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Saving Sparrow
A missing husband.
A deadly storm.
A stranger he shouldn’t trust.
Miguel Ramirez was living his happily ever after with husbands Quentin and Elliott when tragedy struck. He’s left reeling after waking up in a hospital bed to find both his husbands gone—but only one is missing.
After months of desperate searching, Miguel gets a tip about Elliott’s whereabouts—one that leads him straight into the heart of Alaska’s most brutal snowstorm on record.
Severely injured and with no means of escape, Miguel finds himself held captive in a crumbling mansion by a man he both recognizes and fears. Stumbling upon leverage that could gain him his freedom, he strikes a tenuous bargain with his captor—a bargain that slowly reveals the truth about Elliott’s heartbreaking past.
As buried secrets rise to the surface, missing puzzle pieces begin shifting into place, and Miguel comes to realize he never truly knew his husband at all.
The deeper he digs, the more entangled he becomes in a web of intrigue and longing for a man he thought was his enemy—someone who ends up being something else entirely.
As the polar night draws to an end, both captor and prisoner are aware that their time is running out. Miguel is conflicted, no longer wanting to choose between his past and his present—but he can’t have both. All that’s left to do now is surrender to the inevitable.
Saving Sparrow is book two in the Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings series, but can be read as a standalone. You can expect an MMM romance, told in past/present timelines, that ends in a HEA. Saving Sparrow does contain unhealthy relationship dynamics. Please utilize the “sample” feature for a full list of content warnings, or visit the author's website.
A deadly storm.
A stranger he shouldn’t trust.
Miguel Ramirez was living his happily ever after with husbands Quentin and Elliott when tragedy struck. He’s left reeling after waking up in a hospital bed to find both his husbands gone—but only one is missing.
After months of desperate searching, Miguel gets a tip about Elliott’s whereabouts—one that leads him straight into the heart of Alaska’s most brutal snowstorm on record.
Severely injured and with no means of escape, Miguel finds himself held captive in a crumbling mansion by a man he both recognizes and fears. Stumbling upon leverage that could gain him his freedom, he strikes a tenuous bargain with his captor—a bargain that slowly reveals the truth about Elliott’s heartbreaking past.
As buried secrets rise to the surface, missing puzzle pieces begin shifting into place, and Miguel comes to realize he never truly knew his husband at all.
The deeper he digs, the more entangled he becomes in a web of intrigue and longing for a man he thought was his enemy—someone who ends up being something else entirely.
As the polar night draws to an end, both captor and prisoner are aware that their time is running out. Miguel is conflicted, no longer wanting to choose between his past and his present—but he can’t have both. All that’s left to do now is surrender to the inevitable.
Saving Sparrow is book two in the Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings series, but can be read as a standalone. You can expect an MMM romance, told in past/present timelines, that ends in a HEA. Saving Sparrow does contain unhealthy relationship dynamics. Please utilize the “sample” feature for a full list of content warnings, or visit the author's website.
513 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
159 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Harris
12 books1,169 followersC.P. Harris writes emotionally charged romance with a dark edge, where love is messy, possessive, and always worth the wreckage. Best known for The Good Liar and her latest release, Saving Sparrow, she crafts stories that dive deep into flawed characters and hard-won, happily-ever-afters. When not writing, she's devouring the same intense, complicated romances she loves to create. If you crave angst, obsession, and endings that hurt before they heal—C.P. Harris might just be your next favorite author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
September 6, 2025
So... I've sat with this one for a really long time, and I'm still a bit emotional about it. Did I love it? YES. Did I have problems with it? ALSO, YES.
This was a hard read, friends. It was dark, painful, and disturbing at times, but it was also a unique and captivating read. CP Harris never fails to bring the trauma on the way to an HEA, and Saving Sparrow was no different. However, this time, the journey to the HEA just happened to be longer and darker than her other works I've read to date. I thoroughly enjoyed how the story was told in alternating timelines that switched back and forth between past and present. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end, and I stayed up way too late too many nights binging it 😅
When it comes to the story itself, I don't want to say much because I think the less you know going in the better. You'll want to be surprised and experience the twists without being spoiled. Definitely check the content warnings here if you have topics you are mindful of, but if not, I advise against reading them because there are spoilers.
I kept going back and forth on my rating for this one, because while I did love it overall, there were a couple of things that still bothered me as I thought back on them. Initially, I was going to round this one up to 5*, but as I wrote my review and remembered what bothered me, I decided to go with 4*. If you don't care about spoilers and are curious what those things were, I've put them behind the spoiler below (for cathartic purposes) 😂
This was a hard read, friends. It was dark, painful, and disturbing at times, but it was also a unique and captivating read. CP Harris never fails to bring the trauma on the way to an HEA, and Saving Sparrow was no different. However, this time, the journey to the HEA just happened to be longer and darker than her other works I've read to date. I thoroughly enjoyed how the story was told in alternating timelines that switched back and forth between past and present. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end, and I stayed up way too late too many nights binging it 😅
When it comes to the story itself, I don't want to say much because I think the less you know going in the better. You'll want to be surprised and experience the twists without being spoiled. Definitely check the content warnings here if you have topics you are mindful of, but if not, I advise against reading them because there are spoilers.
I kept going back and forth on my rating for this one, because while I did love it overall, there were a couple of things that still bothered me as I thought back on them. Initially, I was going to round this one up to 5*, but as I wrote my review and remembered what bothered me, I decided to go with 4*. If you don't care about spoilers and are curious what those things were, I've put them behind the spoiler below (for cathartic purposes) 😂
July 29, 2025
Wow... Saving Sparrow doesn't pull any punches, and my goodness, did it have some surprises in store. I love the guessing game throughout this story; there are a bunch of puzzle pieces that are slowly revealed throughout the past and present narrative, which kept me thoroughly engaged and on the edge of my seat, hoping and wondering how these characters could ever return safely to one another given all the trauma and hardships they endure throughout the story.
Miguel is the heart of this story, as he loves so fiercely both Elliot and Quentin. Quentin is the protective shield, willing to do anything to safeguard and guide his loved ones. Elliot is the softest and most precious soul of this trio; he loves deeply and, given his situation, provides so much warmth and affection to both Quentin and Miguel that the threat of anything happening to anyone has devastating consequences.
Overall, I couldn't put this story down. I found it extremely captivating and an incredible journey overall.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Miguel is the heart of this story, as he loves so fiercely both Elliot and Quentin. Quentin is the protective shield, willing to do anything to safeguard and guide his loved ones. Elliot is the softest and most precious soul of this trio; he loves deeply and, given his situation, provides so much warmth and affection to both Quentin and Miguel that the threat of anything happening to anyone has devastating consequences.
Overall, I couldn't put this story down. I found it extremely captivating and an incredible journey overall.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
July 24, 2025
♾️⭐️ x 1000000
Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Ever.
Every single part of this story was a complete mystery, and once the pieces started falling in to place.. Beautiful. Stunning. Miguel, Elliott and Q’s stories were handled with so much care and love, there are no words. Heartbreakingly devastating, but absolutely stunning. I can’t believe something like this exists for everyone to read. I’m stunned. This book is nothing like what I thought it would be, in the absolute best way. A jaw dropping story full of twists and turns in every chapter. I couldn’t put it down. If it’s possible to want more, I do. Forever. Bury me with this book and C.P. Harris. Please.
————————————-
UPDATE:
I feel like all I say this year is : I can’t tell you anything about this book without spoiling it for you. BUT ITS SO TRUE. I’m sorry. I really can’t this time. I can’t tell you anything besides this..
This is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, wonderful, wild, crazy, sweet, sad, confusing, mind bending, life altering books I have ever read. There are so many layers to this story, starting from the very first chapter. All handled with care, attention to detail, and all meant to drive you absolutely CRAZY.
If you’ve read CP’s writing before, or read any of my previous reviews of her books, you know she had a beautiful way of making the impossible, possible. Making you uncomfortable, while leaving you wanting more. Shocking you and soothing you all in the same chapter. SS is no different, and it was EVERYTHING.
