Imry

Van Doren #3

by Crea Reitan

MM
Coming May 2025!

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Dark, LGBT, Dark Romance, Crime

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tandem Read with Avory and Ellory

This was by far the stronger book in the tandem read.

I enjoyed seeing the progression of Haze and Imry's relationship, even the ways that they hurt each other in the beginning when they're both scared and can't get out of their own way. They grow together as a couple and have a solid understanding of who the other person is and what their insecurities are.

Haze being Imry's muse felt on brand for the obsessive style of Van Doren love, and the way these two take care of each other made them my favourite relationship in this series so far. They have fun with each other, they know when to give comfort to each other, and they hype each other up to achieve their goals.

I would have liked to see more of the immediate aftermath following the NYC contract though because surely Haze needed to work through that?! I wanted to see their relationship after that and how they found a way forward, but it skips to months ahead and I felt a little cheated!

Haze's relationship with his brother Oren was also great to see. I was hoping they'd get to a good place when I was reading Oren's book and I like the way that things are going. I'm hopeful we'll see more of them too because we still have Oxley's book and Huntley is friends with both Oren and Haze now. I really enjoy all of the crossovers between Crea's series!

I am patiently waiting with popcorn ready for when Daddy Jalon figures himself out and ditches Jeanette.... I'm also looking forward to seeing Voss's situation unfold! I also can't remember if it was stated in Project FU who Arek Van Doren's parent(s) are, but I can't figure it out and it's not on any of Crea's family trees so it's bugging me! And I'm still unsure on who I think is going to be paired up with who... the single people still are Levis, Brek, Voss, Kairo, Rhodes, Jalon.... and I just can't decide my predictions, but I'm looking forward to the rest of the Van Doren series!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this concurrently with Avory and Ellory and it was so well paced❤️🤩 I really enjoyed how Imry has his own life but still slots in so well with his 2/3 triplets. I will almost always wish a book is longer, and this was no exception.
dual pov
1stp
vers
no sharing
hea
murder

[S.S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expect so much from the book but it's very soso I got bored that I have to skip some pages. There are so many unnecessary things happening in the book....So should I read twins book or that one is also going to be like this one.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haze and Imry are texting regularly, even sexting. Fun right? Until Haze got so h0rny he ran to Imry and got his brain fvcked out. Fun right? Hmm, after that Imry ghosted Haze for nine days.

When he thought about connecting again with Haze, Haze was out for a hook-up.
Imry threatened to kill the guy who dared to touch Haze.

Their relationship/nonrelationship is quite complicated. Both have a past that influences their current situation for any kind of relationship. Read yourself what this involves.

The story is not only about these two. We got a bunch of side stories with all the family, friends, and… the van Doren core business!!

All super entertaining, widely written, and captivating af!

——-

Parallel to the story Imry runs Avory & Ellory which can be read separately. Avory and Ellory is a taboo story!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM🌈
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark
Found family plus hitmen family

Imry is one/third of triplets. He is part of his family’s hitman business. They only take contracts on known scum. They do extensive research before accepting a contract. They started the business because Imry’s youngest brother is a sociopath and needs an outlet to control his violence.

Haze is part of Loren’s husband’s found family. They came as a package deal, the 6 of them. Haze and Imry have been sexting for months. Tonight he can’t take anymore and goes to Imry’s house so he can take care of his erection.

Of course there is a bit of “I’ve been hurt before and l’m not ready for a relationship” scenario. And then the murdery bits of the story. They were quite boring tbh. I do like the fact that Imry is smaller but was the dominant persona.

Now to the book I’ve been waiting for since I first read Loren! Avory and Ellory. Still think Levis is going to end up with Daddy Jalon. Since Voss is with Lorissa, Brek will be paired with Rhodes.

[N Ras · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was kind of boring. Maybe I just miss the absolute crazy that is Loren? Also felt like it was too long considering nothing really happens until the last few chapters.

