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Unlike so many of his teammates, Joel never left small-town Quinn after high school. Coach Carr offered him a full-time job on his ranch, and Joel was more than happy to stay near family. In his downtime, Joel good-naturedly competes with his best bud Oakley for the sexy local bartender's attention, but Sadie repeatedly turns down their frequent requests for dates. She doesn't want to come between the two friends...until a little too much champagne at a wedding reception leads to a sizzling encounter. In that moment, Joel and Oakley know they'll never make Sadie choose -- she can have them both.


A no-strings affair between the trio turns complicated when it becomes clear there's nothing casual about their feelings. Add in a sensual, accidental touch between Joel and Oakley, and those feelings become intense times a thousand. It's an emotional game of chance, one they may ultimately lose...but if they can reach the Red Zone, Joel, Oakley and Sadie have a chance at the biggest score of their lives.


This is a full-contact story with scenes of m/m/f sex.

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First published October 1, 2015

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463 people want to read

About the author

Mari Carr

229 books3,999 followers
Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Bree Cheese .
268 reviews22 followers
August 28, 2016
Read this book for a challenge and enjoyed it more then I thought I would. Pleasantly surprised.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
October 6, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

I do so love when author Mari Carr serves up a sexy as hell ménage and Red Zone, her latest offering in the Boys of Fall series, is pretty much perfection. Two men; best friends for a long time and ranch hands at the same ranch decide they are tired of chasing after the woman of their dreams and offer her a night she’ll never forget. A secret relationship, an unconventional love, family drama, guilt, passion, and a love they can’t deny all made Red Zone a page turner from start to finish and a book I know I’ll want to read again and again.

I loved the offbeat, snarky, and strong Sadie Milligan. Working in her father’s bad and being raised only by her Dad for most of her life Sadie isn’t the typical girl next door in small Quinn, Texas. She’s outspoken, she’s tattooed, she cusses, and she loves colorful hair. Sadie really is a breath of fresh air, but Sadie doesn’t date much, but she finds it impossible to resist Joel and his best friend, Oakley.

Three people; two very open in their sexuality and another one struggling due to his very religious upbringing made this a very intricate relationship. It was pretty fascinating watching these three people work through so many different and conflicting issues as they pursue being together in all ways.
Sadie being abandoned by her mother at a young age worries she’ll never be able to have a committed relationship and that she’ll be a bad mother and while she’s all good with some great sex she struggles with feelings and everything that comes with a relationship. Joel has the reputation of being cool, calm, collected, steady and a stand-up guy; he’s got a good reputation and has lived his life in Quinn being raised by his dedicated but strict Catholic mother. As their relationship progresses and Joel must face the fact that he has feelings for not only Sadie but Oakley as well. And Oakley…man, I love this guy! There’s no doubt Oakley lucked out by NOT having family in town, but then he also claims his parents are pretty open about things. I loved that he pushed Joel but backed off when it became evident Joel was conflicted and that he was upfront with Sadie about what he wanted for the three of them even when he knew it might scare her. Together these three were so amazingly sexy but there was also an unbelievable closeness that went beyond sexual; it was quite beautiful watching these three not only learn so much about themselves but each other as well.

I’m just going to say it, I loved these three and their journey so much and I would very much love a follow up story to see not only how their relationship has progressed, but how the tiny Texas town of Quinn reacts to their unconventional lifestyle. Explosive, entertaining and amazingly sexy you don’t want to miss Mari Carr’s Red Zone!

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
September 26, 2015
This is one sizzling hot read! Oakley and Joel have been friends forever. As different as night and day but their friendship is strong and unbreakable. Sadie is the woman they have both been lusting over for months. She repeatedly turns them both down, not wanting to choose between them. After a wedding that may have involved a bit too much champagne at the reception, the three of them have a sizzling encounter that none of them can forget. With this crazy attraction between the three of them will they have the courage to follow their hearts???

Definitely a hot read that I would recommend to everyone 18+
Profile Image for MsChris1161.
487 reviews52 followers
October 2, 2015
RED ZONE is the first book from Mari Carr I've read. I really enjoyed this sexy ménage story about Joel and Oakley, two best friends who find themselves crushing on the same woman, Sadie. Sadie has likewise been a bit smitten with both of these sexy men for a long time, but won't act on it because she can't choose between them. Even if she could she doesn't want to cause a problem in their friendship.

The trio of friends have a little too much champagne at their friend's wedding and things go a little further than expected. Oakley is all for going for it, but Joel and Sadie have reservations. Each for different reasons. Yet none of them can deny the attraction or the pleasure and decide to have a little fun... for just awhile...

Red Zone was a fun read, with well-developed and likeable characters, a great storyline, and some seriously hot sexin'. 4 stars

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
October 17, 2015
I AM IN THE ZONE, people. The swoony-book-and-panty-melting zone, that is. Because, whoa, this one is a sweet scorcher, and I loved it. All of it. (TMI—so did my husband!)

For years, Sadie has been turning down Joel and Oakley when they’ve each asked her for a date. The best friends are both interested—and interesting—but Sadie doesn’t do long term. And she’s not about to get between two friends…

Or is she? One night of drunken wedding shenanigans changes the landscape of her relationship with both men, and now neither Joel nor Oak are expecting her to choose. They want her, together.

It’s supposed to be a no-strings attached, temporary relationship, until feelings start to become too intense. Now they have to decide if they’re running for the end-zone or leaving the field all together.

*Ahem* Read this book. READ IT. If only for a kinky, sexy good time, hit that one-click button and make it yours. But if you do, be warned—you’re not just getting an OMFG-I-need-a-cold-shower-and-some-batteries book when you read Red Zone, you’re also getting a sweet but intense story about love and acceptance.

This (I wanna say couple out of habit…throuple, maybe?) grouping is amazing together. Their chemistry is, clearly, off the charts, but I loved the way they tried to make sense of what was happening between them, and then accept it. Especially Oakley and Joel. As they tried to sort out their feelings, their boundaries, their future, I was here, on the edge of my seat, waiting to talk some sense into them—all of them. Sadie, get it together. Joel, wise up. Oak, ahhhh, never mind Oak. Keep being my favorite (just don’t tell the others, okay?)

This is the first book I’ve read by Mari Carr, and is unequivocally NOT my last. I loved the way she helped to shape this small town—gah, I NEED the other books in this series which features standalone installments by two other authors—and made even the potentially unlikeable characters redeemable. I loved the way she wrote dirty, kinky, erotic scenes but didn’t skimp on the overall story. I loved the way she made Sadie a strong but flawed woman, and Joel and Oak tough alpha men with soft, golden hearts. Basically, I loved it all. And so did my husband… *wink* ~ Beth, 5 stars

~~~

Whoa, I need to put my house on the market and move to Quinn, Texas, to find a couple of hot and sexy cowboys like Joel and Oakley.

Joel and Oakley are best friends who work and live together on the ranch owned by Coach Carr, the town’s beloved high school football coach. Neither Joel nor Oakley have any desire to leave their small town for greener pastures. They're perfectly happy spending their downtime near their family and friends, vying for the attention of one gorgeous barkeep—Sadie.

Sadie has been eschewing Joel and Oakley’s advances for years. She doesn't want to come between best friends by choosing one or the other. More than that, she doesn't want a relationship. But what if she doesn't have to choose? One wild champagne field night fuels the fire of their desires and starts a no-strings affair between the three of them. But what happens when the casual threatens to become serious—will they allow their feelings to become more or are they playing a losing game?

Holy hotness factor! This book held me captive from start to finish. The friendship between Oakley and Joel—and their final acknowledgement that there's actually something more between them—was awesome to witness developing. Add in their desire for Sadie, and hers for them, and the sexy factor of this book turned from boiling hot to lava in a matter of pages.

I love a good ménage story and this one was excellent! I'm now going back to read the other inter-related books in this series, as I can't get enough of these characters from Quinn, Texas…my soon to be hometown. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,637 reviews267 followers
April 2, 2016
In this sexy menage story, Joel and Oakley have had their eye on Sadie for a long time and she knows it. But she's been reluctant to choose between them so it's been a platonic friendship, up until the night of a friend's wedding when desire takes over and the three of them enjoy some sizzling time together. But a one night stand isn't enough for any of them. Sticking to a fling might seem good at the start but when deeper feelings come into play, they're all going to have to decide whether a future together is in the playbook for them.

In this small town of Quinn, there sure are a lot of shenanigans going on! This one plays a bit more on the theme of 'what will the neighbors think!', in particular for Joel. He comes from a religious background and worries about what his new and decidedly unwanted feelings for Oakley, his best friend, mean both to him, and how they'll affect his relationship with his mother, a staid and upright church going community member. Oakley is the laid back type, quite used to being disapproved of, quite happy being bisexual and given this opportunity to show his friend how he really feels about him means he isn't going to back down from the truth. I really liked him, he was a funny, friendly man and gave the story the elements of humour it needed to counter the seriousness of Joel. Sadie on the other hand doesn't worry so much about what others will think of her unorthodox relationship if it comes out. Instead, her misgivings relate to the abandonment she experienced as a child, and her trust issues as a result. Loving Joel and Oakley means she could get hurt, and it's a calculated risk, one she needs to be convinced is the right one. Lucky for her, both Joel and Oakley set about pulling down her walls, one steamy scene at a time. With Oakley the steady hand, and Joel and Sadie twisting in indecision, the plot moves smoothly to an eventual happy ending for the trio. 4 stars for an enjoyable and thoughtful story.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Profile Image for Staci.
449 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this is the hottest book I have ever read. Warning there is a lot of MMF action and some MM action. Oakley and Joel have worked together for years. Sadie is the bartender they've been hitting on for years. Oakley is bisexual and very open about it. They attend a wedding together and give in to the feelings that have been brewing for awhile. They change their minds before it goes too far, but they all keep thinking about it. They eventually decide to give the relationship a try, but then Sadie is the one who runs scared when they start talking about forever. I loved this story and the way they followed their hearts in the end.
741 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2015
Talk about a HOT read!!! I've always been a fan of ménage reads, and m/m, and Mari has written a perfect combination of both. Joel is a very strait laced, don't toe the line kind of guy. Oakley and Sadie are a bit more daring, do anything types. The chemistry between the three is crazy intense. I love how fun loving Oakley seems to be, he kinda evens out Joel's sexy seriousness. Sadie is an awesome heroine, who seems stronger than she actually is, but eventually sees that things aren't always what they seem, and some things are worth taking a chance on, even with the fear of getting hurt. Full of yummy sex scenes, laughs, trust and understanding, this book drew me in and I couldn't put it down.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a hot ménage romance
Profile Image for Rebecca.
513 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2015
Wow this is one spicy book! Sadie is a wild and free girl that works for her dad at the bar. She is spunky and amazing. Joel and Oakley work on the farm in Quinn. They are all best friends also. They keep asking her out but she can't choose so she turns them down every time. One night she caves but doesn't realize what kind of deal she is getting. Joel and Oakley are trying to convince her everything is fine. Will she believe them or will she think she's cursed.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,155 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2015
I was given this ARC for an honest review.
I FLOVE this story! Definitely a pairing destined for greatness when they come together. Though it wasn't easy trying to breakthrough what they felt to what they believe the world believes they should be! Best line that had me cracking up was...'' Jesus Christ. We can't let the unholy union form. If they combine forces, I'm a dead man.''
Profile Image for Aimee Suter.
118 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2015
I was given an arc in an exchange for an honest review!!! I Loved this book!! Though it was kinda my first book like this I really enjoyed it more then I thought I would!! I love this series and look forward to reading more in the close future!
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,647 reviews31 followers
March 26, 2021
This was an excellent MMF book and I absolutely loved all of the characters. This is my first book by this author, though I have several of her books on my TBR. It is written in third person from multiple POV.

Oakley is a fun loving cowboy who is open to adventure and nearly anything. Joel is the good guy who always does the right thing, takes care of his momma and cares about what the people of small town, Quinn, think. Sadie is the bar owners daughter, a bartender, and a bit of a rebel. She doesn't believe love or a HEA are in her future so she just likes to have a good time. They are friends who flirt until the night that changes everything.

This book is super hot and yet still has emotional and funny moments. I love how Oakley and Joel love Sadie unconditionally. I appreciate that she doesn't initially feel she deserves that kind of love and trust. The most emotional story is Joel's as he comes to terms with his very real feelings for Oakley as well as Sadie. I adore their story arc as well as how they convince Sadie that they need all three of them to be truly complete and happy. I enjoyed the small town, the parents who have impact on the characters, and the friends who support them. This may be my first visit to the small town of Quinn, but it will not be my last. I cannot wait to read more.

#MMF #CowboyRomance #SmallTown
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,742 reviews
April 18, 2020
When Sadie attends her friend's wedding, she has a bit too much to drink and ends up with both Joel and Oakley. The guys realize they want more with Sadie, but she doesn't think she's the settling down type. Also, Oakley is bi, and Joel isn't, so there's another hurdle for the trio to clear. Fun and sexy read. 3.5 stars.
5,411 reviews
October 4, 2015
2.5 stars

I'm on the fence about this book. I finished it, but I didn't necessarily believe in the committed threesome between Oakley, Joel and Sadie. I felt like this was missing some relationship and character development in favour of lots of sex scenes. There were some really good moments, but these included the main characters talking to secondary characters rather than each other.

I also want to point out some jarring mistakes. At one point early in the book it says that Sadie is 25 years old. Then it says that her mother has been gone since she turned 6, which was 27 years ago. Clearly she isn't 25. I know this is a small mistake but it jarred me right out of the story as I went back and forth a few times to see if I'd read it incorrectly. Another time this happened was later in the book. Joel says he voted Sadie for Homecoming Queen, then on the following page Joel says he was a sophomore and Sadie notes that only seniors were allowed to vote.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2015
I have to admit that I am rather new to the menace genre, but this was book really was a great read. It was so tender, yet hot. So funny, yet intense in feeling. Oakley (love the name and his nickname of Oak!) was so much more than anyone gave him credit for. He was truly spectacular in this story. He wore his heart on his sleeve but covered it with humor. Joel was mouthwateringly dominant, quiet, reserved and intense. Oh what a spicy combination. Throw in a spirited free willing-to-do anything beautiful woman and it is explosive.

The story flowed superbly. Joel's mom and Sadie's dad had me in stitches in a few scenes. I enjoyed the close knit group of friends that they had. It was just a welcoming feel good kinda story.

I was gifted this story in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
484 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2015
Joel is the quintessential small town guy. Born and raised in Quinn, TX he graduated high school and went to work for Coach Carr on his farm. Oakley was raised by free-spirited parents and is Bi. Sadie grew up with a dad who owned a bar and now she helps to run the bar. Oakley and Joel are both in love with Sadie and she likes both of these men. They both hold qualities that she is attracted to but she can't seem to choose who she would want to be with. So they tell her, why choose? She can have them both! Thus begins a three-way relationship that starts off all about sex and soon finds that their feelings for each other run pretty deep.

So pick up this steamy romance from Mari Carr and be sure to get the other two new books in the Boys of Fall series Illegal Motion by Erin Nicholas and Going Deep by Cari Quinn.



*This book contains a M/M/F relationship.
Profile Image for Robin.
243 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2015
Mari's is back with her second book in the Boys of Fall collection. This collection is written by three authors (Erin Nicholas, Mari Carr, and Cari Quinn about the men and ladies of Quinn, Texas. All of the books are linked to the same town and characters, but can be read as a stand alone. The second set of books by this group all have a menage theme.

Dang this book is extremely hot!!! The book has not one but two handsome bad boys, Oakley and Joel, chasing the girl of their dreams, Sadie. Mari has a way with writing some scenes that will make you melt into your seat it is so hot. She did a great job of showing the different personalities and the pressures on of the trio from outside sources and perspectives. I have also enjoyed Mari's books and can't wait to read what else she has planned for the Boys of Fall series.
545 reviews
September 28, 2015
This was a smoking hot book! Joel and Oakley have been friends forever and have also wanted the same girl for years. Sadie always turns them down because she never wanted to choose one over the other and has no intentions of ever getting married. Then, one fateful night at a wedding they all attended, and after many glasses of alcohol and flirting, they let Sadie know that she doesn't have to choose but can have them both and at the same time with no strings attached. Can they keep it just friends with benefits or do feelings develop between the three of them. Are they destined for happily ever after or heartbreak?

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who over 18 years of age who enjoys reading menage m/f/m or m/m/f.
Profile Image for Shari.
1,864 reviews24 followers
March 9, 2016
My first menage book, and boy was it hot. Loved the story of Joel, Oakley and Sadie. Joel and Oakley have both been lusting after after Sadie but continues to turn them down. Joel and Oakley have been friends forever, Joel strait laced and Oakley more daring. A few drinks at a wedding will change everything for these three. A great game of truth and dare will lead to more adventures.

A great book by Mari Carr, and it will not be my last. Highly recommend for anyone over the age of 18.
Profile Image for Laura.
73 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2015
If you love hot steamy romances and don't mind a little three way play action then this book is for you. Of course I enjoyed the heat put off by this book but it was the deeper connection between Oakley, Sadie, and Joel that kept me cheering from the sideline. As they fumbled their way through those first encounters and delved deeper into what made each of them tick I was completely riveted.
Profile Image for Kimmy.
64 reviews
October 5, 2015
I have only read a few Mari Carr’s books but Red Zone is my favorite by far. She has really captured each of the characters Sadie, Oakley and Joel. This was a super spicy romance, ménage. If you don’t mind a HOTT read…..Check this book out!!!!
2,754 reviews128 followers
May 1, 2018
Wow, Mari Carr burns up the pages with this story in the Boys of Falls series, created with Cari Quinn and Erin Nicholas. These stories are all set in the small town of Quinn, Texas, and gives readers the chance to catch up with some former stars of the high school football team.

In Red Zone, Joel's a former center who's never left Quinn. He's never felt that drive to do so, when he's had everything he's needed already in front of him. He works for Coach Nicholas Carr, on his ranch, and he's able to see his mom regularly, and his friends. He now works alongside his best friend, Oakley, and the two of them good-naturedly flirt with Sadie, whose dad owns the local bar. She just as good-naturedly turns down their repeated invitations to join either of them on a date.

Until one night she realizes that while she doesn't want to come between these two friends, she DOES want to in an entirely different way. Though they all initially agree to a no-strings, just sex arrangement, emotions quickly do get intense and involved.

Hurt abounds until these three are able to recognize that they're in the red zone, and if they can just find a way to make it work, they'll be able to score the biggest win of their lives.

Mari Carr does a fantastic job of making Red Zone not just about the hottest attraction these three have experienced, but about finding themselves and fulfilling their deepest needs. It's also about the support of a small town and loving parents, whether or not they share one's feelings about one's friends or partners. Bravo, Ms Carr!

Can't wait to spend more time in Quinn, Texas!
3,545 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2020
Red Zone is a fantastic contemporary romance by Mari Carr. This is a M/M/F menage book so it may not be for everyone. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Carr has once again delivered a well-written book populated with lovable characters. Sadie is interested in best friends Oakley and Joel but was afraid picking one would drive a wedge between the friends. But were there other options? Sadie, Oakley and Joel's story is packed with drama, steamy romps, humor and a little angst. I enjoyed reading Red Zone and look forward to my next book by Mari Carr. Red Zone is part of the Boys of Fall Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes....
435 reviews49 followers
April 16, 2018
Eh. This had promise but it didn’t live up to its potential. MMF is hard to write... it takes a skilled hand to illustrate the intricacies of this type of relationship. I loved the male MCs, but only liked the female MC. But TBH I really felt like this was one of those stories where the girl really just wasn’t necessary 🤷🏼‍♀️. And, most of the drama came from her and it felt a bit contrived. I also felt we barely scratched the surface of the sexual tension and emotional potential between the boys. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
June 8, 2020
Another fantastic story from Mari Carr, I love the Boys of Fall series, the camaraderie between all of the characters are so in sync it feels like I am in the story itself.
Red Zone is about being true to yourself and leaving behind self doubt to find what you truly deserve.
Sadie Joel and Oakley embark on an adventure that none of them expected to happen, I loved that they didn't give up on their chance at love.
Profile Image for Toni Lewis.
612 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2020
Ya’ll I don’t even know what to say about this book other than it’s a scorcher and damn 💕. The chemistry between Sadie, Oakley and Joel is on fire and I did not want to put this book down til il was finished. .. and now it’s over I just want more and more .. I’ve always loved Mari Carr writing and I can promise she didn’t disappoint once again .. look forward to reading many more books
4,853 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2020
Okay read

Enjoyable enough romp and liked both Joel and Oakley. Sadie however took longer to warm up to as her character was challenging to say the least. Lots of angst and small town prejudices.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,508 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
Sadie refuses to come in the middle of Joel and Oakley's friendship. She is attracted to both but doesn't want her pals to be hurt.

One night at a wedding they catch a cab with her and she explains why they need to leave and that she can't come between them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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