For Your Mind: For Your Love, Book 3

For Your Love #3

by Crea Reitan, Aiden Snow (narrator), Liam DiCosimo (narrator)

The mind is a terrible place to live.

Simon has more or less moved out, Damon is burying his rage, and me? I'm in misery, trapped in the dark hole of unrequited love. I don't know where to turn. Entire days disappear where I have no idea how much time has passed. Just when I think my brother and I are doomed to our collective pain, we work out a truce that could patch up our friendship with Simon.

He comes home and it's as it always was, except now it's a little bit more. While we may push boundaries, we'll never cross the line into too much. Even though I wish we would.

I still struggle with one thing. Simon might have found someone who will accept our unconventional—probably inappropriate—friendship, but what about me? Will I find someone who can accept that part of me, too? Or am I destined to be alone, with the only relationship I have the one in my mind, where it's my best friend and me, forever?

This is an LGBT+ story for mature listeners.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Polyamory, LGBT, M M M

Audible Audio

Published July 30, 2024

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]

I have to say that this is my absolute favourite polyamory series and it'll be difficult for anything to beat it.

The focus of this book is on Declan and Zarek's individual relationship and it runs alongside Damon and Sage's story in book two, so there is some repetition of events but it's not overbearing and it's from different POVs also.

I really liked that Zarek's struggles to comprehend let alone be part of a poly relationship were shown in so much depth. The fact that every person in this six person polycule has a different level of comfort, different needs, different kinks, different insecurities, yet all have so much love to give was just the best thing to read. I liked being on Zarek's journey with him and seeing him learn and watch how the relationship dynamics worked. Quin supporting him and being his 'mentor' was so sweet, and I loved how everyone hyped each other up. Definite relationship goals.

Declan is so different to Damon when it comes to their personalities and it was fun to see more of them together, although I would have liked to see much more of them... I also liked seeing Declan in his work environment where he's learning to have separation from Damon for the first time in their lives. I really liked Alka even though I was telling him to back the eff off, but I did not like Frost! I know he has a book coming, so hopefully that will endear me to him, but his behaviour in this book was pretty repulsive. I am looking forward to Alka's book though.

I also definitely recommend reading the bonus shorts on Crea's Patreon which really add to the story and kind of bridges the gap between this stage of their life and these guys being parents in the Longwood U series.

My only reason for not giving the books in the series 5 stars is the way that only three relationships are fully focused on, with the twins and Simon's relationship then being the core of the whole series. We have Simon and Quin, Damon and Sage, and Declan and Zarek. There's some sharing between Declan, Damon, Sage and Zarek and there's a whole group scene, but I needed more of the other relationships too. I want to see how Zarek and Sage's relationship develops. I want to see Simon and Zarek's relationship, but I also want to know what develops between Simon and Sage. I want to see Declan and Damon take that step past teasing because we know they're together but I want to see their thought process as they take that next step. I want to see Declan and Damon's relationship with Quin changing to what it becomes in the future. I want to know if Quin develops something with Zarek and/or Sage! I liked that we got to see 5-6 years in the future in the Patreon bonuses, but I feel like there's this huge gap and I would love to see another book that explores the rest of the relationship dynamics between everyone, because each relationship is so unique and I feel like I'm missing out on knowing these character's even better.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re mine. But if you say you’re mine now, you don’t get to take that back, Zarek. I don’t work in ‘for now’ or temporary. If you want to be mine, you’re giving me your fucking soul.”
ARC Review~
4.5⭐️

This book really pulls everything together so if you’re in the mood for a complicated, super emotional, kinkfest then strap in and read this trilogy back to back! These books are completely tied together so this review may contain some minor spoilers if you haven’t read the first two.

**Potential spoilers for books 1 & 2**

I wasn’t sure if the twins could be redeemed after book 1 and I hated how Sage was a sort of Simon replacement at first in book 2 but book 3 was incredible!! I love super possessive men and Zarek is crazy about Declan from moment one 😍😍😍 The initial pursuit and then development of their relationship one-on-one I blazed through because it’s so intimate and special. Declan was clearly invested in Zarek early on and that made such a difference for me.

Since this follows a similar timeline to book 2 I knew exactly when things were going to go “wrong” but since we got Zarek’s POV it felt totally different. Poly relationships don’t come naturally to everyone so I appreciated seeing Zarek struggle and work through his feelings when deciding if this was something he wanted to pursue.

The ending was spectacular. I would’ve liked seeing more of the group all together but it was really beautiful. Such a unique premise for a romance series, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have read these books.

“Don’t be scared,” I say and press a kiss to his jaw. “I love you more than a quadratic equation.”

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

For your Mind is the third book, in the For Your Love series. This contains minor spoilers from the first and second books, so I recommend that you start from the beginning.

We are now getting Declan and Zerek's story!! So, I really liked Zerek. Not just in this book, but last book too. I've said this before, but this series is so raw, so gripping, you can't help but to be emotionally invested in it. Also, the complexity is so well done! There's so much growth and acceptance, it's beautiful! They do get their HEA. Although, this is the conclusion to these guy's stories, I'm definitely looking forward to Vulcan's story!!

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Declan may be my favourite. I have loved both the previous books and this one was no exception. It has all the trademarks of the authors sensitive and deep exploration of the undiluted emotional journeys Declan and Zarek are on as they navigate their explosive chemistry and the unexpected relationship they find themselves in.

”Yes,” he snarls. “That fucking mouth should only be on my body. Understand, Declan Whitaker? Your mouth on my body. That’s it!” I’m not going to lie. His fucking possessive demand has my cock hard as fuck right now.