[Aga Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both Imry and Avory & Ellory together as suggested with the Chapter orders at the beginning of the book, I was surprised that I actually really enjoyed reading both books like that, I thought it might get annoying switching between the two but it wasn’t at all and I’m glad I read them like that 🖤

I will write reviews for both, however, only Imry can be posted on Amazon so I’ll be adding Avory & Ellory onto GoodReads💕

Although it is said that you can read them separately or read just one of your choosing, I did feel like I would have missed out on some details that to me seemed important, but maybe that’s because I wanted to know what happens in both books, so maybe to someone who doesn’t want to read about one of the couples then those details may not matter. 🤷‍♀️ Although you will miss the action that takes place within the plot, in Avory’s and Ellory’s book you get the whole megachurch action and in Imry’s you get everything that happens with Voss, but again if that doesn’t bother you then it’s okay❤️ Best part about reading both is that you get to learn some family secrets in Avory&Ellory’s book and I honestly felt like I was part of the group learning the secrets😌

Imry & Haze -

I’ve been excited about their book since learning about how they’ve been texting 🤭 As per with Crea’s books, this one did not disappoint! I really enjoyed the tension between the men, I liked reading about the different difficulties they faced and learning about the reasons why they behaved a certain way, it definitely kept me guessing of how they will overcome everything and finally get together when there were times that it seemed like it wouldn’t be possible🫣 And I absolutely loved the plot! The book was still heavily focused on the relationship between the men but it was also plot heavy, I feel like that was definitely the case when you read both books that there’s a lot of plot, not to say there isn’t plot in other books but those two definitely focus a little more on the plot which I really enjoyed🖤

I loooooved Imry’s obsession with Haze, and the possessiveness 😏 I was definitely surprised to learn how obsessed Imry is as his actions in the beginning definitely didn’t show it although it’s very understandable why. *Slight spoiler ahead* As much as I hated to learn that Imry acted the way he did because of his ex, I’m still left very curious of why he lead Imry on for so long to then just simply leave? I know some people are just awful but I don’t know maybe I thought we may find out if there was a reason behind it🤷‍♀️

Anywayy, back to Imry’s obsession🫣 I was absolutely grinning like a fool when Imry stomped after Haze to the club, you also get to see that scene in Avory and Ellory’s book from their perspective 😮‍💨 As soon as Haze mentioned that he was going to the club, I knew Imry was NOT about to let his man go without him, and the way Imry reacts when he says a man touching Haze —

‘My hand closes around the man’s neck and I violently shove him away. He’s disoriented and then angry. Right until he looks into my face and fear screams through his eyes. “You touch him again and I’m going to kill you,” I yell.’ 😮‍💨😮‍💨 - Even though he isn’t sure what he wants, he’s 100% certain no one but him is allowed to touch his man😌

Imry definitely needed Haze to show him what a relationship can really be like, one that isn’t built on lies, he needed to be loved and wanted which was exactly what Haze gave him. Every time that doubt or insecurity would creep back into Imry’s mind I genuinely felt it in my soul because he was so deeply affected by it, and I’m really glad that he had Avory and Ellory to comfort him in those moments too🥺

And Imry is one hot man! The chasing scene in the woods when he finally captures Haze😮‍💨 Yeahhh that was definitely a scene to remember! What made it even better is that Haze enjoyed it just as much🤭

And Haze was such a sweetheart, he was struggling with his own issues but still decided to give Imry a chance and support him whenever he needed❤️ When Haze’s past was discussed and his thoughts and feelings surrounding it all it became very clear why he made the decision not to pursue Imry at first, he wanted to discover himself, be free for the first time in his life and it’s understandable how he thought that having to care for another may stop him from doing so, I’m really glad that he had his family and friends around him to help him out🥹

The way he would describe Imry sometimes! It literally made my fricking heart melt’ —

‘Imry is an ethereal being sent to me. I’m sure of it. He can’t be of this world.’ - SWOON!

Oh as sweet as Haze is he also had a spicy side 🌶️—

‘“My place,” he says. “So fucking help me, Imry; if you ghost me again, I’m going to run you over. Am I clear?”’ - Oh yeah I’d be STRAIGHT over there😮‍💨

Haze was also very thoughtful, starting with his little gift at Christmas for Imry and extending to the way he would pull Imry close when he was upset, and worrying about how many hours he worked in case he exhausts himself 😩 I’m also really happy and quite surprised with how Haze handled finding out what the Van Doren’s do and being a small part of it, I’m expected Haze to ned time or space to figure everything out but he handled it really well and there was no changing his mind about being with Imry🥲

