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Five-Sided Heart
Noah Trevelyan has lost his moorings. Disowned over his sexuality as a teenager, he hasn’t been back to his home on the Outer Banks since his fisherman father kicked him out. But when he returns for the Old Man’s funeral, he discovers his father left him the house and boat in his will. Noah must choose whether to stay or go, but he won’t be alone. There’s Ian, working to overcome the emotional scars left by a domineering ex-boyfriend, and Ty, a cheerful housekeeper who’s struggling to take care of his Alzheimer’s-stricken aunt. There’s Joshua too, running from the destruction of his old life, and Gabriel, who was once beaten and left for dead, and doesn’t know how to survive on his own.
Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—if they can keep their group from breaking apart under the pressure.
Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—if they can keep their group from breaking apart under the pressure.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2016
11 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Max MacGowan
2 books27 followersMax MacGowan is a work in progress. They’ve just turned forty, and are determined not to go gently into that good night. They identify as nonbinary genderqueer, and prefer they/them pronouns. While Max lives in North Carolina, they daydream constantly of Seattle and Portland and all other colorful points West. In the meantime, they’ll satisfy themselves with coffee and trying every recipe that piques their interest on the Food Network. While they can be quiet, friends will tell you all that still water can’t quite hide Max’s quirky personality, Or maybe it’s the ever-present puckish twinkle in the eyes that’s really to blame.
Max has a fantastic time writing male/male romance, and is especially fond of polyamory, found families, love in unexpected places, friends who become lovers, and romantic comedies. They’re owned by two rowdy tomcats who take pains to make sure their owner doesn’t ever get the status confused.
You can find Max online via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and their website.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Max-M...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxmacgowan
Tumblr: http://maxmacgowan.tumblr.com/
Website: http://www.maxmacgowan.wordpress.com
Max has a fantastic time writing male/male romance, and is especially fond of polyamory, found families, love in unexpected places, friends who become lovers, and romantic comedies. They’re owned by two rowdy tomcats who take pains to make sure their owner doesn’t ever get the status confused.
You can find Max online via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and their website.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Max-M...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxmacgowan
Tumblr: http://maxmacgowan.tumblr.com/
Website: http://www.maxmacgowan.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 25, 2019
*FIVE BROKEN GUYS - ONE SECLUDED ISLAND *
Wow, when I heard friends saying that "Five-Sided Heart" was very touching and *not* just one big ole' M/M/M/M/M sex-fest, I was fairly hesitant to believe those claims.
But I was wrong and should have trusted them.
These 5 unlikely heroes were all damaged in some way, some much more than others, but when push came to shove, they were there for one another in a way rarely written in ménage stories.
Warning: Some may find the following character profiles a bit spoiler-ish, so you may want to skip them.
(I really don't think the additional details ruin any significant surprises, but would rather err on the side of caution.)
A fresh start was indeed what all five of the MC's ended up getting in this story, although not always easily or without a fight.
I loved how all five of the MC's interacted equally, supported one another equally, and didn't pair off so that one character ended up being the sole support for any other character.
This book was all about the group effort.
Sure, certain characters opened up to only one other character initially, which felt natural. I mean, really, would it have felt realistic for someone to divulge their darkest secret to an entire group of near-strangers? No, it wouldn't.
But as the story progressed, each of those instances of opening up grew until all of the secrets were laid bare for each of the characters. And to all of the other characters.
This book had so much support, so much having one another's backs, I felt a bit jealous, if I'm being honest. That much love and trust was a joy to read.
Along with the support, there was also a lot of humor, comradery and snark, which I completely loved. Each of the characters added a lot of feeling to the dialogue and the group's interactions. The voices were also very distinct.
And speaking of interactions, YES, there was sex. Pretty hot sex. Hello, it's about five gay guys on a relatively-secluded island, so that was inevitable. However, the book was not *about* the sex. It was about their relationship and their growing feelings. So no, none of it felt gratuitous.
I'd highly recommend this story if you're looking for something different, but not in the market for erotica. Because that's definitely not what this story was about, for me at least.
Overall, I'd rate this one at 4.5 stars, only rounding down, mainly because the book did have feels, but it didn't TJ Klune or Amy Lane me in the gut quite has hard as I'd hoped.
------------------------------------------------
My copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Note: The GR Amazon link is busted, so here's the corrected link:
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Sided-Hea...
November 20, 2016
A Hearts On Fire Review
3.5 HEARTS--Five Sided Heart by Max MacGowan is a polyamorous romance set in the Outer Banks. Told from multiple POV, the novel starts off with a funeral of one of the five men's father, Noah Trevelyan. Noah was kicked out his house for being gay at eighteen, and returned back to his hometown for the first time in years. He is an outcast to a majority of the islanders who view him as the prodigal son (in a way) but just way too late. One local who has no problem telling Noah how he feels about him is Ian, an out gay man and conservationist. He's been Noah's father's neighbor for the last 5 years. Another local doesn't share Ian's view due to having more than enough on his plate is young Ty. Ty and Ian get offered a ride on Noah's boat while trying to escape and Noah just so happens to invite two stranded strangers, Joshua and Gabriel.
What starts a good deed ends in a bit of a disaster. But the disaster is also the foundation of all the troubled men to start a relationship.
Five men in a relationship? You're probably thinking this was a fantab erotica.
Not so.
This is more of a romance, I think a little ambitious. But kudos for tackling a poly romance and trying to capture all of the mens' feelings. The story relies heavily on characters to get the story moving and, for me, it did not scratch enough of the surface for all men equally.
I have the honor of reading all of MacGowan's work, all of two. And with both books, the author has a way of piecing together the plot: with MacGowan's debut, the plot was told by different states visited. In this book, it was a different POV.
I would really like to read a simple plot from this author, that just follows the romantic leads (however many make up the partnership) where the characters get a deeper connection and further characterization. I rated both books by this author the same, but character wise, the debut was better. What did Noah do for a living? How could he stay for all those weeks with no cash flow? Gabriel and Joshua, the most damaged of the five, barely touched the surface onto their background. The crux of Ty's situation gets cutoff and somehow it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
There were a number of times where that feeling happened- cut off scenes mostly - albeit sex scenes, the insta-connection, the kink of one of the guys. I'll stretch the rubber band of reality with five men who all just so happen to be gay on dock at the right time, who were open to be in a relationship.
And the last 15-20% was a soft finish. What's up with Ian's ex? If there was ever a guy to wish ill on, it's Ian's ex. He's a douche canoe and oddly needed to make the plot move. But the way he entered the book and the way he left, didn't match to how he was originally portrayed for me.
The men are a good group together - they all have their roles in the group: Noah is the paternal one, Ian is like a hen gathering his chicks and feeding them, Ty is happy-go-lucky and still a young pup, Gabriel is scarred, artistic and listens to what is said and unsaid and Joshua who had a rough patch is very intuitive and lives for the moment.
Good guys, I do think they'll last.
The sex takes a backseat to the romance, so if you've come for erotica, look somewhere else. It's an interesting read, but not something I'd re-read.
I think this would work best for fans of the Outer Banks and poly romances where the characters are developed just enough to keep the plot moving.
3.5 HEARTS--Five Sided Heart by Max MacGowan is a polyamorous romance set in the Outer Banks. Told from multiple POV, the novel starts off with a funeral of one of the five men's father, Noah Trevelyan. Noah was kicked out his house for being gay at eighteen, and returned back to his hometown for the first time in years. He is an outcast to a majority of the islanders who view him as the prodigal son (in a way) but just way too late. One local who has no problem telling Noah how he feels about him is Ian, an out gay man and conservationist. He's been Noah's father's neighbor for the last 5 years. Another local doesn't share Ian's view due to having more than enough on his plate is young Ty. Ty and Ian get offered a ride on Noah's boat while trying to escape and Noah just so happens to invite two stranded strangers, Joshua and Gabriel.
What starts a good deed ends in a bit of a disaster. But the disaster is also the foundation of all the troubled men to start a relationship.
Five men in a relationship? You're probably thinking this was a fantab erotica.
