Bad Things Come in 3s

by Jonathan Hawker

"They say bad things come in threes. Turns out, yeah—we do."

I hightailed it the hell out of Felcove four years ago. Away from middle of nowhere Michigan. Away from the Midwest's supernatural epicenter and my future as a Garland witch.

Away from Emery, my werewolf bestie... and far, far away from Tyler fucking Hargraves.

Then Grams died. She wasn't supposed to. Maybe not ever. Garland witches don't just kick the bucket. Suddenly, I've got responsibilities I never prepared for and the family monarchy on my shoulders. And there was no way in hell I was going to dodge the two formerly most important people in my life while I was in town. Accidentally roping both Tyler and Emery into a full moon sex magic ritual didn't help matters, either. Now I'm never getting rid of them—and I don't think I want to.

—

Follow our witch Hudson as he challenges the traditions of love and magic, our werewolf Emery as he holds fast to the boy that has long held his heart, and our headstrong mortal Tyler as he breaks free of a life unfulfilled and fights to right the wrongs of his past. Bad Things Come in 3s is an MMM paranormal romance full of spice, laugh out loud banter, and a supernatural happily ever after.

Genres: M M Romance, M M M, Paranormal, Fantasy, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance, Vampires

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2026

About the author

Jonathan Hawker is a queer fantasy author, with a love for magic, all things supernatural, and endlessly witty banter.

Born and raised in Michigan, he lives with his husband, Keiri, and their three cats. Between writing, he enjoys gaming—both video and tabletop—constant EDM music, and of course, reading as much MM fiction as he can get his hands on.

Reviews

[Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

May I dare say I was getting some strong…
SOS Hotel vibes?!?

Hudson Garland is a witch from a long line of curse breakers and when his grandma suddenly dies the family legacy falls heavily upon his shoulders. He returns to his old town to face the pieces of his past life and stabilize his family's magic. But those pieces include two very important people he is forced with the difficult task of confronting.

Introducing Tyler and Emery. One who dumped Hudson, leaving him in the dirt with a shattered heart and the other who has been pining hopelessly after him since the moment they became friends. When these three all meet in the middle something ignites within them, drawing them together in a perfect link not even the horrors of this magical world can sway.

Yesss, I said magical, this world is full of all those good fantasy elements. Wolves, witches, vampires, curses!! And let me tell you, I was loving every second of it. Emery is a werewolf who was turned when he was younger. A result of the lasting curse created within Hudson’s family to forge protection. While Tyler is a human with a very controlling father he must learn to stand up to, and a sparkling world full of the unknown he must learn to navigate.

A witch, a wolf, and a human. Reminds me a bit of another lovely trio I’ve read before…

In all seriousness this was a very well written MMM. The bond they have was stabilized perfectly, no room for cracks. I loved every moment Tyler and Emery shared, moving past their differences and agreeing to love Hudosn together with everything they have. While also discovering a love they may have for each other along the way. And even though the writing is very simple and carefree I could tell their relationship was crafted with care.

Overall, this book is such a fun read!!! It’s honestly exactly what I needed. Packed full of action and steamy sex scenes while these three chaotic characters come together to navigate all the twists and turns of this magical society.
(4.5) ⭐️

[Drache.... (Angelika)]

Dnf 23%. Not feeling this at the moment, might come back to it later?

[Alastair H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting 2026 off with a bang literally, figuratively and everything in between.

There are some books where you read the first chapter and you think "wow. This is going to be so good. Will I even be able to handle it?". This book crashed into my consciousness and has now taken up permanent residence. This author puts something into his characters that inexplicably brings them to life in addictive and wonderful ways. Seriously. From the moment I opened the book Hudson, Emery, and Tyler had a strangle hold on me.

This book blends romance, magic, and mischief in one molotov cocktail of excitement and spice. Hudson, Emery and Tyler all bring their unique brand of comedic chaos that combines to form a perfect trio. You have Hudson the witch full of attitude, Tyler the lovable but sometimes clueless human, and Emery the goodest boy werewolf. I love their banter and their growing devotion to each other. This is clearly going to be an incredible series with plenty of plot to back up the romance and a core three that are intent on learning how to love and protect each other.

500 stars.

*Thanks to the author for an arc! these are my honest and voluntary opinions

[Manny · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Bad Things Come in 3s


​As always, in the interest of transparency: I was given a copy of Bad Things Come in Three by Jonathan Hawker. However, this is my honest review of the book.


