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Rerouting River #1
Rerouting River
River has spent his entire life barely scraping by. Things only went downhill since losing his dad as a kid, and now River’s existence consists of working long, hard hours and still coming up short on rent. He’s had to trade sexual favors for a place to sleep, and keeps finding himself always one mistake away from losing it all. He’s certainly not fit for fancy clothes, fine restaurants, or the attentions of business magnates like Benjamin Vasilyev and Émile Beaumont.
Life has made it clear that River’s just a dirty thing to be used and thrown away.
Ben and Émile, however, feel differently.
Rerouting River has a 5 dove rating with a guaranteed happily ever after.
Life has made it clear that River’s just a dirty thing to be used and thrown away.
Ben and Émile, however, feel differently.
Rerouting River has a 5 dove rating with a guaranteed happily ever after.
562 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2024
118 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
D. Dove
42 books162 followersWriter of spicy MM(+M) stories on a 6 Dove Scale. (iykyk)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 10, 2025
Reread 5/25 to celebrate the paperback release ✨✨
If anyone is looking for nice simple entry point for Dove’s work this bad boy is it! River's life is set up as an ongoing tragedy until a chance encounter with an old childhood friend puts him on the radar for not one but two rich hot millionaires who also happen to not be afraid to dabble in the fun area of committing crimes in order to keep their shared sugar baby safe. I liked Émile more than Ben I just found him to be more entertaining with his whole personality being the fact that he’s a flamboyant rich man and likes to flaunt it. I adored that both love interests were absolute pushovers for anything River could ever want of them and they were almost sickeningly sweet to him. I loved the way they negotiated who got what day of the week with him like an old divorced couple it was so cute. Note that this book does include sexual assault but I think it is important to highlight that neither of the love interests are the perpetrators of this assault excluding a miscommunication kiss between Émile and River that was not done with any malicious intent. The whole book can be summed up as the first half detailing River being assaulted by his landlord so he cant keep his apartment while going on dates with Ben and Émile separately and the second half is River being whisked away to safety to heal his trauma from within his millionaire polycule. I did enjoy the experience thoroughly and I was glad to see River get his happy ending.
If anyone is looking for nice simple entry point for Dove’s work this bad boy is it! River's life is set up as an ongoing tragedy until a chance encounter with an old childhood friend puts him on the radar for not one but two rich hot millionaires who also happen to not be afraid to dabble in the fun area of committing crimes in order to keep their shared sugar baby safe. I liked Émile more than Ben I just found him to be more entertaining with his whole personality being the fact that he’s a flamboyant rich man and likes to flaunt it. I adored that both love interests were absolute pushovers for anything River could ever want of them and they were almost sickeningly sweet to him. I loved the way they negotiated who got what day of the week with him like an old divorced couple it was so cute. Note that this book does include sexual assault but I think it is important to highlight that neither of the love interests are the perpetrators of this assault excluding a miscommunication kiss between Émile and River that was not done with any malicious intent. The whole book can be summed up as the first half detailing River being assaulted by his landlord so he cant keep his apartment while going on dates with Ben and Émile separately and the second half is River being whisked away to safety to heal his trauma from within his millionaire polycule. I did enjoy the experience thoroughly and I was glad to see River get his happy ending.
October 23, 2024
DNF @ 83%.
I wanted to love this, I should love this. But this is a case of loving the concept and not enjoying the execution.
Now, this did start off great for me, but today I started at about 70% into the book. It took me all day to make it to 80%. I told myself I’d take a break, come back to it, but I knew I wouldn’t actually come back to it if I did that. So, I read a chapter. Then another chapter. And finally I was 516 pages into a 617 page book. And honestly? I don’t have another 100 pages in me of reading a scene, taking a break, reading a scene, taking a break. I told myself I deserved the HEA, but I think the HEA is not finishing the book.
So, issues…
For starters, this book is 200-300 pages longer than it should be. D. Dove took “full length novel” far too seriously with this. I’ve enjoyed every other D. Dove book I’ve read, but even the entirety of Stockroom Syndrome isn’t even half as long as this. Too. Long. Especially since there just isn’t enough story to justify the length.
Dark Mafia. Promo material for this had it marketed as “dark mafia”. Sounds fun. But, there really isn’t much mafia-ing. Ben and Emile do some business deals that just seem like the “business magnates” mentioned in the blurb would do. There’s talk of Ben’s Medved past and of Émile typically not getting his hands dirty, but overall it was very disappointing on the mafia front.
In regards to the dark part, eh. If we want to say the dark is the noncon from the agonist, then it’s dark. If we want to say the romance is dark? Not at all satisfying. The romance is fluffy fluff fluff, cavity inducing, super sweet. Which is fine, but not what I thought I was getting with this book.
And circling back to the noncon with the agonist. There was a lot of on-page rape. And, I don’t really think that added anything to the book? I think it could have been just as effective having those scenes FTB. I think letting me imagine how bad those scenes were off-page would have built up more dread that seeing them on-page. Not that they were awful, but there was just so many scenes. And then its reiterated when the videos are found.
And if we can have the agonist raping on-page, why can we not have the on-page? I think that would have sold me on Ben and Émile being two dangerous men you don’t wanna piss off.
I think the 3 POVs also didn’t work. I think it made for some repetitive convos, thoughts, etc. I think River’s POV would have been plenty.
I love dogs, but there is far too much dog content in this. Like, I gotta read more about Archie going out for a poop than I do praise kink, and I was looking forward to the praise.
And the one thing that consistently bothered me right from the beginning was the ages.
Ben was 17, and River was 13 when they met… so a 4 year age gap. River puts that summer at more than 10 years ago. So, my brain had River at 24+ years old. Then Ben muses how much he has accomplished by his 30s. Not before his 30s, but by his 30s. So, if he is at minimum 30 years old, River would have to be at least 26.
But then Émile mentions River as being 23. Since he ran a background check on him, I’m gonna assume that age is correct. But then, Ben could only be 27… not in his 30s.
Ben later mentions that the summer they met as being nearly a decade ago (even though River already said it was more than a decade ago). And Émile even later on notes that the flyer was dated for more than a decade ago (and the flyer’s date would have been post- Ben & River losing contact).
So, the entire time, the ages were bugging me. Late 20s still seems very young for a dark past as Medved and to take over for his still-alive stepfather. An regardless, the math ain’t mathing there. Émile’s age is never mentioned, so at least the math there didn’t have to math.
I love D. Dove. This is the first miss for me. It had none of the tension of Haze. It didn’t deliver on the sugar daddy situation like Stockroom Syndrome. The noncon in every other book I’ve read served more purpose and evoked more than just annoyance.
I’m going to pretend this book doesn’t exist and that I didn’t read it, and hope that someday D. Dove writes a dark mafia sugar daddy book that is everything this wasn’t.
I wanted to love this, I should love this. But this is a case of loving the concept and not enjoying the execution.
Now, this did start off great for me, but today I started at about 70% into the book. It took me all day to make it to 80%. I told myself I’d take a break, come back to it, but I knew I wouldn’t actually come back to it if I did that. So, I read a chapter. Then another chapter. And finally I was 516 pages into a 617 page book. And honestly? I don’t have another 100 pages in me of reading a scene, taking a break, reading a scene, taking a break. I told myself I deserved the HEA, but I think the HEA is not finishing the book.
So, issues…
For starters, this book is 200-300 pages longer than it should be. D. Dove took “full length novel” far too seriously with this. I’ve enjoyed every other D. Dove book I’ve read, but even the entirety of Stockroom Syndrome isn’t even half as long as this. Too. Long. Especially since there just isn’t enough story to justify the length.
Dark Mafia. Promo material for this had it marketed as “dark mafia”. Sounds fun. But, there really isn’t much mafia-ing. Ben and Emile do some business deals that just seem like the “business magnates” mentioned in the blurb would do. There’s talk of Ben’s Medved past and of Émile typically not getting his hands dirty, but overall it was very disappointing on the mafia front.
In regards to the dark part, eh. If we want to say the dark is the noncon from the agonist, then it’s dark. If we want to say the romance is dark? Not at all satisfying. The romance is fluffy fluff fluff, cavity inducing, super sweet. Which is fine, but not what I thought I was getting with this book.