Zarek was very unexpected for me, I loved how the author develops a complex man’s journey - so confident in so many aspects as he goes after what he wants but also so genuine and intuitive and insecure in other ways informed by his past as well as his own experiences. I do wish we had seen a bit more understanding around the last relationship that was alluded to but that’s like splitting hairs - doesn’t detract from their story at all.


“So… now you know why I’m such a mess,” I say. “There’s just nothing left of me anymore.” Zarek hugs me to him, slinging his leg over my hip until his smaller body can practically consume mine .

Declan was another delightful surprise- I felt I knew so little about him but he is so real and genuine in how he engages with the world. Keeping himself insulated till he is ready to show you the confident but sensitive and massively loving man he is.


“No, Ehsan . You don’t understand.” “You’re all number one priority. I will own you and you own me. Just like they do. You’re mine. But if you say you’re mine now , you don’t get to take that back, Zarek. I don’t work in ‘for now’ or temporary. If you want to be mine, you’re giving me your fucking soul.”

Zarek and Declan were hot right off the bat. Their chemistry and kink was different but no less incendiary that the others and they could not keep their hands off each other once they started. This all translated into into deeper attachments developing and all these possessive emotions and needs coming to the surface which just added to the richness of the emotional landscape the author gives us


“This future,” Zarek says and I shiver. I don’t want this to end, but I have a sickening feeling it’s going to. “Where do I fit into that?”“Where do you want to?” I ask.


One of the things that really worked was that neither expected anything long term initially but both wanted to commit to once they realised how deep they were in it. I also really appreciated the way the author chose to share the tough journey the security seeking side of Zarek went thru as he worked through the ifs and how’s and what’s of the larger relationship with the other 4. There is also a much clearer look into the individual relationships forming with these characters and I actually liked the way the author chose to end this. They are clearly working on building a future but nothing is neatly tied up which would have been quite unbelievable.

While not only knowing what was coming but also the when the when and where’s of it because if this book being in parallel to the last did slow the pace down for me a tiny bit, there is no way I wouldn’t have read Declan and Zarek’s story which is beautiful. I wanted more of a peek into the relationship development of them as a group which are hinted at like with Simon and Sage and Zarek bonds and I have a feeling the author will give us that. I’m also quite excited that the author mentions Vulcan gets a story in the note at the end of the book.

I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend checking out this unique series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love and such a beautiful story. This series has blown my mind!!! It’s another phenomenal read that really shows different forms/aspects of what a relationship and love can look like.

This book is from Declan and Zarek’s POV and features their story. There are still twin hive mind moments between Declan and Damon. It does concurrent with For Your Heart. I found it interesting that the stories ran parallel, but we got a whole different perspective on the situations. This was its own story. It really shows how much thought and depth went into all the aspects of these books & characters.

Declan and Zarek’s personalities and needs fit together so well. They are really meant for one another. They know what each other needs and how to help each other grow. I know Declan was hurting and lost. But at the same time I still saw him as the strong put together person and forgot about what he might need. Enter Zarek’s - he knew what Declan needed. Things just felt so natural.

I really liked Zarek’s jealous side that comes out. It’s sexy as well as slightly comical because of how quickly he reacts to things. Underneath that layer there is also a caring, sweet, possessiveness to him.

Their relationship has its own unique hurdles that they overcome together and individually. Things aren’t sugar coated and it’s great to see this very real depiction of how a relationship takes time, communication, understanding, patience, etc. to build into something strong, stable, and long lasting.

And once again, we get treated to spice and different kinks. It’s more than just the physical actions, but the emotional & mental aspects too.

I’m still in awe and I’m already re-reading.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

zarek and Declan

I loved their story. Though there was mild jealousy that Zarek felt over the relationship Declan had with Simon. Zarek always felt attracted to Declan but he almost seemed out of reach . I’m glad they came together and from what I’ve read zarek is packing and the spicy scenes were great. Including when Declan and Damon had zarek and sage and they enjoyed their escapades. I love that Simon and quin wree excepted by the twins . The ending was great I couldn’t have seen it any other way. They all needed to be with each other.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story runs parallel to the story in book 2, about the other twin.

It's just as daft as the other one.

For all that, I kept reading.

The author's focus is on the characters and their issues and dramas, as it should be in such a story. She tends to get real fuzzy real fast on the external world of these characters.



For instance could a 10 year old move into with another family without family services being involved? Could some underage kids move into their sisters' without family services being involved? Even if the families did not alert the gov, would not the school have done so? Then there is the whole weirdness around what Quin teaches, trades, what can be included in a degree etc etc

[Nxsqxxk · Rating 2 out of 5]

le voy a poner 1 estrella porque es la suma de como me siento con la historia concluida

Me quedé bastante insatisfecha con el final, siento que le falto mojarse un poco el orto a la autora y en vez de tantear algunas cosas que son tabú, directamente hacerlo más un hecho, no algo qje va a pasar en el futuro pero no lo muestra. Si alguien siete que no puede soportar esas cosas, que no lea. Era comí que prometía varias cosas que no pasaron. qsy.
Y no hablo de la relación entre los gemelos solamente, es sobre todos juntos, y tampoco en sexo, sino más escenas de ellos en su cotidianidad, más que reflexionando en cómo pasaron tal día juntos, quiero experimentarlo con ellos, se entiende?????

