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Could be a Crowd

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Nicolas has worked with Pierce almost his whole life, and they've come far together, currently Co-CEOs of one of the largest companies in the United States. As they keep on heading toward bigger and better dreams, only one fear casts a shadow over Pierce falling in love.Nicolas tells himself it's for the company, for their shared goals and dreams. He can't let Pierce get sidetracked, so he does his best to make sure it never happens—including keeping all the cute interns well away. Then Lynn shows up, attractive, eager, practically perfect.But it's not Pierce that Nicolas should be worrying about this time.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2015

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About the author

C.J. Munoz

4 books2 followers
C.J. is an author that spends too much time not writing. She mostly plays video games, annoys her girlfriend, and harasses her children (aka her cats). If you want to leave a message you should definitely do it, it'll make her day. You can also go chat with her on cjhere.tumblr.com

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
September 26, 2015
2/2.5 Stars for this contemporary M/M/M menage romance.

Nicolas is the co-CEO of a robotics company with his long-time friend (and long time crush) Pierce. As Nicolas is in charge of assigning interns, he selects the beautiful Lynn (who is an 18 y/o boy preparing for college) for himself and assigns an eager girl to Pierce, much to Pierce's dismay.

In Nicolas' mind, Pierce falls in love too easily and then loses his mind and can't focus on work. It's one of the many things that irritate Nicolas. He's an easily irritated man. I suppose that could be because he's not had sex in seven years. For unknown reasons.

Lynn is an excitable little puppy, and fawns all over Nicolas. He's equally intrigued by Pierce, but Nicolas has interfered--making Lynn believe that Pierce would only use him and cast him aside. Because Nicolas is an excellent best friend to Pierce.

I honestly had a bunch of issues with the voice of this book. Pierce is 30, Nicolas is 27 and Lynn is 18, yet they all sound a bit like children. I had a hard time believing Pierce could be a genius inventor, partly because Nicolas is always talking about how dumb he is, and frankly, Pierce acts immature.

Lynn likes both Pierce and Nicolas--he's a kid and an intern and these guys are his heroes. Professionally. Nicolas holds off on his attraction for Lynn for several weeks. Pierce wants Lynn and chases him almost from the outset. It has the potential to be creepy, and I wonder if some readers will find it so. Still, the menage comes about, eventually.

Again, I found some of the dialogue to be very immature for the characters. I honestly did not like Nicolas at all. He was a judgmental guy, and quick to anger. Both Lynn and Pierce were constantly deferring to him, which was okay, as he was also the only one with even a modicum of common sense, IMHO.

The sexytimes are okay. They got better as it went on. I never really connected with these guys, which made it hard for me to get invested in their plight. Nicolas' abrasiveness was never endearing. And Lynn and Pierce are flighty, to me. I normally really enjoy menage stories, but this one left me listless.

Also, there is a definite Britishness to the story, yet it was supposedly set in Somewhere Midwest, USA. As I live in somewhere Midwest, USA, I was continually struck by the Briticisms in the writing. Common cliche do not translate...just sayin'.

I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jyanx.
Author 3 books110 followers
October 13, 2015
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly liked this book more than I expected to. I really liked Nicholas, and I could relate to his fears and anxieties. I liked that he could be more than a bit of an ass, and his sense of humor really worked for me. I found the reasons why he and Pierce never connected to be honest, and believable. I think Lynn was the biggest surprise, and I loved that he was so much more than he first appeared to me. I liked the balance between the three of them, and how much each of them brought to and got from the relationship. I liked their banter, and the sex was smoking hot. An excellent balance of sweet, fun, and sexy. I look forward to reading more from this author.

PS - Robots are creepy. Super creepy!
Profile Image for Cookie Moretti.
Author 9 books178 followers
November 7, 2015
"Could Be A Crowd" by C.J Munoz (MMM)


****4 STARS****

A Copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.


Okay, I actually liked this story. It didn't have much of a plot or any action, but it kept me entertained with the main characters banter, self doubts and romance. It's in third person, but the main focus of the story is Nicholas, who runs a popular AI company with his long time best friend, Pierce.

I liked Nicholas. His doubts and fears were spot on to me, Even his denial of his true feelings for Pierce, who happened to be a manslut, always hitting on the pretty male employees. To me, his emotions were realistic and sad. Not that he wallows in self pity. Nick has a take charge, no-nonsense attitude. He kept all the pretty male employees away from Pierce in the guise of wanting no distraction for Pierce when in truth, he's in love with the guy and can't stand all the sleeping around.

Well, Lynn, a 19 year old new employee in training shows up and Nick is all sorts of confused. He's attracted to both Lynn and Pierce. And of course they end up in a threesome, which was great. I liked their dynamics. All 3 of them really fit well with one another. Even though Lynn was the youngest, he didn't act like a spoiled brat or took advantage of Nick's and Pierce's wealth. He wanted to make his own way.