And circling back to the noncon with the agonist. There was a lot of on-page rape. And, I don’t really think that added anything to the book? I think it could have been just as effective having those scenes FTB. I think letting me imagine how bad those scenes were off-page would have built up more dread that seeing them on-page. Not that they were awful, but there was just so many scenes. And then its reiterated when the videos are found.
And if we can have the agonist raping on-page, why can we not have the on-page? I think that would have sold me on Ben and Émile being two dangerous men you don’t wanna piss off.
I think the 3 POVs also didn’t work. I think it made for some repetitive convos, thoughts, etc. I think River’s POV would have been plenty.
I love dogs, but there is far too much dog content in this. Like, I gotta read more about Archie going out for a poop than I do praise kink, and I was looking forward to the praise.
And the one thing that consistently bothered me right from the beginning was the ages.
Ben was 17, and River was 13 when they met… so a 4 year age gap. River puts that summer at more than 10 years ago. So, my brain had River at 24+ years old. Then Ben muses how much he has accomplished by his 30s. Not before his 30s, but by his 30s. So, if he is at minimum 30 years old, River would have to be at least 26.
But then Émile mentions River as being 23. Since he ran a background check on him, I’m gonna assume that age is correct. But then, Ben could only be 27… not in his 30s.
Ben later mentions that the summer they met as being nearly a decade ago (even though River already said it was more than a decade ago). And Émile even later on notes that the flyer was dated for more than a decade ago (and the flyer’s date would have been post- Ben & River losing contact).
So, the entire time, the ages were bugging me. Late 20s still seems very young for a dark past as Medved and to take over for his still-alive stepfather. An regardless, the math ain’t mathing there. Émile’s age is never mentioned, so at least the math there didn’t have to math.
I love D. Dove. This is the first miss for me. It had none of the tension of Haze. It didn’t deliver on the sugar daddy situation like Stockroom Syndrome. The noncon in every other book I’ve read served more purpose and evoked more than just annoyance.
I’m going to pretend this book doesn’t exist and that I didn’t read it, and hope that someday D. Dove writes a dark mafia sugar daddy book that is everything this wasn’t.
September 16, 2025
I went into this book not realizing it was 562 pages nor did I read the content warnings. I also mistakenly thought it was MMM when it's actually a poly V. Those were mistakes on my part (seriously, read the content warnings) but the book made me care enough about River to want to keep going.
It's kind of a weird book in that the first 65% are very dark, gritty, angsty, and honestly kind of horrible at times while the last 35% is mostly fluff and almost feels like a different book. I skipped several chapters after realizing there was on-page graphic rape of the MC in them. It was super uncomfortable to read and imo unnecessary for the story. The fridge scene in particular was horrible and I say that as someone who only read the aftermath because I skipped the chapter once I realized what was about to happen ()
Like I mentioned, I really liked River and I felt so horrible for him, poor guy. I'm glad he got a happy ending but my god could the book easily have been half the length to keep it from dragging and being repetive. I also felt Ben was better developed as a character and had a better connection with River than Émile though neither were given anywhere as much depth as River. I did like the friendship between Ben and Émile though I wish it would've developed into MMM.
I probably should've dnfed this one but I'm stubborn and a fool so I didn’t and here we are. Oh well.
It's kind of a weird book in that the first 65% are very dark, gritty, angsty, and honestly kind of horrible at times while the last 35% is mostly fluff and almost feels like a different book. I skipped several chapters after realizing there was on-page graphic rape of the MC in them. It was super uncomfortable to read and imo unnecessary for the story. The fridge scene in particular was horrible and I say that as someone who only read the aftermath because I skipped the chapter once I realized what was about to happen ()
Like I mentioned, I really liked River and I felt so horrible for him, poor guy. I'm glad he got a happy ending but my god could the book easily have been half the length to keep it from dragging and being repetive. I also felt Ben was better developed as a character and had a better connection with River than Émile though neither were given anywhere as much depth as River. I did like the friendship between Ben and Émile though I wish it would've developed into MMM.
I probably should've dnfed this one but I'm stubborn and a fool so I didn’t and here we are. Oh well.
May 13, 2024
Maybe 3.5 rounded up, because I do enjoy D Dove. RTC
September 15, 2024
Reread #1: I really love this book. The character building and development, the relationship development, the dynamics between all of the characters, the story itself. The progression of each relationship between all 3 characters is just beautiful.
———
I have left multiple reviews on multiple books with multi-partners saying that I just do not like multi-partner books. I have only found like 3 multi-partner books that I actually do thoroughly enjoy. I can now make that 4. This book was fucking excellent. Hurt my whole entire soul for the first like 75%, but goddamn was that ending worth it. Such a good fucking book, that’s all I have to say.
———
I have left multiple reviews on multiple books with multi-partners saying that I just do not like multi-partner books. I have only found like 3 multi-partner books that I actually do thoroughly enjoy. I can now make that 4. This book was fucking excellent. Hurt my whole entire soul for the first like 75%, but goddamn was that ending worth it. Such a good fucking book, that’s all I have to say.
May 15, 2024
Oof. My mistake was reading a book containing SA by an author named D(ead) Dove.
The SA doesn't end until 42% in and is lengthy and described on-page, and the remaining book is comfort - which considering what River had to go through is appropriate, I suppose, but was still a bit too sweet to be interesting for me.
So for my personal tastes, it is both too much hurt and too much comfort.
The SA doesn't end until 42% in and is lengthy and described on-page, and the remaining book is comfort - which considering what River had to go through is appropriate, I suppose, but was still a bit too sweet to be interesting for me.
So for my personal tastes, it is both too much hurt and too much comfort.
May 9, 2024
If you like hurt/comfort this DELIVERS
Dove finally gave us a long one!! It's got a LOT of hurt but the comfort is so good. Also the really bad stuff is only in like the first half of the book? The rest is just wooing (and healing).
Dove finally gave us a long one!! It's got a LOT of hurt but the comfort is so good. Also the really bad stuff is only in like the first half of the book? The rest is just wooing (and healing).
May 12, 2024
if you like whump, hurt and comfort, rich dudes who aren't quite sugar daddies, a heafty dose of plot, poly relationships, and snark: you'll like this one. i loved it. i'll probably reread it.
May 12, 2024
4.25 stars!
My first book from D. Dove. The on-page harassment was pretty brutal to go through, and there were several of them. It had to go on multiple times before our heroes finally found out and saved River.
It's sweet how delicate Émile and Ben handled River's situation. Their relationship went really slow. They did have an interesting dynamic though where the romantic aspect didn't go three ways. River was in love with both Ben and Émile and vice versa. But Ben and Émile weren't in love with each other. They started out as rivals but eventually turned into friends and ended up with an amicable partnership, which I considered more as kinship, bonded by their mutual love for River.
Poor Émile had his moments when he was so sure he had no place in the relationship, he was ready to give River up to Ben. That hurt! Props to River for making his feelings straightforward, solving that problem quickly.
This was a good mix of agony and so much comfort and warmth. I enjoyed it.
My first book from D. Dove. The on-page harassment was pretty brutal to go through, and there were several of them. It had to go on multiple times before our heroes finally found out and saved River.
It's sweet how delicate Émile and Ben handled River's situation. Their relationship went really slow. They did have an interesting dynamic though where the romantic aspect didn't go three ways. River was in love with both Ben and Émile and vice versa. But Ben and Émile weren't in love with each other. They started out as rivals but eventually turned into friends and ended up with an amicable partnership, which I considered more as kinship, bonded by their mutual love for River.
Poor Émile had his moments when he was so sure he had no place in the relationship, he was ready to give River up to Ben. That hurt! Props to River for making his feelings straightforward, solving that problem quickly.
This was a good mix of agony and so much comfort and warmth. I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2024
Wow wow wow. This story made me feel all the things.
Seriously, read your TWs. Not much phases me but boy did one scene really make me so sad for River - but if you can handle the things then definitely read this book. It’s incredible and doesn’t shy away from anything.
River has come out of a rough life in the foster system into an even more rough life where he works to the bone and still can’t afford rent - he makes up the difference by offering his body in payment to his disgusting landlord.
