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Better in Threes #1

More than Need

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One surprise visit changes everything, and three men find out what it means to need.

Problems come in threes. That’s why Riley Sinclair has two rules in life: no relationships, and no inviting anyone into his home. Until a woman claiming to be his biological sister waltzes into his life, he finds himself in the arms of one of his detectives and his sister’s best friend decides to pay him a visit—a man who instantly gets under his skin and makes Riley want to do bad things to him. Three is a terrible number.

Gideon Clark is openly bisexual, recently divorced and trying to figure out what his life looks like now, and how to fit in time with his son. He doesn’t expect his new life to include his boss and another man who brings with him an intense complication.

Dawson Sheppard only wanted to confront the man who’d made his best friend cry—he definitely didn’t mean to sleep with him. He can’t tell his best friend what he’s doing behind her back, and he can’t make himself stop what he’s started with two men who turn him inside out. Now what is he supposed to do?

They can’t let go of each other and secrets are slowly building. They’re breaking the rules and they’re going to have to make a choice about what matters most, and what’s more important than need.

More than Need is an MMM romance that is set in the Chain Reaction universe, but can be read as a standalone. It contains steamy situations, a newly divorced main character (not hostile) and on page discussions of main character adoption. There’s also plenty of banter, heat and a swoony HEA.

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2024

41 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

About the author

Aurora Crane

15 books133 followers
Aurora Crane is an Australian author who loves to write romance with a healthy serving of banter, snark and all the swoon.

Her books are a mix of MM and MM+. She loves to write men in suits, sprawling universes with a plethora of side characters, and an abundance of steamy situations.

You can find all her links here: https://linktr.ee/auroracrane

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5 stars
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75 (40%)
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26 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Mal.
560 reviews47 followers
September 15, 2024
Super hot and angsty, so good, these three are absolute fire… Full RTC!
Profile Image for KJ.
322 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2024
2.75 stars. Coming fresh off of reading the Chain Reaction series (of which this is a spin-off), I must admit I was quite disappointed. The action/adventure was non-existent in this series, focusing solely on a trio, which for me means that the characters have to be incredible to carry the story. Sadly, that was not the case. I personally felt that Riley wasn't done justice at all. He was flat, a one-trick pony who never actually grew throughout the series. They joke about him being an a-hole, but in my opinion he wasn't given a chance to show any other side of him, any vulnerabilities. In the end, I'm not quite certain what the climactic moment was. But I can't say I didn't enjoy seeing all the side characters that I've grown to love from the other series, so that was a plus! I LOVE when authors let characters from the same world have screen time. It makes everything feel that much more real.



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe.


See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: The characters here aren't as strong or complex as I know the author can create. I was truly disappointed in Riley as a character. I don't feel we really got to know him at all. I couldn't honestly tell you that he loved vs. lust. He's the boss at his work, nothing ever phases him or gets to him, and sadly, in bed he was exactly the same: always in control, never coming apart or coming undone. He truly doesn't change throughout the story, which was unfortunate. As for Gideon, I personally felt he was given more justice in the Chain Reaction series than here. And Dawson was... Dawson. Again, just... three men. I didn't truly feel emotionally connected to any of them. Additionally, the sex scenes weren't nearly as emotional or steamy as they could have been. I may not be a D/s fan, but I think if they'd been given reverse roles, maybe it would have lent a complexity to their characters. Instead, Riley is a boss at work and just bosses them around in bed. And I personally don't like that power imbalance.



PLOT: Well, mainly it's the three of them getting together and then needing to figure out the complications. One one hand, Riley is Gideon's boss, and on the other Riley is Dawson's best friend's long-lost brother. Riley starts the story wanting nothing to do with her and... pretty much finishes the same way. Honestly he's just an a-hole throughout. In the end it felt like everything was simply too easy and everyone else gave way so that Riley could get what he wanted. It... yea. It didn't make much sense.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1/5: low. I mean, these aren't meant to be high, but this one is lower than the Chain Reaction series because we don't have the same depth that we're gifted by the characters in that series.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?