I thought in lieu of an actual review, I’ll give you some tropes that have been made public by CP herself, with added notes 😅
🔥MMM - that’s 3 M’s, Miguel, Q, and my bb Elliott ♾️
🔥Friends to lovers - self explanatory, one of my favourite tropes.
🔥Cross dressing - pretty girl likes pretty things 😌
🔥Possessive MC - Q is a BEAST. Who will KILL FOR YOU.
🔥CNC (consensual non-con) - it’s hot as f. It was so tastefully done and delicious.
🔥Stepbrothers - yep, but don’t call them that. They’re so much more.
🔥Hurt/Comfort - so much. From all of them. The entire time.
🔥Codependency - to the MAX, but make it cute.
🔥Mental Health Rep - I’m just gonna leave this one up to your imagination.
🔥Spanking - 🙂↕️🙂↕️
🔥Voyeurism - yum.
🔥Cock Warming - also yum.
🔥Slow Burn - but you don’t even feel like it is. You’ll be so fully immersed in the story you won’t even care. I promise.
Anyways, I’ve said too much. As usual. Just go read this book. You need it in your life. It is EVERYTHING. I promise, you’ll love it. On my life. I swear.
Because I’ve been asked already, no you do not have to read OTSB before reading this one. This is a complete standalone. I’d still recommend reading it because it was one of my top reads from 2024 but you don’t HAVE too.
CP, you’ve outdone yourself, every book you write just gets better and better. Thanks for taking me along in this ride with you every time. I’m obsessed with you. I’m obsessed with this book. I can’t ever get enough. I know this book couldn’t have been easy to write, but you’re phenomenal. Never stop making me sad and uncomfortable, please 😅🖤
CHECK TWs BEFORE READING.
Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Ever.
Every single part of this story was a complete mystery, and once the pieces started falling in to place.. Beautiful. Stunning. Miguel, Elliott and Q’s stories were handled with so much care and love, there are no words. Heartbreakingly devastating, but absolutely stunning. I can’t believe something like this exists for everyone to read. I’m stunned. This book is nothing like what I thought it would be, in the absolute best way. A jaw dropping story full of twists and turns in every chapter. I couldn’t put it down. If it’s possible to want more, I do. Forever. Bury me with this book and C.P. Harris. Please.
————————————-
UPDATE:
I feel like all I say this year is : I can’t tell you anything about this book without spoiling it for you. BUT ITS SO TRUE. I’m sorry. I really can’t this time. I can’t tell you anything besides this..
This is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, wonderful, wild, crazy, sweet, sad, confusing, mind bending, life altering books I have ever read. There are so many layers to this story, starting from the very first chapter. All handled with care, attention to detail, and all meant to drive you absolutely CRAZY.
If you’ve read CP’s writing before, or read any of my previous reviews of her books, you know she had a beautiful way of making the impossible, possible. Making you uncomfortable, while leaving you wanting more. Shocking you and soothing you all in the same chapter. SS is no different, and it was EVERYTHING.
I thought in lieu of an actual review, I’ll give you some tropes that have been made public by CP herself, with added notes 😅
🔥MMM - that’s 3 M’s, Miguel, Q, and my bb Elliott ♾️
🔥Friends to lovers - self explanatory, one of my favourite tropes.
🔥Cross dressing - pretty girl likes pretty things 😌
🔥Possessive MC - Q is a BEAST. Who will KILL FOR YOU.
🔥CNC (consensual non-con) - it’s hot as f. It was so tastefully done and delicious.
🔥Stepbrothers - yep, but don’t call them that. They’re so much more.
🔥Hurt/Comfort - so much. From all of them. The entire time.
🔥Codependency - to the MAX, but make it cute.
🔥Mental Health Rep - I’m just gonna leave this one up to your imagination.
🔥Spanking - 🙂↕️🙂↕️
🔥Voyeurism - yum.
🔥Cock Warming - also yum.
🔥Slow Burn - but you don’t even feel like it is. You’ll be so fully immersed in the story you won’t even care. I promise.
Anyways, I’ve said too much. As usual. Just go read this book. You need it in your life. It is EVERYTHING. I promise, you’ll love it. On my life. I swear.
Because I’ve been asked already, no you do not have to read OTSB before reading this one. This is a complete standalone. I’d still recommend reading it because it was one of my top reads from 2024 but you don’t HAVE too.
CP, you’ve outdone yourself, every book you write just gets better and better. Thanks for taking me along in this ride with you every time. I’m obsessed with you. I’m obsessed with this book. I can’t ever get enough. I know this book couldn’t have been easy to write, but you’re phenomenal. Never stop making me sad and uncomfortable, please 😅🖤
CHECK TWs BEFORE READING.
July 25, 2025
What a fricking masterpiece of a book 😭💯
Went thru every emotion ever.... that's how good it was
CP Harris could write anything and it'd be amazing
Went thru every emotion ever.... that's how good it was
CP Harris could write anything and it'd be amazing
August 16, 2025
★★★★★
Saving Sparrow is a deep, raw, and emotional MMM romance that dives unapologetically into mental health, love, grief, and the strength of healing. I went in with high expectations after loving OTSB, but this book completely surpassed them—it left me speechless in the best way.
———
Miguel: The heart of the trio. He fought tirelessly for the love he thought he’d lost, even while carrying the fear it might never return. He’s the grounding force between the three, always willing to protect and steady them no matter the cost.
‘Because if I'd learned anything now, it was that in order to save Elliott, I'd need to save Sparrow first.’
Quinton: Fierce, loyal, and devastatingly protective. Quinton’s journey hit me hardest—watching him lose himself under the weight of failure was heartbreaking. But when he began to reclaim his spark and rediscover his worth, I couldn’t help but feel proud of him.
“…You're ours now, Elliott. We'll take care of you."
Elliot: The softest soul, who endured far too much. His arc is both tender and painful, but also empowering. Elliot’s journey to self-acceptance, and finding safety and freedom in the love of Miguel and Quinton, made me love him even more.
"I'm sorry he hurt you, but he thought he was doing the right thing. And by the end, he loved you. I hold his love for you now, and I hold him. Thank you for not hating him. Thank you for loving all of me."
Sparrow: Absolutely devastating. Forced to grow up far too soon, Sparrow carried the burden of protecting Elliot and everyone else, sacrificing his own happiness along the way. My heart shattered for him, but I loved that Miguel was able to give him the love and care he deserved in the end.
———
What stood out most was how this book treated mental health—with honesty, depth, and compassion. It wasn’t romanticized or ignored; instead, it was a vital part of the characters’ journeys. The grief, trauma, and struggles each man faced were handled with care, allowing for healing that felt both raw and real.
"It's just us here. Nothing else matters, and we can get through anything together."
Overall, this story is about more than romance—it’s about recovery, self-acceptance, and finding light after darkness. The character growth was exceptional, with each man confronting his fears and insecurities. By the end, the payoff was emotional, powerful, and deeply satisfying.
Saving Sparrow is a deep, raw, and emotional MMM romance that dives unapologetically into mental health, love, grief, and the strength of healing. I went in with high expectations after loving OTSB, but this book completely surpassed them—it left me speechless in the best way.
———
Miguel: The heart of the trio. He fought tirelessly for the love he thought he’d lost, even while carrying the fear it might never return. He’s the grounding force between the three, always willing to protect and steady them no matter the cost.
‘Because if I'd learned anything now, it was that in order to save Elliott, I'd need to save Sparrow first.’
Quinton: Fierce, loyal, and devastatingly protective. Quinton’s journey hit me hardest—watching him lose himself under the weight of failure was heartbreaking. But when he began to reclaim his spark and rediscover his worth, I couldn’t help but feel proud of him.
“…You're ours now, Elliott. We'll take care of you."
Elliot: The softest soul, who endured far too much. His arc is both tender and painful, but also empowering. Elliot’s journey to self-acceptance, and finding safety and freedom in the love of Miguel and Quinton, made me love him even more.
"I'm sorry he hurt you, but he thought he was doing the right thing. And by the end, he loved you. I hold his love for you now, and I hold him. Thank you for not hating him. Thank you for loving all of me."
Sparrow: Absolutely devastating. Forced to grow up far too soon, Sparrow carried the burden of protecting Elliot and everyone else, sacrificing his own happiness along the way. My heart shattered for him, but I loved that Miguel was able to give him the love and care he deserved in the end.