One night he is waiting for a package to be collected and finds it is Ben, his only friend and good memory from his childhood. The two rekindle a friendship - tentatively, Ben can tell there is a lot that has happened that River isn’t telling him and he refuses any sort of help. A work rival (they’re kinda frenemies), Èmile notices that Ben is different and has his team find out what has been happening and finds River. Then he inadvertently gets him shot at.. These two also form an unlikely friendship, the first real person Èmile has truly cared for.
It’s all very sweet, both men sharing Rivers time and sneakily getting him to accept gifts. Until Rivers fridge breaks and the landlord needs further payment from him.. in the form of being entertainment for him and his 3 friends. It’s truly awful. Ben finds him the next day and whisks him away to the apartment that he had already got for River and then him and Èmile track down the landlord and his friends and exact revenge!
Following this, as River heals from his many physical and mental injures, he finds his affections for both Ben and Èmile intensify. He confronts them both and tells them he wants to be with them and the following weeks/months are filled with a slow build up of River getting more comfortable with himself, his new home and new job - and his two boyfriends.
““I care about you,” River said to Émile. “And Ben—and I don’t think I could choose—I don’t want to—b-but maybe... I don’t have to?”
It was the closest River could get to saying it. He’d never even thought it possible until this moment, and the clumsy words showed it.”
Honestly, this book was incredible and I couldn’t recommend it more. I really like Doves work, I have read almost all of them and they are all so different and interesting, confronting and super spicy.
❤️🩹MMM Romance
❤️🩹Dark
❤️🩹Hurt/Comfort
❤️🩹R@.pę
❤️🩹Why Choose
❤️🩹HEA
December 9, 2024
Another great read from D. Dove
This book is one hell of a slow burn but if you hang on, it’s worth every page. River deserves every single thing Emile and Ben try to give him.
Check your TW, there’s some tough on page scenes.
This book is one hell of a slow burn but if you hang on, it’s worth every page. River deserves every single thing Emile and Ben try to give him.
Check your TW, there’s some tough on page scenes.
June 2, 2024
A slow burn, incredibly traumatic, hurt/comfort read. With how dark it started with poor River I did not expect this to be as sweet as it was. And it's been a long time since I read an M/M/M where two of the Ms weren't sexual with each other. I'd read more by this author.
TW: on page sexual assault multiple times on MC (not by other MCs).
TW: on page sexual assault multiple times on MC (not by other MCs).
October 25, 2025
2.75🌟
There is alot to unpack here and I can’t even say half of it is pleasant.
First of all, this shit is too damn long and I don’t even mean long in the sense that I’m a lazy reader or I skimmed, I mean long in the repetitive sense. The author wrote the same shit, the same lines and over and over again, I honestly fought the urge to roll my eyes.
Second of all, nobody and I mean nobody needs to write on page descriptive as hell sexual assault scenes the way this author did like seriously I will have nightmares from that stuff. I could not come back from that one scene let alone trying to wrap my head around how strong the character in question even is.
Now maybe lastly, but for characters that spent so much time together with beautiful use of quality time expressed in these pages, I expected them to communicate more. They’re still very much in the dark about each other pasts and they’re keeping alot of stuff from each other. Yeah to protect River mostly but at what cost? That sounds like shit that’ll later blow up in their faces because it’s just a lot of secrets to actually build a healthy relationship on.
Sigh, honestly in theory I can’t even say the book was bad. I just wish the author made better use of their method of expression because the beginning of this book was actually everything. I was intrigued by the character arc’s, I was intrigued by the plot and true to the name of the book, I really just wanted to see River win like seriously if anybody deserves two partners, it’s River and that part was done well especially bc I’ve never read an MMM where it’s only two people sharing and not actually all of them… that said the author wasn’t able to carry the high of the story tho because at exactly the middle of the story, it started falling off. I will give it points for engagement because it was able to still keep me hooked but I still felt like the story had a lot of areas that lacked.
There is alot to unpack here and I can’t even say half of it is pleasant.
First of all, this shit is too damn long and I don’t even mean long in the sense that I’m a lazy reader or I skimmed, I mean long in the repetitive sense. The author wrote the same shit, the same lines and over and over again, I honestly fought the urge to roll my eyes.
Second of all, nobody and I mean nobody needs to write on page descriptive as hell sexual assault scenes the way this author did like seriously I will have nightmares from that stuff. I could not come back from that one scene let alone trying to wrap my head around how strong the character in question even is.
Now maybe lastly, but for characters that spent so much time together with beautiful use of quality time expressed in these pages, I expected them to communicate more. They’re still very much in the dark about each other pasts and they’re keeping alot of stuff from each other. Yeah to protect River mostly but at what cost? That sounds like shit that’ll later blow up in their faces because it’s just a lot of secrets to actually build a healthy relationship on.
Sigh, honestly in theory I can’t even say the book was bad. I just wish the author made better use of their method of expression because the beginning of this book was actually everything. I was intrigued by the character arc’s, I was intrigued by the plot and true to the name of the book, I really just wanted to see River win like seriously if anybody deserves two partners, it’s River and that part was done well especially bc I’ve never read an MMM where it’s only two people sharing and not actually all of them… that said the author wasn’t able to carry the high of the story tho because at exactly the middle of the story, it started falling off. I will give it points for engagement because it was able to still keep me hooked but I still felt like the story had a lot of areas that lacked.
June 14, 2025
Tough start to a beautiful ending
River’s life is nothing but turmoil, pain, and despair until the day he reconnects with a friend from his youth. Ben, meanwhile, had become a ruthless leader in the world of real estate where his biggest adversary, Emilie, is also the closest Ben has to a friend.
River is ping-ponged between the two until the day comes that River needs more from them then food and clothes... he needs everything.
KU, contemporary, MMM, hurt/comfort, themes of abuse, physical and sexual. Note trigger warnings.
River’s life is nothing but turmoil, pain, and despair until the day he reconnects with a friend from his youth. Ben, meanwhile, had become a ruthless leader in the world of real estate where his biggest adversary, Emilie, is also the closest Ben has to a friend.
River is ping-ponged between the two until the day comes that River needs more from them then food and clothes... he needs everything.
KU, contemporary, MMM, hurt/comfort, themes of abuse, physical and sexual. Note trigger warnings.
January 24, 2025
Oh my. This book was so good. I'm usually not much for a slow burn but ahhhhhhhh this one was delicious. The hurt/comfort trope was TOP TIER. I plan on looking to see what else this author has written for sure.
Read
July 6, 2025DNF - on page SA is a no go for me.
November 29, 2024
I seem to have a problem with finishing books because I can’t give the best reviews without known the full story. Nevertheless these reviews are vague as shit and I’m here to set a few things straight.
Just like one of the reviews stated, there is graphic rape/gangbang and abuse (spoiler not spoiler it’s between River and his landlord who invites his friends over to take a turn with River).
I read up to page 71 and no abuse nor sexual violence was showing so I’m guessing around page 100-150 is when it’ll start up. It then goes on until page 350-370 (the gangrape is around then). River is found by Ben and taken away. I’m still skipping through it so i may or may not come back to add more to this review but so far a good 40%-50% of the book is abuse, rape and the two ML’s getting to know River.
My thoughts:
1. Without reading to much of the book I can already tell that River is kinda stupid. No offense but you have two rich ass men fawning over you and you still let yourself struggle? I get it, you don’t want to beg for help but it’s better than being raped constantly and put in a dangerous situation. ASK FOR HELP it’s less embarrassing when you realize that your life and dignity has been saved.
2. Ben and Emile should have done something sooner. From what I can see they’ve had suspicions but wanted to give River the privacy and chance to tell them himself. That’s dumb and it’s bullshit. Why let the person you’re interested in suffer just to save their pride? No thanks lol. On top of that around page 390 we find out that Ben had bought/rented a nice apartment for River which meant that gangrape was completely unnecessary, River could have moved in a LONG time ago and saved himself the trouble.
END OF THOUGHTS.
I can’t give much more on the rest of the book but I can already tell that it’s gonna be slow and probably a waste of time.
Altogether there are 874 pages (EPUB version) and practically 400 of those pages include rape, violence, ignorance/avoidance and abuse.
You decide if it’s worth reading because I’m getting tired of these vague ass reviewers that continue to repeat EXACTLY WHAT THE MOTHERFUCKING DESCRIPTION STATES and acts like that’ll do something lmao.
