Heartless

by Robin Knight

Sometimes love is a three-piece puzzle.

ASHTON

If money makes the world go round, then the real estate market in New York is the engine that keeps the planet spinning. As one of Manhattan’s elite realty agents, it’s my job to wine, dine and do whatever it takes to close the deal. Yes sir, I act the part and look the part. Designer suit… immaculate. Hair… precision. Body… perfection. Well, maybe not quite, but I’m not about to let anyone know the flaw in this outwardly flawless power single.

So when my secret chink-in-the-armor begins to show, I’ll do whatever I need to protect myself, especially when it comes to putting Jax Lockhart — the newest, slickest, sexiest agent at Vanquest Realty — in his place. With the help of my assistant Bailey, I’ll do what it takes to bring Jax down. The last thing I was ever expecting was to fall for the enemy… and my assistant Bailey too!

BAILEY

Without any possible rhyme or reason, I’ve been in love with my boss Ashton since the day I started working for him. I have no idea what this irresistible attraction is, especially when he’s the total opposite of me! He’s filthy rich and handsome beyond words, possessing the kind of confidence, ambition and uber-success that I could never match… or even want to match. That’s okay, I have no problems pining over him from afar while I live my quiet little life, looking after my Grammy and scraping together enough to pay the bills.

But then one day Jax Lockhart walks into the offices of Vanquest Realty… the very same Jax Lockhart I’d fallen head over heels in love with at the orphanage where we’d both grown up. Now what was I to do? Continue dreaming about the boss I could never have? Or rekindle the flame that two kids shared a lifetime ago? I’m tempted to keep both of my secret crushes a secret… until I find out that both Ashton and Jax each have secrets of their own.

HEARTLESS is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort standalone 50k MMM romance, with steam, swoon and secrets galore.

Genres: M M Romance, M M M, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, Menage, Contemporary Romance, Threesome

204 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2023

About the author

aka Geoffrey Knight

Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.

The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures and falling in love.

Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.

Reviews

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I think this story broke me. This is a story that will stick with you.

I was hooked from the start and needed to know more and see (arsehole) Ashton be redeemed and the way Robin did this was so unique!

There is so much intrigue, magic, hope and heart in this book. Without giving anything away, the journey these characters face is compelling and while not exactly "realistic" who needs reality when escaping into the magic of romance!

This is a story you need to read. It will weave it's way into your heart and plant seeds of hope. Hope in humanity, in love and in miracles big and small.

Ashton, Bailey and Jax are soulmates and deserve to find their way to happiness. Their story has left its mark on me and while tears are still flowing as I finish this review I'm so thankful for the journey, the heartache and the hope in this story.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless
5 stars

Well, this is one of those books I will not soon forget. Three men's lives are intertwined so beautifully and heart wrenchingly that you won't know how to feel once finished. The relationships are so raw and encompassing that these men were meant to change and better the other in ways none truly understand til it all comes to head and you will be left crying and smiling for their love all at the same time. Truly masterful, I cannot recommend enough for when you need a book to let all the emotions soar.

[RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story. Although initially I quite disliked both Ashton and Bailey, over the course of the story they redeemed themselves – only because of Jax though! The story has some very moving moments, though there were a couple of abrupt changes of attitude which surprised me (possibly if the story were longer that would have been smoothed out). One of the secrets is heart-breaking, and yet that person is happy. I have to hold on to that thought, because the ending is bittersweet. I prefer to shed my tears in the middle of the book not near the end! In the end, I loved all these characters, they made a great MMM combo and I wanted the best for them.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is a voluntary review.

[Erica Chilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

Robin Knight is a new-to-me author & I'm unsure if we're a good fit. I enjoy MM, especially a good poly romance, so that is not the issue.

From the first paragraph, I struggled with the writing style, author voice, & the characters themselves. Ashton & his insufferable brand-dropping (name-dropping but instead it's expensive clothing & jewelry brands) I get how this was to set the stage for his characterization, but I nope-out when it comes to over-description. Every item on his body was described, brand and cut. But then there was random scenery purple prose that didn't fit Ashton mooning over himself.