Not so.
This is more of a romance, I think a little ambitious. But kudos for tackling a poly romance and trying to capture all of the mens' feelings. The story relies heavily on characters to get the story moving and, for me, it did not scratch enough of the surface for all men equally.
I have the honor of reading all of MacGowan's work, all of two. And with both books, the author has a way of piecing together the plot: with MacGowan's debut, the plot was told by different states visited. In this book, it was a different POV.
I would really like to read a simple plot from this author, that just follows the romantic leads (however many make up the partnership) where the characters get a deeper connection and further characterization. I rated both books by this author the same, but character wise, the debut was better. What did Noah do for a living? How could he stay for all those weeks with no cash flow? Gabriel and Joshua, the most damaged of the five, barely touched the surface onto their background. The crux of Ty's situation gets cutoff and somehow it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
There were a number of times where that feeling happened- cut off scenes mostly - albeit sex scenes, the insta-connection, the kink of one of the guys. I'll stretch the rubber band of reality with five men who all just so happen to be gay on dock at the right time, who were open to be in a relationship.
And the last 15-20% was a soft finish. What's up with Ian's ex? If there was ever a guy to wish ill on, it's Ian's ex. He's a douche canoe and oddly needed to make the plot move. But the way he entered the book and the way he left, didn't match to how he was originally portrayed for me.
The men are a good group together - they all have their roles in the group: Noah is the paternal one, Ian is like a hen gathering his chicks and feeding them, Ty is happy-go-lucky and still a young pup, Gabriel is scarred, artistic and listens to what is said and unsaid and Joshua who had a rough patch is very intuitive and lives for the moment.
Good guys, I do think they'll last.
The sex takes a backseat to the romance, so if you've come for erotica, look somewhere else. It's an interesting read, but not something I'd re-read.
I think this would work best for fans of the Outer Banks and poly romances where the characters are developed just enough to keep the plot moving.
April 3, 2017
I randomly see MMM and MMMM books pop up on my feed from time to time. And I just breeze right on past them. Why? Because I'm really not into pure erotica. I need feelings and relationship development in my MM romance. (And then the author can throw in all the sex he/she wants!)
So, imagine my surprise when my friend, Todd, starts talking about a fivesome story that has the feelz too.
This book was really good. I just loved how they met, and how the small island premise worked. (not in a secluded island and there's no one else kind of way, but that's where some of them live).
Each of the characters is dealing with life. But when they realize how much stronger they are together, as a team, it was really sweet.
I will go as far as to say there was less sex in this book than I pictured. It is definitely not what you would expect. This one was all about the character and relationship development.
Bravo to MacGowan for their ability to switch POVs smoothly - I was never left wondering who's head I was in. And I never had to write down who was who in the beginning to keep it all straight.
My only niggle was that as much character and relationship-development there was (and there was!), it wasn't enough to get me to believe in the HFN/HEA. We're talking about five people! It will take a lot more development with five than with two. I think it could happen with future books, maybe? Just a thought.
I recommend you read this book. It was refreshing how much of a romance it really was.
So, imagine my surprise when my friend, Todd, starts talking about a fivesome story that has the feelz too.
This book was really good. I just loved how they met, and how the small island premise worked. (not in a secluded island and there's no one else kind of way, but that's where some of them live).
Each of the characters is dealing with life. But when they realize how much stronger they are together, as a team, it was really sweet.
I will go as far as to say there was less sex in this book than I pictured. It is definitely not what you would expect. This one was all about the character and relationship development.
Bravo to MacGowan for their ability to switch POVs smoothly - I was never left wondering who's head I was in. And I never had to write down who was who in the beginning to keep it all straight.
My only niggle was that as much character and relationship-development there was (and there was!), it wasn't enough to get me to believe in the HFN/HEA. We're talking about five people! It will take a lot more development with five than with two. I think it could happen with future books, maybe? Just a thought.
I recommend you read this book. It was refreshing how much of a romance it really was.
i-m-a-quitter
April 5, 2017DNF @34%
This one just didn't work for me.
I thought how they all met was random and odd.
The writing was off. And the language. The way they spoke. I don't know, something about it I didn't connect with. And it almost felt like the book took place in a completely different time period.
I never got a sense of any of the five main characters. I wasn't emotionally connected to any of them. Nor did I feel any connection of any of them together. Even at 34% I didn't feel like I knew any of the characters.
I just wasn't feeling it.
This one just didn't work for me.
I thought how they all met was random and odd.
The writing was off. And the language. The way they spoke. I don't know, something about it I didn't connect with. And it almost felt like the book took place in a completely different time period.
I never got a sense of any of the five main characters. I wasn't emotionally connected to any of them. Nor did I feel any connection of any of them together. Even at 34% I didn't feel like I knew any of the characters.
I just wasn't feeling it.
June 1, 2016
This is an amazing book about 5 men coming together and completing each other!!
When five men come together. There will be laughter and arguing, Happiness and Sadness, Pleasure and Pain - rumors will abound, people won't understand, pasts will come back to haunt - but can five men be stronger together than they are apart? Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—
This is my first book by Max MacGowan and I will definitely be back for more -he executed this book flawlessly. This story is told from five different points of view, the characters are very well developed, the setting is painted so perfect you feel like you are visiting the Outer Banks watching the Wild Horses run in the sand. Each of the men in this story have their own cross to bear, whether it is physical, emotional, or both - they all come with baggage and they all fit together perfectly. They find that it is so much easier to bear your burdens when you have the strength and love of not one .... But four other men to help. They are not ashamed of their relationship which I thought was wonderful, they don't even attempt to hide it. They are a package deal..take them as they are ... Or not...either way, they have found their happiness and nobody is going to ruin it.
The only thing I wish this book had more...heat! I know I sound a bit like a freak, but I kept waiting for a hot 5-way. Didn't happen. However, the book was amazing none the less.
5 stars!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Noah Trevelyan has lost his moorings -returning to the Outer Banks for his Dad's funeral;
Ian, working to overcome the emotional scars left by a domineering ex-boyfriend.
Ty, a cheerful housekeeper who’s struggling to take care of his Alzheimer’s-stricken aunt;
Joshua too, running from the destruction of his old life;
Gabriel, who was once beaten and left for dead, and doesn’t know how to survive on his own.
When five men come together. There will be laughter and arguing, Happiness and Sadness, Pleasure and Pain - rumors will abound, people won't understand, pasts will come back to haunt - but can five men be stronger together than they are apart? Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—
This is my first book by Max MacGowan and I will definitely be back for more -he executed this book flawlessly. This story is told from five different points of view, the characters are very well developed, the setting is painted so perfect you feel like you are visiting the Outer Banks watching the Wild Horses run in the sand. Each of the men in this story have their own cross to bear, whether it is physical, emotional, or both - they all come with baggage and they all fit together perfectly. They find that it is so much easier to bear your burdens when you have the strength and love of not one .... But four other men to help. They are not ashamed of their relationship which I thought was wonderful, they don't even attempt to hide it. They are a package deal..take them as they are ... Or not...either way, they have found their happiness and nobody is going to ruin it.
The only thing I wish this book had more...heat! I know I sound a bit like a freak, but I kept waiting for a hot 5-way. Didn't happen. However, the book was amazing none the less.
5 stars!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
April 7, 2017
Five-Sided Heart was such a lovely surprise. I enjoy a good polyamory story when I can find one. All too often, though, they are more porn than plot, which is fine if erotica is what you're looking for, but I prefer a bit more depth, in general. Five-Sided Heart delivered, nicely. As many reviewers have mentioned, Five-Sided Heart isn't just 200 pages of sex. And thank goodness.
Noah Trevelyan came back to the Outer Banks for his father's funeral. He left 10 years ago when the Old Man threw him out after finding out that Noah was gay. Noah was happy with his life and had no intention of staying longer than it took to bury his father. A chance meeting with Ty Lockner, and then Ian Walker, Joshua Brown and Gabriel di Rosetti set in motion something all five of them desperately needed and didn't even know they were looking for.