​Foreword

​There is a craft to writing a polyamorous relationship. It is very easy to make it feel unbalanced, where one pair within the group feels deeper for each other than the rest almost creating a third wheel. But I am pleased to say this story feels very balanced in that aspect.


​Angst Level

💢💢💢 (3 out of 5)

​I felt this story could've very easily been heavy on the angst, but it wasn't. Personally, I'm so glad, as this isn't the type of story that would've benefited from all that drama.

​I'm going to coin a term here (if it’s already a thing, shoutout to the original creator): Angst Baiting.


This story felt very "angst baiting." It could just be me as an avid reader and aspiring author myself, but what I mean is that this story keeps you on your toes. Just when you think, "Oh, this is predictable, it's going to lead right into this angsty conflict," it shifts. I’d go as far as to say it subverts expectations multiple times. It’s refreshing because while there are indeed major conflicts, they don't happen in a predictable manner.


​Speaking of predictability, this story truly has some great plot twists. There were things where I was like "Ahhhhh!" because it made past interactions make sense. It is very refreshing to read something on the surface and later discover that there was indeed subtext from a source you may not have expected, or were too caught up in the plot to see.


​Every scene has a purpose; nothing is thrown away strictly for character development. In fact, there are times where you see a scene for what it provides at face value, only for it to end up serving a double or triple purpose later on.


​Before I jump into the characters and spicy scenes, I want to mention a brief reminder:

​For those who love blood, gore, and death:

The beginning isn't so heavy on all that, but towards the middle and the end, it can get a bit brutal with body horror. It is written more like action than pure horror, so to me, it adds to the story but just know this if you have a weak stomach.


​Speaking of action:

The main plot, aside from the romance, really shone through as a well-thought-out, fun, and exciting action/paranormal shifter story. Honestly, sometimes in this genre, the plot isn't the main focus and falls prey to being forgotten or just used as a tool for character development. Here, both the main plot and the romance plot shone through equally and kept me interested from cover to cover.


​Moving on to the characters:


​Hudson: I liked Hudson the witch from the jump; the bad boy vibe is my thing. He ends up making a rather tragic situation into a great thing. Hudson's magic seems like a very "soft magic" system at the beginning, where it is at risk of being convenient to the plot, but it steers away from that rather quickly. If I'm to be quite honest, that might just be a personal critique because I heavily prefer a hard magic system, but it didn't bother me much.


​Emery: Emery is adorable and was at risk of being the dreaded third wheel, but the story subverts that greatly. He actually stole my heart, which is interesting for me because I wasn't expecting it. Emery is so much fun and, dare I say, borderline chaotic. I love his relationship with Tyler and Hudson, both respectively and combined.

​

Content Warning: I want to remind prospective readers that there are scenes where Em, our lycanthrope, gets busy while wolfed out. Being honest, it ordinarily isn't my cup of tea, but it was written well enough that it didn't feel—for lack of a better word—taboo, unlike in some other shifter books I've read. It was appreciated.


​Tyler: The human. At first, I was indifferent toward him and, to be honest, wasn't totally sure if I was going to vibe with him. But his story is both rewarding and pivotal to the entire book. He is one that takes his time to find his footing, but he is a total sleeper pick.


​#TeamEmery


​Okay, my favorite part to talk about: the spice scenes.


🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 (5 out of 5)

​The kink level is next level. It is very spicy, written very well, and very nasty (in a good way). As a gay man, it felt very true to life. It is a solid 5 out of 5—absolutely filthy in the best way possible. There is brief talk of knotting, but it wasn't immersion-breaking to me.

​There is great versatility in the lovemaking, and to be honest, those are some of my favorite scenes to read. Let me just say, I was not bored like I am with some other rather vanilla books. No hate, I’m just the opposite of a prude, so I love this style.


​My favorite Quote hands down was:

​"Yes, in every horror movie I’d ever seen, I embodied the guy that was first to die”


​Chapter 36 is an iconic chapter.


​Overall:

I was skeptical going in, not knowing what to expect, but I now know that the unknown is the best part of this book. 

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

This was such a cute, easy read with genuinely adorable characters. The Human x Werewolf x Witch dynamic worked really well for me, and the story stayed enjoyable without getting overly complicated or filled with unnecessary drama.
The book contains a bit of gore, but honestly, I’ve read far worse ,and for my personal taste, I wouldn’t classify this as an angsty read. What I really appreciated was how early on the MCs actually take the time to talk about their dynamic and their feelings. Clear communication? Yes, I’m the biggest fan !❤️

My bae Emery deserves a special mention because he was the greenest flag imaginable and an absolute yum daddy. But also… the spice? The spice was very much spicing - ate it up. 🔥

Overall, a fun, comforting paranormal read with good vibes, solid communication, and just the right amount of heat.