Hubo momentos en los que realmente me gustó la relación de Declan y Zarek, pero fue antes de que Simon entrará devuelta en la dinámica. Siento que forzaron todo demasiado lo de necesitar estar juntos para sobrevivir, no lo veo mal en sí, solo mal ejecutado y me queda un sabor amargo que Zarek hasta este momento todavía no se sienta 100% cómodo con la situación, la acepta porque no se imagina viviendo sin Declan. y eso de que no tiene que cambiar es la contradiccion más grande de todas porque si no cambia su forma de pensar, es imposible que pueda quedarse en la relación.

They’re all cherries on top, but they’re not what’s made me fall for him. It’s that we’re truly friends. We can laugh and talk about anything, and it doesn’t ever feel awkward when we have a quiet moment. Those silences don’t need to be filled. We share jokes and have our own. He’s not a dumb jock and watching him do his thing is a damn turn on. Declan is so competent and good at what he does. He’s good with the students. They all really look up to him. They enjoy him being around. He’s not one of those staff members that make people cringe when they come near you because everything out of their mouth is going to put you to sleep. Declan relates to the students. He’s young and vibrant and beautiful. He’s passionate and knowledgeable about what he does. He takes the relationships in his life seriously. That’s as abundantly clear as anything else. Those he loves, he loves with his entire being. He’s so fucking loyalto them. It’s the way he smiles at me. The soft look he gives me when I finally come out of the moments after he breaks me. It’s not just that he takes care of me. I told him all I need is to be held. This fucking man doesn’t just hold me. No. He holds me until I’m done shaking and crying, yes. That’s where what I asked for ends. He brings me to the shower, strips my bed of the soiled bedding (and puts it in the fucking washing machine!), then washes me with such attentive care that I’m almost in tears again. He dries me, puts lotion all over my marked body with such gentle and thorough precision that it’s the third time I’m near tears. Then he again holds me for a long time. Declan is a perfect fucking man. How can I not fall for him?

“No. I don’t think you need to be fixed. Why would I? Why would you ever be with someone who thinks you’re not perfect, just as you are?”

While I think it’s important that you and I do our own thing and grow as a couple, I… like what we’re doing with them. I like what we’re building with them. So, while I’d like to begin our date with just you and me, I want to end it with the four of us.” “Like, sexy time?” I ask, smirking. He grins. “Obviously, but that’s for after the date.” The sweet and thoughtful things he does just get to me. I’ve never felt more fucking seen in my entire goddamn life by someone outside of my brother and best friend. It’s a terrifying feeling that someone else sees everything that I am. What and who is important to me. How I feel. What I need.

“Definitely real. Definitely yours. I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want you. I can’t get enough of touching you. Having you in my arms. Kissing you. Tasting you. You’re everything I didn’t know I wanted.” He feeds me another bite before taking one of his own. I know exactly what he means. Since Simon came into our lives at eight, the only thing I’ve wanted is him and Damon. I didn’t realize there was more out there. Something else I’d want. Nothing had ever sounded even remotely appealing.
Zarek alquiló un carruaje en época de Navidad para una cita con Declan. No pueden ser más lindos, me encanta como cuidan y satisfacen las necesidades del otro. Además del amor y las cosas lindas y heartwarming que se dicen, sobre todo Declan 😭
Todo esto le mete más leña al fuego que se está por prender cuando conozca a Simon y se aleje y todo eso que tienen miedo que fuera a pasar, pase.

As we watch Simon walk into Stommer and wrap his arms around him, I’m left reflecting, yet again, how ridiculously blind we were. So much about Simon we completely overlooked and neglected for the past thirteen years since he moved in with us. We might have taken care of him in the most basic of sense, made sure he didn’t turn into a bitter, sour asshole once his life was upended. But we missed his most important needs. To be fucking seen.
no tiene que ver con lo marcado, pero siento que el mayor problema con el libro de Damon y este, es que pasan en simultáneo pero hay que leerlo dos veces. En el anterior me dio mucha bronca que hubiera tantas cosas sin decirse, y acá se están mostrando pero al mismo tiempo se siente mal ejecutado. Hubiese sido mucho mejor que fuera un solo libro, más largo seguro, pero con el desarrollo a la par sin sentir los baches de información que te vuelven loca.
Además que se vuelve repetitivo porque los gemelos yienen una sola conciencia, las cosas que pensaba Damon son parecidas a las de Declan, y no estuve 100% detalladamente fijándome si hay una continuidad en la línea de tiempo, pero también me da la impresión que no dan las cuentas. Vuelve a lo anterior que quedó mucha información sin decirse, porque de otra forma está historia no hubiese tenido contenido. Por eso creo que tendrían que haber pasado en un mismo libro y hubiera sido mucho mejor.

The room is quiet as everyone falls asleep after a very loud and somewhat nerve-wracking sex session.
literal no lo puedo creer. osea, tanta charla de intimidad, tanto building up para este momento, y no mostrar nada?? ni siquiera es por el sexo en sí, siento que era necesario el punto de vista de Zarek en el momento, sus sentimientos sin filtro y después una reflexión?? me jode mucho ahre, tal v3z sí era un poco el morbo, y no me importan las elipsis, pero siento que las primeras veces de todo deberían estar escritas y las siguientes se pueden omitir
Tampoco es que quería full detalle, sino el momento relatado

Should I really be expected to share everything? Yes. The voice inside me says yes. Because that’s exactly what I’ve been told all along. I agreed to this. If I take it back now, I’m going to hurt everyone. And if I break this now, there’s no coming back from that. I’ll lose Declan forever. That’s not an option.
Esto también, estoy en un limbo porque Zarek está cambiando todo su forma de vivir hasta el momento por está relación. Culpa a sus padres que lo adoctrinaron para pensar que una relación es de 2 personas, pero es todo el mundo que piensa y se rige por eso. aunque siento que culpan a los padres para justificar que Declan no va a cambiar. Es re difícil salir de ahí, porque Declan no debería cambiar para nada, y Zarek sintiéndose así es super válido, pero todo se siente muy forzado para que encaje en el rompecabezas. Y al mismo tiempo es el punto de la historia el llegar a una relación poliamorosa.

