Gael's Favorite

by Jennifer Cody

Obsessive, possessive, absolutely in love? Who, me? I don’t think so. Gael is my best friend, of course I love him. He shares all his favorite things with me. (And I do mean all)



Tasty, unique, mine. Sin is all that to me and more. I wish I could explain it to him, but I can’t. No, literally, I can’t. But I would if I could.



WTAF? I always thought fated mates came in pairs, and that they were species-specific. So why does it feel like I have two? And what is actually going on between Gael and Sin? I’m so confused.

Gael’s Favorite is a 65k word MMM paranormal romance with fated mates, big secrets, and unique paranormal creatures. There will be angst. See the inside of the book for the content warning.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Magic, Polyamory, M M Romance, M M Paranormal

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this story! There was a totally new paranormal species for me and I found the whole thing so interesting. I'd absolutely love to see more from this group of character's in future because the story world just pulled me in and I wasn't ready to leave.

The timeline of this book was very jumpy though and it did make it difficult for me to fully get into the book. We have a lot of flashbacks and although they're really clearly indicated (which my brain was VERY happy with) and once I got the hang of how they were being used they were easy to follow, I did feel that for me personally it interrupted the flow of the book? I'm never going to be a fan of flashbacks because my brain just doesn't like them! I prefer a linear timeline that keeps momentum moving forward - all of the stopping, going back, going forwards, moving on, going back, etc. just made it hard for me to stay 'in' the story. I understand why it was used, but I kept wanting to reorganise it chronological order so badly 😂

I really loved the bond between Gael and Sin though, although Sin was so oblivious!! Gael was really funny and I found it amusing that he never once thought to explain himself to anyone about anything 😂 I actually think Sin was my favourite character though because he's such a natural care taker and his food sounded amazing! Phin was just the sweetest little (ok, giant) ginger cinnamon roll and I LOVED the end of this book for him SOOOO much! What a sweetheart! And I love how Sin and Gael were both so fierce about Phin being happy - absolute goals! The end of this book just made me feel so happy for these three.

*****
I received an ARC of this book from Jennifer Cody, and this is my honest review

[☆ Todd]

The weird-assed way that literally everyone was supposed to just give in to whatever Gael liked, without any regard to what they themselves truly wanted, squicked me the fuck out.

After the first 3 or 4 chapters, I'd read all that I was comfortable with and had to DNF it at that point.

No rating due to DNF.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville]

DNF @ 47% - I was kinda enjoying this. It was fun. And then Gael started explaining stuff to Sin and I just... wasn't even remotely interested in that.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will you like this paranormal romance book?

This book's tropes are MMM, childhood best friends, and bi awakening. I usually avoid two of those, but I'll try it for authors I really like.

This is a stand alone book in a new world.

You should know the story is not written chronologically. There will be a chapter from the "present", then one from some time in the past, which might not be connected to the "present" like flashbacks typically are. I occasionally found it jarring.

Things that bothered me: dubious consent (people say yes, but seem uncomfortable), characters don't talk to each other - not to get to know each other or to solve problems, and liberal use of a species ability to keep everyone happy all the time.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2025
Kindle edition

Well shit, I've lost track of everything I read this weekend. MMM is always good. I kinda liked the Co-dependency between Gael and Sin. A lot going on with Sin and Phin, the absence of Gael POV didn't make sense until the reveal. Glad the grandfather was dealt with quickly. It was sweet, bit angsty and had a small love triangle vibe going for a little bit. Again, Gael came across as a bit of a clueless dick with all the sharing and putting Sin on a pedestal, until the change in POV. I'd re-read it. Nice HEA and world expansion for fated mates.

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh, really boring. the snippets of the past were all over place, which annoyed me. It had been better in a chronological order.