I received an ARC from the author, but this is just my honest, unfiltered opinion.

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Bad Things Come in 3s. All opinions are honestly and freely given.

When Hudson left Felcove, it was for two very good reasons. For one, his kind-of-boyfriend used him and then broke his heart clean in half. And for two, he needed to be sure his family's magic wasn't affecting his best friend's love and devotion for him. The only thing that brought him back was the death of his grandmother. Facing Tyler and Emery again was almost harder than leaving them, but being back in their orbit brought back all of those old feelings, and some new ones. Hudson never thought that he could have them both, but when his magic claims them as much as they claim him, there's really nothing he can do to stop it. Tyler may be human and Emery a werewolf, but together with their witch and the Garland magic, everything finally feels right. But Hudson knows he has something else to decide: whether to accept his family's magic as the sole heir or let it dissipate. With his two guys, Hudson thinks letting it go might be the better option. But werewolves keep trying to kill him, and with the blood moon looming, something even more sinister is growing in the night. Can Hudson, Tyler, and Emery take down the evil brewing up in Felcove? Or will the sacrifices required be too much to bear? The Garands were always taught that bad things came in threes, but no one anticipated that their names were Hudson, Tyler, and Emery and that their connection would be unbreakable.

This was such a fun and surprisingly emotional book! The characters were fun and unique, each bringing their own contributions to the relationship. I liked Hudson's brattiness and how he was kind of the master of the magical world. I liked how easily he accepted Tyler and Emery back into his life. I also liked Tyler and his human perspective. I hated that his dad treated him so poorly, but loved that he was willing to sacrifice so much for Hudson. I really liked Tyler and Emery’s relationship and how they both could recognize the good qualities in each other. They both just wanted Hudson to be happy and realized that he needed both of them. I loved Emery and his confidence. I loved that he just openly loved Hudson and that he was so protective of both him and Tyler. I loved how he always put both Hudson and Tyler first, no matter what.

I really enjoyed the plot and the magic system. I liked Hudson’s relationship with his ancestors and that they were as bratty as Hudson was. I really liked that Hudson inadvertently casts a spell that makes him and his guys stronger as a unit. It was a fun touch. Also, as a Michigander, I super loved that it took place in Michigan and I recognized some of the settings! I love when books take place in my state!

The spice was really hot. I loved that Tyler and Emery each got their own time with Hudson and that, all three of them together, was even hotter. Emery and Tyler both just worship Hudson completely. I knew it was coming based on the trigger warnings but still found the shifted intimacy…interesting. Still hot! But, yeah, interesting. Loved the knotting though! Especially at the end.

My one criticism is that I wish there had been more history explained. Like there were a lot of cool things that happened, especially with the Garland magic, but some of the revelations just seemed to be out of the blue. Like there was no lead up to some of them, and Hudson spent all this time researching but very little of his findings were actually described in book. Then the vampire thing was glossed over a little too quickly for my taste. I also really, really wish Tyler had to grovel more. Like A LOT more. Despite the fact Hudson was so hurt by what Tyler did, he forgave him awful fast. I kind of wish that Hudson and Emery had been able to solidify their romantic relationship alone before Tyler got added in, too. It just seemed like there was a chunk missing from before this book that just never quite got talked about enough.

That being said, I did still enjoy the book a lot. I loved the ending action sequence. It was nonstop from when Tyler and Emery realized what happened to when the blood stopped pooling. And the emotional gut punches during that sequence, I was NOT ready for it. It made me tear up!

And I can’t wait to find out what will happen with Tyler, Emery, and Hudson going forward. I loved the epilogue and can’t wait to meet this new character and his family. I am definitely ready for the next book! Overall I give this one 4/5 🌟!

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Of Advanced Copy Received From Author

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠...
𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡, 𝑦𝑒𝑎ℎ-
𝑊𝑒 𝑑𝑜.

I have no words to explain just how fucking amazing this book was. 10/10. Immediately went to my top reads of the year list.

Bad Things Come in 3s is a dark, emotional, supernatural story that refuses to focus on just one kind of pain. Hudson, Tyler, and Emery are all carrying their own damage, and the book takes the time to show how that shapes them as individuals before it ever brings them together.