Overall I absolutely adored them together, they were hot, funny, and emotional, definitely perfect for each other💕 The only thing I wish we got to see is them spending more time together alone, Haze mentioned that they spent time together outside of the bedroom but we didn’t really see a lot of it, I feel like it would make their connection stronger to me if we got to see more of them being ‘mundane’. Apart from that I really loved the book especially paired with Avory&Ellory❤️❤️

Very happy that I read both at the same time and I cannot wait for what else did series has to bring, I would very much like to see Rhodes and Brek possibly get a book👀👀👀👀 Rhodes would definitely be a character to read about with his massive wolves and an oblivious Brek🤣

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

So bummed. I freaking Loved Loren and got attached to all the characters but Noaz and this book had me DNFing. So boring. Still love the characters so I'm gonna hang in there with the series and hope she hits gold for me again.

[Dodibook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the way Imry released alongside Avory & Ellory. Crea Reitan really planned it out so well, giving readers the chance to read the books together, chapter by chapter, like a synchronized duet. The stories run parallel and complement each other, and that just made the whole reading experience feel extra immersive.

Imry is one of the Van Doren triplets and he's basically glued to his brothers. They're almost identical and deeply connected. Imry would do anything for them, no matter what it costs him. That loyalty plays a big role here—especially when it forces him to make a tough call that puts both his brother’s husband and the man he’s falling for in danger. But this isn’t just about action and missions; it’s about healing too. Imry carries a lot of pain from the past, which gets revealed bit by bit as the story unfolds.

His dynamic with Haze was messy in the best way. Things start hot—sexting and a surprise visit—but when things get real, Imry panics and ghosts him. It’s not just cold feet, though. His last relationship left scars, and that damage still messes with how he sees love. So when Haze draws a line and says no to anything serious, it hits hard. Their journey isn’t smooth, but there’s something about their awkward steps and slow build that made it feel real.

The “just friends with benefits” setup? We all know how that usually ends. With feelings, of course. They try to play it cool, but it’s obvious early on that there’s more going on. And even when Haze is unsure of himself—because of trauma, because of his body image, because of a crappy past—he finds strength in the support around him. The Van Dorens don’t just accept him, they love him like one of their own.

Imry’s softer side shows when he paints, especially his obsession with capturing Haze. Those moments really made him feel more human and less like a trained assassin. It’s these little things—the art, the internal battles, the unspoken care—that gave this story so much heart. And it doesn’t shy away from the darker stuff either. There’s suspense, cult drama, danger, and some serious tough choices, but it never overshadows the emotional core.

The connection between all the Van Doren books and the rest of the Crea-Verse is also something I really liked. You don’t have to read the others, but if you do, it makes it even more fun when familiar names pop up. It gives everything a bigger sense of family and continuity, like you’re in the middle of something bigger.

This was such a strong addition to the series. Imry and Haze didn’t have it easy, but they built something real—full of support, trust, and second chances. Their growth, both separately and together, made the ending feel earned. And let’s be honest… that hookup scene? Yeah, still stuck in my head.

🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
🩸MM
🩸One Night Stand
🩸Sexting
🩸Part of Triplets
🩸Friends With Benefits
🩸Trauma

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imry Van Doren is one third of a triplet set. Almost impossible to tell them apart. His love for his brothers has him putting the man he’s coming to love and his brother’s husband in mortal danger…

But I’m getting ahead of myself!

Imry has been texting (rather naughty texts) to a family friend. It all gets a little steamy, and before he knows it, or has time to think about it, Haze turns up and…. 😜 Now, instead of acting like an adult, Imry runs… and ghosts Haze for days! Why? Well, Imry had been in a toxic relationship and this damaged not only his confidence, but his willingness to see that a relationship with anyone else could be good!
But when Imry finds out that Haze is going to a bar to “hook up”, all bets are off! He races over to demand that Haze not go! And things spiral from there!

And the beginning of a tentative relationship begins. (Sort of!)

This story is told from both sides of the relationship. We see both struggle (Haze wants to stretch himself as his past home life kept him in the closet! And doesn’t want a relationship just yet.)
So they agree to just be “friends with benefits”.

