke, that weirdness aside………..
This book was a nifty surprise. I saw that it was on sale for cheap, and I bought it. I didn’t read much of the blurb, saw it was MMM/BDSM and thought, sure why not.
I’ve gotten a little picky about ménage books. I need to see and feel that it’s not just gratuitous, titillating freaky sex. I want to be made to see that the union of three is truly stronger than two. Same with BDSM. I want to see it as a functional part of the relationship – that those involved get something real out of it that makes them stronger…not just kink for the sake of kink.
Mal and Charlie had, for years, gone through the motions of life – not so discontent that they were ready to split, but had just become comfortable with each other in the dysfunctional way that they didn’t actually communicate wants, needs, or problems. Adding the occasional third was a fun distraction while it lasted, but was more a mask of what each of them really needed to be complete with themselves as a couple. Then along came Kerry, who wasn’t interested in being a shiny plaything. He needed a connection. He needed to belong. He needed a promise.
Oh Kerry…what a train wreck of a guy. Bless his heart. There was a level of maturity and insight that was surprising to me for his age. For all his questionable choices and the times life kicked him in the ass – he kept going, kept hoping and wanting to belong and at some point realized he shouldn’t settle.
The BDSM elements – well, they weren’t very strong in this book. Mostly fade-to-black. I mean, they were there in the dynamic between Mal and Charlie and a dawning realization for Kerry. But, this was not a tie-him-up-and-spank-him kind of book. It wasn’t the main focus of the story – and the elements that were there, I thought, were well done in that there weren’t just “scenes” with fancy toys sprinkled throughout. We got the gist of the D/s power exchange, a few tastes of protocol, in a very mild way that illustrated that the characters got what they needed out of it on a higher emotional level. So, while I could have gone for some more explicit kink scenes because I think the rest of the story was strong enough to support it – I have no complaints about what was actually delivered.
This was a far more emotionally complex read than I anticipated. For me, that’s a good thing. The author dug deep into the characters’ individual problems from past and present, the problems of the established relationship between Mal and Charlie, and the addition and inclusion of Kerry – the third.
Overall, a well done engaging read.
Okey Doke, that weirdness aside………..
This book was a nifty surprise. I saw that it was on sale for cheap, and I bought it. I didn’t read much of the blurb, saw it was MMM/BDSM and thought, sure why not.
I’ve gotten a little picky about ménage books. I need to see and feel that it’s not just gratuitous, titillating freaky sex. I want to be made to see that the union of three is truly stronger than two. Same with BDSM. I want to see it as a functional part of the relationship – that those involved get something real out of it that makes them stronger…not just kink for the sake of kink.
Mal and Charlie had, for years, gone through the motions of life – not so discontent that they were ready to split, but had just become comfortable with each other in the dysfunctional way that they didn’t actually communicate wants, needs, or problems. Adding the occasional third was a fun distraction while it lasted, but was more a mask of what each of them really needed to be complete with themselves as a couple. Then along came Kerry, who wasn’t interested in being a shiny plaything. He needed a connection. He needed to belong. He needed a promise.
Oh Kerry…what a train wreck of a guy. Bless his heart. There was a level of maturity and insight that was surprising to me for his age. For all his questionable choices and the times life kicked him in the ass – he kept going, kept hoping and wanting to belong and at some point realized he shouldn’t settle.
The BDSM elements – well, they weren’t very strong in this book. Mostly fade-to-black. I mean, they were there in the dynamic between Mal and Charlie and a dawning realization for Kerry. But, this was not a tie-him-up-and-spank-him kind of book. It wasn’t the main focus of the story – and the elements that were there, I thought, were well done in that there weren’t just “scenes” with fancy toys sprinkled throughout. We got the gist of the D/s power exchange, a few tastes of protocol, in a very mild way that illustrated that the characters got what they needed out of it on a higher emotional level. So, while I could have gone for some more explicit kink scenes because I think the rest of the story was strong enough to support it – I have no complaints about what was actually delivered.
This was a far more emotionally complex read than I anticipated. For me, that’s a good thing. The author dug deep into the characters’ individual problems from past and present, the problems of the established relationship between Mal and Charlie, and the addition and inclusion of Kerry – the third.
Overall, a well done engaging read.