So I didn't like workaholic-slash-brand clothes horse Ashton. Then there was Bailey, who was basically a doormat. Add in Jax, & all three were equally insufferable for various reasons.

The characters weren't my cup of tea, so their romance & journey weren't either. I struggled but continued on to finish since it was a shorter novel. It just felt forced, & the random purple prose pulled me from the story every time.

Honestly, it just felt like Ashton was having a love affair with his clothes, no matter who was wearing them.

[Sasha Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just wrapped up 'Heartless', a captivating MMM romance! At first, Ashton didn't really get my vote, but hey, he won me over as the tale unfolded. There were some sudden shifts that could've been ironed out if the book was a tad longer. But boy oh boy, it had its share of heart-tugging moments that got me all teary-eyed. The real MVP of this triad is Jax - absolutely loved him! The read was a delightful mix of fun, eccentricity and sizzle. It's my first time diving into this author's work and I'm pretty stoked to explore more of her books.

Got this book for free from Gay Romance Reviews and thought I'd drop an honest review.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the ending! Not at all what I expected. I wondered a little but the reality was spectacular! This book is truly a love story that you’ll remember. Superb story with excellent characters. I loved this book. Well done to this author. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Sally halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this I like a twist at the end of a story.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey + Ashton + Jax = ❤️

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I did not see this book coming but I am so glad it did.

This was so much more than a m/m/m romance, it touches you in a way that will make you think about life differently and it will most definitely make you cry. I will be very vague in this review because there is an epic twist in this story that played out incredible. To say that I was surprised is an understatement. I actually gasped out loud, then I wept with and for these characters. I felt every emotion and then some for these three men, then it clicked and everything in this story made sense, it felt right ❤️ and whole. This read was fun, it was quirky, it was sexy and it was meaningful. This was my first read from this author and I have to say that after reading this story, I am an instant fan. I would wholeheartedly recommend this read it was beautiful.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Fayth Sands evjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, boy what a twist at the end. I'll have to do a reread of this one when I get over my book hangover.

[Heather Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless by Robin Knight is a book that makes you feel what the characters are feeling. This was my first book by this author and I can honestly say it won't be my last. It took me a minute to really get into the story but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and the storyline was interesting and heartfelt. It was very evident the author had a love for these characters and just wanted to tell their stories.

Ashton is a very unlikeable jerk of a character in the first half of the book. Once his backstory and the history with his father was explained, it made sense why he behaved the way he did. Jax and Bailey came from the same background of living in an orphanage, that is until Bailey got adopted and Jax had to stay. Jax's life after Bailey left the orphanage was much rougher and unstable. When more and more details of Jax's past were revealed, it left me in tears. I could feel the emotions and love these men had for each other as the biggest revelation they could possibly experience happens. The happily ever after in this book is very different from any other, but no less beautiful.

I would highly recommend this book to any reader that is looking for something different in a romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received this book as an advanced copy from GRR.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out our full post for HEARTLESS on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I found this to be one of those books where the first introduction to the characters makes one wonder what redeeming features can be found... only to blow away all the preconceptions!

I enjoy working out the dynamics in a trio, but this blows all conventions out of the window – and provides plenty of opportunities for the reader to revel in the chemistry between all three of them. As there are also some pretty emotionally intense moments, you might want to think about reading this where you can both fan yourself to cool down, but also possibly reach for a tissue.

A quick, but satisfying read, thank you, Robin Knight!


Erica – ☆☆☆
Robin Knight is a new-to-me author and I'm unsure if we're a good fit. I enjoy MM, especially a good poly romance, so that is not the issue.