———
What stood out most was how this book treated mental health—with honesty, depth, and compassion. It wasn’t romanticized or ignored; instead, it was a vital part of the characters’ journeys. The grief, trauma, and struggles each man faced were handled with care, allowing for healing that felt both raw and real.
"It's just us here. Nothing else matters, and we can get through anything together."
Overall, this story is about more than romance—it’s about recovery, self-acceptance, and finding light after darkness. The character growth was exceptional, with each man confronting his fears and insecurities. By the end, the payoff was emotional, powerful, and deeply satisfying.
July 20, 2025
I had a feeling this book was going to be very different than CP Harris’ other books. And boy was I right. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down! Tremendous writing.
August 10, 2025
Ok, look, this was beautifully written as this author always does. But this was nothing but angst and pain and not a whole lot of a romance. Yes, it technically was, but not my kind of romance.
Angst and pain. Pain and angst. Hurt/comfort. That's this book. And I like angst just fine, but this was one note. I'm glad it's over.
Angst and pain. Pain and angst. Hurt/comfort. That's this book. And I like angst just fine, but this was one note. I'm glad it's over.
July 23, 2025
4.75
Saving Sparrow grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final page. From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely consumed. Every spare moment had me wondering: Will Miguel ever find Elliot again? What happened to Quentin? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
This story stands apart from the author’s previous work in a powerful way, like OTSB, but in a different way. While there are some recognizable C.P. Harris elements, the tone and structure felt wholly unique. The dual timeline format added a compelling rhythm to the pacing.
The mental health representation was deeply moving. It felt grounded in understanding and handled with the kind of care that lingers long after the book is over. There were moments that brought me to the edge of tears.
There’s a part of the story where the relationship dynamics turn toward a kind of emotional suffocation. The codependency becomes intense, something I usually don't mind, but there was one moment I felt frustrated watching it unfold. It’s clear this tension was necessary for their growth, and it added a layer of complexity to their bond.
And Sparrow, my dear Sparrow. I see you. Thank you for holding the line, for protecting who needed protecting. You’ll stay with me for a long long time.
Tropes:
MMM
Stepbrothers
Codependency
Forced proximity
Cnc
first times
Spice: 3/5
Saving Sparrow grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final page. From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely consumed. Every spare moment had me wondering: Will Miguel ever find Elliot again? What happened to Quentin? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
This story stands apart from the author’s previous work in a powerful way, like OTSB, but in a different way. While there are some recognizable C.P. Harris elements, the tone and structure felt wholly unique. The dual timeline format added a compelling rhythm to the pacing.
The mental health representation was deeply moving. It felt grounded in understanding and handled with the kind of care that lingers long after the book is over. There were moments that brought me to the edge of tears.
There’s a part of the story where the relationship dynamics turn toward a kind of emotional suffocation. The codependency becomes intense, something I usually don't mind, but there was one moment I felt frustrated watching it unfold. It’s clear this tension was necessary for their growth, and it added a layer of complexity to their bond.
And Sparrow, my dear Sparrow. I see you. Thank you for holding the line, for protecting who needed protecting. You’ll stay with me for a long long time.
Tropes:
MMM
Stepbrothers
Codependency
Forced proximity
Cnc
first times
Spice: 3/5
August 16, 2025
If you asked me at the start whether Sparrow would end up being my favourite character in this book, I probably would have said FUCK NO, and yet…
Saving Sparrow had me confused, unsettled, and completely hooked from page one. The story throws you into the wreckage of something awful, following Miguel as he searches for Elliott after a tragedy that isn’t fully explained until much later. Instead, he ends up the captive of a familiar stranger, who he must strike a bargain with to get his husband back. That’s about as much as I can say without spoiling anything, but please go in knowing that this book deals with some heavy, often disturbing themes.
I loved how the story flicked between the ‘now’ and ‘then’, giving us pieces of Miguel, Quentin, and Elliott’s relationship when they first met, seeing how their friendship developed and eventually became a loving, polyamorous relationship. Their codependency was *chefs kiss* in the beginning, but as time went on it became suffocating to read, and I enjoyed seeing how this was developed as part of their character arcs.
The juxtaposition of the past/present timelines only serves to make Miguel and Sparrow’s current situation that more heartbreaking, and keeps that element of suspense strung tight throughout the story. Whenever I felt close to answers, time shifted once again and kept me on my toes, making this a truly captivating read that I just couldn’t put down. There were several scenes that brought me to tears, and even at the end of the book, I felt wrecked looking back on everything I’d just experienced.
That said, a few things didn’t quite work for me.
The slow burn is very slow, which is great, but once the spice does kick off in the flashbacks, it’s near constant. I usually love C.P. Harris’ intense writing style, but in this case, it felt too much and became the main focal point of their relationship.
I also found the MMM dynamic a little unbalanced. Much of the narrative centres around Miguel, Elliott, and Sparrow, while Quentin, despite being central to the relationship, gets very few POV chapters. As a result, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to him, and his storyline felt more like an afterthought than a fully fleshed out arc.
I’m also a bit torn on the ending. It absolutely destroyed me (in a good way), but I didn’t feel like the final epilogue gave Sparrow the closure he deserved. We’re told how things end for him, but after nearly 600 pages, I wanted proper closure and happiness for him, similar to how Nicky James handled a similar storyline in Love Me Whole. I didn’t feel like this gave me that.
Still, I really did enjoy this book. It’s raw, intense, devastating, and beautifully written. It made me uncomfortable in all the right ways, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished. I wasn’t expecting to care about Sparrow, but by the end, I would have gone to war for him. If you are a fan of Surviving the Merge then I think you will definitely enjoy this one too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Saving Sparrow had me confused, unsettled, and completely hooked from page one. The story throws you into the wreckage of something awful, following Miguel as he searches for Elliott after a tragedy that isn’t fully explained until much later. Instead, he ends up the captive of a familiar stranger, who he must strike a bargain with to get his husband back. That’s about as much as I can say without spoiling anything, but please go in knowing that this book deals with some heavy, often disturbing themes.
I loved how the story flicked between the ‘now’ and ‘then’, giving us pieces of Miguel, Quentin, and Elliott’s relationship when they first met, seeing how their friendship developed and eventually became a loving, polyamorous relationship. Their codependency was *chefs kiss* in the beginning, but as time went on it became suffocating to read, and I enjoyed seeing how this was developed as part of their character arcs.
The juxtaposition of the past/present timelines only serves to make Miguel and Sparrow’s current situation that more heartbreaking, and keeps that element of suspense strung tight throughout the story. Whenever I felt close to answers, time shifted once again and kept me on my toes, making this a truly captivating read that I just couldn’t put down. There were several scenes that brought me to tears, and even at the end of the book, I felt wrecked looking back on everything I’d just experienced.
That said, a few things didn’t quite work for me.
The slow burn is very slow, which is great, but once the spice does kick off in the flashbacks, it’s near constant. I usually love C.P. Harris’ intense writing style, but in this case, it felt too much and became the main focal point of their relationship.
I also found the MMM dynamic a little unbalanced. Much of the narrative centres around Miguel, Elliott, and Sparrow, while Quentin, despite being central to the relationship, gets very few POV chapters. As a result, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to him, and his storyline felt more like an afterthought than a fully fleshed out arc.
I’m also a bit torn on the ending. It absolutely destroyed me (in a good way), but I didn’t feel like the final epilogue gave Sparrow the closure he deserved. We’re told how things end for him, but after nearly 600 pages, I wanted proper closure and happiness for him, similar to how Nicky James handled a similar storyline in Love Me Whole. I didn’t feel like this gave me that.
Still, I really did enjoy this book. It’s raw, intense, devastating, and beautifully written. It made me uncomfortable in all the right ways, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished. I wasn’t expecting to care about Sparrow, but by the end, I would have gone to war for him. If you are a fan of Surviving the Merge then I think you will definitely enjoy this one too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
So, I really loved the first book of this series but honestly, this part was on another level for me.