If you cant review properly then don’t review at all. I don’t need to see “River is a poor boy who catches the attention of Ben and Emile” 18 THOUSAND TIMES, what I need are DETAILS not spoils but DETAILS on when shits gonna happen and get good.
If you like my partial review go and check out my others. I get exact page numbers on when shit gets better so that we readers don’t have to sit in wonder on when the MC is gonna get his happily ever after.
Just like one of the reviews stated, there is graphic rape/gangbang and abuse (spoiler not spoiler it’s between River and his landlord who invites his friends over to take a turn with River).
I read up to page 71 and no abuse nor sexual violence was showing so I’m guessing around page 100-150 is when it’ll start up. It then goes on until page 350-370 (the gangrape is around then). River is found by Ben and taken away. I’m still skipping through it so i may or may not come back to add more to this review but so far a good 40%-50% of the book is abuse, rape and the two ML’s getting to know River.
My thoughts:
1. Without reading to much of the book I can already tell that River is kinda stupid. No offense but you have two rich ass men fawning over you and you still let yourself struggle? I get it, you don’t want to beg for help but it’s better than being raped constantly and put in a dangerous situation. ASK FOR HELP it’s less embarrassing when you realize that your life and dignity has been saved.
2. Ben and Emile should have done something sooner. From what I can see they’ve had suspicions but wanted to give River the privacy and chance to tell them himself. That’s dumb and it’s bullshit. Why let the person you’re interested in suffer just to save their pride? No thanks lol. On top of that around page 390 we find out that Ben had bought/rented a nice apartment for River which meant that gangrape was completely unnecessary, River could have moved in a LONG time ago and saved himself the trouble.
END OF THOUGHTS.
I can’t give much more on the rest of the book but I can already tell that it’s gonna be slow and probably a waste of time.
Altogether there are 874 pages (EPUB version) and practically 400 of those pages include rape, violence, ignorance/avoidance and abuse.
You decide if it’s worth reading because I’m getting tired of these vague ass reviewers that continue to repeat EXACTLY WHAT THE MOTHERFUCKING DESCRIPTION STATES and acts like that’ll do something lmao.
If you cant review properly then don’t review at all. I don’t need to see “River is a poor boy who catches the attention of Ben and Emile” 18 THOUSAND TIMES, what I need are DETAILS not spoils but DETAILS on when shits gonna happen and get good.
If you like my partial review go and check out my others. I get exact page numbers on when shit gets better so that we readers don’t have to sit in wonder on when the MC is gonna get his happily ever after.
October 18, 2025
I don't normally write reviews because I'm lazy, but I keep thinking about this book and how much it irritated me, enough that I came to update to 2 stars from 3 and decided to write this. I should have DNFd, but I liked the beginning and kept hoping it would get better. This is stupidly long because I kept thinking of things that irritated me. Massive spoilers throughout.
This book has a fun premise - down on his luck guy meets his childhood sweetheart (LI1), who is now Very Wealthy. They start to rekindle their relationship, and this catches the attention of the LI's business rival (LI2). LI2 then decides to get to know MC out of curiousity, and ends up also falling in love. Bad stuff happens to MC, so the two rescue him together and decide they will put aside their jealousy to give MC everything he could have dreamed of, including their dicks. So sweet, love it! I don't read a lot of poly novels, but if I did this seems right up my alley.
But hoooo boy
First, no offense River, but you're very boring. I think I would have liked this novel more if it was just the two LIs going after each other's sexual partners, then ending up together, because they actually did have chemistry togerher. I didn't see the chemistry with River. He was like a carboard cutout that someone glued trauma onto.
River is crazy poor with a terrible job and is constantly complaining about how poor he is and how exhausted he is, but he only has one job and spends his free time volunteering at a dog shelter (this is probably so we know what the LIs are talking about when they say he's kind). I'm not saying people in poverty don't volunteer, but ime they usually don't have time because they're working multiple jobs, which doesn't seem to occur to River as a thing he can do.
Instead, he lives in a hovel that he can't afford with his full-time mail warehouse job and to supplement his rent, he allows his landlord to rape him. Repeatedly. Graphically on page. This is not something that bothers me, but it felt really weird in this sweet sappy romance novel to have erotic rape smut fully written out and not fade to black (the author is called d dove, maybe their other stuff is dark romance?)
In the midst of this, River re-meets Ben, a guy he spent a summer with when he was 12 or 14 and Ben was...16? 17? He is now ultra wealthy and starts taking River on dates to restaurants, buying him groceries, and trying to rekindle their friendship. Ben is... interesting. It's unclear how he got to where he is. He appears to have had a completely normal suburban childhood (with an abusive parent), then his mother married a man (after River knew him, so we would have been at least 16) and he treats this guy as his real dad that raised him. Also the guy appears to have gotten him into the Russian Mafia because the author never tells us what business Ben is the CEO of, but he murdered his way to the top (his nickname is medved and there are several mentions of his work as some beserking assassin).
When Ben's business rival (kinda, they work together several times and end up partnering in business) finds out about River, he goes to meet him. He ends up getting mugged, but River takes the bullet. He then decides to also start spoiling River with dates to restaurants and buying him things like designer clothes (because Émile is a Fancy Bitch. I actually kind of liked Émile haha). It's also unclear what Émile does, although he came from wealth. Maybe he's head of the French mafia. The crime thing for both really doesn't make sense since the business they do on page seems so mundane.
Eventually the two realize what's going on with River because his rapist landlord invited a bunch of other guys to gang rape him (graphically, on page), and he's so messed up afterwards that he can't answer their calls. They move him to an apartment Ben has been preparing for him and start spoiling the shit out of him.
They also decide to murder the rapists which, fine. What seriously annoys me is that the landlord was making videos of his encounters and the two decide that they HAVE to sit together around River's shitty fold out table and watch all of those videos of River being violently violated. They have to. For River. I've never been raped, but from other violations I've suffered, I can tell you the last thing I want is to have the two dudes I'm romantically interested in watch what happened.
The rest of the book is building the HEA. Note that everything that's happened so far happened in a couple months, and the rest seems to take place over a week or so. River ends up finding a job he loves and flourishes in his new apartment. Both LIs decide to put aside their jealousy so that River can have both of them (at the same time, but don't worry, they don't touch each other). This is all fine, but it seriously annoyed me how up the MC's ass these LIs are. Like, I love soulmates, I'm usually fine with instant love. But these two billionaires are totally besotted with this cardboard dude. He's constantly insulting himself, and they're constantly telling him how AMAZING he is (in ways we're never shown. Again, no offense to River, but we do not see all of these amazing qualities they're talking about.) I can maybe see this level of obsession from Ben, he seems the type who would get ultra-focused on some good memory from his childhood and decide to make that his life. I truly do not see Émile acting the way he does with River, it just does not make sense with his character. They all have sex together (but the LIs do NOT touch each other. This is a Love V, not a triangle), The End.
Tl;dr, the way they handle the rapes is weird and the LIs love the MC in a way that doesn't make sense given the timeline, which wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so annoyingly vocal about it.
I still probably wouldn't have bothered writing this review, but I realized it was negatively effecting my next read because I'm seeing similarities. I'll probably end up DNFing this next one, and I honestly don't know if I would be so annoyed if I hadn't just finished this one.
Two stars, because I liked the beginning.
This book has a fun premise - down on his luck guy meets his childhood sweetheart (LI1), who is now Very Wealthy. They start to rekindle their relationship, and this catches the attention of the LI's business rival (LI2). LI2 then decides to get to know MC out of curiousity, and ends up also falling in love. Bad stuff happens to MC, so the two rescue him together and decide they will put aside their jealousy to give MC everything he could have dreamed of, including their dicks. So sweet, love it! I don't read a lot of poly novels, but if I did this seems right up my alley.
But hoooo boy
First, no offense River, but you're very boring. I think I would have liked this novel more if it was just the two LIs going after each other's sexual partners, then ending up together, because they actually did have chemistry togerher. I didn't see the chemistry with River. He was like a carboard cutout that someone glued trauma onto.