From the first paragraph, I struggled with the writing style, author voice, and the characters themselves. Ashton and his insufferable brand-dropping (name-dropping but instead it's expensive clothing and jewelry brands). I get how this was to set the stage for his characterization, but I nope-out when it comes to over-description. Every item on his body was described, brand and cut. But then there was random scenery purple prose that didn't fit Ashton mooning over himself.

So I didn't like workaholic-slash-brand clothes horse Ashton. Then there was Bailey, who was basically a doormat. Add in Jax, and all three were equally insufferable for various reasons.

The characters weren't my cup of tea, so their romance and journey weren't either. I struggled but continued on to finish since it was a shorter novel. It just felt forced, and the random purple prose pulled me from the story every time.

Honestly, it just felt like Ashton was having a love affair with his clothes, no matter who was wearing them.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm not sure if I'd read more of their work. I didn't like the writing style. I felt the story was being told to me and overdetailed at times. I didn't connect with any of the characters until the book was almost over and it wasn't that long of a book. Ashton was just a douche. Bailey was a doormat, and then Jax seemed too good to be true. The whole last part of the book was so over the top unrealistic. The whole ‘let's buy the orphanage’ (how will you do anything if you spend literally every single dime you have to buy it), the punch, what happens after the punch, and then finally, the twist with Jax. What the ?!*$ was that? Total bullcrap. It was a miss for me.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time with books when I don’t like the MCs. It was pretty clear that Ashton was supposed to come across as a spoiled workaholic so there’d be room for growth, but it felt like this went on for a really long time, and adding in sex as a manipulation and deal closer just made him even less likeable to me. It was hard to pin down Jax, who I mostly found inexplicable; but he too uses sex to manipulate Bailey when he doesn’t want to answer questions. Bailey is meek and mild most of the time (and not treated very well by Ashton). He’s generally kind and thoughtful, and I like him best, even though I wanted better for him. But even he wishes that he could pick up drunk Ashton because then maybe something might happen between them, and when Ashton is high off his head on hospital meds and coming on to Bailey, Bailey doesn’t consider saying no because actual consent is important. (He says no for other reasons, but never once does it cross his mind that this would be taking advantage of someone whose consent is impaired.) All of that made me really uncomfortable, but these are my hang-ups about sex and consent, and I’m sure others could read it very differently.

I fully embrace the idea of figuring out what is important in life. Ashton’s life at the beginning definitely doesn’t appeal to me at all, but it’s what he’s used to, and he seems to like it. I guess we’re supposed to see that it was all his meaningless attempt to prove himself, but going from that lifestyle to his new one is very extreme, and there’s no discussion or suggestion he might need to adjust or get ready for this change. (I’m also really unclear on the mechanics of this final decision. The way I understood it, every penny went to the land. What money is being used to run everything?)

Silly pet peeves: Pouring multiple full tumblers of whisky and gulping those down like they’re nothing. A rundown orphanage barely hanging on … and yet keeping immaculate records of the orphans not just while they’re there but continuing to record events after they left. I’m just not buying it. And can you hit someone hard enough to stop their heart? Especially when you were planning to hit a child, someone else gets in the way and ducks and then you hit the person behind them? With literal heart-stopping force??

When Ashton, Bailey, and Jax were actually working together for a common cause, I enjoyed it. Trying to be better and different is hard, and I admire them for working on that. I feel like we got told that told that they cared for one another but didn’t have much opportunity to see feelings actually grow. I think I brought a lot of real world expectations to the book but found it had a bit of a “fairy tale” feel that kept confusing me … until I got to the end, and then everything made a lot more sense—but I’d spent most of the book reading it like it was something else. I liked the symbolism of the wings. I always want the MCs to be happy, and I do feel like the end is a much better life than the ones they started with. I love that we get to this point where they want to help others and make a real difference.