This book may have triggering themes for some, so please as always, check the tw-list 🤍
Wow, so writing this review actually is kind of hard, and that's only because my mind is blown in the best way possible. This book is, without a doubt, a huge favorite of mine now and I don’t ever want to forget about these three MCs, like ever ❤️🔥
I can only try to describe what this book did to me, so here we go.
The book is build in two different time-lines, describing the past and the present of the book.
Miguel and Quentin are stepbrothers. They are really, really close and then they meet Elliott. Elliott is a layered character and he has his burdens 🖤
The way the story was build was purely excellent. You never knew where it was taking you and I was on the edge of my seat constantly, trying so hard to figure it all out. It's definitely a thrilling, captivating world these MCs live in, both in the past and in the present.
I actually was on the verge of crying a couple of times, so if you read it, grab yourself some tissues 🤧
Oh, and I love all of them but the way Quentin loved was everything. I love him so much.
This book may have triggering themes for some, so please as always, check the tw-list 🤍
Wow, so writing this review actually is kind of hard, and that's only because my mind is blown in the best way possible. This book is, without a doubt, a huge favorite of mine now and I don’t ever want to forget about these three MCs, like ever ❤️🔥
I can only try to describe what this book did to me, so here we go.
The book is build in two different time-lines, describing the past and the present of the book.
Miguel and Quentin are stepbrothers. They are really, really close and then they meet Elliott. Elliott is a layered character and he has his burdens 🖤
The way the story was build was purely excellent. You never knew where it was taking you and I was on the edge of my seat constantly, trying so hard to figure it all out. It's definitely a thrilling, captivating world these MCs live in, both in the past and in the present.
I actually was on the verge of crying a couple of times, so if you read it, grab yourself some tissues 🤧
Oh, and I love all of them but the way Quentin loved was everything. I love him so much.
July 31, 2025
Saving Sparrow is a deeply emotional and raw MMM romance that dives into the complexities of mental health, trauma, and the enduring strength of love between three men whose bond is tested by something far more powerful than distance or doubt—identity itself
Elliot has spent years hiding behind carefully constructed walls – not even knowing what it feels like to be loved, by anyone.
Then he meets Miguel and Quentin - two men who refuse to let him hide.
Quentin, the steadfast protector with a heart too big for his chest, sees the man beneath the fractures.
Miguel, the fiery, passionate soul who thrives on intensity, isn’t afraid to challenge every barrier Elliot puts up. Together, they unravel him in the best possible way, showing him that he doesn’t have to be whole to be loved… but their unconditional love might just be the thing that makes him whole again.
Miguel - sweet Lord, the hardships that Miguel endured for love is like nothing I've ever read before. His love is fierce and unwavering, but the author also shows his human moments of doubt, fatigue, and fear, making his loyalty feel earned and deeply moving. He is the emotional anchor throughout the book. His struggle to support Elliott while holding onto hope for their shared future is beautifully rendered.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a raw, beautiful exploration of identity, trauma, and healing. The way these three men learn to love and accept each other, alters and all, will wreck you in the best way. If you love books where the emotional journey hits as hard as the passion, this one’s for you.
And oh, my word, SPARROW.... 😭😭😭
What makes Saving Sparrow stand out is its refusal to romanticize mental illness. Instead, it gives space for healing to be slow, painful, and imperfect. The moments of intimacy—whether emotional or physical—never feel forced, and the author handles Elliott's condition with sensitivity and care.
In the end, this is a story about rebuilding—both oneself and a shared life. Saving Sparrow is a must-read for anyone who loves queer romances and who are looking for stories that blend mental health realism with the quiet, steady power of unconditional love.
The character growth is phenomenal—each 'character' evolves, confronting their own fears and insecurities while learning to love without limits. The author doesn’t shy away from painful moments, but the payoff is a heartfelt, satisfying HEA that feels more than earned.
Elliot has spent years hiding behind carefully constructed walls – not even knowing what it feels like to be loved, by anyone.
Then he meets Miguel and Quentin - two men who refuse to let him hide.
Quentin, the steadfast protector with a heart too big for his chest, sees the man beneath the fractures.
Miguel, the fiery, passionate soul who thrives on intensity, isn’t afraid to challenge every barrier Elliot puts up. Together, they unravel him in the best possible way, showing him that he doesn’t have to be whole to be loved… but their unconditional love might just be the thing that makes him whole again.
Miguel - sweet Lord, the hardships that Miguel endured for love is like nothing I've ever read before. His love is fierce and unwavering, but the author also shows his human moments of doubt, fatigue, and fear, making his loyalty feel earned and deeply moving. He is the emotional anchor throughout the book. His struggle to support Elliott while holding onto hope for their shared future is beautifully rendered.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a raw, beautiful exploration of identity, trauma, and healing. The way these three men learn to love and accept each other, alters and all, will wreck you in the best way. If you love books where the emotional journey hits as hard as the passion, this one’s for you.
And oh, my word, SPARROW.... 😭😭😭
What makes Saving Sparrow stand out is its refusal to romanticize mental illness. Instead, it gives space for healing to be slow, painful, and imperfect. The moments of intimacy—whether emotional or physical—never feel forced, and the author handles Elliott's condition with sensitivity and care.
In the end, this is a story about rebuilding—both oneself and a shared life. Saving Sparrow is a must-read for anyone who loves queer romances and who are looking for stories that blend mental health realism with the quiet, steady power of unconditional love.
The character growth is phenomenal—each 'character' evolves, confronting their own fears and insecurities while learning to love without limits. The author doesn’t shy away from painful moments, but the payoff is a heartfelt, satisfying HEA that feels more than earned.
August 12, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the second book in C.P. Harris’ Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings series, but it can be read as a standalone. (You might want to check out the Author’s Note and Content Warnings prior to reading). Harris is such an extraordinary writer, her words will literally take your breath away. I don’t want to spoil too much, so I will say this: This story is all-encompassing and will leave you absolutely wrecked and heartbroken. It sucks you in right from the prologue. Yet like the master storyteller she is, Harris will stitch your heart back together again by the end of it all.
I was a big fan of the Now and Then timelines that Harris switches between in the story. Miguel, Quentin, and Elliot’s story will stay with you long after you read the final pages of this book. This story is a devastatingly emotional journey, but it is worth it when you get to the MCs hard earned HEA. The epilogue is insightful and heartwarming. I love the focus on mental health and how Miguel, Quentin, and Elliot help one another heal. Read this book. You won’t forget it.
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the second book in C.P. Harris’ Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings series, but it can be read as a standalone. (You might want to check out the Author’s Note and Content Warnings prior to reading). Harris is such an extraordinary writer, her words will literally take your breath away. I don’t want to spoil too much, so I will say this: This story is all-encompassing and will leave you absolutely wrecked and heartbroken. It sucks you in right from the prologue. Yet like the master storyteller she is, Harris will stitch your heart back together again by the end of it all.
I was a big fan of the Now and Then timelines that Harris switches between in the story. Miguel, Quentin, and Elliot’s story will stay with you long after you read the final pages of this book. This story is a devastatingly emotional journey, but it is worth it when you get to the MCs hard earned HEA. The epilogue is insightful and heartwarming. I love the focus on mental health and how Miguel, Quentin, and Elliot help one another heal. Read this book. You won’t forget it.
August 9, 2025
This book is literally perfection and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
I loved the dual tone and storylines, the way we got to fall for the three of them, as well learning about Sparrow and all the sides to him.
This is definitely going on my favorites list. I’m still crying.
I loved the dual tone and storylines, the way we got to fall for the three of them, as well learning about Sparrow and all the sides to him.
This is definitely going on my favorites list. I’m still crying.
July 17, 2025
This book was such a wild ride!! There were so many twists and reveals that had me gasping out loud. Try and go into this book blind. I didn't read the blurb or anything and I feel like it definitely amplified my reading experience. I DID fall hard for the trope list though!!! Saving Sparrow takes you on a heartbreaking journey filled with amazing character growth and intense passion. I promise you've never read anything quite like this before.
Quentin. MY FAV. Quentin is fiercely protective of those he loves. I love how Harris writes possessive men. She writes in a league all her own in this department.