River is crazy poor with a terrible job and is constantly complaining about how poor he is and how exhausted he is, but he only has one job and spends his free time volunteering at a dog shelter (this is probably so we know what the LIs are talking about when they say he's kind). I'm not saying people in poverty don't volunteer, but ime they usually don't have time because they're working multiple jobs, which doesn't seem to occur to River as a thing he can do.
Instead, he lives in a hovel that he can't afford with his full-time mail warehouse job and to supplement his rent, he allows his landlord to rape him. Repeatedly. Graphically on page. This is not something that bothers me, but it felt really weird in this sweet sappy romance novel to have erotic rape smut fully written out and not fade to black (the author is called d dove, maybe their other stuff is dark romance?)
In the midst of this, River re-meets Ben, a guy he spent a summer with when he was 12 or 14 and Ben was...16? 17? He is now ultra wealthy and starts taking River on dates to restaurants, buying him groceries, and trying to rekindle their friendship. Ben is... interesting. It's unclear how he got to where he is. He appears to have had a completely normal suburban childhood (with an abusive parent), then his mother married a man (after River knew him, so we would have been at least 16) and he treats this guy as his real dad that raised him. Also the guy appears to have gotten him into the Russian Mafia because the author never tells us what business Ben is the CEO of, but he murdered his way to the top (his nickname is medved and there are several mentions of his work as some beserking assassin).
When Ben's business rival (kinda, they work together several times and end up partnering in business) finds out about River, he goes to meet him. He ends up getting mugged, but River takes the bullet. He then decides to also start spoiling River with dates to restaurants and buying him things like designer clothes (because Émile is a Fancy Bitch. I actually kind of liked Émile haha). It's also unclear what Émile does, although he came from wealth. Maybe he's head of the French mafia. The crime thing for both really doesn't make sense since the business they do on page seems so mundane.
Eventually the two realize what's going on with River because his rapist landlord invited a bunch of other guys to gang rape him (graphically, on page), and he's so messed up afterwards that he can't answer their calls. They move him to an apartment Ben has been preparing for him and start spoiling the shit out of him.
They also decide to murder the rapists which, fine. What seriously annoys me is that the landlord was making videos of his encounters and the two decide that they HAVE to sit together around River's shitty fold out table and watch all of those videos of River being violently violated. They have to. For River. I've never been raped, but from other violations I've suffered, I can tell you the last thing I want is to have the two dudes I'm romantically interested in watch what happened.
The rest of the book is building the HEA. Note that everything that's happened so far happened in a couple months, and the rest seems to take place over a week or so. River ends up finding a job he loves and flourishes in his new apartment. Both LIs decide to put aside their jealousy so that River can have both of them (at the same time, but don't worry, they don't touch each other). This is all fine, but it seriously annoyed me how up the MC's ass these LIs are. Like, I love soulmates, I'm usually fine with instant love. But these two billionaires are totally besotted with this cardboard dude. He's constantly insulting himself, and they're constantly telling him how AMAZING he is (in ways we're never shown. Again, no offense to River, but we do not see all of these amazing qualities they're talking about.) I can maybe see this level of obsession from Ben, he seems the type who would get ultra-focused on some good memory from his childhood and decide to make that his life. I truly do not see Émile acting the way he does with River, it just does not make sense with his character. They all have sex together (but the LIs do NOT touch each other. This is a Love V, not a triangle), The End.
Tl;dr, the way they handle the rapes is weird and the LIs love the MC in a way that doesn't make sense given the timeline, which wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so annoyingly vocal about it.
I still probably wouldn't have bothered writing this review, but I realized it was negatively effecting my next read because I'm seeing similarities. I'll probably end up DNFing this next one, and I honestly don't know if I would be so annoyed if I hadn't just finished this one.
Two stars, because I liked the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2024
My biggest gripe with this one is that River was unrecognisable as the same character at the start of the book.
May 19, 2024
4.5⭐️
Cosas que han hecho que no tenga 5⭐️:
Primero, que Ben y Émile no se dan ni un besito. Me hubiera gustado que ellos también tuvieran interacciones de ese tipo, porque a Émile estaba claro que Benjamin le gustaba.
Segundo, que desde la página 400 está ya todo el drama resuelto, y son 200 páginas de desarrollo de su relación solo. Que está genial, porque así ha surgido todo super natural, han ido avanzando de una forma muy real y preciosa, y River ha podido hacerse a ello a pesar de todo lo que llevaba encima. PERO, me ha faltado alguna escena más de drama en esas doscientas páginas. Siendo un libro de mafia, y sabiendo que Émile y Ben seguramente tengan un montón de enemigos, hubiera estado bien que alguno hubiera intentado hacerle algo a River. Eso le da muchísima emoción y aunque me ha encantado verlos desarrollar su relación, un momento así tenso de peligro entre medias me hubiera hecho gritar. Es como que el peligro termina muy pronto (para lo largo que es el libro, me refiero, para nada se me hizo corto hasta que se cargaron al puerco ese, pero es que aún quedaban 200 páginas) y luego solo he estado en tensión yo porque creía que iba a pasar algo y al final no. Las últimas 200 páginas son muy tranquilas, muy slice of life, con River haciéndose a su nueva y tranquila vida por primera vez en muchísimos años. Y sí, es muy bonito verlo, pero esperaba algo más.
Que por otro lado yo entiendo que la historia pedía eso. Al final, River no puede desarrollar una relación con Ben y Émile con la presencia de su violador en su mente, así que tienen que matarlo para poder avanzar. Y sí, River ya había pasado por mucho y probablemente otro secuestro o ataque le hubiera hecho retroceder quizá demasiado. En realidad no es que esté mal hecho, sino que me esperaba otra cosa. El 4.5⭐️ es más por lo primero que he dicho, que no es realmente un MMM. Es más un why choose.
Quitándo eso, DIOS MÍO QUE LIBRAZO. La relación entre los tres es increíble y la forma en la que se construye es tan perfecta y está tan bien desarrollada desde el principio.
De este libro me llevo un nuevo marido ficticio porque me he enamorado de una manera. Si este hombre existiera en la vida real yo me postraría a sus pies y le dejaría hacerme lo que quisiera. Señor Émile, dios. Qué feliz me ha hecho. Sus POVs son mis favs, sus escenas son mis favs. SUS FRASES. Jamás me había pasado lo de enamorarme de LA FORMA DE HABLAR de un personaje. Te lo juro que tengo subrayadas prácticamente todas las partes donde habla él porque cada cosa que decía, así toda refinada y elegante, incluso cuando hablaba con el perro, eran joyitas.
Este libro es el primer libro (y mira que he leído cosas terriblemente asquerosas y turbias) que me hace sentir realmente que voy a vomitar. Puede que fuera porque justo estaba cenando, pero os juro que sentí que lo iba a echar todo. Es también la primera vez que me alegro de que corten una escena de sexo porque lo estaba pasando fatal. Es en la que el gilipollas y sus amigos violan a River. Es tan explícito y tan duro verlo e imaginarlo, encima desde la perspectiva de River que ves todo lo que está sintiendo mientras le hacen esas cosas horribles, y todo lo que ha tenido que pasar para reaccionar como si fuera algo normal. De las escenas más duras y que más me han pegado nunca, y no creo que sea la peor que leí. Será porque River ya llevaba 300 páginas sufriendo cosas así y estaba harta, mi pobre bebé.
Amo a esta autora. Todo lo que escribe me hace sentir cosas (buenas y malas).
Cosas que han hecho que no tenga 5⭐️:
Primero, que Ben y Émile no se dan ni un besito. Me hubiera gustado que ellos también tuvieran interacciones de ese tipo, porque a Émile estaba claro que Benjamin le gustaba.
Segundo, que desde la página 400 está ya todo el drama resuelto, y son 200 páginas de desarrollo de su relación solo. Que está genial, porque así ha surgido todo super natural, han ido avanzando de una forma muy real y preciosa, y River ha podido hacerse a ello a pesar de todo lo que llevaba encima. PERO, me ha faltado alguna escena más de drama en esas doscientas páginas. Siendo un libro de mafia, y sabiendo que Émile y Ben seguramente tengan un montón de enemigos, hubiera estado bien que alguno hubiera intentado hacerle algo a River. Eso le da muchísima emoción y aunque me ha encantado verlos desarrollar su relación, un momento así tenso de peligro entre medias me hubiera hecho gritar. Es como que el peligro termina muy pronto (para lo largo que es el libro, me refiero, para nada se me hizo corto hasta que se cargaron al puerco ese, pero es que aún quedaban 200 páginas) y luego solo he estado en tensión yo porque creía que iba a pasar algo y al final no. Las últimas 200 páginas son muy tranquilas, muy slice of life, con River haciéndose a su nueva y tranquila vida por primera vez en muchísimos años. Y sí, es muy bonito verlo, pero esperaba algo más.
