What do you think?
Rate this book
A Second Chance for Three
Two dark haired men embracing in the rain. A beautiful image. But one of them is sad and confused. He’s faced with a difficult choice. There are two men who want his love and Tyler must decide. Who will he share his life with, the man who helped him learn to live again? Or the lover he’d thought was dead… but wasn’t.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
Two years ago, X stopped his friend Y from accidentally killing himself (apathy, starvation, prescription meds, drugs, etc.— up to you) following the reported death of Y’s (military, mercenary, CIA, special ops, journalist, etc.) lover Z overseas. X took Y into his house and X and his pet(s) have helped Y piece his life back together. X held Y as he mourned and watched as Y finally began to smile and enjoy his work again. X and Y have been part-time lovers for the last few months, but X fears he is not enough for Y to be completely happy.
However, now Z has escaped from whatever hellhole prison he was in and is at the door, waiting to reclaim Y. X knows he should let Y go, that Y and Z still love each other. But how can X and pet(s) bear to let the man they have come to love go? Y has loved Z for many years— Z is his heart and inspiration— but X has become his rock. Z’s dreams of returning to Y kept him alive, but how does Z feel when he comes home after two years of worrying about Y to find him in the home of another man?
Photo Description:
Picture One: Two men stand outside in the rain. They hold each other in a tight embrace, the hard muscles of their bare arms straining as they cling to each other. Rain dampens the longish black hair of one of the men, drops trickling down his neck and leaving goose bumps in their path. The other’s lips are slightly parted, maybe hoping for a kiss from his lover in the rain.
Picture Two: A dark haired man lounges in bed, his thumb rasping over the well-trimmed scruff of his beard. He’s relaxed, bare chested and only wearing sleep pants that sit low on his hips, revealing his toned, flat abs. But he’s still wearing his wire rimmed glasses as he peruses the work he’s brought with him to bed.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
Two years ago, X stopped his friend Y from accidentally killing himself (apathy, starvation, prescription meds, drugs, etc.— up to you) following the reported death of Y’s (military, mercenary, CIA, special ops, journalist, etc.) lover Z overseas. X took Y into his house and X and his pet(s) have helped Y piece his life back together. X held Y as he mourned and watched as Y finally began to smile and enjoy his work again. X and Y have been part-time lovers for the last few months, but X fears he is not enough for Y to be completely happy.
However, now Z has escaped from whatever hellhole prison he was in and is at the door, waiting to reclaim Y. X knows he should let Y go, that Y and Z still love each other. But how can X and pet(s) bear to let the man they have come to love go? Y has loved Z for many years— Z is his heart and inspiration— but X has become his rock. Z’s dreams of returning to Y kept him alive, but how does Z feel when he comes home after two years of worrying about Y to find him in the home of another man?
Photo Description:
Picture One: Two men stand outside in the rain. They hold each other in a tight embrace, the hard muscles of their bare arms straining as they cling to each other. Rain dampens the longish black hair of one of the men, drops trickling down his neck and leaving goose bumps in their path. The other’s lips are slightly parted, maybe hoping for a kiss from his lover in the rain.
Picture Two: A dark haired man lounges in bed, his thumb rasping over the well-trimmed scruff of his beard. He’s relaxed, bare chested and only wearing sleep pants that sit low on his hips, revealing his toned, flat abs. But he’s still wearing his wire rimmed glasses as he peruses the work he’s brought with him to bed.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
76 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2014
2 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Christa Tomlinson
33 books452 followersChrista Tomlinson is a pop culture loving, anime watching, nerdy fangirl who loves to read and write romance. She creates stories that are emotional and lovely with intimacy that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc.
Christa grew up reading romance giants Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, and Virgina Henley - thanks to her older sister who gave her her first romance novel many years before she should have been reading such saucy content. Christa's first attempt at writing her own romance novel was in middle school - a historical that will never see the light of day. Since that first attempt, Christa has written many spicy fanfictions of her favorite characters and romances featuring her own hot and sexy heroes. Her first self-published romance, The Sergeant, was an Amazon best seller in Gay Romance for seven weeks in a row.
After many years in the sunny warmth of Houston, Texas, Christa has returned home to St. Louis, Missouri. She is a former high school social studies teacher and retired roller derby player. Don't ask her if romance requires an HEA or she'll use her roller derby skills to hip check you.
Christa grew up reading romance giants Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, and Virgina Henley - thanks to her older sister who gave her her first romance novel many years before she should have been reading such saucy content. Christa's first attempt at writing her own romance novel was in middle school - a historical that will never see the light of day. Since that first attempt, Christa has written many spicy fanfictions of her favorite characters and romances featuring her own hot and sexy heroes. Her first self-published romance, The Sergeant, was an Amazon best seller in Gay Romance for seven weeks in a row.