Miguel. The "voice of reason" in this trio. Willing to do ANYTHING for his men. Even if that means putting himself in harms way.
Elliott. WHAT AN ANGEL. I love him so much and I agree with Miguel and Quentin's assessment that he needs to be protected at ALL COSTS.
Sparrow. My heart is yours.
-MMM
-Friends to lovers
-Possessive Mc
-Stepbrothers
-Hurt/Comfort
-Codependency
-Mental Health Rep
-Slow burn
Quentin. MY FAV. Quentin is fiercely protective of those he loves. I love how Harris writes possessive men. She writes in a league all her own in this department.
Miguel. The "voice of reason" in this trio. Willing to do ANYTHING for his men. Even if that means putting himself in harms way.
Elliott. WHAT AN ANGEL. I love him so much and I agree with Miguel and Quentin's assessment that he needs to be protected at ALL COSTS.
Sparrow. My heart is yours.
-MMM
-Friends to lovers
-Possessive Mc
-Stepbrothers
-Hurt/Comfort
-Codependency
-Mental Health Rep
-Slow burn
August 4, 2025
3.75
The moment I started reading, I was hooked even though the beginning was slow and the ending felt way too rushed. Like, I knew the spiral was coming because at 84%, everyone suddenly got horny 😭
At one point, I honestly wanted Sparrow to be the one who stayed instead of Elliott Sparrow grew on me heavy.
Now Miguel, Elliott, and Quentin… whew. I loved their dynamic at first, then I hated it. The codependency??TOXIC.
Like how are y’all becoming husbands when there are still secrets between you and you barely even know each other?
Also Elliott couldn’t have friends?? And every time they were together it was just nonstop sex 😩 Even in the epilogue 😭PLEASE.
That said, there was growth. They learned that love doesn’t mean isolation, and that they could have their own people too even if the sex never stopped 😂
I loved their dynamic because they were all so different.
I wanted to love Quentin the most, but I can’t lie… by the end I kinda wished he wasn’t alive 😭
Which is wild, because at the beginning I was praying he was alive. But the way he gave up and let Miguel look for Elliott alone because he thought he failed, That wasn’t the Quentin I knew. Still, I get it. People break when they feel like they’ve failed.
Miguel though 🙌MVP. He hadn’t healed, but he still got up and searched for Elliott to bring their family back together.
I just wish Elliott and Quentin had groveled more. Miguel deserved that. Love is love, I guess.
All in all, I had a good time the book was too long, but the emotional mess kept me fed 🫣💔
The moment I started reading, I was hooked even though the beginning was slow and the ending felt way too rushed. Like, I knew the spiral was coming because at 84%, everyone suddenly got horny 😭
At one point, I honestly wanted Sparrow to be the one who stayed instead of Elliott Sparrow grew on me heavy.
Now Miguel, Elliott, and Quentin… whew. I loved their dynamic at first, then I hated it. The codependency??TOXIC.
Like how are y’all becoming husbands when there are still secrets between you and you barely even know each other?
Also Elliott couldn’t have friends?? And every time they were together it was just nonstop sex 😩 Even in the epilogue 😭PLEASE.
That said, there was growth. They learned that love doesn’t mean isolation, and that they could have their own people too even if the sex never stopped 😂
I loved their dynamic because they were all so different.
I wanted to love Quentin the most, but I can’t lie… by the end I kinda wished he wasn’t alive 😭
Which is wild, because at the beginning I was praying he was alive. But the way he gave up and let Miguel look for Elliott alone because he thought he failed, That wasn’t the Quentin I knew. Still, I get it. People break when they feel like they’ve failed.
Miguel though 🙌MVP. He hadn’t healed, but he still got up and searched for Elliott to bring their family back together.
I just wish Elliott and Quentin had groveled more. Miguel deserved that. Love is love, I guess.
All in all, I had a good time the book was too long, but the emotional mess kept me fed 🫣💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
4.5 stars, RTC.
July 31, 2025
I just finished reading this book and I am in complete and utter awe. The writing is on point, the storytelling is masterful, and the characters are compelling.
I’m not gonna talk about the plot because I don’t want to give away any of it. There are twists and turns that you just don’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book and even had to sometimes put it down because it became so intense.
I don’t even want to pick up another book right now. The hangover is real.
Read this book. Please look at the trigger warnings and heed them. This book does go into some dark places and does not hold back. There is a beautiful happily ever after.
I’m not gonna talk about the plot because I don’t want to give away any of it. There are twists and turns that you just don’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book and even had to sometimes put it down because it became so intense.
I don’t even want to pick up another book right now. The hangover is real.
Read this book. Please look at the trigger warnings and heed them. This book does go into some dark places and does not hold back. There is a beautiful happily ever after.
July 31, 2025
Nothing i write is going to do this book justice!.Amazing,a masterpiece, compelling,beautiful, heartbreaking & life altering.C.P Harris knows how to put everything into a book & then somehow manages to give you more.If you are a reader of C.P Harris you know you are always going to go on an emotional journey, but this one takes the cake.The emotions this book brought out of me is mind boggling.Books such as Saving Sparrow are the reason I love reading.Do yourself a favour,if you are reading this review, read this book you won't regret it!
September 1, 2025
I NEED MORE
♾️/⭐️ I finished this, and it just wasn’t enough so I had to reread it because I just needed to relive every fucking page, all over again.
It felt as though they left a gaping hole in my chest that I needed to fill up. And rereading filled the hole to some extent but gosh, I still want more of them. I’ll totally eat up another full book about these three men.
—
I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil this. Here is another book by C.P Harris that you need to experience for yourself without being influenced by spoilers.
I just,
My heart hurts for Joshua, for the boy he wanted to be, for the childhood he couldn’t have, the experience and fun he was deprived off.
My heart hurts so much for the Good One, she became the mother none of them had, the big bad mother wolf. 🥺
And Sparrow. Oh my god, Sparrow, my entire being aches for Sparrow. The fact that he had to grow up so fast, to protect Elliot, to protect them all from everything. My heart hurts for all the love he deserved but never got to experience, the tenderness and care he deserved that he never experienced until Miguel. My souls aches for the burden he had to shoulder, he was their Atlas. And I’m so happy that he got to experience Miguel.
Elliot my baby, I’m so happy you found your way back to your husbands. 🥺 I’m sorry for how the world treated you. You deserve the world, and I’m so glad you have those two beautiful men to give you the world and everything beyond.
Quentin, you are more than just your strength and I’m glad you eventually came to realise that. Glad you had Miguel and Elliot there to remind you just how much you mean to them, and that your worth wasn’t tied to the protection you could provide for them. You were so much more than that.
Miguel, you are one brave soul. I can’t even begin… 🥺🥺 My poor baby, I’m sorry for all the pain you had to endure. You gave so much for love, and you didn’t lose hope. I’m sorry for the pain you suffered baby, but you’re the prime example of the saying “I’ll go through fire and the ends of the world for you.” You did that for Elliot, for Sparrow, and for Quentin.
And once again, C.P Harris tells a beautiful love story that shows you love doesn’t work magic, it doesn’t heal all wounds, but there is strength in love, there is perseverance in love, hope and beauty. Love doesn’t cure all but it sure does soothes.
Side note: If you’re expecting your regular romance, fast bone, no depth, no plot and just recycled tropes and over the top overused stories this book is not for you.
♾️/⭐️ I finished this, and it just wasn’t enough so I had to reread it because I just needed to relive every fucking page, all over again.
It felt as though they left a gaping hole in my chest that I needed to fill up. And rereading filled the hole to some extent but gosh, I still want more of them. I’ll totally eat up another full book about these three men.
—
I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil this. Here is another book by C.P Harris that you need to experience for yourself without being influenced by spoilers.
I just,
My heart hurts for Joshua, for the boy he wanted to be, for the childhood he couldn’t have, the experience and fun he was deprived off.
My heart hurts so much for the Good One, she became the mother none of them had, the big bad mother wolf. 🥺
And Sparrow. Oh my god, Sparrow, my entire being aches for Sparrow. The fact that he had to grow up so fast, to protect Elliot, to protect them all from everything. My heart hurts for all the love he deserved but never got to experience, the tenderness and care he deserved that he never experienced until Miguel. My souls aches for the burden he had to shoulder, he was their Atlas. And I’m so happy that he got to experience Miguel.