50%. Sure, they stay together in the end. But honestly, I don't think they had to work for it or fight for it at all.
Profile Image for Angel.
580 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2024
If you've read the Chain Reaction series, then you already met two of the MCs from this story, Riley and Gideon. If you have not read it, highly recommend you do, not because you need it to understand this story, but because I don't want you to miss out on such a good series 😁
This book will pull every heart string, and I mean every single one, it's so full of emotions... it'll make you cry with joy and then with heartbreak, melt your heart with these men's sweetness and big hearts, make your soul ache with their vulnerability and pain, and burn you up with their hot steamy moments 🥵🔥.
Riley is so closed off and rigid, unless his dealing with his men. Then he's even willing to break rules he never thought he would even bend. There is no hesitation, never backing down or hiding once he accepts his fate. Gideon is polar opposite, always smiling and sunshine. He sees the positive in everything, which makes his pain and vulnerability even more heart wrenching. He doesn't hide his pain or his struggle to accept his new reality. But it doesn't stop him from accepting new possibilities and a chance at happiness. Dawson is the wild card, the one who acts before he thinks, but is loyal with a big heart. And together they are exactly what each of them need, fitting together like perfect puzzle pieces.
There was angst but not because of the lack of communication, the MCs actually talked to each other, but because of the fall out and chaos their relationship would cause. Each willing to face the consequences of their actions, as long as they're together, their bond too strong to let anything or anyone get between them, even if it would break their hearts (circumstances outside themselves).
The author did a wonderful job of giving a different view to forbidden romance, without all the anguish or back and forth between the MCs. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us in this wonderful world full of humor, heat, chaos, suspense, and true love and acceptance.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,118 reviews520 followers
September 20, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


More Than Need by Aurora Crane is the first book in the author’s new Better in Threes series. The story takes place in the larger Chain Reaction universe, but I think you can read this as a standalone if you don’t mind potentially missing some side character crossovers (fans of the author will likely recognize Riley as Payton’s older brother and Sebastian’s best friend from the Chain Reaction series). Crane has such a way with polyamory stories and this one is no exception.

This is a long story at over 350 pages, but it really flew by for me. The characters are well developed and the conflicts are interesting and really showcase each of these men and their personalities well. I enjoyed being back in this world and am excited about the start of a new series.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,495 reviews32 followers
September 19, 2024
The Sinclair family is just one of those families you need to know everyone to fully embrace the family's crazy dynamics. Now it's closed off Rileys turn to shine and get his happiness. Riley has liked his detective Gideon for years but knew it was a step he couldn't take. Enter Dawson, the best friend of a relative he never knew he had or wanted, who would be the catalyst to everything changing. The chemistry of these three is off the charts, and its no wonder they will do anything to be together. The people in the crossfire may not be ready for the fallout, but when emotions are put on the table, is it a wonder they have no say in what happens? A truly unique take on best friends sibling romance that I can say have never had the pleasure of reading before and so happy Aurora took this chance and made such a memorable story. I can't wait to see what comes next from this wild universe because we know it will be something special.
Profile Image for Laura.
336 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2024
4.5⭐️

How does Aurora Crane write poly so so well?! I'm super picky about my MMM(+) because the majority of the time, each MC is not fleshed out well enough with just one book. That is not at all the case here. I felt like I knew each of these characters by the end and absolutely loved each of them. (Now it doesn't hurt that I got glimpses of Riley & Gideon in the Chain Reaction series, but honestly, I don't think you'll know these men any less having not read them.)

The way Riley pined for Gideon?! Perfection. The way Gideon finally takes notice of Riley and goes after what he wants?! Perfection. The terrible meet-awkward between them and Dawson?! Just perfection. On the surface there is no way these three should be together let alone actually work, but they just clicked instantaneously and omg holy hotness! I love how her characters can go from hot and heavy to all the feels without realizing it, but it's a wonderful progression and I cannot get enough! The plot was interesting and truly had me questioning myself on what would I do in such a situation. There are no right answers and I feel like it was dealt with honestly. I know this is their only book, but I hope there are bonus stories to look forward to because I really loved these three.
Profile Image for Kaķis.
286 reviews
September 23, 2024
Where do I even start with this book 🤩
I have been waiting for Riley’s story ever since Chain reaction series and it was everything I expected and more.

