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Addicted to You #3
Throb
“The long-awaited electrifying conclusion is finally here! Bestselling author Lydia Michaels has built a world of passion, betrayal, and redemption in this dark and unforgettable love triangle.”
December's heart is torn between two alpha protectors—her husband, Austin, and his best friend, Cord. As their secrets unravel, the trio faces an emotional reckoning that could either heal their bonds or shatter them forever.
Austin battles his demons after a year of broken vows, determined to reclaim his role as husband and protector. Cord, finally free to express his love, wrestles with his own desires and the fragile trust between them. For December, surrendering to love means confronting her deepest insecurities and deciding which future she’s willing to fight for.
Raw, steamy, and deeply emotional, Throb explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the boundaries we’re willing to cross for those who hold our hearts.
December's heart is torn between two alpha protectors—her husband, Austin, and his best friend, Cord. As their secrets unravel, the trio faces an emotional reckoning that could either heal their bonds or shatter them forever.
Austin battles his demons after a year of broken vows, determined to reclaim his role as husband and protector. Cord, finally free to express his love, wrestles with his own desires and the fragile trust between them. For December, surrendering to love means confronting her deepest insecurities and deciding which future she’s willing to fight for.
Raw, steamy, and deeply emotional, Throb explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the boundaries we’re willing to cross for those who hold our hearts.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
34 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
73 books1,909 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 24, 2017
This book *sighs*. I'm having really mixed feelings about it.
April 15, 2017
5 Freakin-Amazing Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Finally!! The ending to Degrees of Separation. I have been waiting super impatiently for this one. I couldn't wait to find out what happens with December, Austin, and Cord.
I loved the first two books and became addicted with these 3 people. I experienced their ups and downs with them and felt so much emotion between them.
This was the perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. I'm so sad it's over. I'm definitely adding these authors to my favorites.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Finally!! The ending to Degrees of Separation. I have been waiting super impatiently for this one. I couldn't wait to find out what happens with December, Austin, and Cord.
I loved the first two books and became addicted with these 3 people. I experienced their ups and downs with them and felt so much emotion between them.
This was the perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. I'm so sad it's over. I'm definitely adding these authors to my favorites.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2017
Atonement, #3 in Lydia Michaels Degrees of Separation trilogy, takes up right where Lost Together left off. Cord, December, and Austin have just begun their relationship of three. Where months ago all had seemed lost, now life was starting to resume. But it was a different life than any of them had known. But it felt right. Still, there were uncertainties. Did they have what it takes to make this relationship work?
As I read this trilogy, I was captivated by each character’s individual stories and their journey together. I found myself asking what makes this story work when so many others seem to fall flat. They all have the same premise- 3 people form a partnership together leading to a long term relationship. Let’s face it though, there aren’t many relationships like that out there. At least that I know of, so it definitely puts these stories more into a fantasy category. What they need is some reality to make it believable. That’s exactly what the Degrees of Separation trilogy gives you, and that’s what makes this series stand out from all the others.
One aspect of this trilogy that makes it believable is that all three characters are attracted to each other. I can’t see a relationship lasting long term if two people are focused on a third but have no interest in each other. December had always loved Austin, and when left in Cord’s care, had grown to love him too. Cord’s love had pulled them both back from the edge of despair. If Austin could share her with Cord, she could surely share him. Cord loved Austin. He’d loved him for so long and keeping it secret had been such a burden. Then he’d gone and fallen for December. Cord was done keeping secrets. That’s what love was, pushing for truth and honesty. He was starting to feel that Austin had feelings for him as well and he wasn’t giving up without a fight. Austin was still trying to process it all. He wanted Cord in their life, he just needed time to figure out what that looked like. Seeing December and Cord together, he knew he’d done the right thing letting his friend in. Still, it was hard to believe this man he’d grown up with, his best friend, despite their recent rocky past, loved him beyond friendship. The things he found himself wanting were a bit shocking and hard to admit. But being held by such strong, capable hands settled him. Made him feel safe.