Imry is part of the Van Doren family, so his job isn’t a 9-5. He’s an assassin, he usually goes with his brother Loren on any missions, but now Loren has a husband, it’s Imry’s job to look after him. He’s the only one Loren trusts with his husband. 😝
But Avory/Ellory (the rest of the triplets) are sent on a mission with Loren to an island that houses a cult!
This is bad enough, but when another brother asks for his help with another mission that’s turning bad, Imry has to make a choice…. Leave his brother to cope and hope it goes ok, or take his brother’s husband and Haze on the mission (that does not sit well with Imry.) and hopes Haze won’t hate him!

This book runs alongside Avory/Ellory (which sadly isn’t being published anywhere else but the author’s website,)

The painting scenes with Imry show his softer side, the side only family usually see. I loved those parts.

So, will Haze and Imry get to a place they are happy with? Can Imry allow Haze to make choices and find his feet without butting in? And can Imry really let go of his past and left Haze into his life and heart?

I like this family, there is so much going on, and so many characters. The world interconnects with other series the author has written. It’s not necessary to read them all, as I don’t think you’d miss anything, but it is fun when a character is mentioned and you connect the dots 😊

🦋

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check TWs before reading

As stated in my review of Avory & Ellory, this can be done as a tandem read, as the two books basically work as their own duet in a sense. I read them separately, having started with Imry first.

What I really enjoyed about this entry in the Van Doren series (and the wider Crea-Verse) is that Imry and Haze had a history already, through having met in the first book of the series. There was none of the awkward getting to know you, and we jumped right in with some (let's face it, awful) hockey sex puns which led to these friends becoming, well, more. Of course, it doesn't run smoothly for them at the start - hence the second chance romance trope - but it evolved into a beautiful relationship where both of our MCs grew and healed together.

It was hinted at in previous books in the series just how tough life was for the Van Doren boys, but we really see more of the truth in Imry's book, about the bullying and the belittling from their mother, and the judgement and the hate. Imry's had a lot to deal with in his past - not only from his mother, and helping to protect his two/thirds (the other two of his triplets), but when we learn of Darren and everything that relationship encompassed, you can't help but root for a happily ever after for Imry.

Haze is in a similar boat - haunted by events in his past (his brother is Oren, MC in one of Reitan's For Puck's Sake books with a heavy past involving homophobia and abuse), which had left Haze not knowing who he truly was. The trauma of the past, coupled with body image issues, he struggles with understanding how he feels about Imry, but I love that Oren and his friendship group are there to help him along.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Van Doren novel without a little bit of darkness and unaliving, and I enjoyed how the suspense of the mega-cult and Voss' adventures in New York was weaved into the narrative. It has not only helped with the set up for the climax of A/E's book, but continues to show growth of not only Imry, but of Haze too, through the events.

As with all of Reitan's books, you get the full emotional experience - from the humour of bad hockey sex puns, to an obsessive painter cross unaliver, with some beautiful (and hot) spice thrown in, set on the background of an ever-growing found family, a suspenseful sub plot, and a story with heart (and romance) at it's centre.

Another phenomenal read; honestly, Reitan's books never disappoint.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I’m still myself without Imry putting his opinion on me. Not that I thought he would. I guess part of me thought a relationship of any kind might make me feel like I did at home." Haze

"I’ve come to realize how much more human I feel with Haze. I’m allowed to feel how I feel and talk about it without being made to feel like it’s unimportant or wrong." - Imry

The "Van Doren" family is the kind of family that takes bad people out of the world to make it a better place, and that on its own is a bloody career path. They also care about plastic waste, and they are just very loving people for their family and for people that work for them. They accept each other for who they are, they support each other, and they can always ask for help. They all live on the same piece of land as Haze and his friends. This series is full of moments between family/ friends (found family), hurt/comfort and lots of important conversations. I gave "Loren" & "Noaz" both 5 stars. I can safely say that this is one of my favorite dark romance series. I just love how safe this family feels around each other. It just feels good to be back and reading about this family, even though it's been months, I've missed them.

Imry really has a great dad and brothers. He has a hard time opening up to Haze because of what he's been through, and Haze didn't want to have a relationship, because he wants to figure out who he is. But it's difficult NOT to see each other when they are living closely. So casual hooking up becomes not so casual anymore...