I really enjoyed the writing and how we got POV's from each MC. I never had trouble keeping up or keeping track of who was whom. The smexy scenes, while plentiful, were never overdone and I found that these guys just made me smile. Our five men have very different backgrounds and come with different sets of baggage. Life has left some scars -- some physical and some not. But each one of them found something worth living for and worth staying for. Or, four somethings. Also, the angst is low without being entirely absent.
What I would have liked would be to get to know the men better. With five MCs, that could make for a really long book, but I admit, I wanted more. What we do learn only scratches the surface. Even still, there was enough for me to connect with the MCs, I'm just greedy, you see. Still, I loved Five-Sided Heart and I look forward to seeing what else this author has available.
---------------------------------
Review copy of Five-Sided Heart was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Noah Trevelyan came back to the Outer Banks for his father's funeral. He left 10 years ago when the Old Man threw him out after finding out that Noah was gay. Noah was happy with his life and had no intention of staying longer than it took to bury his father. A chance meeting with Ty Lockner, and then Ian Walker, Joshua Brown and Gabriel di Rosetti set in motion something all five of them desperately needed and didn't even know they were looking for.
I really enjoyed the writing and how we got POV's from each MC. I never had trouble keeping up or keeping track of who was whom. The smexy scenes, while plentiful, were never overdone and I found that these guys just made me smile. Our five men have very different backgrounds and come with different sets of baggage. Life has left some scars -- some physical and some not. But each one of them found something worth living for and worth staying for. Or, four somethings. Also, the angst is low without being entirely absent.
What I would have liked would be to get to know the men better. With five MCs, that could make for a really long book, but I admit, I wanted more. What we do learn only scratches the surface. Even still, there was enough for me to connect with the MCs, I'm just greedy, you see. Still, I loved Five-Sided Heart and I look forward to seeing what else this author has available.
---------------------------------
Review copy of Five-Sided Heart was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2017
*3.75 stars*
My first book about a polyamory relationship between five men. And I was not disappointed at all. This was quite good. I was expecting an enourmous sex fest. Although it was very sexy at times, the main aspect was the connection these men made with each other. So very nicely done.
They fitted perfectly.
“I know a good few things about Gabriel.”
He likes being told what to do. Helps him calm down inside his head.
Ty nodded.
“Good. That’s how you take care of him. See, Ian’s thing is mothering everyone, right? And Noah’s thing is playing the patriarch.
You [Ty] , now. What you like - what you need - is to keep yourself busy. You like working. Makes you feel good about yourself.
~~ Joshua
I only wished the ending didn't feel that rushed and so perfectly. But I guess that was the charm of this book!
April 6, 2017
What a wonderful surprise that was. Impressive considering that this is a relatively new author. I was afraid that I would get confused and mix names and dicks, because 5 MCs! But no, each character had such a distinct voice.
This author will be definitely on my radar from now on.
This author will be definitely on my radar from now on.
April 11, 2017
This was way better than I expected.
What I expected was how a lot of books start, with some background about the MCs individually, and then they meet. So I wasn’t really looking forward to a background of 5 men before the interesting parts would start.
But… that’s not how this book goes. These guys all meet immediately when they miss the boat over the lake. So Noah, one of the men, offers his boat so they can all get across. But he didn’t count on the boat sinking halfway, so that all 5 men had to swim back.
Now that they’re all soaking wet, Noah offers his house to shower/eat/rest/recover. So that’s what they do.
All 5 men had their own issues. There was a lot of hurt/comfort going on here, but never to a point that it felt overwhelming. They kind of, uhm, took turns, if that makes sense.
And what I also loved is that this is definitely a romance between all 5 men. They do talked in pairs sometimes, but they all agreed that they felt best when it was all 5 of them. So no separate relationships within the larger relationship.
There were just the right amount of sexy times too. Not too much, but just enough to show me how much these guys cared for each other.
This was a sweet read, with little relationship angst, some hurt/comfort, and lots of love.
What I expected was how a lot of books start, with some background about the MCs individually, and then they meet. So I wasn’t really looking forward to a background of 5 men before the interesting parts would start.
But… that’s not how this book goes. These guys all meet immediately when they miss the boat over the lake. So Noah, one of the men, offers his boat so they can all get across. But he didn’t count on the boat sinking halfway, so that all 5 men had to swim back.
Now that they’re all soaking wet, Noah offers his house to shower/eat/rest/recover. So that’s what they do.
All 5 men had their own issues. There was a lot of hurt/comfort going on here, but never to a point that it felt overwhelming. They kind of, uhm, took turns, if that makes sense.
And what I also loved is that this is definitely a romance between all 5 men. They do talked in pairs sometimes, but they all agreed that they felt best when it was all 5 of them. So no separate relationships within the larger relationship.
There were just the right amount of sexy times too. Not too much, but just enough to show me how much these guys cared for each other.
This was a sweet read, with little relationship angst, some hurt/comfort, and lots of love.
November 27, 2016
Five Sided Heart is the debut novel written by Max MacGowen and I must say it is impressive! I think Polyamorous books are one of the most difficult tropes to write. Many authors struggle with fully fleshing out two MC’s so imagine my surprise when I grew to love five beautifully distinct well written characters! Each characters’ *voice* is easy to distinguish and there’s no confusing “head hopping”. The story just flowed beautifully. MacGowen wrote from each character’s POV which is what makes their journey and their relationship so endearing and rave worthy. I prefer to be in a person’s head rather than being “told” their story.
Did you just say Five?!
Polyamorous relationships are a hard sell for me but in this scenario it works so well! I cannot imagine these guys in any other type of relationship than what they have. I also love how unique their stories are and I ended up caring about each individual in the relationship. I grew to love each character in their own way… much the same way they fell in love with each other.
This is a gem of a story with strong plot lines, a rarely used setting and a unique set of realistic circumstances that makes their romance appealing, believable and sigh worthy. Hands down one of the best debut novels I have ever read! Kudos on a job well done!
Will be keeping an eye out for more Max MacGowen books :)
*ARC provided for review*
Did you just say Five?!
Polyamorous relationships are a hard sell for me but in this scenario it works so well! I cannot imagine these guys in any other type of relationship than what they have. I also love how unique their stories are and I ended up caring about each individual in the relationship. I grew to love each character in their own way… much the same way they fell in love with each other.
This is a gem of a story with strong plot lines, a rarely used setting and a unique set of realistic circumstances that makes their romance appealing, believable and sigh worthy. Hands down one of the best debut novels I have ever read! Kudos on a job well done!
Will be keeping an eye out for more Max MacGowen books :)
*ARC provided for review*
June 18, 2016
This beautiful story could have easily turned into porn in a less gifted writer's hands but MacGowan turned it into an amazing, heart felt story. Noah, Ian, Ty, Gabriel and Joshua were lost at sea emotionally with no positive future ahead of them. They slowly found each other and like magic along with a bottle of rum, had an orgy. Each man had his own strength, needs and secrets that pulled them together in a perfect fit like puzzle pieces. They made a polyamorous relationship work perfectly for themselves. I liked the way that the book gave each man's POV. They guys were fleshed out perfectly and there was never a doubt about what was going on in their heads. I was very touched by the scene at the wake where Noah claimed the other four and each man followed suit before the entire town. I loved each character but have to admit that Ty and Ian were my favorites. Don't pass this book up just because it's m/m/m/m/m. It's so much more.
March 27, 2017
A fivesome…
I have to say…I went in thinking this would just be one big orgy…that I would be laughing at how insane this was…I mean…5 men!! But wow! I am rather blown away by the fact that this relationship of 5 not only totally worked for me but that the sexual interactions between these men was just as wonderful. Just sweet and loving and that these men met at the same time just made it all the more perfect.
These boys were just wild and beautiful and exactly what each other needed.
“No one’s ever tamed them,” Joshua said next to his ear. “No one would ever try. They’re beautiful just as they are.”
One of the many aspects I loved was not only how these men interacted as a group but how they interacted with each other. The private moments between two of them where they could support each other in different ways was just beautiful.