Bueno, eso es lo que marqué mientras leía, hay cosas EXTREMADAMENTE HERMOSAS y otras que me molestan.

[Reemz · Rating 1 out of 5]

This entire book is Zarek being uncomfortable and Declan basically telling him that he has to either put up or shut up because Declan isn’t changing the way he acts with Simon or Damon.

You know what, forget the weirdly codependent relationship the three of them had. Why did Declan have to still be friends with Lennon?????? That makes so sense to me. It’s almost as if he just wants Zarek to be as uncomfortable and sad as he possibly can be. Like I get not wanting to change how you act with your brother and best friend but you barely even KNOW Lennon. Is it so hard to just understand why Zarek might be uncomfortable with you still being around a guy that a) is straight up into you, and b) is someone you used to fake date????

I hate Declan and Damon tbh.

[Yukitosmom · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this book (it was a struggle to read since I already knew how it ended) I took away from these stories that Sage and Zarek were the spares, they are loved to an extent but nobody prioritized them. The twins were willing to walk away from both of them to keep Simon and Simon was willing to walk away from the twins to keep his professor. So yeah they feel loved but if a choice has to be made they ain't getting picked.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I have to say that I read this book hoping that it would change my opinion a little about the first and second in the series. And unfortunately, that was not the case, and the only one I can blame this time is me. I mean, I knew that For Your Mind ran parallel to For Your Heart (Damon & Sage), and a lot of what we saw in that one is something we see again here, only this time, from Declan and Zarek's POV, and obviously with Declan and Zarek's whole own story and their relationship. In some way, I expected that towards the end, and being the last book, it would add something more, something that would make me see growth in the characters, and yet, for me it was just more of the same. Declan acts towards Zarek in the same way that Damon acts towards Sage. The relationship must be on his terms and only his terms, and Zarek must accept them if he wants to be with him.

But added to all of the above (and if you want to know more, you can read my reviews from the previous books), what also bothered me in this one it's that Declan not only hurt Zarek with his situation with Simon, but with his friendship with another coworker, Lennon, with whom he pretends to be in a relationship to avoid harassment from another coworker that didn't seem to take no for an answer. And I wonder, why, since he was already involved with Zarek, why not pretend with him? No, instead, Zarek had to see him being hugged, holding hands or letting himself being touched by another man, etc., but hey, no kisses eh?! it's not something that we go over the limits with kisses (yes, sarcasm) only when Declan decided to put an end to that fake relationship (because apparently, Lennon also didn't know to how to respect the rule of no kissing and kissed Declan in front of Zarek), at the moment of the high point where Zarek needed to take a time apart, because for him, seeing the twins with Simon kissing and touching was too much...Who does Declan rely on? In his former fake boyfriend, now a friend. So Zarek not only had to suffer from the situation with Simon, but also continue to see him close to another man. Not only that, Lennon, at the time of the separation, decided to get in the middle and send messages to Zarek telling him that if he decided to break up with Declan, that he should put up with it if another man took his place, and that he wanted to be said man. . And what did Declan do? NOTHING. Aaaah, but he loved Zarek... And then, much later, when they are already living together "happily"... ecause Declan apparently didn't see any harm in it, and remained friends with Lennon, every time he crossed paths with Zarek at work, he would do something to make him jealous or upset, then Lennon would text Declan to tell him that maybe Zarek would be upset, and again, what did Declan do to comfort Zarek? He mentioned the message to him and... well, far from putting a stop to his "friend" so that he wouldn't bother Zarek anymore. I mean, I don't understand Declan's love for Zarek. He is possessive, jealous, etc., but if another person hurts him (aaaalll because of Declan) he won't defend him? So... There goes 3 stars, because I don't like to put less, but...

Like I said, this time it's my fault. There are few times that a book or series leaves me so dissatisfied. Generally, it is a scene that I don't like, or a character, or that was short or very long, but in general, it doesn't influence how much I like the series or the book as a whole. But in this case, I'm disappointed, because with just a few different details, it would have been very different for me, and I would have loved it.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Dynasti Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad!

That it’s over!! I don’t want it to be. I love them. I’ve literally not read a book in so long that was so good. But oh man here you have it!! These bonds between them are really really going to continue to grow so much deeper. So much more. I don’t believe Quin will continue to be just Simon’s partner. He feels like their pillar. EVERYONE has gone to him for advice at this point. And I think it will grow to where they all depend on him. So my theory is that this obviously started with the twins. They had a relationship that crossed boundaries even very young. Maybe Simon would have continued to be just a friend had his family not fallen apart but it did and when it did they showed them essentially how they survived in the world together. Combined with Simon’s innate submissive personality it was almost laughably easy to become their triplet. To share the need for affection, intimate affection that Declan and Damon already had. Therapy will try and tell you there’s a way to break the codependency but honestly most people in codependent relationships will tell you that they’d rather find a way to make it work than break it off. This bond spanned from the second grade until TWENTY THREE years old. Any relationships they formed after that needed to be made with the concession that they would not be split. It could feel uncompromising to the wrong person which is why no one else mattered. They picked who they did because their souls knew this would be the one out of millions of people that would be accepting and loving of their bond.