After many years in the sunny warmth of Houston, Texas, Christa has returned home to St. Louis, Missouri. She is a former high school social studies teacher and retired roller derby player. Don't ask her if romance requires an HEA or she'll use her roller derby skills to hip check you.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 31, 2014
Another wonderful LL picture prompt event story, and people it's a m/m/m !
I love. And I do mean love ménage stories and I was pointed right at this one first thing this morning by Anke.
Tyler loses the love of his life, but Rob a good friend to both of them is there to catch him.
Slowly they grow closer and just when things are really going to be cemented, Cole shows back up.
Despite there being some angst and heartache, these men are adults and calm about their situation and Cole and Rob want the best for Tyler, which just might be what's best for all of them and of course a few cute puppies too.
I love. And I do mean love ménage stories and I was pointed right at this one first thing this morning by Anke.
Tyler loses the love of his life, but Rob a good friend to both of them is there to catch him.
Slowly they grow closer and just when things are really going to be cemented, Cole shows back up.
Despite there being some angst and heartache, these men are adults and calm about their situation and Cole and Rob want the best for Tyler, which just might be what's best for all of them and of course a few cute puppies too.
June 26, 2015
There's a lot of angst in this story and some touching circumstance, but it's all too neat. Felt things were thrown in there but not dealt with. Some big emotional things got resolved far too easy.
It doesn't help that the story occurs in a bubble between apartment and house so friends/family/media/the world is kept seperate and it made the whole situation with Cole highly unbelievable.
The plot idea was thought provoking but the feels weren't there for me, none of it felt real. But still, it's free so thank you.
It doesn't help that the story occurs in a bubble between apartment and house so friends/family/media/the world is kept seperate and it made the whole situation with Cole highly unbelievable.
The plot idea was thought provoking but the feels weren't there for me, none of it felt real. But still, it's free so thank you.
August 10, 2014
MANDY!!!!!! M/M/M!!!!
Em, yes, finally I got around to reading this as well. It was a good story, I liked all three of them, their problems of building their relationship. I would have loved to read about people around them. Family, friends, co-workers, whatever. Just some interaction showing their life apart from each other. The one scene at the gallery wasn't enough for this reader.
Em, yes, finally I got around to reading this as well. It was a good story, I liked all three of them, their problems of building their relationship. I would have loved to read about people around them. Family, friends, co-workers, whatever. Just some interaction showing their life apart from each other. The one scene at the gallery wasn't enough for this reader.
August 18, 2014
Sometimes there isn't a reason to like it except you did. I liked this one. The writing was very well done and the only problem was the ending. I would have like to see how they were doing a little further down the line.
July 31, 2014
What do you do when you grieve for the man you loved and lost and eventually find new love, only to have a ghost come back into your life?
That's what Tyler has to decide when he is told his boyfriend Cole was killed when his boat sank off of the coast of South Korea. Tyler is shattered at the news, and it's Cole's best friend, Rob, that picks up the pieces of Tyler's life and helps him to heal. We experience touching glimpses of time where Rob and Tyler become closer, and a beautiful conversation between the two where Rob gives Tyler the strength to move on.
Two years after receiving the news, Rob and Tyler are a couple, sharing a picture perfect moment together, when Cole reappears. Things become complicated and heart wrenching. Tyler goes home with Cole, but no one involved is happy with that outcome and it's up to Cole and Rob to lay the foundations of a new relationship for all three of them.
This was a refreshing poly romance. The fact that these three men were so open and honest and that they talked is what makes this story such a great romance. They were determined not to hurt each others feelings but were realistic enough to realize that it will eventually happen, and they are open and hopeful enough to tackle that issue when it does. There was no jealousy in this relationship and it read like an optimistic breath of fresh air. Coupled with excellent writing and distinctive, strong characters, and this was an excellent addition to the LL event.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
That's what Tyler has to decide when he is told his boyfriend Cole was killed when his boat sank off of the coast of South Korea. Tyler is shattered at the news, and it's Cole's best friend, Rob, that picks up the pieces of Tyler's life and helps him to heal. We experience touching glimpses of time where Rob and Tyler become closer, and a beautiful conversation between the two where Rob gives Tyler the strength to move on.
"You're really going to leave me?"
Rob shook his head again. "I'm not leaving you, Tyler. I'm waiting for you"
Two years after receiving the news, Rob and Tyler are a couple, sharing a picture perfect moment together, when Cole reappears. Things become complicated and heart wrenching. Tyler goes home with Cole, but no one involved is happy with that outcome and it's up to Cole and Rob to lay the foundations of a new relationship for all three of them.