Hudson is raw grief and volatile magic, spiraling between anger and numbness while trying to survive everything that’s been ripped away from him.
Tyler is trapped in guilt and denial, clinging to control because facing his feelings would mean confronting his past.
Emery is quieter but no less broken, loving fiercely from the outside while fully expecting heartbreak as the price.

Each of them feels fully realized on their own, which makes their eventual connection hit so much harder.

The relationships are layered and complex in the best way. Hudson and Tyler are haunted by history and regret. So. Much. Regret. Hudson and Emery crackle with tension, want, and emotional vulnerability. Emery has loved Hudson for years, aching for his affection. Tyler and Emery have their own bond to navigate too, balancing early jealousy, growing trust, and eventual shared affection. Watching their love develop was genuinely so fucking sweet.

The book never treats their relationship as a shortcut or a gimmick. Every connection is built slowly, painfully, and with intention, until it feels obvious that the three of them only truly work when they’re together. Like they were always meant to be.

And the spice???? THE SPICE!! Goooood gods. It had me sweating and fanning myself 🥵

Beyond the relationships, the story is packed with action, magic, and escalating danger. Curses, violence, and supernatural threats constantly force them to act, fight, and make impossible choices. The plot keeps moving, the stakes keep rising, and nothing feels like filler or unnecessary.

This is a story about broken people finding strength together, and in each other, while the world actively tries to tear them apart. It’s intense, emotional, and unapologetically messy, and it doesn’t shy away from showing all the ugly parts alongside the love.

If you want a queer paranormal romance that balances character, relationship depth, and actual plot, this one absolutely delivers.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun to read! It was fast paced, action packed while also being hot and funny.
The three high school best friends meet again after 4 years and things just start happening. I loved all of their individual connections to each other. It was good to get some context to their relationships and see a bit of their past and I would have liked seeing more of their past, but what we got was also enough. I loved how Emery, Hudson and Tyler got together, how much they knew each other and how far were they willing to go to protect each other. I really enjoyed how everything played out and how they got their happily ever after. It's not easy to write a good throuple, but this was done really well and I didn't feel like someone was left out or got less attention. I loved how they were all so happy for each other and for finally getting the love and acceptance they all wanted.

So, if you're in the mood to read about a witch, a werewolf and a human navigate the witch receiving all of his powers and dealing with the creatures life throws at them to tear them apart then this is the book for you. Trust you will be entertained to the max.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson, Tyler, + Emery

-mmm pnr romance
-childhood best friends
-werewolf x witch x mortal
-second chance
-blood magic & shifted spice

okay but fr this cover had NO BUSINESSSSD being so fucking hot…for one!! haha & for two…what the hell ead that epilogue huh? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?? but no these three were just one word: inevitable! 🥹 & you could feel it the whole time! loved them!

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good things come in 3a as well.

My first book from Jonathan Hawker and I really enjoyed it. There were a few twists I didn't see coming it kept me wanting to keep reading and I can't wait for book 2.

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe, just maybe, I had to stop waiting around in a crash position. Bad things happen. There’s no avoiding them. The good things, though—maybe it was up to us to make them happen."

Jonathan is a new-to-me author and can I just say.. wow?! This book had my attention from the very first page, I was immediately transported to Felcove right alongside Emery, Tyler, and Hudson. The world building is immensely detailed, and the plot is fleshed out SO well you can tell the author took their time fully creating this book.

Nothing felt rushed or disjointed, all the characters had a reason to be apart of the story, the story itself flowed so smoothly, and the aspect of magic, wolves, and vampires was so unique and a fresh take on creatures that are written about often.

I loved how this author took a concept and completely flipped it on its head and made it their own. I've never read a book like this before and I LOVE that! I don't want to say to much and spoil things for anyone, but I WILL say that this book is absolutely fantastic! I'm going to be eagerly waiting for the next book now!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a great read. This book was so fun. Shifter / witch / human (+). Emery, Hudson and Tyler, friends in high school, each holding one another's heart, are reunited and given a second chance at life and love.

Growing close, the three men try to forge a life and keep Hudson with them and not letting him move away, as he thought he wanted to do. However, their love and lust and the new threats in their town make them reconsider.

Secrets, spells, shifting and delicious smut are a full and robust background to an amazing story and great character development. Jonathan's writing is magical. It's descriptive and his world building is crystal clear and⁹ re⁹ally fun. The guys banter, play, love and fight---all in a whirlwind that leads to a very climactic ending and a set up for book 2. (It is not a⁰ cliffhanger!)