Haze his brother (Oren) and friends could help him with his feelings about finding yourself while also having love at the same time, they helped him talk about his fears.

“You think you’re not ready for a relationship because you’re not comfortable in your own skin yet.” - Oren

Haze has body image issues, Imry tries to help him with that, I think Haze seeing all the paintings that Imry painted of him, really helps Haze see himself from another perspective. Haze helps Imry see that he's not like Imry's ex. In a way, their situationship/relationship is healing them without them noticing it in the first place. Imry his 2/3 triplets are Avory & Ellory, he spends a lot of time with them, and I really love reading about the connection that they all three have with each other.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Sarah Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another story from Crea Reitan that did not disappoint!

Imry is book 3 in the Van Doren series and follows the story of Haze and one third of the Van Doren triplets Imry.

Imry and Haze start off as friends who share the same friendship group and after some back and forth flirty texting with some pretty bad hockey puns from Imry, Haze decides to make a move. The pair share a very steamy hook up that causes some awkwardness between them and they both struggle to move past it. There is a lot of undeniable chemistry between the two but after both suffering pretty complicated pasts they each have doubts with taking things further and attempt to keep things casual.

As the story progresses you get to see both Haze and Imry try and work through their own issues separately, but they slowly realise they are exactly what the other needs to be able to move on with their lives.
I loved watching Imry and Haze’s relationship grow. Even though Imry shows a pretty intense obsessive side, making Haze aware he’s the only one that can touch him, along side the paintings he produces that continuously feature Haze, they decide to spend some time to get to know each other without any pressure and gradually fall into a relationship that neither originally thought they wanted. The two of them end up being pretty adorable together, especially with the way they both seem to know what the other needs and with the support they show each other. The spicy moments between the pair were definitely top notch too!

This was my first read of the Van Doren series so I enjoyed the snippets we got along the way of the other Van Doren’s and their friend groups. The love and support that was shown by them all was pretty amazing and so lovely to see.
All in all, this was a great love story with a suspenseful plot along side.

This story runs concurrently with Avory and Ellory (not available on Amazon) and can be read as a tandem read or separately.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this better than previous Reitan books - I mean those I finished before this. There is a certain mixture of almost-boring and *sigh* stuff but mostly, I was actually pretty happy.

Both characters are nice and likable.

Haze is really concerned with spreading his wings, living his life how he wants it and when Imry says he doesn't do casual, he... backs up. He actually does the reasonable thing and sticks with it (for some time) but I was so impressed with it not turning it useless drama.

And when they did give their relationship another chance it was because they realized the reasons they didn't think they were in the right mindset for it were not quite true and they communicated and it was really mature all around.

There is very little Van Doren shenanigans. Imry talks about his axe and the op but mostly, he paints. He spends time with Haze. There is still a bit too much sex for my liking, the current flavour is chasing and breath play. Some... it's not exactly voyevouric but something like that.

As a general rule (and discounting my personal... personality) I'd say there are three reactions to "kink"/preference in bed: like, dislike and indifference. This one fell into the last category for me, but I don't think I got into dislike with Reitan yet. She likes to keep things fresh in her character's bedroom and changes kink every single book so that's something to appreciate and I have found some I liked with - this one was more of a neutral experience for me.

The pace and story was pretty slow but mostly managed to stay interesting and the last chapters added some action and some final revelations we needed to know Haze and Imry are solid.

I am quite curious about Brek and wolves and the next book is going to be about someone else and we don't know what Van Doren he gets so that's something to look forward to.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