March 14, 2015
C’est un récit que j’ai eu du mal à noter, car j’ai souvent été perplexe en lisant certains passages, j’ai même failli arrêter, ne comprenant vraiment pas comment une relation allait pouvoir se construire entre ses trois hommes. Je crois n’avoir senti aucune empathie pour aucun, du moins au départ, juste une pointe d’énervement devant l’attitude de Kerry, même si j’arrive à peu près à comprendre pourquoi il le fait. Puis, un virage survient et là je me suis laissée emportée par ce trio si complexe, mais qui se révèle d’une façon tellement inhabituelle.
C’est certes un ménage qui va se construire, mais rien à voir avec ceux que j’ai déjà lu. Il y a tant d’émotions et de sentiments qui se dégagent de ses trois personnages, tellement de souffrance et de besoin, que cela vous prend à la gorge. Je ne sais pas lequel de ces trois hommes est le plus attachant, Malcolm le dominant, Charlie qui se soumet par amour pour son amant, mais qui a besoin lui aussi de dominer pour se sentir accompli ou encore Kerry si jeune, qui porte tellement de douleur en lui. Impossible de vraiment choisir, car pour moi ils forment un tout qui rassemblé fait un couple autour d’un amour inhabituel, mais fort, solide.
Malcolm est le pont d’ancrage des deux autres, Charlie est sentimentalement attaché à Kerry, et celui-ci aime les deux hommes pour la sécurité qu’ils lui apportent. C’est un écheveau très complexe, et Jaime Samms réussit à assembler ces liens d’une façon magnifique, tout se joue sur les émotions, la suggestion, elle a fait volontairement abstraction de scènes de sexe. Il y en a bien une ou deux, mais elles servent surtout à la compréhension de la relation étrange entre Mal et Charlie, et à juger si Kerry est celui dont ils ont besoin pour continuer leur vie.
Je résumerais en disant que Malcom a besoin de dominer (et encore ce n’est pas vraiment de la domination physique) Charlie pour conserver une stabilité émotionnelle. Que Charlie aime Mal, mais qu’il n’ait pas un soumis dans l’âme et que c’est Kerry qui lui permet d’accepter et d’accomplir ce lien. Quant à Kerry, il est tombé amoureux de Charlie qui lui apporte la tendresse dont il a toujours rêvé, cependant je n’ai pas réussi à comprendre vraiment ce qu’il ressentait pour Malcolm
C’est certes un ménage qui va se construire, mais rien à voir avec ceux que j’ai déjà lu. Il y a tant d’émotions et de sentiments qui se dégagent de ses trois personnages, tellement de souffrance et de besoin, que cela vous prend à la gorge. Je ne sais pas lequel de ces trois hommes est le plus attachant, Malcolm le dominant, Charlie qui se soumet par amour pour son amant, mais qui a besoin lui aussi de dominer pour se sentir accompli ou encore Kerry si jeune, qui porte tellement de douleur en lui. Impossible de vraiment choisir, car pour moi ils forment un tout qui rassemblé fait un couple autour d’un amour inhabituel, mais fort, solide.
Malcolm est le pont d’ancrage des deux autres, Charlie est sentimentalement attaché à Kerry, et celui-ci aime les deux hommes pour la sécurité qu’ils lui apportent. C’est un écheveau très complexe, et Jaime Samms réussit à assembler ces liens d’une façon magnifique, tout se joue sur les émotions, la suggestion, elle a fait volontairement abstraction de scènes de sexe. Il y en a bien une ou deux, mais elles servent surtout à la compréhension de la relation étrange entre Mal et Charlie, et à juger si Kerry est celui dont ils ont besoin pour continuer leur vie.
Je résumerais en disant que Malcom a besoin de dominer (et encore ce n’est pas vraiment de la domination physique) Charlie pour conserver une stabilité émotionnelle. Que Charlie aime Mal, mais qu’il n’ait pas un soumis dans l’âme et que c’est Kerry qui lui permet d’accepter et d’accomplir ce lien. Quant à Kerry, il est tombé amoureux de Charlie qui lui apporte la tendresse dont il a toujours rêvé, cependant je n’ai pas réussi à comprendre vraiment ce qu’il ressentait pour Malcolm
September 24, 2015
I think the gist of the story is pretty well laid out in the blurb.
**
Let me start by saying that I took a long time to finish this book and write a review because I feel pretty conflicted about it.