Z worked so so hard to overcome his insecurities when it came to this relationship. There were reviews saying that they felt like everybody was rushing him to accept something that most people wouldn’t be on with…that they weren’t concerned about his emotions and only worried about Declan and honestly I don’t think that’s true at all. They all worked to reassure him. They are allowed to set boundaries the same way Z was. He set boundaries and when they were followed he got angry so many times. Having had the same toxic Christian ideologies forced on me I understand how his behavior even when he was trying to change it would reflect the same ideologies even if he readily accepted that his sister was trans. Seeing as no one else had those hang ups of course they reacted differently. And he was given every reassurance that he was loved while they continued to let him know that this particular aspect (S/D/D) was NEVER going to be something he could break up. In a way I think this entire unit is built on the twins, who turned into triplets the day they essentially adopted them into their relationship. And because they are “triplets” they are the center fold of this entire operation. It needed to happen in a way that kept them all together. As evidenced by how tired all three of them were while any one of the others could have taken or left the 6 relationship household.

I could say more but just know this is not the last this author has seen of me. I love their books and I’m going on a binge as of right neow.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite author hit it out the park again 😊

This is book three and the last book in this series (I’m hoping for one more 🤞)
You really need to read the other two books in this series, it stands on its own. But reading books one and two before this one will add more background, and make things a little clearer (although things are explained)

This book is Declan’s point of view. And if you’ve read the first two books, you’ll understand his sadness/frustration and anger. His beloved friend (and in Declan’s eyes house husband) no longer has anything to do with them! And it’s killing both Declan and his twin Damon! They wander from moment to moment lost! They have each other, but their heart is missing….

Zarek is a teacher in the college Declan works in (Declan is a therapist and nutritionist for the sports department) and once sighted Zarek is smitten (but so is half the students and teachers 😉) but catching his attention is proving challenging, but Zarek loves a challenge…..

I’ve read both books before leaping into this one. There are triggers (you are warned by the author) but I needed to find out how Declan and Zarek get together and for me the triggers weren’t a problem.

The relationship starts out as just $exual (Declan can’t think further than that) Zarek is happy with that (for the moment anyway)
But when Simon gets back in touch, poor Zarek has to compete for his lover’s attention!

I loved Zarek’s sisters (they were a riot) they fully supported Zarek and one another (their parents had preconceived notions on how their children should grow up!) Zarek is bi and one of his sisters wasn’t a sister to begin with!

By the time I’ve read this book, I’d forgiven Declan and Damon for the way they treated Simon and his new partner) I see how they revolves their lives and world around Simon (he lost his mother at a young age, and his father became an absent parent!) It also explained their relationship in more detail than the first two.

This book will have you wiping tears, smiling till your face hurts and shouting at your kindle. The journey Zarek and Declan travel isn’t a smooth one, it has so many bumps I had bruises (Zarek knows all about bruises 😜) Zarek has so many issues with himself, but also the relationship the twins have with their BFF, it’s hard for him to accept and grow with it, it doesn’t help that there are people in this story that are waiting in the wings for Zarek to walk away so that they can swoop in and take Declan away!

The only person missing (and I hope gets his own book one day) was Vulcan, who stole the show in book one 💜

It says it’s a HEA ending (I think it felt more of a HFN Happy For Now) they are still finding there way, I’d love for the author to come back and do a novella in the future (just an update that all us good in the Whittaker World)

So my recommendation is to read the first two books then read this one (my opinion)

Another emotional, but amazing read.

🦋

[OneBookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The final instalment to Reitan’s For Your Love series and it is just as well written, encaptivatingly sweet romance about Declan’s and Zarek’s relationship.

The twins hadn’t fully received my forgiveness after book 2 epsoecially since there was still so much pinning from the twins over Simon. I wasn’t fully convinced they weren’t just using Sage and Zareck as stand ins. Even at the end of For Your Heart I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop in terms the relationships completely falling apart. Book 3 was a lovely read from start to finish and though Declan was my least favourite of the twins in Book 1, he’s certainly won a lil space in my heart.

Declan and Zareck are classic soulmates in my mind. From the romantic and emotional side to the s**ual and k**ky side. Classic Reitan, the steam in these books are off the chart. And if the writing isn’t good enough Reitan has stepped up her game on visuals. If you go to her fb page or her store she has some very lovely digital around for this series and I am here for it all.

I am completely enthralled in Reitans style. Once I’ve started her books I can’t put it down. I have to physically stop myself before I read the night away. Though it’s sometimes repetitive, it’s easy to fully visualise and feel what the characters are really going through. There’s also a sense authenticity from the characters. Zareck’s struggle to accept the groups dynamic and establish how he fits in with them hurt my heart, especially when it led to Declan lashing out. Given how protective he was over Simon and aware of people’s perceptions it was understandable he went on defence. But Zareck deserved the patience and care like Damon gave Sage.

Whilst originally a trilogy, I’m so happy Reitan has listened to fans and we are getting Vulcans Story! That man is such a sweetheart I’m so excited to read his story and find his forever!

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, again ....had to give this 4 stars even though parts drove me up a wall. Any book that can suck me in and make me read 4 books right in a row is obviously doing something right. I pretty much have exactly the same things to say about this one as the last one. I did like that Zarek seemed to struggle with things more than Sage....so this made a difference in the story. Also, this really can't be read as a stand alone. You absolutely need to have read the previous book, but also it probably won't make much sense without both other books being read.

