Defending Engagement

by Liz Ellyn

JD, Ian, and Sasha share a love that’s passionate and all-consuming. Behind closed doors, their polyamorous relationship burns with undeniable heat, but beyond their Chicago home, judgment waits to tear them apart.

At the O’Malley family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party, whispers turn to outright condemnation—immorality, illegality, and taboo desire. JD and Ian fear the scorn will drive Sasha away. They underestimate Sasha’s ability to eviscerate closed-minded arguments and fire to defend what’s hers.

It is time to take a stand and defend their engagement.

Genres: Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Literary Titan Book Award Winner

Liz Ellyn, an award-winning erotic romance author, turns up the heat. With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues the positive energy gained by embracing desire is essential to balancing the serious forces of daily life.
She expertly weaves sinfully erotic scenes with heart-wrenching romance, nourishing readers’ cravings for both passion and emotional depth. Her stories are as irresistible as the decadent desserts she loves to create and share.

Indulge in life’s guilty pleasures on her website at https://lizellyn.com

She loves connecting with readers on social media. All links at: https://linktr.ee/lizellyn

Reviews

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

❣ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

❣ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- why-choose romance
- polyamory
- family drama
- strong female lead
- defending love against society

❣ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Thank you Author for this beautiful novella.
This book was a fiery little storm packed into a novella! The chemistry between JD, Ian, and Sasha was Off. The. Charts. But what made it even more addictive was the emotional punch society judging their relationship, the O’Malley party drama, and Sasha standing tall like an absolute queen? I was hooked. Liz Ellyn didn’t just give us steam she gave us depth. I loved how the story didn’t shy away from real issues while still keeping that swoony, intense romance vibe. The trio’s bond felt raw, messy, and real… and I found myself rooting for them from page one. This isn’t your average romance—it’s bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable. If you're in the mood for something different, something powerful, and something that challenges norms while still making your heart race? This one's it.

[Chris Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normal genre, but this is a sequel to a book I read and liked. I really enjoyed this novella - I'm hooked on the characters, and the conflict made a good story (and I like strong women like Sasha, heh.) I was disappointed it ended so soon, but there are clearly going to be more sequels.

[Kayleigh Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this novella was written was really good. It was very steamy and in general had very relatable feelings for others in any situation regarding worries and fears or self doubt. I did want more of an ending when it finished but I do understand that it is a novella and it is meant to be short and not a full story length.

[Leahsbookjourney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha was one of my favorite FMCs she is in a poly relationship with two brothers . When it comes time that others are questioning or judging their love life she is a beast at defending it! She embodies being strong! Confident and unapologetically herself! I enjoyed this book very much!

[Madeleine Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha is the lawyer we all wish we could be

When judgment comes crashing into their love story, Sasha doesn’t just defend—she demolishes. With sharp words and steady fire, she shuts down ignorance like a pro. It’s deeply satisfying, especially if you’ve ever wished you had the perfect comeback. Love, strength, and no apologies

[Paula Minydzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fan of Liz Ellyn's Overruling Judgment, I hold dear the characters of Sasha, JD, and Ian, with Ian being my personal favorite. The three are in a consensual relationship supported by their immediate family, although the relationship is only months old when they attend an extended family gathering. There, they are confronted with people who don't accept their way of life. In the newness of their love, concerns that their relationship may not survive surface and test their personal strengths along with the courage to love freely. Sasha, JD, and Ian bravely navigate family and learn who stands with them and who stands against.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defending Engagement by Liz Ellyn picks up where its predecessor left off, thrusting us right back into the unconventional but fiercely loyal triad of Sasha, Ian, and JD. This steamy, heartfelt romance explores the complexity of a polyamorous relationship between two brothers and the woman they love. The trio navigates judgment from family, societal expectations, and their own emotional minefields. Set in Chicago, the novel blends domestic drama, erotic tension, and tender moments, all while the three protagonists try to preserve their bond in the face of rising stakes, both personal and public.

I'll be honest—I didn’t expect to be pulled in so completely. From the jump, Ellyn's prose is bold and immersive. The sex scenes are explicit, yes, but they’re more than just spicy—they’re deeply connected to character development. I felt the love between these people. I believed it. The intimacy wasn’t just physical; it was emotional, awkward, messy, and often beautiful. JD's vulnerability, Ian’s internal battles with control and image, Sasha’s desire to keep them together—it was raw and real. Their love feels earned. And that’s no small feat in a setup that could have easily veered into gimmick.