Que por otro lado yo entiendo que la historia pedía eso. Al final, River no puede desarrollar una relación con Ben y Émile con la presencia de su violador en su mente, así que tienen que matarlo para poder avanzar. Y sí, River ya había pasado por mucho y probablemente otro secuestro o ataque le hubiera hecho retroceder quizá demasiado. En realidad no es que esté mal hecho, sino que me esperaba otra cosa. El 4.5⭐️ es más por lo primero que he dicho, que no es realmente un MMM. Es más un why choose.
Quitándo eso, DIOS MÍO QUE LIBRAZO. La relación entre los tres es increíble y la forma en la que se construye es tan perfecta y está tan bien desarrollada desde el principio.
De este libro me llevo un nuevo marido ficticio porque me he enamorado de una manera. Si este hombre existiera en la vida real yo me postraría a sus pies y le dejaría hacerme lo que quisiera. Señor Émile, dios. Qué feliz me ha hecho. Sus POVs son mis favs, sus escenas son mis favs. SUS FRASES. Jamás me había pasado lo de enamorarme de LA FORMA DE HABLAR de un personaje. Te lo juro que tengo subrayadas prácticamente todas las partes donde habla él porque cada cosa que decía, así toda refinada y elegante, incluso cuando hablaba con el perro, eran joyitas.
Este libro es el primer libro (y mira que he leído cosas terriblemente asquerosas y turbias) que me hace sentir realmente que voy a vomitar. Puede que fuera porque justo estaba cenando, pero os juro que sentí que lo iba a echar todo. Es también la primera vez que me alegro de que corten una escena de sexo porque lo estaba pasando fatal. Es en la que el gilipollas y sus amigos violan a River. Es tan explícito y tan duro verlo e imaginarlo, encima desde la perspectiva de River que ves todo lo que está sintiendo mientras le hacen esas cosas horribles, y todo lo que ha tenido que pasar para reaccionar como si fuera algo normal. De las escenas más duras y que más me han pegado nunca, y no creo que sea la peor que leí. Será porque River ya llevaba 300 páginas sufriendo cosas así y estaba harta, mi pobre bebé.
Amo a esta autora. Todo lo que escribe me hace sentir cosas (buenas y malas).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
I'm between a 4 or 4.5 rating, but overall I loved this a lot and it definitely deserves a more elaborated review so I hope I can give it justice.
The plot is about River, a guy who's lived in debt for a long time, never financially stable, so he has to go around and pick up random jobs no matter if they're dangerous for himself. His life is awful, he has a lanlord who abuses and harrasses him constantly, and he can barely make it to the end of the moth with something to eat. That's how he meets Ben, someone he met when he was much younger and who is glad to see him again. They start a friendship and then the second ML appears, Emile, who is Ben's rival (not really) and becomes interested in River as well.
This did a really great job in the hurt/comfort aspect, I usually look for books where there is actual hurt/pain that can make me feel as bad as MC, and I think this one is a good example. It is horrifying, but thankfully there's a ton of comfort equally. I would even say the comfort was a bit too much for my tastes, but I don't mind a lot because the MC deserves it.
One of the few reasons why this wasn't so perfect to me is because of how I felt after the painful side of the story ended, and the comfort started. I was still engaged, but somehow I felt like I could stop and give it a few days, instead of being as obsessed with this as I was during the beginning. I guess it's because I'm someone who enjoys whump and the angstiest it is, the better. Not really into something too sweet, which isn't a flaw in itself but a preference for me, and that's how I felt about the second half. Ben and Emile are amazing supportive partners, but I wish the development wasn't as slow. I understand why it is as it came out, but I think some things could've been omitted and it would've worked still.
Besides that, I thought some of the dialogue felt a bit too unrealistic, especially when it came to Emile, at least River actually thinks no one talks like that, but I still wanted him to talk like a normal person lol. There was also too much stuttering from River, especifically the "O-Oh" thing he always did, I get the sentiment, but I wish it was replaced or omitted and the dialogue would flow better.
This one is a very solid book though, I enjoyed the trauma recovery journey, and seeing River go through so much to finally get his HEA is worth it. I wished this had a bit more rivalry between Ben and Emile at the beginning because it'd be much more interesting to see their progress, but I'm fine with the result anyway. I adored how they pampered River at any chance they were given, and how they actually took , it's cathartic. I have a thing for guys who provide for their lovers, so this was really great.
Tags: (can miss some, heads up that I don't tag everything)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The plot is about River, a guy who's lived in debt for a long time, never financially stable, so he has to go around and pick up random jobs no matter if they're dangerous for himself. His life is awful, he has a lanlord who abuses and harrasses him constantly, and he can barely make it to the end of the moth with something to eat. That's how he meets Ben, someone he met when he was much younger and who is glad to see him again. They start a friendship and then the second ML appears, Emile, who is Ben's rival (not really) and becomes interested in River as well.
This did a really great job in the hurt/comfort aspect, I usually look for books where there is actual hurt/pain that can make me feel as bad as MC, and I think this one is a good example. It is horrifying, but thankfully there's a ton of comfort equally. I would even say the comfort was a bit too much for my tastes, but I don't mind a lot because the MC deserves it.
One of the few reasons why this wasn't so perfect to me is because of how I felt after the painful side of the story ended, and the comfort started. I was still engaged, but somehow I felt like I could stop and give it a few days, instead of being as obsessed with this as I was during the beginning. I guess it's because I'm someone who enjoys whump and the angstiest it is, the better. Not really into something too sweet, which isn't a flaw in itself but a preference for me, and that's how I felt about the second half. Ben and Emile are amazing supportive partners, but I wish the development wasn't as slow. I understand why it is as it came out, but I think some things could've been omitted and it would've worked still.
Besides that, I thought some of the dialogue felt a bit too unrealistic, especially when it came to Emile, at least River actually thinks no one talks like that, but I still wanted him to talk like a normal person lol. There was also too much stuttering from River, especifically the "O-Oh" thing he always did, I get the sentiment, but I wish it was replaced or omitted and the dialogue would flow better.
This one is a very solid book though, I enjoyed the trauma recovery journey, and seeing River go through so much to finally get his HEA is worth it. I wished this had a bit more rivalry between Ben and Emile at the beginning because it'd be much more interesting to see their progress, but I'm fine with the result anyway. I adored how they pampered River at any chance they were given, and how they actually took , it's cathartic. I have a thing for guys who provide for their lovers, so this was really great.
Tags: (can miss some, heads up that I don't tag everything)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
February 12, 2025
4.5⭐
AHHHH I have finished this and I have many thoughts 🙂↕️
first off, I am forevermore grateful that any romantic ideation or advances were until River got out of that horrible situation- genuinely with all that was going on in his life, I doubt he would have been in the right headspace to have a partner- let alone two
emilés dissociation scene also shows this, river would have a much harder time accepting that these men didn't just want him so that he could pay them back for the kindness that they have bestowed upon him
TALKING ABOUT EMILÉ!!!! he was SOOO AUGHH he reminded me of Nathaniel from sorcery of thorns sobbing my beloved- I felt like emilé had more to him than Ben- no tea no shade 🙈
although they wouldn't have worked out without river between the two of them, I wanted to see more of Ben and Emilé become closer as individuals without River as a variable, everytime that they talked to one another privately- it was in relation to River and I GET that but hey a girl can dream for a few scenes?!!!