The story starts with Riley’s biological sister trying to connect with Riley however he adamantly refuses her. This action starts everything. Riley has always been in love with Gideon but never pursues him as he was married. Now, divorced it opens up possibilities however they’re risking everything since they work together. Dawson enters their life drunk 🙊, it was hilarious but also so perfect. Dawson & Riley has so much tension going on yet they couldn’t resist each other.

The three them somehow finds in the company of each other. It starts sexually and turns into so much more. They’re all risking something to be with each other and yet the connection and pull between them is so strong.
Also, the smut is amazing. Riley of course is very dominant and wants to control everything, Gideon is opposite of Riley so it perfectly compliments each other. Dawson is a mix and fits perfect between them.

The story was engaging, so many good moments, angst and overall perfect. 🤩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 14 books72 followers
September 29, 2024
Being familiar with these characters from other books by the author in the same shared world means I came at this story from a different perspective than brand-new readers enjoying Crane's work for the first time. Riley and Gideon are absolutely not a romantic relationship I would have predicted, and even when I first saw this book teased, I was intrigued but willing to be convinced. In true Crane fashion, she throws the best wrench possible in the works by adding a third man into the mix. Dawson is the last person I would have expected for either Riley or Gideon individually -- and that's probably what makes him so perfect for both of them. The original connections between these men lead directly to each of the external conflicts they must deal with. Crane resolves these conflicts well, in ways that are simultaneously surprising and satisfying. I adore the extended cast of this well-developed contemporary world, and I look forward to my next visit when I can check in on these three again.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,647 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2024
I so loved this story, after meeting Riley in a previous story, Im so glad he met and got the men he needed.
Riley and Gideon both admired the other. With Riley content to look and not touch while Gideon was married, he tried to keep his hands to himself when Gideon became free... but whats a man to do when the man of his dreams puts his hands on him.
Gideons has admired Rileys looks, and loves to rile him up. He steps up to protect Riley when his unknown past comes to call, even though it leads Gideon to the second man to steal his heart.
Dawson unexpectly falls for the one man he shouldnt and for a while he doesnt even like. He begins to fall for Gideon too, loving the difference between both men.

I loved seeing characters from other books return, seeing Rileys family having a few words to say
Profile Image for Charlotte.
183 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2024
Ahh, I love all of Aurora Crane's books, but I was super excited for this one! Gideon is recently-ish divorced and finding himself attracted to his boss, Riley. Riley is ignoring the crush he's always had on Gideon as he attempts to work out what to do now his biological sister is trying to enter his life. Dawson is said sister's best friend and he knows better than to fall for Riley or Gideon, but he just can't help himself.

This is so neatly plotted, and I loved it. Each man has his own issues to deal with, even where they intersect, and there's something so cosy about this one and the fact that those issues are almost entirely domestic (this is not one of the Chain Reaction books; it's much more chill). Loved Gideon and his son, loved that scene where Dawson/Riley were discovered, and even if Riley annoyed the shit out of me at times, I loved him, too.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,043 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2024
Gideon had only just realized the attraction between him and Riley, before he invites Dawson to share his bed too. The attraction between the three is sizzling hot. explosive. And a little bit brutal.
"You're so much more attractive when you don't talk," Dawson whispered. "So are you."
Riley is closed off, a real stick up his... type person. Dawson is sweet sunshine, a puppy. Gideon is smiley on the outside, broken on the inside. Each of them fit together. But there's a lot of angst to work through. Between family and work issues, they need to work hard to get their HEA.
This was a quick, mostly fun read (there were parts where I wanted to smack Riley). Now I need to backtrack and read the Chain Reaction stories. I would love to know how Sebastian ended up with his men.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Eli.
304 reviews23 followers
December 9, 2024
I wanted to like this and for the most part I really did but the sibling plot point PISSED ME THE FUCK OFF. Riley did not have enough character growth on that front and was consistently a dick to his sister throughout the whole book until MAYBE the epilogue. Like you’re telling me Riley would risk his entire career for Gideon but not a fraction of his pride for Dawson? And then Dawson pissed me off by not calling him out for it and being a bad friend like dude you’re letting this happen?? Gideon, however, did no wrong and is a sweet angel baby.