And add to that the scenes where they could sense who was coming up behind them, either by the sound of their footsteps or their smell, they began to know one another in an entirely different way.
For me this one lost its stride in the conclusion. The last 15% fell for me. From the timing of the “three weeks” to the construction aspects, I was left a little deflated and wished we had gotten a stronger epilogue. But I would love to revisit these boys again and only hope we get more of them in the future. I feel there is still much to explore where they are concerned.
Definitely a surprise and one that is worth the MMMMM journey.
Thanks to my fellow fivesome for a great BR!
I have to say…I went in thinking this would just be one big orgy…that I would be laughing at how insane this was…I mean…5 men!! But wow! I am rather blown away by the fact that this relationship of 5 not only totally worked for me but that the sexual interactions between these men was just as wonderful. Just sweet and loving and that these men met at the same time just made it all the more perfect.
These boys were just wild and beautiful and exactly what each other needed.
“No one’s ever tamed them,” Joshua said next to his ear. “No one would ever try. They’re beautiful just as they are.”
One of the many aspects I loved was not only how these men interacted as a group but how they interacted with each other. The private moments between two of them where they could support each other in different ways was just beautiful.
And add to that the scenes where they could sense who was coming up behind them, either by the sound of their footsteps or their smell, they began to know one another in an entirely different way.
For me this one lost its stride in the conclusion. The last 15% fell for me. From the timing of the “three weeks” to the construction aspects, I was left a little deflated and wished we had gotten a stronger epilogue. But I would love to revisit these boys again and only hope we get more of them in the future. I feel there is still much to explore where they are concerned.
Definitely a surprise and one that is worth the MMMMM journey.
Thanks to my fellow fivesome for a great BR!
March 28, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
As novel and intriguing as a five-way polyamorous relationship sounds, this isn’t the first I’ve read, but it’s the first where all the men come to the relationship as strangers. This is a dynamic I always seek out in ménage and I was mostly intrigued about how the author would handle the situation. If you’re looking at the story hoping for orgy after orgy, you’ll probably be disappointed. Yes, there are several group sex scenes, but the heart of the story is seeing the men break free of their past and finding strength in a bonded group that they likely would never have found on their own.
Noah’s father kicked him out ten years ago at 18 after finding out he was gay. He has returned to the Outer Banks for the Old Man’s funeral and plans to leave as soon as he can. After missing the ferry he comes across Ty and Ian, who both live on the island he grew up on. Ty hands Noah the keys to the Old Man’s house and Noah finds out that the obviously gay Ian has lived next door for the past five years and considered Noah’s father a friend. When Noah offers Ian and Ty a boat ride to the island, two strangers on the dock are also brought along for the ride: Joshua, an easy going man with a Kentucky accent and Gabriel, a slight pretty man whose face is marred by scars. The trip doesn’t go all that smoothly but when they make it to the other side the men talk, share a meal and the alcohol is passed around. With emotions running high, rum flowing and a need for each of the men to just forget, they indulge in a night of group sex. After the orgy (as Gabriel calls it) all the men retreat out on their own, but find themselves gravitating back to each other the next day. Each man has a story to tell and a past to forget and the bond they are starting to build seems to strengthen them all, but some secrets will hit harder than others and some of their pasts will come back to haunt them.
All have pasts to overcome – some harsher than others as you can see from the blurb. The story doesn’t delve so deeply into them as to get bogged down in pain and angst, but gives enough background and information for the reader to connect with and understand each and every one. Easily the most painful story is Gabriel’s but I was touched by each man’s struggle. While Gabriel and Joshua are new to the Outer Banks, Noah, Ty and Gabriel all have ties there with family, exes and small town gossips that put even more strain on them and the group.
I give Max MacGowan credit for taking this story on and not just giving us points of view from all five men, but making their voices sufficiently different so that I wasn’t ever confused as to who was talking. There as an interesting dynamic in that while all the men felt they worked better as a group, it was clear that some gravitated more strongly to the others for either emotional support or sex. For instance Joshua and Gabriel, both new to the Outer Banks, spend quite a bit of alone time together talking and getting to know each other, while Ian and Noah seemed to click quite well. Ty is the all-around happy, outgoing guy who everyone likes. Every man brings something different and necessary to the group and I never got the feeling that any of them were ever slighted or ever thought of breaking away.
Of course I have to mention the sex scenes. They are not the focus of the story but they definitely are necessary and add some heat. Let’s face it, five pairs of arms and legs, five mouths and five cocks are a lot to keep track of, but the author pulled it off. When all five men are together having sex, they are generally paired off two or three, but are always together in the same room watching and touching. The physical connection isn’t limited to those scenes though as I felt the attractions simmering whether they were kissing, playing on the beach or just going about the daily routines of life.
While there is definitely insta-lust it’s not an insta-love story. The story deals with the start of the relationship and you can feel the growing affection and how strongly the men bond. They face some challenges from the outside that could pull the group apart and get a taste of the judgment they may face going forward, but they also realize that they are stronger together than they are on their own.
The story was well written and moved at a good pace. I have to admit there were some odd words and phrases used that I wasn’t familiar with. I’m not sure if it’s the author’s style or part of a regional dialect, but I did have to look a couple of things up. Regardless of that minor issue, I would be all in for another story that shows how they deal with life after fully committing to their unconventional arrangement.
As novel and intriguing as a five-way polyamorous relationship sounds, this isn’t the first I’ve read, but it’s the first where all the men come to the relationship as strangers. This is a dynamic I always seek out in ménage and I was mostly intrigued about how the author would handle the situation. If you’re looking at the story hoping for orgy after orgy, you’ll probably be disappointed. Yes, there are several group sex scenes, but the heart of the story is seeing the men break free of their past and finding strength in a bonded group that they likely would never have found on their own.
Noah’s father kicked him out ten years ago at 18 after finding out he was gay. He has returned to the Outer Banks for the Old Man’s funeral and plans to leave as soon as he can. After missing the ferry he comes across Ty and Ian, who both live on the island he grew up on. Ty hands Noah the keys to the Old Man’s house and Noah finds out that the obviously gay Ian has lived next door for the past five years and considered Noah’s father a friend. When Noah offers Ian and Ty a boat ride to the island, two strangers on the dock are also brought along for the ride: Joshua, an easy going man with a Kentucky accent and Gabriel, a slight pretty man whose face is marred by scars. The trip doesn’t go all that smoothly but when they make it to the other side the men talk, share a meal and the alcohol is passed around. With emotions running high, rum flowing and a need for each of the men to just forget, they indulge in a night of group sex. After the orgy (as Gabriel calls it) all the men retreat out on their own, but find themselves gravitating back to each other the next day. Each man has a story to tell and a past to forget and the bond they are starting to build seems to strengthen them all, but some secrets will hit harder than others and some of their pasts will come back to haunt them.
All have pasts to overcome – some harsher than others as you can see from the blurb. The story doesn’t delve so deeply into them as to get bogged down in pain and angst, but gives enough background and information for the reader to connect with and understand each and every one. Easily the most painful story is Gabriel’s but I was touched by each man’s struggle. While Gabriel and Joshua are new to the Outer Banks, Noah, Ty and Gabriel all have ties there with family, exes and small town gossips that put even more strain on them and the group.
I give Max MacGowan credit for taking this story on and not just giving us points of view from all five men, but making their voices sufficiently different so that I wasn’t ever confused as to who was talking. There as an interesting dynamic in that while all the men felt they worked better as a group, it was clear that some gravitated more strongly to the others for either emotional support or sex. For instance Joshua and Gabriel, both new to the Outer Banks, spend quite a bit of alone time together talking and getting to know each other, while Ian and Noah seemed to click quite well. Ty is the all-around happy, outgoing guy who everyone likes. Every man brings something different and necessary to the group and I never got the feeling that any of them were ever slighted or ever thought of breaking away.