I really wanted to like the triad, I don’t generally have a “problem” with them as a concept, but in this case the relationship felt really unequal. I never felt that Kerry was a full partner in this relationship.
I also really don’t like BDSM – esp the Dom/sub thing and I struggle to keep that bias free from clouding the story. I totally understand that for some this dynamic works – but it goes against my personal “equality” issues so – again – this partnership just felt out of balance.
Kerry’s coming of age story was really well done and I almost think that if it had been the main thrust of the story it would have had been a better story overall.
I can’t fault the writing and I think the characters were really well developed – people not so hung up on equality will probably really like this story – it’s very touching.
Audiobook
I love Greg Tremblay and he just does amazing things for this or any story he reads. He is so good at adding emotion to a story that you feel made part of it. His narration is why I even took this story on – otherwise I would have let it lie, based on the description.
For the book and the narration as a sum total I give it 3.5 stars
**
Let me start by saying that I took a long time to finish this book and write a review because I feel pretty conflicted about it.
I really wanted to like the triad, I don’t generally have a “problem” with them as a concept, but in this case the relationship felt really unequal. I never felt that Kerry was a full partner in this relationship.
I also really don’t like BDSM – esp the Dom/sub thing and I struggle to keep that bias free from clouding the story. I totally understand that for some this dynamic works – but it goes against my personal “equality” issues so – again – this partnership just felt out of balance.
Kerry’s coming of age story was really well done and I almost think that if it had been the main thrust of the story it would have had been a better story overall.
I can’t fault the writing and I think the characters were really well developed – people not so hung up on equality will probably really like this story – it’s very touching.
Audiobook
I love Greg Tremblay and he just does amazing things for this or any story he reads. He is so good at adding emotion to a story that you feel made part of it. His narration is why I even took this story on – otherwise I would have let it lie, based on the description.
For the book and the narration as a sum total I give it 3.5 stars
October 5, 2016
http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...
Inizio dicendo che forse questo romanzo non sarà per tutti: si, è vero che si parla di un menage a trois, ma è un menage molto particolare con una visione più psicologica che erotica. I tre protagonisti sono quanto di più incasinato si possa pensare: tutti e tre hanno vissuto dei traumi che hanno superato (o stanno cercando di superare) con metodi non troppo efficaci. Malcolm e Charlie sono una coppia da molti anni e hanno delle dinamiche interne piuttosto complesse; hanno già provato ad aggiungere una terza persona alla loro vita ma non ha mai funzionato davvero. Ecco entrare in scena il giovane Kerry, un ragazzo solo all'apparenza debole e bisognoso di protezione, che sarà la chiave di svolta nella relazione dei due. La conoscenza e la frequentazione tra i tre darà finalmente il via a chiarimenti e cambiamenti che aspettavano da troppo tempo e aiuterà tutti ad andare avanti in maniera più sana e felice.
La componente psicologica è la parte fondamentale di questo romanzo e, anche se a volte può risultare un pochino pesante, io l'ho trovato molto interessante e intenso perchè riesce a darci una visione nuova e più completa di ciò che sta alla base di un rapporto così complesso come un rapporto a tre
Inizio dicendo che forse questo romanzo non sarà per tutti: si, è vero che si parla di un menage a trois, ma è un menage molto particolare con una visione più psicologica che erotica. I tre protagonisti sono quanto di più incasinato si possa pensare: tutti e tre hanno vissuto dei traumi che hanno superato (o stanno cercando di superare) con metodi non troppo efficaci. Malcolm e Charlie sono una coppia da molti anni e hanno delle dinamiche interne piuttosto complesse; hanno già provato ad aggiungere una terza persona alla loro vita ma non ha mai funzionato davvero. Ecco entrare in scena il giovane Kerry, un ragazzo solo all'apparenza debole e bisognoso di protezione, che sarà la chiave di svolta nella relazione dei due. La conoscenza e la frequentazione tra i tre darà finalmente il via a chiarimenti e cambiamenti che aspettavano da troppo tempo e aiuterà tutti ad andare avanti in maniera più sana e felice.
La componente psicologica è la parte fondamentale di questo romanzo e, anche se a volte può risultare un pochino pesante, io l'ho trovato molto interessante e intenso perchè riesce a darci una visione nuova e più completa di ciò che sta alla base di un rapporto così complesso come un rapporto a tre
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