The pacing was a little weird at first but otherwise I really like the relationship development between the three and how even it felt in the relationship which was what I was looking for. But I truly can’t overlook that one thing that pissed me off so I took my rating down to 3⭐️ sorry
Profile Image for Miruru Shouting.
1,052 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2024
Riley getting his own series, yesssss. I'm so so so so glad this turned from an MM into MMM because poly is definitely my favorite dynamic.

We already know Riley and Gideon from the previous Chain Reaction series, but Dawson is a new character and I love his added dynamic to the stoic Riley and playful Gideon.

Gahhhh I love this world and all the characters and side-characters so much! So eagerly awaiting the next book, and then we get The Six (MMMMMM) after this (hopefully) lol ahhhh can't wait. Aurora Crane is definitely the go-to author for all your poly MM books. You can't go wrong picking up anything from the backlist. All the character cameos and intertwined relationships ahhh I love it!
738 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2024
Aurora has done it again! Riley and Gideon, who have worked together for years. Riley’s no-nonsense attitude and with Gideon’s softer is a perfect balance. And then comes Dawson, his introduction to Riley and Gideon was very funny. Dawson was pure joy. However, he was keeping a very important secret from his bestfriend.

What I love most about Aurora’s books is the perfect blend of humor and heart. You know you’re in for a good laugh, but there’s always enough seriousness to keep you emotionally engaged. The Sinclair family is just crazy fun, had cracking up at moments.

We get a visit from Sebastian from Chain Reaction. That series is a definite must-read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lea Aparicio.
206 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
Yes yes yes 1000xs yes!!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First and foremost— the BANTER! I am a TOTAL SUCKER for the witty banter and this story has it in spades ♠️ — the twins (everyone really), even mum Theresa!! — 🫠😂😂😂🤌🏼

Riley — is a self proclaimed (shameless, at that!) @hol3 everyday day of the week. Just how we like him.
Dawson — is a MESS! But also the stunning ex footy ⭐️ who is a giant goof.
Gedion — ooofff .. there are too many good things to say about this MAN but also— hotness personified and a prankster of the highest order. And we love him.

We love them! We need more of them! I can’t even rave about how much I love this book because I won’t spoil it for others— but PLEASE go and read this book! It’s chefs kiss 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,055 reviews13 followers
September 28, 2024
This was a drama and angst filled romance, I enjoyed it. I liked the dynamic between Riley and Gideon. They had great tension between them and I loved the sense they were just on the cusp of trying for something together. Then Dawson shows up. I liked how Dawson blows into town and quickly finds himself very inconveniently interested in Riley and later Gideon. This author is a master a writing MMM+ romance with the perfect mix of complex characters, tons of emotion, and some impressive steam. This was an excellent start to this new series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Liza Broadaway.
1,014 reviews16 followers
May 26, 2025
I really wanted to see how the standoffish Riley fell!! And boy was it fast and hard. Dawson and Gideon were perfect for him and even though this was pretty much insta-love for Gideon and Riley for Dawson the friendship and working relationship between Riley and Gideon set them finally falling into a instant relationship more believable.

Over all there was not a lot of angst or overall suspense like the series we first meet these guys in but for Riley we see his struggle with how to navigate a difficult situation around his adoption which could be triggering for some.

We get a lot of cameos and the family dynamic with all the brothers is still just my favorite thing!
526 reviews
September 13, 2024
Very much enjoyed this book! Love that other characters have cameos in Riley's, Gideon's, and Dawson's love story. Theirs was a relationship full of unique complications, for sure. The way the author navigated these three around all of them was really good, but of course it had me yelling at least a few times at a couple different characters a time or two. The banter was amazingly well done, had me chuckling through much of the book. Heat, spark, chemistry off the charts, emotions, nosy family, found and otherwise, all come together to make this a definite winner of a romance.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,522 reviews14 followers
September 14, 2024
Another awesome book by this author. Gideon is newly divorced and works at the police station with Riley. When sitting with Gideon, Riley is told he has a visitor, who rocked his world when he found out who it was. When Dawson appeared later, he thought Gideon was Riley when giving him hell that upset his best friend. This is the start of the story with how they got into a relationship and into their happy ever after. Love this world with great heat and chemistry between them. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,403 reviews24 followers
September 18, 2024
Chemistry and complications abound as Dawson, Riley, and Gideon find their way to each other. All the characters in this story, main and supporting, feel like nuanced, interesting individuals, and that makes watching their interactions that much more rewarding. This one has heat, angst, and heart in equal measure, and it adds up to an enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for MJ.
152 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2024
*****