Elliot my baby, I’m so happy you found your way back to your husbands. 🥺 I’m sorry for how the world treated you. You deserve the world, and I’m so glad you have those two beautiful men to give you the world and everything beyond.
Quentin, you are more than just your strength and I’m glad you eventually came to realise that. Glad you had Miguel and Elliot there to remind you just how much you mean to them, and that your worth wasn’t tied to the protection you could provide for them. You were so much more than that.
Miguel, you are one brave soul. I can’t even begin… 🥺🥺 My poor baby, I’m sorry for all the pain you had to endure. You gave so much for love, and you didn’t lose hope. I’m sorry for the pain you suffered baby, but you’re the prime example of the saying “I’ll go through fire and the ends of the world for you.” You did that for Elliot, for Sparrow, and for Quentin.
And once again, C.P Harris tells a beautiful love story that shows you love doesn’t work magic, it doesn’t heal all wounds, but there is strength in love, there is perseverance in love, hope and beauty. Love doesn’t cure all but it sure does soothes.
Side note: If you’re expecting your regular romance, fast bone, no depth, no plot and just recycled tropes and over the top overused stories this book is not for you.
August 1, 2025
There are times when you read a book and you know your life would never be same. Saving Sparrow is one of those books.
There’s so much I want to say about this story that words fail me. I’m still trying to put myself back together after Miguel, Quentin and Elliot.
I’ve read plenty of MMM books but none has touched me, broken me and made me see what it is to love someone like this one did. I’m still trying to fathom all the pain, trauma and suffering these characters went through.
Miguel and Quentin are stepbrothers who after a terrible loss bond in the deepest way a person can bond with another. They are the only two people in the world that matter to each other. No matter how codependent and weird it might seem to others.
That is until Elliot comes into their lives.
Elliot is a tormented boy who went through the most traumatic and horrific experience when his religion fanatic parents tried to expel the gay out of him. As a coping mechanism he developed DID(Dissociative Identity Disorder) which brought forth multiple personalities.
Due to this, Elliot doesn’t remember everything. There are gaps in his memory he cannot account for and terrible nightmares. Being with Miguel and Quentin is breath of fresh air for all the pain he has endured over the years.
Miguel, Quentin and Elliot develop a love so deep that they feel they can take on the world as long as they are together. It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Until one night when everything changes.
After experiencing what he thought was the greatest loss of his life, Elliot retreats into himself allowing Sparrow to take over. Sparrow is the the gatekeeper and protector of all the alters. He’s the one who makes sure they’re all safe and will do anything to keep it that way.
So when Miguel goes in search of Elliot to bring him back, Sparrow isn’t exactly willing to let Elliot go. He puts Miguel through a hell that simply broke me. How he was able to endure everything Sparrow put him through is beyond me.
But Miguel wasn’t ready to give up on getting his husband back and if he had to take everything Sparrow threw at him, he’d do it gladly. He just wasn’t expecting to see that Elliott wasn’t the only one who needed saving.
After weeks of being Sparrow’s prisoner, Miguel gets a deeper understanding of the real reason Elliot is alive. Sparrow was the one to bear the brunt of Elliot’s pain and trauma. He was the one who made sure Elliot was safe.
Miguel needed to show Sparrow how much Elliot was loved. He needed to prove to him that he and Quentin would never hurt Elliot. That their love for him was true and nothing would break them apart. Only then did Sparrow gave up his need to hold Elliot back.
I’m so illiterate when it comes DID but the way C.P. wrote this story made it so simple to understand. She made sure to really give us each alter’s story in such a detailed manner that you could really feel their feelings.
This book will stay with me forever. I loved it so much. Especially since it’s the first time a read a book where the main character is a fellow Dominican. Reading about our main dishes just made my heart melt. It makes me happy that world can know about our culture 🥰
There’s so much I want to say about this story that words fail me. I’m still trying to put myself back together after Miguel, Quentin and Elliot.
I’ve read plenty of MMM books but none has touched me, broken me and made me see what it is to love someone like this one did. I’m still trying to fathom all the pain, trauma and suffering these characters went through.
Miguel and Quentin are stepbrothers who after a terrible loss bond in the deepest way a person can bond with another. They are the only two people in the world that matter to each other. No matter how codependent and weird it might seem to others.
That is until Elliot comes into their lives.
Elliot is a tormented boy who went through the most traumatic and horrific experience when his religion fanatic parents tried to expel the gay out of him. As a coping mechanism he developed DID(Dissociative Identity Disorder) which brought forth multiple personalities.
Due to this, Elliot doesn’t remember everything. There are gaps in his memory he cannot account for and terrible nightmares. Being with Miguel and Quentin is breath of fresh air for all the pain he has endured over the years.
Miguel, Quentin and Elliot develop a love so deep that they feel they can take on the world as long as they are together. It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Until one night when everything changes.
After experiencing what he thought was the greatest loss of his life, Elliot retreats into himself allowing Sparrow to take over. Sparrow is the the gatekeeper and protector of all the alters. He’s the one who makes sure they’re all safe and will do anything to keep it that way.
So when Miguel goes in search of Elliot to bring him back, Sparrow isn’t exactly willing to let Elliot go. He puts Miguel through a hell that simply broke me. How he was able to endure everything Sparrow put him through is beyond me.
But Miguel wasn’t ready to give up on getting his husband back and if he had to take everything Sparrow threw at him, he’d do it gladly. He just wasn’t expecting to see that Elliott wasn’t the only one who needed saving.
After weeks of being Sparrow’s prisoner, Miguel gets a deeper understanding of the real reason Elliot is alive. Sparrow was the one to bear the brunt of Elliot’s pain and trauma. He was the one who made sure Elliot was safe.
Miguel needed to show Sparrow how much Elliot was loved. He needed to prove to him that he and Quentin would never hurt Elliot. That their love for him was true and nothing would break them apart. Only then did Sparrow gave up his need to hold Elliot back.
I’m so illiterate when it comes DID but the way C.P. wrote this story made it so simple to understand. She made sure to really give us each alter’s story in such a detailed manner that you could really feel their feelings.
This book will stay with me forever. I loved it so much. Especially since it’s the first time a read a book where the main character is a fellow Dominican. Reading about our main dishes just made my heart melt. It makes me happy that world can know about our culture 🥰
July 27, 2025
quentin + miguel + elliott
August 1, 2025
4.5⭐️
The way I absolutely DEVOURED this book, despite it being almost 600 pages. I was so excited for this one, and it didn’t disappoint.
Honestly, I don’t even want to explain the premise much, because I think it’s the kind of book that you should read based on general content and vibes alone. If the following seem interesting, you should read:
-dual time line, multiple POVs
-MMM romance (stepbrothers+friends to lovers)
-emotional, tragic, and so much hurt / comfort
-young love, paired with love so strong characters are willing to do the most difficult things imaginable
-possessiveness and codependency
This is the kind of book I want to TALK ABOUT with someone, which just shows how much I enjoyed the journey. CP Harris does the most incredible job with deeply emotional and tragic romance stories, and the dual timeline was excellently done in order to build onto the intrigue of the characters and story. The way she can take the simplest one liners like “Keep him safe,” or “Tell them nothing,” and make me want to scream into the abyss just proves that this is some masterful writing.
The interesting part of the book was that I didn’t even like the MCs that much. I did find Elliot interesting, but Miguel was hot and cold for me, while I really didn’t like Quinten. However, their story was absolutely captivating. I didn’t have to love them as people to enjoy their story. I was still pulled in by the emotion and drama of it all!
The first half of this book had my heart pounding. Like I was certain that it would be a 5⭐️ read. Without any spoilers, I will say that my only issue with this book was the way it was paced. At around 50% it was clear that the story was paced a little slow, especially in the past timeline. Then the end felt veryyy rushed. This ended up taking away from my experience overall, unfortunately. The end was still satisfying (yes it’s a HEA, more so than I imagined possible).