For months, Imry and Haze have been sending flirty texts to one another. Teasing one another in so many ways until Haze finally snaps and is ready to see if Imry is serious. This leads to a very hot hook up between them…followed by Imry slightly freaking out and ghosting Haze for over a week. Not his finest moment, he’ll admit. But he is still scarred from a past relationship. Trusting others? Trusting himself? Not so easy. He hates the awkward tension between them and the loss of what was becoming an easy friendship. Haze meanwhile is missing Imry but he knows it’s not on him to make amends. He tried to reach out but it comes down to Imry. Besides, he doesn’t want a serious relationship or maybe any relationship at this moment. He spent his life unable to be himself and caged in a way that might not have been as bad as his brother’s but still not great. Now he has freedom. And he wants to know who he is now. And you can’t do that while in a relationship. Right? It takes the two of them a hot minute to make things not awkward between them and once they do they fall into an exclusive but no expectations relationship. Emotionally, these two are in a bit of a slow burn as they figure out what they both want but bit by bit you can see how great these two can be together. If they just let themselves. Really loved their story! It’s worth the long wait of them finding their footing to realize the feelings that are building between them. I loved catching up with familiar characters and meeting some new ones! I’m pumped to see who gets a book in the future. And of course, with any Van Doren story there is some crazy side things going on which means a little danger! Overall, really enjoyed yet another book in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[eebabek reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think there will be an MM book by Crea that I won't read. As I read these as a companion read and did so in the suggested chapter order, I really only have 1 review with notes for each relationship. I found this such a fun way to read these books and really appreciate the connectedness of the stories of the triplets. I will note that I needed to dedicate time to sit down and read as I had to keep checking my screenshots of the chapter order on my phone.

We dive back into the insane world of the Van Doren clan, focusing on the triplets. Avory and Ellory's relationship was hinted to in past books, but we get a deeper dive into this already established couple. They have many different obstacles than Imry and Haze, who are just starting to explore their relationship.

A&E are looking at marriage (how they can) and children (how to raise them and how to explain their relationship). The c*ckwarming between these two just made sense; to connect them even closer.

Imry and Haze are each getting over past trauma and trying to see if a relationship would even work. The primal play between them was so fun.

While I absolutely loved learning about the family and seeing the universe expand, these two books are probably the slowest of Crea's that I've read. I got to 75% with some subplot happening but mainly focusing on the Van Doren's as a family.

Crea's expanded universe is amazing and intense, and I can't wait to read more about this family!

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🩸 𝙸𝚖𝚛𝚢 🩸🖤
𝚋𝚢 @creareitan

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
These two really intrigued me. You think they wouldn't work at all but once they finally gave in to each other, they were literal perfection. It started off a bit complicated with Haze not sure he could Imry what he needed but the fact that Haze gave Imry a chance was everything.

I really enjoyed how these two progressed, while it seemed slow to them, my goodness it seemed like full steam ahead to me but I was here for it. Imry still heartbroken in a way and unable to open up due to a previous relationship and Haze trying to find himself after living his life for so long caving to the ways of his father, the things they both went through equally broke my heart.

The megachurch/cult plot line , it really touched on some real life topics that happen and its such a sad thing. It was dark of what was happening within it but I enjoyed the way that it was explored throughout this book and Avory and Ellory's book.

I love the family dynamic of the Van Doren's they are so loving and accepting and everyone really needs that kind of love and acceptance in their life.

I love the Van Doren's so much and so happy we get more of them.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🖤Second Chance
🩸Hurt Comfort
🖤Chasing
🩸Jealous/Possessive
🖤Rope Play
🩸Choking
🖤Obsessed Hero
🩸Hinted Taboo

[Velvet Wrapped Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.

I feel like as I read each Van Doren book, I love each couple more. I'll admit that I read both Imry after the 2/3 triplets books and everything made so much more sense! If you're planning on reading both (note Avory and Ellory is TABOO) I would recommend reading Imry first, or follow Crea's recommended chapter order in the foreword.

Imry and Haze are a big dose of sweet and I am obsessed with their dynamic. Big, fit boy with body image issues from his awful family with a smaller, powerful boy who had his heart broken epically and still deals with trauma from his mum? Absolute perfection

I love the way Crea crafts relationships. They don't necessarily follow the script of meet, add a label, confess your love, HEA. These two start as friends who flirt over text, sleep together and realise they're too broken for anything more. They become FWBs but this morphs over time. There is no conversation about putting a label on their arrangement, they just start using the label when they're ready. And seeing them support each other to cope with their hurt just gives me the good feels.

This book is spicy, but still had enough of a plot to not just be spice/relationship focused.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three of the Van Doren series, Imry can be read concurrently with book four, Avory & Ellory and the author, Crea Reitan has put a list in the glossary at the beginning on how to do this. I, for one, chose to read them separately, starting with the two-thirds brothers' book first and finishing with Imry. From a personal opinion, I think you could read them either way, and no matter which way you decide to read them, you can still enjoy them to the max.