I am looking forward to it.

Story: 5/5 ⭐ ⭐
Characters: 5/5 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂
Spice: 4/5 🍆🍆🍆🍆
Overall fun with shifting and paranormal: 5/5 🧙🏼 🐺🚶🏼‍♂️

[Heidi H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest story from Jonathan Hawker is truly magical! There's friendship, found family, sizzling spice, mystery, murder, love, and a cat with the best name ever (and more)! The queer representation is always spectacular in any of Jonathan's books and this is no exception. The beautiful relationship between Hudson, Tyler, and Emery is so well written. These guys jump right into adventure and mayhem after years apart. This fast-paced story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! If you want a little supernatural spark in your life, get this book!

Open door spice level 5/5.

[Jericho*Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

D*mn that was a good read! Exactly what I hoped for in a paranormal MMM romance between a witty Witch, a possessive Werewolf and a love-sick human. Watching them learn to navigate their new dynamic full of love, spice (so much delicious unhinged spice), banter and emotions was amazing.
The lore was woven into the narrative seamlessly, making things easy to understand as I read along.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Banter: 😂😂😂

Also the epilogue has me wanting book 2 out right now, please and thank you!

[Tired as a Muther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to have the change to ARC this one, as I was completely intrigued the very first time I saw it!
This is a new-to-me author & Johnathan Hawker did not disappoint with my first queer paranormal romance!
Poly relationships have been high on my reading list lately and when I saw this one had a witch & a werewolf, I was sold!
I loved this story, loved all of these men! They are all so different, in their own ways, but in the end they just want to be loved and their love for one another is definitely the end game here! HEA for the win, always! And for my first actual shifter-romance/smut, the spice was perfect! 🔥
I'm super excited to see what's coming next and happy to know this won't be the end of their story.

I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this one and will be checking out more from this author! Kudos!!

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read and loved everything the author has written before and this was no exception.
I laughed so much reading this one. It was so fun to JH have the opportunity to do all the jokes.
These characters were sweet and fun and I loved seeing their dynamic. It felt very authentic. Like a true Polyam relationship being formed. The love they all shared and how protective they are of each other…swoon. And the spice, red hot!
Can’t wait to read more in this series

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book without knowing anything more than MMM and paranormal, and am so glad I did ! Hudson, Tyler and Emery are endgame and I couldn't get enough. There is suspense, magic, spice, laughs, and lots of world building, so I eagerly anticipate the next book. I love to be wrong about how I think things will get figured out in the end and I sure didn't guess this one. A terrific read!

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Things Come in 3s

Hudson, Emery, and Tyler

From the moment I started reading I was drawn in and hooked. If you enjoy paranormal romance I definitely recommend reading this. I can't wait for book two!

[ChapterObscura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and spicy read. I honestly didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. It was my first time reading a book with a shifter, and now I kind of get the hype. Definitely a pleasant surprise. 👌🏻

[Jennifer Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was awesome. I love the plot and the twist on werewolves. I also really adored the guys. They were total sweethearts.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me in from the first page and wouldn’t let me go!

RTC

[audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO FUCJING GOOD OH MY GOD

[BookGeek1987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brand new author to me and I’m super glad I tried them. I loved this book - I’m a huge paranormal fan and the blurb ticked a lot of my boxes.

Poor Hudson fled the town he grew up in due to heartbreak over how his ex - Tyler - treated him. Now don’t worry, it was pretty clear from the get go that Tyler was forced by his super shitty Dad to break up with Hudson (and we find out the extent of it towards the end of the book) so no need to hate Tyler here.

Hudson is now the last witch of his line and inherits the ancestral magic of his house - if he wants. Now it was a nice change that he could choose this, and for plot reasons and some unwelcome history for Hudson as to his ancestors, he took his time making a decision. The ancestral history/past actions was intriguing and it was super enjoyable learning this alongside Hudson and the guys.

Emery is a werewolf but not like a cute furry one, the werewolves here are more bi-pedal 6ft beasties with more of an animalistic nature. If you’re into partially shifted sex then there’s an excellent scene here, really hot. Emery has always loved Hudson and was devastated when he left and blames Tyler - they work it out but there’s some initial animosity there.

Tyler has great emotional growth, trapped under his Dad’s thumb and feeling insecure at just being a Human around Hudson & Emery, he works through that and you see him become his own person.

The plot twist at the end really threw me, it was brilliantly done and I love it when I’m so engrossed in a book that I just have to know what’s coming next. Absolutely loved it. All the shitty people - AKA Tyler’s Dad - got their comeuppance and our guys got their HEA. Perfect!