Of course I have to mention the sex scenes. They are not the focus of the story but they definitely are necessary and add some heat. Let’s face it, five pairs of arms and legs, five mouths and five cocks are a lot to keep track of, but the author pulled it off. When all five men are together having sex, they are generally paired off two or three, but are always together in the same room watching and touching. The physical connection isn’t limited to those scenes though as I felt the attractions simmering whether they were kissing, playing on the beach or just going about the daily routines of life.
While there is definitely insta-lust it’s not an insta-love story. The story deals with the start of the relationship and you can feel the growing affection and how strongly the men bond. They face some challenges from the outside that could pull the group apart and get a taste of the judgment they may face going forward, but they also realize that they are stronger together than they are on their own.
The story was well written and moved at a good pace. I have to admit there were some odd words and phrases used that I wasn’t familiar with. I’m not sure if it’s the author’s style or part of a regional dialect, but I did have to look a couple of things up. Regardless of that minor issue, I would be all in for another story that shows how they deal with life after fully committing to their unconventional arrangement.
May 6, 2016
I never expected to love this book as much as I did because polygamous relationships are not something that I can accept lightly; this was the first book I've ever read where five different people make a go of a very unusual relationship. The most I've ever dealt with in my reading experience are threesomes, and I can't tell you how many times the relationship didn't work for me for different reasons. Maybe I was wrong to start this book thinking it was going to be a fail, but I LOVE when I'm wrong and my mind is blown in the best possible way.
Noah Trevelyan has returned home after ten long years to bury his father; kicked out at a young age for being gay (in order to keep from tainting the whole family), Noah is now trying to make peace with his father's death and the fact that he never got the chance to fix their relationship.
Ian has been living next door to Noah's father for the past seven years and recently being dumped by his long-term asshole boyfriend, he's still trying to recover from the heartbreak. Ian is a mother-hen, a doer, a caretaker who wants nothing more than to make those he loves feel happy and taken care of.
Joshua has spent almost a year behind bars for a murder he didn't commit and even though he's been acquitted, he ran far away from his hometown in order to start over. Joshua doesn't think he has much to offer and knows that his past will more than likely put a shadow over any relationship he might form, regardless of his innocence. Joshua is plain and average, but he's got a calming effect on those around him and he's great to be around.
Ty is happiness, joy, cheer, and sunlight. He's one of those people that everybody loves, who should never be anything but happy and smiling and shining bright. But Ty is dealing with his own problems; his great-aunt Lily, the woman who raised him after the death of his mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Ty's heart is breaking day after day.
Gabriel might look like an angel but he's definitely not one; his risky sexual behavior landed him in a dangerous situation that found him beaten, cut, scarred for life, and left for dead. Gabriel suffers from depression and has plans to take his own life; but why exactly has he traveled so far and how did he end up where he is now? He doesn't know but plans to stay alive long enough to figure it out.
Five men who are not perfect, who are as different as can be, work together perfectly to get over the obstacles life threw in their path. Everything about them, from the way they met, to the way they interact, how they end up together, EVERYTHING felt as natural as breathing. I expected to feel overwhelmed by their polygamous relationship; I expected this book to feel more pornish than it did considering there's a lot of dicks in one bed; I expected the drama level and maybe the angst to be sky high considering the men's backgrounds. Pretty much every one of my expectations were blown to dust. What I got was five men who become best friends, who complement each other perfectly. Yes, there's sex, but the fact that it's not overly descriptive or crude makes it natural and not overwhelming at all. I loved the support they offered one another, a make-shift family who had each other's backs and never gave up on each other. I loved this book!
I can't wait to read more from Max, I think they're becoming more experienced in their writing; Five-Sided Heart is much better than Taking the Long Way, the writing has a nice even flow and the pace is perfect. Great book!
Noah Trevelyan has returned home after ten long years to bury his father; kicked out at a young age for being gay (in order to keep from tainting the whole family), Noah is now trying to make peace with his father's death and the fact that he never got the chance to fix their relationship.
Ian has been living next door to Noah's father for the past seven years and recently being dumped by his long-term asshole boyfriend, he's still trying to recover from the heartbreak. Ian is a mother-hen, a doer, a caretaker who wants nothing more than to make those he loves feel happy and taken care of.
Joshua has spent almost a year behind bars for a murder he didn't commit and even though he's been acquitted, he ran far away from his hometown in order to start over. Joshua doesn't think he has much to offer and knows that his past will more than likely put a shadow over any relationship he might form, regardless of his innocence. Joshua is plain and average, but he's got a calming effect on those around him and he's great to be around.
Ty is happiness, joy, cheer, and sunlight. He's one of those people that everybody loves, who should never be anything but happy and smiling and shining bright. But Ty is dealing with his own problems; his great-aunt Lily, the woman who raised him after the death of his mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Ty's heart is breaking day after day.
Gabriel might look like an angel but he's definitely not one; his risky sexual behavior landed him in a dangerous situation that found him beaten, cut, scarred for life, and left for dead. Gabriel suffers from depression and has plans to take his own life; but why exactly has he traveled so far and how did he end up where he is now? He doesn't know but plans to stay alive long enough to figure it out.
Five men who are not perfect, who are as different as can be, work together perfectly to get over the obstacles life threw in their path. Everything about them, from the way they met, to the way they interact, how they end up together, EVERYTHING felt as natural as breathing. I expected to feel overwhelmed by their polygamous relationship; I expected this book to feel more pornish than it did considering there's a lot of dicks in one bed; I expected the drama level and maybe the angst to be sky high considering the men's backgrounds. Pretty much every one of my expectations were blown to dust. What I got was five men who become best friends, who complement each other perfectly. Yes, there's sex, but the fact that it's not overly descriptive or crude makes it natural and not overwhelming at all. I loved the support they offered one another, a make-shift family who had each other's backs and never gave up on each other. I loved this book!
I can't wait to read more from Max, I think they're becoming more experienced in their writing; Five-Sided Heart is much better than Taking the Long Way, the writing has a nice even flow and the pace is perfect. Great book!
May 21, 2016
Ok but not great
3 stars
I think with this one I'm going to go be the odd man out and have to say "it's not you, it's me"
I picked this up after seeing recommendations on Facebook and unfortunately for me it was ok but not great.
I have a great fascination with poly relationships. I like seeing the dynamics between the guys.
In this one we have five guys and five different POVs, which made it hard for me to connect with any of them. It felt to me that we only got small bits as the POVs changed and at times confused me and left me feeling that I didn't really know any of them.
There is also a lot going on. Each guy comes to the relationship with his own set of problems, and they were all cleared up during the book, but being as there were five different sets of problems they seemed to be dealt with quickly and I felt some of the problems, Gabriel's and Joshua's, could have been flesh out more. Gabriel's especially felt like we just skimmed the surface. I would have liked to have more time spent there.
3 stars
I think with this one I'm going to go be the odd man out and have to say "it's not you, it's me"
I picked this up after seeing recommendations on Facebook and unfortunately for me it was ok but not great.
I have a great fascination with poly relationships. I like seeing the dynamics between the guys.
In this one we have five guys and five different POVs, which made it hard for me to connect with any of them. It felt to me that we only got small bits as the POVs changed and at times confused me and left me feeling that I didn't really know any of them.
There is also a lot going on. Each guy comes to the relationship with his own set of problems, and they were all cleared up during the book, but being as there were five different sets of problems they seemed to be dealt with quickly and I felt some of the problems, Gabriel's and Joshua's, could have been flesh out more. Gabriel's especially felt like we just skimmed the surface. I would have liked to have more time spent there.
April 21, 2017
3.5* Much better than expected, five different characters with insta-insta x5 yet there's less sex than assumed.
I found the characters interesting, there's changing povs but it's well enough done that it didn't bug me, I was interested in each character and could always tell whose head it was. Though did notice a few shared expressions and not all the characters stayed true to their initial introduction; Ian especially is very different to first impression, and to a lesser extent Noah. Quite a few fade-out scenes.