Another thing that made the story work for me was the dynamic in and out of the bedroom. You know in a real situation there’s bound to be jealousies and hurt feelings. Cord, December, and Austin all felt uncertainty and insecurity in the beginning. Each was still healing from the past. Regardless of what happened or might happen, Austin didn’t want to change he and December’s dynamic. How would she see him? Before he’d always been the one to handle things. Opening himself up to Cord, accepting his help, showed that he trusted Cord. December felt envious that Cord had been the one to save Austin when he was drowning in addiction. She had to accept that she was what had kept Austin working to improve to come back to her. Cord, at first, didn’t reveal his feelings to Austin. He was afraid. He wanted to be certain that this was really what Austin and December wanted. He couldn’t go back to being the third wheel. Both Cord and December dealt with envy of Austin’s relationship with his AA sponsor. They didn’t like feeling kept out of his other life.
The final thing that made Degrees of Separation real for me was exposing the relationship to the outside world. In reality, the vast majority will frown upon a menage. Both family and society. The weight of disapproval can take its toll. Cord, December, and Austin recognized this, thought about it, and discussed how to face it. While December’s parents were pretty much open to any lifestyle, that wasn’t the case for Cord and Austin’s families. While Cord’s mother, though shocked, was accepting of the relationship, his father couldn’t handle it. For Austin, “his track record with his father was a volatile timeline of explosive arguments fueled by alcohol.” He never thought Austin could do anything right. So how would he handle this? It wasn’t just family. How would friends react? What about Austin’s AA family? Could they walk away from people who didn’t approve of a relationship they knew was right?
Like everything I’ve read by Lydia Michaels, her stories aren’t just sex. That can get boring fast. It takes more than sex to make a good book. She takes characters and makes them real and fallible. Characters with their own issues and conflicts who find support in each other. Believability and character growth are what make this story stand out. A fabulous finale to a fabulous series. I loved that all three realized there would be hurdles along the way and life might not always be perfect. But together they were perfectly three.
As I read this trilogy, I was captivated by each character’s individual stories and their journey together. I found myself asking what makes this story work when so many others seem to fall flat. They all have the same premise- 3 people form a partnership together leading to a long term relationship. Let’s face it though, there aren’t many relationships like that out there. At least that I know of, so it definitely puts these stories more into a fantasy category. What they need is some reality to make it believable. That’s exactly what the Degrees of Separation trilogy gives you, and that’s what makes this series stand out from all the others.
One aspect of this trilogy that makes it believable is that all three characters are attracted to each other. I can’t see a relationship lasting long term if two people are focused on a third but have no interest in each other. December had always loved Austin, and when left in Cord’s care, had grown to love him too. Cord’s love had pulled them both back from the edge of despair. If Austin could share her with Cord, she could surely share him. Cord loved Austin. He’d loved him for so long and keeping it secret had been such a burden. Then he’d gone and fallen for December. Cord was done keeping secrets. That’s what love was, pushing for truth and honesty. He was starting to feel that Austin had feelings for him as well and he wasn’t giving up without a fight. Austin was still trying to process it all. He wanted Cord in their life, he just needed time to figure out what that looked like. Seeing December and Cord together, he knew he’d done the right thing letting his friend in. Still, it was hard to believe this man he’d grown up with, his best friend, despite their recent rocky past, loved him beyond friendship. The things he found himself wanting were a bit shocking and hard to admit. But being held by such strong, capable hands settled him. Made him feel safe.
Another thing that made the story work for me was the dynamic in and out of the bedroom. You know in a real situation there’s bound to be jealousies and hurt feelings. Cord, December, and Austin all felt uncertainty and insecurity in the beginning. Each was still healing from the past. Regardless of what happened or might happen, Austin didn’t want to change he and December’s dynamic. How would she see him? Before he’d always been the one to handle things. Opening himself up to Cord, accepting his help, showed that he trusted Cord. December felt envious that Cord had been the one to save Austin when he was drowning in addiction. She had to accept that she was what had kept Austin working to improve to come back to her. Cord, at first, didn’t reveal his feelings to Austin. He was afraid. He wanted to be certain that this was really what Austin and December wanted. He couldn’t go back to being the third wheel. Both Cord and December dealt with envy of Austin’s relationship with his AA sponsor. They didn’t like feeling kept out of his other life.