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even before I received the ARC copy of this book, everything about it stood out. The cover, the title, the teasers with all the wonderful graphics – they were all a massive hint to how addictive it would be, and they didn't lie. I loved it!
 
Bad Things Come in 3s has big personality. The characters are bold, bright, and lovable, and make an instant impression. The world building is top notch with a solid storyline with action and twists that make the book even more enjoyable.
 
Hudson, Tyler and Emery are three thirds of a whole and have a genuine connection between them. I can’t imagine two of them together without the other.
 
I’ll be honest though, while I adored all three of these guys, I do have a mahoosive crush on Emery. I could literally stare at him all day and just admire how lush he is, even without his werewolf side. He’s the most loyal, protective knight you could wish for. I loved both how true his heart is and how dirty his words can be – the perfect combination! *sigh* Oh, how thrilled I was when Hudson and Emery FINALLY share their first kiss…
 
I loved that I could lose myself in these pages – and okay, yes, drool over Emery – and it didn’t feel too heavy. I had lots of fun reading it. But don’t take that to mean that there wasn’t plenty of emotion because there definitely was. These three have plenty of hurt and regret to get over before they can truly fall and trust, but they heal together. 
 
There’s humour – expect some first-rate banter, including some of the best OTT pet names – and some serious sexy times with these three gorgeous men. (Yes, including some shifted fun times, enjoy! – though you can cover your eyes for those bits if that’s not your thing.) 
 
I loved that this book was a bit different. It had an energy that grips you tightly and doesn’t let you go even after putting it down. It feels like these characters have now taken up permanent residence in my brain, and hopefully we’ll get to see them again very soon… That teaser had me itching for the next book.

---

I received an ARC copy of this book by the author and this is my honest review.

---

Some of my favourite quotes

“I’m here, Hudson. Whatever you need. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” 

“I can’t... I can’t be everything to him that I want to, I know that, but... I’d rather him stay and be happy with you than leave and never get to see him smile again.”  

“The only reason... I ever wanted to be human again had nothing to do with being a wolf, Hudson.” 

“That’s everything I want to be to you, baby boy. To protect you. Revere you. Forever.”

“Whatever this is... I want it. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.” 

“Bonded to you or not, Hudson Garland, I’m still your wolf. Your knight and your protector, you understand me?” 

“You’re more to me than just a way to be with Hudson, Ty. I hope you know that.”

“Can’t a guy cast an accidental sex spell without growing two of the hottest tumors mankind has ever known?” 

“You are not a monster. You... are the most beautiful thing in all of existence. If you’re a monster, then so are the rest of us.” 

“I don’t know, firesnout. Never seen a pretty red coat like that before.” “You’ve seen five werewolves in total, sweetcheeks, and I’m the only one that’s been fully shifted.” 

“You don’t have to be a paranorm to be ours.”

“I’d bear any curse for you, Hudson Garland.” 

“Every family has its messes, Hudson. Yours... is far more beautiful than most.” 

They say bad things come in threes... Turns out, yeah— We do. 

[Feral Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC, finished it and just sat there for a bit, letting it settle. Smiling. Already missing them.

Hudson, Emery, and Tyler have not left my brain for a single second since I turned that last page. They feel inevitable in that way that makes your chest ache. Messy history. Lingering looks. Regret that never really died. And underneath all of it, this relentless pull toward each other that refuses to be ignored.

Hudson feels sharp on the outside and fragile underneath. His grief is heavy, his magic even heavier, and watching him try to carry both without collapsing gutted me. Emery loves like it’s a promise he made long before anyone asked him to. Steady. Devoted. Fierce in the quietest way. And Tyler… Tyler hurt me. His love is complicated and stubborn and brave. The way he has to reckon with who he was and who he wants to be felt painfully real.

What hit the hardest for me is that no one fades here. This is not a couple with a bonus third. If you remove one of them, the entire structure falls apart. Every dynamic matters. Every connection has weight. The history between Hudson and Tyler hums with regret. The tension between Hudson and Emery is soft and electric at the same time. And watching Tyler and Emery build something genuine instead of competitive? That mattered.

The emotional undercurrent surprised me in the best way. Yes, it’s paranormal. Yes, there’s magic and danger and twists that genuinely made me gasp. But the heart of this story is about choosing each other when it would be easier not to. It’s about broken people deciding to stay. That’s what stayed with me long after I closed the book.