What I really liked was that the men took time to share their secrets and then with maybe one of the others not immediately all. That felt real. The m/m/m/m/m aspect was pushing believability in that I could see two separate couples working and one who was an 'enthusiastic retriever' damn tough with it and loved by all. The coming together seemed perhaps a bit too easy, but the enjoyment is learning the story of each man rather than big relationship angst and for me that worked. Each man has a story to share. They're together a very short time to be planning forever, but reading it, I wanted it to work for them.
Could easily pick some holes in it, but honestly I enjoyed reading it, the characters appealed and it's well written
I found the characters interesting, there's changing povs but it's well enough done that it didn't bug me, I was interested in each character and could always tell whose head it was. Though did notice a few shared expressions and not all the characters stayed true to their initial introduction; Ian especially is very different to first impression, and to a lesser extent Noah. Quite a few fade-out scenes.
What I really liked was that the men took time to share their secrets and then with maybe one of the others not immediately all. That felt real. The m/m/m/m/m aspect was pushing believability in that I could see two separate couples working and one who was an 'enthusiastic retriever' damn tough with it and loved by all. The coming together seemed perhaps a bit too easy, but the enjoyment is learning the story of each man rather than big relationship angst and for me that worked. Each man has a story to share. They're together a very short time to be planning forever, but reading it, I wanted it to work for them.
Could easily pick some holes in it, but honestly I enjoyed reading it, the characters appealed and it's well written
February 15, 2023
Considering I grew up in North Carolina and spent my fair share of time at the coast and on the Outer Banks, 'Five-Sided Heart' brought back a lot of memories. It also reminded me of how some people can be, and that change in any form isn't always welcome. I was more than charmed straight from the beginning by these five men, Ian, Noah, Ty, Joshua, and Gabriel. I absolutely adored the way I got to hear from each of these men's perspectives without anything becoming confusing.
What a way to meet! Five men after a funeral: two locals, one used-to-be local, and two visitors. Spring a leak in Noah's dad's boat halfway across to the Outer Banks, and they swim the rest of the way. End up at the Old Man's house - Noah's now - where beer, good food, rum, reminiscing, and an orgy breaks out.
Noah. A lot of emotions roiling around there. Grief, anger, helplessness, and a feeling of loss. Ty. He's like a puppy, bouncing and happy, although I suspect there's more to him. He's very attuned to moods and quick to try to divert bad ones. Ian. He's been the Old Man's neighbor for five years. He's gay, he doesn't hide it, and he's open about his cheating, stealing ex-boyfriend. Although he is a bit of a mother hen, scowling when anyone accuses him of it. Joshua. Quiet, introspective, and very observant. Spent the past year in general lock-up waiting for a trial for a murder he didn't commit and was acquitted of. He's spent the past few months just traveling around, trying to figure out what he wants to do. Gabriel. So sad. Lost. Suicidal. Broken. Looking to find his spark, not sure he ever will.
"It wasn’t just him, and it wasn’t just Ty. It was… something bigger, something Ty didn’t even have a name for. Something that had caught them all—Ty, Noah, Joshua, Ian, Gabriel—and kept pulling them back in."
I wasn't sure how the author was going to make a polyamorous relationship between five very different men believable, but it happened. Even better than I had thought. Each of these men had something - a characteristic, a strength, a weakness - that each of the others needed, and the author wrote it in such a wonderful way that it was practically seamless. I won't say there wasn't some drama. Of course there was, especially when backgrounds were revealed, and decisions made about whether this was or wasn't a relationship. But I loved the way these men made each other better, as a whole, as a family.
A wonderful introduction to this author and I'm looking forward to more. 'Five-Sided Heart' is a beautiful story that, if you enjoy polyamorous relationships and reading about one that works, then I can easily recommend this.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
What a way to meet! Five men after a funeral: two locals, one used-to-be local, and two visitors. Spring a leak in Noah's dad's boat halfway across to the Outer Banks, and they swim the rest of the way. End up at the Old Man's house - Noah's now - where beer, good food, rum, reminiscing, and an orgy breaks out.
Noah. A lot of emotions roiling around there. Grief, anger, helplessness, and a feeling of loss. Ty. He's like a puppy, bouncing and happy, although I suspect there's more to him. He's very attuned to moods and quick to try to divert bad ones. Ian. He's been the Old Man's neighbor for five years. He's gay, he doesn't hide it, and he's open about his cheating, stealing ex-boyfriend. Although he is a bit of a mother hen, scowling when anyone accuses him of it. Joshua. Quiet, introspective, and very observant. Spent the past year in general lock-up waiting for a trial for a murder he didn't commit and was acquitted of. He's spent the past few months just traveling around, trying to figure out what he wants to do. Gabriel. So sad. Lost. Suicidal. Broken. Looking to find his spark, not sure he ever will.
"It wasn’t just him, and it wasn’t just Ty. It was… something bigger, something Ty didn’t even have a name for. Something that had caught them all—Ty, Noah, Joshua, Ian, Gabriel—and kept pulling them back in."
I wasn't sure how the author was going to make a polyamorous relationship between five very different men believable, but it happened. Even better than I had thought. Each of these men had something - a characteristic, a strength, a weakness - that each of the others needed, and the author wrote it in such a wonderful way that it was practically seamless. I won't say there wasn't some drama. Of course there was, especially when backgrounds were revealed, and decisions made about whether this was or wasn't a relationship. But I loved the way these men made each other better, as a whole, as a family.
A wonderful introduction to this author and I'm looking forward to more. 'Five-Sided Heart' is a beautiful story that, if you enjoy polyamorous relationships and reading about one that works, then I can easily recommend this.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
May 27, 2016
4.5
"Gabriel, looking up, was as naked as a man could be, and it had nothing to do with clothing."
This was my first Max MacGowan book - and I can tell you now, it won't be my last. I'm not one to be all grabby hands at a book featuring a polyamorous relationship - or menage of any kind really. That's not to say I won't read them (obviously) but there has to be more to the story than just good naked times for it to work for me. This book won me over for two reasons; firstly I'm taken with stories where a character revisits a childhood home. There is something about the emotional mix of past and present that works for me in books. Secondly - quite simply - I liked the cover.
"Any metaphor worth extending was worth overextending, in Ian's opinion."
There was something Arvinesque about this story. I love Eric Arvin's words and this very much has that vibe as far as I am concerned. Clever prose, witty and meaningful, worked well to bring the stories of these five virtual strangers together. To lend understanding of the emotional journey that happens when embarking on an unconventional relationship, such as shared by the men in this book, rather than just relying on some hot sex, made me, the reader, feel a part of their story.
Each character was well defined and unique - I was worried that I'd lose track of who was who with five MC's in one relationship to concentrate on, but they were easily definable. I knew who Noah, Ian, Ty, Joshua and Gabriel were. I understood their quirks and characteristics and fell a little in love with all of them.
"Everything was just half a bubble off plumb."
It was an interesting story that didn't rely on the same old tired traits, metaphors and phrases. A book I really enjoyed and an author I can't wait to read more of.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
"Gabriel, looking up, was as naked as a man could be, and it had nothing to do with clothing."
This was my first Max MacGowan book - and I can tell you now, it won't be my last. I'm not one to be all grabby hands at a book featuring a polyamorous relationship - or menage of any kind really. That's not to say I won't read them (obviously) but there has to be more to the story than just good naked times for it to work for me. This book won me over for two reasons; firstly I'm taken with stories where a character revisits a childhood home. There is something about the emotional mix of past and present that works for me in books. Secondly - quite simply - I liked the cover.
"Any metaphor worth extending was worth overextending, in Ian's opinion."
There was something Arvinesque about this story. I love Eric Arvin's words and this very much has that vibe as far as I am concerned. Clever prose, witty and meaningful, worked well to bring the stories of these five virtual strangers together. To lend understanding of the emotional journey that happens when embarking on an unconventional relationship, such as shared by the men in this book, rather than just relying on some hot sex, made me, the reader, feel a part of their story.
Each character was well defined and unique - I was worried that I'd lose track of who was who with five MC's in one relationship to concentrate on, but they were easily definable. I knew who Noah, Ian, Ty, Joshua and Gabriel were. I understood their quirks and characteristics and fell a little in love with all of them.