I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left gobsmacked (punch in the gut) and with tears after finishing this story! I was not expecting the twist at the end and I am still reeling from the impact while writing this review! I did not think Robin Knight could write anything so GOOD after the ending of the Fathom Five’s series which I hold so dear to my heart! I was proven wrong with this one. I have such admiration for Robin with his writing style and how he pulls me into the scene! Definitely gay hallmark worthy of a tv movie or movie (if one needs to throw in the hot scenes). Also imagine “The Devil wears Brioni in the Real Estate Scene”. The M/M/M trope is one of my favorite trope and this one had it which made it wonderful! However, I’ll say this…one MC certainly made me want to swatch the back of his head for his attitude/behavior while the other 2 MCs are just so endearing!!!! This book definitely deserves more than the allocated 5 stars from me!

The story focuses on Ashton, one of the top real estate agent in Manhattan who is swoony worth but has to win at all cost, due to his past. He has an assistant named Bailey who he likes to use, belittle, and run ragged to get what he wanted. That day, Ashton was on way to work when he nearly collided with the city bus and was taken to the hospital.

Bailey is the sweet assistant with a past and he has been pining after Ashton despite the mean actions he would receive. That day, it was Ashton’s birthday and Bailey’s grandmother made a terrarium to give to Ashton. He brought it and left it on Ashton’s desk when he found out that Ashton was in an accident and headed to the hospital. Before he went to the hospital, he heard that a new guy named Jax was recently hired and the CEO wanted Ashton to take him under his wing and train him. Bailey knew Ashton wasn’t gonna take that. At the same time, Bailey wondered if Jax was the same guy he knew from his past.

Jax had started a new job and was excited. When Ashton came to the office from the hospital, he was so livid when the CEO told Ashton he’s pairing him with Jax. Jax being the laidback guy was quietly provoking Ashton and jabbing him. This got Ashton so mad that he got so lightheaded and was going crazy removing bandages off his hand. This caused some serious bleeding. Ashton fainted so Jax picked him up and told Bailey to go with him to the hospital.

At this point, some of the MCs’ past are being chipped in the process. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book and read to find out what happens and why I was crying and gobsmacked! Such a wonderful reading!!!!

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up liking this a lot!

This is the first book I’ve read by Robin Knight and I really wasn’t feeling it too much at the start. The first two-thirds or so weren’t really working for me. There were a few things that bothered me and made me suspect that this author isn’t a native US English speaker.** It was more than just that that had me doubting whether this book was going to work for me but I am SO glad that I kept reading.

Things totally turned around for me at about 63%. I can’t say why it turned around because it would totally spoil the story for anyone else who hasn’t read it yet. I will say that Ashton changed from a total A-hole into a decent human being. The book is written in first person with Ashton and Bailey alternating chapters. While Jax only has one chapter from his POV he is definitely a main character in this story.

I’ll say one more thing about the book…you will need to suspend belief a bit and just go with it – it is fiction after all. I would definitely read more of this author’s writing.

**Mini rant: I’m a little sensitive to books set in the US having non-US English words in them like “leant” instead of leaned; there were a few others but I didn’t mark all of them. Don’t get me wrong most of my favorite authors aren’t native US English speakers (vs British or Australian English) and I love reading books set outside of the US where it’s perfectly natural to see non-US spelling and grammar differences. However, if you’re going to set your book in the US you should have someone read it over to look for words like leant. One more thing: I think for most people in the US the phrase “pot plant” means something pretty different than what I think the author intends in this book. 😊

A copy of this book/audiobook was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Did I like Ashton? Not at first, he had to work hard to win me over. He’s a workaholic, isn’t a nice guy, he’s ungrateful, ridiculously rich, and takes life for granted. Even when he ended up in the hospital after almost getting hit by a bus, he just can’t seem to change his lifestyle and slow down, and enjoy life.

Bailey lives a completely different life, he pays rent and his grandma’s meds, and what is left, is almost nothing. He’s Ashton’s PA and is secretly in love with him.

Ashton has to take a new guy under his wing, Jax Lockhart, he really doesn’t want to. He wants to find a way to get rid of Jax and needs Bailey’s help.
But it turns out Bailey and Jax have a history, they’ve shared some sweet moments.
Jax brings light into their lives and brings the three of them closer.