Pierce...I felt less connection with him, but I can see that he completed the puzzle. Apparently he was only hitting on guys in front of Nick all these years to get a reaction. He was in love with Nick too. Childish, but sweet.

I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 just because I felt like there should have been a little more drama and plot. Everything was cleared way to easily. Unless there's gonna be a second book, which I hope there will be. I'd read it.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,650 reviews
November 11, 2015
Note: This ARC was provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Could be a Crowd is a novella from author C.J. Munoz and is about Nicolas, a man who makes it a point to not allowing any sort of distractions get in the way of progress and development in the company he co-founded with his best friend Pierce. When that distraction comes in the form of Lynn, it's Nicolas who ends up distracted, and his friendship with Pierce could be headed for trouble.

I have to be honest here...I found all three characters annoyingly immature. Nicolas and Pierce were in their late twenties and while Nicolas is about to start college, at that age, you pretty much know that hitting on the guy you're interning for is a no-no. For two best friends, Nicolas and Pierce lacked communication, and Nicolas seemed to always think the worst about Pierce.

Then there was the whole transition into a threesome relationship. It just felt as if Nicolas--who was somewhat of a worrywart--didn't spend as much time as I would have expected from someone with his personality considering entering a polyamorous relationship with both Lynn and Pierce. There was a bit of chemistry but I wanted their falling for one another to be more believable than it was. I'm giving Could be a Crowd two stars. ♥
Profile Image for Dionne.
Author 1 book15 followers
September 25, 2015
I received an advance reading copy from Net Galley for an honest review.

Nicolas has been friends with Pierce for years; they even are co-CEOs together in a business that Pierce started himself. Their business lives and friendship are nearly perfect, with just one little glitch. Nicolas is afraid of Pierce falling in love. He tells himself that it is because Pierce loses focus when he is in love with someone but Nicolas is forced to look at his motives a little closer when Lynn comes to work as an intern at their company. Nicolas goes out of his way to make sure that cute, blonde Lynn is nowhere near Pierce (and consequently stays close to Nicholas) but Pierce takes Lynn as a challenge and Nicolas is going to have to face some hard truths about himself.

I really loved sweet and eager Lynn and even the cool, slightly complicated Nicolas but I had a harder time warming up to Pierce, who flirts with anyone in his path and sees Lynn's lack of immediately falling at his feet as a challenge. I found Pierce very immature at first, though he managed to slightly redeem himself towards the end of the book. The end of the book had a happy, satisfying ending that made the entire read well worth it.
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
November 12, 2015
Nicholas and Pierce have been friends and work partners for years. Nicholas has yearned for Pierce forever, but Pierce is forever falling for the latest new thing at the office. This time Nicholas vows to thwart the threat by occupying the new intern Lynn’s time for himself.

As it turns out, Lynn is interested in Nicholas too. At first it seems like this is where things are headed but Nicholas still pines for Pierce. Since Lynn is 18 and, really, anything goes, they all agree to try something out as a threesome.

**

This story seemed so cute at times, then would lose its focus. It wanted to be funny and snarky and at times was. (Nicholas is a grumpy brat and he has some funny dialog moments.) I never quite understood the jump from the two men to three and it really never coalesced into a relationship for me. The guys act so juvenile most of the time that it’s really awkward. Nicholas is embarrassed and calls them “perverts” for wanting a threesome. Lynn is shocked and appalled at being thought “gay” by his male partners when he is adamantly “bi” and then throw in the whole “we want to make life easy for you Lynn so work for us and don’t go to school” thing just didn’t fit the rest of the story.

So… though I liked the premise, and found some fun with the MCs and the three-way sex, overall I didn’t really “get” this and found the HFN pretty unsatisfying.

I haven’t read this author before and I will definitely give CJ Munoz another try, but this book just wasn’t for me.

2.5 of 5 stars
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,255 reviews525 followers
November 11, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars


Okay, this is one of those books that has me absolutely on the fence. See, the premise totally works, and there are moments of good execution in the story. But there were times when the story felt flat and the characters were uninteresting. So the good was really good, but the not so good left me feeling cold and dissatisfied.

Basically, the author did a great job giving us three distinct characters. Nicolas is our narrator, and he very quickly lets us know that he’s the one in control, the responsible one. Without him, the company would be doing poorly. I liked Nicolas from the start, with his grumpy attitude and his slight social awkwardness. He was a good narrator, and the story was happening to him. Pierce is a playful genius, who apparently can come up with brilliant ideas as long as he has Nicolas to rein him in and help him perfect things. And Lynn is sweet and earnest, hardworking, and intelligent in his own right. These seemed to work well together, and it made sense that they would gravitate to each other. So the fact that the characters were genuinely likable, combined with the fact that the scene at the zoo actually made me laugh out loud, was enough to push my estimation of this book up.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews53 followers
November 30, 2015
description

“He was so intense and focused, like Nicolas was the most complicated and still most beautiful thing he had ever seen.”