[Yuki · Rating 1 out of 5]

C’est p… de mauvais. Je ne recommande pas. Malsain au début et creux jusqu’à la fin.
Paresse narrative, d’écriture et situation wtf!
Gaël qui invite son petit ami pour carrément le pimper.
Syn et phin ont des personnalités de poignées de porte et toujours en mode oui oui béni, tu parles de consentement!!😑 le Gaël a un pouvoir qui tu mets sous emprise et c’est ça l’amour. Compas moral zéro / faire des choses pour le plaisir de l’autre en oubliant son amour-propre, en marchant sur son amour de soi ça me dégoûte. Et l’auteure nous sort son deus machina : le Mates / l’âme sœur pour tout résoudre avec un ta gueule c’est magique Et Oui je vous prends pour des Cons.! Flashbacks qui servent à rien sinon pour combler le vide narratif.
Pas de description / pas de véritable enjeux / pas de développement de personnages ou même l’histoire / pas d’intérêt excepté les 90% de scène de sexe qui s’étalent page après page j’en sautais beaucoup…vraiment c’est un livre ça, j’en doute. 🤔 ça a l’aspect mais pas le contenu.
J’aime les MMM mais jusqu’à maintenant l’exécution ne suit pas et ça décline même et ceci en est un exemple. Les auteures ne s’embarrassent plus de faire le moindre et restent dans la médiocrité.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this as a serial on Jennifer Cody's FB group and enjoying it, but this new expanded version was even more enjoyable; it was so much fun to read, I didn't want to put it down once I picked it up. I love these 3 men so much and loved the connection between them all.

For me, Jennifer Cody is the Queen of creating new and interesting worlds and characters and Gael's Favorite is no exception.

Gale, Sin and Phineas made a wonderful throuple, and I so enjoyed exploring the connection between them. It was steamy, sweet and emotional, and these guys made me want to hug each of them. It also made me wish I were someone's favourite. I liked that Sin and Phin got to explore their connection without Gael, even though the circumstances behind his absence were upsetting for them both.

I enjoyed the small excerpts from Sin and Gael's past. I felt they added background and depth to their friendship without taking anything away from the present, and though they weren't chronological, they were labelled clearly, and it was easy to follow which part of their lives they were in.

Sin, finding out that the many species that exist, took this in his stride, because he loved Gael so much, there was really nothing he wouldn't do for him. These diverse beings, which up until this point have had to live with being unable to talk to each other because of an oath they were made to swear, and the dilemma around how they needed to change this due to their relationship, were interesting. I liked how well the changes were accepted and how they opened the doors for many others.

I enjoyed this new world that she has created and would love to read more with these characters and in this setting

[Bronwyn Heeley]

DNF this at 51%. I understand this book, why it's the way it is, but honestly, it's a hot mess, and though I loved the writing, and the characters, honestly i made it this far, I'm sorry to say once the paranormal stuff started to really come it, it was put it down or start getting frustrated. I chose to keep the 'its fine but not really interesting' thoughts.

[Orianna Blesi · Rating 1 out of 5]

not the usual Cody magic

DNF at 80%. Honestly, I didn’t really like this one. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style this time, little snippets of time that jumped all over the place. The world building suffered for it, and I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters. Calling this a romance is…a stretch. More like boring smex scenes and action that isn’t action, you just get to know what happened after when one of them tells the others what’s happened. A very boring read, tbh. I can’t recommend this one.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit surprised I finished this one but there is nothing outright wrong with the book, it just feels... weird. Disconnected? All over the place? And not just because the chapters are so short and there are flashbacks even when things we actually care about start happening and they really interupt the flow of the actual story.

I can't properly explain what felt so strange about the book - the writing style. Something was missing, something... that usually glues the narrative together. It wasn't bad enough to make me quit but it prevented me from connecting to the story itself, though admittedly, the story also felt kinda weird. Again, not sure how or why but it did.