The story surprised me, and I sensed there was more to it than I initially thought. Even with some heavy moments, it had a kind and uplifting vibe, almost like a fairy tale.

Three men coming together was inevitable, and they had to make wrong things right. Their growing feelings were sweet, their encounters passionate, their pasts intertwined, their love strong.

At one point I couldn’t stop crying, my eyes kept dripping and dripping.
It was a bittersweet, wonderfully written, emotional story with three amazing, very special characters.
Dang, the tears made it hard to read.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[AshPenny37 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the premise of this story, and had a ‘what if’ moment a little over halfway through reading it that turned out to be close to the truth of one of those secrets mentioned in the blurb. We're obviously sharing opinions here, and whilst I think it's a great plot, for me, it could have been outstanding. Heartless is a relatively short novel so there's room for development in a couple of key areas that are really around character development, I guess. I think the author did too good a job of making Ashton a complete jackhole at the start of the book and I found I didn't like him at all. Even though it's clear there are layers there, it felt like his turning point or moment of clarity was like the flip of a switch and he was suddenly a different character that I didn't have time to warm to before it was all over. Bailey, on the other hand, is painfully sweet…I could have used some sass with his character to push back a bit from time to time against Ashton’s belligerence. As for Jax, he’s just a sunshiny angel - definitely my favourite of the MCs. He’s absolutely the catalyst that brings them all together.

So, whilst Heartless doesn't quite set the world on fire for me, I'm sure that it’ll work perfectly well for readers who want a quick sweet with heat quick MMM story to pass a few hours with. It's 3* from me for Bailey, Ashton and Jax.

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.

[Meg (Spicy_Chaotic_Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new to me author - I would have probably given this book a 3.5-star review if I was able to do so here. Overall - the book delivers what it promised - an MMM romance where there is a bit of mystery, some conflict, and a HEA. I wasn't disappointed in that at all. It was a nice, easy read that was enjoyable and a relatively quick read for me. But I freely admit to being a faster reader than some.

I liked Ashton, Bailey, and Jax - I thought that they were characters that while I had a bit of an issue connecting with them at times were developed and portrayed well. I did struggle a bit with the fact that this was a Dual-POV book but it was an MMM romance. Jax didn't get his own chapters so I did feel like we didn't get into his head. If it had been a three-POV book - I might have connected with him a bit more.

There were some other issues with believability in certain scenarios - to avoid spoilers I will just say there were medical things I questioned as well as some things with the orphanage that I struggled with. But we suspend disbelief all the time in books - so while they bothered me - it didn't make me stop reading or completely take me out of the book.

To summarize - Heartless was an easy read, with a few bumps in the road the three MC's get
their ending. I think that if you want a fun read, or are newer to MMM+ books - this could be what you are looking for.

I received an ARC from GRR and this was my honest review.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Heartless was a book with a difference that the author wrote. I definitely liked the second half better in this entwing story with all its characters.
Ashton, 28 years, was a top reality salesman in Manhattan until an accident happened.
Bailey was Ashton's assistant. The company expected a new employee, Jax to start working with them. Bailey and Jax had a history together from their younger years.
What happens next is a fast-mixed tale where Jax makes his presents known between them.
Jax and Ashton are team members or rivals, bringing heat to the story but theirs also Bailey in the equation. Bailey and Ashton just had a working relationship until Cyclone Jax turned up.
Enemies to lovers, second chances, fast paced, insta-connection, a huge twist ending.

Trigger warning of past and current child abuse included.

Thoughts: Okay so I had mixed feelings at the start of the book as it was too rushed, hmm I don't know what to write without giving away spoilers, so I won't, but I'll say this is not a true-to-life novel the author has written.
The ending of this book is a doozy that left me speechless with what happens, both sad and happy scenes for a HEA.
This includes dual pov's for Austin and Bailey, with a small chapter for Jax's Pov.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashton is a workaholic. He makes other workaholics look like loafers. His goal is to sell as much real estate as possible, oblivious to what it’s doing to his health. Until he must face the fact that he is killing himself. Bailey is his assistant. Knowing he doesn’t stand a chance of helping the man he might love. Then the new real estate expert Jax, turns both their worlds upside down.