While the two-thirds are off at the megachurch, Imry is left at home, and he doesn't really take any contracts throughout the book, instead spending his time painting and getting to know Haze. We see a few hints of this in Avory and Ellory's book, and Imry's book definitely helps answer some of those burning questions I had.

What starts as a hook-up for Haze and Imry definitely shifts to more throughout the book when they both realise their feelings for each other are a lot stronger than they expected. The naughty hockey texts made me cackle. We also get to see a little more of Haze's brother, Oren, and I really enjoyed the brotherly bonding, especially after the trauma of living with their family.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the author brings to the table next.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two have been flirting with something until a hot hookup turns into a freeze out when Imry turns ghost. The problem here is that neither man, despite their insane flirting and chemistry, is aware of the trauma in the other’s past. Haze doesn’t know that Imry carries previous relationship baggage because of an ex, and Imry doesn’t know the hell that Haze and his brothers endured in different ways at the hands of their father. They’re both missing the friendship they were forging, though. The Van Doren family accepts Haze as one of them before he’s even “Imry’s,” and seeing him be loved and supported and accepted is healing. The way these two grow together slowly through the hard moments warmed my heart. I can’t say how much I love each member of this great big unaliving family, and watching Haze reconnect with Oren and spend time with his friends? Even more support being offered. He doesn’t just have his friend/found family group… He has a whole freaking tribe of people, and my heart couldn’t be happier. This was the HEA they both needed and deserved even if they had a few bumps in the road to get there.

[lmreadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tandem read Imry and Avory & Ellory by @creareitan, books 3 & 4 respectively in the Van Doren Series. These can be read separately but I highly recommend the tandem read, Crea has the chapter outline in the beginning of each book and the book really complimented each other and you read the whole story in real time.

Imry, one third of the Van Doren triplets and Haze, who has been living at the Van Doren estate since he and his friends relocated there, he is also brother to Oren, who we met in Coach Stare Down and learnt about their family and home life. They start with a friendship and really bad hockey puns that lead to a sexy encounter. However, both Imry and Haze have trauma from their past that holds them back in moving forwards with their relationship, they decide to take the pressure off and just enjoy themselves. I loved watching them fall, with all the sexy times, including choking and primal play, their chats with their brothers and terrible puns! Of course their is an underlying suspense storyline’s going on in the background that keep you hooked!

The latest Van Doren contracts had me on the edge, I absolutely loved seeing Loren in action again and I cannot wait to see what happens with Voss.
I loved seeing all the Van Dorens again, and meeting more of their extended family! I especially cannot wait for Brek’s story after this!

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Van Doren’s refer to themselves variously as sociopaths, psychopaths, and born killers. “They believe in the concept that ‘all lives matter.’ Not in the way people try to use it. Victimized people’s lives matter. Their abuser’s lives? Not so much. The world will be a better place without them”. Imry is one third of the Van Doren triplets. The triplets weapons of choice are axes, which they wield with bloody power.

He wants Haze, and he doesn’t want to want him (mostly). The part that does want Haze knows it’s a bad idea but the Van Doren’s, for all their brutality, are ruled by their hearts.

The Van Doren’s lifestyle is full of wealth and privilege and way over the top. That part of the book was enjoyable. Bit of mystery and a few questions, but I don’t feel that this was the strongest book in the series. I like Haze and Imry separately but didn’t feel them together. I did enjoy Imry’s explanations of his art though.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited to get the Van Doren Triplets stories, and they didn't disappoint. Imery and Haz have been flirty via text for a while with steamy banter and sexual inuendo's. When it becomes explosive and Haz can't take anymore he drives over to Imery's and wow the chemistry was top notch. Then Imery ghosted Haz for 9 days. Both Imery and Haz have past situations that make them question relationships and their feelings. Haz needs to figure out who is and what he wants outside of is past while Imery doesn't trust what his heart tells him always thinking he isn't enough. This book will melt your heart while you read, while these two have incredible chemistry their push and pull in regard to their feelings makes your heart sad for them. Crea Reitan knows how to write emotional stories with strong characters. The stories are creative and pull on your heart strings from start to finish. If you love MM romance, you will love this book. I was given this book a an ARC for my honest review.