I know the author thinks that there is nothing wrong with this dynamic...or at the very least gets upset at reviewers. But, it just seems extremely unhealthy that Zarek had to just "deal" with this situation...and him struggling made him kind of the bad guy with people telling him he was hurting everybody. So he's just supposed to be hurt and struggle with insecurity and jealousy...even one year later? Declan tells him "It's you who I will marry", and they say his love for Simon isn't the same ....but both of those things are only because he has no other choice. If Simon wanted to that's who they would have been with, in all of the ways. That's made abudently clear throughout the series. By the end of this book Damon and Declan are still having visions of Simon sexually even though they say that isn't how they "love him" and also they know Simon has no interest in that. It just seems problematic. With that said I still can't stop reading these. And still think the writing is well done and the characters are pretty fleshed out.


ohhhh one more complaint, I can't believe between Damon and Declans books we didn't get that first group scene more in detail. All the mental turmoil the twins went through over Simon and Quin, and just the stress of everyone involved...I thought we would at least get a chapter about that huge moment. I was bummed.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many elements of this story that I really enjoyed. I loved that Zarek's siblings were so close and supportive. I also enjoyed seeing Zarek be the pursuer instead of Declan. Especially when you consider their intimate dynamics, it was nice to see that role reversal in the other aspects of their relationship. As always, I also was really entertained by the twin telepathy concept. Most of all, I enjoyed the ending of the book because it demonstrated that accepting a challenging situation doesn't just happen overnight. Zarek was still trying to find his place in the group dynamic and that felt like an authentic growth factor.
There were two main things that keep me from that 5 star review. The first is that it felt like Zarek was always in the wrong about the situation. Invalidating someone else's feelings the way the other characters did to Zarek when things got dicey between Zarek and Declan was not something I digested well. In my opinion, there is no reason to ever invalidate someone else. It felt like the only time Zarek was remotely validated was with Declan in private. The second thing that I would've liked to see more of was interactions between Simon and Zarek. I think that may also have helped facilitate my first point better. Simon would be the perfect character to validate Zarek's feelings and make him feel welcome. I think it would've affected the overall vibe of the group dynamic in a more positive way as well.
Ultimately, I really liked this entire series for challenging my perspective and encouraging me to question what I perceive is normal and acceptable.

[diana moreno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this as part 3

These books should be read as part 1,2 and 3. This one being part 3. I actually simoltenously read Declan and damons books because they actually take place at the same time, and it's frustrating staring a book from the same point a previous one was in, it breaks up continuity. As for this story I'm gonna just write the few things I loved which was zarek, sage and his friends and Quinlan. What I didn't was that I finished both books and I just couldn't get on board with liking the twins. They are 23/24 and act like they are 16 or 65 depending on the scene. They're in complete control over everything and essentially the entire relationship between them and the others was very frustrating for me. Some parts definitely read more as dark romance, especially the taboo parts. Simon for me is meh. Overall, I expirienced anxiety not wanting to read the twins obsession over simon, and "not cross" lines which each other which they totally did all the time. I really have a hard time with incestual/twincest tropes, and I become vocal in my reviews that it should be a label given to books. I don't think they should be banned at all, but definitely have a warning. The twin fantasy can be enticing for many though. This one was passable, but there's definitely more than 3 scenes where it's about them. It's still something that is difficult for me to read with out any issues. Either way it's not so bad. My 2 stars is more based on the feelings I got reading this story and it wasn't one that I would re-read or made me feel the feels inside, I just felt a disconnect with the characters.

[Laura Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Your Mind by Crea Reitan is the third book in the For Your Love Series. This story runs concurrently with the second book, For Your Heart. It picks up right where book one left off after the fallout Declan and Damon had with Simon. We get to see Declan's point of view and the way he deals with losing Simon. We get to see more of the twins 'hive mind' and the bond between Declan and Damon. And we get to see the very interesting faculty Declan meets working as an athletic trainer at Rainbow Dorset University, which includes Dr. Zarek Weaver.

Zarek is immediately interested Declan, but he learns that he is not the only one. When Zarek and Declan finally give in to their attraction, it is so spicy. Unfortunately, there are a lot struggles and challenges Declan and Zarek need to overcome to be together. It is definitely an emotional roller coaster that makes you hope it will all work out in the end.

I found all three books in the For Your Love series so interesting. These stories about friendship and love were different from anything I have read before, and I loved how these characters knew what they wanted and didn't let anyone else's opinion of what is normal stop them from loving and living their own way.

Please make sure to check out the author's note as well as triggers for the books in this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Booksfordays40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this unique end of the trilogy, we get to see inside Declan’s head through the same time period as the previous book. We get to see how his relationship developed between him and Zarek. I thought it would be like reading the same book, just from different perspectives, but it wasn’t. CR did a nice job at giving us a unique story, but interweaving things we already knew. Its filled with emotion and love and shows growth and communication.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but I felt like there was a piece missing between Zarek and Simon. I even went back through the previous book, and found that Sage and Simone had a lot more screen time getting to know each other. I don’t think Zarek actually was ever told or had a conversation about Simon’s sexu@lity, which really helps to explain his intimacy with the twins. So I felt like I was missing connection with Zarek and the other guys (I actually went back and read some more in Damon and Sage’s book to see if I missed anything….)- its hard, you don’t want to recreate anything from the previous books, but I also feel like I needed to see from inside Zarek’s mind how he came to terms a bit more.. Or how the lightbulb went on… but anyway, I still love these characters, I love to see how they interacted and how they ultimately come together. I’m excited to see that Vulcan’s book comes out in January. We didn’t get to see any of him in this book…. But I hope to see his HEA soon.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the For Your Love Series so much. I was captivated by all of the relationships equally, but my favorite of the three is Simon & Quin.