"Everything was just half a bubble off plumb."
It was an interesting story that didn't rely on the same old tired traits, metaphors and phrases. A book I really enjoyed and an author I can't wait to read more of.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This was a really sweet story about five guys who are brought together by fate and ended up being what each of them needed most.
Noah returned home to find his estranged father left him his house and boat. While on his way there, he meets up with the other guys, Ian and Ty, who also live on the island and whom Noah has met before, and Gabriel and Joshua, two guys drifting and trying to run from ghosts of their own.
This seemed an unlikely possibility at first, but quickly changed to something that just worked and was needed by everyone involved. They each played an important role in the relationship as a whole, and all (even if some needed convincing, felt they wouldn’t be whole without all five of them being a part of it.
There are little side stories with each of the guys – Noah and his issues with his father and now sister; Ty with taking care of his sick aunt, Ian getting over his abusive ex; Gabriel with his suicidal tendencies over his past abuse/injuries; and Joshua running from his past of being wrongfully accused of murder. As I said previously, each guy just seemed to step in where needed, and even though there were different levels of trust earned at different times, there wasn’t really ever a feel of two men being a couple. They all just grew to care about the others, always caring about the feelings of all. It just worked.
I really liked how it all played out. The side stories were interesting but never took over the overall story. While there were some dark issues at play here, the story was also light and full of hope as each man came around to accepting the situation of how they could all actually be together. I’d love to read more about how these guys are getting along now that they’ve all made it back to the house ready to move forward past their own issues and work toward their relationship and future together.
April 7, 2017
WOW. I've had this on my to-read list and for whatever reason the other night I went right to it, and I'm so glad I did!
I've read poly-relationship where it's paranormal and they're like all demons and 1 human, but I have never read a contemporary romance with more than 3 people in a relationship. I was wondering how it would all work, if it'd be an equal balanced relationship between everyone, if I could even follow what was going on, and Max McGowan just nailed it with this story.
Each man had his struggles, his past demons, and brought something uniquely their own to the relationship. I don't know who I loved more, but I will say that Gabriel especially tugged at my heart. But I loved Ty, too! And Ian! And Joshua, and Noah...I just loved them all.
Beautifully written, lots of fun and sexy times and lots of emotion. Wonderful story.
I've read poly-relationship where it's paranormal and they're like all demons and 1 human, but I have never read a contemporary romance with more than 3 people in a relationship. I was wondering how it would all work, if it'd be an equal balanced relationship between everyone, if I could even follow what was going on, and Max McGowan just nailed it with this story.
Each man had his struggles, his past demons, and brought something uniquely their own to the relationship. I don't know who I loved more, but I will say that Gabriel especially tugged at my heart. But I loved Ty, too! And Ian! And Joshua, and Noah...I just loved them all.
Beautifully written, lots of fun and sexy times and lots of emotion. Wonderful story.
June 6, 2016
Oh I want to cuddle Gabriel, such a lovely story.
June 5, 2016
This was actually pretty good. I would have just wanted more sex and hotness but overall it's a worthwhile read.
November 14, 2016
4.5 Stars! Surprisingly solid read. Great story with a lot of emotion and well rounded characters. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
June 3, 2016
A Copy was provided in exchange for an honest review
3.5 Hearts
Having an orgy the night of your father’s funeral is a perfectly rational reaction to death……….
But no, really, I get it. Noah wants to forget and he can’t decide which of the four hotties he has sitting in his house, to choose from, so Gabriel makes the choice for him and initiates some sort of fellacio orgy…. It is fucking hot. Seriously. Bodies are everywhere. Everyone gets lucky. Five is NOT a crowd. Promise.
See?!
In all seriousness this was a good read. I enjoyed it immensely, and the five-way sex scenes were pretty good too.
What irritated me was the five points of view. Not necessarily their points of view, but the frequency with which the points of view changed. I felt like I barely got inside each character’s head before I was thrust into someone else’s thoughts. There was a particularly spectacular sex scene where Gabriel was getting pounded and just when I was expecting the money shot, because I needed that money shot, it switches to Josh’s point of view. I was livid.
While I got a decent background, and character development for the three locals, and Joshua, I did not get enough of Gabriel. I think his character was the one who had the most to work with, but I didn’t get nearly as much as I wanted from him.
I imagine it’s a tricky balancing act when writing a poly relationship, to ensure everyone has a decent amount of time. Plot is important, and I thought that the plot was decent to a degree. It wasn’t fantastic but it held together enough to let the relationship development work.
I just think there was too much going on. I liked all the characters, and of course they all have a past, but I found that each of them having their own plot drama held the story back a little bit.
Ian I didn’t quite understand. I couldn’t get a true read on his personality, or why he picked his ex. He was sort of a wildcard. He was put together, but made a huge error in judgement with his ex. When we first meet him he gives of a mischievous and flirtation persona, but then when we get to know him he’s somewhat conservative and a little uptight and controlling. While I liked him, his personality was contradictory and I didn’t quite get him.
Gabriel was the broken one. There was so much to work with there. Sweet and gentle, but apparently had some sort of thing… I don’t know if it was a mental health issue, trauma from his past, a neediness in his personality, I don’t really think the author knew. I thought he was a great addition to the relationship but he is still a mystery to me. I needed more from him to completely understand who he was and what got him to the place he was when he met the other men.
Ty was adorable. Goofy and light. I enjoyed him and thought he had a good back story. The boy next door, everyone can’t help but love and want to be around, his character wasn’t completely fleshed out but it was enough that I felt comfortable with the amount of information I had. He was still a bit awkward, up to the end, but I thought he belonged. He just needed a bit more nurturing to come into his own.
Noah - Again, I wasn’t quite sure what his personality was. He seemed to be the, I want to say Alpha of the group, but it doesn’t quite fit. He was definitely the one who made most of the decisions, and directed the group in a way that benefited everyone. Who he was at the funeral was not who he was when he got to his father’s house, and my head spun a bit at the difference. But he was solid and flexible with the other men.
A huge gap in the story building was the jobs. Only Ty appeared to have a J.O.B. Gabriel’s lack of employment was explained, as was Joshua’s. Ian’s profession was explained but he never seemed to leave the houses, or if he did, it was to go shopping. I can’t recall where he got his money from. Noah’s life before wasn’t really explained either. And while he inherited a house from his father, there really wasn’t anything that explained his lack of fuss over staying on the island. I just didn’t understand what he actually did, or would do. It seemed that they were all financially fine, but with no evidence to suggest this was true.
There were a fair few holes, but I still enjoyed the story. There were some great scenes, and good relationship building between the characters, some more than others. I liked all the men, and wanted their relationship to work. I enjoyed getting to know them, as much as I could, and the dialogue was fun.
The connection between Joshua and Gabriel I could see was something unique and special and I really want to explore that more. The same with Ian, Noah, and Ty. I loved their chemistry. Of course they all had great chemistry, but if their relationship ever moved on from being five, that is how I think it would go. It was clear that Ty has had a crush on Ian for a really long time, so it was great to see them together.
The conflict resolution was not believable, but because it would spoil the story, I’ll just say, ignore it, and enjoy the rest of the book for what it is.
Recommended for those who want a light-ish Poly-romance between five men.
3.5 Hearts
Having an orgy the night of your father’s funeral is a perfectly rational reaction to death……….
But no, really, I get it. Noah wants to forget and he can’t decide which of the four hotties he has sitting in his house, to choose from, so Gabriel makes the choice for him and initiates some sort of fellacio orgy…. It is fucking hot. Seriously. Bodies are everywhere. Everyone gets lucky. Five is NOT a crowd. Promise.
See?!
In all seriousness this was a good read. I enjoyed it immensely, and the five-way sex scenes were pretty good too.
What irritated me was the five points of view. Not necessarily their points of view, but the frequency with which the points of view changed. I felt like I barely got inside each character’s head before I was thrust into someone else’s thoughts. There was a particularly spectacular sex scene where Gabriel was getting pounded and just when I was expecting the money shot, because I needed that money shot, it switches to Josh’s point of view. I was livid.