There was an attempt at something extra - minor spoilers but Gael is this species called mare and if you think that sounds interesting, well, I feel he's basically an incubus. He feeds on sexual energy and has some... persuasion... magic. Which actually was addressed very poorly despite the fact - again, spoiler warning but Sin reads as asexual for the most part and he only does things when Gael makes him sleep with his girlfriends, which, let me tell, is bad enough but then you find out he is so sexually inactive because Gael feeds of his energy and leaves him nothing. What a healthy, romantic relationship!!

I am going to say something I can only say about fiction - I like codependent characters. The two people who are told are too close, the best friends or family that buck some social conventions? Giomme! I am saying this because Gael and Sin were presented as codependent and I didn't like their relationship in the first chapters (before Phin). It did not feel equal, it felt like Gael got EVERYTHING he wanted and Sin just went along with it.

Which is another thing I am still kinda struggling with - liking Gael. He may be the main focus but he felt like... like... a cult leader. "Here, Sin, he's a candy I like and you don't *puts the thing in his mouth* aren't we so happy together?" The weird vibes were definitely coming from Gael a lot. The parade of disposable, unpleasant female side pieces felt even worse - the relationships felt disrespectful to Sin and to them as well. I sometimes complain how female writers artificially empower their female characters in gay romance, but this is not a better alternative.

The plot was fractured as well, I should mention. It's a romance but everyone is too "mate!" to actually take up much page space so after they sort out the three men together equation (with plenty of flashbacks because everyone looooves those) we get a big, like super important paranormal issue to deal with and it feels very much out of left field (as in it's a suprise not properly set up that takes over in a bit of an overhanded way). Like the original plot had nowhere to go so this was added. Again, the way it was handled was strange - anti-climactic, hurried and drawn out at the same time...

Anyway, I have read better books but I think any book you actually finish has something worth reading (hate reading is bad for you so if you do that, don't, it's not doing anyone any favours) so let's just say the book is okay and leave it at that.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sin and Gael have been best friends since they were 5 years old. They have a bond like no other and some people just don't get it. Gael follows Sin off to college where their bond strengthens. While Sin is finishing his masters degree, they meet Phin. This is the first and only person that seems to be a staying part in their lives. Gael is completely at ease with this new person and is hoping Sin comes to accept Phin like he does. When Gael has to leave town for a family emergency he instructs Sin to take care of Phin. This is were Sin has to face his issues and feelings towards Phin and then the throuple's situation changes again. Secrets come out and big changes happen for them, their friends and families.

This is an interesting book that held my interest from page one. I read it straight through and enjoyed it. I really liked how Gael latched onto Sin at age 5 and they stayed together through trials and tribulations. I liked how each of the throuple slowly settles into the relationship. All 3 of them love each other and want the best for each other. I'm not a fan of books that go back and forth from present to past times (because it throws me out of the story a little) but I'm not sure with the flashbacks given, if a straight time line would've worked for this story. 🤷‍♀️ I didn't like the over usage of "Christmas smile" at all. I didn't like Phin's grandfather but he gets his comeuppance, which I did like. At the end of the book it felt to me that Phin was being feminized and I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm the only one who felt this way. 🤷‍♀️ All in all a good book and I recommend it for those that like paranormal/fantasy/romance with a loveable throuple.

P.S. I loved the usage of Vernon and Hubert, as my Grandfather was a Vernon and my Dad was a Hubert. 😍

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this!

So I read this originally as a serial and then as the expanded book and it is fantastic. The original was already amazing, but seeing Phin and Gael’s POVs was sheer perfection. It’s a very sweet book and whilst there’s a bit of angst it’s the kind that you know will not in any way stop these guys from getting their HEA. I loved the way we got to see how each person came into the relationship and how their understanding of their emotions in relation to each other evolved. But then I always love Jennifer’s books for how much they focus on the characters growth, both personally and in their relationship. These are characters who are steady, even when they might not feel it, they listen and they care and that makes them a joy to read.

As an aside, there is reference to a family death, I won’t say it’s not central to the story because it is in a very abstract way, but if you know familial death is a trigger then you may want to be careful when reading (I think it will be fine for 90% of people as it isn’t dealt with in depth but it is mentioned multiple times).