The final thing that made Degrees of Separation real for me was exposing the relationship to the outside world. In reality, the vast majority will frown upon a menage. Both family and society. The weight of disapproval can take its toll. Cord, December, and Austin recognized this, thought about it, and discussed how to face it. While December’s parents were pretty much open to any lifestyle, that wasn’t the case for Cord and Austin’s families. While Cord’s mother, though shocked, was accepting of the relationship, his father couldn’t handle it. For Austin, “his track record with his father was a volatile timeline of explosive arguments fueled by alcohol.” He never thought Austin could do anything right. So how would he handle this? It wasn’t just family. How would friends react? What about Austin’s AA family? Could they walk away from people who didn’t approve of a relationship they knew was right?
Like everything I’ve read by Lydia Michaels, her stories aren’t just sex. That can get boring fast. It takes more than sex to make a good book. She takes characters and makes them real and fallible. Characters with their own issues and conflicts who find support in each other. Believability and character growth are what make this story stand out. A fabulous finale to a fabulous series. I loved that all three realized there would be hurdles along the way and life might not always be perfect. But together they were perfectly three.
April 21, 2017
I've been impatiently waiting for the conclusion of this trilogy! Good thing they were released so close together. This book picks up where LOST TOGETHER left off. Austin was just coming to terms with the budding attraction he felt for Cord and navigating the murky waters of how to make a triad work. This is no easy task by itself and when you add the extra pressure of Austin's drinking problem, it definitely made some delicate moments to deal with.Overall, I will say the authors did a good job at integrating all the problems and making this relationship believable. It's not easy for the most part and they all have too face insecurities, prejudice and doubt. Austin's resolution to stay clean is tested as well. I liked how this all was tackled. But somehow, maybe because it was all too much to deal with, I think that some things were not as strong as I was hoping for.
While I do believe in Austin's attraction, I don't think he reciprocated Cord's feelings to the extent I was hoping for. The triad worked well for me, though. There's a lot of sexual chemistry and emotional balance between the three personalities and I liked how they complemented each other so well.
ATONEMENT is a great ending to this trilogy. If you want to read something that packs an emotional punch and closes out with a ton of heat, then give this series a try.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 3, 2017
Atonement by Lydia Michaels is the conclusion to the Degrees of Separation series. December, Austin and Cord are trying to navigate a relationship that neither of them ever expected. This book picks up where the 2nd book left off. Both guys love December and she loves them. There is no problem in that, it is the relationship between Cord and Austin that is new and strange. Neither guy has ever been with another man before. Austin has never had any desire to be with a man but Cord deep down has always had feelings for Austin. December does love both guys but the free love is reminiscent of her hippie parents. Her parent’s lifestyle has always been an issue for her and then there is how other people in their life will see their 3 way relationship. This story is just a continuation of their journey of self-discovery, acceptance and love. I really enjoyed their journey. The story was told in a way that had me wanting to see the journey to the very end and I was not disappointed. As I was getting to the end of the book I kept hearing in my head a saying my father use to say to me “To Thine Own Self be true” I think December, Austin and Cord were able to achieve that. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this story. I give this book 4 stars.
April 4, 2017
Atonement is the last book in the Degrees of Separation Series and is book 3 and it starts off where Lost Together ends. Lydia Michaels and Allyson Young co-wrote this series. You won't be able to tell who wrote what. You do need to read Forfeit & Lost Together before you read Atonement.
Cord and Austin are best friends and have been for a long time. December is married to Austin but, Austin messed up big time and sent December into Cord’s arms. And, I can’t say more but, Atonement was so good! I loved the journey that December, Austin and Cord take and I got my HEA.
Warning for some. Atonement is a MMF Ménage book. I wouldn’t buy this book if you don’t like this type of book. I happen to have loved Atonement and I give 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 4, 2017
This is the last book in the Degrees of Separation series . It starts where Lost Together ends . Cord Austin and Ember are navigating their way through the relationship they are starting . They have their ups and down trying to figure everything out . There are moments of self doubt and upheavals but they will survive .
Out of all the books in the series this book I absolutely loved. You see each of the characters fight their demons to come closer together and fall deeper in love . There are some hot sexy scenes that will melt your kindle . They will also make you swoon and get hot all over .
This book is a m/m/f story line if you are not into that story this might not be for you. But if you are check it out . You will be in for a ride that will make you glad you did .
I received this arc for an honest opinion
Out of all the books in the series this book I absolutely loved. You see each of the characters fight their demons to come closer together and fall deeper in love . There are some hot sexy scenes that will melt your kindle . They will also make you swoon and get hot all over .