This was an odd book for me. I liked it but it seemed like I had to wade through parts of it. Ashton was totally unlikeable in the beginning and it wasn’t until the last third of the book that I started to like him. Bailey was a doormat for his boss, probably because he thinks he loves him. Jax was really the only person I liked but even he was annoying at times. I guess I would say there was a bit of mystery to the book.

This was one of those books that even though it got better at the end my opinion was colored by the beginning. Please remember, this is my feelings about the book. I hope other readers will give it a chance. Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean someone else won’t adore it.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good premise

I love Robin Knight's work. My favourite has been Hotel Pens for a long time but just recently, Under An Arabian Sky took the number one spot. The best word I can think of to describe his work is quirky, and not in a bad way. Every book is totally different from the rest and this one is no exception.
I loved the premise of the story and there was a lot of interaction between them, but things were rushed and I could have happily spent more time with them if it made for a more rounded story.
When Ashton's epiphany happened eventually, he suddenly became a completely different person and it didn't ring true at all. Bailey was sweet but I wished he had a bit more of a backbone. Jax is an enigma, and you may find yourself on the fence about his behaviour. Is he an agent of good or of chaos?
I guessed the plot twist and loved it. Once you read it, or guess it, everything will fall into place. There are things that don't make much sense but just go with it and enjoy the ride.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this story thinking I knew what I was getting into. MMM? Great! I was expecting two high powered businessmen falling in love with their sweet, submissive assistant. This is NOT that story! I was not expecting the paranormal twist but I audibly gasped when I read it. Ashton is a super wealthy real estate agent to the elite. He has been conditioned by his late father to anything less that achieving at the highest level is unacceptable, even though it means damaging his transplanted heart. He is so focused on the next big deal that he doesn't realize that his assistant, Bailey is in love with him. Bailey is an orphan that was rescued from a local orphanage and adopted into a loving home. Sadly it meant leaving behind Jax, his first love. Out of the blue, Jax shows up as the new, hot shot agent eager to worm his way into Ashton and Bailey's world. Ashton knows something is not right with Jax but he has no idea how not right it is! I won't reveal any spoilers here but just be sure to have some Kleenex to go along with the last part of the book.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I have a love/hate relationship with this book! Hated Ashton for the first third of the book, absolutely loved Bailey from the very start! It’s a redemption story and went of on a tangent I wasn’t expecting.

Ashton comes across as super arrogant, really made me dislike him but actually he’s just hiding behind his false sense of importance to not face the trauma from his past. Bailey is very self aware but still unsure of his place in the world, his childhood years were hard and he’s really trying to keep a hold of a safe life for him and his grandma. Jax is a bit of an enigma and keeps that way throughout the story. They have an interesting dynamic and I wasn’t sure which way it was going to go, certainly wasn’t expecting the end result but it made sense.

This story is abit of fun and it’s an entertaining read, my first book from this author and I really liked her writing style.

[Deli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have kinda mixed feelings about this book. In the first half i was head over heals for it, but im not really sure myself, if im to be honest, how i feel about the proceedings in the second half toward the end.

Jax is definitely the driving force in the story. While Ashton and Bailey already work together and Bailey has a hidden crush on Ashton there’s always a professional distance between them.
While Jax is the one who finally pulls them together, hes although the most mysterious one.
Even though there were some small clues throughout the story, I was still surprised when it finally all came together.I don’t want to spoil anything, but i still want to say: be prepared for an ending you probably didn’t expect this way.

I was thinking long about how many stars i should give here. Since im not sure if my „problem“ is more of a personal issue i finally decided on 4 instead of 3.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

I found this to be one of those books where the first introduction to the characters makes one wonder what redeeming features can be found ... only to blow away all the preconceptions!