Riley, Gideon, & Dawson have my heart! I loved every minute of Riley & Gideon giving in, their deep bond really translated and while I expected Dawson to be the odd one out that was definitely not the case. Aurora perfectly wove him into their relationship, Dawson felt like an extension not an add on. There were also so many laugh out loud moments and the steam was amazingly steamy 😏 10 out of 10 would recommend!
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,860 reviews
September 16, 2024
I absolutely loved how these three ended up melding together. This romance called for a little bit of angst, but a whole lot of heartfelt banter and awkward situations. I attached myself to Dawson here for some reason but I of coursed loved everyone! Lots of extended family drama, annoyance and love. Intimate chemistry a plenty!
Profile Image for Moni.
407 reviews
October 6, 2024
Let me start by saying that Aurora wrote some of my favorite poly reads. And while this new book can be read as a standalone, I absolutely 100% recommend that you read her Chain Reaction series because … a.) it’s a fantastic series … b.) that is where you meet Riley and Gideon first … and c.) cameos. Riley and Gideon have known each other for a long time but adding Dawson to their dynamics skyrocketed their relationship to something none of these men ever dreamed of.
If I could sum up their story in one word, I’d say inevitable. Riley has been pining over Gideon since they started to work together. Still, first Gideon being married, then Riley becoming his boss stifled his attraction. Gideon always understood Riley was incredibly competent (and hot), in an unattainable way, not knowing about his sexuality. When Dawson bursts into their lives on the day Riley’s unknown sister shows up, the attraction from all sides is immediate and unstoppable. Because of the heightened emotional connections these 3 men have, things move with lightning speed, especially on the physical part. But as they spend more and more time together, they discover that their attraction doesn’t end with the physical. Dawson is risking his friendship, and he feels like there is a time stamp on this ‘escapade’, he expects the unavoidable crash to happen any moment … yet he still cannot stop seeing Riley and Gideon (who are risking so much by having a workplace affair). I was fascinated by the dynamics of these men, I think the reason I adore Aurora’s characters is because they are always unique, strong men yet fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. I enjoyed following their journey while they figured out how they fit into each other’s lives. Riley’s amazing family shows up a few times, providing some of the funniest scenes. I truly enjoyed reading this steamy, complicated, funny, and swoony story, another hit in this universe … and I’m happy to say, not the last book which makes me super excited for the future.

MMM
Boss/Employee
Best Friend’s Brother
Secret Relationship
Super Steamy

I was fortunate to have received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Aimee .
1,180 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2024
Really good!

I definitely enjoyed this story. I love when three men can come together and make a really good triad. Riley is like a hard shell candy..tough in the outside but soft in the inside..I love him. Gideon is just a puppy and he is so sweet. I haven’t quite figured out what Dawson is but I still love him too.. great story.
305 reviews
January 8, 2025
Loved the dynamics between Gideon, Dawson and Riley. I also liked them individually (except Riley's interaction with Sadie. He was being overly prickly about her trying to reconnect especially as his situation was not her fault)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wrinkle.
177 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2025
MMM, and ey, I absolutely loved it! 😍 Riley was so surprisingly a green flag 💚. He is such a bossy Dom, but he is so caring. Even though he states his opinion a bit directly and without a filter, that's exactly what makes him so great. You'd think he'd stick strictly to the rules and be really cold, but he's the one who gets involved in the biggest shit and is actually very open with his feelings.

I love all three of them. They are very open in their communication, and I really enjoyed how they approached the whole thing. No big drama, just "Okay, this is how it is, and now we'll make the best of it." I might have wished that the conflict of interest regarding the work was resolved a little better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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