This book is a m/m/f story line if you are not into that story this might not be for you. But if you are check it out . You will be in for a ride that will make you glad you did .
I received this arc for an honest opinion
November 16, 2017
The final installment in Degrees of Seperation trilogy is simply divine. Having a committed triad relationship is no easy task and Michaels/Young tackle difficult situations with an emotional one-two sucker punch to the gut that leaves you gobsmacked. Amazing! This book will give you a huge case of "the feels" and will satisfy your craving for sizzling sex doused heavily in emotion. Atonement is a character driven story with heart wrenching dialogue. I love these characters and the writing style that flows effortlessly throughout the pages.
March 31, 2017
This is the final book in the series Degrees of Separation. I had a lump in my throat all the way through. It was exciting, had sexy hot F150 sex scenes, heavy at times, and heart warming. I know that you can't believe a book can deliver all that, but it truly does and more. Your journey through the eyes of Ember, Austin and Cord will grip your soul. A must read for those who crave a good hearty romance story. It's like chicken soup for the soul. Well done Lydia Michaels and Allyson Young!
April 24, 2017
I have read the 2nd book in this series and was really looking forward to this 3rd and final book......it didn't disappoint. I love these characters along with the fact that they aren't perfect, they all have flaws. I liked seeing how their relationship as a trio grew and was also glad that there was some resistance from their family when they announced their relationship, that it wasn't all just happy families. I also like how it all came to an end and finished the trilogy just right.
February 25, 2018
Although it was a Triumphant ending for Cord , December and Austin the struggle was real . They made me feel all sorts of different emotions along their road to discovering true happiness in this realistic series.
It's at times not easy to read , but you'll crave the parts when they all get along . I loved this Trilogy and would recommend you read it from the beginning to live every moment these authors put to paper .
It's at times not easy to read , but you'll crave the parts when they all get along . I loved this Trilogy and would recommend you read it from the beginning to live every moment these authors put to paper .
August 18, 2017
What a fantastic ending to this trilogy!! I laughed, cried (both happy and ugly tears) and fell completely in love with these three. It was fantastic reading Austin's story, and how much he grew and healed since book one. December is still the sweetheart we met in book one, and I loved seeing a side of her come out one evening after she showed up to pick Austin up after a meeting (just because she's sweet, doesn't mean she won't bring out the claws if necessary) I loved the support the secondary characters had for these three, even if a few took a bit of time to adjust. The perfect ending to this amazing trilogy!!
April 13, 2017
Great series! Love is in the air!
I enjoyed this series. These characters are not perfect, but they are real and strong. Ember is strong and beautiful. Cord and Austin are strong alpha males. These characters and story will stay with me for a long time. That each have overcome so much and this just makes them stronger. Soo worth the read! Loved it!
I enjoyed this series. These characters are not perfect, but they are real and strong. Ember is strong and beautiful. Cord and Austin are strong alpha males. These characters and story will stay with me for a long time. That each have overcome so much and this just makes them stronger. Soo worth the read! Loved it!
June 15, 2018
Sad that it’s the End. I wanted to see if they had babies, one from each man! I laughed I cried and I still want more lol
June 3, 2017
I could't wait to read this book I had to find out what happens with Austin, December, and Cord. I have fallen in love with these characters while riding the emotional roller coaster with them. You will want to read the first two books in this trilogy so you are not lost while reading this book. Austin, December, and Cord wade through the murky waters of their budding relationship with each other. We have watched Austin grow so much since book one and his character brings this fabulous trio together forever. Out of all three books this one is my favorite. I highly recommend this book and series.
May 9, 2017
Atonement is an excellent conclusion to this trilogy about 3 people coming together and making a triad relationship work, on all levels, not just sexually. It picks up right where Lost Together left off and immediately there are uncertainties on Austin's part. Quite frankly, Austin was always the uncertain partner in this triad. But, he works through it, in his time, and comes out for the better. In the first two books, I absolutely could not stand him, but I have to say that he redeemed himself in Atonement. Not to the extent that I love him like I do Cord, but still, he's a good man and he finally shows it here.