I love books that make you think, and this book (well, all of them) will certainly make the reader think about societal constructs of normalcy in relationships, such as how close is too close between friends? In a fictional world, I found the relationship between Declan, Damon & Simon to be so interesting and complex. It was as toxic as it was loving.

Both Zarek and Sage seemed like guys who really needed & wanted familial love and acceptance. I think they found this with the twins & Simon. Zarek dealt feelings of possessiveness and jealousy which I found realistic given their situaion. I wish that was explored a little more in their book. I actually felt Zarek's absence and Declan's pain more in book two than I did in book three.

I really didn't like the twins after book #1, but Crea did a good job of redeeming them in their subsequent books & relationships. To me, the main conflict of this book was highly sexual men were in love with their asexual best friend who was on his own journey of self-discovery and independence. I wish we got to see a little more of the six of them living together and the ups and downs of that; maybe we can get an epilogue novella one day ;)

Thank you Chaotic Influencers for the ARC of this book. I enjoyed the entire series very much!

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yup, that just happened. I’d ask what I just read, but I know what it was. It was a train wreck story that gave me whiplash. At the same time, I couldn’t stop reading it. Since Declan and Zarek’s story happens at the same time as Damon and Sage’s, there were some parts I skimmed through to get to content that didn’t have that ‘rehashed’ vibe.

Zarek is VERY different from Sage. He’s more on the twinkish side and is a little older. He’s a professor at Rainbow Dorset University, which has got to be the Pride Capital of any fictitious world I have read to date. I want to live there, just so I can soak in all the acceptance vibes that should really be everywhere in the real world. Beyond all that, he knows what he likes and isn’t afraid to say so. He did surprise me in his somewhat aggressive pursuit of Declan. Not so much because he was the initiator, but because of his reaction after the group meeting with Simon.

Declan, much like his twin, is not a character I liked all that much. Not only because of his treatment of Simon, but because he truly didn’t seem to know how to get out of his own way. I think my favorite part of Declan’s story was actually what happened once Coach Lemon Frost comes on the scene, and everything that happens at the university and sporting events, as a result.

Overall, I found Declan and Zarek to be okay as characters and their story was also only okay. Well worth the read, but not quite what I was expecting or hoping for. That will not prevent me from devouring the taboo version of this series. Cause yes please!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've honestly loved that each book has been from a different characters point of view. These last two books ran concurrently. One from Damon's POV and this one from Declan's, but of the same events. To be honest, I was shocked that Declan is actually the more emotional and needy of the twins. I thought he was going to be the more angry of the two after Simon left. Which is something that I really loved too. I was constantly surprised by the actions of each twin. Simon talks about their hive minds and even though the twins are so similar, they are actually very different. It was so special to read the dynamic shift from the three of them to the six of them. And even though it took Zarek a little longer to have some peace about the twins relationship with Simon, he was always meant to be there. They each added something to the relationship that was uniquely theirs to add.

It's been a great series. So many intricate details and so much more of the backstory as well in these last two books. It really gave me a different perspective on how they all grew up together and why the relationship developed the way it did. The way they treat each other was also something I really loved. And even though it took them a while to get there, the happily ever after was everything I was hoping for! Looking forward to Vulcan's story!

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad that we got Declan and Zarek's version of events in this book. Instead of handling everything with anger like Damon, Declan just pretty much checked out mentally and emotionally. He still did his job but he was pretty much just going through the motions. I liked seeing how he slowly started coming back to himself the more persistent Zarek was with pursuing him. He was good for him

I think the thing I was most interested in was the fallout point. With what I already knew happened in Damon and Sage's book, I was just waiting for it. I really wanted to see exactly what was going through Zarek's mind during that time and how he processed everything with their relationship with Simon. It was an emotional rollercoaster but I was glad he asked for some outside advice and help instead of staying in a constant back and forth. 

I wouldn't say that this series ended on a perfect HEA. You can tell that Zarek is still having some issues adjusting, but it is very obvious that he is trying. With this kind of relationship, things aren't going to fall into place overnight, especially when there were previous issues, but I think this ending feels more real to me. However, I was sad to see that this was the end of the series. I was really excited to see that Vulcan will eventually get his own book as well though, taking him from a side character to a main character.

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did struggle a bit in the beginning of the book, bc it felt like I was rereading the second book but from a different perspective, it changed fairly quickly to new, “behind the scenes” storyline, and filled in a lot of gaps. When I started I thought I’d get bored of the storyline when I already technically knew the ending, but I was gladly mistaken. Declan is, emotionally, the opposite of Damon. And we get to see more intricately, how he handles the stress of Simon leaving, the guilt of knowing it’s because of them, but not being able to change it, and the hopelessness that his whole life is crumbling.
I’m walks Zarek, and slowly, gradually, Zarek drives him insane enough to make him think. Make him smile. Make him live again, instead of just going through the motions. Thinking of Zarek, and the small encounters with him are enough to bring him back into the moments instead of losing time to being in his own head. He saved him, and Zarek is determined to prove to Declan that he’s not going anywhere. He found what he wants, and won’t stop until he gets it.
Add in some funny moments with his sisters, some dramatic/suspenseful moments with Declan’s coach friend/ unrequited lover, and even some heartbreaking moments that’ll make you hold your breath, and you get this somehow completely different, yet still a bit the same story that I’m so glad I stuck with and read.

[Lettura Arcobaleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Lettura Arcobaleno 🌈


Questo è il terzo romanzo della serie "For Your Love" e uscirà il 28 settembre 2023. Ringrazio Crea Reitan per avermi dato l'opportunità di leggerlo in anticipo.