At times, the story leans into its erotic edge, occasionally slowing the plot’s momentum with scenes that start to blur together. I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the external challenges they face, beyond disapproving relatives and holiday drama. Still, Ellyn earns her emotional beats. The writing is unflinching. The dialogue rings true. And when the characters hurt, I felt it. I was frustrated with them, rooted for them, even rolled my eyes with love at their little quirks.

Defending Engagement is a love story that's unorthodox, tender, explicit, and ultimately hopeful. It’s for readers who want more than just fluff in their romance. If you’re into character-driven storytelling, steamy dynamics, and the kind of emotional vulnerability that makes your heart squeeze, this book delivers. If you’re curious, open-minded, and a sucker for complicated love, this book is perfect for you.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. JD, Ian, and Sasha care deeply for each other. When JD and Ian’s mum organizes a family brunch on St. Patrick’s Day, panic sets in. JD and Ian have been protecting Sasha from their family’s hatred and judgement of their relationship. When confronted at the brunch, will JD and Ian lose the woman they both love? Will brunch come to blows? Or will the luck of the Irish shine down on Ian, JD, and Sasha as they stand up to hatred and prove what real love looks like?

Defending Engagement is an emotional erotic romance featuring a polyamorous couple facing prejudice. I’m a firm believer in love in all forms. Love is love. Period. End of sentence. In this novella, Liz Ellyn explores what happens when three people in a loving relationship stand together united against hate. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this couple, and I couldn’t put it down.

Liz Ellyn’s writing is full of emotion, intense emotion. It’s not just passion, but there’s plenty of that too. Three people working out what it means to be a couple in a committed relationship. It’s a real portrayal with highs and lows, fears and truths, pain and passion. You’ll ache for these characters and this touching story. What happens next is a mystery but I’m tingly with anticipation.

Full Disclosure: I edited this story but doing so in no way influenced my review.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[(っ◔◡◔)っ ★ Paige ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★

Sasha is in a poly relationship with 2 brothers; Ian and JD. This is a second installment in a series and I will advise as someone who hadn't read the first one - I'm assuming it adds a great deal of context you need for this book, but it's easy enough to pick up as you go.

The book opens with some spice and then some panic about the O'Malley's parents coming to visit, despite them being supportive of their relationship dynamics, Ian & JD's mother plans a family party with some less-than-supportive members of the poly lifestyle.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Defending Engagement only took me around an hour to read, but the plot didn't feel rushed or under-developed. The characters each have their own personalities and I like that even though they're in this throuple, it does touch on the jealousy and scheduling time issues that I image would take place in a relationship like this.

My only real complaints:
- I don't often read books written in third person, and while I can't imagine how hard it is to clearly decipher who's doing what with 3 people involved in a third person book... the beginning felt a lot like "JD picked up something so JD could eat. JD liked that". It felt very repetitive and ruined the flow for me; once the plot picks up it plays more naturally.
- The chemistry sometimes felt under-developed between the characters, which I admit was toeing the line of realistic. I can't imagine in a new relationship you feel very secure; much less with your brother involved, but it would be nice if the main conflict in the story wasn't the brothers stressing about losing Sasha every 2 seconds and having to check that they're still in love... over the views of some family members that are barely around.

╭──────────── ༺♡༻ ────────────╮
This was an Advanced Reader Copy; thankyou
to the author for letting me read this in
exchange for an honest review.
╰──────────── ༺♡༻ ────────────╯

[Sakura Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't quite realise that this book was part of a bigger series so when I dived in I had parts where i felt a bit confused but that is NOT on the author or the book and it's entirely my oversight.

The novella is a well written steamy story about a poly relationship between our FMC and 2 brothers. It ticked all the boxes for me and I found myself binging it all in 1 sitting (to the point even my honey tea went cold!!) but gosh was it all worth it!

Needless to say Liz Ellyn made it to my instabuy authors list and I can't wait to see more from her and pick up her other books too.

[Crystal Ulrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing it was a short, erotic novella. However, I felt like a lot of the story was missing. I thought it was a standalone, but there was so much information and back story missing.
I did appreciate that this story touched on other people's views of a poly romance and what the couples go through with judgement and opinions of others. A lot of other poly romance books that I've read don't show that side.

[Alanna Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realise that this novella was part of a bigger world so I felt like I was catching up to the story. With that being said, it was easy to follow. It just made me feel uneasy like the couple were ashamed and not really ready to be out in public yet. The smutty scenes were fine. Overall, it was a quick read - took me about an hour! Thanks netgalley for letting me read and review.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book loved the plot of a poly relationship , very well written and the FMC is amazing I loved her , plenty of spice

Really enjoyed this book would definatly recommend