One of the things I have loved about this whole journey is that all three people are realistic. They act and react like regular people do. They don't behave out of character, nor do they behave like some exalted celebrity. Not that celebrities aren't exciting to read about, but Cord, Ember and Austin are interesting as regular people. They love like the rest of us do, they just happen to share that love with 2, instead of 1.
And the sex? It's steamy, just like I had been waiting for. If MMF, MM and/or MF is your thing, you will be sure to find something to like in Atonement. But, don't think that the sex is the star here, because it's not. The star is the realistic portrayal of 3 people trying to make a ménage relationship work in the face of a lot of naysayers. Cord's family is like most families, and have problems with the idea. Ember's parents are fine with it, of course, they're the original hippie dippy couple, so they're fine with just about anything. But, Cord knows that his own family (especially his father) will not be so easy to appease, so it will really take some work to get them on board with the idea. Thank God the three of them are strong enough to work through disapproval and their own feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and doubt, because once they do, they find that sweet spot that we all look for.
Thank you Lydia Michaels and Allyson Young, for this emotional, sexy trilogy. It's one of the best MMF/ménage stories I've ever read. It's well written, realistic and emotional without being too angsty.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
One of the things I have loved about this whole journey is that all three people are realistic. They act and react like regular people do. They don't behave out of character, nor do they behave like some exalted celebrity. Not that celebrities aren't exciting to read about, but Cord, Ember and Austin are interesting as regular people. They love like the rest of us do, they just happen to share that love with 2, instead of 1.
And the sex? It's steamy, just like I had been waiting for. If MMF, MM and/or MF is your thing, you will be sure to find something to like in Atonement. But, don't think that the sex is the star here, because it's not. The star is the realistic portrayal of 3 people trying to make a ménage relationship work in the face of a lot of naysayers. Cord's family is like most families, and have problems with the idea. Ember's parents are fine with it, of course, they're the original hippie dippy couple, so they're fine with just about anything. But, Cord knows that his own family (especially his father) will not be so easy to appease, so it will really take some work to get them on board with the idea. Thank God the three of them are strong enough to work through disapproval and their own feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and doubt, because once they do, they find that sweet spot that we all look for.
Thank you Lydia Michaels and Allyson Young, for this emotional, sexy trilogy. It's one of the best MMF/ménage stories I've ever read. It's well written, realistic and emotional without being too angsty.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
May 12, 2017
Serious warning: do not read this book without having read the previous ones; it just didn’t work with so much having happened that I haven’t read, and brief mentions aren’t enough. Most of what happens here is how the three are dealing with what happened in the earlier stories.
What I do get is that a married couple have invited another man to bed with them; the two guys have been friends for years. But it’s not just so he can get it on with the wife while the husband watches; the two men are lovers with each other as well. In his inner monologue the husband isn’t so sure about this, his objections being more about his new bisexuality than jealousy. And the friend can’t understand that she actually loves him just as much and is treating him like a second husband. A lot of his introspection deals with how weird the situation is for him.
And yes, there’s so much introspection! No wonder this book is so long. In fact, this story is all introspection and sex except for his dad visiting and her quilting class, along with various parental responses to the unorthodox relationship; nothing much happens until the end. Most of her story deals with her being the happy homemaker and lover to two men, although she does get jealous at the relationship her husband has with his AA sponsor, especially when she learns something that happened in a previous book. . . which of course leads to another long introspection. It is a valid point, though; the people in AA know more about her husband than she does, even though he’s supposed to be more forthcoming with her.
In the end I’m just not sure how I feel about this. Didn’t love it, but liked it enough, mostly because of the funny moments, of which there are a lot. There’s plenty of good writing when it’s not taking forever to get to the point.
What I do get is that a married couple have invited another man to bed with them; the two guys have been friends for years. But it’s not just so he can get it on with the wife while the husband watches; the two men are lovers with each other as well. In his inner monologue the husband isn’t so sure about this, his objections being more about his new bisexuality than jealousy. And the friend can’t understand that she actually loves him just as much and is treating him like a second husband. A lot of his introspection deals with how weird the situation is for him.
And yes, there’s so much introspection! No wonder this book is so long. In fact, this story is all introspection and sex except for his dad visiting and her quilting class, along with various parental responses to the unorthodox relationship; nothing much happens until the end. Most of her story deals with her being the happy homemaker and lover to two men, although she does get jealous at the relationship her husband has with his AA sponsor, especially when she learns something that happened in a previous book. . . which of course leads to another long introspection. It is a valid point, though; the people in AA know more about her husband than she does, even though he’s supposed to be more forthcoming with her.