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer takes a more serious note with this mmm romance. Gael & Sin have been best friends from the age of five on and can not understand why their partners dont want to share and be with both. When Gael begins seeing Phin, he feels something more and just hopes Phin sees it too. Phin takes a bit to see how he fits into this established pair. when so much has been withheld from all species, it is no surprise no one understands how this should work, and yet the pieces fall as they should for the three to balance one another. With that right amount of angst to show the pain of accepting what was withheld, Jennifer shows us the path may be rough, but when it is right, it is beautiful. A well-balanced read of heat and angst with a tone of sweetness to balance the story. It is a great piece of writing that I hope to see more from Jennifer in the future in this style.

I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
This was wonderful! I love a good best friends to lovers romance, but I don’t think I have ever read a shifter best friends to love story. Sin and Gael are childhood best friends, super close and connected. So, when Phin is introduced into the dynamic, it’s pretty fascinating to watch things shift. Sin is used to being the center of Gael’s attention and I enjoyed the tension, would Phin, Sin and Gael find a relationship that works for all of them? This was so unique, for me, mmm can be a challenge to find what feels like balance between the members of the relationship, and I loved how the author used the flashbacks to unfold their stories. Jennifer Cody also writes with a really appealing sense of humor and with an authentic emotion that really kept me turning the page. Excellent!

[~TheBlasian~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really unique story.

Not going to lie……almost lost me there at the beginning though. I was really starting to get irritated by Gael and the damn pushover behavior, despite everybody being kinda cool with it……….I sure as shit wasn’t. I was slowly starting to dislike his holier-than-thou ass.

But that trip away saved the day. And then the reveals after kept me locked, which i had my suspicions of with that annoying behavior. (Thou has read a book or 12 of similar demonic characteristics). He even came back pretty much a whole different character, which I preferred significantly more. I would swear it’s two different people.

And he turned out to be a billy badass. Win.

Overall i enjoyed the story. Although i liked Phin, i loved Gael x Sin. Their backstory was so golden in their seemingly platonic devotion, which felt like an organic shift to romantic connection.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Gael’s Favorite” received TWO AND A HALF stars.

Not my favorite. The time jumps dragged me out of the story every time.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! First of all, I am a huge fan of Jennifer Cody’s books. Second of all, I love these characters. Gael and Sun have been together forever. Gael shares his favorite things with Sin because Sin is his favorite. And then he meets Phineas. Now he has two favorite things and he wants them all together. It isn’t conventional, but then neither are these three men. Fated mates, magic, and beings that aren’t human. Love, care, and respect. Absolutely fabulous book and worth the wait and a read.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gael's Favorite is an MMM story that I couldn't put down once I started it. This is the story of Gael, Sin, and Phin. Gail and Sin have been friends since they were 5 years old and Gael has shared everything, I mean everything with Sin. Each one of the guys bring something unique to the story. The characters and world building are amazing. This was a more serious story from Jennifer. I loved everything about this book. I hope we get more stories about these three or set in this world. I would definitely recommend this book. received a free review copy

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not what I was expecting. It is much more.

The story is told via present time and flashbacks, which fill in blanks, so it is not told chronologically. There is a depth and reason for Sin and Gael's friendship, and their actions become clear as the story progresses. Acceptance and communication are very important to the relationship.

I admit, I was confused at times as to who said something, but I would read more about them if this is made into a series, especially based on where we left Phin.

I noted maybe a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Trio

I love this trio and how their relationship evolves! Getting to see things from each person's perspective (but not repeating the same scenes... mostly) gives a depth that this story needs. There are some time jumps (clearly called out), but they're historically important events that are brought out when they make sense. Two of these people have been together since they were five, so there's a lot of important and relevant history. I loved this book, a million trillion percent, and highly recommend you read it!