[Elizabeth Mathous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imry and Haze

I couldn't wait for this book. I've been excited to see if my guesses are correct about who gets paired with whom. I liked Imry and Haze as a couple. I would've liked more action, but as I understand, that was in Avory and Ellory. I look forward to Oxley, but I'm more excited about Voss's book. With the bits we got from Imry, I'm not sure how that will go as there hasn't been any hinting at all. Plus, with how it's left to speculate with Lor and Voss's situation. Idk it brought up so many questions. Then, meeting Rhodes, he's quite the character, and I wonder if he will get a book as well? I can't wait to see how these all unfold and to learn more about Jeannette. I'm going with Imry and honey bees instincts, I don't like her either, Daddy Jalon can do better. I can't wait for more from this world.

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving In

Another great book by Crea. Book 3 has a lot more self blaming, due to past family life or relationship. Both MCs are trying to figure themselves out, one more so than the other. Remember, trauma comes in all forms as well as abuse. The relationship between the two MCs are on and off. They have instant intimacy connection but don’t want to be in a committed relationship. Crea stresses multiple times about why they don’t want commitment, why a character ghost the other, why both MCs can’t really forgive themselves, as well as not really wanting to communicate with each other. After a few chapters the book picks up momentum and soon you find yourself drawn into it, especially after both MCs decide to give into one another. There’s smexy scenes, along with some action scenes. Yep, a 5 star rating ⭐️💜

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the same time as described the beginning of the book with the other book with the 2/3 triplets you can buy that book on the authors website or on smash words, but it is a taboo book and if you are not OK with reading That type of book, the author said you can read this book alone, but if you are OK with reading that type of book you will get much more experience out of this book in my opinion
This is Irmy and Haze book and I love their dynamic their individual growth in the relationship and in their own personal lives I loved getting more exploration into the family of the Van Doren‘s as well as the friends group that we have grown to love since Loren‘s book as well as the relationship between the triplets, I definitely recommend checking out the extended epilogues that the author provides not in the newsletters and exploring the other books in the series.

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading the triplets story for a while and I was so excited when they were announced as the next books to be released. This book was brilliant, both MMCs had their own issues and I loved their journey towards each other and building that relationship between them. The story was fantastic, I loved the concept behind it and it was interesting to see how the Van Doran’s business works a bit more through the characters. One of my favourite parts was the puns, they kept me highly amused while I was reading. Overall, this was another fabulous instalment in the Van Doran series, with each book just getting better and better. I would highly recommend giving it a read.

[bookingcrazzyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Van Doren finds their person. And it was not a fun walk in the park either. Haze and Imry have a rough start at the beginning of this book. Imry has been broken before and is very hesitant to get close to other people. Haze wants something uncomplicated due to his past. However these two CANNOT stay away from each other.

The spicy times are full steam ahead but it takes their heads and hearts a little time to catch up. They agree to exclusivity but basically no strings attached. Both of these men claim they aren't ready but they can't help falling anyways.

Of course there's the basic Van Doren action and conflict in this book. You get to see all of the main characters as well as some new faces.

I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.

[A reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I read this after Avory & Ellory, both books are on a concurrent timeline. A lot more context in Imry that provides more insight on what's going on with Avory & Ellory but feel like I would've been a little bored having known. Personally, don't like time jump books when I know what already happened or what will happen, prefer the air of the unknown. Def preferred reading through this and then tying it back to what I read.

Imry and Haze are shaped by their past and trauma in their own way and, despite, their hesitations, can't help being drawn to each other. It was beautiful to see their bond morph into something truly special and realize that they are great together and for each other.

Absolutely love the series and can't wait for the next release!

[Ashley Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haze has spent his whole life hiding who he truly is—now, he’s finally trying to find himself. Years of pretending, of holding back, come crashing down in a storm of hockey jokes and hesitant flirtation. And then, one night, Haze shows up at Imry’s door.

From that moment on, neither of them stands a chance.

In Imry, Haze finds something he never thought he could have—connection, safety, the space to explore who he is without losing someone in the process. And just when things begin to make sense, Imry ropes Haze and Oakley into helping Voss, dragging them into a situation that reveals even more than they expected.

Answers come, but so do new questions. And through it all, Haze begins to realize: maybe he doesn’t have to choose between love and identity.