That being said, this book was honestly fantastic. I’ve never read someone who mixes codependency, hurt/comfort, longing, and bittersweet emotion like CP Harris! The little details in the writing truly show how intentional and deep the story goes. Though there is always great foreshadowing, you’ll still be second-guessing yourself and finding yourself on the edge of your seat.
Before reading, do note that this book has extremely difficult themes in terms of mental and physical health and abuse. Please check the TWs if you have any! If you aren’t someone who needs to check TWs, then I recommend going into this one as blind as possible for maximum enjoyment.
The way I absolutely DEVOURED this book, despite it being almost 600 pages. I was so excited for this one, and it didn’t disappoint.
Honestly, I don’t even want to explain the premise much, because I think it’s the kind of book that you should read based on general content and vibes alone. If the following seem interesting, you should read:
-dual time line, multiple POVs
-MMM romance (stepbrothers+friends to lovers)
-emotional, tragic, and so much hurt / comfort
-young love, paired with love so strong characters are willing to do the most difficult things imaginable
-possessiveness and codependency
This is the kind of book I want to TALK ABOUT with someone, which just shows how much I enjoyed the journey. CP Harris does the most incredible job with deeply emotional and tragic romance stories, and the dual timeline was excellently done in order to build onto the intrigue of the characters and story. The way she can take the simplest one liners like “Keep him safe,” or “Tell them nothing,” and make me want to scream into the abyss just proves that this is some masterful writing.
The interesting part of the book was that I didn’t even like the MCs that much. I did find Elliot interesting, but Miguel was hot and cold for me, while I really didn’t like Quinten. However, their story was absolutely captivating. I didn’t have to love them as people to enjoy their story. I was still pulled in by the emotion and drama of it all!
The first half of this book had my heart pounding. Like I was certain that it would be a 5⭐️ read. Without any spoilers, I will say that my only issue with this book was the way it was paced. At around 50% it was clear that the story was paced a little slow, especially in the past timeline. Then the end felt veryyy rushed. This ended up taking away from my experience overall, unfortunately. The end was still satisfying (yes it’s a HEA, more so than I imagined possible).
That being said, this book was honestly fantastic. I’ve never read someone who mixes codependency, hurt/comfort, longing, and bittersweet emotion like CP Harris! The little details in the writing truly show how intentional and deep the story goes. Though there is always great foreshadowing, you’ll still be second-guessing yourself and finding yourself on the edge of your seat.
Before reading, do note that this book has extremely difficult themes in terms of mental and physical health and abuse. Please check the TWs if you have any! If you aren’t someone who needs to check TWs, then I recommend going into this one as blind as possible for maximum enjoyment.
July 31, 2025
Obsessed
What a MF journey. I’m broken and stitched back together. Review to come once I’ve processed.
If you're going to read this book, do yourself a favor
and go in blind.
Seriously...don’t look up spoilers, don’t skim reviews.
Just dive in. That said, this is a spoiler-free review, so
you're safe here.
What you can expect:
🖤Then/Now dual timeline
🖤MMM Romance
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Taboo romance (two are stepbrothers)
🖤Twists and turns
🖤CNC themes
🖤Dark romance
I’m still trying to process everything I just read. This
wasn’t just a book, it was a journey. Every possible
emotion...you’re going to feel it. I spent most of the
“now” timeline completely unsure of what was
happening, only to have clues slowly dropped in, piece
by painful piece. And the picture it formed? Not a pretty
one.
You’ll be asking yourself How did they end up here?
What went so terribly wrong?
The story is primarily told from Miguel’s POV. Miguel is
the calm. The love. The caretaker. He’s the
peacekeeper between Q’s intensity and Elliot’s
innocence. He’s the fixer. The glue holding it all
together.
Quentin is the protector. He’s the brute force, the
muscle, the fire. He loves fiercely and isn’t afraid to
show it. He’s confident...sometimes to a fault.
Elliot is the broken angel. Sweet, sheltered, and soft.
He’s the boy you want to wrap in a blanket and shield
from the world and take to play in the snow.
Together, the three of them are beautifully toxic.
Codependent in a way that feels dangerous but
right...until it doesn’t.
If you’re like me, you’ll come up with theory after theory
and none of them will feel like good outcomes. And
still, you’ll be wrong.
That ending? It’s everything you didn’t know you
needed after such a brutal, breathtaking ride. Your
heart will ache. It’ll swell. And by the last page, you’ll
feel completely wrung out.
I devoured all 575 pages in under 24 hours—I
physically couldn’t put it down.
Thank you, @authorcharris_ and @theauthor.agency
for this amazing ARC.
What a MF journey. I’m broken and stitched back together. Review to come once I’ve processed.
If you're going to read this book, do yourself a favor
and go in blind.
Seriously...don’t look up spoilers, don’t skim reviews.
Just dive in. That said, this is a spoiler-free review, so
you're safe here.
What you can expect:
🖤Then/Now dual timeline
🖤MMM Romance
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Taboo romance (two are stepbrothers)
🖤Twists and turns
🖤CNC themes
🖤Dark romance
I’m still trying to process everything I just read. This
wasn’t just a book, it was a journey. Every possible
emotion...you’re going to feel it. I spent most of the
“now” timeline completely unsure of what was
happening, only to have clues slowly dropped in, piece
by painful piece. And the picture it formed? Not a pretty
one.
You’ll be asking yourself How did they end up here?
What went so terribly wrong?
The story is primarily told from Miguel’s POV. Miguel is
the calm. The love. The caretaker. He’s the
peacekeeper between Q’s intensity and Elliot’s
innocence. He’s the fixer. The glue holding it all
together.
Quentin is the protector. He’s the brute force, the
muscle, the fire. He loves fiercely and isn’t afraid to
show it. He’s confident...sometimes to a fault.
Elliot is the broken angel. Sweet, sheltered, and soft.
He’s the boy you want to wrap in a blanket and shield
from the world and take to play in the snow.
Together, the three of them are beautifully toxic.
Codependent in a way that feels dangerous but
right...until it doesn’t.
If you’re like me, you’ll come up with theory after theory
and none of them will feel like good outcomes. And
still, you’ll be wrong.
That ending? It’s everything you didn’t know you
needed after such a brutal, breathtaking ride. Your
heart will ache. It’ll swell. And by the last page, you’ll
feel completely wrung out.
I devoured all 575 pages in under 24 hours—I
physically couldn’t put it down.
Thank you, @authorcharris_ and @theauthor.agency
for this amazing ARC.
August 4, 2025
My tears are flowing 🥹
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Format: Ebook
There’s a reason I can never pass down a CP Harris book and that’s because I know she’s going to put us through it. The way i went through this unassuming and when everything started unraveling I wondered, wtf😂. It’s like when you get one side of the story and suddenly 50 pieces are lost and waiting to be discovered. I thought i knew something especially with Ellie and then boom, sikeeee😂😂. I loved the dynamics between the mcs, that mouth on Quentin was chefs kiss. CP doesn’t miss when it comes to giving us the most possessive men ever😌. I cried when it came to the backstory of Ellie, without spoilers of course, I loved the way that there were pieces that we the readers and the characters were unaware of that gave the story depth. The aspect of him and the love that both Miguel and Quentin had for him and each other despite the odds made their story very compelling. Please read this, you won’t be disappointed at all.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Format: Ebook
There’s a reason I can never pass down a CP Harris book and that’s because I know she’s going to put us through it. The way i went through this unassuming and when everything started unraveling I wondered, wtf😂. It’s like when you get one side of the story and suddenly 50 pieces are lost and waiting to be discovered. I thought i knew something especially with Ellie and then boom, sikeeee😂😂. I loved the dynamics between the mcs, that mouth on Quentin was chefs kiss. CP doesn’t miss when it comes to giving us the most possessive men ever😌. I cried when it came to the backstory of Ellie, without spoilers of course, I loved the way that there were pieces that we the readers and the characters were unaware of that gave the story depth. The aspect of him and the love that both Miguel and Quentin had for him and each other despite the odds made their story very compelling. Please read this, you won’t be disappointed at all.