In the end I’m just not sure how I feel about this. Didn’t love it, but liked it enough, mostly because of the funny moments, of which there are a lot. There’s plenty of good writing when it’s not taking forever to get to the point.
October 6, 2017
The breathtaking conclusion of December,Austin and Cords journey.
Atonement is absolutely stunning!
This book has it all,tears,fears,revealed/surrpressed feels,sadness,joy,sizzling hotness and lots and lots of love. There’s so much emotion in this book!
Atonement is my favorite of this remarkable trilogy. It’s heartfelt,real and so powerful.
Seeing these three people come to terms for their love for one another was incredible,especially Austin. He was the last one to come to terms about his feelings for Cord. Neither man before an ever had feelings or been drawn to other men so it was hard for both of them. But Cord acknowledges his feelings and Austin is still somewhat on the fence.
They had their ups and downs,they faced their families backlash and so much uncertainty.
They knew that they would have to face the scrutiny of not only family but of society as well.
It takes strong people and a strong love to not only overcome this but to endure.
None of the three had ever imagined the turn their lives had taken.
This trilogy was written brilliantly!
There were low points in their lives as well as the good perfect times.
Coming to terms with addiction. Coming to terms with any unconventional type of love.
It was real and raw and so heart wrenching at times.
But that’s how real life is and that’s exactly how it’s written. Life is messy not perfect.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy
Atonement is absolutely stunning!
This book has it all,tears,fears,revealed/surrpressed feels,sadness,joy,sizzling hotness and lots and lots of love. There’s so much emotion in this book!
Atonement is my favorite of this remarkable trilogy. It’s heartfelt,real and so powerful.
Seeing these three people come to terms for their love for one another was incredible,especially Austin. He was the last one to come to terms about his feelings for Cord. Neither man before an ever had feelings or been drawn to other men so it was hard for both of them. But Cord acknowledges his feelings and Austin is still somewhat on the fence.
They had their ups and downs,they faced their families backlash and so much uncertainty.
They knew that they would have to face the scrutiny of not only family but of society as well.
It takes strong people and a strong love to not only overcome this but to endure.
None of the three had ever imagined the turn their lives had taken.
This trilogy was written brilliantly!
There were low points in their lives as well as the good perfect times.
Coming to terms with addiction. Coming to terms with any unconventional type of love.
It was real and raw and so heart wrenching at times.
But that’s how real life is and that’s exactly how it’s written. Life is messy not perfect.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy
April 5, 2023
Overall a solid story
I really enjoyed how this book managed to bring all three characters together once and for all without pushing anything forward too quickly. That’s not to say that the story dragged on because it didn’t. Each character had their own struggles to handle individually before they could move on together and they did it while also facing new challenges together that MAKE SENSE given their choice. It wasn’t all happiness and roses. I loved how the two men especially struggled to come to terms with each other but eventually they did and that helped the three of them work even better together as a team. Not a fan of the weird, slightly trad-wife undertones though because decembers parents were not that bad they were actually very cool and very accepting of everything and didn’t deserve to be trashed on 🤨🤨. Not sure if that’s just the authors personal beliefs though but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t affect the story too much. December isn’t completely helpless I just do wish she had maybe chosen more for herself at the end instead of having it be Austin’s decision to include Cord.
I really enjoyed how this book managed to bring all three characters together once and for all without pushing anything forward too quickly. That’s not to say that the story dragged on because it didn’t. Each character had their own struggles to handle individually before they could move on together and they did it while also facing new challenges together that MAKE SENSE given their choice. It wasn’t all happiness and roses. I loved how the two men especially struggled to come to terms with each other but eventually they did and that helped the three of them work even better together as a team. Not a fan of the weird, slightly trad-wife undertones though because decembers parents were not that bad they were actually very cool and very accepting of everything and didn’t deserve to be trashed on 🤨🤨. Not sure if that’s just the authors personal beliefs though but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t affect the story too much. December isn’t completely helpless I just do wish she had maybe chosen more for herself at the end instead of having it be Austin’s decision to include Cord.