I enjoy working out the dynamics in a trio, but this blows all conventions out of the window - and provides plenty of opportunities for the reader to revel in the chemistry between all three of them. As there are also some pretty emotionally intense moments, you might want to think about reading this where you can both fan yourself to cool down, but also possibly reach for a tissue.

A quick, but satisfying read, thank you Robin Knight!

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashton is an extreme workaholic, selling real estate relentlessly without considering the toll on his health. His assistant, Bailey, knows he may never be able to help the man he secretly loves. Their world turns surprising when the new real estate expert, Jax, enters the picture.

While I liked it, certain parts were a challenge. I had a hard time connecting with the main characters in this book. Ashton's initial unlikable nature made it hard for me to fully engage with the story until the last third of the book. Bailey, despite being kind, was treated poorly by Ashton. The book's fairy tale quality initially confused me, but the ending clarified it.

Although the story improved towards the end, my overall impression was colored by the beginning. I appreciated the characters' growth and desire to help others.

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise with flawed execution, in which the twist becomes the story. I just found myself not connecting with the characters, unfortunately, particularly Ashton, at the beginning of the story. It wasn't until the last third of the story that I started feeling that I understood them a bit more.

I appreciated the fact that Knight was trying something a bit different here with the story, but I felt that there needed to be a bit more time fleshing out the characters in order for the story to work completely - a short novel just wasn't enough time to service them all well. As it was, I found the tale to be interesting and compelling by the end. Knight has become an author that I've become more interested in as I've read more of their work. That this one didn't quite work out completely for me, well, let's see what's next on offer....

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm not sure if I'd read more of their work. I didn't like the writing style. I felt the story was being told to me and over detailed at times. I didn't connect with any of the characters until the book was almost over and it wasn't that long of a book. Ashton was just a douche. Bailey was a doormat and then Jax seemed too good to be true. The whole last part of the book was so over the top unrealistic. The whole let's buy the orphanage (how will you do anything if you spend literally every single dime you have to buy it), the punch, what happens after the punch, and then finally the twist with Jax. What the was that? Total bullcrap. It was a miss for me.

~Angie with Wicked Reads

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found parts of this book to be intriguing and parts to be unrealistic. Overall, this one just missed the mark for me. Initially, I hated the Ashton character. Then about 2/3 of the way through the book he does a complete 180 and becomes a nice Guy. While it wasn't cool when he was an ass, it was equally uncool when he became immediately selfless without reason. Bailey is pretty much the same all the way through the book. Jax is a fraud, but we're supposed to excuse it because his heart is in the right place. I struggled with all the inconsistencies and magical acts. Overall, I might try a Knight book in the future, but I would be a little worried that muy time might not be well spent.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story. Ashton, Bailey and Jax are quite the dilemma. They shouldn't work, but they seem to fulfill a tringular need in each other. They have secrets that impact their lives and influence the superficial masks they present to the world. Ashton, had an attitude and no matter his issues, he could have kept to himself. Bailey, settles into his life trying to survive while taking care of his Gammy. Jax joins the firm and puts Ashton on his heels as new competition. Can the guys be successful at the firm? Can they find their way toward each other? Will they let each other in? Can Bailey work through his old and new crushes? Nice story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharing The Book Love (Kelli Maree PA) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of my fave authors but this was not my fave book.

I felt it was not MMM as advertised as soon as I saw the Chapter headings which kinda put me off but I did finish it - albeit I skipped a few chunks in the middle.

The descriptions of the suits for me was not all that necessary - I figured the author was trying to sell the 'richness' of the character but I am not sure this was best way.

Bailey was not just the PA but had no assertiveness at all...the thing with the terrarium for the bday present was just rude by Ashton and he just accepted it...

the ending was not what I thought it would be - not sure if they used all the $ to buy - how did they run it?