While I got a decent background, and character development for the three locals, and Joshua, I did not get enough of Gabriel. I think his character was the one who had the most to work with, but I didn’t get nearly as much as I wanted from him.
I imagine it’s a tricky balancing act when writing a poly relationship, to ensure everyone has a decent amount of time. Plot is important, and I thought that the plot was decent to a degree. It wasn’t fantastic but it held together enough to let the relationship development work.
I just think there was too much going on. I liked all the characters, and of course they all have a past, but I found that each of them having their own plot drama held the story back a little bit.
Ian I didn’t quite understand. I couldn’t get a true read on his personality, or why he picked his ex. He was sort of a wildcard. He was put together, but made a huge error in judgement with his ex. When we first meet him he gives of a mischievous and flirtation persona, but then when we get to know him he’s somewhat conservative and a little uptight and controlling. While I liked him, his personality was contradictory and I didn’t quite get him.
Gabriel was the broken one. There was so much to work with there. Sweet and gentle, but apparently had some sort of thing… I don’t know if it was a mental health issue, trauma from his past, a neediness in his personality, I don’t really think the author knew. I thought he was a great addition to the relationship but he is still a mystery to me. I needed more from him to completely understand who he was and what got him to the place he was when he met the other men.
Ty was adorable. Goofy and light. I enjoyed him and thought he had a good back story. The boy next door, everyone can’t help but love and want to be around, his character wasn’t completely fleshed out but it was enough that I felt comfortable with the amount of information I had. He was still a bit awkward, up to the end, but I thought he belonged. He just needed a bit more nurturing to come into his own.
Noah - Again, I wasn’t quite sure what his personality was. He seemed to be the, I want to say Alpha of the group, but it doesn’t quite fit. He was definitely the one who made most of the decisions, and directed the group in a way that benefited everyone. Who he was at the funeral was not who he was when he got to his father’s house, and my head spun a bit at the difference. But he was solid and flexible with the other men.
A huge gap in the story building was the jobs. Only Ty appeared to have a J.O.B. Gabriel’s lack of employment was explained, as was Joshua’s. Ian’s profession was explained but he never seemed to leave the houses, or if he did, it was to go shopping. I can’t recall where he got his money from. Noah’s life before wasn’t really explained either. And while he inherited a house from his father, there really wasn’t anything that explained his lack of fuss over staying on the island. I just didn’t understand what he actually did, or would do. It seemed that they were all financially fine, but with no evidence to suggest this was true.
There were a fair few holes, but I still enjoyed the story. There were some great scenes, and good relationship building between the characters, some more than others. I liked all the men, and wanted their relationship to work. I enjoyed getting to know them, as much as I could, and the dialogue was fun.
The connection between Joshua and Gabriel I could see was something unique and special and I really want to explore that more. The same with Ian, Noah, and Ty. I loved their chemistry. Of course they all had great chemistry, but if their relationship ever moved on from being five, that is how I think it would go. It was clear that Ty has had a crush on Ian for a really long time, so it was great to see them together.
The conflict resolution was not believable, but because it would spoil the story, I’ll just say, ignore it, and enjoy the rest of the book for what it is.
Recommended for those who want a light-ish Poly-romance between five men.
March 30, 2017
This book was not what I was expecting.. it was a story of five lost men who found themselves.. together.. they helped each other even when some were tooo stubborn to ask. Was the sex great.. uhhh yeah it was! Was it a lot in your face.. not at all! This had a story and it wasn't about 5 men fucking constantly. I was so surprised how much I loved this book.. I want more time with these men.. I want to know what they are up to years later.. I really really enjoyed this book!
July 1, 2016
We start this story with Noah returning to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for his father’s, aka The Old Man, funeral. The Old Man had kicked Noah out a decade ago for being gay and Noah hadn’t been back since. While at the funeral Noah meets a collection of men from his new neighbor Ian, to Ty a local boy from down the beach to two newcomers Gabriel and Joshua.
Each man has a past and a secret or something that is currently making their lives difficult. They find support and solace in one another as friends and then as lovers.
For whatever reason they work in a way that seems impossible and yet it just makes them so strong – strong enough to overcome what life throws at them.
**
What a surprise this was! When I agreed to review this I didn’t even read the blurb because I was so psyched to see another book by Max MacGowan – I really enjoyed The Long Way Home and I just knew this would be good, too.
So… I was not prepared for a polyamorous relationship and with 5 guys! But… this isn’t a story all about kinky sex – it’s really about building a support system for yourself and finding the family you need – no matter what that may look like.
Each guy’s story is heart breaking in it’s own way and they are all so different, it was fascinating watching them build a relationship – all with each other.
I really enjoyed this and found it impossible to put down. I highly recommend it and give it 5 of 5 stars.
Each man has a past and a secret or something that is currently making their lives difficult. They find support and solace in one another as friends and then as lovers.
For whatever reason they work in a way that seems impossible and yet it just makes them so strong – strong enough to overcome what life throws at them.
**
What a surprise this was! When I agreed to review this I didn’t even read the blurb because I was so psyched to see another book by Max MacGowan – I really enjoyed The Long Way Home and I just knew this would be good, too.
So… I was not prepared for a polyamorous relationship and with 5 guys! But… this isn’t a story all about kinky sex – it’s really about building a support system for yourself and finding the family you need – no matter what that may look like.
Each guy’s story is heart breaking in it’s own way and they are all so different, it was fascinating watching them build a relationship – all with each other.
I really enjoyed this and found it impossible to put down. I highly recommend it and give it 5 of 5 stars.
May 19, 2016
Maybe it's just me, but it could've been better I was alittle confused though out this book. Although it was a good book when I seen 5 guys and one relationship I was like "hmm now that's different", but has I begun to read I notice that the guys are like the same they say the same words as each other so it was alittle confusing as to who was talking if that makes sense I thought they would all have different personalitys which I presumed they did but than again they didn't and I also was hoping they all meet each other at different times like one guy might another they take it from there and than later another guy comes in lol blah blah but I didn't expected them to all meet each other at the same time and jump in "bed" together. And from there they all of a sudden like each other
July 6, 2016
Hmm... didn't do much for me. First book I've read by this author and I'm not sure whether it was just this book but I'm not a fan of the writing style. Didn't like how the POV jumped from person to person so much :(
Struggled to emotionally connect with any character, and felt I didn't get a full picture of any of the five guys.
After seeing so many 5 star reviews I will just have to chalk this up as another book where I differ from the majority.
Struggled to emotionally connect with any character, and felt I didn't get a full picture of any of the five guys.
After seeing so many 5 star reviews I will just have to chalk this up as another book where I differ from the majority.
Read
June 24, 2016DNF @ 40%... :( The writing style wasn't my cuppa tea, and it kept distracting me from a good story. I'm probably in the minority, so don't let me put you off, give it a try. :)
January 24, 2019
What a beautiful and romantic love story, I really enjoyed this.
I think this was the very first time I ever read a romance including 5 people in a relationship. And if this sounds complicated to follow, well, yes it was. It definitely took some time to get to know all those guys, but once I did, it worked just fine, every one of them was so unique, with his own problems and baggage, his own story, it ranks didn't take long to love them all.
Maybe the only thing that stayed difficult was to sort out, who was who and who did what to whom, when they had sex.
Fortunately that didn't happen too often, absolutely perfect for me, because there was enough story to keep me hooked and I would rate that easily above average, probably 3.5 stars!
I think this was the very first time I ever read a romance including 5 people in a relationship. And if this sounds complicated to follow, well, yes it was. It definitely took some time to get to know all those guys, but once I did, it worked just fine, every one of them was so unique, with his own problems and baggage, his own story, it ranks didn't take long to love them all.
Maybe the only thing that stayed difficult was to sort out, who was who and who did what to whom, when they had sex.
Fortunately that didn't happen too often, absolutely perfect for me, because there was enough story to keep me hooked and I would rate that easily above average, probably 3.5 stars!
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