May 13, 2019
Emotional and heated conclusion…
This trilogy may have had a slow-y start but by the second and last instalment, I was swept away by the intensity. Heat. Confusion. Anger. Bewilderment. Uncertainty. And deep, deep love…
Austin, Cord and Ember were in a relationship. No one was more shocked and surprised as they were. Finding each other, loving each other, wasn’t easy though. Doubts were rearing their ugly head even though, deep down, it felt right. They had to fight their inner voices and soon deal with the outside world as well as family weighed in. What struck me about their struggles was never did I feel that love was in question – it was the sheer unexpectedness and out of their norm-ness of it that they found the hardest to deal with. Oh and family, maybe just a tad…
Finishing Atonement has me reaching for where it all began, to savor their journey once more… *heart-happy sigh* -Diane, 5 stars
This trilogy may have had a slow-y start but by the second and last instalment, I was swept away by the intensity. Heat. Confusion. Anger. Bewilderment. Uncertainty. And deep, deep love…
Austin, Cord and Ember were in a relationship. No one was more shocked and surprised as they were. Finding each other, loving each other, wasn’t easy though. Doubts were rearing their ugly head even though, deep down, it felt right. They had to fight their inner voices and soon deal with the outside world as well as family weighed in. What struck me about their struggles was never did I feel that love was in question – it was the sheer unexpectedness and out of their norm-ness of it that they found the hardest to deal with. Oh and family, maybe just a tad…
Finishing Atonement has me reaching for where it all began, to savor their journey once more… *heart-happy sigh* -Diane, 5 stars
July 26, 2017
This book left me breathless. I was sucked in this series from page one. This is a story for the record books. This is so well written and I beyond blessed to have had the chance to read it. This is a hot read and scenes are well written that I was blushing. You ave me the happy ending I wanted. The growth of December, Austin and Cord hit home on so many levels. I got my happy ending with my husband he has been sober for 7 years. This book provides hope to those going through similar situations. This book does not disappoint.
May 21, 2023
I finished book 2 really not caring for December and Austin, but this book really brought all 3 main characters home. I still think Cord is the best character, but this book really fleshed everyone out and brought them to a closer playing field. I loved to see ALL of the loose ends tied and their relationship come to a satisfying peak. The way Austin and Cord’s relationship evolved was “chef’s kiss”! This was a very happy and satisfying ending that stuck the landing after a angsty and sometimes frustrating journey.
May 3, 2017
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is a highly sexual and erotic book. The storyline involves recovering from alcoholism and the trials faced day to day. The love story between Austin, his wife Ember and best friend Cord is fantastic. The love scenes are very well written and emotional. I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Too bad you can't give a rating higher than a 5.
May 28, 2019
The final chapter on this brilliant series... I've been super excited to read what happened with the cute trio I'd grown to love and wasn't disappointed. I kept hoping and praying that Cord would be added to their ever after in the same way December & Austin had made those commitments to each other and i wasn't disappointed although i would of liked to of perhaps known if children were a part of their story
January 7, 2022
Amazing ending
What an amazing ending to this series.
The way this relationship between these 3 amazing characters was written was wonderful. I absolutely loved the way Ember remained the center of the relationship that they never let her feel left out.
There are really no other words I can say to do this series justice. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
What an amazing ending to this series.
The way this relationship between these 3 amazing characters was written was wonderful. I absolutely loved the way Ember remained the center of the relationship that they never let her feel left out.
There are really no other words I can say to do this series justice. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 31, 2018
What a sweet and happy ending to a perfect series. Lydia and Allyson took a sensitive subject and wove it into such a heartwarming work of art. They made it easy to fall in love with Austin, Ember and Cord.
March 31, 2019
The conclusion of this trilogy is ......wow! This series is an emotional roller coaster of feelings. If you have anyone in your life with an addiction this series could be a trigger for you. The struggle is real and the ride is rough.....but oh so worth it!
September 13, 2017
Amazing
I have absolutely loved this series!!! My favorite read of this year!! Atonement was the perfect ending to this beautiful story.
I have absolutely loved this series!!! My favorite read of this year!! Atonement was the perfect ending to this beautiful story.
June 19, 2018
A fantastic end to a great trilogy.
April 23, 2021
Belíssima conclusão de uma história linda.
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