And the writing? It moves. It feels alive. The banter lands. The intensity builds without dragging. I kept telling myself I would stop at the next chapter and then suddenly it was 2am and I was whispering “oh my god” into the dark.

The heat is very real. Filthy. Emotional. Intimate in a way that feels earned instead of thrown in for shock value. It deepens the bond instead of distracting from it, which I appreciated more than I can say.

The worldbuilding never overwhelms the romance, but it also never feels like a backdrop. The stakes rise. The tension builds. And when the twist hit? I genuinely did not see it coming. I love being wrong in the best way.

That ending left me hungry. Not unsatisfied. Just very aware that I am not done with these three.
I read this as an ARC, and this is my honest, slightly sleep deprived opinion. I would absolutely ruin my sleep schedule for them again.

If you love paranormal romance with real emotional depth, a true poly dynamic, and characters who feel like they’ve taken up permanent residence in your head, pick this up today!!

[Just A Girl And Her Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Yes they say bad things come in 3s, however with this book I’d say GREAT things come in 3s. And I’m not just talking about Hudson, Emery, and Tyler. I’m talking about how I was entertained throughout the entire book, I was always on my toes wondering what was going to happen next and what was really going on with Hudson and his ancestors. I had moments where I laughed out loud, was in shock, gasped, blushed, questioned everything, and even had my heartbroken. Then there’s the connection between the three MCs which goes far beyond just loving each other, it’s like their souls are bound together. The way they were so in tune with each other no matter what was going on around them. The cherry on top? The spice. I mean werewolf shifting sex … new kink unlocked. Now that might not be new to some of you, but this book definitely had me stepping out of my comfort zone.

Each of the MCs are so different from one another I’m not even sure I could pick a favourite. Emery with his devotion to Hudson was so sweet and yet his connection to Tyler was almost bewildering. To go from hating each other to … well I’ll let you read the book to find out. Then there’s Tyler who did everything he could to please his dad only to end up hurting himself and Hudson and still being a disappointment. But when push came to shove he knew where he truly belonged even if he second guessed himself being the only human in the relationship. Finally we have Hudson, the boy who truly didn’t know where he belonged or what was the right thing to do, but having Emery and Tyler by his side never giving up on him made him see what being home really means.

This book really was a fun ride with a couple twists and turns I was not expecting. I would 100% recommend if you’re into paranormal romances, witches, werewolves, polyamory, some suspense, action, and just an all around good time. It’s the perfect balance of plot, fun, character depth, and learning to unapologetically be yourself. I will now anxiously be waiting for book 2.

[C.M. Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, scary, and occasionally silly, Bad Things Come in 3s is an infinitely readable MMM paranormal romance from the author of The Once and Future Kings series, Jonathan Hawker.

One of the things I loved about this book was that the romance plot and the events-driven plot are woven together so well that you never get bored with one and want to skip to the other. Both aspects of the narrative are cleverly crafted and keep you intrigued. The dialogue flows well, feeling like real people are speaking and the detailed description is presented so well that even my hypophantasic mind can follow it.

I also really enjoyed the innovative writing style. Rather than obey archaic unwritten rules about narrative voice and chapter structure, Hawker shapes these in such a unique way that enhances the enjoyment of the story. The three MCs felt whole and real to me; their flaws were notably not ignored or glossed over, but embraced as part of the humanity of their characters.

Hawker ingeniously plays with the constructs of horror and fantasy media, often referentially, to create something truly novel within the genre. I felt like I was being included in a series of very clever in-jokes about 90s and 00s pop culture which truly enriched my reading experience. Conversely, the peppering of such references is done subtly enough, that if you wouldn’t understand them, you won’t even notice they were there. Importantly, this allows people not to feel overwhelmed or inundated by frequent cultural references they might not understand as is often the case in contemporary horror and fantasy.

If you enjoy immersive world-building, sexy magical beings, witty banter and loving relationships, Bad Things Come in 3s is for you.

I feel it’s important to point out that the incredibly talented Jonathan Hawker is also an amazing artist and created the gorgeous artwork for the cover of Bad Things Come in 3s.

[FluffyRN · Rating 5 out of 5]

16/250

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ARC Review

Bad Things Come in 3s by Jonathan Hawker

Before MM books, I would only read fantasy/supernatural books with a bad ass FMC. When I jumped into MM in 2024, I was done with fantasy, and started reading contemporary. Since then, I have read only 1 fantasy book. So in September 2025, when I stumbled onto Jonathan Hawker’s IG and saw the tropes for Bad Things Come in 3s, I signed up for this ARC at lightning speed because...