aughhh and the rape scene I mean. I've read books where MCs have been victims of SA either during the book or before the book but I've never really read a rape scene that graphic- esp the last one. I think what made that so awful was that it was just one of the many other debts that river had to pay and honestly, at least he knew Don would come onto him- he had no idea who these other men were and he was suddenly expected to give them his body. ngl, I did skip because it was way too much but WOAH
anyways, one thing that annoyed me was Archie- what is with MM authors and their obsession with dogs? is it like a white people thing or.... like give me cat lovers bae!!! like idc how good of a boy Archie is and I don't want to have whole scenes for going on walks with him. also after finding out the other books dove writes about dogs has me 💀
shsjjsjs I loved how tender and soft the sex scenes were like AHHHHHH I love the control they gave river 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
this book ate highkey
AHHHH I have finished this and I have many thoughts 🙂↕️
first off, I am forevermore grateful that any romantic ideation or advances were until River got out of that horrible situation- genuinely with all that was going on in his life, I doubt he would have been in the right headspace to have a partner- let alone two
emilés dissociation scene also shows this, river would have a much harder time accepting that these men didn't just want him so that he could pay them back for the kindness that they have bestowed upon him
TALKING ABOUT EMILÉ!!!! he was SOOO AUGHH he reminded me of Nathaniel from sorcery of thorns sobbing my beloved- I felt like emilé had more to him than Ben- no tea no shade 🙈
although they wouldn't have worked out without river between the two of them, I wanted to see more of Ben and Emilé become closer as individuals without River as a variable, everytime that they talked to one another privately- it was in relation to River and I GET that but hey a girl can dream for a few scenes?!!!
aughhh and the rape scene I mean. I've read books where MCs have been victims of SA either during the book or before the book but I've never really read a rape scene that graphic- esp the last one. I think what made that so awful was that it was just one of the many other debts that river had to pay and honestly, at least he knew Don would come onto him- he had no idea who these other men were and he was suddenly expected to give them his body. ngl, I did skip because it was way too much but WOAH
anyways, one thing that annoyed me was Archie- what is with MM authors and their obsession with dogs? is it like a white people thing or.... like give me cat lovers bae!!! like idc how good of a boy Archie is and I don't want to have whole scenes for going on walks with him. also after finding out the other books dove writes about dogs has me 💀
shsjjsjs I loved how tender and soft the sex scenes were like AHHHHHH I love the control they gave river 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
this book ate highkey
April 8, 2025
Not going to lie to you...
It's not easy to make it through this bok. The reoccurring SAs almost took me out. I had to push myself. That's why it took an extra day to finish the book, but it was so worth it.
Yes like other reviews have said, some parts were long-winded while other parts that would have dynamically benefited from too much detail were unnecessarily rushed...but even still, with all that, the book was REALLY good.
There are 2 distinct reason I didn't give 5⭐s:
1) I believe in high quality revenge...in books AND in real life.
Soooo as a reader that had to directly experience (for over 60% of the book) all of the horrors in River's story, it makes no sense that we are basically robbed of the opportunity to see certain people receiving their just deserts. I know I'm not the only one that didn't want to hear about stuff after the fact. Let us see their souls be yanked from their body in real time because that's what they deserved.
And
2) What's the rush?!?! I made it thru the mud with River. If we made it thru all of that, for God's sake let me see the nuggets that ultimately helped his loving relationships blossom and flourish into what catalyzed that beautiful HEA. I appreciate the introspection from Ryans perspective as he healed, but I more so wanted to see the healing in real time with the men that care so much about him.
Note:
Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be an ultra epilogue or maybe even a Book 2 released so Ben &Emile can have more time on the page together. They don't have to become lovers imo to make it interesting. The legacy of their relationship before River and the cultivation of their new relationship after River alone make them worthy of more time in the spotlight with readers. They're both just such interestingly juicy characters.
It's not easy to make it through this bok. The reoccurring SAs almost took me out. I had to push myself. That's why it took an extra day to finish the book, but it was so worth it.
Yes like other reviews have said, some parts were long-winded while other parts that would have dynamically benefited from too much detail were unnecessarily rushed...but even still, with all that, the book was REALLY good.
There are 2 distinct reason I didn't give 5⭐s:
1) I believe in high quality revenge...in books AND in real life.
Soooo as a reader that had to directly experience (for over 60% of the book) all of the horrors in River's story, it makes no sense that we are basically robbed of the opportunity to see certain people receiving their just deserts. I know I'm not the only one that didn't want to hear about stuff after the fact. Let us see their souls be yanked from their body in real time because that's what they deserved.
And
2) What's the rush?!?! I made it thru the mud with River. If we made it thru all of that, for God's sake let me see the nuggets that ultimately helped his loving relationships blossom and flourish into what catalyzed that beautiful HEA. I appreciate the introspection from Ryans perspective as he healed, but I more so wanted to see the healing in real time with the men that care so much about him.
Note:
Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be an ultra epilogue or maybe even a Book 2 released so Ben &Emile can have more time on the page together. They don't have to become lovers imo to make it interesting. The legacy of their relationship before River and the cultivation of their new relationship after River alone make them worthy of more time in the spotlight with readers. They're both just such interestingly juicy characters.
October 2, 2025
Overall
So let me start off by giving the Trigger Warnings as I don’t recall any given for this book. So here goes and be warned there are spoilers in this review. Trigger Warnings: Abuse, degradation, humiliation, non-consensual s*x, false ownership, consensual s*x for partial payment, attempted mugging, one of the MCs get shot, and k*lling of abusive men. There maybe more but these are off the top of my head. Benjamin, River, and Emile are the three MCs of this book. Ben and River became friends years prior one summer until River was taken to another foster home. He had been in the foster care system since 9 years old due to the death of his father.
Years later Ben has to pick up a package from a warehouse where he comes face to face with River. River lives on the rough side of town and Ben quickly learns that River is a very stubborn and strong person who wants nothing from him but his friendship. Here enters Emile as him and Benjamin are somewhat business rivals/somewhat friends. Emile wants to know what has gotten Ben so preoccupied, so he goes searching and finds River. Now Emile has also realized that River is a special guy. So both guys want more from River. Meanwhile, River is in a bad situation that’s getting worse with his landlord. When no one has heard from River in a few days Ben goes to the apartment to find River battered and bruised and can’t walk. Ben immediately takes in the scene and quickly gets River out. Between Emile and Ben they seek justice. Yes there is more but no I’m not saying.
This book does drag in places and sometimes feels as if it’s repetitive but all in all it was a good read. Again I warn to please be advised with these Trigger Warnings and be on the lookout for possibly more. I give this book 5 stars ⭐️ for its Dark storyline. 💜❤️
So let me start off by giving the Trigger Warnings as I don’t recall any given for this book. So here goes and be warned there are spoilers in this review. Trigger Warnings: Abuse, degradation, humiliation, non-consensual s*x, false ownership, consensual s*x for partial payment, attempted mugging, one of the MCs get shot, and k*lling of abusive men. There maybe more but these are off the top of my head. Benjamin, River, and Emile are the three MCs of this book. Ben and River became friends years prior one summer until River was taken to another foster home. He had been in the foster care system since 9 years old due to the death of his father.
Years later Ben has to pick up a package from a warehouse where he comes face to face with River. River lives on the rough side of town and Ben quickly learns that River is a very stubborn and strong person who wants nothing from him but his friendship. Here enters Emile as him and Benjamin are somewhat business rivals/somewhat friends. Emile wants to know what has gotten Ben so preoccupied, so he goes searching and finds River. Now Emile has also realized that River is a special guy. So both guys want more from River. Meanwhile, River is in a bad situation that’s getting worse with his landlord. When no one has heard from River in a few days Ben goes to the apartment to find River battered and bruised and can’t walk. Ben immediately takes in the scene and quickly gets River out. Between Emile and Ben they seek justice. Yes there is more but no I’m not saying.
This book does drag in places and sometimes feels as if it’s repetitive but all in all it was a good read. Again I warn to please be advised with these Trigger Warnings and be on the lookout for possibly more. I give this book 5 stars ⭐️ for its Dark storyline. 💜❤️
January 28, 2025
Quite an intense book with lots of hurt/comfort. 1 big thing I didn't like though is how a lot of things happened off-page. I liked the dynamic between Émile and Ben but a lot of their rivalry was just mentioning it instead of you as the reader actually experiencing it. You also don't really get to experience their characters that well since most of the story has been written from River's perspective. It would feel every time like I'd get a little teaser and then it would disappear again. A bit frustrating at times.