Simon, Declan e Damon tornano a farci compagnia con la loro amicizia fuori dal comune.
Ma stavolta è il turno di Declan, diventato un fisioterapista per giovani atleti, di incontrare il suo amato Zarek all'istituto dove lavorano assieme.
Zarek è ossessionato da quel nuovo collega e già si immagina tra le sue braccia, ma per Declan la situazione è più complicata per via di Simon che si ostina a non parlare più con i gemelli.

È stato davvero piacevole avere anche il punto di vista di Declan, il quale non ha mai smesso di amare il suo migliore amico.
È stato meraviglioso vederli finalmente tutti insieme, felici e spensierati. I partner portano quel pepe in più che dà sapore alla pietanza.

Crea non manca di stupirmi insegnandoci cosa vuol dire essere in una relazione aperta o essere poly. Il consenso e l'onestà sono alla base di tutto. Grazie a questa talentuosa scrittrice ho scoperto di più sull'asessualità e sull'aromanticismo, due spettri della sessualità che vengono citati poco nei romanzi rosa.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the twins, Declan and Damon Whitaker with Simon, but from Declan's point of view ,and how he felt about Simon from the first time he saw him in grades school. To how Declan processed when Simon left. Since Declan and Damon shared their twin thoughts they never really ever had separate relationships. So reading how Declan's relationship with Zarek grew accepting Zarek as a person who identified as bi, learning to love Zarek as much as his brother and Simon. To Zarek learning to trust Declan's love and accept the relationship of Damon and Sage along with Simon and Quin Stommer. Declan and Zarek's needs in their relationship are different then Damon's and Sage. Yet no less important and necessary then any other couple. These group of individuals learned to accept each other, and the others partners, accept their differences and what they had in common to make a family a unit. I know I have made this sound like a simple story but it is anything but that. Relationships at best are complicated these men had to learn about themselves, accept their differences, needs and grow with great maturity. This book has a great deal for someone to learn about the differences of individuals and to not be judgmental.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crea Reitan has done it again with For Your Mind, the third nook in her For Your Love series! Crea is a the queen at unconventional romance stories that suck you right in with all their angsty tension, turmoil and endless heat and this one was no exception.

This story runs pretty much simultaneously as Damon and Sage’s story, the time focusing on Declan and his own man. I love how Crea took us back to the beginning again so we could see the twins first interactions with Simon, and how their unconventional but so incredibly deep and moving friendship started way back when as it helps shed a little more light in all the intricacies of their relationships: which each other, Simon, each of their own guys and as a whole as a group. And let me just say Zarek and his own family and past was utter perfection and the perfect ingredient to add to this unique story.

The in depth feelings, emotions and complications Crea created with all these relationships was phenomenal as well as being able to see them all grow and mature throughout the series. If you love a good unique relationship, with lots of fun “play” involved then this is definitely the one for you. As always though be sure ti check the triggers first!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Your Mind is the third book in the For Your Love series and takes place at the same time that book number two, For Your Heart. Declan's twin perspective is so different than Damon's and I'm so happy that these books were done as such. We got to see a few memories from the past and also how Declan and Zarek's relationship came together all while somewhat knowing where we are in the timeline based off of key points that cross over from book two.

It was so much fun reading about these two main characters and getting a better insight to how they 'work' so to speak. Declan is very different than his brother and Zarek can be a bit possessive and it's just so cute to see the interactions and them getting what they need out of their relationship together.

While this book ends relatively the same as the previous one, we do get more of a glimpse of their HEA with them actually in a new house that all six of the characters live in. And while yes it is a HEA, we actually see Zarek be human for lack of a better word and still have moments where he has to talk himself through situations that are just not 100% ok with. Very nice touch in my opinion.

[Ange Bennetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of 3 books is so unique in ways like no other. One of the things that i found interesting was that books 2 and 3 are running concurrently, so we know the protagonists of this book a bit, we've seen them and the other characters have interacted with them. We have met Zarek, but we really dont know him. After reading this, im so surprised i missed his fiery, sassiness. So heres the thing, with this series, there are 6 main characters and each book focuses more on two of them. Its kind of like there is 3 seperate relationships and there totally is, there is though a relationship between the twins and Simon, its not traditional and it is again, its own unique thing. But out of that, this is really almost a poly relationship. I personally love all 6 characters, they all have their flaws but Zarek is definitely one of my top two and i adore the dynamic between him and Declan. I have loved these books and yeah sometimes i had to put my kindle down and take a break, because of all the feelings, but really, isnt that what we want? Love, big feelings, finding oneself and finding THEIR person. Read those triggers but if they dont bother you, leap at these books.

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad this series is over.

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I thought Simon’s book would still be #1, then Damon’s. But Declan really came into his own and made me love him.

He experienced so much growth here I was in awe. To me, he (and his twin) seemed pretty selfish regarding everything in their relationship and feelings with Simon, but learning how to open his heart to other people and know that they are just as important made me 🥺. Zarek was so precious and his insecurities made my heart hurt, especially considering how strong we saw him at the very start. But Declan really was a perfect match for him. He never let those insecurities get the best of his boyfriend and made sure he knew how much he was cared for and special.

The only thing I wished was different was the ending a bit? (Mind you, not the HEA, lol, but the epilogue). It was so similar to book 2. Considering they were both set in the exact same time frame, Declan and Zarek were happening at the same time as Damon and Sage, I wished there was a little more change up. Some of it could feel predictable.

I’m gonna miss this band of unhinged and unhealthily codependent people 😭.