4 sexy stars! Such a hot little book. A lot better than I thought it was going to be. A definite pleasant surprise.

Nicolas has had a crush on Pierce, his friend and co-worker. for a long time. But he never acts on it. And while Nicolas pines for Pierce, Pierce constantly is out having one night stands and comes back the next day to tell Nicolas all day. And just when Nicolas thinks he’s ready to tell Pierce how he feels, in walks Lynn the 18 year old intern. You can guess where it goes from there.

This book was a pleasant surprise for sure. The only issue I had was the fact that the 18 year old has no issue talking about his feelings, but the older gentlemen can’t do it! The story itself was interesting and fun to read!

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for QUEERcentric Books.
296 reviews29 followers
April 13, 2016
Read by Jay Chase for QUEERcentric Books

C.J. Munoz’s Could be a Crowd is a sweet story about finding love that is right in front of you.

It is about working through one’s doubts and coming out better on the other side. It is about resisting social norms and following your heart.

Nicholas and Pierce are co-founders of a successful robotics company. They have both harbored feelings for one another for several years, but have never acted on them.

It takes a 19-year-old guy named Lynn, an intern in their company, to open their eyes. From there these three men form an interesting trio.

The characters are loveable and work well together, combining Nicholas’ reserved somewhat gruff ways with Pierce’s playful attitude, and Lynn’s seemingly boyish innocence.

These guys truly balanced each other out, creating a stable partnership.

However, the characters came across as somewhat childish, and that fact didn’t line up with what one expects from the CEO’s of a major robotics company. Although, given that this is a lighted hearted story, it was fun to watch the childish banter and interaction between the guys.

Read Jay's full review at QUEERcentric Books!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,456 reviews32 followers
November 7, 2015
I struggled with this story. Pierce and Nicholas have great chemistry and I enjoyed the simmering attraction between the two powerful men. For purportedly intelligent men, they seem to lack any emotional intelligence or communication skills. Charming at first, this grew grating by the mid point of this story.

Lynn really didn’t work for me as a third in this relationship. He is 18. Fresh out of high school. I might have believed in an intern had he been fresh out of an Ivy League college and able to contribute more fully to the company and the relationship. I struggled to see what a teenager was genuinely offering two powerful CEOs appart from a beautfiful face.

I felt this story lacked depth and development. The vaguely futuristic setting was interesting, but only ever hinted at. The relationships remained mostly sexual because they weren’t ever developed into more. The sex was hot but lacking any emotional resonance.

I feel like this book had promise it didn’t quite deliver on. I’d love to see some of the elements in this book polished and re-drafted until I’m able to fully invest in these three characters.
Profile Image for Sherry Bohrmueller.
1,249 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2015
Could be a Crowd by C.J. Munoz
M/M
3 1/2 stars


I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads for an honest review.

This book just didn't hold my interest I'm sorry to say.

I found the characters to be very immature and childish. The dialogue was totally inappropriate for a work setting between Nicholas and Lynn and then later with Pierce too.

Pierce came across immature and childish in their dialogue. He goes after anyone that flirts with him.

I found Nicolas to be a very jealous person and very annoying. Lynn on the other hand was very giddy but very smart. Lynn liked both Nicholas and Pierce so heoffers up a menage.

The book did have a nice ending. I just didn't feel any connection to the story. I'm sure other people will and will enjoy it.

685 reviews19 followers
November 17, 2015
So not what I excepted.

Three men, three very different age gaps. Only the new intern, high school graduate knows how to express his feelings. Huh.

Nicolas has had a crush on his best friend for years but instead of doing anything he just watches and broods.

Pierce, keeps having a string of one night, quick relationships that he insist on telling Nicolas all about.

Neither one has figured out the pattern on why. Until the newest interns show up and finally Nicolas takes an interest.

You can see where this is going, intern comes along and wakes everyone up to the feelings they’ve all had for years. Decide it’s real and give it a go.
I was given a copy of this exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
Profile Image for Robyn.
215 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2015
This was a quick and just ok read for me. I generally love polyamorous books, but this one just didn't quite hit the mark. I liked the characters, but they all seemed a little juvenile to me. Nicolas and Pierce run a large company and bring in interns. Nicolas keeps a certain intern away from Pierce, but ends up liking him instead. Nicolas also wants Pierce and Pierce wants Lynn the intern. Instantaneous romance between the three is decided. Just didn't seem very plausible. Only took me a few hours to read, so I'm not too upset. Just wished I liked it better. The potential is there.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Khloe Kowalski.
56 reviews
February 10, 2016
2.75 stars

I was excited for this for the poly relationship and it didn't live up, and I think that's why my rating is so low. The chemistry between the characters could have been much better, in my opinion. Still a nice read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews