Three

Triad Blood #0.5

by 'Nathan Burgoine

During the full moon, the vampires gather to renew their bonds. It takes three, and those in groups have total power over those who aren't. For Luc, alone since he was created, the full moon is his only opportunity.Seeking blood to satiate him for the month ahead, Luc finds a rival Anders, a demon just as alone, who's also on the hunt.They choose the same Curtis, a handsome young man resistant to their supernatural charms. When neither a vampire's glamour nor demon's passion work on him, it becomes clear their only chance of success lies in the working together. This short story originally appeared in the Bold Strokes Books collection Blood Sacraments, and is a prequel to the novel Triad Blood.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, M M Romance, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Menage, LGBT

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2016

About the author

'Nathan Burgoine grew up a reader and studied literature in university while making a living as a bookseller. His first published short story was "Heart" in the collection Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction. Since then, he has had dozens of short stories published, and despite being "the tall queer guy who writes mosly shorter queer fictions" novels have happened between the novellas and short stories.

A cat lover, 'Nathan managed to fall in love and marry Daniel, who is a confirmed dog person. Their ongoing "cat or dog?" détente ended with the rescue and adoption of huskies. They live in Ottawa, Canada, where socialized health care and gay marriage have yet to cause the sky to cave in.

You can find 'Nathan on the web at nathanburgoine.com.

Reviews

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome idea with stellar execution.
This is a delightful short story about a vampire (Luc), an incubus (Anders) and a wizard (Curtis) forming a group/coterie out of necessity.

I loved how Curtis turned the tables on Luc and Anders, who had thought he was easy prey.

This short story was written by the author as standalone, but later on he wrote a series about Luc, Anders and Curtis, so this short story also serves as a prequel to that series (Triad Blood).

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short novella which gives the start of Curtis, Anders and Luc's relationship as a triad.

The story is a very sexy bit of erotica more than anything else, and I'll admit I was hoping it would offer a bit more background on the world building in Triad Blood. Though it does offer a little more information, it is mainly a sexy little short. Which...look, you're not going to find me complaining about reading some hot sex.

For fans of Triad Blood who are looking for a glimpse into the very sexy start of Curtis, Anders and Luc's relationship this is a quick read to pick up.

WEBSTORE BONUS: Get THREE bundled with any ebook purchase for the entire month of May, 2016 on the Bold Strokes Books website. So you can pick it up for free when you grab Triad Blood!

Advanced Review Galley copy of Three provided by Bold Strokes Books in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A incubus and a vampire walk into a bar...

No seriously that's how this one starts and the bar is in Ottawa!!!! and the wizard...well, he's already waiting in the bar, lol!!! I'mma goin' back...back to Ottawa...Canada's capital.

'Three' is Nathan Burgoine's short story that takes us back to the beginning of how Luc, Ander and Curtis came to be a triad. There's not a complex plot here or any kind of convoluted story, it is however an enjoyable and fun read.

I quite enjoyed this short read and introduction to the paranormal world in my nation's capital. I became a huge fan of this series when I read 'Traid Blood' so much so that I went on an internet hunt for this story and was literally bouncing in my chair when I finally found it and with the release of 'Triad Soul' this was for me the perfect warm up for the next book in this series.

If you liked 'Triad Blood' or you're considering this series 'Three' is a good place to start because after the incubus and the vampire walk into the bar things get interesting...and hot!

['Nathan Burgoine]

Edit, May 26th, 2021: Flash Sale at Bold Strokes Books e-store on some e-books right now! Three.


Hello, again! It's me, the author, being all authory.

"Three" being solo released is sort of a dream-come-true. I've never released a single short before, and was always nervous about doing so. But, the timing for this couldn't be better. See, this erotic short story was the first place that Luc, Anders, and Curtis appeared. Luc, my vampire, narrates this story, which originally appeared in Blood Sacraments.

In May, when Triad Blood releases, this short story will be available from Bold Strokes Books as a freebie for any e-purchase made during May.

Triad Blood takes place a while after "Three" (and there are actually three other short stories featuring the guys from the Triad, too, found in Wings: Subversive Gay Angel Erotica, Erotica Exotica: Tales of Sex, Magic, and the Supernatural, and Raising Hell: Demonic Gay Erotica respectively). But if you want a teaser of the characters (and a rather smutty teaser at that), "Three" will give you a taste.

Or a bite, as it were.

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this short story from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

I never read short stories unless they’re part of a series, and even then I usually read them after reading the books. See, the thing about me is, I don’t connect to characters quickly. It often takes me literally an entire book or two.

But this story had me, within pages, laughing out loud, feeling for the characters, and already falling in love with them. Seriously, by the time I finished, I was so excited that I would get to read a whole full-length book about them because I was already sure I was going to love it—and I did, but that’s a different review ;-)

Anyway, this isn’t necessary to understand the book, but if you’re considering reading Triad Blood, this is a perfect little taste of the characters and writing, and if you’ve already read the book, this is a fun, sexy short about the characters you surely already love!

Recommended For:
Anyone who likes m/m/m erotica, vampires, incubi, and wizards!

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Jassmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitated, the moment stretching. He had not seen me; I could still leave. I stood motionless, considering. I did not want to give up the night, not so early.
Anders sensed me, and turned enough to make eye contact. He offered me a mocking wave. I raise my own hand, and insincere smile on my face.

So... every now and then, I have a few hours of impaired judgement when I have an urgent need to read... something. Well, usually it's smut. That's what happened with this short-story - I saw it (thank you, Emily!) and I had to read it... and I liked it quite a bit!
I always love it when there is some world-building connected to relationships and this story/series delivers on that front. So, this definitely makes me excited for the next installment of the series!
What brought the rating down is the fact that I don't feel like I got to know those characters, there are some lines forming and I like what I saw so far, but... I want more! Which I'm sure the book delivers, so it's fine... (this is one of the cases where I'm wondering if different reading order would made me to enjoy this story more, but it doesn't really matter...)
Also a shoutout to the very pretty prose!

[Emily M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually read this awhile ago, as a companion to 'Triad Blood' - once I realized there was a short story that had introduced the titular trio of characters.

Full disclosure: I probably wouldn't have read either if I'd seen this cover first, since "bored-looking photo-shopped hot dude" covers generally don't bode well in terms of matching my reading taste. Especially when there should obviously be THREE bored hot dudes to even vaguely reflect what the story is about. But, happily, this was a case where "don't judge a book by its lazy cover art" does indeed apply!

It was really fun to see how Luc, Anders, and Curtis actually met, and yes - it involves the kind of threesome scene that 'Triad Blood' indicates is part of their regular dynamic but doesn't actually contain. It contains a twist that I vaguely suspected (given that I read the book first) but which I loved all the same, particularly because Curtis is my favorite and I like to see him using his cleverness.

More than worth the $1 PDF.

[india :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

super short story but goated. like the author knew exactly what we wanted and what we wanted is to see them fuck. I'm glad I read #1 first and then went back to read this because it gives more context and importance to the situation. Like reading it first wouldn't make any sense. I love how the way they became this triad was literally all Curtis' plan! so sneaky. Having the glasses on so he knew Luc and Anders were paranormal and planning this whole meeting and playing shy loveeee. SUCH A GOOD THREESOMEEEE. sometimes it was hard to understand who was where and doing what so i had to reread every paragraph like twice because i really wanted to develop the picture in my head. In #1 you don't see Anders and Luc really being sexual with each other so I like how in this one, they were so connected and on the same page with how to have sex with Curtis, it was like crazy harmony and felt romantic to see them working side by side even if they don't really do anything with each other. Just love their dynamic and all 3 of them so much, now time to read #2.

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clever. Exactly what I've been missing...
I so can't wait to read Triad Blood!

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really small novella for the Triad Blood which gives us the synopsis of the world that our 3 MCs live in. I am excited to read about their story and this was pretty interesting.

[Nathan Frechette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great piece of erotica with a good plot, and a great prequel to Triad Blood!

[Alexis Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful introduction to these loners of the paranormal world. A sexy romp, a perfect joining, a sneaky pact made.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little prequel and introduction to the series.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing world and characters - will definitely check out the first book

[Arch Bala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still not sure which one I liked best because they’re all so sexy in their own ways and the fact that they are three different creatures made the story totally explosive!

[QuietlyKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to a note from ‘Nathan Burgoine in the acknowledgments at the beginning of this book, though the events in Three take place before those in Triad Blood, it is not necessary to read Three first. That said, I got to 45% in Triad Blood and found myself unable to stop wondering about the details of the genesis of Curtis, Luc and Anders’ triad bond. While technically, I do agree with Burgoine that it’s not necessary, I’m glad I backed up and read Three before continuing with Triad Blood. The additional context allows me to quiet my wondering, wandering thoughts and return to Triad Blood without that distraction.

I enjoyed this short erotic story. That said, it is very short and as erotica goes, it’s light erotica. That worked for me since I really wasn’t there for the erotic aspect so much as for the background for Curtis, Luc and Anders’ relationship and triad union. It’s an enlightening, gently sexy introduction to the series.

Wavering between 4 and 5 stars simply based on the fact that it’s so short there wasn’t time for the relationship and story development that would push it decisively to 5 stars. It was definitely my cuppa though!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a nice and hot introduction to a new series. Luc, Ander and Curtis met, had sex and formed a triad in this book. I'll probably read the first book in the series to see what they're up to.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll read the novel next year, but I needed something to read while on the bike at the gym and this presented itself well.
The setup for the reveal was very apparent, but cute. I'll be happy to see the story that evolves from this short character study.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great short story primer for 'Nathan's Triad Blood novel. Anders, Luc, and Curtis meet and more than sparks fly. Love these three together. Hip paranormal M/M/M story.

[Mtsnow13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow after Triad

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good short story and a great lead-in to Triad Blood. Recommended.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This," Anders growled in my ear, "is my kind of truce."

Mine too!

This was hot. Soo many great scenes; even before it gets to the actual sex. And when we do get to the threesome...! Also Curtis. Love that guy. Such a great idea and way of going about it, lol. Their chemistry is already seen and, even though Anders and Luc see themselves as being "rivals" I think it worked even better for the story. Love these characters and their banter.

I said I would determine whether this was needed for the actual series or not since it seemed like things were missing in the first book, Triad Blood. It is helpful. And I wish I had had this knowledge going in. However, it isn't necessary. This is mostly erotica with sprinkles of the world. It gives some insight and would definitely help with some of the "inside jokes" that are played between Curtis, Anders and Luc throughout it, but doesn't inhibit the plot at all.

I would say, if you're able to get your hands on this before reading the main series, I would. If not, you might feel left out during some of their bantering but won't miss anything important.

I also highly recommend this whenever you can get your hands on it, lol!

This got me excided all over again to jump back into this series.

"You're not having anything?" Anders asked.
"I think he's having the bartender," Curtis said. I winked at him.

[Nico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading Triad Blood and decided I really, really needed the background of the guys meeting and forming the triad. I could've done with more on the page count side of things (honestly who doesn't want to read more considering how the triad is actually formed), but I still enjoyed this and feel way more grounded in the word and their dynamics having read this. Personally I'd call it required reading before Triad Blood, though I don't think the author does and, well. He'd probably know, eh?

[toastykeptin]

no ratings since it's just a short prequel on how they met. but yeah it's giving ao3 but not in a bad way (I have an addiction to the site lol)

its kinda sad that Curtis is kinda suicidal for the lack of term on my end.... cause he was willing to do anything just to use his magic without restrictions. also fuckkng WILD that's how they met. ofc that's how they met 💀🤣😭 never stop being weird guys. it's what makes you different

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short, short story. I have read ones shorter that I loved. This one just lacked details. There was very little world building. The characters just come together. I was hoping for a little romance but it really isn't that kind of book. It ends up like a one night stand that remain friends. I may read the next book to see if the world building and the characterizations get better.

[Keira Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

its very short and clearly exposition for the full length books in this series. i think Jr's a good introduction to the personalities and dynamics between the characters. I look forward to the other books in the series, but I dont think I can rate this higher than a three just because of its brevity.

[Nix Buttons · Rating 3 out of 5]

An erotic short story, originally intented as a standalone. Now it's the prequel to Triad Blood.

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful short. Loved how the three different species came together benefiting each of them.

[Mercedes Hightower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to pause reading "Triad Nlood" because I didn't understand some things so I paused and read this and found it helpful.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, yeah, I'm liking this triad :P