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for a new Jennifer Cody release and I loved these three guys. They come from different worlds and they all have things they can't talk about (really, they can't). There is some mystery around Gael that makes him frustrating at first, but when all is revealed, it is easy to forgive him. Having the POV of all three guys makes it easy to get hooked into the story and forgive some of the frustrating secret keeping. These guys love each other so, so much and it just flows off the page. A very enjoyable read!

[Shyandmoodreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cody just has that magical touch for me when it comes to amazingly hilarious MC's and their inner voices 😂 seriously Phin especially cracked me up on multiple occasions. They are also so good at making you feel alongside the characters and the sweet moments mixed with the delicious spicy moments were so well done in this!

Honestly, it had me reading for more and more just for the simple fact that I wanted to know what came next... And also what exactly our MC's were when it came to the magical community 👀🥹. Gael was an absolute sweetheart and knew what he wanted from the get go. That included our sweet, slightly naive Sin who knows how much Gael loves to share his favorite things with him 🥰. Phin was just a lovable cinnamon roll in a giants body, I adored the reversal of who was dominant or submissive in this book! 💥🔥

This is Jennifer's first book in a whole but what a comeback it is! Spicy to the max 💯, heartbreakingly sweet and mixed with some twists and surprises! For those who like M*rder Spree & Mute Decrees series then this is definitely up your alley.

[Maggy Helwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and a bit of angst

I need to start by admitting that I love Jennifer Cody as an author. This book is independent of her established worlds and stands beautifully on its own. The relationship between the three characters is well developed. The evolution of Sin’s relationship with Phin is just angsty enough to add to the overall experience of the story. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Lynn A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely story with a great ending!

I loved this so much! The characters are so believable and the progression of the story, with flashbacks to show backstory instead of a huge info dump in chapter one or trying to fit it all in a prologue without accidentally providing spoilers… Jennifer is the master at weaving stories and this was no exception. So happy I bought this as a preorder and can re-read it anytime!

[Sharon Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all hugs to JC. This is an excellent story if a little jumpy like 'SM' this is not a bad thing it just makes it difficult to hold onto the story line but it wasn't hard to grasp it again. I loved the characters JC's characters are always so strong and very different from one another, the plot line was a nice starting point in what I hope will become a series. Will re-read would recommend!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I loved Jennifer’s Murder Sprees & Mute Decrees Series, so I decided to give this book a go and I’m glad that I did as I really enjoyed this book. I thought that Sin, Gael and Phin’s story was a quick, enjoyable and steamy read and their chemistry was off the charts. I really enjoyed all the snippets into Gael & Sin’s past. I really liked that Sin & Phin got to spent time together cementing their own bond/relationship while Gael was back home after his Grandfather passed away, even though they missed him greatly and he them but it was definitely needed.

I’m glad that Phin found both Sin & Gael as they give him all the love and support he desperately needs/totally deserves due to how he’s been treated by his abusive a*sehole of grandfather/clan leader all because Phin is gay and no shifter in his clan is allowed to be gay. Their happily ever after is an emotional roller coaster but so worth the wait. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Jennifer in the future. I’d recommend this book, and author to others.

[Ashley Matics · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first 35-40% of this book I felt so confused. I’ve read another series of Jennifer Cody’s, and this didn’t quite have the same vibes of that one, but after that point I really got into it. These three are so lovely, and having it be triple pov was great. I loved reading each of their perspectives. Would definitely recommend!

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Normally i am not a fav of jumping back in forth in time during a story, but it worked so well with this book, slowly peeling back the layers of how the book unfolds.

The Chemistry is perfect between everyone, and the gradual unveiling that two of them are supernatural was great.

I hope there is another book for them to go through the babies being born

[Kirstine Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sin, Gael, and Phineas's long journey towards harmonious matehood.

Told with several layers of flashbacks, since Sin and Gael have shared a near symbiotic friendship since they were five years old. The flashbacks are clearly marked, and somehow manage to not be confusing.

Oh, and there are some great big secrets being kept here, and I won't spoil them even a little.