What annoyed me the most was though, I had to read through multiple scenes of And it was bad, it was so heart-breaking and hurtful and terrible to read.
But then, when it came to hurting the ones who were responsible for it, it all happened off-page. Like, really? It's just not the same when a story says 'they suffered'. I want to be there for the suffering and experience it. Especially after experiencing all they did.
The hurt/comfort was pretty great. A bit too slow for my personal tastes but since it could take years if not more to recover from everything River went through I'm sure most people would say it didn't go slow enough. It was nice to see River learn about his own boundaries.
What annoyed me the most was though, I had to read through multiple scenes of And it was bad, it was so heart-breaking and hurtful and terrible to read.
But then, when it came to hurting the ones who were responsible for it, it all happened off-page. Like, really? It's just not the same when a story says 'they suffered'. I want to be there for the suffering and experience it. Especially after experiencing all they did.
The hurt/comfort was pretty great. A bit too slow for my personal tastes but since it could take years if not more to recover from everything River went through I'm sure most people would say it didn't go slow enough. It was nice to see River learn about his own boundaries.
October 13, 2025
3.5⭐️
River has had an incredibly difficult life, doing anything he can to try and support himself, when others only disregard and use him. In his whole life, nobody has treated him well, except an old neighbour boy, Ben, who he knew as a teen. A rerouted package at River’s work has him reuniting with Ben years later, and they reconnect instantly. Ben is now a rich and successful businessman, and has many rivals. Emile is one of those rivals, and he is very interested in River, who seems to have broken through Ben’s steely exterior.
This book is MmM , and by that I mean River ends up with both of them, but Ben and Emile remain friends. A V polycule, you may call it?
Anyways, this book’s tropes make it a fun read. Though it’s absolutely ridiculous in terms of how realistic it is, I just love to see a character who’s had a horrible life be spoiled beyond their wildest dreams.
This book has:
-Rich/poor dynamics
-childhood friends to lovers
-rival businessmen turned friends
-hurt/comfort
-becoming comfortable with touch after abuse (check TWs, it’s pretty graphic sometimes)
-two absolutely doting and besotted millionaire boyfriends
-a cute dog
-consent king boyfriends
My overall enjoyment of this book ended up being pretty good, mostly because it was so fun, and I loved that River got his HEA. That being said, the pacing of this book is a little painful. There are a lot of unnecessarily detailed explanations, and certain plot points are dragged out for ages. Then at the end, when the characters finally come together, it feels like it’s kind of skimmed over in some parts. Though I had some complaints about the writing, I still had fun with it in the end.
River has had an incredibly difficult life, doing anything he can to try and support himself, when others only disregard and use him. In his whole life, nobody has treated him well, except an old neighbour boy, Ben, who he knew as a teen. A rerouted package at River’s work has him reuniting with Ben years later, and they reconnect instantly. Ben is now a rich and successful businessman, and has many rivals. Emile is one of those rivals, and he is very interested in River, who seems to have broken through Ben’s steely exterior.
This book is MmM , and by that I mean River ends up with both of them, but Ben and Emile remain friends. A V polycule, you may call it?
Anyways, this book’s tropes make it a fun read. Though it’s absolutely ridiculous in terms of how realistic it is, I just love to see a character who’s had a horrible life be spoiled beyond their wildest dreams.
This book has:
-Rich/poor dynamics
-childhood friends to lovers
-rival businessmen turned friends
-hurt/comfort
-becoming comfortable with touch after abuse (check TWs, it’s pretty graphic sometimes)
-two absolutely doting and besotted millionaire boyfriends
-a cute dog
-consent king boyfriends
My overall enjoyment of this book ended up being pretty good, mostly because it was so fun, and I loved that River got his HEA. That being said, the pacing of this book is a little painful. There are a lot of unnecessarily detailed explanations, and certain plot points are dragged out for ages. Then at the end, when the characters finally come together, it feels like it’s kind of skimmed over in some parts. Though I had some complaints about the writing, I still had fun with it in the end.
December 10, 2024
Characters
★★★★★
Story & Plot
★★★★★
Overall
★★★★★ (+★ for the bestest boy Archie)
Perfect read for an angst, hurt/comfort fan like me!!
There's so much I love about this book!
The writing and the plot ran very smooth. There wasn't any arc that bored me.
River is very easy to like as MC. I also especially like how Ben and Émile's own relationship bloomed as River got more and more embedded in their lives, and even then, there’s the the fact that they already had this unusual camaraderie even before River.
By the end of the book, I could really feel the trust in their bond. The comfort part of the story was very, very satisfying. I just wish we got to see more bed action with the three in this book 🤧
Also before all that HEA, River's suffering was just delicious 🤧 like yeah, the comfort stuff was really good,,, but the hurt stuff was really well-written as well!!! It’s not often that I get to read really satisfying hurt stuff.
★★★★★
Story & Plot
★★★★★
Overall
★★★★★ (+★ for the bestest boy Archie)
Perfect read for an angst, hurt/comfort fan like me!!
There's so much I love about this book!
The writing and the plot ran very smooth. There wasn't any arc that bored me.
River is very easy to like as MC. I also especially like how Ben and Émile's own relationship bloomed as River got more and more embedded in their lives, and even then, there’s the the fact that they already had this unusual camaraderie even before River.
By the end of the book, I could really feel the trust in their bond. The comfort part of the story was very, very satisfying. I just wish we got to see more bed action with the three in this book 🤧
Also before all that HEA, River's suffering was just delicious 🤧 like yeah, the comfort stuff was really good,,, but the hurt stuff was really well-written as well!!! It’s not often that I get to read really satisfying hurt stuff.
April 24, 2025
This was just sooo sweet. I will admit that I kind of really didn’t like Émile in the beginning, but I think after the second or third chapter in his POV, I was able to see him for loveable, albeit sort of snooty, man he is.
Ben, you can’t not love the man. I love the fact that he was kind from the beginning, and although occasionally oblivious, he always tried to do what was best for River.
Speaking of. Man, was River’s story heartbreaking. I can’t say that I cried during the sad parts, but I was damn near bawling during those tender moments where he realized how much he was loved and cherished and *worthy*.
I’m so happy with the pacing of this book, and the fact that the sexual things that happened between this trio felt true to how someone dealing with SA, and the subsequent healing, would in real life. It made it all that sweeter when River was finally able to have his men in the end.
What a beautiful read!
Ben, you can’t not love the man. I love the fact that he was kind from the beginning, and although occasionally oblivious, he always tried to do what was best for River.
Speaking of. Man, was River’s story heartbreaking. I can’t say that I cried during the sad parts, but I was damn near bawling during those tender moments where he realized how much he was loved and cherished and *worthy*.
I’m so happy with the pacing of this book, and the fact that the sexual things that happened between this trio felt true to how someone dealing with SA, and the subsequent healing, would in real life. It made it all that sweeter when River was finally able to have his men in the end.
What a beautiful read!
July 7, 2024
I was very forgiving of the pacing because I enjoyed the writing and I was very into where the story was going but making every sex scene a graphic depiction of sexual assault for 40%+ and then only letting any consensual kissing or touching happen at 80% was very jarring and disappointing to me. (I ended up skimming those assault scenes and I’m not a person easily triggered or that requires many or any warnings)
Would’ve loved to see their romantic relationship develop outside of this as the book set up such a strong and long foundation.
Also it was never explained why these men had the resources to just murder people (other than having money) so what I thought would be a 4/5 star quickly was almost a 2 and the part I enjoyed was enough to land it middle of the road. Proceed with caution but enjoy the ride.
Would’ve loved to see their romantic relationship develop outside of this as the book set up such a strong and long foundation.
Also it was never explained why these men had the resources to just murder people (other than having money) so what I thought would be a 4/5 star quickly was almost a 2 and the part I enjoyed was enough to land it middle of the road. Proceed with caution but enjoy the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
I loved this book so much! A unique plot stuffed into a well know trope inside a beautiful slow build. In spite of the trope, all the MCs were extremely well rounded. I was sure I was a going to be bored by a plot this "simple" in a 600p book. Not so!! The pacing on this book is some of the steadiest I've ever seen. Never rushed, never slower than it wanted to be. Absolutely superb.
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