This was a refreshing poly romance. The fact that these three men were so open and honest and that they talked is what makes this story such a great romance. They were determined not to hurt each others feelings but were realistic enough to realize that it will eventually happen, and they are open and hopeful enough to tackle that issue when it does. There was no jealousy in this relationship and it read like an optimistic breath of fresh air. Coupled with excellent writing and distinctive, strong characters, and this was an excellent addition to the LL event.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
October 6, 2014
Threesomes are on thing, but a true triad with three equal partners is much rarer, and for good reason. The one in this story may still be unlikely, but the way the author set up the characters actually made it believable. Rob has known Cole for years, used to have a crush on him in college, but wasn't ready to come out. Cole goes on with his life and builds a relationship with Tyler. So far so good.
Then Cole, who is a photo journalist, is killed while on assignment in Korea, and Tyler almost falls apart. Rob and Tyler are friends, so Rob comforts Tyler. Needless to say, one thing leads to another, and they end up being lovers, Until, two years after "dying", Cole reappears and reveals he was a prisoner all that time. That is where the emotional mess starts, and with each man being honorable, I could easily have seen all of the relationships fall apart. I much prefer the solution the author came up with, showing that thinking outside the box and daring to defy "what is normal" can be just what some relationships need.
If you like your triads realistic, if you enjoy reading about men with emotional problems and want to see how they deal with them, and if you're looking for a read that is basically sweet with some hot loving thrown in to "seal the deal", then you will probably enjoy this free novella.
Then Cole, who is a photo journalist, is killed while on assignment in Korea, and Tyler almost falls apart. Rob and Tyler are friends, so Rob comforts Tyler. Needless to say, one thing leads to another, and they end up being lovers, Until, two years after "dying", Cole reappears and reveals he was a prisoner all that time. That is where the emotional mess starts, and with each man being honorable, I could easily have seen all of the relationships fall apart. I much prefer the solution the author came up with, showing that thinking outside the box and daring to defy "what is normal" can be just what some relationships need.
If you like your triads realistic, if you enjoy reading about men with emotional problems and want to see how they deal with them, and if you're looking for a read that is basically sweet with some hot loving thrown in to "seal the deal", then you will probably enjoy this free novella.
July 27, 2015
I'm reallybso confuaed right now.I don't know whether to give it a three star or a four star.
I want to give a four star because of the way the first few chapters were written. I think that the author really did well in writing the start of the book. The MCs were written well and I was enjoying it a lot. But come the middle to end of the book, it just lost a lot of luster for me. That's why I want gave a three stars.
I think this is because of the way the reaction of the characters or one specific character regarding the conflict. I just thought that one specific character was written badly.
Next, I don't think that their relationship has a deep sense in it. Don't get me wrong the threesome was still hot but it didn't have emotional sense, for me. Their relationship was just built abruptly. I don't like a book that's too dramatic but this one has none of the drama that you'll expect from a threesome.
I want to give a four star because of the way the first few chapters were written. I think that the author really did well in writing the start of the book. The MCs were written well and I was enjoying it a lot. But come the middle to end of the book, it just lost a lot of luster for me. That's why I want gave a three stars.
I think this is because of the way the reaction of the characters or one specific character regarding the conflict. I just thought that one specific character was written badly.
Next, I don't think that their relationship has a deep sense in it. Don't get me wrong the threesome was still hot but it didn't have emotional sense, for me. Their relationship was just built abruptly. I don't like a book that's too dramatic but this one has none of the drama that you'll expect from a threesome.
August 1, 2014
Oh my, that was hot. I do love a good threesome book, especially if there's some angst and heartache thrown in. The only problem with this one is that I was left wanting more. I wanted it to have a few more chapters in which .
August 2, 2014
I liked this story about love, loss, and new love. For a story with grieving, it wasn't angsty at all. It was sad, but not heartbreaking. I can handle that. Especially when the love is so sweet.
...a slow, gentle read.
Side note:
It was odd that no other characters were in the story.
...a slow, gentle read.
Side note:
It was odd that no other characters were in the story.
August 5, 2014
Sweet MMM story. Heartbreaking and stomach churning at times, particularly when the threesome is being negotiated. Thank goodness for Cole and Rob's level headedness. I wish it was longer but I think it ends a a great spot.
July 31, 2014
Short, but enjoyed very much!
April 27, 2016
My heart kept breaking for these guys and their struggles. But I'm glad things worked out for them.
July 24, 2020
Reduced to 3 stars on re-read.
------------
This story was PERFECTION. I loved everything about it. Loved the pacing, loved the emotion, the language, the dogs lol. It just hit all the right notes for me. I was never sitting there going what in the world? I was just able to curl up with my ice cream (which I ran and got when Cole came back) and enjoy the story. I felt the timeline of Tyler's grieving was realistic (I panicked slightly at the three month kiss but whew that was handled perfectly). Rob was a stand up guy waiting until Tyler was ready and the threesome was handled extremely well. I've read other reviews that say they wanted to read about family, friends etc etc. I did not. This is a short story with three guys. I just want to stick to the point. Having to involve other people? Ugh. I always tend to skip those parts of books anyway. You know you're going to back to your guy, just go already and let's keep this show moving. I felt that I got everything I needed in a very tight and focused story. The PTSD was glossed over and possibly Cole could have still seen a therapist at the end, but it didn't bother me enough to deduct from the 5 star rating.