July 27, 2025
As usual CP Harris’s story has impacted me at a bone deep level. This story is hard to read in parts, the suffering and pain taking you places you may not necessarily feel comfortable going but where the characters go you do too. The writing is powerful, strong, the story unfolding slowly the switch between past and present seamless. The switch between perspectives seamless. The characters are absolutely stunning and their dynamic while not the healthiest, themes of codependency and obsession woven in, with the way grief and trauma underlay it is honestly in so many many ways very touching. The protectiveness, the support, the sheer care shines through. So does the resilience, specially Miguel. And the mental health rep in all its forms is so sensitively and courageously walked through.
Also the secluded isolated vibe throughout even in the jump backs added so much to the story, almost eerie atmosphere building up with the woods at first and then old house in Alaska.. setting a composite tone of a tight world the characters inhabit.
Learning about Quentin, Elliot and Miguel’s life was beautiful, the tragedy heartbreaking, the trauma especially Elliot’s exceedingly hard get through and the ending sheer perfection, Miguel’s energy euphoric in carrying me to the culmination. But I think towards the end I ached for Sparrow the most .. and while I truly loved each and every one of these characters Sparrow holds my heart, Sparrow made me weep.
Also the secluded isolated vibe throughout even in the jump backs added so much to the story, almost eerie atmosphere building up with the woods at first and then old house in Alaska.. setting a composite tone of a tight world the characters inhabit.
Learning about Quentin, Elliot and Miguel’s life was beautiful, the tragedy heartbreaking, the trauma especially Elliot’s exceedingly hard get through and the ending sheer perfection, Miguel’s energy euphoric in carrying me to the culmination. But I think towards the end I ached for Sparrow the most .. and while I truly loved each and every one of these characters Sparrow holds my heart, Sparrow made me weep.
August 2, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded. This was pretty damn dark, but I think the author masterfully explored DID and polyamory. Elliot was a very intricate character with heavy elements regarding his background. Miguel was, in my opinion, the central part, simply because we got most of his POV. Obviously, Elliot was the true gem of the trio, but Miguel’s perspective was shown more. I wish Q would’ve gotten more limelight in terms of character exploration, because aside from his possessiveness and love of his men and football, most of his arc was just TOLD rather than SHOWN.
I’m usually not a huge fan of books that jump back-and-forth between past and present, but it wasn’t jarring here. The ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion, and there were a few parts that made me raise my brows…and not exactly in a good way.
I’m usually not a huge fan of books that jump back-and-forth between past and present, but it wasn’t jarring here. The ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion, and there were a few parts that made me raise my brows…and not exactly in a good way.
July 25, 2025
Miguel, Quentin, & Elliott
-mmm romance
-friends to lovers
-stepbrothers
-toxic relationships
-DID rep
ooft! this story broke my fucking heart man! like...damn. this series is just TRAGICCCC!!! cp harris literally is just gunning for our lives here...& im fucking here for it!! they have a way of writing this beautifully tragic story thats both mysterious & alluring & makes you want to get to the bottom of all the answers you're being strung along with while building this lovely relationship just to SHATTER IT ALL TO DUST!!! but i honestly can't get enough & i am an addict now 🙂
-mmm romance
-friends to lovers
-stepbrothers
-toxic relationships
-DID rep
ooft! this story broke my fucking heart man! like...damn. this series is just TRAGICCCC!!! cp harris literally is just gunning for our lives here...& im fucking here for it!! they have a way of writing this beautifully tragic story thats both mysterious & alluring & makes you want to get to the bottom of all the answers you're being strung along with while building this lovely relationship just to SHATTER IT ALL TO DUST!!! but i honestly can't get enough & i am an addict now 🙂
August 3, 2025
C.P. Harris knows how to break you and put you back together.
Quentin, Miguel, and Elliott all had past traumas that linked them to each other and in the trauma, they found love.
The spicy scenes? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The nicknames? 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
The pain? 💔💔💔💔💔
Just read it.
Quentin, Miguel, and Elliott all had past traumas that linked them to each other and in the trauma, they found love.
The spicy scenes? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The nicknames? 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
The pain? 💔💔💔💔💔
Just read it.
August 4, 2025
3⭐
I have to say this: the trauma police are going to have a field day with this one.
You really need a lot of patience to finish this book. The first 30 to 40% is slowly paced, and the ending was rushed.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters and was totally bored. It’s a miracle I made it to the end.
I struggled with Quentin's attitude towards people, especially his dad. I know he was a bad guy, but still. He came off as more arrogant and disrespectful than protective and possessive.
To me, the story felt like it was mainly about Elliot/Sparrow's character development. If it’s not focused on Elliot/Sparrow, then it’s just about the three characters having sex. Even with the attention that he received, I don’t think his diagnosis (DID) was depicted well compared to other books, including Surviving the Merge by the same author.
Don’t even get me started on how long this book is.
This is my least favorite book from C.P. Harris.
I have to say this: the trauma police are going to have a field day with this one.
You really need a lot of patience to finish this book. The first 30 to 40% is slowly paced, and the ending was rushed.
I didn’t connect with any of the characters and was totally bored. It’s a miracle I made it to the end.
I struggled with Quentin's attitude towards people, especially his dad. I know he was a bad guy, but still. He came off as more arrogant and disrespectful than protective and possessive.
To me, the story felt like it was mainly about Elliot/Sparrow's character development. If it’s not focused on Elliot/Sparrow, then it’s just about the three characters having sex. Even with the attention that he received, I don’t think his diagnosis (DID) was depicted well compared to other books, including Surviving the Merge by the same author.
Don’t even get me started on how long this book is.
This is my least favorite book from C.P. Harris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
“We were just three broken, codependent kids looking for a type of love no one could ever take from us. We had no boundaries, and before long, going too far didn't seem far enough.”
➻ my rating: ✩✩✩.5
When C.P. Harris labeled this series Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings, she wasn’t playing. Only The Small Bones and this recent installment are books I can only read once due to the emotional voyage she creates. However, I find myself somewhat disappointed in the execution of the story.
There are three POV’s in this story, and only one of them (Miguel) exists within the present. In my opinion, the story suffered as a result. While I understand the uncertainty Harris wanted the reader to feel about the incident that caused the current storyline, in focusing on only two characters (Miguel and Sparrow), it allowed the third (Quentin) to fade into obscurity and to feel like he isn’t an important member of the relationship. This leads to the last few chapters being rushed through as Harris has to hastily overcorrect and reintroduce him back into the dynamic.
This storyline and relationship may have fared better had it been longer (adding in more of Quentin) or possibly split into two books, looking at the past as one entity, and the present as another.
Something else I want to add is that in this book, Harris did a lot of telling versus showing. I’m chalking this up to this being the fault of having three POV’s and Harris having a specific vision she wasn’t able to convey creatively while keeping the story on track.
I will be tuning in to the next book in the series as Harris is a phenomenal writer, whose books I would buy without reading the blurb or seeing the cover, but I do want them to learn from this book in terms of keeping the story contained with a good flow and demonstrating through character actions versus dialogue.
➻ my rating: ✩✩✩.5
When C.P. Harris labeled this series Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings, she wasn’t playing. Only The Small Bones and this recent installment are books I can only read once due to the emotional voyage she creates. However, I find myself somewhat disappointed in the execution of the story.
There are three POV’s in this story, and only one of them (Miguel) exists within the present. In my opinion, the story suffered as a result. While I understand the uncertainty Harris wanted the reader to feel about the incident that caused the current storyline, in focusing on only two characters (Miguel and Sparrow), it allowed the third (Quentin) to fade into obscurity and to feel like he isn’t an important member of the relationship. This leads to the last few chapters being rushed through as Harris has to hastily overcorrect and reintroduce him back into the dynamic.
This storyline and relationship may have fared better had it been longer (adding in more of Quentin) or possibly split into two books, looking at the past as one entity, and the present as another.
Something else I want to add is that in this book, Harris did a lot of telling versus showing. I’m chalking this up to this being the fault of having three POV’s and Harris having a specific vision she wasn’t able to convey creatively while keeping the story on track.
I will be tuning in to the next book in the series as Harris is a phenomenal writer, whose books I would buy without reading the blurb or seeing the cover, but I do want them to learn from this book in terms of keeping the story contained with a good flow and demonstrating through character actions versus dialogue.
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