These. Tropes.👀
These alone convinced me that this was a book I had to read 🙌🏽

- Bratty Witch
- Jock Mortal
- Golden Retriever Werewolf
- Jockstrap
- Shifted Sex 🫠
- Double Penetration
- Knotting
- Childhood friends to Lovers
- Second Chance
- Voyeurism
- Exhibitionism
- Blood Magic
- Biting
- Rimming
- Axillism
- Paranormal World
- Hurt/Comfort
- Vehicular Wolf-Man Slaughter
- Abhorrent Pet Names

Now let me tell you a little about this book...

The world-building? Next level.
The spice? Holy hell. 🔥
Hudson, Tyler & Emery? I was a gonner, attached to these 3 right from the beginning. You just know that something is going to explode between them. And explode it did! Chapter 5 will live rent free in my head for a very long time! 🥵

And that was just the first 5 chapters!!! Rarely has a book captured me that quickly and not let go. I loved every second I read this story. There were surprises, twists, I gasped, cried, and I absolutely needed a fan to cool off. 🔥

That's all I can say without writing a novel and giving everything away!

I need more stories in this world, more magic, more Werewolf chaos, more Hudson/Emery/Tyler, because I am not done with these 3.

Basically, 10/10 would let it ruin my sleep schedule again.

Drops February 13th 2026

Thank you Jonathan Hawker for this ARC! Best decision 3 months ago Fluffy ever made 🙌🏽

Started: January 25th, 2026
Finished: February 1st, 2026
Format: Kindle

[Janimerinska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story destroyed me in the best way possible!
This MMM paranormal romance is incredibly well written.

Hudson&Emery&Tyler are simply unforgettable characters. The story is a roller coaster ride. And it's funny, it's touching, it's sexy as hell.
And it's so much more.
Their connection now, in relation to the past, it's all very moving.
My God, and I got completely immersed in it.
It's hard to say which of them is my favorite.

Hudson is the sun, of course.
And a witch. And he has his magical moments, and right now he's not having it easy.
And it's so hard to forgive bad things from the past.

Tyler, the mortal, has to try hard to get Hudson to forgive him.
Tyler has to show a lot of courage. And it will hurt a lot. He will have to face himself, his shadows.

Emery. Oh yeah, it seems that maybe HE is the star of this book after all. So incredibly devoted, and loving, and protective, and sexy in that breathtaking way. He's a werewolf, so believe me, it's a really sexy thing.

So when these three, they put it together, sparks fly and it's really fiery. And perfect. And I can't tell you everything, really.
That's the secret of this book.

The book is funny and steamy.
BUT it's also so much more. This book has a deep undertone. You ask yourself all sorts of questions. And they're important things.
About the world we live in. About people, about who they really are. About whether, in the end, witches, werewolves, and other beings who are not of this world are actually better than people.

So in the end, it's a story for everyone..For those who love hot stories. For those who love a great story. For those who want to have fun. And for those who want to think.
I love this book!
Highly recommend!

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s only gone and done it again! I honestly don’t think Mr Hawker knows how to write, not only a bad book, but characters that don’t bury their way into your heart!

Bad Things Come in 3s is a fast paced, high energy MMM paranormal romance with enough twists and turns to make your bloody head spin.

You will absolutely fall in love with a witch, a werewolf and a loveable human. Who may I add, are the cutest, sweetest, funniest, SPICIEST book boys I have ever read about!
I could write paragraphs on how much I adore these boys, but here’s a teeeeeny, tiny breakdown. Let’s start with Hudson, our witchy, self proclaimed twink with way too much on his badass little shoulders. Emery, our big bad (not really) werewolf who will protect his boys at all costs. And last but no means least, Tyler, our sweet, loveable human boy with major daddy issues!
These boys have well and truly carved their way into my cold black heart, taking up 3 little seats right next to Aaron and Morgan (IYKYK)

MMM is not normally my thing, I always worry that I’m going to connect and root for 2 out of the 3 and resent the little leftover but once again, Jonathan Hawker secured his place as one of my all time favourite authors. His books are a wonderful mix of magical, high energy antics with a healthy dose of loveable characters with the sweetest love stories!

I guarantee, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry! You’ll have a great time!!

Read if you can -
Awakening in Sapphire (Book 1)
Veiled in Argent (Book 2)
Between Once and Forever (Short stories)

Great work again Johnny boy! Congratulations on another awesome read!

***ARC***