This is definitely a story I will read again and I'm happy I've found this author. Will look for more work by her. Great job.
------------
This story was PERFECTION. I loved everything about it. Loved the pacing, loved the emotion, the language, the dogs lol. It just hit all the right notes for me. I was never sitting there going what in the world? I was just able to curl up with my ice cream (which I ran and got when Cole came back) and enjoy the story. I felt the timeline of Tyler's grieving was realistic (I panicked slightly at the three month kiss but whew that was handled perfectly). Rob was a stand up guy waiting until Tyler was ready and the threesome was handled extremely well. I've read other reviews that say they wanted to read about family, friends etc etc. I did not. This is a short story with three guys. I just want to stick to the point. Having to involve other people? Ugh. I always tend to skip those parts of books anyway. You know you're going to back to your guy, just go already and let's keep this show moving. I felt that I got everything I needed in a very tight and focused story. The PTSD was glossed over and possibly Cole could have still seen a therapist at the end, but it didn't bother me enough to deduct from the 5 star rating.
This is definitely a story I will read again and I'm happy I've found this author. Will look for more work by her. Great job.
November 29, 2015
I really liked this story. I loved all three main characters: Tyler, Cole and Rob. They all brought something unique to the story. My only issue with the book is far from negative...
That said, while it might be frustrating, it's never a bad thing to read a book that leaves you wanting more.
That said, while it might be frustrating, it's never a bad thing to read a book that leaves you wanting more.
August 8, 2014
3.5 stars I liked some parts of the story a lot. The beginning with Taylor mourning and Rob being supportive and loving was really good. But the story lost its drive for me when Cole came back. I still liked the plot and especially the Taylor/Rob story.
August 5, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up
Contemporary poly story
When Tyler's told that his partner Cole, a photographer, has died in a boating accident in Korea, he doesn't cope well and takes steps to end his own life. Cole's best friend Rob, who is also Tyler's agent, finds him and takes him home to look after him. Slowly the pair's friendship develops into a relationship. Two years later Cole walks back into their lives, but Tyler now loves both Cole and Rob and is torn between the two men. They embark on a relationship between the three of them to keep everyone together. I enjoyed this story, nothing felt rushed in their relationships which kept it feeling realistic.
Contemporary poly story
When Tyler's told that his partner Cole, a photographer, has died in a boating accident in Korea, he doesn't cope well and takes steps to end his own life. Cole's best friend Rob, who is also Tyler's agent, finds him and takes him home to look after him. Slowly the pair's friendship develops into a relationship. Two years later Cole walks back into their lives, but Tyler now loves both Cole and Rob and is torn between the two men. They embark on a relationship between the three of them to keep everyone together. I enjoyed this story, nothing felt rushed in their relationships which kept it feeling realistic.
March 18, 2016
This was just okay. The premise was good, the relationship wih Rob was good and you got the feeling of Cole and Tyler's connection. But the way Cole's return was handled, with Rob just walking away from Rob without a word didn't work for me. Cole and Tyler not discussing Rob for weeks, then moving in without discussing the ramifications or how they'd be interacting just wasn't logical. When they did get together, there was no real connection with Cole and Rob. Just could have been written better.
August 12, 2014
Some things are perhaps doomed from the start. Like the unfortunate choice of name, Rob. Maybe I'm reading too many gossip columns, but every time I saw that name, I just kept thinking , which, as you can guess, disrupts the flow. A lot.
(There were also some things that I didn't find believable, but it pales in comparison to the name issue. Doomed from the start, I say.)
(There were also some things that I didn't find believable, but it pales in comparison to the name issue. Doomed from the start, I say.)
Want to Read
October 13, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
to-read-love-is
August 9, 2016I loved this story and they way it respected the grief. They also show the honesty of feelings well known and those not yet spoken. You were sad at their loss. Happy for the love. And excited to see how they were able to work everything out.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
event-stories-unread
September 22, 2014[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
June 25, 2017
Loved it.I love a good threesome and this one delivered.Characters were beautiful wish
It was longer.
It was longer.
December 22, 2014
Favorite Quote:
Rob smiled. "I'm not a licensed listener, but I'm here for you, if that's what you want."
Rob smiled. "I'm not a licensed listener, but I'm here for you, if that's what you want."
September 1, 2014
Review to come
October 23, 2014
It was a quick story and I wanted more of a relationship between Rob and Cole, but it was nice anyway. The time between Rob and Tyler was great. Cole acceptance came a little too fast.
August 4, 2014
3.5 Stars
July 30, 2015
3.25 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews